Chapter 1: First Catch

The hotel bar was quiet for a Friday night, the kind of soft-lit, low-ceilinged place that made strangers feel braver than they were. Soft jazz drifted from hidden speakers, just loud enough to soften the edges of conversation. Collette sat in the corner booth with James, a half-finished whiskey in front of him, the familiar half-smile already playing at the corner of his mouth. At sixty-two he still looked solid in a dark button-down, salt-and-pepper hair neatly trimmed, goatee framing that hungry expression she knew so well. She caught the faint scent of the perfume she’d chosen for the evening—something warm and dark that always lingered on her skin—and felt the quiet thrill settle in her chest. They’d done this before. Plenty of times. But the first moment of the hunt never lost its edge.

She saw the woman almost as soon as she walked in—early thirties, long dark hair falling past her shoulders, a tight black dress that clung to every soft curve. The woman ordered a glass of wine and perched on a stool at the far end of the bar, legs crossed, one heel bouncing lightly. Alone. First-timers had a look. This one had it.

Collette rose without a word. James stayed where he was, watching over the rim of his glass. She slid onto the stool beside the woman, close enough that their arms almost touched.

“You here alone, sweetheart?” she asked, voice low and warm.

The woman startled, then blushed. “Yeah. First time in the city. Business thing tomorrow.” Her eyes flicked toward the booth, then back. “Is ... is he with you?”

“He is. That’s James.” Collette smiled, fingertips resting lightly on the woman’s knee. “I’m Collette. My husband and I could keep you company tonight. Show you a good time ... if you’re curious.”