Page 29 of My Hunger, Your Soul

“Yes, he mentioned that last night when he forced his way into my home.”

“Sounds about right. Anyway, I’ve gotta go to the bar. Why don’t you come tonight? It's quieter during the week.”

That's so kind of him and yet unnerving. Why do I feel like I’m being coerced?

“I don’t know, it's a long way out of the city.”

“No it's not. Come on, it’ll be fun. Just a couple of drinks.”

“Okay fine. Where is it?”

“Gimme your phone and I’ll put my number in and text you the address. Just come over when you’re ready.”

Seb doesn’t give me a chance to respond before heading back into the house.

Why did I agree to go? I don’t think I’m mentally up to this. It’s also not helping that Ivan hasn’t shown up today. He is supposed to be overseeing this project. I bet the asshole is doing this just so I’ll call him. Or he has some other psychological game that he likes to play with me. The confusion of this whole situation is exhausting. Ever since I met this godforsaken family, my sleep is all over the place as I can’t stop analyzing everything that's going on, mainly Ivan. What if Ivan is at the bar tonight? Oh shit, why didn’t I ask? And even worse, what if all the others are there?

After going through a few changes with the contractors, I rush off back to the office to avoid any more run-ins with the devil family, and relief fills me when I get to the end of the drive and head out on the open road to freedom. A few more hours in the office goes by pretty fast and I’m determined to leave at a normal time tonight as I need plenty of time to amp myself up for tonight. I’m almost tempted to ask to use the company car to drive there so I don’t have the excuse to get completely drunk to deal with this social situation, but I know the answer will be no. An Uber it is.

With heavy steps almost dragging me home, I make it to my building before hearing someone shout out to me.

“Hey! Hold up!” I turn to see who is shouting in the lobby as a man who I would guess is in his mid to late forties jogs up to me. I scan my brain trying to think of who he is, as he looks vaguely familiar.

“Can I help you?” I ask.

“I hope so. Are you working at the Kozlov brothers' property?”

I stiffen. Why is this random man asking questions?

“I’m afraid I can’t talk about clients.”

“It's not like you’re their doctor.”

“I’m sorry, who are you?”

“Look, I’m just trying to warn you. They’re dangerous men. They shouldn’t be roaming the streets. Do you know what kind of men you’re working for and the danger you’re in?”

“How do you know I work there?”

“I saw you.” As soon as he says those words his eyes widen like he’s made a mistake and then I remember who he is.

“Oh my god, you took my picture the other day, the stalker!” I say as I move back.

“I’m not a stalker, I’m a cop, Officer Tim Lovell.”

“Then show me your badge.”

“I don’t have it. I know one of the guys who works there. He took my friend's son.”

“Why should I believe you?”

“Because I want to take them down and need help.”

“You’re out of your mind.”

“Kai is his name. The guy they took.”

“Kai? I’ve not met a Kai and I'm not getting involved.”

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