Page 92 of Horror and Chill
Garron: Yes.
Little Horror: Why?
I grin at the screen.
Me: Because I want to hurt him just for being in the room with you. You want him safe? Then give us another name.
The dots linger. Then nothing. They appear and disappear for a few minutes, as if she is writing a name and erasing it, then writing it again.
Little Horror: Why? Why can’t you just leave Kylo alone? He didn’t do anything. He just helped me.
Evander: Name. Now Little Horror. Don’t make me choose . . .
Little Horror: Urgh! You infuriate me. Fine!
Again the little dots bounce, then stop. Then bounce again.
Little Horror: Michael Templeton.
My chest seizes. My thumbs still.
Evander leans forward, finally giving a shit. His eyes cut to me. “Is that?—”
Evander: Is that…
Little Horror: Yes.
Me: You have to go with?—
Little Horror: Absolutely not.
My teeth grind so loud Garron chuckles. “She’s already dancing in the trap, brother.”
Me: Then Kylo it is…
Little Horror: Goddammit, Corwin…
I lean back, laughing low, feeling the dark thrill spark in my chest.
Me: Come with us and get your vengeance. Show them what you’ve become. That instead of creating a timid mouse, they created a fucking monster.
Little Horror: Promise you won’t leave me with them.
The air shifts. Garron’s grin fades just a little. Evander’s eyes sharpen.
I feel my lips pull into a smile, sharp and mean.
Evander: Swear it.
Garron: Promise.
Me: I’ll kill them all before they get to keep you from me.
Garron laughs again, low and wild. “That’ll get her wet, brother.”
Little Horror: Okay…
Me: Pick you up Friday. Take the next week off.
