Page 63 of Carnival Shadows

“You’re shaking,” he whispers against my ear.

“Not from fear,” I answer, watching Ty select another tool.

The prisoners sob, begging for mercy. I feel nothing except a profound sense of rightness. I’ve been searching for this inall my research—not understanding killers but understanding myself.

My father’s blood runs through my veins, and for the first time, I don’t feel shame about it. I’ve found my truth among the carnival’s secrets and shadows. My freedom.

30

REMY

Ilean against the fence post, watching Eden through the carnival crowds. Even from here, I can see how she commands attention in that radio booth, her presence magnetic. My lips curve into a smile, remembering how perfectly she handled those cops and Miguel’s men.

“You’re getting soft,” Ty’s voice breaks through my thoughts. He approaches with Lars and Nash flanking him.

I straighten, jaw tightening. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“The girl,” Lars says. “She’s a liability. A true crime podcaster? Come on.”

“Like Alice isn’t?” I snap back. “Or Sofia? Or Flora? Where were all these concerns when you three brought your women into this?”

Nash raises his hands. “Different situation. They weren’t actively investigating?—”

“Save it.” I push off the fence post. “Eden’s proven herself. She’s covered our tracks better than any of you expected. That podcast is the perfect front.”

“We’re just saying—” Ty starts.

“No.” My voice drops low. “You don’t get to question this. Not when all of you took the same risks. Sofia’s literally a mob boss’s daughter, but that was fine? Tilly’s a computer genius who could hack our whole operation, but that’s cool, too?”

Lars shifts. “Point taken.”

“Eden sees me. All of me. And she’s still here.” I meet each of their gazes. “She chose this life the same as the other girls did. She’s earned her place.”

Ty studies me for a long moment before nodding. “Alright. Just be careful.”

“Always am.” I turn back to watch Eden through the window. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do.”

They leave me to my thoughts, and I can’t help but smile again as I watch Eden. She’s more than earned her place here. She’s become essential to the carnival.

I’m leaning against the carousel, watching Eden through the radio booth window, when something slams into my shoulder. Phoenix stumbles back, his face flushed and breathing heavy.

“Where’s the fire?” I grab his arm to steady him.

His eyes dart around wildly. “Miguel’s guys. They’re coming for their missing men.” He runs a shaky hand through his dark hair. “They’re bringing reinforcements, man. Like, serious muscle.”

“How long?”

“Hours, maybe less.” Phoenix shifts his weight, clearly itching to keep moving. “I was heading to tell Ty, then set up surveillance.”

I release his arm, my mind already mapping out defensive positions. Miguel’s crew isn’t known for subtlety—they’ll come in hot and heavy. “Go. I’ll round up the others, and we’ll need to shut the place down early.”

Phoenix nods and takes off toward Ty’s trailer, nearly colliding with a cotton candy cart in his haste.

I grab my phone from my back pocket, typing rapid messages to Lars and Nash.

We need to move fast, get the girls somewhere safe, and secure our shipments. Eden’s laughter drifts from nearby as she chats with Aurora. She has no idea what’s coming.

My jaw clenches. Miguel’s crew won’t touch her. I’ll make damn sure of that.

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