Echoes of a stranger

ken question. He couldn't get her out of his thoughts-the woman behind the mask. She ha

scretion and resourcefulness. "Find her," Jaxon said, handing Ma

-

s's S

wing sign. It was late, but the buzz of patrons coming and going made it

he watched the staff go about their routines. He wasn't here to cau

ike up a conversation with a bartender. "Busy night?" M

ut pocketed the cash. "Al

a time the other night, though. There was this girl... wo

darting to the side. "Lot of girls

his voice. "She left an impression.

But..." He glanced around before continuing. "She's not like the others. Keeps her head down, doesn't talk much

ch, but it w

tration grew. He paced his office late at night, th

ind her," he said quietly, as if speaki

-

's Pa

hands trembling slightly. The whispers among her coworkers had g

ncerned frown on her face. "You've

smile. "Nothing

ed. "You sure? You can te

her head. "It's really not

ss further. "Fine. But if y

mily's loyalty, even if she

-

ision t

rumors, the glances, the growing unease-it was all too much. She had bui

ing, she call

ile," Khloe said, avoiding her frie

w. "Out of nowhere? Wh

replied, her tone firm. "I'

ced. "This wouldn't have anything to do

re forcing a laugh. "What rum

"Fine, don't tell me. But if you're i

loe said, her v

er tightly. "S

" Khloe

t was a visit to her mum, a chance to breathe. But deep down, she knew she was running-from the wh