Page 160 of Soul So Dark
Or not.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Dallas
I’ve never once set foot in the Raffertys’ house until today.
At first, I feel ridiculous strolling up to the front door and hitting the doorbell, like I’m about to ask if Aiden can come out and play.
It looks like a castle, with its wrought iron gates and stone columns and moat around the foundation—a moat.Granted, I’ve only heard rumors about how the Raffertys acquired their wealth. I used to think Colson was just messing with me when he said Aiden’s dad is a black-market dealer. Now, I’m not so sure.
I glance at my phone before sliding it into my back pocket.8:16AM.Still enough time before I have to head to the airport. I didn’t even know how to get ahold of Aiden. It’s not like I have his number, and I couldn’t find him anywhere on social media. Like I’m surprised. He’s such a creep that he’s probably transforming into an actual ghoul at this point. The legion of the undead have no use for likes and follows—OK, maybe follows…
All that to say, I had to leave him a note. In the letterbox. Outside his gate. I wasn’t even sure he still lived here.
I need to talk to you in person. Here’s my number…
To my utter shock, Aiden actually responds. Granted, it’s just a date and time followed by four numbers. But I punched them into the keypad at the gate and it slowly swung open.
A few moments later, the heavy mahogany door opens and Aiden’s towering frame fills the doorway. I haven’t seen him in years, evident by the fact that the only part of his body not covered in tattoos is his face and most of his hands. But he still has those double lip rings that make him look like he has fangs.
“Hey, Dally,” he drawls with amusement.
“Hey.” I straighten up, refocusing on why I’m here. “Thanks for meeting with me.”
“Anything for an old friend. Look at you,” he drags his eyes up and down my figure, “all grown up.”
I hate how he can still make my skin crawl. But I’m not seven, or 11, or even 15 anymore. I’m not scared of Aiden Rafferty. I’m the one who asked to meet with him, after all.
“So did you,” I reply, cocking my head and returning the same fiery gaze.
His mouth curls and he steps aside so I can enter the house. Twin marble statues of two dogs stand guard on either side of the doorway that reveals into the great room. Is this where Colson, Alex, and Mason came to hang out, throw parties, and shoot off guns in the woods out back? No wonder everyone thought they were gods. Money talks, and Aiden’s did enough talking for all of them.
“Sorry I can’t stick around longer to catch up,” Aiden’s voice echoes behind me. “Wheels up at ten hundred.”
I’ve heard he flies planes now, and for the Rhodens, no less. I caught that much before Colson vanished into the wilderness two years ago.
“I actually have to catch a flight myself,” I reply, coming to a halt at the group of black leather club chairs arranged around a gilded coffee table. “This won’t take long, but I need your help.”
Might as well cut to the chase. I don’t think Aiden’s one for small talk and pleasantries anyway.
“Myhelp?” He looks down at me through hooded eyes.
I square my shoulders and look right back up at him. “You’re a criminal, right?”
“Depends who’s asking.”
“I need to know the best way to surveil someone, so I know where they are at all times.”
“Who?”
“Bowen Garrison.”
Aiden doesn’t move a muscle, only stares back at me with his stormy obsidian eyes.
“Why?” he finally asks, his voice deep and foreboding.
I tighten my jaw with resolve. “Because I’m going to take him down for what he did to Evie.”
