Merciless Hunter (Dark Syndicate 4)

I have the biggest bedroom while the guards take turns to keep watch. One stays in the living room while the other sleeps in the bedroom opposite mine.

Yesterday I made myself look like the bride-to-be, so when we arrived, I tried to look excited. Today was the first day of the show, which would have been amazing if I really were excited about this wedding.

So, I collected the brochures for the day on the wedding dresses being showcased.

I came back to the suite with a stack of magazines and all sorts of goodie bags from the show making myself look believable so when the guards reported to Jude, I knew they couldn’t say anything other than what I made them believe.

But now it’s time to up the stakes. I can’t sit in here another night and waste it. It’s time for action. I figured it’s going to take more than one night to get close to Aiden if I even get the chance, and now I only have six nights to work with.

Quickly I loosen my hair from the band holding it up and give my head a shake allowing my platinum locks to tumble down my shoulders in loose waves.

I do my makeup next, brushing on a smoky gray over my eyes and painting my lips red. By the time I sweep some mascara over my lashes I look like I’m ready to go to a party, and the red on my lips screams sexy. I’ve purposely avoided wearing black and red together around Jude over the years.

Tonight, they will fall part of my arsenal.

I’m ready. I don’t feel ready, but I have to push past my concerns and be ready whether I want to or not.

With that reasoning I grab my little purse from my travel case and make sure the documents Amy gave me are safely hidden away in the back compartment. Inside there is also the copy of the letter Eric gave me before he went missing.

That letter is one that never really made sense to me before, but it does now in some ways. More than ever I know I can’t risk anyone seeing it because I don’t know the full story about it.

I slip on my black lace Prada pumps which match my negligee and reach for my knee length mac, doing the belt up tightly around my waist. I don’t want to cause unwanted attention on the street.

That’s it. It’s time to go.

I add pillows underneath the blankets so it looks like me, just like in those crazy movies Eric and I used to watch. Then I switch off the lights. I don’t think anyone will come in here but if they do, it’ll look like I’m still here asleep.

That asshole’s use of everyone’s fears against them is exactly what I’m using to disappear almost in plain sight.

The guards would never disobey Jude and come into my room while I’m asleep and Jude knows I wouldn’t try a thing like this for fear of what he would do to my mother.

Carefully, I open the door leading out to the balcony, thankful it doesn’t make a sound. It just swings open so no one will be any wiser on what I’m doing.

I tried this last night as a test and stayed out for hours to see what the guards would do.

Just as I thought they left me alone and I didn’t see either of them until morning when I went out to the kitchenette to get a snack to eat before breakfast.

So, by my records I should have the whole night. I am aware however that things could go south.

I’m just hoping they won’t.

I walk down to the end of the balcony and find the fire escape. It’s sturdy . I expected nothing less though from a hotel like the Regis.

Once I’m down the stairs I make my way through the parking lot, loving the feel of freedom beneath my feet.

This is the first time I’ve been able to go anywhere where no one knew where I was.

Jude has a tracking device in my car and my phone. He knows my every move.

I was able to speak to Mom earlier, but it was brief, and we didn’t talk about anything that would give me away.

Our conversation was average with tension. Mom has an assistant who comes to help her out during the days when I’m at work. She’s there with her now and will be for the duration of my stay.

Knowing someone is there with her, even if they work for Jude, is a comfort. It gives me a chance to focus on what I need to do.

Now that I’m in L.A. my mind is working tirelessly to process a plan. I’m stuck on two things: the first is how I’ll get to speak to Aiden and the next is literally what next.

I figured two things could happen. One, I get what I need from him. Or, two he kills me for asking questions I shouldn’t be asking.