Just as the pressure became unbearable, heavy footste

ifically addressing Mitch Duggan-if Kamry

inside," Mitch's voice c

throat, choking her. If her foster brother caught her dres

well. He clicked his tongue in annoyance

muttered und

his composure over a low-level dancer while Calhoun was waiting outside was beneath him. A waste of ener

club dancer, Kamryn reached into his suit pocket. He pulled

leaned close to her and issued a harsh warning in a low whisper against her ear

ence. She fumbled to stuff the cash into her thigh-high boots. She

Calhoun, who was standing in the hallway. He had on

led the red wig down further, biting her

e gold-embossed business card slipped from her hand and

d outfit and the thick, cheap perfume. A flicke

" he said, his voice fl

neath the heavy makeup. He simply bent down, picked up

to whisper a thank you. She squeezed past him and dashed down th

deeper. Dismissing the strange encounter, he tur

changed back into her jeans. She took a cab back t

The moment she stepped into the dark hallway, a tall

d been waiting in the darkness. The air smelled fain

e came out of the darkness, n

n. She forced out a polite greetin

ward the stairs. His hand shot

eave?" His voice wa

ked her forward, closing the distance betw

shed against her hair. His dark eye

ve you been so late? And why do you smell like chea

a lie. "I... I went to a bar... a classmate's birth

un repeated, not a trac

rm. He reached her neck and casually rubbed his th

ain, unable to speak, but she

low, a demonic whisper. "Listen carefully, Blaire. Stay away from Kamryn Lane

a warning about her supposed attempt to slee

ar him..." Blaire

tightened again. "Stay away from

ncontrollably. She nodded frantically. "I promi

stepped back, his face returning to its ste

and walked toward the o

edroom door shut and locked it. She leaned against the

n this house was a monster. Kamryn. Calhoun. They wer