Chapter 2
Kaden
The city blurs past, neon and rain on the windows, until we pull up outside The Lucky Duckling.
My life can be split into three parts: life in my hometown, the abyss, and life in Cupid City. I’ve lived in Cupid City for five years, but everything in my life changed when I moved here. A change that I had desperately needed.
Cupid City is a charming river city full of lively characters, each with a unique story. The streets filled with historic architecture and romantic features. Mom calls it the “American City of Love”.
When I first arrived, I was running from my past, from the person I had become. I was looking for just another place to lie low and avoid the heat. I was in deep, a bad guy doing bad things for even worse people. I travelled around for work, going wherever I was needed.
Trevor, my college roommate, is Cupid City born and raised. It was by chance that he rang and invited me to town just when I needed an escape.
I like it here, though. It’s calm, quiet, and homey. It feels like home now.
My parents and two sisters have all visited, and they have all easily fallen in love with the town's charm. My mother likes to remind me that Cupid City will be a beautiful place to settle down with a family. To that, I roll my eyes and ignore her.
I find it unlikely that I’ll find a woman who can put up with me and my lifestyle.
The sign flickers as we head inside—and everyone’s there, waiting to yell surprise.
Of course, when I say everyone, I mean a few of my buddies from Heartline Security, my neighbours, my college roommate, and a couple of others from around town.
I find myself roped into a round of handshakes and back-slapping hugs. Trevor pushes a beer into my hand. "You look like you saw a ghost," he grins.
"Just didn’t expect to see all of you in one room without someone getting married or arrested," I shoot back, trying to sound casual.
Maya, Lee’s wife, asks, "So, Kaden, any wild birthday wishes this year?"
"Honestly? Just a quiet night and a slice of cake sounds good," I say, which gets a few laughs.
I end up next to my neighbours, Lena and Mark. They’re glowing, practically vibrating with excitement. "Happy birthday, K. We can’t stay long; the sitter needs to be home early - she’s technically supposed to be grounded. We wanted to give our wishes in person," Lena says, beaming.
Mark and Lena live next to me and have a four-year-old son, Mack. I’ve babysat a few times, they’ve hosted neighbourhood barbecues, and they keep an eye on my house when I’ve needed it. They’re a lovely, very happy couple. They’re the reason I bought that house, in all honesty.
"Thank you, I appreciate it, but you didn’t have to. We can catch up anytime," I say, genuinely pleased to see them. "How’s the renovation coming along?"
"Almost finished. Honestly, these guys are a dream crew. I highly recommend it if you ever need any work done," Mark says, then nudges me. "So, when’s your real birthday, anyway? Is it today, or did Trevor just pick a random Thursday?"
I smirk. "It was Monday. But the real celebration was not getting another one of those singing cards off my mother."
They laugh. For a moment, I almost forget how out of place I usually feel at parties like this.
They promise to say goodbye before they leave, but I’m not worried; I know where they live, and I’ll see them again soon enough. I’m passed around the group, making small talk with everyone.
Overall, the night is pleasant enough. I only have two beers, but a few of the guys keep insisting on another. Trevor and Link are even doing shots, so I just laugh and wish them luck.
I’m getting ready to leave when I spot my ‘boss’, Cassian Rhodes, sitting alone at the bar. Moody and alone as usual, I’m surprised he’s here at all.
“Happy birthday. Did you get your gift?”
“Yeah, thanks, you shouldn’t have.” I chuckle, but I sober as we crack down to business. “I’ve looked it over; I’ll head to the estate in the morning.”
“I’m on a case, but I don’t like Marcus, and I definitely don't trust him. If you need help or don’t want to take the case, just shout.”
I nod and ponder his words as he gets up and leaves. I didn’t realise that Cass knew Marcus, but it shouldn't surprise me; Cass has been around the block a time or two.
I’m not one for parties or other social gatherings, but I can respect that these people are here for me.