Page 94 of Wild Escape

“Are you a believer?”

“A believer in what?”

Daphne shrugged. “A believer in something more.”

I knew what she was getting at. After having a near-death experience, I knew there was something more to life than met the eye.

“The dagger is said to have magical properties. But like all magic, it comes at a price.”

“Do you believe in that kind of stuff?”

Her brow knitted as she thought. “I don’t know. But I know some people are willing to pay top dollar for what they believe in.”

“Tell me about these magical properties.”

“I can tell you Soulfang is dangerous.”

“Soulfang?”

“That’s the name people have given it.”

“I’m intrigued.”

“Well, legend has it⁠—“

A guy pulled in the lot in a black truck and parked under a mercury vapor light. I was pretty sure it was Levi.

The dagger would have to wait.

This probably wasn't the best place for an inconspicuous meeting. There were cameras throughout the lot. It was hard to find an anonymous place anymore without surveillance. But there were better places than this.

He sat there waiting.

Midnight came and went.

I looked at my watch. It was five after. I told myself I'd give it another 15 minutes before heading back to the fraternity.

It wasn't long after that when the familiar white convertible pulled into the lot.

Kenzie drove next to Levi's truck. She’d taken the plates off her car. It was clear she was up to no good.

That's when it happened.

Muzzle flash flickered, and bullets rocketed from the barrel of a semiautomatic pistol.

Kenzie pumped half a dozen rounds into Levi and the truck.

Metal popped and pinged.

Smoke wafted from the barrel, backlit by the mercury vapor light.

Kenzie stomped the gas, and the tires barked as she sped away.

Everyone in the parking lot looked.

I dialed dispatch and told them to send emergency services. I put the car into gear and raced toward Levi's truck. I pulled alongside, jammed the brakes, then threw it into park. I hopped out and approached the truck with caution.

The door panel had mitigated some of the damage, but Levi wasn't in the best shape. Crimson blossomed his shirt and pants. He'd been hit in the shoulder and leg. I didn't know how deep any of the wounds were.