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“Are you serious?”
“Very. I followed him one night and caught him in the act. He’s reckless and emotional, but with training, I think he could be good for us. He has the stomach for it.”
Shadow tilts his head, studying me in that way he does that makes it feel like he’s peering straight into my broken soul.
“Why?” he asks.
“He’s struggling. He takes care of three adults and a child on the money he makes dancing at Segreto. He won’t let me financially support him, so I figured he could work for his pay.”
“What’s his style?”
“Ruthless. He shoots them point blank. No preamble, just takes care of business.”
“That’s impressive, actually.”
“He hasn’t been caught. He’s smart about removing and avoiding evidence and witnesses.”
“Why do you think he’s reckless?”
“He didn’t know I was following him. He was too focused on his target. He leaves his bodies out in the open, which could make it harder for him to get away if anyone did see him. Minor things.”
Shadow nods. “I could certainly use the extra hands. I’ve had to turn away two requests this month because they involved travel and we didn’t have capacity. Did you already discuss it with him?”
“I ran it by him to see if he’d be open to it. We talked about what it means as far as his lifestyle and family.”
“And do you want him to live here?”
My stomach flutters. “Maybe eventually, but we’re still figuring things out. For now, I just want to make sure he’s taken care of and not struggling.”
“I’ll talk to him, then. I’ll make sure he knows my expectations and feel him out.”
Relief washes over me. “That’s great. Thanks, Shadow.”
“Of course. I trust your judgment. Is there anything else?”
“Just one thing. A customer at Segreto tried to roofie him. He’s probably done it before if he’s bold enough to do it at Blush’s job with so many people around. I want to do a little digging, and if he’s the piece of shit I think he is, I’d like your blessing to take care of it.”
“That’s fine with me. You know I hate that shit.”
“I know. Blush is fired up too. He wants his blood.”
Shadow smiles slightly. “Intriguing. Set up a time for me to talk to Blush.”
“I will.” I stand up to leave, but then I pause, turning back to my boss. “Are things good with you and Stealth?”
His jaw twitches but he nods. “Bellamy’s decided he’s some kind of friendship mediator between us. We’ve both told him there’s nothing wrong and we’ll figure it out again, but he insists that there’s a wall between us we need to break down.” He shakes his head even as a smirk tugs at his lips. “Can’t tell Bellamy anything once he’s got an idea in his head.”
“So that’s the plan behind the roller coaster trip?”
Shadow nods. “He said we need to embrace our inner children again.” He chuckles. “Ridiculous, right? I don’t think I’ve ever been a child, even when I was one.”
“Maybe he’s right. It couldn’t hurt.”
“No, I guess not.”
I linger, putting my hands on the back of the chair I was sitting in. “Are you guys back together?”
His face does something funny I can’t quite name. “It’s complicated.”
