Page 25 of Shadows Within
You belong to it.
I replay Father’s words in my head. I can’t escape him, even if I want to, and boy does he love to remind me of that.
Rain calmly hits the windshield. Over the hood of my car, the city comes into view. I don’t remember how I got here. I had to leave the house before I broke something, and my muscle memory must’ve brought me to the city that raised me.
Tall buildings look down on me as I pull into the circular driveway of The Monte, a luxurious hotel in Boston. Valets rush over. I climb out of the car, adjusting my jacket, and I slide my bruised knuckles in my pant pockets. As I walk through the grand doors, I gaze at the familiar marble floors and bright chandeliers.
Another night of secrets and silk. Time to play the part.
I step up to the gold-plated elevator and take it to the penthouse. The doors open like a curtain revealing a scene in a play. A performance awaits.
The polished floors shine beneath the soles of important people wearing Italian leather shoes. There are women in black gowns with red lipstick that stains the champagne glasses. Red pairs nicely with their fake smiles. Everything is beautiful, while everyone is rotten.
The room’s full of people who hold authority in our small town. I see Roger Booth, who is the Sheriff of Millhaven and also Chase’s dad. I continue to move through the room like a chess piece being shifted by someone else’s hand. I nod to familiar faces, as I’m expected to, and avoid the gazes of the smart ones. They avoid me too. I don’t smile and I definitely don’t speak.
I make my way across the room to Harrison. He’s near the bar.Shocking.
“Already counting down the minutes until you can leave?”
A thin smile crosses my face. He raises his finger, and a waiter comes over. He orders us drinks.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I wonder if it’s her, but I leave it for now—I have a part to play.
“Didn’t know if you’d show.” He sips the drink that was just given to him.
“You say that like I have a choice.” I swirl the dark liquid in my glass.
“None of us have a choice.” He stares across the room. My eyes follow his. A woman in a tailored red dress leans in too closely to an older man in a custom suit.
“She’s new.” He motions toward her. She moves around like she’s someone who wants the attention, but I don’t recognize her.
“Why should I care?” I ask flatly.
“Because that’s Scarlett’s mom.”
My eyes snap back onto her, sharper this time. There’s something in the way she carries her shoulders that reminds me of Scarlett. Her mouth is the same too—a similarity I don’t want to see. Harrison takes another sip of his drink, his eyes on me. He knows I wouldn’t do anything here, but he watches for my reaction.
My stomach twists when I look at her. With all the time we’ve spent together—mainly when I watch her—I haven’t seen her spend any time with her mom.
“How long has she been involved?” I keep my voice low.
“At least eight years. Probably more.” He shrugs like we’re talking about the weather. “She keeps to herself. They like her, she’s… compliant.” He sips more of his drink.
“Does Scarlett know?” I sip mine, feeling like I know the answer but needing his confirmation.
“No. And she’s not supposed to.” He glances at me.
My shoulders tense and my jaw tightens. I can’t help but look at her again. She clings to the man she’s with, laughing at whatever he’s saying. Her reactions look planned, and her smilelooks fake. It’s too late, the damage has already been done. The illusion that there’s distance between Scarlett’s world and mine is immediately cracked, and there’s no fixing it now.
I can’t be here, not around these men, knowing that she’s in their circle.
“Thanks.” I finish my drink and place the glass on the bar. Without another word, I walk toward a balcony with double doors and push them open. The chill of the evening ripples through my body as I walk outside. The city shines beneath me. I take a few deep breaths.
Scarlett’s Mother.
Of all the twisted pieces in this game, I didn’t expect her to be one of them. All I can think of is Scarlett’s face if she finds out. My grip tightens against the balcony’s ledge.
I need to get out of here,now.
