Page 1 of Past Due

Prologue

Coming out of the haze of anesthesia, I heard harsh whispers over the rhythmic blip of machines. The memories flooded back as the anesthesia faded, and I became more aware of my surroundings.

Kidnapped.

Hit with a stun gun.

My heart racing erratically.

My chest burning.

Sweat slicking my skin.

Aston.

Running for our lives.

The Triad.

The Albanians.

Ben.

Besian.

My heart stuttering painfully.

My lungs aching.

My head pounding.

The ambulance.

Emergency surgery.

“Can you put your phone down for five damn minutes, Kim?” Spider, my stepdad, snapped.

“She’s asleep!” my mother hissed back. “What else am I supposed to do?”

“Not sit there sending dirty messages to your new online boyfriend! You better not be using Marley’s photos again! I swear to God, Kim, if you are I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” she goaded. “Huh?”

He ignored her and asked, “Where’s this one from? Nigeria? Russia?”

“Junior was from South Africa! Adrian is from Romania!”

“Oh, sure, sure he is, Kim. I’m sure Adrian is a rich Romanian businessman who needs your help moving all his money to America, right?”

“Actually, Adrian’s a crypto entrepreneur.”

“Uh-huh, I bet. I wonder how much this loser is going to scam out of you?”

“It’s not a scam if I give it willingly! Sometimes, my friends just need help!”

“Friends?” Spider laughed harshly. “Funny how your friends disappear after that Venmo clears, huh?”

“What do you care what I do with my money?”

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