Page 10 of Baratta's Darkness

Timber steps off his bike, quickly joined by Blood and Blade on either side of him. It’s almost as if Timber is the pied piper, leading the group to my door. I notice that Blood isn’t looking at me but over my shoulder and he doesn’t look very happy.

A quick glance tells me why. Baratta is standing right behind me with his arms crossed looking like an intimidating statue. I spin around with a glare.

“I told you I am not leaving your side.”

“You are going to scare my customers away!” I hiss.

When I turn around my brother, Blood is right there. He lifts me off my feet in a big hug, spinning me around. I'm giggling like a schoolgirl when he sets me back down.

“Welcome to Poison Pen.” I call out to everyone before stepping back through the door, followed by what seems to be a hundred people.

The first hour is spent meeting and greeting everyone. I was a little worried about how they would react to a tattoo shop because of the bad rep some shops have brought into a community. But, I'm warmly welcomed. Most of these people know me,we grew up together and they are happy for my success.

I'm talking to Tony and Morgania when there's a tap at my shoulder.

“It’s time.” Lily says. So I excuse myself as I go look for Timber because he is up first.

Baratta

I have been sticking to the shadows, like the ghost some people call me, watching Fi mingle in the crowd. I haven’t seen anything suspicious yet but this is a big group so I'm not sure if I've seen everyone. I need more eyes, only Fiona won’t tell her brother about the so-called gift. Therefore I have to be vigilant.

I'm about to approach her, when Lily says something in her ear. She looks around zeroing in on Timber. Excusing herself from the conversation she was having with my Aunt and Uncle, she motions to him to follow her to her work station.

With her occupied in one area, I can concentrate a little easier on the guests that’s milling around. There seems to be so many that it is virtually impossible.

“Why are you watching my baby sister so closely?” Blood growls from behind me. I knew he was there before he even spoke. He’s been watching me since he got here with the others.

“No particular reason. I’m watching all the guests. After all, I’m here to protect Mr. and Mrs. Marcus. You never know where there will be a potential threat.”

“Yet, I know that you were already here before they even got here. So tell me, why exactly you are staying so close to Fi.” I can hear anger bubbling up although he keeps a tight grip on himself. I admire that.

“I need to check out the layout ahead of time. Fiona was generous enough to allow me to do that in the hours before the opening.” Shrugging my shoulders as if it were not a big deal.

“You just keep your eyes and your hands to yourself where she is concerned.”

“I get this overwhelming feeling that you do not like me, Blood. What exactly have I done to offend you?” I ask as I turn my full attention on him.

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