My hand on Bradley’s shoulder shifted, fingers elongating into black talons. Vivien took a step back, her eyes wide. Bradley had yet to notice.
My voice dropped lower. “I know what you did, Bradley. And one day, not too far from now, I suspect, we will meet again. When that time comes, I will hold you accountable for all your wrongdoings and make sure you pay the ultimate price for them. You will leave this club.” I enunciated my instructions, leaving no room for confusion. “You will inform these ladies you are no longer interested, and you will take greater pains to live a more ethical life if you know what’s good for you.”
Bradley visibly bucked against my preposterous suggestions, but when he opened his mouth to retort, he stopped cold. I allowed my death mask to flicker through. Bradley gasped as if the air had been sucked out of his lungs. A horrifying visage of bone and utter, sucking darkness, I forced Bradley Hansen to face his own end, and the utter oblivion every human feared to their core. Then he turned to see the long, sharp black claws drumming on his shoulder. The sound that emerged from his throat was an animalistic screech of pure terror. Any trace of bravado or strength had fled America’s so-called sweetheart.
Bradley ran as fast as he could, stumbling and falling a couple times. His two buddies followed. One of the women had been reapplying her lipstick when she noticed he’d hightailed it. She zipped up her purse and ran after him. The other two ladies stood in line, uncertainty lingering on their faces. I hadn’t lowered my voice when I spoke of what happened to Madeleine, and it looked as if these two were no longer sure of who they should follow.
I flicked a now-human finger to the guards to let them in. “Ladies, I suggest you enjoy a drink on me, and seek out better company.” Though it was likely my wishful thinking, there seemed to be new wisdom in their eyes, as they trotted into the club.
Vivien had chosen not to flee the scene, though a fresh fear was stamped in her eyes. I’d scared her. If she knew all I was capable of, she would be frightened to death. I almost smiled.
I took Vivien by the arm once again and led her by Jerome and Nick into the bright lights and thumping bass of Wolf Town.
13
Colored lights strobed and music pulsated like a living heart all around us. Grateful Grim had made dinner for me before heading out, but the smell of adrenaline, arousal, and excitement-filled blood permeated my senses, surrounding me, begging me to take a sip. It was an adult Disney World in here with the collective beat of all the people who were dancing, throwing back shots, and having a grand ole time.
Grim released my arm, to guide me with his hand on the small of my back. Though he appeared relaxed, I could tell his muscles were coiled with readiness under his suit. He was prepared for me to bolt. His vigilance was annoying. Mainly because I would totally make a run for it, given half a chance. I had to get back to the castle hotel to search for that guy who recognized me.
As soon as I got my moment, I planned to take it. Or I thought that’s what I would do. I missed the perfect opportunity to sprint off when Grim was having his tête-à-tête with Bradley. Yet, despite my urgency to track down my lead, I couldn’t tear myself away.
The instant I laid eyes on the actor, my instincts sangScum Baaaaaag. I caught every word they exchanged. It was a wonder Bradley landed any roles when he couldn’t lie his way out of a paper bag. What he’d done to that French girl was beyond disgusting and straight-up evil. I half-expected Grim to tear him to pieces right there. Savage one moment, and then the picture of manners and restraint the next, I could see Grim taking off his suit jacket and placing it over the pool of Bradley’s blood for the women to walk across so they wouldn’t stain their fuck-me pumps.
And the way his hand shifted into that of some demonic creature was bone-chilling. His fury wasn’t focused on me for once, but standing so close to barely restrained violence caused fear to hammer down my spine shouting “run, you idiot!”
Grim directed me up a set of stairs that almost escaped my notice. Another bouncer let us pass before barring the entrance to anyone else.
The landing at the top overlooked Wolf Town. Modern, eggplant-colored couches made a U-shape around a couple end tables. There were already drinks on one of the glassy surfaces, what looked like a Manhattan and a glass of red wine. Something told me Timothy had something to do with the drink choice and preparation.
I realized we were in the VIP section connected to an entire balcony that wrapped around the second story of the club. While Grim’s box was raised a little higher than the rest, as if anyone should forget that he is king here, the other boxes were taken up by high rollers, celebrities, and exuberant, sparkly dressed girls in their twenties with questionably older men.Blech.
You’re dressed up like a dominatrix hooker,my internal voice reminded me.
I batted it away with the explanation that this wasn’t the same thing. I wasn’t vying for attention. I was lighting matches under Grim’s shoes to see how high I could make him jump.
Okay, so I wasn’t vying for everyone else’s attention. Just Grim’s.
It was quieter up here, since they directed all the speakers and base down at the dance floor packed with squirming ravers.
“Is it true what he did?” I asked, though I already knew the truth.
Grim’s face hardened. “Yes.”
“How did you figure out it was him?”
He sighed, a deep, weary sound that made me realize how old he was. “When it happened on the premises of Sinopolis, I handled the sorting of Maddie’s soul myself. She told me everything.”
“How come that bastard isn’t in jail?”
“Unfortunately, hotel surveillance only shows a nondescript man wearing sunglasses, a baseball cap, and a sweatshirt with the hood up coming and going from that hotel room. Bradley’s manager produced an alibi that placed the maggot halfway across the country. They claim he left Vegas a full day before she was murdered.”
I clenched my fists as anger vibrated through me. “Why didn’t you just smoke that guy? Aren’t you Death? Can’t you touch him and reap his black soul, then let me stomp on it?”
Jaw tensing, he said, “That’s not how it works. I don’t go around haphazardly killing people.”
“Sure, you do.” There was a hysterical edge to my voice. Grim turned to give me an inscrutable look, but I didn’t care. “You sent that poor crying woman to her death.”
“You saw that?” His face darkened. “You have no concept of what you witnessed. I’m not an avenging angel. I am not Santa Claus. Can you fathom how much time it would take to punish every wrongdoer for their sins? I do, because that is my every day. Looking into the eyes of people who wish to plead their case to me, I give each one their due consideration. The workload is immense and never ending. I’m not jumping at the opportunity to actively reap souls. When their time comes, I will handle them.” He turned away, ending the conversation.
