Page 87 of Silver Hunter

He looked at the screen and frowned. “I gotta go.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yes, I’ll see you upstairs.” He turned on his heel and headed to the main floor, skipping every second step.

“Would you like to go?”

“No. Definitely not. You’ve worked hard on this, so show me around.”

“The spa’s on Hunter. He designed most of it. I don’t know what the guy has for toads, but he specifically asked for a few dozen. Don’t even get me started on the toilets.”

I laughed. “I love it. Thank you for everything, Frankie. I was wondering if I could ask for another favor?”

“Anything.”

“Would you like to join me as Gracie’s new managing partner?”

“Are you kidding me?”

“I’m very serious. Gracie’s wouldn’t exist without you. It’s well-earned and deserved. We’ll need a few new hands on deck—”

“Already done. I invited four potential employees, and they’re eager to meet you upstairs.”

“Were you anticipating this?”

“What I wasn’t anticipating was how busy it would get. We’re booked months in advance. Heads up, one of them is expecting, so she’ll be on maternity leave soon, but she has the fingers of an angel, and I told her she could bring the baby to work.”

“You did?”

“This was before I knew you didn’t get the unit next door, but we’ve made space and we’re adding a daycare to the salon. Moms can leave their kids to play while they get themselves glammed up.”

“Oh, Frankie. I can’t believe you did all this. Thank you. I’d love to meet them right after I find Hunter. There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell him, and it can’t wait.”

He hugged me once more, and we went back upstairs to the party. Music blasted, lights flashed, and fake fog spewed from the corner. I spotted Hunter across the room by the coloring station, talking to Scar.

My brother’s quick hand movements kept my attention; he seemed to be explaining something to Hunter, who was holding what looked like a drink in his hand. He lifted the glass to his lips and took a long swig, finishing the contents. He shivered as the alcohol passed through his throat.

Someone tapped me on my shoulder.

“Grace?”

I turned around to face a beautiful woman: Candice Watson.

“Hi! Thank you for coming.”

I looked over her shoulder and thought I saw someone familiar. A chilly breeze swept down my back. I didn’t know everyone I’d invited, but I’d greeted every single guest at the door—except for the man who disappeared to the washrooms.

“Thank you for inviting me.” Candice brought my attention back to the room.

“Of course, I’ve been meaning to talk to you—”

“I’m sorry,” she blurted.

“For what?”

“I’m sorry I gave you up.”

I shook my head and took her hand in mine. “You saved me, Mom. God knows what would have happened if they’d found me earlier.”

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