Okay, you’re serious that you have no idea who that guy was?”

Katherine lifted her gin martini and smiled at Cecilia. The woman had been her friend for years, knowing all her dirty little secrets. Well, almost. Cecilia Randolph was also a renowned judge, as hungry for sinful acts as she was. “Nope. I have some people finding out, so I know what I’m dealing with.” She winked at Jenny Marks, their other partner in crime, a district attorney from her previous office and one bitchy lady.

“People. You know everyone in this town. Shouldn’t take long,” Jenny cooed as she fingered her wine glass. “He was hot. That much I’ll tell you. Did you notice the way his jeans were snug on that tight ass of his?”

“Jenny!” Cecilia laughed. “But she’s right. His crotch was damn hot too. Just sayin’!”

Chuckling, she could tell they were being watched. There were few places she could go in town that someone didn’t know her or her friends. She had her eye on a particular piece of candy, the man of choice for the evening. She’d wait until the right time. Even her friends didn’t know the man was an occasional treat.

“How long are you in town?” Cecilia asked casually. “Long enough to fight the good fight?”

“Very funny and maybe. At least session doesn’t start for another couple of weeks.” Katherine had the terrible feeling this situation was going to blow her schedule.

“Don’t look now, but we’re going to have company,” Jenny said under her breath.

“Ladies. I must say, you’re all looking fine tonight. Would any of you care to dance?” His voice was husky, dripping with sexual innuendoes.

Katherine studied his chiseled face, the dark eyes and the way he was looking directly at her and smiled. “I’m relaxing myself. Thank you. Perhaps one of these other ladies wouldn’t mind.”

“Hmmm… I could use a dance. Happy to taste you. I mean dance with you.” Taking a sip of her drink first, Jenny eased off the stool, allowing the man to take her hand.

Cecilia sighed and leaned over. “I can tell you’re rattled, no matter what you say.”

“You know me too well.”

“That I do. Why? Because of Mr. Mysterious?”

Katherine sat back, kicking out her leg. “That’s one reason. I don’t like not knowing a thing about my opponents, but if this thing goes south, there is no chance I’ll be taken seriously and absolutely no way I’ll get re-elected. Plus, I have the distinct feeling someone is out to take me down.”

“What do you mean take you down?”

“Just a weird feeling, like I have a black cloud following me. Hard to explain.” Katherine wasn’t ready to tell anyone about the note. Cecilia would no doubt scour the earth to try and find the culprit. If her ex was responsible, she’d have no issue taking him down. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the sexy dark-haired man was staring at her, watching her every move. He was cute, but not the one. Not tonight.

Cecilia narrowed her eyes. “Hold on here. What are you trying to tell me? Talk to me or else.”

“Just a couple of odd phone calls. Nothing to pinpoint.” Just a threatening note. The phone calls had been nothing out of the ordinary but her sixth sense had kicked in.

“Oh, no you don’t. That sounds ominous. Have you had any direct threats?”

“No, nothing.” Katherine gave her a half smile

“Uh-huh. What about your ex? Hasn’t he been an asshole lately?”

“Lately?” She laughed and brought her drink to her lips. “Try all the time. John either threatens to drag me through court or says he has dirt on me. Whatever. I have enough pictures of his excursions with girls barely over eighteen to keep him in check.” Granted, John was a formidable man and she had no doubt he was going to use something against her. She just had to figure out what and more importantly, why. She swirled the tip of her finger around the glass.

“I don’t like hearing you this way. Apprehensive, unsure of what you’re doing. You’re the kick ass senator.”

“I’ve ruffled a hell of a lot of feathers.”

“Yes, you have.” Cecilia laughed. “I have to ask you. Why is this environmental thing so important to you?”

“Why?” She thought about the question. “I guess my parents. My father specifically. He worked his entire career trying to help the environment, seeing firsthand what oil spills did to the oceans. He never seemed to win. I’ve seen the reports. I know the damage the oil companies have done to the oceans.”

“But that’s not why you campaigned.”

“In a way, I did. I wanted to right the wrongs. I wanted new laws protecting animals and people alike. This falls into exactly what I told the voters I wanted to do.”

“And you left a successful career.”

“I was burned out and you know why.”

Cecilia lifted her glass. “Yeah, I do. To Goliath. You are the youngest senator out there. You can do anything you want. Well, within reason.”

