Page 15 of Lahaina Noon

Bridget decided she was absolutely going to make use of that chaise lounge and was rewarded by sinking into the most luxurious softness she could imagine. When she looked back at Vaughn, a fire was already roaring, and he was strolling towards her.

He picked up a remote and clicked it towards some curtains she thought were for show.

To her surprise, they opened to reveal what looked like a view of the city. Almost as if they were in a penthouse instead of underground. “How?” she asked as he sank down on the floor next to her seat.

“Digital windows. The cameras are up on the top of the building; they show me what’s going on outside in case I feel like looking. I just thought you might enjoy the view.”

Bridget stood and walked towards the wall, marveling at how realistic it looked. “This is amazing.” She turned back to him. “No wonder you don’t mind living down here. This whole space is beautiful.”

“Why, I wonder, do you sound so surprised,” he mused. “Come, join me. Let’s talk about the Shadow Claw.” He patted the cushion.

Bridget immediately came back and sat down. “The what?”

Chapter 10

“Shadow Claw, is theofficial name for what you’ve been seeing, what has been following you around. They’ve been watching you for some time, I imagine. Waiting for just the right moment.” He handed her a wine glass and fork. “Please, you’ll need it,” he continued.

“The Shadow Claw was originally an ancient tribe thousands of years ago when the first of them could travel through shadows and manipulate them. This was a dark power they gained by trading their souls to a demon. Bridget, tell me, have you ever noticed a shadow seeming somehow fuller than usual? Or that it seems to be moving without any light source to alter it? Maybe you’ve felt like someone was there even though you couldn’t see them?” He searched her face as if trying to gauge her reaction.

Bridget slowly nodded. He was speaking about magic, which was bonkers, of course, but still. “Yes, I’ve always been a little leery of shadows. I thought it was my imagination. But just this morning in the parking garage, I...” she trailed off.

He nodded in encouragement, “Please, tell me what you saw.”

She shook her head, “No, it seems so silly now; I must be hallucinating.”

He rested his warm hands on her knees, “Please, Bridget, you weren’t seeing things. The Shadow Claw is real. They want you, and I will do everything in my power to protect you and stop them. Please tell me what you saw.” His eyes begged her.

Bridget wished she had one of her cats with her. They always seemed to know when she was upset and would curl up in her lap. She loved to dig her fingers into their silky fur and stroke their little ears, scratching their chins in a way that would make them seem to smile. She needed that right now. She grabbed a throw pillow and began kneading it with her fingers. Although it didn’t purr, it seemed to give her some measure of comfort, and she was able to continue.

“This morning, at the office, I had to park in the seventh circle,” she started.

Noticing his confused look, she clarified, “That’s what I call the lowest level of the parking garage. I hate how dark and creepy it is, and it reminds me of ‘Inferno’.”

“Dante.” He nodded, comprehending her reference. “How apt.”

“Anyway,” she continued, “I sensed something was in the corners, in the dark areas and I had an urge to run for safety. When I got to the elevator, there was another shadow. It was normal looking at first, but then…” she paused.

Vaughn squeezed her hand in reassurance.

“It grew. It seemed as if it was getting longer and skinnier. Like it was reaching for me. I backed up into the elevator, trying to get the door to close, and it started growing faster. I thought for sure itwas going to grab me. It just oozed evil. The doors shut just in time, and when I grabbed the rail in the elevator, it shocked me. Hard. Just like you’ve seen today.” Her voice shook and she searched his face for confirmation.

He nodded encouragingly at her.

“Then in the conference room, when I got shocked, I saw it again. It was trying to reach for me. And tonight, in my bedroom.” She was sure her hands were trembling in his now. Could this be real? Shadow creatures? Surely, this was nuts, but on some level, she believed him. What else could explain this?

Vaughn tightened his grip on her hands briefly and said, “I know, Bridget, I saw them too. I was trying to get them to leave without revealing too much. I didn’t want their owners to know what I was doing. I’m so sorry you got hurt.” He rubbed her fingertips absently.

“Their owners?” she said with confusion, “What do you mean, oh my goodness. It’s Melissa, isn’t it? Melissa Payne? I’ve always thought she was some sort of evil witch. Damn it.” Bridget dug her nails into Vaughn’s grip, and he flinched. “Sorry!” she said suddenly, releasing his hands. “I’m so sorry. I just get so fired up thinking about that sorry ass good for nothing knuckle-dragging swamp bitch.” Bridget’s eyes widened, and she put a hand over her mouth. Seeing that Vaughn was struggling not to laugh, she burst out giggling, relieved when his rich, warm laughter joined hers.

“Well, Bridget, that is quite the mouth you have,” he chuckled. “But no, Payne is not a member of the Shadow Claw. She’s just an awful person.”

“Why did you let her shut down our deal?”

“I had to protect you,” Vaughn answered nonchalantly. “I couldn’t risk her knowing who I am and that I was there to watch over you. I don’t care about the deal anymore. Yes, it would have been beneficial for both of our companies, but I only cared about it as long as it benefited you. Now that you are no longer with them, I can easily find another business partner.”

Something Vaughn said registered with Bridget suddenly. “Who you are,” she repeated. She leaned back from Vaughn. “You aren’t, you’re not,” she stammered uneasily.If he’s one of those shadow things…

Vaughn took her chin in his hand, forcing her to look at him. “Bridget, sweet Bridget,” he gently whispered, “I mean you absolutely no harm. I swear it. I am not a Shadow Claw; my soul is my own, and I wouldn’t sell it for anything. I would never hurt you.”

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