Deeper into Darkness

by Maria Ann Green

  Aidan nods, smiling.

  I didn’t say it. I didn’t say anything, really.

  I don’t know when I’ll say it.

  I don’t even know if I want to. Truthfully, I’ve lost all of what I know, left it behind me back in the trash of that dirty little bathroom. I left it miles ago, cities ago, months ago, and I don’t know if I can get it back.

  “Just the vitamins?” a teenage boy behind the counter of the shabby, little convenience store says to me.

  “And this,” I say, dropping the second item onto the counter.

  He rolls his eyes, like buying nail polish and prenatal vitamins isn’t worthy of his precious time, and I shake my shoulders to prevent backhanding him. My temper flares easier now, and it’s harder to keep myself in check.

  My left thumb goes to the space where my ring used to be, trying to twist it. Muscle memory gives way to realization, and I take a deep breath instead. I won’t kill this kid just for being a douche. I won’t.

  “Do you ever wonder who names th-ese colors?” His voice breaks on the second-to-last word, and my mood swings in a full one-eighty until I’m almost laughing at him.

  Pulling myself together, I shrug and tuck a red strand of hair back behind my ear. “Good gig,” I say, handing him my cash as he looks at the little sticker.

  “Aid and Abet-ter Pink—I mean, where do they come up with it?”

  I grab my bag from him without another word and head through the automatic doors—into the night air and toward my empty car and a lonely drive.

  Acknowledgements

  First of all, thank you to my readers. Thank you to every single person reading this book, giving your time to me and my words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Never stop reading.

  I’d also like to thank all of my amazing friends and critique partners for every bit of help, every insightful comment and encouragement and criticism they’ve given me over the years, and will hopefully continue to give. I couldn’t write without such phenomenal friends. I’m so incredibly lucky. The list isn’t exhaustive, but these wonderful people include Kathryn Trattner, Carly Green, Kristin D. Van Risseghem, Heather DiAngelis, Kim Graff, Tory McNidder, Irina Hall, and Christina Robins. Thank you for always pushing me forward. I also want to thank Heather again, who doubles as my editor. Thank you for your attention to detail and your ability to help make this book strong enough to face the world.

  Thank you to all of my supporters and friends that give me everything I need to paint with my words. Thank you especially to Scarlett for dragging me to events that help me cultivate my creative side. I know you’re always game for trying something new with me, for reading my pages, or for pushing me when needed. And to my family, who helps me be a better person and support me even when I’m not always the best I can be.

  Most importantly, thank you to my amazing husband and our monster who support me without fail through every adventure and endeavor. Without you and your never-ending love, my creativity could never have the space to flourish, and projects like this book would never be finished. For everything you do, thank you, and I love you.

  About the Author

  Maria Green lives in Minnesota with her husband and little family—including three cats who always want to sit on her computer while she writes. She’s always loved to read and write, as far back as she can remember. She loves how writing makes her feel and how creative it lets her be. Nothing is as exciting as creating a whole world and entire people in the midst of a twisting plot.

  There’s never a time you won’t find a paperback thriller in her purse. And if you look for her, and she’s not writing, you'll probably find her curled up with one of those books and a cup of hot coffee or a glass of sweet white wine.

  She aims to paint with her words, so her readers can feel connected to her passion for writing. Maria continues to believe that though not every story is for her, and her stories aren't for everyone, every story has a reader. And she hopes you find your story.

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed reading Deeper into Darkness!

  I’d love to hear from you, or connect with you on my social media pages. You can write to me at maria.ann.green.author@gmail.com, find me on Amazon at

  https://amzn.to/2HVVXCS, on Facebook at

  www.facebook.com/MariaAnnGreenAuthor/, on Twitter @missmariaann, and on Instagram @mariainmadness.

  If you have enjoyed this book, keep your eyes peeled for the next one, coming soon. And if you’re so inclined, please feel free to leave a review as well; they are always appreciated and incredibly helpful for indie authors.

  Thank you so much for reading and spending your time in this little world I’ve put together.

  Sincerely,

  Maria Ann Green, Author