Page 19 of Web of Lies
"You realize you're asking for sensitive information?" I furrow my brows and lean back in my chair. I lift my drink, reach forthe straw, and in a soothing gesture stir the sugar sitting at the bottom of the glass.
"I know, but come on. I worked there." She rolls her eyes. "It's not like I don't know what you're doing."
Well, she’s not wrong. She knows Hunt Corp. inside and out better than anyone else. Even though she left three years ago, she hasn't forgotten what the company is doing. Additionally, not much has changed since she left. A few familiar names left after her, and we hired new employees to fill the gaps, but the roster has remained mostly the same. Business is still business. She knows that, and so do I.
"Okay, okay," I say, bringing my drink up to my lips and taking a sip before setting it back down. "I'm currently researching someone, but finding information is harder than we expected." That's a half-truth, because technically, it's part of my job.
"Does it have to do with—" Her eyes leave me as she quickly glances around us, then leans closer. "The Butcher?" Her voice drops to a whisper.
"No," I lie and shake my head. "It's someone else, and we're on a tight schedule."
"I see." She nods. "But since we're already on the topic..." She rummages through her purse until she pulls out a small, folded piece of paper. "Here are the restaurants." She holds it out to me, and I take it, stealing a glance at the names and addresses.
"Thank you." I offer her a smile before slipping the paper into my bag.
"With pleasure." She hums and leans back, playing with her straw. "You've helped me so much in the past. If I can ever help you with anything, please don't hesitate to ask. This includes work-related stuff. Maybe Noah also has information about your current project."
My gaze stays on her. She's already done more than enough. Getting her to ask her fiancé about the Butcher was risky and putme right on his radar. If he wanted to, Noah could start digging into what I'm doing. Even though he's not on my level when it comes to computers, hacking, or getting into places he shouldn't, I'd be stupid to underestimate him. Over the years, he's shown he knows what he's doing. Until I had his legal name, I couldn't find a single scrap of information about the Dove Killer online, no matter how hard I tried.
I don't need any more information from them. More than anything, I want a day off with my friend—a day without worries, work, or depressing conversations.
"You can help me by simply enjoying my day off with me," I say with a smile.
"Nothing is easier than that." She winks. "You know what? Next time we're back in the city and you're done with the job, we should go out and celebrate. It's been forever since I've gone out dancing."
"That sounds perfect, but will Noah let you?" I arch an eyebrow.
"He should try to stop me," she says, rolling her eyes. "It’s his choice. He can either stay home and mope or come along and keep an eye on me and our drinks."
"Having someone watch over our drinks is always welcome." I snort, forcing back a laugh as a puff of air slips out. "It's been a while since I've gone to the club with just girls."
She raises an eyebrow and scoots closer to the table. "But haven't you been to the club lately?"
Oh, crap. Heat spreads across my cheeks, and I raise a hand to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Of course, Evelyn can see the pictures I post on my status, and I've shared more than a few photos from nights out with Kyle. Even though I always cropped him out, what if I missed something? What if she caught a glimpse of him in the background?
"It’s… someone."
"Something serious?" She plants her elbows on the table and rests her chin in the palm of her hands, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"No, we're just hooking up. Nothing serious." I smile, but Evelyn's lips purse into a pout.
"I hope whoever it is gives you all the fun and pleasure you deserve," she says, her pout shifting into a smirk.
"He does. It's the best sex I've had in a long time." I pause, my lips quirking into a half-smile. Actually, that's an understatement. Because it’s the best sex I’ve ever had. With Kyle, it's not just about getting off like it is with other guys. He pushes me past my comfort zones in ways I never thought I’d enjoy.
"Good. Otherwise, I'd have to tell you to get rid of him," she says with a chuckle as she sips her drink. "Life is too short for bad sex."
I really appreciate Evelyn. She’s one of the few people who never made me feel different for choosing hookups over commitment. Not once did she tell me I’d be happier if I settled down or found "the one". Loving someone means having something to lose, and Evelyn knows that better than anyone. She almost lost "the one" to the world we’re part of. She held him while he bled and nursed him back when his body was more broken than whole. Relationships in our line of work aren't easy. They require effort, trust, and a kind of hope that's difficult to hold on to when you don't know what tomorrow will bring. And I don’t have that hope in me. Not with so many lies and secrets looming over me. I can't afford to drag anyone else into the mess I've made. It's too risky. Too dangerous.
"Life's too short in general," I say.
"So true," Evelyn sighs as she leans back in her chair with a soft smile on her lips. "Luckily, we found each other early in life."
"That's true. I don’t know what I’d be doing without you."
"You'd probably have a more peaceful time." She scoffs. "Without having to listen to the drama about my plans for the wedding."
"It's pretty entertaining, though."
