Nina straightens her shoulders and follows suit, making herway to the door. As she extends her hand, he accepts it, looking apprehensive.
“Thank you, Professor. You’ve been most helpful.”
She offers no further explanation, marching out of the office with me close behind.
“Florida,” she whispers as we make our way down the hall.
“So…care to tell me what you saw when you touched the professor?”
She places her phone down and turns to me. “Ian’s mother is in a retirement village in Florida. I saw the sign that saidThe Communesand then his mom on a patio, sipping something from a mug.”
“That’s a great lead,” I say, picking up my pace to stay next to Nina. “Do you think Ian’s there too?”
“No. But I think she knows where he is. Seems like Dillon only has contact with her.”
“What’s the next move?”
“I’m leaving for Florida, as soon as possible. I need to book my flight.”
I twist my mouth. “And you weren’t going to take me with you?”
She expels a weary sigh. “I don’t want to keep you away from your own stuff, Alyssa.”
“You’re going to sunshine and warmth. Why on earth would you think I’d want to pass on that leg of the journey?”
She smirks. “Well…in that case, I’ll book two tickets?”
I bob my head.
Florida, here we come.
15
Nine of Swords
As the dimly lit bar buzzed with conversation, a beautiful girl sat alone at the end of the bar, bathed in the soft glow of overhead lights. Her gaze fixed on the liquid swirling within her glass. With every sip of her gin and tonic, she seemed lost in thought, her mind a universe of its own, at least to the curious onlooker.
There was a quiet intensity about her as she glanced around the room with a calculated gaze, her eyes darting from one customer to the next, waiting for the right moment to unfold.
A handsome stranger met her eyes, catching her off guard. She wasn’t supposed to be seen or noticed, but that wasn’t likely to happen. The girl was gorgeous, drawing more attention than she realized. She moved her long, blond hair over her shoulder, pulling her eyes back to her drink and away from his penetrating stare. She waited.
An hour later, the time had come. She slipped an envelope discreetly across the worn wooden surface of the barbefore casting a quick glance around, ensuring that no prying eyes caught her clandestine exchange.
The bartender accepted the envelope with practiced ease, slipping it swiftly beneath the bar top with a subtle nod of acknowledgment. He knew what to do.
With her task completed, the girl nonchalantly finished the remnants of her drink, the clink of ice against glass barely audible over the music pouring from the jukebox in the corner. Without so much as a second glance, she rose from her seat and headed toward the exit.
A sense of unease prickled at the back of her neck, and her steps quickened ever so slightly. But it was no use. A strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back with startling force. A hand clamped over her mouth, muffling the scream that threatened to escape her lips.
In the darkness, a struggle ensued, the girl’s heart pounding against her chest as she fought against the unknown attacker. Panic surged, her heart hammering against her rib cage in a desperate rhythm. Darkness enveloped her, swallowing her whole.
I sit straight up, hands flying to my neck as a scream bursts from my chest.
“Alyssa? What’s wrong?” Nina’s concerned voice rings through the dark room, instantly bringing me back to my senses.
It was only a dream.
My breathing begins to regulate, and my heart rate slows considerably.
