I was loading the last suitcase into my car when she appeared.
Vanessa stepped out of the shadows of the service alley like something from a nightmare, perfectly dressed despite the fact that it was nearly midnight. Her blonde hair was immaculate, her makeup flawless, her smile sharp enough to cut glass.
"Leaving so soon?"
My heart stopped. "How did you—?"
"Find you? Elena, darling, did you really think you could sneak away without saying goodbye?" She moved closer, and I noticed she was holding something in her manicured hand. "Especially when we have so much to discuss."
"There's nothing to discuss. The contract is void, I'm returning the money—"
"Oh, we're well past contract negotiations." Her voice was eerily calm, controlled in a way that was more terrifying than screaming would
