Kain
This morning, I had a call with Detective McNally, who updated me on his investigation regarding the Boston Harbor Hotel explosion. The suspect had installed a small device inside two centerpieces, creating a minor explosion with a lot of smoke. Fortunately, the people at the tables suffered only minor injuries. A note was discovered on the seat of two individuals, one at each table.
Confess, release evidence to the authorities, or you’ll pay.
Anastasia Masterson and Noah Loomer were the people with the notes. Detective McNally still had to interview them, and both had lawyered up.
If the suspect wanted them to die, he could have used a larger explosive. What information did these people have?
After my conversation with the detective, I met with Grayson Wu regarding the renovation of a new building I’d just purchased in Newton. We’d connected a few years ago at a banquet, and he’ddelivered excellent work for me. In the business world, there were few people I considered friends, but I didn’t mind Grayson and his boys. The ideas he presented matched my vision perfectly.
I entered Happy Flowers, wanting to see Eva and ask if she was free this week for dinner. It was better than a text message. I arrived home yesterday and couldn’t stop thinking about her.
Bat wings flapped in my stomach as I neared the shop.What the fuck?I’d never experienced nerves like this. I had dated little and had met no one who kept me interested. Fucking wasn’t dating, and I’d done plenty of that. No strings attached was my requirement, and those women didn’t seem to mind. We got what we both wanted.
I opened the door to Happy Flowers, and sadness and disappointment whirled in me when Erika, the sales associate with curly brown hair, told me Eva had just left.
Gotta work on your timing.
I bought two plants: a succulent thing in a nice porcelain bowl and a jade plant that promised to bring good luck, according to the feng shui card attached to it. Erika said those plants were easy to take care of.
“What are her hours?” I asked, giving her my credit card.
Erika glanced at the chart under the counter. “Normally, she’s here from nine to five on weekdays. But she’s been working more lately, so that could change day to day.”
“Thank you.”
I’d call Eva later.
When I returned to my office, I placed the succulent and jade on my desk and stared at them as though they were aliens invading my office space. There were ten plants in my office, not to mention the others I had at home, which I’d gotten from Happy Flowers.
I wondered how long this would last. Maybe it was just aphase that needed to pass. I’d gone through many phases after my friends and I escaped those woods. The thought brought back a flood of memories. We couldn’t have made it back to the city if it weren’t for our savior.
With thorns catching on my jeans and shirt, I rush in the direction the compass in my hand is pointing. I see a light at the end of the woods and turn around to check on my friends. The musky smell of dirt and wood fills the area.
“We have to get to the main road,” I say, chest heaving with every breath. “You okay, Timber?” He looks pale, as do all the boys.
I probably look just as terrified as they do, but I don’t want to scare them. I’m the eldest, so I need to be brave.
“I just need to catch my breath.” Timber winces. “My calf hurts, but I can still run.”
Hudson grabs Timber’s arm. “Probably a cramp. I’ll help him.”
We continue running, twigs crunching under our shoes. The sound echoes loudly in the air, as does our panting. Hope and fear thrum in the air, but adrenaline pushes us forward.
As we approach the edge of the woods, I slow my pace and extend my hand behind me to make sure the boys stay back. We glance around in the darkness, waiting. Crickets sing their lonely songs while an owl hoots somewhere.
I don’t hear anyone coming after us, so I step out toward the light. A streetlight casts a soft glow on an empty street.
“What do we do now?” Godfrey asks.
“We wait until someone drives up. Then we’ll ask them for help.”
“But what if it’s Victor’s men?” Hudson looks at me.
“That’s why you guys need to hide behind the trees. I’ll call you out once I know it’s safe, okay?”
“What if it’s not safe?” Timber sits on a rock, looking worried.
