by Mary Abshire
Kurt chuckled. “Oh man, I bet you could use a break.”
“If you don’t need me, then yeah, I’d like to go.”
“We’re fine here. I’ll be gone by the time you get back, but Carol will be in later,” Kurt said.
“Do you know if Susan is coming to work anytime?”
He shook his head. “HR sent me a message saying she will be off the next three days. If my baby had just died, I wouldn’t come back for a week.”
“Is there a funeral planned?” Andrew asked.
“HR didn’t say. I’m sure we’ll find out if there will be one.”
Andrew would check with Emily. He suspected she would be able to see if any arrangements had been scheduled.
He gave Kurt a pat on the shoulder. “I’m heading to the cafeteria for a bit.”
“Keep an eye on the babes for me when you get back.”
“Sure thing,” Andrew said as he walked away.
Defeat settled within him as he headed for the stairs. He’d hoped to kill Susan at the hospital. Now, it seemed he’d have to wait to kill her at funeral reception.
Phone still in his hand, he pushed open the door to the stairwell. After the door closed, he checked up and down and listened for sounds. The silence pleased his ears and offered a little relief. He called Emily as he ascended the steps.
“Hey,” she answered. “Been busy?”
“Very. This is the first chance I’ve had to call you.”
“I figured. So you know she’s not there.”
“I was told she wouldn’t be here for the next three days.”
“I guess that means we’re going with Plan B. I called Mark a little while ago. He’s home with her and he’s been watching Brian more. Sara is at school since it’s her last day.”
Andrew stopped on a landing and leaned his back against one of the walls. “What did he say when you called?”
“He said the funeral is tomorrow at three and a reception will be at the house from six to nine. He has to go back to work soon and so does Susan. She wants to get everything over with so they can move on. She wants to adopt another baby soon.”
“He told you that?” he asked, surprised.
“Yeah, I asked what he thought about having another baby so soon. He said he didn’t think he was ready for another one yet. They’ve been arguing some. He wants to take the kids to his sister’s house for a couple of days.”
“What do you think they’re arguing about?”
“Well, as you recall, I did plant a bug in his ear about standing up for the kids. Maybe he listened.”
Andrew pushed away from the wall. “So tomorrow afternoon I’ll finally get my chance.” He continued up the steps.
“I’m guessing there won’t be many people that show up. The majority will likely be coworkers.”
“As far as I know, nobody here knows about a funeral.”
“I spoke with him a little over an hour ago, so it’s possible she hasn’t told anyone yet. Regardless, this is the soonest chance you’re going to get. We need to go and be ready.”
“Trust me, I’m ready now.”
“Hang in there, love. Less than thirty hours to go.”
Her words brightened his mood. “I’m counting down.”
“In case we have to make a quick exit, I’ve been packing a few things in the Jeep.”
“Good idea.” He’d miss seeing the cute babies and the hominess of Springfield, but he’d seen enough death from Susan. He needed to get her out of his head.
“Although I’ll be glad to move on, I’m a little nervous to find out who the next demon will be to appear on your arm. It seems each one is more evil than the last.”
Andrew had noticed the same thing. His challenges had increased with each new demon. But he remained positive. With her help, they could accomplish anything.
“We are a great team. As long as we stick together, we can bring them down,” he said.
“Yeah, of that I have no doubt.”
“I’m almost to the cafeteria. I’m going to get something to eat and then walk around outside for a bit. I could use some fresh air.”
“Well I am going to head to a Goodwill store to find a black dress for the funeral. After that, I’ll think of something to cook for dinner.”
“A black dress, huh?”
“Yeah, black, short, easy to access…”
His erection jumped as he envisioned her in such a sexy outfit. He’d take her into a private room and have his way with her.
“You’re turning me on,” he said.
“That was the point. Given all the stress you have to deal with, I think a little fun and games are in store.”
“Did I mention you are the smartest woman I’ve ever met?”
She lightly chuckled. “And sexy too. Don’t forget that.”
