Page 45 of Last Breath

Our trip down the road took less time than it felt, but it’s more than likely because of the conversation about pie that helped. The roadside light states vacancy. There are two bulbs out on its name, and there’s a parking lot full of cars. TheThre Ca ti Motelthe sign says. I assume it’s supposed to be Three Cacti Motel. Its lit in bright pink with three tiny cacti wearing sunglasses.

Flicking the blinker, Malachi starts into the parking lot. Three stories high with three floors matching in color to the cacti out on the sign, the front office light is still on.

“I’ll go see about a room,” Malachi chirps as he swings the Impala into a spot at the end. “You two stay here and try not to kill anyone.”

Very funny. Very true.

Parking, taking the key out and pocketing it, Malachi wanders off.

“Do you think I can have one with a tub? What’s the chances of a place like this having a tub?” I’m babbling, but I’m excited as there’s a diner in the front. Obviously, it isn’t open, but come morning I’m having pie.

Chapter 24

Joy

Opening the door to the room, the sweet smell of vanilla hits me. “Oh, my. This smells so good.” Pulling in breath after breath, the tone warms my soul. I haven’t slept in something so beautifulever. The walls are covered in a rich wallpaper, with thick raised black fleur de lis. The deep garnet background gives the room an air of opulence. The bedspread has the same garnet red with black pillowcases. Tall white candles stand on either side table, and a beautiful chandelier hangs above. The tiny crystals toss small lights all along the walls like shimmering diamonds. It’s perfect in every way.

“You okay, Joy?”

Spinning around, wrapping my arms around Salem, tears well in my eyes.

“Yes, this is awesome.” I hug him tight.

I’m overwhelmed.

“All right, lady. Enough of that. There’s a tub calling you.” Walking us inside, Salem pushes me away to set the bags on the chair. As I wander through, checking out the bedroom space, Salem bypasses me to start the water.

Walking back out of the bathroom, his face scrunches in disgust. “There were one of those bath bombs in there. Now there’s bubbles everywhere. It smells like a flower factory.”

Smirking, I try to hide the smile. “How awful for you, Sal. And you made it out alive?” Faking a gasp, he smacks me on the ass as I run for the sanctuary.

Trailing behind me, he strips off his dirty clothes. “Go, woman, before I find new things to involve you in.”

Laughing as I close the door, I hear the television turn on. It’s so late at night that Salem won’t be watching long. He’ll pass out soon.

Stripping off my shirt and pulling down my jeans, I stare at myself in the mirror, looking for clues to my new pregnancy. No distension in my stomach, no growth in my boobs, and no food issues. Rubbing my stomach, looking where the new little person grows, I talk to it. “You’ll be an interesting addition to our lives.”

Is it an it? Her? Him? Them?

I guess it doesn’t matter.

Watching as the water rises in the tub, the bubbles grow exponentially. Stepping in, the warm water and bubbles feel fabulous as they pop against my dirty skin. I haven’t seen a tub in what feels like years. This is its own piece of heaven. Sitting down and letting my bones be caressed, I sigh deeply.

I dip under the water as it continues to fill. I adore this.

Chapter 25

Malachi

I stand outside the door to the hotel room, not wanting to go in yet. I want to let Joy enjoy this little respite. My biggest worry isn’t Joy right now, or the pregnancy, it was the look in Salem’s eyes. I know what this could mean.

We’re in a motel with very little vacancy, in the middle of nowhere.

Police intervention would take time to reach us. I’d hate to see any harm come to the inhabitants.

I’ve known, loved, and cared for Salem’s quirks for years. Giving in to his baser needs for death, I’m fearful of what it means for those sleeping in such a nice place.

So why am I standing outside the room, afraid to enter? Why am I suddenly having an issue with how our lives have been, and where the choices we’ve made have taken us?

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