“Funny, but then again, you’re right.” She allowed their glasses to clink and noticed the young man’s approach. While she was only in her early thirties, the young man was delicious and almost nine years her junior. She loved his energy and the way she could control him. While this wasn’t her by any sense of the concept, given she was a born submissive, the change had allowed her to break free of her prison, the one John had enslaved her in the day he married her.

“What are you looking at? I can see the hunger in your eyes.”

Katherine gave her a look and took a sip of her drink. “Have to cut our delicious time short. I have things to do. Make sure to get Jenny off the dance floor before she decides to marry the guy.”

“You’re leaving?” She darted her gaze in the direction where Katherine was looking. “I guess you are. Such a bad girl you are.”

“I am and I’m loving every minute of it.”

“Have fun.”

She grabbed her purse and headed toward Donny. She wasn’t certain it was his real name, nor did she care. She was happy they’d found each other after one illustrious dinner event almost two months before. He was working for another senator, a man everyone hated and feared. She laughed as she sauntered toward him, passing him by and giving him a simple look. He would follow her to her car. Then she’d make certain she remained a solid block behind him on the way to his place.

She would never take a man to her condo, not with John skulking about, determined to make her life a living hell. When they were in the parking lot, she glanced around them. There was no one in sight. So, she decided to risk a small taste. Inching closer, she rubbed her hand across his chin and gave him a heated smile. She loved adventure, craved everything dangerous about being caught, the delicious possibilities.

The alley next to the bar was dark, only a small light providing any light, a mere glow. When she found a suitable location, she leaned against the brick building.

Donny sauntered toward her, a grin on his face.

She lifted her finger, placing it against her lips and shook her head. He knew better than to make a sound. When she pointed to the cracked pavement, he responded immediately, dropping to his knees. She glanced up and down the street one last time before sliding her hands down her skirt, pulling up the material to her waist. She hadn’t worn any panties, preferring the sinful feeling of freedom. After widening her legs, she sighed and closed her eyes.

Donny brushed his hands up the inside of her legs, kneading her soft skin until he reached her thighs. He opened his mouth, allowing his hot breath to slide across her stomach and naked pussy. Pressing his lips against her skin, he licked back and forth across her bikini line before using his fingers to pull apart the folds of her cunt.

She bit her lower lip to keep from crying out the moment he swirled the tip of his tongue around her clit. She was tingling all over, every part of her body on fire. Goosebumps popped along her skin as his fingers slipped just inside.

When he buried his face, licking, darting his tongue inside her pussy, she allowed a single moan.

Katherine eased her hand on top of his head, keeping her grip tight as he licked and sucked, his fingers working in orchestration, plunging in and out. The man had been taught how to lick her, punished for any infractions and she could tell he was close to perfection.

Grunting, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her cunt into his face, his tongue working expertly as he licked in long, slow movements.

She blinked several times, hearing the cars zooming by, knowing there could be anyone watching them, studying their carnal act. This was so bad but oh, so incredible. When his index finger wiggled between the crack of her ass, she tensed, but wanted nothing more than to have his finger probe her dark hole.

Donny pushed a single finger inside, pumping as he continued licking, the slurping sounds floating between them.

Katherine jutted her hips forward as he added a second finger inside her ass, pushing past the tight ring of muscle. Pain washed through her, a reminder she should wear her ass plug more often. But the agony quickly turned to intense pleasure and she almost asked him to fuck her in the ass right here. At this moment.

Dragging his tongue up and down, he used four fingers, thrusting two inside her pussy, the others in her ass.

Her body rocked as her blood pumped, every cell on heightened alert. She continued to hold his head in place as she slipped the other hand inside her blouse, pinching her nipple, twisting. She was so alive, so hungry and knew she was close to coming. Opening her legs even wider, she bent her knees and met every hard thrust with one of her own.

He licked, nipping her clit, his fingers moving at a savage pace. A single growl could be heard, and he buried his face into her cunt, slickening his nose and cheeks, his chin and mouth with her cream.

Panting, she dropped her head, her legs shaking and knew she couldn’t hold back any longer. Biting her lower lip to keep from screaming, she let go, the orgasm riding up from her freshly painted toes into her cunt. Tossing her head back, she opened her eyes wide.

Donny continued licking and sucking until she stopped shaking.

She pushed him away and sighed, rubbing her mouth with the back of her hand and pushing down her skirt. “Fantastic. I can’t wait for you to fuck me.” She winked as she headed out of the alley, enjoying the way the cum trickled down the insides of her legs. Yes, she just might have to allow him to fuck her in the ass.

