So had I.
I wouldn’t mind coming face to face with the bastard. For a long time, I’d been as disgusted as my buddies on the way criminals seemed to run a wide ring around every aspect of law enforcement.
Now I had a chance to do something about it.
I intended on stretching my boundaries.
The judge wasn’t disappearing. He was simply changing colors of robes.
And so what if a little blood soaked into the material.
CHAPTER 12
Valentina
“I can’t believe I allowed you to talk me into taking this shift.” My growl was playful even though I was extremely nervous.
“You’re a lifesaver, girl. I hope you don’t feel too bad,” Carla said. My coworker Debbie was very ill. Tossing her cookies sick whereas I’d done exactly as Hudson had commanded. Faked an illness for the first time since obtaining the job. “Don’t worry, hon. I’ll get you out of here as soon as I can. You look exhausted.”
That wasn’t a lie. What little sleep I’d gotten had been fraught with nightmares. The monster had been chasing me, the bloodied machete gleaming in the moonlight.
A slight chill tore through me even though the back of my neck remained clammy.
I needed the money. Rent was due and I didn’t have the kind of landlord who gifted time let alone decency. Thankfully, my little girl was safe in Roger and Carla’s home, which was onlya mile away, their teenage daughter someone I trusted. I’d made certain I hadn’t been followed, taking an alternate route, constantly glancing in the rearview mirror.
But there were boogeymen everywhere lingering in every dark shadow. The knot in my stomach hadn’t budged. I was a freaking wreck. What in the hell was I going to do? While I more than appreciated Hudson’s kind offer of giving me money, I’d meant what I’d said to him. Charity wasn’t an option.
Sighing, I glanced at Carla before scanning the diner as I’d done several times. “It’s okay. I need the money anyway and I don’t feel that bad.”
“You’re an angel.” Carla gripped my arm.
“I don’t know about that.”
She laughed as she walked off, tending to her customers. I slunk back against the counter, grateful my section only had a few customers, most of them regulars. With the afternoon sun setting and the huge windows covering the front of the restaurant, the interior would soon be wide open for viewing from the outside world. I felt like a sitting duck.
Just a few hours and I would lock myself behind my door, barricading it so no one could get in. Thank God, I was on the fourth floor of a secure building. With my hands shaking, I kicked myself into gear, turning around so I could make a couple of fresh pots of coffee.
Right now, I needed an IV of coffee just to keep myself going. At least the image roaming inside my fractured mind brought a hint of amusement.
Less than two minutes later, the jingle on the bell over the entrance announced customers.
When they sat at one of my booths, I kicked myself in the ass and plastered a smile on my face. I might as well make some money while I was here. At least they were a nice-looking young couple.
“Hi there. I’m Val. What can I get you?” I’d learned a long time ago never to use my full name. At this point, I’d be even more cautious.
And so it began.
A couple of hours later and I hadn’t found time for coffee, the sudden rush unexpected. Maybe my aura had screamed I needed money, or I’d appeared haggard and destitute because the tips had been phenomenal.
Thankfully, I was in a brighter mood, even able to take a few deep breaths. Nothing bad was going to happen. I was no one and Jacob Jones didn’t know my name. At this point, I’d need to trust in the system. What other choice did I have? I’d simply overreacted. I’d likely been leered at by the group of teenagers who acted as if they owned the few blocks surrounding my apartment building.
Thoughts of Hudson were never too far from my mind.
Including the passion we’d shared.
Not once, but twice.
I moved to the back to take a deep breath. I quickly glanced at my phone to ensure my babysitter Ashley hadn’t called. She hadn’t.
