Page 111 of Eldritch

Clarice said, “I don’t think you want to do that.”

Again, her voice was light. Almost as fluffy as a grandma talking to a recalcitrant toddler.

Taggert back up a little so he could see Clarice. Maybe he thought Clarice would clock him over the head with something.

Taggert gestured with his weapon at Clarice. “Over there. Sit down on that other couch and don’t move. Now tell me. Is this piece of shit house going to fall apart around me?”

Clarice chuckled, and the sound contained more mirth than it should have. She sat on the couch.

“This house has old bones,” Clarice said. “They’ve been strong since the construction of this home in the 1890s. There’s a lot of history here. A lot of things in this house that don’t take kindly to strangers contemplating violence. At least not your kind of violence. Believe me, this place has seen it all. My ancestors weren’t exactly the nicest people, Mr. Taggert.”

He snorted, adding a smile to it. “Well, neither were mine. What are you? One of those people who blames everything on her parents the way Sybil does?”

Humiliation swept over Sybil, mixing with that terrible, thick soup that pushed its way through her veins and would never allow her to disregard the past. Irritation surged again inside her.

Clarice didn’t appear concerned about Taggert’s question, and she smiled again. Her back was ramrod straight, as if she could command an army with military command.

Clarice turned her gaze on Sybil, and within her eyes, Sybil saw confidence. “Oh, I’m sure Sybil is right about her family. I’m very proud of her for making it this far in life. She’s had a lot to deal with and has done remarkably well. Everything she told you about them is true, Mr. Taggert. Horribly true.”

Sybil’s mind whirled at that last sentence. Apprehension and uncertainty built in Sybil’s thoughts.

“What the hell are you babbling about?” Taggert asked Clarice.

Clarice shrugged, her face composed. “About the things men like you don’t understand very well. No, I don’t blame my parents, really. They carried on a fine legacy in this house. In these woods. They made sure I had everything I needed, including this wonderful house.” She looked around the room, a full smile brightening her face. “Everything they did…they had good intentions for me. They wanted me to learn about the family business. To thrive the way they had. I learned all my lessons very well, and I’m a rich woman. I don’t have a care in the world.”

Taggert’s eyes widened a bit, a new idea sprouting into fruition. “Oh yeah. So you’re rich?”

Clarice nodded. “Yes. In many, many ways. Some ways I doubt you can imagine. Perhaps you’d like some of those riches? I have money that could buy you everything you ever wanted and then some.”

Taggert seemed to relax a little, his gaze filled with curiosity. “Money? You trying to bribe me to get outta this situation?”

“Of course,” Clarice said. “Why wouldn’t I? I have everything I need. What’s a few thousand less if it could save Sybil from harm. What do you say?”

He stayed silent a few moments, as if she’d thrown him a curve ball he couldn’t think his way out of with ease.

Finally, he said, “No. That’s too simple. I want Sybil and the money.”

Stalling, Sybil segued. “How did you get in here, Taggert?”

His smile was shit-eating and loving every minute. “This ole lady let me inside.”

Shock made Sybil’s look at Clarice. Sybil glanced at Doug and saw the surprise on his face as well, but he stayed silent.

“I did.” Clarice nodded emphatically. “I let him in. I’m sorry, but it had to be done.”

Before Sybil could ask why, voices echoed from the staircase.

Oh, shit.

Taggert scowled at Sybil. “You go out there and make sure they don’t cause trouble.”

Letisha walked into the office with Maria and Pauline on her heels.

Letisha’s mouth opened in surprise and panic. “What the?—?”

“Get in here!” Taggert gestured with his weapon. “In here now if you want to live.”

All three women entered as he pointed his gun at them, and in that second Sybil thought about rushing him. Apparently, Doug thought the same because he didn’t move either. No, because Sybil knew as well as Doug did that they’d regret it. Her mind spun and spun, ratcheted up on anxiety. How the hell would they escape this clusterfuck in one piece?

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