The Skin Thief

Chapter 83

I can see my breath in the cold air as I leave through the back door of the restaurant. I tighten my jacket and shiver. My stomach twists with nerves, making it flutter uncomfortably.

If this plan goes wrong, then I'm dead.

I pull my bag tighter over my shoulder and gulp down my fear, letting out another deep breath. Above me, the dim orange light that sits on the wall of the alleyway flickers ominously.

Something rattles in the bins and I jump, my heart leaping into my throat.

"Ew," I mutter under my breath as a rat scurries out from beneath the slightly open lid and drops onto the floor, disappearing into the darkness.

Behind me, the door opens, and Bailey, one of the other servers, rushes out.

"I thought you left without me," he says.

I laugh. "And walk down this creepy alley on my own? No way."

"I know," he says and shudders. "The close shift sucks. I prefer lunch service."

"Me too," I sigh and look up at the pitch-black sky. I put my hands in my pockets, feeling for my phone. I had texted Marcus a little while ago that I had arranged for someone to walk out with me when I left, so he didn't need to worry.

He, Mr Salt, and Clarkie had all paid up and left just before close. I had seen them still talking outside the restaurant before I went and gathered my things, so I know all three are still close by. I suspect that Mr Salt is still talking to Marcus. He revels in wasting Marcus's time. Perhaps they're at the wine bar opposite. Or maybe, they are still standing and talking outside the building. I don't know, though I suspect that Marcus isn't far away. Even with my reassurance that I won't be leaving alone, he will want to make sure I get home safely, especially with the threat of Clarkie.

Clarkie. I shudder just thinking about that twisted man.

I wonder if he's found a way to leave Marcus and Mr Salt without Marcus noticing. Or is Marcus doing such a good job at keeping that lunatic occupied so he can't come after me? I hope not. I need Clarkie to attack. Tonight.

My hands tremble slightly. I know I've goaded Clarkie into acting. I've taunted him, made him thirsty to attack. I could see it in the way he watched me with a twisted, hungry stare. If Marcus isn't able to get to me in time, then what will I do? Will I fight back and expose myself? Or will I allow Clarkie to pretty much kill me?

My stomach twists once more, and I almost feel as though I'm going to be sick.

"Are you okay, Ivy?" Bailey asks.

I smile. "Yeah," I say, and we step out into the street. "Just glad to be out of the alley."

"Same," he says as we make our way to the station. It is only a ten-minute walk, but with it being late, the streets are a lot quieter. Even though this is a nice part of town, it isn't busy. One car passes us, and many of the buildings are shut as they are fancy offices. The bars and restaurants are on the main street.

We walk down a narrow side street, cutting a large chunk out of our walk. It is as we enter the shadowy street, I feel it.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand in a way that only one feeling can bring about. The feeling of being watched. The feeling of being followed.

A chill ripples across my body, and my heart thunders in my chest. I reach my phone out of my pocket and get Marcus's details ready. I need to time this perfectly.

I let out a shaky breath and look around me wearily. I can see nothing behind me, but then again, I wouldn't. Clarkie is a skilled hunter. He wouldn't be so easily exposed.