incessant hum of the city was almost calming. Natalie walked quickly, her heels clicking on the wet sidewalk. She was returning from a

days, but tonight it was more intense, almost palpable. She cast a quick glance over

ideas," she murm

ticed movement behind her. A man, dressed in a long dark coat, seemed to be walking in the same dir

me. She felt her heart racing, and her fingers tightened on the strap of he

the sound of her heels. She turned around again, but t

» she shouted, h

ely stepped back, but her back hit the cold wall of a building. She searched fr

! » she yelled, hop

dlights briefly illuminating the alley. Natalie took the opportunity to take off

trying to calm her heavy breathing. Who w

pocket, startling her. She picked

tal

familiar, bu

breathed, st

said Elizabeth Carter urge

"danger" brought back a wa

king about? » she

that your father and I have tried to protect from you all the

tried to contact her in years, ever since she left the

om? Why after a

People around you are disappearing,

pped the ph

now about Clar

careful who you trust." And if y

She stared at her phone in disbelief, a ball of

him push away the intrusive thoughts. His colleagues were all excited about the company party that evening being held at

sober, black dress. She wore light makeup, avoid

tion mixing with the clinking of champagne glasses. Natalie tried to mingle with the crowd, absently participating in a f

lcony to get some fresh air, s

nervous,

his spine. She turned around slowly. Alexander Drake stood t

hispered, surprise

y, his piercing g

ime," he said, his

ng to hide her discomfort.

he replied, approaching. "But to be

ed. "Are you

"Call it what you want.

maintain a distance between them. "I

g his glass down on the railing. "But yo

ook a business card from the inside po

3 p.m. This

im, hesitant to

I trust you?

ious expression. "Because what's happenin

leaving her alone on the balcony with a myriad of q

ard clutched in her hand, Natalie knew sh