Page 14 of Strings Attached
The whole time I ate, the food tasted stale, as though nothing was quite the same. This wasn’t what I expected when I’d dreamed up the scenarios of interviewing him. He was...different than I thought he’d be. And I wasn’t sure how to feel about that.
Still tired from the whole ordeal from last night, I curled up into the armchair he’d been sitting in. I rested my head against the back and inhaled his scent. Always wood and musk. The smell enveloped me as I closed my eyes, lulling me into a sense of safety I shouldn’t feel.
10
Bait and Switch
Itugged on the dress again as I got off the bus and headed to my destination. On a Friday night, the streets were bustling in downtown Ottawa. People prepared to bar hop, while others were hanging out with friends.
My eight o’clock alarm had woken me from a restless sleep?something about leather-gloved hands touching me everywhere?and I’d rushed to get ready. Thankfully, the bus wasn’t late, so I arrived twenty minutes ahead of time.
My footsteps resonated against the pavement as I went down the stairs to the entrance of the bar. Most people didn’t even realize this place existed despite the old flashing sign, which was a shame since it was a lot nicer inside than out. From the outside, it looked like a dive people should avoid.
Music played on the overhead speakers, and I walked past a few groups of people chatting. Booths and tables were occupied by patrons, and although I looked around everywhere, I couldn’t spot the man I was here to bait.
As more people flooded in, I checked my phone for what seemed like the hundredth time. Still no sign of the man. What if there was another bar and grill with the same name? What if I’d gone to the wrong location? My stomach churned at the thought, and I quickly moved toward the exit before slowing down. No. I was panicking for nothing. It wasn’t even ten yet; I was early.
Someone grasped my elbow. “I thought I said ten o’clock,” the killer’s voice said in amusement.
I froze. It was as though all the noise inside the place vanished, and only his words lingered. They seemed to echo around me, and for a second, I was tempted to run for it. If he was here, in public, then he wouldn’t be wearing the mask. Did that mean he planned on killing me by the end?
Two men approached, and one put out his hand. The killer shook it, and I continued to stare in a daze.
“Jack. I thought you weren’t working tonight,” one of the men said. His blond hair fell a bit in front of his baby blue eyes as he shook his hand.
“I’m not,” he said as he tugged on my elbow.
The men seemed to get his meaning?one I wanted to clarify?but my mouth seemed to have stopped working.
Jack.
Jack and Jill?
Life had to be kidding.
“Well, enjoy yourselves,” the man with the black hair said, waving as they walked away.
Music seemed to pick up even louder, and soon, a group of people danced on the main floor. They were certainly a rowdy bunch.
“You still won’t look at me?” Jack asked as though hurt.
I turned toward him, focusing straight ahead at his chest. “If I do... then...” I wasn’t sure what would happen. Would I die on the spot?
He pushed a finger under my chin, forcing my head back. It was the man in the photo. The handsome one I was supposed to...
I placed my hand on his chest and took a step back. “Wait. What kind of game are you playing?” I said through gritted teeth. “You said you needed me as bait, so what am I?”
“You’re not very patient, are you, darling girl?” His pet name for me seemed to shoot straight down between my thighs, and I pressed my legs together hard. I really hated the effect he had on me. Why was he so good looking, and why was he fucking around with me?
“If this is some fucked up game?”
“Language,” he said in a dark tone.
“Fuck. You.” I walked past him, but he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close to him.
“Jill,” he growled.
Using my name stopped me from elbowing him in the ribs, and instead, I turned in his grasp. Without missing a beat, I wrapped my arms around his neck, and his eyebrows shot up. “What could you possibly do if I left right now? Pull out your...” I glanced down between us, then looked back up at him, batting my eyelashes, “weapon and kill me?”
