Page 16 of Lost in the Fog

He pulled her in close and murmured, “I don’t want to let you go.”

“You have ninety seconds, and I start fighting to get loose. My anxiety is rising, and when that happens, people end up as blood splatters on the walls.”

He didn’t release her, but his hand flexed.

“I will walk you to your car.”

He opened the door, and she sent a tendril out to pick up the cake. He laughed. “What are you doing?”

“You guys aren’t going to eat it, and I like this flavour, or I wouldn’t have picked it.” She smiled.

He released her arm and took the cake out of her clutches. “The cake stays.”

“Fine. Let’s get going. It looks like the club is up and running again.”

“Right.” He set the cake back on the table and took her hand, leading her out of the office and down the hall.

“Is this your club?”

“No. I am the general manager, and I run audits.”

“Entertaining.”

“Not really, but it keeps me busy.”

She nodded. “So, how long have you been out?”

“Just shy of ten years. We were trapped in there for... a while after I saw you last.” He squeezed her hand.

Pandora looked at where her hand was solid in his.

“So, you are a private investigator?”

“Yup. And cake decorator when needed and baker and other stuff.”

“What other stuff?”

“I will discuss things with you another time. Call me and set up a meeting that isn’t tomorrow.”

He chuckled. “Like dating?”

“Um. No. Just like talking. I don’t know you. You don’t know me. Hell,Idon’t know me, but someone I met recognized me from my previous occupation.”

“Before you were taken to the Stronghold?”

“Yup. I haven’t had time to Google myself, but Teyval found me fairly easily.”

He blinked. “You have met other dark Elite?”

“My friends and I had lunch atHalor Denith,and his pack was there. So, my friend flickered, and introductions between me and Myrtle ensued.”

“You go there often?”

“Meh. My friends like it, so we go every month or so. I am more of a burger and fries kind of girl.” She shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong. The food is good there, but it is a little on the weird side for me.”

“No wonder Myrtle was drawn to you.”

“Oh, shoot. I am supposed to meet with her as well. She’s going to call me later in the week. No offense, but I promised my time to her first.”

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