Moon Eater

You Again

“What did you say?” Claire asked again, a million thoughts reeling through her mind.

“Come back to New Jersey with me Claire,” Edward repeated himself. “

Before Claire could respond, a golden retriever puppy bounded over, tail wagging. She smiled and scratched its ears, charmed by its antics. But Edward scooted away. “Sorry, I’m allergic to mutts,” he said, nose wrinkling.

Claire was surprised at his reaction to the dog. But she thought about Edward’s proposition. On one hand, the chance to learn more about her father’s mysterious work and potentially help others was compelling. But she had only just started to rebuild her life in Brooklyn.

As much as she longed for answers about Nigel’s research, returning to New Jersey now would mean abandoning her desperately needed fresh start. ‘‘I’m very interested in my father’s work,” Claire began carefully. “But I just moved back here to focus on my career. I can’t drop everything to return to New Jersey with you.”

Edward nodded understandingly and flashed his charming smile. “I understand, Claire.” He said as he handed her his business card. “Contact me if you change your mind.” With that, he left.

Claire stared intently at his card. What was her father working on that someone decided to complete even after his death? She dismissed the thoughts, she couldn’t let those things distract her, as she needed to focus on her new job.

As the day came to a close, Claire exited the diner, Zoey bounded over to her, a mischievous grin plastered across her face. “Soooo,” Zoey drawled, wiggling her eyebrows, “I saw I wasn’t the only one occupied.”

Claire rolled her eyes. “It’s not like that, Zoey. That was Edward, my dad’s partner.”

“I think I’ve seen him somewhere before.”Zoey chuckled as she glanced back at the diner. She then let out a low whistle. “Well, a man that fine can experiment on me anytime.” She punctuated her innuendo with a dramatic wink.

“Oh my God Zoey.” Claire said as she playfully gave Zoey’s hand a playful swat.

“Come on, spill! What did Mr. Dreamy want?” Zoey looped her arm through Claire’s.

Claire quickly recounted her conversation with Edward - his cryptic mentions of her father’s unfinished research and his offer for her to return to New Jersey with him. Zoey listened intently, her expression shifting from playful to pensive.

“Wow, that's a lot to take in,” Zoey murmured. “But you turned him down, right? I mean, you just got this amazing job, you can’t just drop everything to run off to New Jersey.”

Claire nodded. “Yea. I’m curious about my dad’s work, but I can’t sacrifice the fresh start I’ve built here. Not right now, at least.” She sighed, her brow furrowing. “I just wish I knew more about what he was working on that was so important.”

Zoey gave Claire’s arm a reassuring squeeze. “Hey, don’t worry. I’m sure the answers will come to you in time. For now, you keep focusing on kicking ass at Maxima, okay?” She flashed a bright smile.

They reached the junction where their paths diverged, Zoey pulled Claire into a tight hug. “Call me later, alright? And don't let that hottie distract you too much!” she teased with a wink.

Claire laughed, shaking her head fondly. “Get out of here, you troublemaker. I’ll talk to you soon.” With a final wave, Zoey sauntered off, leaving Claire to continue on her way home, her mind still swirling with questions about her father’s mysterious past.

The sunset cast an orange glow over the streets as Claire made her way through the bustling evening crowd. All around her, the sidewalk hummed with activity, couples window shopping arm in arm, families laughing together, the chatter and clamor of city life flowing like a melody. Up ahead, movement caught her eye - a lone man dashing frantically down the sidewalk, dodging others in his haste. He made his way to her. “Claire Bishop?” He called out her name.

She nodded hesitantly. Nearby passersby shot curious glances at the spectacle. His dark hair stood on end, and wild brown eyes held an urgent intensity. “I don’t know if I’m late,” he said. “I’m Viktor Starke. This may seem strange, but I have a warning for you.”

Claire tilted her head, assessing Viktor as he struggled to catch his breath. “How do you know my name?” she asked.

Viktor straightened. “There’s no time to explain. Just be wary of... His words were cut off as two black sedans pulled up abruptly at the curb. Four large men in crisp suits emerged, scanning the sidewalks methodically. Claire recoiled - there was something cold in their eyes. She glanced at their suits; they had the logo of a wolf head. It could only mean one thing: the Akram Cartel. A violent crime syndicate that was notorious in Brooklyn for smuggling and violence.

“I have to go now,” Viktor said as he began to walk away, his tone panicky. But Claire held his hand, her grip firm. “Not until you tell me what’s going on.” Viktor glanced fearfully at the approaching figures. “Please, trust me, Bishop. “I’ll explain everything later.” With that, she released him, and he melted back into the crowd, leaving Claire with more questions than answers. She hurried home, unsettled by Viktor’s dire warning and the sinister men lurking in the shadows. Just what was happening in this city? First Jackson, now this strange man and the Akram cartel. She did her best to put the strange encounters between Viktor and Edward out of her mind as her first day at Maxima arrived. Despite her lingering questions, she was determined to focus on this fresh start in her career.

***

The next morning as she left home, As she left home, Emily called out a brief “Good luck” from the couch, eyes glued to the television. Claire nodded in acknowledgment, too nervous to make conversation. As she crossed the street, the metallic wail of sirens pierced the morning air.

Claire’s gaze was drawn down the sidewalk, where an ambulance had pulled up alongside a small crowd. Flashing red and blue lights cast pulsating shadows across the onlookers’ concerned faces.

Paramedics hurriedly loaded a stretcher bearing an unconscious man. Even from a distance, Claire recognized the disheveled mop of dark hair; it was Viktor. His exposed skin was marred with enormous, deep wounds resembling claw or bite marks. A chill ran through her as she recalled his urgent warning only days before. It seemed his fears of danger were not without cause, and she knew the Akram cartel was behind this. Though Claire tried to hurry past, she couldn’t help but glance back one last time at Viktor’s limp form, feeling sympathy for the stranger who had tried to help her.

Shaking off the disquieting sight, Claire focused on hailing a cab to take her the rest of the way to Maxima, wanting nothing more than to lose herself in the tasks of her new career path. But Viktor’s injuries and the cryptic threats he and others had alluded to lingered at the back of her mind.

As Claire exited the cab outside tech, the bustling city sensations washed over her. Taking a steadying breath, she adjusted her blazer and strode toward the gleaming lobby entrance. That’s when a roar pierced the air, a powerful engine note that commanded attention. Around the corner glided a blinding silver Lamborghini Urus. Claire glimpsed the driver through polarized windows as it slid into a parking spot. Slicked back dark hair, electric-blue eyes, and sharp features...her stomach dropped. Ethan emerged from the Urus, sharp suit pristine as always. Their eyes met across the courtyard with twin looks of shock and dread.

“It’s you!” they shouted in unison.