Total pages in book: 144
Estimated words: 137871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 689(@200wpm)___ 551(@250wpm)___ 460(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 689(@200wpm)___ 551(@250wpm)___ 460(@300wpm)
Maroon laminate tile, mustard yellow countertops, and brunette wooden cabinets darkened the space. There was only one small window over the sink and a buzzing light that hung like a pendant over the chrome-trimmed table and vinyl chairs.
Adriel looked apologetically at the wrinkled woman. “No one is going to hurt you. We’re friends.”
Juniper locked the deadbolt. “Tell her not to answer the phone or door. Convince her that we’re her distant relatives from out of state—her nieces—and we’re staying here for a while.”
Adriel looked into the woman’s eyes and repeated back everything Juniper said.
“You must be Agatha’s girls.”
When she looked back at Juniper, the witch shrugged. “Sure.”
The woman wrung her hands, the delicate bones of her knotted knuckles pressing against her crepe-like skin. “Did I know you were visiting?”
Gently resting a hand on the woman’s frail shoulder, Adriel reassured her. “Yes, you were expecting us.”
“Oh, dear, that’s right.” Capturing Adriel’s hand between her cool, withered fingers, she softly squeezed. “I’ll show you the guest rooms so you can get settled.”
Adriel glanced over her shoulder and scowled. “Juniper!”
“Go on. I’ll be right behind you.” The witch hushed her and shooed her off as she continued digging through drawers.
Following the fragile mortal up the stairs, Adriel noted with concern the sharp blades of brittle bones that protruded beneath the woman’s clothing.
“Do you live alone?”
“Oh, yes. That’s why I’ve been so looking forward to your visit.” She pressed open the door to a large bedroom. By the scent of dust in the air, Adriel knew it had been unused for several decades.
A large canopy bed dominated the far wall. “Do you have children?”
“I lost my daughter a long time ago and my husband shortly after. Danny checks on me from time to time, but other than him, it’s just me.”
Just as she was about to ask who Danny was, Juniper screamed, “Adriel! Get down here—quick!”
She caught the woman’s fragile hand and looked into her eyes. “Don’t leave this room.”
Racing down the stairs, she burst into the kitchen, where Juniper pointed a wooden spoon at a middle-aged man.
“You must be Danny.”
“Where’s Ruth?” His gaze snapped to Juniper. “Who are you, and why are you going through her drawers?”
“We’re none of your business.”
He scoffed. “We’ll see about that. I’m calling the cops.”
Adriel quickly tried to defuse the situation as he pulled out what she assumed was a mobile telephone. “We’re Ruth’s nieces, Juniper and Adriel. She’s been expecting us—”
“Ruth doesn’t have nieces.”
Juniper looked at her, and Adriel knew what she had to do. Leveling the man with a stare, she pushed into his mind and explained, “Ruth does have nieces—two of them.” She pointed to herself and then to Juniper. “We’re visiting on a private family matter. You will not call the police or tell anyone that we’re here.”
“He has a key,” Juniper pointed to his hand. “He let himself in.”
“So, what do you want me to do?”
“Take it from him.”
“Give me your key to the house.” He frowned as he dropped it into her hand.
“Find out what his connection is to the old lady.”
Adriel pressed her lips tight, uncomfortable with this level of pretense. “What is your relationship with Ruth?”
“I take care of the property. She makes me lunch, and we talk.”
Adriel sensed something else. She grabbed his arm, and deceit flooded her. “You’re harboring dishonest motives.”
“Of course he is. Did you see how shitty the plants out back look? His yard game is crap.”
“Enough.” She turned back to the man. “Tell me what you want from Ruth.”
His eyes glazed. “The house. She’s got no one to leave it to.”
As an immortal, she never considered what happens to mortal assets when their owners die. “Do you care for her?”
He shook his head. “I just want the house.”
“He preys on old people,” Juniper said with disgust. “I watched a documentary about scumbags like him. They’re total con artists.”
“Is that true?” She looked into his eyes with stern disapproval. “You only come here because you want the house?”
“She’s got money in the bank too.”
“Gross.” Juniper grabbed a small blue ledger from the drawer she’d been rummaging through. “Check this out.”
Various amounts of money were recorded. Payments to a Mr. Danny Hutchinson.
“Why does she give you money?”
He shrugged. “I visit, she helps me out.”
This man had no honor. “But you lie to her about your intentions.”
“She’s a lonely old lady with no husband or kids. What does it matter what the truth is? I’m all she’s got.”
Adriel was also a lonely old lady without a husband. A snarl built in her throat. “A woman’s older age and lack of husband does not justify such treatment. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“Look, lady, I’m just trying to live.”
“So am I.” She lunged, slamming his body into the door and sinking her fangs into his throat.
Juniper screamed.
Hot, life-giving blood flooded Adriel’s mouth, and she moaned, locking her fists in his hair as she pinned him in place.