Page 34 of Painted Scars
“Why not?” Murder Spice waves her weapon around. “I belong toHouse Bolton, and it’s on my banner.”
They both snort and laugh. I’m stunned that the friend laughs, let alone smiles, when she walks around like a dead vampire.
Kate’s still on edge, the laugh sticking in her throat, the delay in her smile. She’s performing, keeping the mask firmly on.
I leave them to their discussion and review the things I know about Kate Williams so far, creating a profile.
1.Reads smut and stalker fantasies as a sleep replacement.
2.Relaxes with art therapy.
3.Proud dog owner. Working on the pillow humping.
4.Menace of a neighbor.
5.Employed by the Shadow Lake Reporter. Lowlife boss. Yet to deal with. Prevent Katar from murdering him.
6.Enjoys tea, chocolate, and wine at night. Hoards chocolate for a zombie apocalypse. Tea restocked, thanks to Cupid Grayson.
7.Panic attacks set off by crowds or loud noises – fireworks?
8.Covers trauma with humor.
9.Relationship status unknown.
The idea of another man on the scene fills me with a dark, murderous rage I file away for later analysis.
I type a message on our chat to check in with Grayson for updates on Kate’s dirtbag boss, a known Order affiliate.
Me: Any news on the police airwaves?
Grayson: Nothing. No calls or patrol. Maybe he didn’t report it.
Not officially. Romans don’t let insults slide. We need to be vigilant, and I’m not leaving until I know she’s safe.
Me: What about leverage on the boss?
Grayson: HR buried everything. Five complaints over two years. Three never followed through. Two dismissed.
Not surprised one bit.
Katar: Can I stab him?
My resident enforcer is back from whatever bloodshed he’s delivered.
Me: No! Don’t escalate.
Katar: What if I stab him by accident?
Peak Katar, trying to circumvent the rules and give me heartburn.
Me: Try it and I’ll staple your hands together.
Katar: Boring. Going to read my girl’s new smut instead.
Talk about dedication to his job. You won’t catch me researching that topic.
I close the chat before I lose more brain cells.
