Chapter Eight
Lily
“His name's Dash,” says Duke, putting his cellphone back onto the table.
“Dash?”
“It's a nickname. They all have them.”
“All? What do you mean?”
He lowers his voice. “That's the worst part. Apparently the guy's a member of The Fallen. They're a criminal biker gang.”
Fuck.
“And does Brick know where he lives?”
“No, but they have a club that he goes to.”
I nod, trying to show some alarm. For all Duke knows I'm nothing but a shop girl and this is way out of my league. The truth would surprise him.
“Where is it?” I ask, planting a look of concern on my face.
His own screws up in a frown. “You're not thinking of going there are you? Lily, you can't be serious.”
I shake my head. “Of course not.”
I have the information now anyway. I don't need any more. Dash. Shaved head, snake tattoo up the left side of his neck. Member of The Fallen. That's plenty to go on.
Duke, though, is looking at me curiously. I guess I'm not the best liar in the world because he knows something's up. Not that he cares, probably. Why would he? We just met.
He's been helpful though. He had no idea who the guy was when I described him, but he thought Brick might. He'd given him a call, described the guy, and got the information.
“Thank Brick when you next see him. And forget I ever asked,” I say, standing up from the table.
“Hey hey, hang on...”
I keep walking past him and straight out of the door. Right now I don't have time to feel bad for using him like that. I needed information. He provided it. And there's no point in involving him any more than he already is.
I tuck my hands tight into my coat pockets when I get outside, hunching my shoulders against the chill. For the last few days I've been possessed by a single thought. A desire to see a right wronged. Everyday seeing Beth curled up on the sofa, still trying to get to grips with her ordeal, has brought back some painful memories. Memories I've kept contained for so long.
Now the only way I see of locking them back up is by putting things right. There's a bloodlust inside me, a desire for revenge that's clouding everything in my head. Right now, there's no time for anything else.
A voice cuts through the blowing wind behind me, and I turn to see Duke jogging up the street. His concern for me is sweet, but misplaced. He really has no idea who I am. The face I present to the world isn't the real me. Inside I'm much darker.
I hear him call my name, but I don't answer. Instead I lift my hand up and hail the cab which is conveniently passing by. It stops and I open the door, get half inside, and feel myself tugged out.
“Don't do anything stupid Lily.” Duke softens his grip, but his eyes are demanding.
“Of course not,” I say, reassuringly. “Sorry to rush though. I'm just late for something. Sorry for this. I'll call you. We'll have that date...”
My words seem to pacify him a touch, although he doesn't look completely convinced. In truth, seeing him again won't be the smartest move after today. That's how Blaine taught me. No ties. No lies.
I slide into the back seat of the cab and out of Duke's grasp. Before he can speak again, I shut the door and tell the driver to go. In the mirror I see Duke fading into the distance. It's the last I ever expect to see of him.