6. Cade

Iglare at the newspaper headline.

LOCAL WOMAN TERRORIZED BY STALKER.

My fists areclenchedin anger while I read how the cops took evidence left at her apartment by the stalker. That bullet was meant for her, not for those idiot cops.

I crumple up the newspaper and toss it aside. That naughty girl must have ratted me out to the cops. I'll have to teach her a lesson about keeping secrets. But first, I need to get my bullet back. I know exactly where the police station keeps all their evidence. I'll just have to break in tonight and take what's mine.

"Cade! Get over here!"

I look up to see Tyson waving me toward his tent. Great. Just what I need right now. I plaster on a fake smile as I walk over.

"What's up, boss?" I ask casually.

Tyson holds up a copy of the newspaper. "Care to explain this?" he asks sternly.

I glance at the headline again and shrug. "No idea. I didn't do anything."

Tyson narrows his eyes. "You sure about that? I know you have a history of causing problems in the towns we visit."

I force myself to laugh. "Come on, Tyson. You know I've been on my best behavior lately. I'm here to do my job and ensure all rides run smoothly."

"So you had nothing to do with this stalking incident?"he presses.

"Nothing at all,"I lie smoothly. "I don't know anything about it."

Tyson studies me for a moment. I keep my expression neutral. Finally, he sighs.

"Alright, I believe you. But I've got my eye on you, understand? No funny business while we're here."

I nod. "You got it, boss. I'll be an angel."

"See that you are,"Tyson says sternly. "Now, get back to work. The gravitron is acting up again."

"On it,"I reply. As soon as Tyson turns away, my fake smile drops. I hurry off before he can question me further. That was too close. I'll have to be more careful if I want to get my bullet back and make my girl pay for being a rat. But Tyson doesn't control me. I do what I want when I want. And soon enough, I'll have what I want most—my pretty angel.

I head to the gravitron to start working on it. That thing is always breaking down. As I'm tinkering with the wiring, I hear footsteps behind me.

"How's it going, Cade?"

I glance over my shoulder to see Lars approaching.He'sone of the few guys I get along with because hedoesn'task too many questions or get in my business.

"Not too bad,"I reply with a nod. "Just trying to get this hunk of junk running again."

Lars peers at the control panel, shaking his head. "Man, we really need to replace this thing. It's ancient."

"Tell me about it,"I mutter, stripping a wire with my teeth. "But you know Tyson. Too cheap to buy anything new."

Lars chuckles. "Yeah, unless it's for his precious magician's show."

We share a laugh about that. Though it's our least popular attraction,Tyson loves splurging on new props and tricks for the magic show. He's obsessed with trying to make it the carnival's big spectacle. Me and Lars know it'll never compete with the rides.

I continue fiddling with the wires, trying to bypass the short circuit. Lars watches me work.

"Need a hand with that?"he offers. "I don't mind lending my mechanical skills."

I debate turning him down, but an extra set of hands could speed this up. "Yeah, sure, man. See if you can get the motor running smoothly again."

Lars grabs a wrench and gets to it. We work mostly in silence, which is how I prefer it. No mindless small talk is needed. After some tinkering, Lars looks up.

"I think I fixed the issue. Give it a try now,"Lars says.

I flip the power switch. The motor hums to life, smooth as butter.

"Hey, nice work!" I say, impressed.

Lars grins. "I've got more skills than people give me credit for."

We do a quick test run to confirm it's operational. The gravitron spins perfectly, ready for another night of shrieking riders.

"I appreciate the help, man,"I tell Lars sincerely.

He waves it off. "Anytime. Let me know if you need a hand with anything else."

I clap him on the back as we walk off in opposite directions, grateful to have at least one decent guy to work with around here. I'll buy him a beer later to say thanks. But first, I've got plans to make. Heading to my trailer, I clean my hands and change clothes before walking toward town.One destination in mind—the diner where my little angel works.

I push open the door to the diner, the little bell above it jingling merrily. My eyes instantly seek out Lily behind the counter. As soon as she sees me, her face pales. I feel a little thrill rush through me. She remembers me.

I stride to the counter and sit on one of the stools. Lily glances around nervously before coming over.

"W-what can I get you?"she asks, not quite meeting my eyes.

I give her my most charming smile. "Just a coffee for now, angel."

She nods jerkily and goes to pour it. I watch her, noting the way her hands tremble slightly. She's afraid of me. Good.

Lily returns with the coffee pot and a mug. As she leans over to fill it, I make my move. My hand darts out and grabs her slender wrist in an iron grip. She gasps.

"Why don't you sit with me for a minute?"I say softly. It's not really a question.

"I... I'm working,"Lily stammers. She weakly tries pulling her arm back, but I don't let go.

"I'm sure they can spare you for just a moment,"I reply, my voice still gentle but with an undeniable edge.

Lily's eyes flick around the diner again, but it's late and there are only a couple other customers. They aren't paying us any attention.

Seeing no way out, Lily shakily sits on the stool next to me. I finally release her wrist, which she immediately cradles against her chest.

"What do you want?"she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I take a sip of coffee, enjoying this immensely. "I just want to talk, Lily. Get to know you better."

She shakes her head rapidly. "Please, just leave me alone."

"Now, why would I do that?"I ask with a low chuckle. "We're just starting to get acquainted."

I reach out and brush a strand of golden hair behind her ear. She flinches at my touch but doesn't pull away.

I lean in close, lowering my voice so only she can hear. "I couldn't help but notice a rather interesting headline in the newspaper today. Something about a local woman being terrorized by a stalker."

Lily's eyes widen and she tries to pull back, but I grasp her arm again, keeping her in place.

"Now I wonder who that unfortunate woman could be?"I continue. "And I wonder who that stalker might be?"I stare hard into Lily's frightened eyes. "Why did you call the cops on me?"

Lily shakes her head rapidly. "Ididn't-"

"Don't lie to me!"I interrupt harshly. Lily cringes at my tone. I take a breath and force myself to speak gently again. I can't cause a scene here.

"That bullet I left you was precious to me,"I tell her. "A lucky token I wanted you to have, but now the cops have taken it from your apartment. They stole what's mine." My hand tightens on Lily's arm while anger courses through my veins. "Tell me, did you think it was a good idea to call the cops on me? Don't you realize now they've just made me angry?"

Lily's eyes fill with tears. "I'm sorry,"she whispers. "I was scared."

I soften my grip, brushing my thumb over her delicate skin. "Oh, I know, baby. But you don't need to be scared of me. I'd never hurt you."

She doesn't look convinced.

I sigh. "I forgive you for calling the cops. You didn't mean any harm, but that bullet is important. I need to get it back."

Leaning in even closer, my mouth brushes her ear. "And once I have it, I'll come for you because nothing will keep us apart, angel."

I draw back and release her arm. Lily looks paralyzed, unable to move or speak. I give her a gentle smile. "It was nice chatting with you. I'll see you real soon."

I stand and stride out of the diner, whistling cheerfully while I light a cigarette from my pocket. I don't look back, but Lily's eyes follow me the whole way. My message has been received loud and clear. Just a little more reeling in, and she'll be mine forever. But first, I need to get my lucky bullet back. When all the fun of the carnival goes down, I'll make a late-night visit to the police station.