Chapter 69

The fluorescent lights of the fairgrounds blazed on, but she still hadn't spotted either of her friends. That morning, when she and Elleane chose to help Haven celebrate the finalization of her divorce, they decided to treat her to a night at the carnival-or rather, Carnal-val. Carlenna's Adult's Only Carnal-val was supposed to be grown-up fun for everyone, but Mari wasn't having fun. She was stressing out, and she didn't like stressing out. Hell, stress was a part of her job description, but that didn't mean she had to wallow in it.

A hand on her shoulder brought her around in an instant, instinct and training at the fore, her fist raised, and one hand going for a gun she wasn't wearing. Relief shot through her when, rather than an assailant, Elleane stood there.