Page 72 of Back In the Shadows

Dope staggered backward with the news. “Fucking hell, do you think he was lying?”

I shrugged. “There’s only one way to find out.”

“Death can’t kill him, Ella. I mean not yet.” He drew in a sharp breath, a desperate look on his face.

“That’s why I want to know where he is. I want to give him the choice of whether we need Xavier alive for a little while longer. Please, Dope, tell me where they are.”

He threw his hands up and stepped back. “Ella, he’ll kill me. I feel letting Xavier go is a much better option.”

I rolled my eyes. “I agree with you, but don’t you think that should be Death’s choice? Besides, he would never hurt you. You’re his family.” I glanced at my watch. Death had been gone for approximately twelve hours, according to Dope. “We’re running out of time. What if he’s already killed Xavier?”

“Fuck.” He paced the living room, then reached for his joint. “I need that right now.”

“Tell me where he is, and I’ll buy your next bag.”

Dope blew out an exasperated sigh. “Promise me you’ll have me cremated and buried next to my grandparents if he kills me.”

“You have my word. I’ll make sure your wishes are respected.”

“He’s in California. There’s an abandoned building he likes to use. He’s holding Xavier and John there.”

I flinched at the name John.

“Who is John?”

“The man that wore the dark shades and drove to your place.”

I groaned and shook my head. “What’s the deal with all these horrible men that are named John?”

“Dunno. But if you want to make it in time, you need to get the hell out of here.”

I threw my arms around him in a big hug. “Please tell Cami I had to … find Sebastian, and that I’ll be back as soon as possible.” Before he could answer, I hurried to the bedroom to change into jeans and a sweater and to pack. A part of me wanted to call Kip and Death and let them know that I was on the way, but I didn’t want them to tell me no. I would show up and ask for forgiveness later. Twenty minutes passed, then I kissed my sweet babies goodbye and left to find Death before it was too late.

Walkingout the door of the penthouse had nearly ripped my heart out. The last thing I had wanted to do was leave my babiesagain. I wasn’t ready. A part of me kicked and screamed as I boarded the plane. I just wanted to return to my safe cocoon and forget the agonizing nightmare I’d lived. But I had to move forward. I refused to allow myself to live in bondage to Xavier … or anyone else.

Once I landed at the airport and rented a black car that would blend in well with others, I followed Dope’s instructions to the abandoned warehouse, checking often to see if anyone was tailing me. Finally, I reached the building Death and Kip were supposed to be in. I fired off a text to both of them that I was there so they wouldn’t attack me when I walked in. My breath caught in my throat as I realized that I was about to face Xavier once again. A messy ball of emotions bloomed in my chest—fear, horror, and a fury I hadn’t experienced before.

The door swung open, and Kip stepped out to greet me.

“You’re an unexpected surprise, but I’m glad you’re here.” He looked around outside and then he held it open for me. “Watch your step. This used to be an old mill and there are nails and shit still around.”

“I will. I’m not sure that was the reaction I thought I’d get when you guys found out I was here, but I have to talk to Death. Please tell me Xavier is still alive.”

Kip frowned. “You’re concerned about Xavier after what he did to you?” He slipped his arm around my shoulders.

“Yes and no. I need to talk to Death.”

Kip’s steps echoed on the creaking floorboards as he led me through the abandoned building. The air was thick with a sense of foreboding, and my pulse raced in anticipation.

“You’ll have to wait on that one.” His tone was gentle. “We have a much bigger issue to deal with. That’s why I’m happy to see you.”

As we reached an entrance to a room, a wave of dread washed over me. Kip’s cryptic words added to the unease gnawing at my stomach.

“Kip, I don’t understand,” I called to him as he walked away.

“Open the door, Ella,” he responded.

Trembling, I slowly pushed it open and braced myself for what lay ahead.

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