Page 4 of Soul Of A Villain

Walsh Grove, Georgia

Londyn Juliette Skye

“You look so pretty today, Paris,”Londyn murmured, pushing her older sister’s golden-brown hair away from her forehead. With gentle fingers, she tucked the strands behind Paris’s ear and forced a smile to curve her lips. “As pretty as the flowers blooming outside your window.”

Paris stared ahead, her gaze vacant and unseeing.

Londyn bent down, peering intently into Paris’s yes. “I’ll bring flowers for your room next time, okay? Would you like that?”

There was no response, but Londyn did not expect anything different. Paris’s condition had remained unchanged from the day she came out of the coma. Things had not improved when Paris transferred from the hospital to the care facility six weeks before. There was hope, but it faded with every passing day.

Biting her bottom lip, Londyn moved away from the hospital bed and opened the small closet. Grabbing the extra pillow from the shelf, she carefully slid it behind Paris’s shoulders until she was more upright.

“There, that’s better. Do you think you can eat some of your soup today? It’s your favorite… chicken and wild rice with carrots.” Londyn pushed the tray closer to Paris and sat on the edge of the bed. “Can you smell it? It looks really good. Like Mom used to make when we were sick. Do you remember that?”

That was a bit of a stretch. Mom had rarely done any cooking. But it was true that she made chicken soup sometimes, even if it was straight out of a can. Keeping up a steady stream of conversation, Londyn spooned little bits into her sister’s mouth, glad when the older girl mechanically swallowed the broth. “Before too long, you’ll be doing this yourself, you know. You won’t need your little sister to help you with things like this. You’ll get better and come home where you belong. I’ll help you, sis. I’ll stay with you for as long as you need.”

Paris did not respond. There was not even a flicker in the hazel green of her eyes to indicate she understood Londyn or even recognized her.

Londyn swallowed a muted sob before steeling herself. Despite the devastating stroke Paris had suffered, hope that she would recover completely would not be abandoned.

She must get better if there was any chance of bringing justice to the man responsible.

The door creaked open, and the charge nurse’s gray head appeared in the opening. “Hello, Londyn. How is our patient today?”

Londyn quickly dashed the tears from her cheeks. She smiled at the elderly lady as she entered the room with Paris’s chart in her hands. “The same, Mrs. Hill,” she said, turning away from Paris so she couldn’t hear the sadness in her voice. “I wish I could say differently, but I can’t.”

Mrs. Hilltskedunder her breath and approached to pass a gentle hand over Paris’s forehead. “I know seeing her in this state is difficult for you, my dear. It is a small blessing, but she is not experiencing pain. You are doing the right thing, coming every day like you do. Talking to her about normal things. I think it helps.”

“I believe that, too, Mrs. Hill.” Londyn lifted another spoonful of soup and guided it between Paris’s slack lips. “I know it’s rather sudden, but I’ll be out of town for a few days. An unexpected job opportunity has come my way, and it’s too good to pass up.”

“Oh?” Mrs. Hill said, surprised. “What kind of job, dear?”

Londyn’s mouth tightened into a thin line before she forced herself to smile. “It’s highly confidential, so I cannot reveal the details. But I can say I will be unavailable for thirty days with no access to a cell phone during that time. My trust in you and the rest of the staff is the only reason I can consider doing so. I know you will take excellent care of Paris while I am gone.”

“Thirty days? Lord, what kind of job is this?” Mrs. Hill asked, her brow furrowing with concern. “It sounds dangerous. It-it’s not something illegal, is it?”

Londyn’s expression was crafted of just the right amount of amused shock. “Oh, no, Mrs. Hill. Of course not! However, the terms are quite clear, and I was required to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Thirty days isn’t so long, and the pay is very generous. I’ll be able to continue Paris’s care here for years if that becomes necessary.” She gave Mrs. Hill a reassuring smile. “I’ll be perfectly fine and back before you know it. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“What about school? Doesn’t the new semester start soon? I’m sure your sister would not want you to miss one hour of your education.”

“I took the fall semester off under hardship purposes, so I have a bit of breathing room. I’ve already made arrangements to transfer home if it becomes necessary.”

Mrs. Hill still did not look convinced. Londyn’s hand shook a little as she dabbed a white napkin at the corner of Paris’s mouth. If only the motherly woman knew the truth of the new job, she would probably do whatever was necessary to make sure Londyn did not take it. After all, placing oneself in a secret, underground auction might be the height of stupidity. Even if she stood to gain a small fortune for simply giving up a month of her time.

Not just your time. Don’t forget your virginity is part of the deal. Your virginityandyour body.

It was the only way of ensuring Paris would continue receiving the same level of care once the insurance benefits leveled off. And it was the only path open to ensure Sheriff Adam Franklin paid for his crimes. Theremustbe revenge for Paris. Revenge for the beating Adam administered before injecting her with the drugs that caused her stroke. He’d left her for dead that night, confident his actions would keep their illicit affair a secret and his department’s rampant corruption hidden. For a year and a half, the sheriff had been cheating on his beauty-queen wife with the young emergency dispatcher while also involving her in situations of extortion and violence. No one knew Londyn was aware of her sister’s involvement with Adam and all the horrible things he’d done.

The first time Adam had come to the nursing care center, dripping with false sincerity as he checked on his “dear employee,” Londyn had nearly thrown up. She calmly thanked the man for his concern while ensuring he understood the severity of Paris’s injuries.

Adam’s handsome features expressed smug relief when he realized Paris would never,everbe the same again. Londyn wasn’t sure how she kept herself from snatching up a pair of scissors and stabbing him straight through his black heart.

It was little consolation, but soon, she would have enough money to see Adam Franklin pay for his crimes. He would either pay with the loss of his job, his wife, and his fine, upstanding social status, or he would pay with his life.

Londyn was terrified to realize she much preferred the latter.

ChapterThree

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