Chapter 30

Finished with her meal, Tasia set the bags aside and climbed out of the Expedition. The others watched her with feigned disinterest, but she could feel a mild tension in the air. Though everyone pretended to accept her, she knew there was still a matter of trust. It was annoying, but she could hardly blame them for it.

She sniffed at the air, pulling in the smell of grease, gasoline, and fresh poured asphalt from a couple of blocks over.

“Shall we?” Lynn gestured to the front door of the Sunset Lounge. Tasia nodded and followed her inside. Esteban and Julian followed them in while Luis and Courtney stayed outside.

“This way.” Lynn led Tasia across the dance floor of the Sunset Lounge. Abandoned purses, shoes, and cellphones littered the area, and Tasia caught various scents in transit, like blood, urine, and fear. It was hard to describe what fear smelled like to someone else. The closest approximation was rancid black licorice.

They walked up a flight of sho