𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐚 {𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜} [2] ✔️

23. J. JENKS

AT THIS JUNCTURE , I WAS PREPARED FOR JUST about anything. A high-tech hideout seemed like a plausible option for us. Perhaps Max had played a prank on us and given us the wrong address. Or maybe the lair was concealed beneath this mundane strip mall, nestled against a wooded hill in a charming family-oriented neighbourhood.

Bella manoeuvred the car into an empty parking spot and gazed up at a subtle sign that read "Jason Scott, Attorney at Law."

The interior of the office was a bland beige with accents of celery green, unremarkable and unoffending. I had no idea what this Jenks fellow did for a living, but he had certainly amassed a fortune. There was no trace of vampire scent here, which helped us relax. Just an ordinary human. A fish tank was embedded into the wall, and a blonde receptionist sat behind the desk.

"Hello," she greeted us. "How may I assist you?"

"We're here to see Mr. Scott," Bella replied.

"Do you have an appointment?"

"Not exactly," I responded.

She smirked a little. "Then it may be a while. Why don't you take a seat while I—"

April! A man's voice barked from the phone on her desk. "I'm expecting Ms. Cullen and Miss Khotler shortly."

I grinned and gestured to her and myself.

"Send them in immediately. Do you understand? I don't care what it's interrupting."

I could detect something else in his voice besides impatience. Stress. Nerves. A hint of anxiety.

"They've just arrived," April said as soon as she could speak.

What? Send them in! What are you waiting for?

"Right away, Mr. Scott!" She got to her feet, fluttering her hands as she led the way down a short hallway, offering me coffee or tea or anything else we might have wanted.

"Here you are," she said as she ushered us through the door into a power office, complete with heavy wooden desk and vanity wall.

"Close the door behind you," a raspy tenor voice ordered.

As we settled into our seats, I couldn't help but take in J's appearance. He was a curious sight, with his balding head and paunchy belly. His dark skin was a stark contrast to the sickly pallor that had overtaken his face. I couldn't help but wonder what had caused such a reaction in him. Was it the sight of us? Or was it something else entirely?

His attire was impeccable, with a red silk tie that stood out against his blue-and-white-striped shirt. His navy blazer hung haphazardly over the back of his chair, as if he had thrown it there in a hurry. But what caught my attention the most was the way he trembled, his hands shaking as if he were in the midst of a seizure. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and I couldn't help but imagine an ulcer churning away under his spare tire.

As April made a hasty retreat, J rose unsteadily from his chair, his hand outstretched in greeting. Despite his obvious discomfort, he managed to put on a brave face.

"What an absolute delight," he said, his voice quivering slightly.

Bella crossed the room and shook his hand quickly, her cold skin causing him to cringe slightly. But he didn't seem surprised by it, as if he had expected it all along.

"Mr. Jenks," Bella said. "Or do you prefer Scott?"

J winced again as he shook my hand. "Whatever you wish, of course."

"How about you call me Bella, her Violet and we'll call you J?" Bella suggested.

"Like old friends," J agreed, mopping a silk handkerchief across his forehead. He gestured for us to have a seat and took his own. "I must ask, am I finally meeting Mr. Jasper's lovely wife?"