CHAPTER NINE
Music thumped in Stella’s eardrums as she approached the large brick building, which, from the vivid branding on the walls, seemed to be dedicated solely to the spin classes. The parking lot was crammed with luxury cars. The unmarked Ford that she and Maxwell had arrived in looked small and humble next to the gleaming array of sports vehicles and SUVs.
“Quite the destination,” Maxwell remarked, sounding surprised.
“Isn’t it?” Stella replied.
The beat grew louder as she and Maxwell neared the open door and headed into the lobby. Above the throbbing trance music, a man’s deep, compelling tones resounded over a loudspeaker.
“Arm lifts. Reach for the sky! Thrust those weights up. Don’t just lift. Thrust! And – one, two, three, four…”
Stella blinked in surprise as she pushed
