Page 27 of Waste
“Be careful, foolish human. If they take you, I won’t come for you. That would only be a death sentence for me, and you’d already be dead. You’re not worth my life,” the ghoul warned, and then he disappeared.
“Shelley! What are you doing out here?” Charlie said, making Shelley jump and nearly topple over.
“I was getting some air.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Charlie replied and picked Shelley up before she could reply. Charlie locked the door and faced Shelley.
Whatever she’d been about to say faded as she took in his expression. “What is it?” she asked as fear raced through her.
“Someone was at the front door. The camera picked them up, but they were covered head to toe. They left you a message,” Charlie said gently.
His tone increased her fright. “Charlie, what aren’t you telling me?”
“They dropped a dead cat on your doorstep. Shelley, we need to get you somewhere safe. This person literally walked up, dumped the body. They stared at the cameras for a few seconds before leaving. The bastard knew we wouldn’t be able to identify him,” Charlie spat in temper.
Shelley understood Charlie wasn’t angry at her but at the intruder. She was saddened by the poor kitty who’d died.
“Please bury it,” Shelley asked, choking back tears.
Charlie nodded. “He slit its throat, poor thing. It wouldn’t have suffered. But it’s a clear message. We need to call DI Wilson before I touch it. This guy is confident enough to approach you even if I’m here, which frightens me, sis. And something else, he has to be watching you. Or how would he know you were home tonight?” Charlie asked, and coldness flooded Shelley’s belly.
Charlie had a point. What if this madman had seen the ghoul? He was Shelley’s secret; something she had, and the rest of the world didn’t. Shelley sank into a chair as the implications overwhelmed her. Charlie made her a hot tea before heading into the living room to call the police.
Shelley turned to the small mirror on her kitchen windowsill.
“Mary Worth, Mary Worth, Mary Worth, please warn the ghoul not to return. Someone is watching my home, and he might be caught on camera. Tell him to stay away,” Shelley murmured.
Charlie returned, speaking into his phone, and distracted Shelley from the mirror.
If she’d watched a little while longer, Shelley would have seen a ghastly figure appear and quickly fade. But she didn’t; she was focused on her brother.
Chapter Seven.
Shelley
Shelley rolled her eyes as Drew and Charlie kept up their bromance, despite several heavy sighs from her. Both men glanced at her, grinned, and then continued their conversation. Right now, they were debating the merits of acoustic guitars versus electric ones. Drew apparently played both, and Charlie was determined that the acoustic was more romantically inclined. Drew disagreed and said either could be used for romance.
“Charlie! Drew would know! He’s the famous musician,” Shelley finally exclaimed.
“Shush. You’re not involved in this argument,” Charlie chided, and Shelley raised an eyebrow. Seconds later, Charlie let out a whuff as Shelly hit him in the stomach with her cast.
“What was that for?” he demanded as Shelley assumed an innocent expression.
Drew began laughing, and Shelley sent him a dire look. “You both were giving me a headache.”
“Liar!” her brother exclaimed, but Shelley took the higher road.
“If you say so. Drew, can you tell us where we’re going now?” Shelley inquired, changing the subject.
“To a private ski resort. I own a cabin there. There’s tight security at the resort, and anyone trying to get in will be caught,” Drew answered.
“A ski resort? Are you kidding?” Shelley asked, looking down at her arm and leg.
“Best place to hide out. Who’d expect you to head here?” Charlie agreed with Drew.
“I hope you’ve got something for me to do while you’re off skiing!” Shelley snapped. She loved skiing and was annoyed she would miss out on the slopes.
“Shels, I’m your big brother, sheesh. I bought some of those wooden puzzles you like. The ones that you build into cars and ships, etc,” Charlie said.