As she walked to her car, she heard a noise and stiffened. Glancing to her right, she could swear she’d seen the dark car before. Parked on the other side of the street, she knew instinctively there was someone inside. They were waiting. Watching. She issued a harsh glare and shook her head. No one was going to fuck with her. No one.

She had ways of dealing with assholes and she didn’t care what that meant. Offering a smile, she climbed inside, starting the engine. She had far too much playing to do.

* * *

Snake stood outside of the office building, his arms folded. He’d watched the various people come and go, having learned as much as he could about her staff. The element of surprise he would put to good use. Besides, Senator Wallace hadn’t contacted Camden, allowing a meeting to be established. She no doubt preferred to come to them when she was good and ready. He had to smile at the thought.

He checked his watch and headed for the building. From what he’d learned about her schedule, Katherine would be in the office, no doubt trying to figure out what to do next. He shoved his sunglasses into his pocket and walked inside, punching the floor for the elevator. Her law firm was on the top floor, her office neatly tucked in the back corner, with sweeping views of the city.

The elevator made several stops, and no one paid him any attention. When he got off on her floor, he could see the double glass door, the gold embossed writing indicating he’d arrived. He walked inside and past the receptionist without a single comment.

“Sir. Where are you going? Sir! You can’t just go back there.”

His strides were long as he walked down the hall, passing by several all glass offices. No one cared who he was or where he was going. Even the pretty blonde receptionist would have sat back down at her desk, befuddled as to what she should do or who she should call. He rounded the corner and could see Katherine standing by the window, her arms folded. Stopping short, he allowed himself to admire her. Even in a professional charcoal colored suit, she exuded femininity, an alluring manner about her.

Snickering, he walked to her door, opening and going inside without knocking.

“What the hell?” Katherine turned, a vile look on her face until she recognized him.

“Senator Wallace. I believe we should talk. Don’t you?” When she said nothing, he remained where he was, studying her impressive office, the mahogany desk and well adorned bookshelves. The woman had worked hard to achieve her status not only in her field of law, but in the traditionally white male conservative Congress.

“You have the luxury of knowing my name. Now, tell me yours.” There was no hint of fear in her voice, but her eyes told a different story.

Snake walked closer, holding out his hand. “Snake Driscoll. I work with Rush Enterprises, but I assume you already know that.”

She took his hand and the moment they touched, her lower lip quivered, her stance getting taller.

The electricity was incredible, giving his pulse a boost. He exhaled as the handshake lingered, his thumb absently moving back and forth. For a few seconds, they remained quiet, neither wanting to break the shared moment, the deep connection.

Katherine swallowed and finally took her hand away, glancing at her palm before clenching her fist. “You should have called.”

“It’s my understanding that Camden Dane tried, even suggesting a meeting. You ignored the request. I decided it was time for us to meet. Time is of the essence for you.” He cocked his head, waiting for any objection.

There was none.

“You’re right. The bill goes in front of the Congress in four weeks. You do your homework. Who are you, Snake Driscoll? You talk a good game, but I haven’t seen you before. Why don’t you tell me what you’re about?”

“What I’m about?” He leaned over her desk, placing his fists on top of the wood. “I’m a man of action, Senator and I refuse to tolerate bullshit. I think that’s the first thing you need to realize.”

She gave him a hard look, her eyes flashing. “And the second?”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. “That I always get what I want. Always.” Standing to his full height, he noticed the tic on the corner of her mouth. “I know what I’m talking about. I’m an environmental engineer by trade, an oil rigger second. I care about the environment, perhaps more than you do. But I see both sides. That is something you have no understanding of.”

“No understanding?” Scoffing, she rounded the corner of her desk, coming to within inches of him. “I’ve studied reports for years. I’ve been a part of actions taken by various scientific groups. My father is an oceanographer and has dealt with the likes of you.” She sucked in her breath, as if realizing her words were inflammatory.

“But have you ever been in the trenches?”

“The trenches?”

“Yes, Senator. Have you ever seen an oil rig in action? Have you ever even been on an oilfield, talked to various riggers? Have you been stationed on an offshore rig, allowing you to see up close and personal exactly what goes on, the safety and environmental precautions? Have you?” Snake waited as she reeled back, her entire face furrowed. “I take that as a no.”

Katherine exhaled and looked away, the same tick remaining. “No, I haven’t. I’ve never had the offer extended to me before.”

