The Back Stairs by Kc Kendricks

Author:Kc Kendricks [Kendricks, Kc]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Amber Quill Press, LLC
Published: 2012-09-08T04:29:28+00:00

* * * *

"Fallon! Wake up!"

I woke with a start, arms and legs flailing. Heart hammering in my chest, I groped for my ringing cell phone. Sundown slapped it into the palm of my hand, his face blurred on the fringes of my vision as I struggled to prop up on my elbow. I flipped the phone open and prayed my voice would work.

"Yeah. What?"

"Where the fuck are you? We got another body, same as Carlton. I need you to get your whoring ass to McGregor Park." The connection broke.

Junior was pissed, and I didn't blame him. I managed to push myself into a sitting position as the world spun around me in dizzy loops and circles. What the hell was going on? I'd never felt this disoriented before in my life. Never. Gentle fingers stroked the back of my neck, growing firmer as they pushed my head down between my knees.

"I'm sorry, Fallon. I should have asked you before I burned herbs to help you sleep. I didn't think ahead that you might get a call. I only thought you needed rest."

I had no clue what he blathered about, and I didn't care. I waved him away from me. "I've got to go. There's been another killing."

Sundown drew back as if I'd struck him. "Where?"

I told him as I snatched my socks off the floor. He hopped off the bed and tossed my underwear and pants to me.

"Can I help you in any way, Fallon?"

I shook my head. "No. I don't want you anywhere near McGregor Park." Shit!

I hadn't meant to tell him the location. What was it about him that I couldn't keep my mouth shut and my pants on? I murmured my thanks as he handed me my shirt and sat beside me on the edge of the bed.

"Look, Sundown. Whoever this is may be gearing up for a long spree. I'd prefer he not get a look at you. If he divines something between you and me, you may become a target."

Those beautiful eyes blinked. "You're serious."

"As a heart attack. Sometimes serial killers fade into the background; find a secure place to observe the police. They want to see who gathers to admire their work." I turned and grasped his arms. "I want you to stay here and be safe."

I rolled to my feet and strapped on my weapon under his worried gaze. I hoped he'd be smart and do what I asked, so I made a promise I knew I couldn't keep.

"Listen, Sundown. I'll tell you everything I can in a day or two."

He pressed his lips together. "You think I'll allow you to come back here?"

I ran my thumb over his lips. He couldn't keep the smile off his face.

"Yeah, you'll let me come back. Now, stay out of trouble, will ya?"

"I will do my best."

Sure he would. I believed him--for about a second. "Okay. Later."

I bolted for the door and didn't look back. Going down the back stairs was a lot easier than going up.

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