Rest For The Wicked

Rest For The Wicked by Cate Dean Page A

Book: Rest For The Wicked by Cate Dean Read Free Book Online
Authors: Cate Dean
Tags: Novels
Ads: Link
not felt for a long time. Terror. “Take me now. I am worth more than any human soul—”
    “You are my boon, my bonus, my ticket in the door.” Natasha stood, her eyes flashing. “I will come for you, make no mistake. But I have more work to do here.” She smiled. “Much more. Goodbye, Claire.”
    “Natasha—”
    Claire spoke to empty air. Natasha had disappeared. Literally. Closing her eyes, Claire fought the panic surging through her. Natasha had been possessed by one whose power Claire may not have the strength to challenge.
    Carefully, she lowered Lisa to the ground, looked around. Her cell phone was in the water, and she doubted there would be a land line in the deserted warehouse. Aching everywhere, she stood, cradled her bloody wrist, and limped toward the main road to call for help. Help that was no longer needed.

 
ELEVEN
    S ince Claire refused to tell her what time she would be arriving at the airport, Annie sent a taxi to get her, with specific instructions to wait until Claire showed, not take no for an answer, and bring her back to the store.
    Annie waited outside when her taxi pulled up. The Art Nouveau streetlamps came on as she stepped off the sidewalk.
    “Thank you so much, I’ll take her,” she said to the driver, who helped Claire climb out of the back seat. “Thank you for bringing her home.”
    “Pleasure, miss.”
    He pocketed the envelope of cash Marcus insisted on providing, then drove off.
    “I’m taking you home, Claire, and staying. No argument.” Claire didn’t argue, didn’t say a word as Annie wrapped one arm around her waist and led her to the car. A bruise stood out on her left cheek, nearly black against her too pale skin. Dark circles smudged the skin under her eyes. She looked—broken. “In you go—take your time, honey, I’m in no hurry.”
    Claire moved slowly, like she was in pain, but she didn’t make a sound. When Annie grabbed her right arm to help her into the passenger seat, she saw the heavy bandage on Claire’s wrist, the scrapes and bruises on her fingers. Oh, she was getting answers, all right. But she would let Claire sleep for about twenty hours before she went on the attack.
    *
    “ I can’t tell you any more, Annie.” Claire’s throat was raw, every muscle aching. She hardly slept, and finally gave up trying just after sunrise. “I need to know you are safe—”
    “And the less I know the better, blah blah blah.” Annie settled beside her on the sofa, touched her left hand. “I’m not leaving until you tell me why you’re so damn scared for me.”
    With a sigh, Claire closed her eyes. She had already lost too much time, and if she did not get rid of Annie soon, it would leave her little time to pack what she needed and return to finish what she started with Natasha. With what Natasha had become.
    “Natasha is killing people. I have to stop her. Any other questions?”
    “Yeah.” Annie crossed her arms. “What army you planning on taking with you?” Claire looked at her, suddenly afraid that her friend already knew more than she should. “A sergeant called from the police station, Claire; you put my number as your emergency contact on the police report. I know what you did to save that girl. Whatever’s wrong with Natasha, you can’t take her on alone.”
    “She is—”
    “Your family. Yeah, well, so am I.” Tears stung Claire’s eyes. “And I’m taking the right as family and saying hell no. You won’t do this on your own.”
    Claire didn’t know whether to laugh or panic.
    “Annie—”
    “Nope. And you try to sneak out like that again, I’ll sic two big, strong men on you. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you owe one of those men an apology.”
    “Marcus.” Claire lowered her head, shame heating her face. “Is he all right?”
    “An out of joint nose, broken fingers, some bruises. He’ll live. Lucky for him Eric has medical experience.” Claire looked up. “He’s a vet.” Annie’s smile was

Similar Books

Lost to You

A. L. Jackson

Alive in Alaska

T. A. Martin

Replicant Night

K. W. Jeter

Ace-High Flush

Patricia Green

Walking Wounded

William McIlvanney