Page 20 of Inescapable Gravity

"We need to move her to Seattle. We have another engagement for her to play."

He saw the tension that knotted up in her shoulders before she forced it away.

"I'll send you the details, and you'll communicate with the rest of my people to make the transfer."

"Are you certain, sir? With the developments?"

Marius knew that Mr. Blackwood was well aware of the additional notes that had been found on or near the house.

The notes had been kept away from Nix.

She didn't need to see the vile words and 'art' that accompanied them.

No one should ever see their like.

"If you don't take her there, then I'll find someone who will."

"I'll take her to Seattle."

"That's what I thought."

For a long, dark moment, Marius pondered if Mr. Blackwood really cared about Nix or if this was all a part of some kind of show. Well, there was only one way to really find out. They'd have to go to Seattle and find out.

* * *

When she'd heard the news, Nix thought that she'd taken it well. When she'd been in protective custody for years, she'd learned to take the movements and transfers with some kind of grace.

This was the first time that she was making such a move with someone she cared about.

Having a performance as part of her itinerary meant that she's have to talk to Marius. To coordinate the shows and the car rides, he'd need to know what plans were in place for various occurrences.

And what to do when the shit hit the fan.

They had only ever had to cancel one show because of 'him.' And she hoped that's where that total would stay.

"Nix?"

She set down her instrument and turned, not ready for the look in his eyes.

He was worried about her.

He cared about her. That was obvious in his eyes.

The trouble was, she wasn't sure if he cared about her or Heather.

Heather was long gone and Nix?

Well, Nix was nobody.

What was there left to care for?

* * *

The venue in Seattle was a security nightmare. More than one time while they were touring the space did Marius offer a few curses to Mr. Blackwood in absentia.

Miles stopped at the edge of the stage and swept the room with his gaze. "Why do I feel like this whole thing is going to blow up in our faces?"

Marius gave him a look before going back to his clipboard with a shake of his head.

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