“Then I’ll make that offer. Let’s call it a challenge.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“I’m suggesting that you spend a week with me, on an offshore rig so you have firsthand knowledge of what we do, the ins and outs of a crew. That’s what I’m suggesting.”

She hesitated and looked directly into his eyes. “I’ll accept that challenge but only if you accept one of mine.”

The stakes had gotten higher. He took a step closer until they were almost nose to nose then lowered his voice. “Go for it.”

“I’ve heard rumors about Rush Enterprises and their future expansions. I understand a new offshore rig, much larger than any of the others, is on the table in future years. No matter what location they determine as feasible, the disruption to ocean life will be catastrophic.” She smiled coyly as if catching him in a moment of truth he wasn’t aware of.

Snake lifted a single eyebrow. Formidable. Intelligent. Beautiful. Cunning. He was turned on as hell. “What do you propose?”

“That you come with me, stay a week at a location of my choice so you can see the effects of what happens when oil rigs are positioned in the ocean, especially when the project goes south. When oil spills occur.” A smile crossed her face, a knowing as if she had him backed into a corner.

He thought about the offer, the concepts involved and could only think about one thing. He wanted this woman. Bad. “Deal accepted. When do we leave?”

* * *

“You’re doing what?” Cecilia stood with her jaw slack, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

“I’m going to a resort with this Snake person,” Katherine answered as she tossed several items into her suitcase. “Well, more of a shack by the ocean.” She knew exactly where she wanted to take him. He didn’t ask, and she didn’t say.

“You’re out of your mind.”

She gave her friend a look and sighed. “He challenged me, so I smacked it right back in his face.”

“What about your first job?”

“The law firm is being run by my distinctive colleague,” she muttered, going over her conversation with Frank and cringing. The man had laughed only seconds before chastising her ridiculous behavior, calling her actions childish.

“I’m not talking about the law firm.”

Katherine sucked in her breath. Yeah, missing the important sessions in Congress was going to give her a black mark, but this work was her life and very important to her. “Everything will be fine. I’ll only miss a couple of days.”

“You’re walking on thin ice and you know it.”

“Yeah, I get it. Snake shocked the hell out of me. I guess I panicked.” The behavior wasn’t like her. Not in the least. She always had control of every aspect of her life. Yet, the moment the man had left her office, swaggering out as if he owned the place, she’d been forced into the bathroom. Her soaking wet panties had been a reminder that she was far to attracted to the man.

Cecilia crossed her arms, a grin on her face. “He’s hot. I’ll give him that.”

“He’s an asshole!” The truth gave her shivers. Snake was exciting, sexy as hell and had an attitude to match his bravado. And she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him all night.

“Uh-huh. I think you like this guy.”

“I don’t know him.”

“What’s there to know other than carnally?”

Katherine zipped the suitcase and huffed. “I’m not fucking him.” But hell, if she didn’t want to. “I had him checked out.”

“These contacts of yours are fascinating. Quick work. They don’t seem to interfere and even moi, your very best friend in the entire world, has no idea who they are.”

“Not a ‘they’, just a ‘he’,” she said defiantly. If only her BFF had any idea how dangerous her contact really was.

“Okay. Fine. So, who is Snake Driscoll?”

“A man with a mission.”

“Meaning?” Cecilia inched closer, the wry smile turning into one of a wicked nature.

She yanked her suitcase onto the floor and brushed both hands through her hair. “He’s been an environmental engineer for several years. He used to work on oil rigs when he was a teenager and all through his training in the military. He’s unmarried and has no children. His bank account is surprisingly healthy. He enjoys a good bottle of scotch and…” Another shiver trickled down her back, moving straight into her pussy. There was also an interesting aspect regarding Snake’s life, two missing years unaccounted for during his youth. Did the man have secrets? Then again, didn’t they all?

“And?”

Katherine wasn’t entirely certain she wanted to say anything. Even Cecilia had no idea about her dark hungers, her almost desperate needs. “He enjoys female companionship.”

“You mean the man is kinky, befitting for a woman of stature, Ms. Politician.” Cecilia laughed. “Oh, come on. Don’t have that look of horror on your face. I know you better than you know yourself. Use this trip as a method of tossing away that mask of steel you always wear.”

“What do you think you know?” Laughing, she tossed a throw pillow in her friend’s direction. If anyone else found out about her particular brand of proclivities, she’d be the laughing stock of Washington, let alone the entire state of Texas.

“Pour me a glass of wine and I’ll tell you.” Winking, she sauntered out of the room, whistling, tossing her head back and forth.

