Page 9 of Quinlan

Then my logical side won over. Never in a million years did I think a multi-billion financial company would take a chance on me.

Quinlan’s Designs is relatively new. Nothing like those big companies that have years of experience and an impressive portfolio. So I preferred focusing on my clients rather than wasting my time on applying for a job I would never be hired to do.

BLF Capital found me still.

“Incredible, right?” The job offer email is still fresh in my mind. I hop on my toes as excitement takes over. “Jefferson Bell, head of HR, reached out to me this morning. Said he got references and wouldn’t take no for an answer. That the heads of the company want to meet me. The owners are anonymous, but the three VPs are just as important. I’ll see them and start in a week. A week, can you believe it?”

Apparently, the owners won’t see anyone unless they absolutely have to. Kind of weird when buying, managing, then selling companies is based on trust rather than money.

I stow away the strange feeling. How they handle their company is none of my business. The company itself is well-known. There’s nothing they can do to me while I work from home.

I’m just a freelancer hired to work for them.

Everything will be great. Stressful but great. So great.

“That’s amazing.” Rex shares my enthusiasm with another awkward bear hug. He smells of coffee and sweat, two scents I’ve smelled on him my entire life. He pulls back, his expression resolute. “I gotta stay until we close. Stay until midnight so I can walk you home. You’re not good to us dead.”

Maeve, the owner, insists they close at midnight. There aren’t that many customers after seven. Almost none at all. Still, she insists.

“I’d rather get going.” My laptop goes into my shoulder bag. He has to learn that he can’t boss me around forever. “Got alot of projects to rush through. I have to focus. Have to wrap everything up before I start with BLF.”

“So responsible. I’m proud of you, Quinlan. Call me when you get home?” The moment I quirk an eyebrow, he chuckles. “You’re not in college anymore. Call me when you can. Don’t forget to call Dad’s psychiatrist to check on his progress.”

“I will.” I throw the strap of my bag over my shoulder and leave into the night.

This job is only the beginning. A bright future lies ahead of me.

No more struggles. No more pain.

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and I’m not walking toward it.

I’m running.

CHAPTER TWO

Quinlan

Chills creep up myspine on my walk home.

This isn’t the end of winter weather. Not the soft wind that licks at my exposed nape.

This is deeper than that.

I’m being watched. Followed.

The feeling is familiar, though it’s never been as intense.

Unease has caused my skin to prickle over the years. More so after I moved to the city. When I’d hang around at Maeve’s. Went grocery shopping. Even at home.

Whenever I looked around, I saw nothing. Everyone’s been minding their own business. No neighbor peeked from their window into my apartment.

No sleep and all coffee made Quinlan a dull girl, I figured. I’d laugh at how silly I was being. How I’d freak out over nothing.

This, I can’t laugh it off. Can’t shake it off.

It only gets worse, more demanding.

Heaviness in the pit of my stomach. A sharp burning sensation at my back. My pulse skyrockets.

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