Enjoy!
Shifting uncomfortably in the hard backed wood chair, I
aerated my dry lemon chicken and ignored the scathing looks from my mother. Why
I agreed to come to dinner a week after my drug addicted twin sister’s disappearance
into downtown Cincinnati was beyond me. My husband, Dalton, nudged my knee
under the table; at least he’d held to his promise of accompanying me.
“Beth.” My mother’s shrill voice pulled my attention away
from the unfortunate chicken. Martina Malone was not one to beat around the
bush. A slight woman, she seemed physically frail but appearances can be
deceiving. When armed with a spatula, she could be quite vicious. “Have you
spoken with your sister?”
“Yes, mother,” I replied, focusing on the flowered wallpaper
just behind her head. Dad kept his eyes down, pretending not to hear the
conversation while Dalton shifted uncomfortably. “She’s staying with a friend
downtown.”
“With a friend.” Martina snorted. “Frank, did you hear that?
Beth has fallen for Emily’s oldest trick.”
“Excuse me?” I interjected, stabbing the air with my fork.
“Did I just hear you right? You think Emily has, what. Pulled the wool over my
eyes?” Leaning back in my chair, I threw my napkin on the table. “Thanks for
that vote of confidence, Mom.”
“Well, what else am I supposed to think? Huh? While you’re
sitting here eating dinner with us, your twin is out there rotting in some
crack house.” Martina stood, gathering her half eaten plate and shaking her
head.
“You invited us to dinner,” I retorted, standing. Dalton
grabbed my arm, but I yanked it away angrily, sparing him a seething glance.
“How am I supposed to take care of Emily and work, too?”
Martina threw her plate, and mashed potatoes stuck to the
wall like spackle as she burst into tears. “You should be taking care of her.”
She fell to her knees, burying her face in her apron.
“I can’t take care of the whole world.” Desperate for help,
I looked to my father. He shook his head, as usual. Dalton was looking between
my mother and me, unsure of what to say.
“Your family should come before those worthless crack heads
at your so-called job!” Stunned, I stared at my mother for a moment before
storming out of the dining room and grabbing for my keys.
Dalton grabbed my arm before I reached the front door.
“Beth, wait.”
Whirling on him, I broke his grip and stepped back. “What?”
Hurt flowed through me; how could he just sit there and let me take that abuse?
“Where are you going?”
I swallowed back tears. “I don’t – I just need to clear my
head.”
“I’m sorry, okay? I don’t know how to handle that kind of
thing.” Dalton glanced towards his feet, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
“You could have just said back off. That’s all.” I stepped
towards him, laying a hand on his chest. “See you later.”
He didn’t stop me when I shut the front door, nor did he
come after me when I sat in my truck with tears streaking down my cheeks.
Wiping angrily at them, I fumbled to put the key in the ignition. Ding-a-bink-a-ding! Cursing under my
breath, I pulled the phone out and opened the message. Just what I needed. My
sister’s drug dealer.
Rough night, Beth?
A chill washed over my skin. Suddenly paranoid, I glanced
around the dark neighborhood. “Why doesn’t Cincinnati believe in street lamps?”
I managed to get the truck turned on before replying. Are you watching me?
That’s a nice truck
you have.
My breath caught in my throat, tightening my chest. Gripping
at the locket I wore under my shirt with a picture of Emily, I contemplated the
best course of action. After a moment of debate, I turned off the truck. Where are you?
Wouldn’t you like to
know?
Gritting my teeth, I gathered my thoughts. “He’s watching
me. If I can just make it back to the house I’ll be safe.” Is Emily with you? I had to distract him.
I was opening the door when he replied. Nolan was lightning
fast on his keyboard. No, she’s on a high
running around somewhere. Kids these days.
“God damn it.” I already knew my night would be spent
searching the streets for my sister. A muscle in my jaw popped. And you’re watching me? Are you high?
Hopping out of the truck, I shut the door softly and
prepared to sprint. The phone vibrated in my hand. No, he wrote, I don’t use.
That stuff rots your teeth.
Gathering my muscles to run, I about had a heart attack when
a man stepped from the shadows in front of me. I dropped my phone and stumbled
backwards, flattening myself against the truck. He was half cast in shadow, but
I recognized him. Tall and lean, Nolan could glance over the top of my truck
with ease. He leaned against the driver side door as though he belonged there,
crossing his arms over his chest. His sleeves slid up, exposing intricate
tattoos. “Running away from me?” he asked nonchalantly in a voice of liquid
velvet. “Don’t go breaking my heart now, Beth.”
~End~
The other magnificent flashers:
Lily Sawyer (m/m)
1 comment:
Wow...intense. Left me wanting to know what happens next.
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