leave, where’s the attacker?”
“I got inside just in time. I think he left. I don’t know. Please be careful.”
The minutes that followed felt like hours. I was still on the phone with James, but I hadn’t said anything. Listening to him walk through the garage, then up the stairwell as he made his way to me, listening as he and Smith exchanged words like they were undercover. The knock on the glass door had me almost pissing myself.
“Cassidy, it’s me. What’s the code?” Too afraid to move, I gave him the code. “You’re safe.” The words didn’t come from the phone, but instead from in front of me. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
“I should call the police.” I let him pull me up off the floor as he checked me over.
“Smith is taking care of it. Are you hurt?” I shook my head as he persuaded me, “Come on.” I don’t remember much more until we got to his waiting truck.
C hapter 5 ~ S hackle
~ JAMES ~
“Paul fucking Vincent! How the hell have you been?” We clasped hands before we exchanged a hug.
“I’m good man. It’s great to be back in town. You two have some fun planned for me tonight I hope!”
Smith, Paul and I all laughed.
“I’m all done here. Let’s go grab some dinner and see where the night leads us.”
Smith and Paul headed for the elevator as I grabbed my briefcase. Glancing at my cell, I saw that there were no other texts or calls from Cassidy. It sounded like she was busy with work and would be even more so if Cecily was promoting her.
The three of us were laughing as we walked out of the hotel restaurant, headed for my truck. “So, where to boys?”
Smith and Paul eyed each other. “You know where I want to go. That crazy fucking dance slash sex club of yours. Last time I was in town I had quite the adventure.” Smith agreed, mentioning that Delaney would probably be their dancing anyways.
I didn’t want to go without Cassidy, but it was already getting late. Odds were she wouldn’t even find out. We made our way to the club and headed to the upper floor, reserved for VIPs and started a game of pool. I wasn’t a big dancer, rarely persuaded, and didn’t want to draw attention to myself. A couple hours and several drinks later we were sitting around bullshitting.
“So, who is she?” Paul was staring right at me and I knew his question was directed at me.
“Who’s who?”
“Please. Nothing stops James Benedict from chasing tail. You’re not chasing. Who is she?”
I just smiled and took a swig of my beer.
“Ah, she’s a fiery redhead.” I glared at Smith as his words left his mouth.
“Redhead huh? I had me a redhead once. What’s her name?”
Paul was interrupted and I was able to keep Cassidy to myself a little bit longer, thanks to Melissa. FUCK. She had appeared out of nowhere and started working her magic. Magic that no longer worked on me.
“Hello there boys.” She eyed me the whole time, only briefly drifting her eyes over to Paul. “ It’s Paul, right? Long time no see.” How the fuck did they know each other? He was such a man whore, like I had room to talk. “Melissa, we met a couple years ago.” She reminded Paul of her name as she walked closer.
“I remember. Won’t ever forget it.” I rolled my eyes at him. He could have her.
That was my cue to head home. Before I could get up, Melissa sat down between us and wrapped her arms around our shoulders. “Smile pretty boys.”
At that moment the flash from a cell phone burst through the dark room. “God dammit, Melissa.” I shrugged her off me and stood.
“Just a photo with friends. Hope you don’t mind.”
“Smith and Paul, I’m leaving. Speak now or forever hold your peace.”
“D and I can drive you home. You’re in no condition to drive.” We all looked to Paul who was already nose to nose with Melissa.
Learning to Kill: Stories