Blackness Within by Norma Jeanne Karlsson Page A

need his help.
    “I hate to impose, but do you think you could come over and…” I trail off as Sully opens the door.
    “Natasha?” Ben asks, getting nervous at my sudden silence.
    “Sorry, Ben. Can you hang on a second?”
    “Sure.” He hates being placed on hold.
    “Sully, I’m tryin’ to have a little privacy. Do you need something?” I grind out my irritation.
    “Hang up the phone,” he demands in a harsh, cutting tone.
    “Excuse me? You don’t get to tell me what to do!” I shout.
    He stalks into the bathroom, forcing me to retreat further against the vanity to maintain any personal space.
    “Get off the fuckin’ phone. Now,” he growls, leaning into my face.
    “Get outta my goddamn face and my house! NOW!” I screech, pushing him in the chest with both of my hands as hard as I can. He doesn’t move. He does snatch my phone from my grasp and ends my call with Ben before stuffing it in his jean’s pocket.
    “I’m not goin’ anywhere. No more usin’ your phone until we know what you’re dealin’ with. I just got off with my investigator. People are lookin’ for Blake. Bad fuckin’ people and they’re askin’ about you,” he snarls.
    I feel a tremor work its way from my toes to my scalp, raising every hair on my body as it travels. I’m going to die. It’s finally going to happen. The bad shit that follows the people I love is going to claim me. Shit!
    “A car’s on its way for Blake now. Go pack up and get the baby ready. We’re leavin’,” Sully directs.
    I don’t move. I’m not certain I’m even breathing at this point. I can’t…I just can’t.

O’Sullivan
    I’m seething. I’m furious. I’m moments away from losing my shit completely. I need Natasha out of this house now. The Vojtech Bratva will be here soon. They know who she is and she’s not difficult to find. I need her in my fortress of a home where I can see shit coming.
    I hear pounding on the front door followed by Zeus barking and growling at high alert. No way would a grab team or a hit squad announce their presence like that. Who the fuck is here?
    “In your room,” I order Natasha and she complies instantly, running past me and shutting her door before locking it.
    I stalk to the door prepared to beat someone’s face in. I grab Zeus’s collar, but I do nothing to calm his impending attack.
    I yank the door open to find a small skinny guy wearing glasses. He looks panicked and out of breath.
    “Zeus, off,” he commands and the dog does as instructed.
    I see.
    “Ben?” I question lightly.
    “Where’s Natasha?” he ignores my question, attempting to push past me into the house.
    I hold my ground.
    “I’ll call the police. If you’re here threatening Natasha for her piece of trash brother, you’ll be sorry. Now, move out of my way so I can find my girlfriend,” he instructs with no real threat in his voice.
    “Ex,” I correct harshly.
    “Who are you?”
    “I’ve got things under control here for Natasha. You can go back home.” It’s my turn to ignore his question.
    “I’m not leaving until I know she’s okay. Natasha!” he yells beyond me.
    I hear her door open as she quickly comes running to this douche bag. I fight the eye roll.
    “Thank God. Are you all right?” Ben asks Natasha as she comes into view.
    “I’m fine,” she lies.
    I take the advantage her proximity offers me, pulling her under my arm. Her body goes stiff, but she makes no move to fight me. Ben’s eyes bug out of his head at my action. Mission accomplished.
    “I…uh…well…you didn’t sound fine. And then you hung up on me after yelling. If this man is threatening you, I’ll call the authorities. Just give me an indication that you need help. I’m not afraid of him,” he lies. He’s shaking in his loafers.
    Natasha clears her throat and takes a deep breath before responding.
    “I’m fine, Ben. Really. I shouldn’t have bothered you. I appreciate you coming over to check on me—”
    “What the fuck