29

Fortunately, later in the evening, I had a breakthrough. I caught a faint waft of what I was looking for near the entrance of a bar. I’d know Kira’s smell anywhere: hints of vanilla and honeysuckle, an undertone of seawater and birch bark, with the smallest hint of rose water. My heart stuttered when I caught it, and my feet instinctually led me toward the scent.

Music assaulted my ears as I stepped into the bar. It was barely past eight, but the place was packed. The deep bass thumped so strongly, it resonated in my chest. Colored lights flashed and strobed around the bar and dance floor. I was already in a shit mood, and this place did little to appease me.

With everything going on in her life, Kira had decided clubbing was the best way to let off steam? Her life was on the line, and she was getting drunk in a bar? It made no sense. She was usually reserved and rigid. It wasn’t like her to hang out in a place like this, unless she was on assignment. But she also had what I considere