by L. K. Hill
“I didn’t mean that,” Dellaire said. “Even if your body makes it out intact, your soul may not.”
Kyra studied his face, something she’d refrained from doing in the past. “And why,” she said gently, “would a mobster care about anyone’s soul?”
“We think about it more than you know. More than people think we do. Anyone who lives a lifestyle like mine, and tells you otherwise,” he dropped his voice to a whisper, “is lying.”
Kyra shut her eyes and dropped her face. “If you’re still willing to give it, I’ll take your help, Dellaire. And your information.” She looked back up into his face. “Because I’m much more likely to succeed with it.” She paused, trying to swallow against her dry throat. “But that’s all.”
A soft smile turned the corners of his mouth up. “I know.”
Kyra gazed up at him. This mystery of a man. "Did the killer used to work for the mob."
Dellaire nodded slowly. "He came seeking work. Boss recognizes what kinds of work particular personalities excel at. He gave this man work as a hit man. One day, he simply vanished. We haven't had contact with him since."
"How long ago did he break contact?"
"More than a month ago."
Kyra sighed. She'd been afraid of that. That was right about the time she'd first noticed the murders herself. The time she'd first told Gabe that a serial killer roamed the Mire. Could that possibly be a coincidence?
"Why did the mob specifically want Tyke in the Dictim? Why did it have to be him? Why not just send Boss's men in to take care of things?"
Dellaire hesitated this time. "It was a deal. The man you call Dunnworthy came to us with a message from this killer. He said he'd turn himself over to Boss only if we made sure Detective Burrow—our contact inside Abstreuse PD—went into the Dictim."
Kyra scoffed. "And you believed that?"
"Not at all," Dellaire shook his head. "We didn't think he'd keep his word, but at least we knew where he'd be. That's why I went down there. To take care of it. I simply didn't get there in time."
Anger surged in Kyra's chest. "You got your contact killed."
Dellaire shrugged. "The policeman was nothing to us."
Kyra shut her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose with her fingers. She fought tears, but they fell spitefully.
"Why didn't you make it in time, Dellaire?" Her voice broke as she said it.
"I tried," he said softly. "I would have preferred a different outcome as well." He sighed. "Too much chaos in hell to rely on a logical plan."
Kyra wiped her tears, took control of herself, and stepped back. “Will you be at this address three nights from now?”
His eyes still never left her face. “Yes.”
“I’ll come then and we’ll chat. How much does the mob know about the Prowlers?”
His frown returned, the deep foreboding she’d seen in Boss’s office returning to his eyes. “Everything.”
“Good.” For some reason she couldn’t fathom, her emotions rose up again. She wished they weren’t on such a roller coaster. Her voice grew thicker as she spoke. “So you’ll tell me what you know, and I’ll find your killer, and Boss will take me to Manny, and everyone wins.” Her voice cracked on the last word.
Dellaire studied the ground. She could tell her emotions made him uncomfortable. She cleared her throat, forcing her voice to be matter-of-fact. “Like Boss said, you win at your game, or the city will swallow you.”
“I think we both know that happens either way.” He met her gaze again. “Watch your back, Novelist. Stay alive long enough to turn this into just another story. See you in three days.”
He turned, walked to the mouth of the alley, and disappeared around the corner. Kyra stood alone, with only the darkness for a companion. She missed Gabe so fiercely, her chest hurt. The image of him yanking his hand out of hers caused a shudder that wracked her entire body.
She trudged deeper into the Mire. This time, she didn’t bother to stem the tears.
End of Book 3
Acknowledgements
I have so many people to thank who unfailingly lift me up and support me and my writing. Thanks, first of all, to my family, immediate and extended. Especially to my dad, without whom, I couldn't have done as much writing this past year as I have. Also to my mom and all my siblings, who are always my loudest cheerleaders.
Thanks to all my writer friends and support systems, who are always willing to dispense advice and support.
Also, to my wonderful street team, The Warrior Bards, who are unfailingly enthusiastic and always willing to help. You're all wonderful human beings and I cherish your friendship and contributions.
Thanks to my wonderful cover designer, Kealan Patrick Burke, who always churns out beautifully dark, ominous covers for this series, and is always so easy to work with. You're the best, Man!
www.kealanpatrickburke.com
www.elderlemondesign.com
Thank you to all my wonderful friends in the Safe Zone. You're some of my closest friends in the world (and from around the world) and such a huge part of my life. You all make me smile and keep me sane.
Thank you to my wonderful writing group: Author Jernae Kowallis, Wyatt Winnie, and McKella Sawyer. My work wouldn't be what it is without your hard work and ingenious input. And, let's face it, we all have WAY too much fun!
I want to publicly thank my Father in Heaven for all the boundless opportunities he affords me. All the people I've met, the experiences I've had, writing and otherwise, and the bounteous blessings I enjoy daily. I am forever grateful.
Finally, thank you to all my readers. I wouldn't be sitting here at home on a Wednesday morning in September typing this if not for you. Please know how much I value you and will never take you for granted. I hope Kyra and Gabe's story inspires and entertains you, and makes your life just a little more exciting.
Love to you all!
—Liesel
Author’s Note:
Thank you so much for joining accompanying Gabe and Kyra on the third installment of their dark journey in Abstreuse City. I hope you found it as disturbing and compelling as I did.
Enjoy Damaged Hope? If you have a minute to spare, I would really appreciate a short review on the page or site where you bought the book. Your help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated. Reviews from readers like you make a huge difference to helping new readers find stories similar to the Street Games series.
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Also by L.K. Hill
Did you enjoy reading about Kyra and Gabe's battle against evil? If so, check out The Botanist, a stand-alone crime fiction by L.K.Hill, while you wait for book 4 of Kyra and Gabe's adventure.
View The Botanist on Amazon
Do you enjoy other genres? Visit L.K. Hill’s website to check out her dystopian and historical fiction series.
Dystopian:
Persistence of Vision, Book 1 of Interchron (writing as Liesel K. Hill)
Quantum Entanglement, Book 2 of Interchron (writing as Liesel K. Hill)
Historical Fiction:
Citadels of Fire, Book 1 of Kremlins
Bastions of Blood, Book 2 of Kremlins
High Fantasy
The Hatching, Prequel to the Dragon Magic Series
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About the Author
L.K.Hill is an award-winning author who writes across three different genres. Her historical fiction and crime drama are published under her initials, L.K. Her sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian are written under her full name, Liesel K. Hill. A graduate of Weber State University, she comes from a large, tight-knit family and lives in northern Utah. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and cherishes her faith, her family and her country. (http://www.ld
s.org) She plans to keep writing until they nail her coffin shut. Or the Second Coming happens. You know, whichever happens first. ;D
