AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How? What do you know? Did Molly find something?”
“Is Joshua a part of whatever she’s doing?”
“I don’t think so. He knows what she’s doing, but I don’t think he’s involved.”
We’re a block from the bar, and the red neon sign in the shape of a horse’s torso juts out over the sidewalk ahead of us. I glance at Lara, and her head is uncovered, her long hair moving in the wind. Her lips are full and pink, and she’s the most eye-catching thing I’ve ever seen.
“I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say everyone is going to stop and look at you when we walk in there.”
“It’s a gay bar, Mark. If anyone turns heads, it’ll be you.”
“Doesn’t mean everyone in there is gay. We’re meeting Joshua here. Isn’t he into Molly?”
“He could be bisexual.”
“Bisexuals will notice you.” Turning her around, I gather her long hair in my hands and put it down the back of the fleece jacket then I lift the hood over her head. “Tie that close around your face.”
“This will attract even more attention,” she grumbles. “I look like an idiot.”
“Stay close behind me. Keep your face down.”
We approach the small bar that looks like a piece of modern art. The façade is a curved strip of black metal with studs around the top, and a cheeky, hand-written sign warns prudes to stay away.
The message on the website flashes in my memory. Black pony…
This is it.
I’m ready to charge inside, when Joshua steps out and intercepts us. “Come with me.”
He walks away from the club at a brisk pace, but Lara and I both hesitate.
“Hang on,” Lara calls after him, “Josh… wait.”
“The message said it was—”
Joshua pivots on his heel and rushes to us, grabbing my arm hard and pulling us close. “Stop talking.” He raises his voice. “Great to see you!”
He glances around us. Two men in dresses and blond wigs smile broadly and skip past us into the bar.
He smiles and nods before leaning in to speak. “Anyone hears you, they make one call, and it’s gone.”
I’ve only been around this guy a few times, but he’s usually smiling, pretty casual and laid-back. This change has me on edge.
He takes off again, and we follow behind him, keeping our heads down. After a few blocks, he turns into a coffee shop and slides into a wooden booth beside the door.
“What’s going on, Josh?” Lara pulls the hood off her head.
“Candi texted. She’s out tonight.” His hands are clasped on the table in front of him, knuckles white. “This group is dangerous. Ultra freaks and criminals.”
My jaw clenches, and I’m glad I put on my shoulder holster before we left the apartment. “How do you know where they are?”
“I don’t. I only know the Pony is where they go to pay and get the real address. They have a guy there waiting. It could be anybody, and if they think the cops know—”
“Makes sense,” I say nodding. “But what do we do now?”
“Wait for Candi to text me again.”
A waitress appears at the end of the bar, and we all order coffees. She leaves, and I lean back against the wooden booth. This is way more action than I anticipated coming to this town.
