The Nine Lives of Felicia Miller

The Nine Lives of Felicia Miller by Joe Augustyn Page A

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Authors: Joe Augustyn
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again.
    And to make it all worse, he knew that Mandee would have no compunction whatsoever about exposing their sordid affair. She’d do so in a hummingbird’s heartbeat if  it eased her frustration even for a fleeting moment.
    Mandee was a cold-blooded monster. A beautiful selfish predator.
    He had danced with the devil and now she was standing on his toes.
    115

 
    The Nine Lives of Felicia Miller

21
 
    “One down, four to go,” said Felicia breezily. She was in the town’s only thrift store, shopping with Ruta, searching the racks for vintage treasures.
    Ruta smiled wanly. Not her usual upbeat self.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “I’m leaving town,” Ruta said abruptly.
    “What? For how long?”
    Ruta answered with a somber look.
    “Oh no,” Felicia gasped.
    “My dad got a job in Portland. We’re leaving this weekend. For good.”
    “No. That can’t be. It’s… you can’t just up and leave me now. We were just getting started.”
    “I know. I don’t want to go, you know that.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me?” Felicia felt betrayed. She had quickly developed a bond with Ruta, one that would be as painful to release as it was special. Not to mention what an effective team they were in seeking retribution against the boys.
    “I am telling you. My folks just sprung it on me yesterday out of the blue. I didn’t even know he was looking for a new job. It’s some kind of big urgent project that requires his expertise. He said it’s too much money to turn down. They’re putting us up in a condo until we find a house.”
    “You don’t have to go. You can stay with us. Tell them you want to finish high school here.”
    “Please, Felicia. Don’t make this any harder than it already is. Your parents don’t even like me. And mine would never agree to let me stay behind. My mom is already insisting that I help her with the new house hunt.”
    “But… you… can’t.”
    “Our house is already sold. Some big development company snapped it right up. I tried to talk them into staying, I did. But my dad said this town is going to be going through some changes soon. He doesn’t think it’s a good thing either.”
    “Ruta… What am I going to do without you?”
    “You’ll be fine, sweetie.” Ruta stroked her hair. “But you’ll have to finish what we started, without me. Did you ever figure out who the fifth boy was?”
    “No. Hey, if you’re not leaving ‘til this weekend, we still have time. For one more at least.”
    Ruta shook her head. “Believe me, I’d like nothing more.” She cast a glance at the shopkeeper, who was keeping a wary eye on them but was too far away to eavesdrop. “I was high for days after we did Marky. I think it has something to do with the venom. It really gets my motor going. You know I’d be up for another round. But my folks want me home every day now, helping my mother pack. I’m not even going back to school. There’s too much to do at home. I’m supposed to be there now. But I couldn’t leave town without saying goodbye.”
    Felicia hugged her tightly. Never wanting to let go. “Promise me you’ll stay in touch.”
    “Of course I will. You’re like a sister to me. You are my sister. Now and for always.”
    “You have my cell, right?” Felicia asked.
    “Yes, of course I have your cell and you have mine. And we’re friended online. We’ll talk all the time. We’ll talk so much you’ll get sick of hearing my voice.”
    “Not hardly.”
    “And I expect a blow by blow as you finish what we started.”
    “I’m not sure I can do it alone. I really don’t know if I’m up for it.”
    “Of course you are, girl. Just check in with Granny if you hit any snags. And be careful. Please. Above all. Be careful.”
    The shopkeeper put down the romance novel she’d been reading and eyed them suspiciously. Just what I need. A couple of baby lesbians holding their secret rendezvous in my shop. “Are you girls planning to buy anything? I’m ready to close up

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