Page 46 of Seduce & Destroy

And there she was.

Her wardrobe doors wide open with clothes scattered around her as if she just tumbled out of them.

“Kenna!” I shouted over her. “What were you doing in there?” She’s safe. She’s safe. I didn’t lose another person.

“I don’t know.” She responded.

“You’ve been in there for hours?” I said.

She gave me a blank stare. “Hours? I went to bed only a couple tens of minutes ago, I swear. There was only darkness for a while and a voice, saying that they were coming. And now suddenly, I wake up here.”

I lifted an eyebrow, but internally sighed. There was something in her face that I didn’t trust. I didn’t want to hear her lie to me again, so I told her my truth instead. “We were worried about you.”

“We?”

“Me.” I admitted.

She responded with a smile, running into my arms. I welcomed the warmth, but I stilled. Kenna was a confident person and always got what she wanted but I knew her well enough that hugging was not in her character. My arms wrapped around her nonetheless, until Father walked into the room.

“What is this commotion? Quieten down.”

I looked at my father and jumped from her arms.

“Kenna,” I said, “Have you ever been known to sleepwalk?”

“Only as a child, but never since.”

“Things of the mind are often electrified in dreams.” Father added before walking away. Apparently, the mystery was over.

I nodded. “Especially in nightmares. With finding Tilly and the tension on the estate right now, I can totally understand that the stress could induce night terrors.”

She was visibly shaken, but in her hand, she clutched a black flip phone.

?

We were seated in the living room. Father and I were nearest to the warmth of the fireplace. Neenan was at the door routinely looking over his shoulders, and Kenna was reclined in her seat, looking on affectionately but with an edge of nerves.

Grandfather Edward’s grand funeral was scheduled for next week. The family portraits that he collected were delivered this morning, so that we could choose a piece to display at the procession. It was a big extended family affair, one I wish Tilly had, because she was just as important in my eyes. It was a big deal getting artwork that demonstrated strength despite turbulent times. We’ve been here for hours.

“Oh look, father, you were so cute when you were younger.” I held up a painting of a short chubby corgi; their button noses did look the same. Neenan snorted.

A hush descended on the room. Only the sound of wooden frames shuffling echoed in the room. I looked toward Kenna. Our eyes connected and a small smile graced her lips.

“How about this one?” Father interjected.

I scrunch my nose. “Too frumpy.” The next painting froze me. “Kenna, I’ve found your long lost twin.” My eyes refused to leave the painting. Kenna stayed silent on her approach. “It’s beautiful. Look at that colour.” I looked up at her and she forced a smile. “Your pale skin, wow. It’s your match.”

“Who is it?” Kenna inquired.

I searched the frame for an inscription. It was vintage, possibly 1930s, and the corners of the painting were stained dark brown. “I can’t tell. I want to hang it in my room, though. It’s stunning. Just look at the floral background on it. It’ll look so good! Father?”

“Oh. Go on then.”

We scurried off to my bedroom, placing the painting on various walls. I went to test it over my bed, but Kenna suggested that it should go over the vanity, and it was perfect. The light from the window would hit it just right, she said. And I believed her, though it was night right then.

I handed the picture to her.

Her hands trembled.

---