A Case of Extreme Mistaken Identity - Victorine E. Lieske Page 0,67

and find out who Shadow Walker really was, it could mean her father wouldn’t lose the home he’d been in since her childhood. The home where all her memories of her mother were. And maybe his depression would finally get better.

Jalen glanced at the teen he’d paid twenty bucks to dress up in Shadow Walker’s outfit and cringed. This was the worst one, yet. Hadn’t this kid ever seen Shadow Walker? He just stood there, like a dead fish. Not that fish stood. They had no feet. Jalen was so flustered he couldn’t even think of a good simile. Next time he was going to make sure his double would at least wave at people. This was an embarrassment.

Jalen glanced at the woman behind the desk, taking the key card. “Thank you.”

The red headed woman gave him a once over and her smile widened. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

What did that mean? Jalen just gave her a cursory nod and turned, unsure of how to answer her. He wasn’t looking for anything. He was there to do a gig. But if course, she didn’t know that. To the world, he was just Shadow Walker’s manager. No one of consequence.

He set down Sir Barks-a-Lot, letting him pull on the leash as he led the security team to their group of rooms. He gave the bellboy a tip, then followed Shadow Walker into his suite. The one adjoining his own. He turned to the teen. “Change and then knock on the door that joins our rooms. You can leave from my suite.”

The kid nodded and grinned. “Yeah. Sure thing.”

Jalen started to leave but the kid reached out and caught his arm. “Wait. Is Shadow Walker coming later, then? Do you need another double to sneak him into the building?”

“He’s coming tomorrow. We don’t need another double. Thanks.” He tugged on the leash, telling his dog it was time to go.

The kid didn’t let go of his arm. “So, do you know who he is?”

Jalen grit his teeth, so tired of the same thing every time. “Yes. I’m the only one who knows.”

A hungry look came into the teen’s eyes. “What’s his name? Will you tell me? I won’t tell a soul. I promise.”

Jalen wanted to sock the kid, but held it back. He leaned close to him and the kid fell for it, leaning in, his grin widening. Jalen waited a moment, until the kid held his breath. “Not a chance,” he whispered.

Before he could get trapped again with more questions, Jalen slipped out of the room and unlocked his own suite. The kid left a few minutes later, and Jalen breathed a sigh of relief. He really couldn’t stand it when people tried to get him to tell them who Shadow Walker was. The public didn’t deserve to know. They rejected him. Repeatedly. And for what? Because he was ugly. People were shallow and rude. For all he cared, they could live and die without finding out he was the one behind the mask.

Sir Barks whined, and he dug out the dog bowls from his suitcase, filling them with food and water. It didn’t take much to make the little guy happy. He wagged his tail as he munched on his supper.

Jalen opened his briefcase and pulled out his notebook with the latest lyrics he’d been working on. His obligations at the resort didn’t start until tomorrow, so tonight he could relax and get some work done. That is, after he gave instructions to the part timer he’d hired. He checked his phone. He still had thirty minutes before the temp agency said they’d send him over. He texted the woman in charge to let them know what room to send the errand boy. He always hired a temp when he had week-long gigs like this. He needed help with food delivery to his room, and other minor things. And if the kid was tall enough, he might be able to use him as his double on the way out.

He relaxed into the chair by the patio door. The view of the ocean was nice. Too bad he wouldn’t be spending much time out there. Even though he was used to hiding in his room, he did wonder if the sand would feel as powdery under his toes as it looked. He pushed away the thought. He didn’t like it when children screamed at the sight of his face. It was best to stay behind the scenes. He