Night Fury: Second Act Read Online Free PDF Page B

sorry . Let me out.”
    My heartbeat pulses through my temples.
    Calming myself slightly, I slide out of bed and open my bedroom door. Frankie stands there, about to knock on my door, looking worried.
    Another howl. This time longer and guttural.
    Frankie closes her eyes and cringes. “You were right. He’s a junkie.”
    My eyes widen. I blink, and then hiss, “ I knew it !”
    The gagging and retching continue.
    Frankie leans on the doorjamb and rolls her eyes. “Don’t gloat or anything.”
    I point a finger at her chest. “You have no idea how much I prayed that I was wrong. But I knew. I fucking knew it.” My lip curls. “Fucking asshole .”
    Frankie looks at me, disappointment in her eyes. “He’s trying to get help, Cat. That’s why he’s here. That’s why he dragged his brother , a brother he loves, out in the middle of the night in the pouring rain. Because he knew he couldn’t do it alone.” She pauses, allowing that to sink in. “He’s trying.”
    There is no try . There is only do.
    Even as I think that, guilt turns my stomach into a tumbling, turning mess. I sigh, “I know. I do. I know he’s trying, but I think about Tomas…”
    She finished my sentence for me, “And you get all stabby.”
    I snort a laugh. “Kind of.” I sober quickly. “The thought of anyone hurting him makes me want to gut someone.”
    Frankie reaches out to rub my shoulder. “Rest assured, sweet Cat. As long as we’re around, no one will ever lay a hand to him. Never. Not ever .”
    The knot in my stomach loosens. I take in what she just said. She’s right.
    No one will ever hurt Tomas.
    They wouldn’t dare.

    If they do, I’ll kill them.

Chapter Seven

    “Where is Marco?”
    I turn to the entrance of the kitchen to see Clark standing there, glowering at me. I shrug, feigning casual indifference. “I don’t know. You should ask Bob.”
    He slowly steps into the kitchen, not taking his eyes off me. “I’m asking you .”
    “Sorry. Can’t help you there.”
    Silence follows before he says, “You’re lying.”
    My back turns rigid. I stiffen. Turning, I glare at him. “You better be damn sure before you throw around accusations like that.”
    Clark ’s face softens a little. “Sorry. I just think you know more than you’re telling me.”
    I’m not lying.
    Not technically.
    I tell him in complete honesty, “I don’t know where Marco is, Clark.”
    He nods. “Okay.” He steps back. “Whatever you say.”
    He leaves me in the kitchen, hands shaking, heart racing. Good question, Clark. One I’d like to know myself.
    Where the hell is Marco?

    ***

    “Sister Arianne?” I ask as I knock on the chapel doorframe.
    “ Oui, ma chérie. Entrer .”
    Hands folded demurely in front of me, I enter, the picture of humbleness. I watch Ari, dressed in her habit, kneeling by an older lady, praying with her.
    I make the sign of the cross as I approach the large statue of a crucified Jesus , and then whisper, “I’m sorry to disturb you. I wonder if I may have a moment, please.”
    She smiles at my manners. “Of course.” She stands and follows me outside, closing the door behind her.
    I step closer to her and hand her a white envelope. Her face hardens slightly as she tucks the envelope into her habit. I don’t need to say anything more. I walk away in complete silence. A small smile spreads across my face.
    Tonight, we play .

    ***

    Mirage has a way of making you feel powerful. The presence in this building is astounding. It oozes confidence and cockiness. When I stand in the middle of the first floor watching the people around me take charge and do what’s necessary to get a target hunted, it makes my skin itch in the most delicious way.
    The air buzzes and hums.
    I’m in the zone.
    Tonight’s target is not someone I know. This is because tonight, we have to head four towns over. Because of this, we are getting ready extra early. It’s not even dark out.
    Bob hands us all our target sheets and we all