Page 20 of Haunted

“Just finishing up, sir.”

I turn toward the exit, satisfied with the progress I’ve made. The rest of Purgatory needs my attention before opening hours. Walking through the employee corridor, I push open the door leading back to the main floor and nearly slam into someone.

I grab her shoulders to stabilize us both, recognizing her immediately. Mira. She tenses under my grip.

My brow furrows as I release her. “What are you doing here?” The question comes out sharper than intended. “You’re supposed to be on break, preparing for the Hunt.”

She shifts her weight, one hand clutching her phone too tightly. Her eyes dart around, looking at the wall behind me, the floor, anywhere but my face. The nervous energy radiating from her is palpable.

Interesting.

Mira’s gaze finally meets mine. “I... have a question I need to ask you,” she says.

I lean against the wall, crossing my arms. The hallway is empty save for us, the distant sounds of Purgatory being prepared for tonight’s crowd barely audible.

“If you’re trying to back out of the Hunt, it’s no use,” I say, my voice calm but firm. “You made your choice when you signed that NDA. You’re stuck with me now.”

A flashof irritation crosses her face. “That’s not it.”

“Then what is it? I have a club to run.” I check my watch pointedly, though I find myself curious about what has her so unsettled.

She takes a deep breath. “I need an invitation for my friend.”

This catches me off guard, and I stare at her for a moment before responding. “Your friend?”

“Yes. Cora.” She stands straighter now, confidence replacing her earlier nervousness. “She’s the mayor’s daughter. Smart, capable. She’d be perfect for the Hunt.”

I can’t help the cold laugh that escapes me. “Not possible.”

“Why not?” The challenge in her voice is back, that familiar defiance that first drew my attention.

“Because, Ms. Sullivan, the Hunt has a specific structure. Five women, fifteen men. All invitations have already been sent and accepted.” I step closer. “Why would you want to drag your friend into this? Worried about facing it alone?”

Her eyes narrow, but she doesn’t back away. “I thought having someone I know there might make things more interesting.”

“For you or me?” I ask. “The Hunt isn’t a social gathering where you bring plus ones. It’s planned, each participant carefully selected.”

“Why me?” Mira suddenly asks, her voice quiet but determined. “Out of everyone, why did you select me for the Hunt?”

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face,and I lean closer, watching her pulse quicken at the neck—a telltale sign of nervousness she can’t control. “You want to know?”

She nods, holding my gaze with admirable steadiness. I have to give her credit for her composure. Most people crumble under direct attention from me, but Mira stands her ground.

“Because you’re different,” I say. “You watch everything. You listen. You analyze. You think you’re gathering information without anyone noticing.”

I’m close enough that she can feel my breath on her face. “But I notice everything in my club, Ms. Sullivan. Especially ambitious journalists looking for their big break.”

She stiffens. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I laugh. “Come now. You’re researching an exposé on the Blackwood family, on Purgatory, on me. Did you think I wouldn’t know?”

Her eyes widen slightly—confirmation enough.

“So the Hunt is what? A trap?” She lifts her chin.

“I prefer to think of it as... an opportunity,” I reply, enjoying the flare of fear and curiosity in her expression. “For both of us. Do you want to know the truth about the Blackwoods? About me? The Hunt will show you everything you want to know.”

I tap the wall next to her head. “The real question, Mira, is whether you’ll be able to handle the truth once you have it and can’t do anything with it due to the NDA.”

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