She glanced at her watch. It was almost eight. Swallowing, she wasn’t certain what excuse to give Cecilia. This secret would be buried in her grave and walked toward her dresser, gazing at her pensive reflection. What had happened to her life? She’d been on the right path, the finest education, the right internships, an election that had been heralded as extraordinary. No? She was nothing but a whore.

The thought chilling, she clenched her fists as she headed into the kitchen. “I’d love to commiserate over sexy men, but I have a few things to attend to before I leave tomorrow.”

Cecilia planted both hands on the counter, lifting a single eyebrow. “Hot date?”

“No! Nothing like that.”

“And what about Mr. Hottie from last night?”

“He was just… We just talked.” Katherine remained uncomfortable, a single bead of perspiration forming over her lip.

Squinting, she remained quiet for a full ten seconds. “I don’t care who you date, fuck or have drinks with. You know that. Who the hell am I to judge? I’m just worried about you. The divorce has taken a significant toll.”

“Stop worrying about me. I’m fine. The divorce will be final soon and I can get on with my life. I’m just getting a few things tonight, nothing clandestine.”

Cecilia grabbed her purse, her lower lip pouting. “And you’ll be gone for how long?”

“One week in the Cayman Islands and one week on some offshore rig. And I have to drive to Houston to catch the plane.”

“Uh-huh. Well, should be interesting. Keep in touch or else.”

Katherine smiled, her tension easing. “I’ll try. I’m not certain about internet reception.”

“Oil rig. Dirty. Sweaty. Beefy. Men. I love it. If you need a helper, just let me know.” Patting her friend on the arm, Cecilia stopped before she left the kitchen. “Just take care of yourself. You deserve a break.”

A break. What she deserved she could never have.

* * *

Katherine stood outside the battered steel door, trying to calm her nerves. She was right on time, but he’d known she would be. As the sole owner of the building, the man had the luxury of extreme privacy. There were no nosy neighbors, no roommates or girlfriends. In fact, the entire block was desolate, the only other buildings occupied were a few businesses that operated only in the day. This was his kingdom, a place where anything and everything he desired could occur.

Dear God, the man was a monster.

This was going to be the last time, no matter what kind of favor or information she needed. She’d figure out another way. Her left leg was quivering, shaking enough the heel of her stiletto was tapping against the cement floor.

Dressed in a black trench coat and nothing else, as required, she cringed given her nipples remained sensitive as they scraped against the stiff material. Excitement mixed with utter anxiety, leaving her throat parched, her blood pressure skyrocketing. There was no other way. What information she hadn’t told Cecilia was the kind worth this type of payment.

She tapped twice and stood with her head down, another demand he’d made early on. Respect. He required complete respect. To him, she was nothing but a piece of flesh, a toy that helped him escape, fueling his sadistic hungers.

He opened the door, remaining quiet and allowed her in.

Katherine noticed the rocks glass in his hand, heard the gothic music coming from his expensive stereo system. There would be no offer of a drink, no conversation leading to a romantic moment. This wasn’t about passion. This wasn’t about love.

This was entirely about pain.

She untied the belt holding her coat together as she passed through his living room, heading to the space he called a dungeon. Placing her coat on the chair outside the door, she carefully positioned her shoes underneath, exactly in the middle. Everything was precise, just the way he’d explained during their first session. Any infraction would result in an elongated event, anguish becoming torture.

The single light highlighting the chains hanging from the ceiling were the indication of the apparatus selected. And he had several. Pieces chosen with punishment in mind. She knew enough about the man to realize he could have anything or anyone he desired. Rich. Good looking. Powerful. He was a man to be feared by friends and enemies alike.

He had also been her awakening.

As she stood with her back to the door, her hands by her sides, she thought about her reasons for allowing this to occur in the first place. Yes, he provided valuable data, but the initial invitation had been one she hadn’t wanted to refuse. Release. Exhaling, she began to control her breathing, the only method she had to control her adrenaline, the rush of fear that remained the entire time. She’d been his student, learning so much over the past few months.

He’d never told her he was proud of her behavior or actions. He’d never complimented her on her hair or makeup. He merely took what he wanted.

She could hear his heavy footsteps coming into the room, could tell he was finishing up his drink, taking his time. When he was ready, he moved in her direction, taking her right arm and lifting, placing her wrist into a steel manacle. He followed with her left and walked around her in a complete circle. As if satisfied, he moved toward the back wall, turning a metal wheel, a crank.

