Page 38 of Shadows Within
“Oh, I’d never want to cross you in a dark alley.” He smiles, but his face remains concerned. “Just be careful, I know you’re safe, and one of the smartest women I know... But there’s bad people in this town. I’m always here if you need me.”
I trust Ricco and know he would be there for me without hesitation. I step toward him and place my hand on his shoulder.
“You’re the best Ricco, and you need new friends if I’m the smartest woman you know. I give myself credit where it’s due, but come on dude.”
We laugh together. “Okay, maybe smartest was a stretch.” He adds.
I playfully hit his arm and smile. “Dick.”
“I’ll be back tomorrow. Save me a round.” I climb out of the ring and make my way over toward my locker. I hesitate before I open it, my mind is stuck on the thought of Callum following me here.
I hate that I’m thinking about him, again.
Bliss
Callum
The roof’s dark peaks come into view as I pull up the driveway. What used to be a beautiful place, is now so tainted. Dead leaves crunch under my car as I pull into my usual spot. I walk into The Society and up the stairs to the lounge. I have to find Harrison and finalize the details of the drug run. It’s the middle of a weekday, so I don’t expect to see many people here.
I spot the parlour door cracked open. Harrison sits on a chair in the corner with a drink in his hand.
“Callum,” he says. It’s not an unusual way for him to greet me.
“What’s the plan?” I walk toward the bar and pour myself a drink.
“We just have to run a few bricks into the city. It shouldn’t take too long.” My back faces him as I move over and stand beside the bookshelf.
I hope this drink will calm my mind.
“Usual spot?” We drop drugs off to a house in Boston. The drive up is nice, and the drop has a low chance for anything going awry. We’ve dealt with the same guys there for almost six years, so they know the chain of command.
“You bringing someone next week?” I ask and sit down in the chair next to him.
“I don’t know. You still not sure either?” I know that I can trust Harrison, I just don’t want to bring him into my shit.
“Yeah, I’m not sure if Scarlett should come. I don’t know if she’s safer out there or here with me.” I take a large sip of the dark liquid in my glass.
“I get that man. But I don’t think anything will really happen that night. There will be lots of eyes on everyone.”
He’s right. A couple of the sororities will be here, and we can’t risk anything. Plus, all the Highers and their flavors of the night will be present as well. That reminds me... Scarlett’s Mom.
“Do you see Vanessa Voss often at the parties?” I look at him and hesitate. “Should I be worried?”
His subtle glance already reveals his answer. “I’ve seen her around more lately. I’m not sure who enjoys her company, but I can find out,” he says.
“I need to know. If I bring Scarlett, Vanessa can’t be at the party. It’s important.” My voice is hesitant.
“What is this with Scarlett, Callum? You know that once she gets closer, you’ll need to tell her about your involvement with The Society.” I take another sip from my glass, the burn in my throat makes his words sink in.
I know that I’ll have to tell Scarlett about The Society eventually, I just don’t know how much I want to tell her. I also don’t trust all the pledges, and even though I can keep her safe, I don’t want her exposed to any threats. She’s already been a victim to the power and greed that controls most of us.
“I know, I will tell her. I just need more time. She can’t see me differently yet.” My words feel like poison, thick and crippling. I never want to be responsible for her pain, it’s too heavy.
“You just about ready?” I ask, changing the subject. I finish my drink, walk over to the bar, and place the empty glass on the rail. “We’re taking my car.” Harrison doesn’t say anything. It’s very rare that I let anyone else drive, I need control in all aspects of my life.
The clouds darken as we pull out of the manor. It’s almost like Mother Nature knew that the mood has shifted.
Rain droplets pound against my windshield as we pull up to the house in Boston. It’s your average suburban red brick house, that looks like it belongs to a middle-aged couple, not a drug organization. I park the car and pop the trunk. Harrison gets out. I take a minute longer and flip down the visor to look at myself in the mirror, turning on the side of me that most of the world already knows.No one will ever see the side that she does.
