Page 7 of Devil in Disguise

Running from the room, I could clearly hear Sin’s laughter as I rushed for the elevator and asked, “Did you get that, Ace?”

“Got it, kid. Meet you at the hospital.”

“On my way,” I confirmed when the elevator door opened and I stepped in.

Chapter Three

Dante

The second I stepped out onto the street, I whistled loudly, hailing a taxi. It was late at night and I didn’t have to wait long before a yellow cab pulled up to the curb.

Jumping into the back seat, I quickly said, “St. John’s Presbyterian Hospital.”

I knew there was no way I would get there before the others. They were closer. All I could hope for was that they would notify me the second they found him.

Sitting back in the seat, I turned my head and watched the city lights speed by as people went about their night like nothing was wrong in their world. Carefree and oblivious to anything but the enjoyment they saw. If they only knew what lurked in the darkness, waiting for them to make a mistake.

This city never ceased to amaze me. It was loud, colorful, and completely wonderful. This was where Danny and I fell in love. Where we spent our first night together. Where we lived. Where we worked. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I couldn’t wait to bring Danika home and show her the city I loved. Everything from Central Park to the West Side, the Theater district and the wonderful museums and the many delicious restaurants. New York City was the best place on earth.

But tonight, the city felt different. There was tension in the air, an urgency that I couldn’t shake.

I tried to ignore the knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. What if they couldn’t find him? What if Sin lied and he was still missing? The possibilities were terrifying, but I had to keep my hope alive. Danika was counting on me.

Traffic was heavy, but then again, I knew it would be. I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the positive memories of this city. Danny’s laughter echoed in my mind; a sound that could brighten the darkest days. The warmth of his embrace. The sparkle in his eyes when he spoke about his dreams—all those moments flashed before me as the cab made its way through the bustling city at night.

I glanced at my phone, anxiously checking for any updates from anyone. Nothing yet. My mind raced with worst-case scenarios, but I forced myself to stay calm. Danny needed me to be strong.

The cab came to a screeching halt.

We were stuck in traffic.

Frustration surged through me as I glanced at the sea of red taillights stretching ahead. It felt like the city’s vibrant pulse had conspired against me, trapping me in this moment of helplessness. I drummed my fingers against the seat, willing the traffic to move, wishing for a miracle.

I couldn’t sit still any longer. Pushing the door open, I stepped out into the cacophony of honking horns and bustling pedestrians. The cool night air hit my face, invigorating me despite the gravity of the situation. I ran, weaving through the throngs of people as I made my way toward the hospital that was still five city blocks away. Each step felt heavy, burdened with the weight of anticipation and dread.

The city lights glowed with their usual brilliance, casting long shadows that danced on the pavement. I found myself thinking about the countless nights Danny and I had spent wandering these streets, our laughter mingling with the sounds of the city. Tonight felt like another world entirely—one where each shadow hid a different secret, a threat of danger.

As I ran, memories of Danny’s reassuring voice filled my mind. “You’re stronger than you think,” he would always tell me. His faith in me was unwavering, and I clung to that belief now. The city streets blurred around me, a whirlwind of lights and faces, but my focus remained sharp. I had to reach the hospital. I had to find Danny.

My heart pounded in my chest. Each beat echoed the urgency that drove me forward. The sounds of the city seemed to fade into the background as my single-minded determination took over. I could feel the texture of the rough pavement under my feet, each step bringing me closer to the hospital.

Ahead, I could see the hospital’s sign illuminated against the night sky, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. The closer I got, the more my anxiety seemed to morph into a fierce resolve. I reached the entrance, breathless and disheveled, but determined. Bursting through the doors, I headed straight for the reception desk.

“Excuse me,” I panted. “I’m looking for Danny. Danny Franks.”

The receptionist, a kind-eyed woman, quickly typed on her computer. “Let me check for you,” she said, her voice calm and professional.

I stood there, heart in my throat, as the seconds ticked by when I heard. “Intern!”

Turning quickly, I saw Payne waving at me.

Running over to him, I asked, “Is he here?”

“Yeah.” The club brother nodded. “The doc is looking at him now and running tests. We need to hurry before Ace ends up in a bed next to his brother.”

“Why?”

Payne groaned, pressing the fifth-floor button. “Fucker is losing his shit. He wants Sypher air flighted to Tennessee. He’s being a dick about it, too.”

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