It was five o’clock that evening, and Carter was enjoying a glass of Hennessey on the rocks. Hugo had been gone since eleven thirty. Carter didn’t text him, though. He was a grown man and could go and stay where he pleased. Back in the old days, Carter would get worried when Hugo was gone too long because the rival gangs were relentless against the Mitchells. After the Mitchells had finally prevailed and took over the neighborhood fifteen years ago, Carter didn’t worry about anyone taking out his family members anymore.            The suite had a beautiful view. Too bad Lana didn’t come up to see it. She would have loved the white plush carpeting and the tasteful art on the wall. Carter sat down in an armchair. The pillows felt good on his back. He took another swig from his glass. Lana was more beautiful now than she was four year

Per Victoria’s suggestion, Layla had started keeping a journal. She wrote down the new memories she gained at her session that day. Then she wrote down a list of what and who she wanted to research. She wasn’t sure if she would have time to do it tomorrow, but she was going to try.She filled Izabella in on her new memories. The nanny was so happy for her that she clapped her hands together like Keisha did when she was pleased about something.Layla had two hours to get ready for her and Damien’s hot sex night. After she left her session, she had gone to the mall and bought new makeup and lingerie. Then she had gone to the grocery store to purchase some edible items. Pulling out the new piece of lingerie made her feel like a virgin who was about to lose her cherry.Virgin. The word replayed in her mind as a naughty thought emerged.Carter Mitchell wore a smoking jacket in a luxurious . . . hotel room. He sat down next to her

            The voices came to her in the darkness, whispering different things. But one thing they hissed was the same. Lana . . . Lana . . . Lana.            Layla shot straight up in the bed as she heaved. She was hot and sticky. Damien snored loudly beside her. He didn’t snore unless he was really tired. Creeping out of bed to keep from waking him, she went to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet and splashed cool water on her face.            Lana. It could be a mistake like she thought when she first met the old couple. But considering that she couldn’t recall most of her life, she had to be sure. It would be the most radical thing she has done concerning her mission to discover her past, but she figured the worst that could happen was being cursed out.  &nbs

            It was a quiet Tuesday morning until Lacey called. She was frantic that there were two break-ins three streets down from Sunset Boulevard.            “I don’t care what Corey says. He has to leave overnight for business all the time, and I’m usually here alone. I’m getting a gun and getting instruction on how to use it.”            “I know you’re concerned, but this is one of the best areas in Tampa. Surely, they were isolated incidents. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was someone that the victims knew,” Layla stated.            “I’m not taking any chances. We got a lot of expensive things in here. Plus, I’m too cute to be a victim. I want you to come with me.&rd

            It was Thursday, late morning. Layla filled Victoria in on what had transpired since the last time she had seen her.            “Goodness,” Victoria said. “You’ve had quite the weekend.”            “And week. I have a whole new look,” Layla bragged.            “I noticed the change in your makeup and clothes. What brought that on?”            “Something strange happened to me at the gun store. It was like I faded away, and my body went into autopilot. I knew more about guns than I realized. When I left, I felt like a whole new person, but yet . . . familiar.”      &nb