Page 34 of Back In the Shadows

My legs trembled with the revelation. “Others?” I asked, my voice hovering above a whisper.

“He’s found his calling. The next families got even better. What do they say? Practice makes perfect?”

My stomach churned and my heart dropped with lightning speed to my toes with her confirmation that Xavier wasn’t only dangerous but had no problem killing and stuffing me. “I just don’t understand why me?” I had a sneaking suspicion that it had to do with Death and my research on his family, but I wasn’t going to offer that information.

“You can’t repeat this, and if you do, I’ll make sure you pay dearly, so don’t forget that.”

I raised my hands in surrender. “I won’t say a word.”

“After I saw you and Xavier, I talked to the boss. I wanted to know who you were and why you were stuffed in a glass box. Apparently, the boss asked Xavier to babysit you, get you out of the way, but … butyouare bait, Ella. The boss gave Xavier strict orders not to inflict serious harm—like he could cut you up, but not badly enough that you bled out. Ya know, shit like that. I thought if the boss knew you were in a cage, he’d probably blow a fucking gasket. I was wrong since he doesn’t think there’s another way to contain you, so …” She gave me a small shrug.

I couldn’t wait to meet Xavier’s boss for myself and shove a knife into his heart and twist it slowly. Later, I would give myself permission to entertain that thought, but I needed to get as much information out of Fiona as I could. “I’m bait for who?”

Fiona glanced over her shoulder again, then she leaned closer to the glass. “Your husband.”

I pursed my lips together, ensuring I kept my mouth shut. If she didn’t know about Death, then that could work to my advantage.

“So the fact that some goons snatched me off the front porch of my home is actually payback from someone’s family my husband helped?”

She smacked her lips loudly, as if I’d guessed correctly.This is about the Horizon Society?

“There are some very twisted and dangerous men he’s pissed off. I’m guessing your boss is one of them.”

“Something like that, yeah.”

I tilted my head, still confused why she’d returned.

“Fiona, why did you come back if you weren’t going to help me escape?”

A creepy crawly moved across the floor, and I pointed near the couch. “One of your friends is coming to say hello.”

I watched in disgust as Fiona extended her hand and let the critter crawl up her arm like Xavier had. Sucking in a breath, I looked away. “I just can’t get used to that.”

“It takes a while.” She cooed at the spider as if it were the cutest little kitten she’d ever seen. “And to answer your question. I’m not sure. When I saw you locked up and realized that Xavier was in love with you … I guess I felt sorry for you. Having a date night with Xavier is kind of gross.” She scrunched up her nose in disgust.

“And I’m married, but that doesn’t seem to bother him.”

Her brow arched. “Why should it? In his mind, you’re never leaving him.”

“Do you know that I have nine-month-old twins? They need me home, Fiona. Please. I’m begging you, just open the cage, and I’ll do the rest.”

She set the spider on the floor, then stood slowly. “I can’t. Xavier and my boss wouldn’t hesitate to kill me. I’m not suicidal.” She pursed her lips, her eyes flickering with regret. “I’ll try to stop by again soon. At least you’ll have a good meal when Xavier returns.”

“How long will he be gone?”

“He should be back any minute. I should go.” She hopped up and then spun on her heel and practically ran out of the underground hole, leaving me behind once again. I couldn't help but think about what Fiona had said regarding Xavier being a killer. She was clearly having a good time fucking with my head. I stared at the lifelike dolls again. One thing was confirmed from her visit— Xavier was a murderer and dangerous, and I couldn’t afford to let my defenses down.

I drew my knees up to my chest and rested my chin on them. Deep inside me, I understood that my time was running out. Xavier was growing more obsessed with me, and my chances of escaping were dwindling. I stared at my wedding rings. Maybe … just maybe my band would be what set me free.

The sound of the door creaking let me know that I’d have to wait until I was alone again to try my idea. I just hoped it would be soon enough.

17

DEATH

“The flock moves as one, but solitude moves through the lost lamb's bones like winter.” ~ Anonymous

I led the men up the stairs to Ella’s bedroom. The rug had been haphazardly replaced over the loose board, and I wondered if whoever had broken into the home and stolen her had also found the information she’d been working on. I knelt, then pried the floor up, revealing a dark hole.

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