Page 40 of Sweet Lies

I open the blinds and blink at the blinding sunlight. When I step away, I glance around the room and notice his stuff is gone. That can’t be right. Where did it go?

My pulse races, and I try to calm down. There’s no reason to panic. He’ll be back.

Stepping forward and glancing at the desk, I finally notice the folded piece of paper sitting on top, alongside a business card. When I open the note, I find his handwriting and the words make my heart race.

Bec,

I know this is poor timing after last night. I didn’t plan on last night happening. It’s time for both of us to return to reality. You have a few names left, but I hope you turn your back on this mission and find life far away from the darkness. I know you wanted to come with me, but that would only end badly. You deserve to have the life your dad always wanted for you. Find that world.

Juliet Rose is an old friend. If things take a turn, go to her; she’ll help.

Good luck, Rebecca.

Balling the paper in my hands, I hit the desk with a fist. He left like I was never a reason to stay, and that twists my heart. The last few weeks, I’ve been trying to seal my heart, yet in the process, I opened it up to him—only to have it ripped out in the end. If I never see him again, it’ll be too soon.

He was right about one thing: I did have my list, and I would finish them all. Then I would be inarguably free.

* * *

As I move deeper into the bar, I gain confidence, and no one seems to pay me any mind. I was concerned this was the kind of bar where everyone knew everyone, and I would be the odd one out. Instead, they’re either too deep into their dinks or more concerned about their own worlds.

The card feels heavy in my purse. I don’t belong here. I don’t belong anywhere. The old self-doubt I’ve worked on removing since Andre returned to my life seems to be swimming around more in my head.

I can do this. He wouldn’t have left the information for me if he hadn’t thought this a good option. I have my gun safely in my purse, and if anything happens, I can handle myself. I’m strong and belong wherever I want.

Sliding onto an empty bar stool in the darkest possible spot, I wait for the bartender to come over, digging for the card that’s disappeared to the bottom of the abyss that is my bag. I grasp it with my fingertips, not pulling it out yet.

My confidence is once more waning as the gray-haired bartender approaches. He’s dressed nicely in black pants and a pressed white shirt. I wonder how he keeps it clean with spilled beer and whatnot.

“What can I get you?” he asks. His accent is German.

The card burns my fingers as I inch it out a little before stopping and ordering a vodka soda. Damnit.Just give him the card and see what happens. I have the right address. It doesn’t look like a place for gambling. Where the hell would they do it? The place is just large enough for the bar and restrooms. Where the hell has Andre send me?

The bartender sets the drink down with a clink; some of the liquid swishes out with the action. Quickly, I put it to my lips and take a large sip.

“Anything else?” he asks, glancing down the bar at an empty beer glass, his mind already on the other customers. It’s now or never. At my lack of response, he starts to move away.

“Yes,” I practically shout, my nerves getting the better of me. He jumps, a little startled.

Now he peers at me like I’m crazy and waits for me to speak. Sliding the card out, I place it on the bar top, trying to avoid any wetness.

His eyes widen as he takes in the red card, the gold writing. He glances between me and the card as if trying to determine why I would possibly be in possession of it.

“Now, why would a nice-looking thing like you have that?” he asks.

“The why isn’t your concern. I have it and need access. I was told to come here.”

“Told by whom?”

“The who is also not your concern. I’m sure you don’t want word getting out that you turn away clients.”

“No, we wouldn’t want that.”

His fists rest on the bar top, and I worry he’ll refuse me.

Finally, he nods. “Come with me.”

He comes around the bar and waits for me at the other end. I follow him to the back through a door that says Employees Only until we end up at a brick wall. Or what I believe is a solid brick wall till he pushes an edge and an opening appears, revealing a hidden staircase leading underground.

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