Page 46 of Fatal Love

The cab pulled up to the bus station and let me out. I had my dark hair tucked under a baseball cap and sunglasses shielding my eyes. It wasn’t really a disguise, but it made me feel invincible to the onlookers. A week ago, I had withdrawn most of my savings and put it into a new account under the fake name I would now go by. It had cost me a shit ton of money to secure, but I needed every layer of protection I could get if I were truly going to start over.

The fumes of the exhaust filtered through the interior of the monstrosity I was using as my escape. It was the last place my brothers would think to look. A mafia princess like me would never be caught on public transportation like this—which made it perfect for my getaway. I moved through the aisle and situated myself in the back-corner seat. My bag was stowed beneath the metal frame with the other passengers’ things, making me blend in like any other traveler. I watched as the bus filled with more people before finally closing its doors. An elderly woman smiled as she stopped in the walkway beside me.

“Do you mind if I sit here?”

“Not at all.” I waved to the empty seat as she plopped down and buckled up.

“Why is a pretty little thing like you, traveling on a bus alone?”

I blew out a breath and smiled. “A new start.”

“We can all use one of those from time to time. I’m Elenore.” She held out her frail hand for me to shake. “I guess we're going to be bus mates.”

I slipped my palm into hers and smiled. “I’m Trina. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elenore.”

We fell into a simple conversation about her life and my reason for moving. She was excited to learn I was going to be living in the town she was from—she even hinted at wanting to introduce me to her grandson.

“That’s kind of you, but I—”

“Is there a man you’re leaving behind?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Love always is, my dear. Well, if you change your mind, you let me know. I hope we can be friends once you’re settled.”

“I’d like that, Elenore.”

“You’re going to love our little town. And the hospital too. Everyone is so welcoming.”

I hoped she was right. When I stumbled across the job opening, I was elated. It was far enough away and completely opposite of Vegas. I was sure it was the perfect place to start over. Getting the job was a bit trickier than I expected, since I had to do it under my fictitious identity.

Fortunately, my supervisor was willing to take a nice payment to lie for me and keep it a secret from my family. I must have dozed off at some point during our ride because I woke up to Elenore shaking my shoulder.

“Wake up, sleepy girl. We’re almost there.”

I yawned and stretched as I took in the landscape out the window. Night had fallen, but the tiny town was lit up nicely. Everything about the view made my insides clench with possibilities. It was the first time in my life I was truly alone. I couldn’t contain the smile that spilled across my face when the bus drove past the city limit sign. This was it. This was my new life.

Welcome to Lake District Oregon. Population 7k.

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