“Of course. Do I need to list other things?” He reached the floor for the cafeteria and stopped near the door.
“Nah, I think we’re good. Go eat and get some air. I’ll dress up for you later, or dress down. Maybe both.”
“Both, please.”
“Will do. Love you.”
Her words made him smile. He enjoyed hearing them. “Love you too.”
He returned the phone to his pocket. The headache he’d had earlier no longer existed. Her voice had soothed him and the image she’d planted in his head had aroused him. Emily was the best cure for all his ailments. She was his heaven, his heart, the reason he existed and did the things he had to do. She made everything worthwhile. He couldn’t wait to see her in a black dress.
Happiness filled him as he strode from the stairwell and into the hall. He had a date set to kill Susan. The next twenty-four hours couldn’t go quick enough, but then again, he didn’t want all of them to fly by. He wanted to enjoy some time with Emily before destroying the demon.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Emily sat at on the loveseat next to Andrew at the Williamson house. She had her legs crossed and tried to keep the slit in her black dress from showing too much of her legs. Andrew held her hand on her thigh and was busy talking to Kurt. A few other coworkers had shown up to the reception and Andrew had introduced them to her. People Mark worked with had shown up too. Most had paid their respects and had left. Maybe ten people remained. Mark and his sister, Maggie, were standing near the patio talking to Susan. The conversation didn’t look like it was going well. Outside, Sara was sitting on the swing and Brian was playing. At least someone was having fun.
“Carrie, it was nice to meet you,” Kurt said.
“Leaving so soon?” she asked.
“I’ve got to get to work in a couple of hours,” Kurt said.
She let go of Andrew’s hand and rose. “Thanks for feeding my husband while I was in the hospital.”
He chuckled. “I’m sure he would’ve done the same for me if I had been in his shoes.”
“You know I would have,” Andrew said before he stood.
“Good to meet you, Kurt,” she said.
“Take care,” he said. “Spencer, see you later.”
“Bright and early in the morning,” Andrew said.
Kurt left smiling. He seemed like a real nice guy. Andrew liked him, so he had to be okay.
Emily scanned the room. She counted eight people left, not counting Mark’s sister. Two ladies from the hospital were chatting, a group of two couples were eating and talking, and another couple sat on one of the two sofas. They looked bored but kept their attention on Susan, Mark, and his sister.
“Want a drink?” Andrew asked.
“Yeah, let’s get one.”
He took her hand and gently tugged it. They walked between the two sofas on their way for the kitchen. Vegetable trays, fruit trays, casseroles, and other snacks were spread out over the center island. They passed it and came to a halt near the counter with three different types of canned drinks. Emily didn’t consume a lot of sugary drinks, so none of them appealed to her.
“What do you want?” he as
ked.
“Do you like Coke?”
“Sure.”
“Split it with me? I can’t drink much.”
He took a can from the case. The aluminum made a light pop when he lifted the tab. “Want some ice?”
“No. I don’t trust anything in this house, but I think the canned drinks are probably okay.”
He grinned as he handed her the cola. She took it from him and sipped.
“So much for our plan,” he said as he glanced at the threesome chatting, then back at her.
Emily’s idea of taking Susan aside to kill her had not worked out. During the reception, there was a half hour when the main floor had been filled with people coming to pay their respects. It would’ve been a good time to pull Susan upstairs, but she’d been too busy talking to people. Emily couldn’t interrupt her because it would look obvious something was going on. So they waited for guests to leave. Unfortunately, the opportunity didn’t improve as people left. Emily feared her plan was a bust, but she couldn’t leave yet. She wanted to wait until everyone had gone before giving into defeat.
She handed him the can of Coke. “I’m not ready to walk away yet.”
“What do you think they’re talking about? They’ve been at it a while.” He leaned against the counter and took a drink.
“I don’t know. She started off in tears. For the last ten minutes she’s looked mad. Maggie seems to be on Mark’s side.”
