Page 13 of Devil Within

Vette reached over and took hold of her hand. “It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything.”

“It’s ridiculous,” Shiloh grumbled.

“It’s understandable.”

“Well, anyway, I think I’ll enjoy my new job.”

“Where’s it at?”

“West Lincoln Way.”

Vette frowned. “How are you going to get there?”

“Um, the manager is going to give me a ride until I can get a car or something.”

“Wait, I know that place. Isn’t it owned by the Sons of Sin?”

“I don’t know about that. I was hired by the manager.”

“Who’s a member, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Do I need to warn you how dangerous they are?”

“Kinda figured that out on my own,” Shiloh said. “Believe me, I have no desire to get involved. It’s just a job.”

Vette nodded. “All right. But if it’s not what you thought, you can call me, and I’ll come pick you up.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

****

That night Shiloh tossed and turned. Earlier thoughts of her stepfather brought back her nightmares. Her mother had blamed her for her father’s death. Then, when she married Lawrence, he declared she needed punishment for her sins. She’d been nothing more than a child who had lost her father, who had seen him die, and then told over and over it was her fault. It had messed her up for years.

It took Herculean strength to push those memories into the far corners of her mind. Nothing good came with remembering. Finally, at four in the morning, Shiloh knew there was no way she was going to sleep. She rose and went into the kitchen to make herself a mug of herbal tea, then headed outside to sit on the porch swing.

The early morning was cool, but not uncomfortable. About an hour later, Vette joined her, wearing her robe and slippers, yawning widely.

“Morning,” she greeted. “Why’re you up so early?”

“Bad dream,” Shiloh admitted. “I didn’t bother you, did I?”

“Nah. Got called in to work. Mare giving birth. I’ll probably end up crashing at the office.”

“Okay. I start my job today.”

“Let me know if you like it,” Vette said, heading back inside. About twenty minutes later, she reappeared dressed for work. “Sorry, I’ve got to run.”

“No worries.” Shiloh waved her hand. “I’ll probably be late myself.”

“Good luck,” she said, and gave her thumbs up.

Shiloh sat out there until her tea was long gone and the sun crested from the east. Her stomach growled, and she went inside to cook some breakfast. Again, memories tried to creep into her head, but she pushed them ruthlessly down. Refused to let him pay rent in her thoughts.

At noon, she heard a motorcycle and guessed it was Jade coming to pick her up. She had no idea why she thought he’d bring a car, but no matter. She’d never ridden a bike before, but how hard could it be? She left the house and locked up just as Jade turned off his bike. He took off his helmet and smiled at her.

“Hi,” he said.