WHISPERS IN THE SHADOW

belonging to Vane Russell, and her hand was shaking; the card's glossy surface caught the faint glitter. In the hours that had passed since hi

ful and orderly lett

ses' website provides contact

w the card in half, demonstrating to herself that she didn't require a rescuer, particularly one of his caliber. The unpaid bills, the credit

t of the events of the day refused to let her sleep. The notion seemed simple: Vane's money might help to preserve the galle

his feeling has been present for quite some time. His glare was so sharp that it left her feeling exposed, as if he had stripp

ensed that answering would bind her to a situation she could not escape. Her thum

sed the phone across the bed.

the phone, she heard a knock at her door. She was not expecting anyone, e

strike-a calculated

she moved gently across the room. She inhaled deeply,

was

He was really powerful. His tie was now hanging free, which gave him a casual power image even though he was

t of all, to send him away and to leave it closed. Curiosity mixed with desperation

sistent than she had expected it to be. "Th

from him, but not so close that he breached her personal space. His eyes ran ove

elegant voice, before becoming direct. "But when

You don't appear to be the type of person who scrutiniz

rah, I pursue hardly anything. I provide possibilities. Y

down her spine. It was a hook pullin

y raising her chin and a

e. Still, you are a rather perceptive woman who understands the circumstances. I

e, he held a power beyond comprehension. He exuded confidence and authori

catch?" She remarked

ill, trust is the catch. My terms will define your cooperation with me. Sarah, should you choose to take this offer, your life wil

, his remarks hung li

r thoughts drifted to the show, the pieces her father had produced, and the terrible weight o

he hardness in her eyes mirrored the s

. He put a tiny black package on the counter near the door,

han before. This packet will contain the contract and the details of my

he vacant hall. Sarah stood there and watched him go; the black e

shut it. The room seemed to shrink, and the air seemed to grow mor

ning it shakily. A perfectly folded sheet with accurate handwriting on the terms was

weight of what she would lose and the glitter of possibly

one thing for sure: she would not be ab