Andrew handed the can back to her. “How long are we staying?”
Emily bent to peer around him at the microwave. The time showed after nine.
“The reception is over. Hopefully everyone will leave soon,” she said.
“I will not allow my children to leave my home,” Susan said a bit loudly.
“Honey…” Mark put his hand on her arm.
Susan jerked away from him. “No.” She stormed off, heading for the stairs.
Mark looked at his sister. She shook her head and shrugged. She began walking away from him. Susan made it to the stairs and climbed up them. Emily moved to Andrew’s other side so it wouldn’t look obvious they were watching.
“It’s up to you, Mark. They’re your kids as much as hers. If you want to bring them over, then call me. I’m not putting up with her any longer,” Maggie said, walking down the hall toward the front of the home.
“Maggie, I’m sorry,” Mark said, following her.
“Be a man. Don’t let her control everything,” Maggie said.
Andrew’s eyes widened. Emily grinned. She liked Mark’s sister. At least she told him what he needed to hear.
Emily handed the drink back to Andrew. She waited while he downed the rest of the drink. He looked good in his black pants and long-sleeved black shirt that fit a little snug over his pecs.
The remaining guests strolled down the hallway, chatting while they headed toward the front of the house.
“I think that’s everyone,” Andrew said before he set the empty can on the counter.
“Let’s go check.”
He took her hand and together they left the kitchen. Rounding the corner, she was surprised to find it empty. They came to an abrupt stop. She spun to see Mark by the entrance, talking to the two ladies from the hospital. After they shared a few words, the women began walking away. He shut the door. Emily tugged on Andrew’s hand.
“Did everyone leave?” Emily asked as they approached him.
“Yes. My sister is upset.”
“Thanks for introducing us. I like her,” Emily said.
“I thought you might. In a way, you remind me of her.”
“You should listen to her. She can help you,” Emily said.
Susan came stomping down the stairs. “I’ll get the kids and clean up the mess.” She headed for the patio. The coldness on her face sparked hatred within Emily.
“We can help clean up,” Emily suggested.
Susan stopped at the patio and opened one of the doors. “Kids, get in here. Time to clean up.” Her harsh tone reflected anger.
Emily had a bad feeling the bitch would hurt the kids. Susan seemed upset. What do abusers do when they’re mad? They take the emotion out on others and harm them. Emily couldn’t let the kids get hurt.
She glanced at Andrew. He shook his head and pressed his lips together. He also tightened his grip on her hand.
“Mark, you should take the kids to your sister’s house. She’s upset. Andrew and I can talk to her and help clean up,” Emily said.
“I don’t know,” Mark said.
Andrew stepped closer to him and stared into his eyes. “If she hurts those kids, it’s on you. You’re to blame.” His stern voice gave Emily a slight chill. Kudos to the angel for confronting Mark.
Brian whined as he came into the house. “I want to play outside.”
Susan swatted his head. “Go to your room.”
The little boy held his hands behind his head and began to cry.
Emily faced Mark. “Let us talk to her.”
Brian headed for the stairs, crying. Mark hurried toward him. He picked up Brian and held him. “I’ll take them and come back. She lives about twenty minutes from here,” Mark said.
“We’ll help clean up and try to talk to her,” Emily said. “The kids shouldn’t be here when she’s so upset.”
Andrew half smiled and gave her a curt nod. His chance to kill Susan had finally arrived.
Sara held her head low as Susan talked to her. Emily couldn’t watch the bitch belittle the girl any longer. She walked past Andrew to intervene in Susan’s conversation. Sara nodded her head before she walked away from Susan. Emily caught up to her near the kitchen.
“You need to go with your dad, Sara,” Emily said.
The girl lifted her eyes. “I have to clean up.”
Emily put her hand on Sara’s shoulder and gently nudged her toward the hall. Mark approached with Brian still his arms.
“Come with me. You and Brian are going to spend the night at Maggie’s house,” Mark said, then Sara took slow steps toward him.
