Page 22 of A Wild Darkness

“Okay.”

“Okay. Enjoy your night.” He glances down at Mr. Branson, then turns to leave the room. “Oh, and also, you might have to pretend to be a serial killer, too.”

What?

What have I got myself into?

My sister and I are tucked into the corner of our favorite coffee shop, The Overcast café, enjoying iced lattes and muffins this afternoon.

I’ve spent the last couple of days thinking endlessly about what I’ve agreed to with Sebastian. Am I helping Sebastian because of my own sense of justice? Or for my clients? If this group is responsible for the markings or foul play, they need to pay.

But the feeling I find surprising and a bit unsettling is the hidden desire to learn more about Sebastian’s lifestyle. Sure, he irritates me, but why does he do what he does and how? Curiosity, I guess.

When I stayed at Sebastian and River’s manor, I only got glimpses of their world and how they operated. Like a well-oiled machine, they have an entire team of highly skilled men who like to work for them—and by work, I mean take care of things. I was able to help a little, but only with research, and yeah, it was for my sister, but I can’t deny the rush I got from being a part of their team.

My eyes find River’s car still parked underneath the oak tree on the opposite side of the coffee shop. “Is he still outside waiting for you?”

“You know him.” She smiles, glancing over her shoulder and out the window. My sister’s over-the-top boyfriend won’t let her go anywhere without him, and she loves every bit of it. “He’ll just wait there until we’re finished.”

I laugh. “Sounds suffocating.”

“I don’t mind.”

“So, how’s your book coming along?” I continue with small talk.

“We’ve spent a while talking about me. So, let’s have it. I know why you want to talk.”

I remove the top off my blueberry muffin and take a bite before I begin. “Sebastian broke into Nevermore.”

I’m surprised I haven’t heard from Sebastian in the last couple of days, especially since the masquerade ball, where I’m supposed to accompany him, is tomorrow night.

I hate having to wait on the sidelines, waiting to be told what to do. I’d like to get her thoughts on the whole situation. I figured meeting for a cup of coffee would be better than a phone call. I know my sister well, and I need to be sure she’s okay with me doing this since it wasn’t too long ago that the same Society I’m infiltrating tried to kill her.

A light chuckle escapes my sister’s glossy lips. “Yeah. Those Thompson men.” Her expression suddenly turns serious. “So, what do you think about his offer?”

“Well, I gave him some shit first.”

“Of course.” She sips her drink.

“Then I told him I’d do it.”

“And?” she prompts, like she already knew I said yes. I shouldn’t be surprised since they live together now.

I shrug. “I mean, I’m nervous, but you remember those weird markings I told you I found on two of my clients?”

“Oh, yeah?” Her eyebrows knit. “You did mention something like that.”

“Well, I found another one on a client last night,” I tell her.

“Oh, wow.”

“And I tried to hint to Dad when we had dinner the other day, but he seemed completely oblivious. Which means these deaths haven’t triggered the police to examine them for potential foul play.”

“Did you tell Sebastian about the markings?”

I nod. “Yes. I showed him. He believes they could be connected to the Society since they started appearing around the time Sebastian and River’s team found that black card.”

“I wonder if Sebastian has spoken to River about it?” She glances out the window to see his car parked in the same spot.