The club's back door opened onto a dimly lit alley with no streetlights, and just a few steps away was a large dumpster. Nina pushed the trash bin over and, with some effort, hoisted the heavy bag inside.
"Phew." She shook out her arms, tilting her head back to stretch her neck. Above her, a clear night sky sparkled, and the stars momentarily washed away her fatigue.
Reluctant to go back inside, she leaned against the club's back door, gazing up at the stars.
There was Cygnus, Ursa Minor, the North Star—and... a black Ford SUV.
It was him.
The vehicle came to a slow stop in front of her, and she immediately recognized the driver—it was John, the man she'd met at the church back when she'd been staying at the motel.
"Good evening," Nina greeted him with a smile as he stepped out of th
