Page 14 of When Darkness Calls

I often think that if I didn’t know him as well and for as long as I have, I’d be terrified of the dead look he keeps hidden in his eyes. But the whole “young, cool, nerdy professor” facade throws everyone off his track. Yet, as he sits there, back to the wall at the kitchen table, spinning a knife between his fingers, a far off look on his face, I think maybe despite all of that, I still am a little unnerved.

“Okay, so moving on,” Keegan cuts in, his calm demeanor meant to appease the tensions, but we’re all so high strung at this point, I don’t believe his tactics are working today.

It’s been months since we were able to get any new information from our contacts or even our little “chats” we have with a few unsavory friends.

I don’t really get to stick around long for those. Nick, Keeg, and Alex usually take care of them. I usually just get the rough run down from Cade that consists of what they said, or well, recently didn't say, and whether it was messy. Something I need to know for covering our tracks in the newspaper if needed.

Cade pulls out a map from the stacks of papers sitting on the counter, spreading it out, and directing our attention to the drawing.

“I got a basic grounds map for tomorrow. I said it was for insurance purposes.” He taps a spot on the far right, scribbled in his elegant writing is the words “South Exit”.

“What’re we looking at?” Keegan stares down at the sketch.

“The south parking lot will most likely be the area where deals will be made. It’s harshly lit areas with a direct entrance into the backside of the fest. There will be security rounds in these areas, but the event directors didn’t hire enough to canvas the fest properly, let alone the areas that are supposed to be ‘off-limits.’” Cade speaks in an almost bored tone. I get it though. Given they hired his company, and he expressed multiple times that it wasn’t enough, they were more concerned with the costs than the safety of the patrons.

“If I had to take a guess, that’s where they would be. Grays said this guy has been in contact with a couple of the bigger dealers in the Shadow Grove distribution. The goal is to find them, subdue them, and try to get some fucking answers for once.”

We all look at each other. Me, Keegan, Alexander, Dominick, and Caden. Best friends for what seem like our entire lives, and now, hopefully, the people who might stop our town from dying.

Nick looks at his watch, blank face turning to Cay. “One more time before I have to go.”

Cade takes a deep breath, giving him a slight nod, as well all stand a little straighter. Like soldiers of the cause.

“Keegs and Grays are going to grab him at his house. Quickly, quietly, and out of sight. Destroy anything he intended to sell, and anything else you find.” He pauses giving me a knowing look that has my blood burning and my stomach turning with unease. I really hope I don’t.

“Alex will meet you guys by Widow’s Bridge and take him to the warehouse on his way to the fire station. I’ll be there monitoring everything and keeping an eye on him.

He points at me and Keegan, “Will then head to the fest and meet up with Nick. Your job is to watch the south parking lot for any sign of who this guy is supposed to be meeting with. If and when you find them, the noise should hopefully take care of any signs of what’s going on, and it will help our cover.

“Security rounds for the off-limit areas run every thirty minutes. This is only for the back-of-booth and maintenance areas. There are no specific security measures for the parking lots as the fest organizers have only focused on the main entrances and exits. It’ll give you guys enough time to get whoever it is subdued, moved through the off-limit area away from possible witnesses on the streets to the truck here,” he pauses pointing at a small parking area for the coffee shop off Main Street, just beyond the festival grounds. “Keegs and Nick will head to the warehouse with our mystery person. Grays will do one last sweep before coming too.

“Are we good? Any questions?” His eyes survey us.

“All good, boss,” Alex chimes in, with a salute, his attitude back to normal.

Nick nods, grabbing his suit jacket and bag from the kitchen chair.

Keegan assents as he also grabs his jacket and keys, turning to Cade and me. “Text me if anything changes before tomorrow. I have a shift tonight and plan on sleeping some before we meet.”

Cay throws his head back in acknowledgment, eyes trained on the papers and forms before him.

I move around the island toward the fridge, looking for something to drink before I head out too. My evening will painstakingly consist of nothing but combing through the hundreds of pictures I’ve taken over the last few weeks. Between watching this guy, small events around town, and the few bookings I’ve gotten from families and high school seniors lately, it will likely take all night and even some of tomorrow morning.

“Dani Doll! No time, no see.”

My head snaps to where Alex is standing, arms wide with a shit eating grin on his face.

Fuck.

I shut the fridge, turning my back to them, messing around with a few apples in the bowl on the counter, trying to look like I’m deciding what one I want.

I hate apples.

“I’m heading out, Cay. I’ll text you later. Bye, Doll. I’m glad I got to see you, gorgeous. It feels like it’s been years since I was last graced with your presence.”

“Fuck off, Alexander. I saw you yesterday, but it’s always great to see your giant ass.”

I can feel the smirk in her voice and the rustling of them play-fighting before the door shuts behind Alex.