Little black card

BRYNN POV

The way he says “alone” makes me shiver down my spine and not in the good way.

But I opt to tell the truth. Realizing he’s not going to let it go. Trying to just make it to my stop safely. Survival, it’s all I’ve known.

His face close to mine, I turn away to the window.

“I went out with my stepsister and her friends. They took me downtown and left me in another club. We don’t get along much so it’s no surprise that she would leave me in a city I don’t know. I started walking home when I thought I saw her walking into your club. So I followed.”

“I walked through looking for her. I thought I saw her enter through the curtain, I followed. I checked every room, not a fan of your business by the way, and couldn’t find her. I found an empty room to order an Uber. But that’s when you pervertedly pushed your chest against my back”

I see his expression shifts subtly—calculation replacing amusement. He studies your face like he's reading between lines you didn't know you wrote.

“Abandoned by family in my territory. Interesting coincidence.”

His fingers drum once against the leather seat.

“Your stepsister. Describe her.”

“Blonde blue eyes, plastic surgery face and body to match. Her name is Jessie. Know her? Seems like your type” I joke.

The car slows at a red light. Through the window, you notice you're not on the route to Main and Washington anymore. The streets look unfamiliar, buildings growing more industrial, fewer pedestrians on the sidewalks. I don’t show panic, but quick to think how I’m going to escape.

The mysterious man notices your realization and leans forward, pressing the intercom.

Change of plans, Kade. Take us to Meridian.

He turns back to you, eyes dark with intention.

“Don't worry. I'll get you home... eventually.”

VEX POV

My expression hardens at her description. Recognition flashes in his eyes, quickly replaced by something colder.

“Jessie Mason…Daddy's, Robert, right? Trying to buy up half the waterfront? Eastern territory mafia boss?”

He pulls out his phone, types something rapidly.

“Your stepsister has... expensive tastes. And expensive debts.”

*The car stops at a red light.*

Her hand on the car door handle she tries to open the door. But the car is locked from the outside. Much like a cop car.

“Cute” she says.

I can’t help but laugh at the attempt.

“It’s to keep enemies in, you’re not an enemy are you Brynn?”

BRYNN POV

“How do you know my name?” I ask. Panicked. I’ve been on the run for two months now. Is this how Robert finds me? I think to myself.

I glare at the man before me. Not sure if I should expect my death or something worse.. being brought back to Robert.

He gives me a predatory smile.

“Relax, I know that Robert has a step daughter named Brynn… if you’re Jessie’s step sister then I just used process of elimination.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realizing I was holding.

The man signals to his driver and we turn around pulling up to Washington and main.

The car pulls to a smooth stop at the corner. He leans forward, his breath warm against my ear.

“This is where you wanted to go. But I don't think it's where you need to be.”

Kade gets out and opens your door of the car. The mysterious man’s fingers brush yours as you exit, the touch deliberate and lingering.

“Jessie's in over her head with people who don't play nice. Not even by my standards.”

He slips a black business card into your hand, his thumb pressing it into your palm.

“When you're ready to hear the rest, call that number. Only that number.”

His eyes flick to the street outside, then back to you, something almost like concern darkening his gaze.

I take the card, it reads VEX MADDOCK and only one number on it.

I look at the card. I flick it back the card hitting Lex in the chest.

“I’m not interested in helping Jessie. Her problems are her fault. I’m not interested in getting involved in your criminal world.”

I shut the car door, waiting for them to drive off so I can walk away.

The car pulls away slowly. I can feel Vex’s eyes in my through the tinted windows.

My apartment is 3 blocks away. I reach the door and unlock it. Safe.