Page 26 of Nyx

"We protect the staff and residents," Shadow adds.

I watch as her cheek twitches, the information he just provided hitting her in a way that just confirmed everything I suspected.

The woman is a victim of some kind. It may not be domestic abuse, but someone in her life, or even a stranger, has hurt her, and it has made her extremely cautious of anyone she comes into contact with.

"Specifically," Kincaid says. "We provide external security, transportation support, property maintenance, emergency response if something happens at the shelter, fundraising, off-site protection, and security consultation."

"That's an awful lot just to make sure your wife is protected," she mutters, but I don't feel any level of disrespect in her voice. There's a sense of yearning in her statement, as if this were something she either wants or something that every woman should be provided by the man who claims to love them.

"We care about everyone's safety at the shelter," Kincaid assures her. "Even if there was a need at the shelter and Emmalyn wasn't going there often, we would provide it because we support our community."

"Thank you for explaining," she says quietly.

"Just like we fully vet any member who joins Cerberus, we vet all employees and residents who will have access to the shelter. We find it easier to prevent issues rather than deal with surprises later on," Shadow continues.

"On that note," Kincaid says. "We'd like to know why Juliet Mercer doesn't exist."

Chapter 8

Juliet

My nerves are completely shot, and I haven't even started the interview yet.

I've had background checks done on me before. Of course I have, given the nature of the places I've chosen to work, but I get the feeling that the kind of background check they did is nothing like the ones that have been conducted in the past.

I've had to explain myself twice before, but this time it feels so much different.

I know that the names of staff and residents at women's shelters are kept confidential, but I've never had to explain who I am in the middle of a paramilitary compound that I have no chance of leaving if they don't want me to go.

I shift in my seat, four pairs of eyes in the room locked on me as they wait for me to explain.

I know the rumors I've heard about Cerberus, and if they're correct, then there should be nothing for me to worry about, but I also know that information has a way of transforming with each whisper. It's very possible that what I've heard about Cerberus is not even close to what they're actually like. Men who rescue abused and sex-trafficked women are something you watch on television, not something that happens in real life.

How do I explain to these four men who I really am and trust that they'll believe me and not use that information against me when I couldn't even get the district attorney who was prosecuting Graham fully on my side?

Do I trust them? Or do I ask for a safe path to leave?

I move my eyes over each man sitting in front of me. Not one of them seems like they're waiting for my information so they can use it against me, not even the angry-looking guy who glared at me when he first walked into the clubhouse earlier.

I swallow, considering all my options, and surprisingly, I choose the path I never thought I would.

"My real name is Clara Whitmore," I say, but before I can give them any more information, the guy sitting behind the computer starts typing.

"I'm Diego Anderson, President of the Cerberus MC," the guy who called me in here says, pressing a palm to his chest. "This is Morrison Griggs, Vice President. While Max works on that, let's go over your resume."

It doesn't go unnoticed that the other man wasn't introduced, but I don't bother to ask why or what his name is. I have no doubt they're going to see just how complicated my history is and tell me I don't have the job. I don't see the point in wasting energy or breath on things that won't matter.

"I have worked at eight different women's shelters in the last twelve years," I begin. "I have done case management, advocacy, just about any job that a shelter may need. I have been beneficial in helping residents prepare for the legal side of their battles. I was in my last year of law school before I... before my life took a different path, so I'm not licensed, but very knowledgeable."

"Those are all things that will benefit the shelter," Diego says. "Tell me more about the case management work you've done."

"I've done intake interviews for new residents, safety planning, and safety drill execution. I've helped women file protective orders and arranged emergency housing when the shelter I was working at wasn't a great fit. I've helped women apply for government assistance and connected them with therapists and counselors. I've assisted in school enrollment for those with school-aged children as well as GED programs and college for the women."

"Have you accompanied women to court?" Morrison asks.

I swallow, the idea of stepping into another courtroom literally making it hard for me to breathe.

I shake my head. "I would prefer not to do that."