Mindy stepped into the lair as the heavy steel door hissed shut behind them, sealing the outside world away.
The sound rolled through the room before fading into the low hum of machines. The air smelled sharp with ozone, hot wires, and Viola’s perfume, sweet and heavy like flowers left too long at a funeral.
Mindy stopped near the entrance without meaning to. Her hands were clasped so tightly in front of her that her fingers hurt. Across the room, Viola stood under Ken’s heavy arm, helping carry some of his weight.
Even now, the woman looked polished and dangerous, like blood and chaos could never touch her. She did not look at the giant screen glowing on the wall. She looked only at Mindy.
Her eyes were cold, steady, and unblinking. Mindy had never seen eyes like that before. They
