Page 38 of The Blood Widow

I opened the door. “Oh, I will.”

It didn’t take me long to find her mother. I walked down the hall. It was the second door to the left, close enough that she could have heard her daughter's cries. The door was even open. She knew exactly what had been happening.

I clenched my fist and strolled into the room. The smell of cigarettes and booze stung my nostrils. I covered my nose. Only a dim sickly puddle of light covered her. An open bottle of pills was scattered on the rustic nightstand.

The blonde curled into a ball hugging a liquor bottle was definitely Cherry’s mom. Their features were identical, except the mother’s were sharper, whereas Cherry’s still held rose cheeks and baby fat.

The rage that festered in me boiled over. Instead of protecting her daughter, she drank her problems away.

“Woman,” was all I said, and another session of nasty blood filled me.

“Disgusting,” I whined and wiped my mouth.

I was going to be sick later. It was like eating spoiled, maggot-infested food out of the garbage.

I called my portal magic, and it appeared in the hallway just outside the door. I groaned.

“Thanks, at least this one isn’t going to get blood everywhere,” I grumbled.

I grabbed her feet and pulled her to the ground. The thump of her falling off the bed was loud. I winced. I hope Cherry didn’t come out to investigate the noise. I quickly pulled the dead body over to the yellow swirling hole on the floor, then pushed her in. Another gift for Cole.

I stood straight and brushed my hands off. The heavy weight I felt the moment I read Cherry’s letter lifted, causing a soft smile to stretch my lips. I could breathe better. Even the air seemed clearer and had a sweetness to it. Each time I did this, I felt cleaner.

I got my phone out of my pocket and called Cole.

“I’m outside, do you need me?” He said even before I could get a word in.

I sighed and walked back towards Cherry’s room.

“No, but since you have a car here and the parents' tainted blood is making me woozy, the girl and I are coming outside. Make sure there are no witnesses around and no video surveillance. Also, call the Florence family. Let them know what to expect. I’ll send you a picture,” I said and hung up as I approached her door and opened it.

Cherry leaned on her bed, hugging a stuffed bear. Her eyes were blank as she stared at the ground. I turned on the light and snapped a quick picture of her. Then, put the device away.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

Her eyes got big, and her lips almost disappeared as she met my gaze.

“You came back.”

Oh, she thought I’d left.You’re breaking my heart, sweet girl.

I smiled and lifted my hand for her to take. I would hold onto it until we were in the car. I could be her anchor.

“Of course, I did. I promise if you ever need me, I’ll be there for you.”

I bet putting her in the closet wasn’t the worst thing thatmotherdid to her because the pure joy that lit her face wasn’t normal. Most kids were reluctant and even wanted to say goodbye, but Cherry wanted to leave as long as she got her toys.

“Okay, it’s time to go meet your new family,” I said.

Her big brown eyes looked up at me as we walked out of the house. “You tink my new mommy will play dollies wit me?”

I smiled down at her. “I think she would love that. Come on, I want you to meet my friend, Cole. He’s going to help me take you to your new home.”

She hesitated at the male name, but her body shook with excitement. “Sank you, Widow. The fairies were right, I’m happier.”

I couldn't stop the tears that escaped as I carried her things in her old beat-up bags. I concentrated on smiling for her sake, even though my heart hurt for the life she’d endured. I understood what she had lived with. As we stepped out of her front door a cold wind met us, making the little girl shiver in her pajamas, but it was a relief on my overheated body. I took her hand, and she nodded that she was ready.

Cole got out of the car and met us halfway, Cherry squeaked, let go of my hand, and hid behind me. Her little arms that were wrapped around my legs trembled.

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