“Excuse me?” Susan said in a not so kind tone.
Emily gripped her fist and spun to face her. Fury rushed through her. She was ready to punch the bitch in the face. Andrew grabbed hold of her wrist.
“We’re helping clean up. We’d like to talk to you too. You’re upset. The kids shouldn’t be around all this right now. If you love them, then let them go,” Andrew said.
Susan peered around him. The ‘I want to kill you’ look on her face melted into one of misery. “Mark, please,” she pleaded.
Emily crossed her arms and glared at the demon. She wondered when the fake tears would come.
“I’m taking them to my sister’s house. It’s the best thing for them,” Mark said.
Susan began crying. “Please, don’t take our kids.”
She took a step forward and Emily grabbed her arms. “They’ll be fine at your sister-in-law’s.”
Tears appeared as she sobbed loudly. She tried to press forward, but Emily held her in place. Mark headed for the exit with Sara while Susan begged them to not to go. Her act would’ve been Oscar worthy had Emily not know it was phony.
Andrew put his hand on the crying bitch’s shoulder. “They’ll be safe. No one will hurt them.”
Susan put Emily’s fury to the test as she attempted to move forward. Emily gripped the woman’s arms tighter so she couldn’t go after Mark and the kids. She dug her nails into Susan’s skin and pushed her backward to the dining table. Susan thrashed and threw her arms up, breaking Emily’s hold. Emily’s ire raised her temperature. Her face warmed in an instant. Emily considered shoving her back and bashing her head on the floor, but Andrew grabbed her wrist again.
“Easy, love.” He looked back.
Mark was closing the door on his way out with the kids. Finally, they were alone with the demon.
Susan continued to bawl her eyes out. Andrew let go of Emily before he stepped around the demon. He pulled a chair out from the table. “Sit,”
he told Susan.
She did as instructed. The flood of tears continued. “They’re my kids.”
Emily crossed her arms again and stared at the demon. As Susan sat weeping, Emily felt nothing but coldness and loathing for the woman.
“Stay with her,” Andrew said softly, and she nodded.
He walked away, leaving her alone with Susan. The woman bent over and buried her face in her hands. Emily rolled her eyes. She wanted to tell Susan to stop the grieving act, but Susan didn’t know that Emily and Andrew knew the truth about her. If Susan had known, she sure as hell wouldn’t be putting on a show. She’d probably try to run.
“You don’t have children. You don’t know what it’s like,” Susan said, wiping her face. “I need them.”
Emily twisted to check on Andrew. He’d opened the refrigerator and had his back to her. His head was slightly tilted as if he were looking at something. What the heck was he doing? She hoped he wasn’t going to pour the poison in a bottle of water. Since Susan had used that trick on her, Emily doubted she’d drink anything handed to her from Andrew. He would waste poison if he tried to put it in any fluid.
“My kids mean everything to me,” Susan said in a calmer voice, gathering Emily’s attention.
“A few days away won’t hurt them. It will be good for them to get away,” Emily said.
Susan composed herself. The tears had stopped. Slowly, the sadness transformed into hate and disgust. “Wait until you have children. See how it feels.”
“Bringing a life into this world is difficult, but it’s a gift. A blessing. And that child should be nurtured, loved, and protected. Abuse, be it verbal or physical, is not acceptable,” Emily said.
Susan rose, glaring at Emily. “Are you accusing me of abusing my children?”
Andrew approached them with a bottle of water. He held his other hand behind his back. “You must be thirsty after all that crying. Have a drink.” He stretched his arm out to give the water to her.
Emily’s brows rose, stunned he was attempting to poison her with bottled water.
“I’m not thirsty,” Susan said with a knowing expression on her face.
He tossed the bottle toward her. Susan caught the water before it hit her chest. With her head tilted down. Andrew brought his other hand up. He swiftly jabbed a needle into the side of her arm. She jerked her head up and she gasped. He withdrew the syringe and stepped back before she had a chance to retaliate.
