Page 97 of Anthem of Love and Loathing

I can see the couple making out on the screen. Sonatina and me.

Her expression is hopeful. “Is it true your back together?”

This must be what Kelsey is upset about.

“So, you and Sonatina?” One of the others asks. They’re really itching for the gossip.

“We’ll see,” I say, playing the role though the answer I want to give is abso-fucking-lutely not. Not in this century. This universe. Any relationship they’ve imagined we’ve had has been smoke and mirrors. Whatever it takes to keep L.A. Riot at the top.

They gush.

“Can you sign my arm?” One of them holds out her forearm.

“Sure.” I uncap the marker and autograph her skin above a bracelet full of girly music themed charms.

“I’m going to get it tattooed on.” She bounces up and down as she shows the others.

“Sorry to bail, ladies. But I have someone waiting for me.” I smirk and wink and let them assume whatever they want to. Bronx, Kodiak, and Golden can put in the time with the rest of our pass holders tonight.

Golden nods when I use our hand signal for ‘I am out of here’, then goes back to talking to a couple of guys about the music.

One of our security team is waiting for me outside. He falls in behind me.

I’m not in for small talk, instead focusing on the weight of the Zippo in my pocket. The way the metal lid opens and clicks shut. Open and clicks shut. Opens and...

I should check my phone to see if West has been in touch with his friend. The device is on silent, so I missed the phone call and subsequent message that’s come through tagged Torment.

Torment?

I pull down the notification.

Target located in L.A. Will advise if there’s any movement. Need anything else reply to this message and I will be in touch.

Torment is Micah. And Marco is still in California.

We step into the elevator. All our stuff was moved back to the buses this afternoon. We’ll be on the road in a couple of hours.

Next stop Tacoma.

That’s nine-hundred-and-thirty-eight miles between Kelsey and Marco DeLuca.

Further would be better, but she’s safe. And we’ll be heading for Vancouver after that.

The elevator doors open, and the bus is in sight. Yes, she’s safe from him, but she’s in trouble with me. “Can you go back up and have Kelsey’s bags brought down when the others are finished?”

“Yes, Sir.” The elevator closes with him inside.

My fingers keep working the Zippo. Click. Click. Click.

I unlock the bus and climb on board.

Jasper stands immediately. “I’ll be outside.”

I jerk my chin as I stalk past him, through bunk alley, to my room. The door doesn’t move when I yank on it. “Locked me out, huh? You know that won’t keep me out.”

There’s no sound on the other side to suggest she’s going to unlock it.

“I’ll break it down,” I warn.