MONSTERS by Melissa Jane

Author:Melissa Jane [Jane, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Toshiba
Published: 2018-02-08T18:30:00+00:00

~

I had arrived in Maine only a couple of days ago, albeit with a false sense of security. Now as I threw my overnight bag on the backseat of my car, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief to be leaving. My parents’ house was supposed to have been a sanctuary from those who threatened my life. Instead, I’d felt trapped with an even greater target on my back.

I approached my neighbor who was working industrially on mending the door. “Mr. Harper, I—”

“Gerald,” he gently reprimanded.

“Gerald, I can’t thank you enough for everything. I know my parents wouldn’t have been too impressed returning from their cruise to see their home vandalized.”

“I’ll be filing a report this morning with the department,” he said while polishing the glass pane.

“Sammy!” We both turned at the sound of Mrs. Harper’s voice. “Sammy! Where are you?” she called while scanning the yard.

“Who is she looking for?” I asked while shielding my eyes from the harsh morning sun.

“Sammy, the Maltese. Silly thing went missing last night. I think the storm scared him off.”

“I hope he hasn’t wandered far. Maybe check with the pound in case someone found him.”

“Will do, love. No choice but to find him. Glenys treats him like a human child. Eats at the dinner table, sleeps on the pillow. Even has a nightly shower with her. First time he’s ever run, though,” Gerald said, stacking his tools back in his toolbox.

There was no evidence to suggest it, so I didn’t. I didn’t even want to think about it. But that didn’t stop the sickening dread that took hold of my stomach, ruthlessly twisting and turning with the thought that maybe Mason had something to do with it.

“You all right, love?” Gerald asked, a frown marring his sweaty forehead.

“Yes,” I grimaced. “Anyway, thanks again.” I stepped forward embracing him in a friendly hug, which he uncomfortably returned with an awkward pat on the back.

“Safe trip back home and don’t leave it so long between visits.”

I nodded, though I doubted I would be returning anytime soon. I couldn’t involve anyone else in this drama.

“Bye, Mrs. Harper,” I called while taking to the porch steps. She returned my wave but was too distracted with finding Sammy.

Taking one last look at the house, I climbed into the front seat and started the engine. I had one final stop to make before I headed home. I prayed that at least would be drama-free.

After driving a short distance, I turned down the gravel drive and took in Christina’s quaint home. It was a small cottage adorned with roses and hedges lining the path. The couple she’d bought it off during her marriage were elderly and forced to move in with their son, the upkeep of the cottage being too much for them. When Dickhead Damian did a runner, Christina took over the maintenance, and so far, even with a nine-month-old baby, had kept everything running like a well-oiled machine. I didn’t intend to stay long, the guilt over the exhibition hanging over my head.

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