Page 31 of Rafe

The music ended abruptly, and she looked out the window, willing her body’s emotions back into sorts. It was as if she lost all control around Rafe and she couldn’t stop thinking about their encounter in the bedroom.

“Time to put on your game faces, ladies and gentlemen. We’re just about there,” Greyson stated, his voice serious.

Skylar’s heart caught as they pulled into the parking garage of her hotel. “I thought you said we were going to a bar. Why are we here at my hotel?”

“We are going to a bar. Later. But first? Scene of the crime, love,” Greyson told her. “Let’s not waste time.”

“We’ll start at the beginning,” Rafe explained. “Then we’re meeting some friends.”

“But why do I have to go inside?” she asked.

“Because there’s something you may remember from last night that could give us clues as to what’s happening with the vampires. We had a tip about a nest in the desert throwing blood parties and that’s how we found you. But there are more humans who’ve gone missing besides you and your friend. This hotel seems to be a source of some of the issues.”

“Can’t we just go to the police?”

“The police already know.” Greyson glanced at Rafe and back to Skylar. “P-CAP. It’s a paranormal group that kind of polices our own. Kade’s been involved for a long time. We’re helping him out.”

“Why isn’t he here?” Skylar pressed. It seemed like a logical question.

“He’s running New Orleans and Luca’s out of town,” Greyson told her, irritation lacing his voice.

“This isn’t a good idea,” she protested.

“We will protect you,” Rafe assured her.

“I was almost dinner last night to a couple of monsters. And I do not use that word lightly. That guy? One of the vampires? That was my boss. Scott. I worked with him. I can’t believe he was a vampire.”

“Did he hire you for this job?” Greyson asked.

“My agent sent me here. He’d told her he’d seen me in this horror film I did.”

“You didn’t audition?” Rafe asked.

“Well, no, but….my agent said that they saw me and didn’t need an audition. And when I saw him later in the bar, he mentioned the movie I was in. I’d been on set all day. It seemed legit.”

“It could have been deliberate,” Greyson suggested.

“What? No. The whole production would have to be shut down. At least temporarily. I mean, he’s dead now so…”

“Were you supposed to work today?” Rafe asked

Skylar dug through her purse and retrieved her phone. With only ten percent battery she’d have little time to search her messages. As soon as she tapped at the screen a message flashed from her agent.

Bad news babe. Legal says there’s an IP issue. Show’s canceled for now. Chin up. Talk soon.

Skylar sighed, considering what to text back. While she normally loved her agent, a seed of doubt had been planted. Hey Em. Yeah, no worries. Thanks. Short and sweet. No information provided but a polite response.

“Welp. That was a text from my agent. She said the production has been cancelled.”

“Did you know anyone else on the set?” Rafe asked.

“Um, not really. It was a new job. I knew Tina but…well, she’s not here to ask anymore, is she?” Her stomach knotted with worry, the dark energy of her attack lingering in her mind. “It was a small project, but it was meant to be a series. It seemed legit, though. Scott had done a few movies that had made it to streaming.”

“That’s one hell of a job your agent sent you on,” Rafe replied.

“Who was the female vampire?” Greyson asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t’ remember seeing her on set. But I’m new so I don’t know all the people.” Skylar bit her lip, the memories fresh in her mind. Blood. Fangs. Tina’s screaming. “I really would like to forget what happened last night.”