The chains above her head rattled, clanging together, creating an echo in the area around her. She was shaking, every part of her twitching as she waited, knowing what was about to occur and preparing herself for the time spent. She could see a metal bar lying on a table close by, the two ends secured to another set of steel clamps.

Every action was controlled, methodical as he slid his hand down the length of the bar before holding the piece in the dim light.

Katherine did her best not to look, to remain with her head lowered but she was fascinated by the tools, the manner in which he used them.

He walked slowly in her direction, his fingertips brushing along her waist and hips, her buttocks and the tops of her thighs. When he stood behind her, he raked a single nail down her spine to the crack of her ass then slid the metal bar down along her back and in between her legs. Moving the bar back and forth, he grunted once, perhaps the only sound he’d make during the time spent together.

She swallowed as he positioned the bar between her feet, clamping both ankles, spreading her wide open. There was no way to escape. She wasn’t surprised she was aroused, her cunt wet, the scent stronger than normal. Her nipples remained hard, her skin covered in goosebumps. Her reaction was almost always the same.

The sounds of his footsteps pulled her out of her quiet bliss and she knew the time was close. He was selecting a whip, deciding the perfect implement for the evening. There was never any explanation, no reason given for his choice, but she knew when he was angry or upset. She always knew. She kept her head down, her eyes positioned on the floor. She could be an obedient girl, behaving in an effort to please him.

He moved in front of her, the change in his methods one of surprise. Using a single finger, he lifted her chin, gazing into her eyes. In his, she noticed remorse. Tilting his head, he eased his hand down her neck, wrapping his fingers around her skin and squeezing.

Her air supply cut, she blinked several times, the moment cathartic. She’d given him absolute control over her safety and her life. This was nothing more than a test of her will. She didn’t squeal or make any sound, only concentrating on remaining calm.

He seemed impressed and rewarded her by pinching and twisting her nipple then chuckling. There was a difference in him tonight, a quiet resolve unlike any of the other times they’d been together. Something had changed. When he moved around her, she held her breath, waiting for the pain to begin.

Crack!

The whip sliced along her upper buttocks, the strike expertly placed. She bit back a scream and clenched her eyes shut, willing her mind to find her special place, the peace she needed in order to fulfill her requirement. Her payment.

Slap!

The snap of his wrist seemed more powerful than the strike, yet the agony was intense.

Crack! Pop!

Katherine winced, her body shuddering but he didn’t seem to notice.

Smack! Crack!

He moved back and forth from side to side, as if making certain his marks would be even, perfectly placed on her buttocks and upper thighs. He never marked her where others could see. There was never a threat of exposure.

Pop! Slap!

The pain was vibrant, creating a sickening feeling in her stomach, but she was able to endure. He was far from being finished.

Smack! Crack!

With each hard strike, every lash powered across her body, she began to slide into a place of freedom, her body no longer shivering.

Pop! Slap!

Katherine was lulled into heightened bliss, her breathing now even, no longer struggling in any manner. She was free.

Crack! Smack!

She was alive, every cell in her body electrified.

Whap! Pop!

She was exactly the woman she needed to be.

Crack!

* * *

Thirty minutes later, Katherine walked out of his brownstone. Her heart continued to race but her mind was clear. She remained in a state of peace, her skin tingling, her arms popping with goosebumps. A smile remained on her face as she headed for her car, her eyes scanning the darkened area. She tugged the key fob from her coat pocket and continued on her path, taking quick steps toward the Mercedes.

Clink! Snap!

Hair stood up on the back of her neck. The sound reminded her of metal dancing against metal, but there was no breeze. She glanced up and down the deserted street then toward the group of shadowed buildings. There was no one around. An animal. The sound had to be from some animal roaming the streets.

She had her hand on the door handle when she heard a scraping sound, as if something or someone was being dragged. Sensing the noise was coming from in front of her, she blinked but was unable to focus given the darkness.

Ping!

Now, she was shaking all over. Fumbling, she finally managed to open the car door and once inside, she started the engine immediately, putting the car into gear. The doors locked, and a sense of relief flooded through her. Seconds before she put her foot on the gas pedal, she heard her phone, neatly tucked away in her purse on the floor. She struggled to grab it then seeing the set of zeroes crossing the screen, she snarled. “Whoever you are, cross this phone number off your list. Do I make myself clear?”

Jerking away from the curb, she floored the accelerator. As the lights flashed on an object ahead, she sucked in her breath.

“I’m coming for you.”