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If only he knew. My demon remained quiet, which slicked my palms with nervous sweat. She must want to go to Cruise’s, which would make it my opportunity. If I couldn’t find a cab, I’d have to figure out a bus or something, or it would require a lot of walking to get there.
You have transportation available to you; use it.
I handed the driver Cruise’s address and waited to see his place. Of course, where he lived wasn’t anywhere near my neighborhood. Then again, most respectable people didn’t live in our neighborhood. Still, his home sprawled on the outskirts of town in an area full of wealthy people. The location made sense; he worked for the government. Although he likely made a decent salary, his home had to be from either a very wealthy partner or family money.
I’m so happy we did this today. Iloveto terrorize the rich.
I didn’t ask the question, even as the words floated through my mind. I wasn’t going to ask the nice cab driver to pull over because I was possessed. Eventually, the wheels of the vehicle crunched their way up a long, tree-lined driveway. I tried not to stare, but I mostly failed, though I couldn’t see much past black-shuttered windows. A mostly wood estate, it towered above me like some kind of sleepy god.
I wasn’t the kind of person who entered homes like that one, even if I saw them on television. Or used to.
Does he have a butler?
I got out of the car as the door opened, swinging easily on well-oiled hinges to allow a woman to approach the car. She held cash in hand, her impatience almost as palpable as the weird grin. She smiled at me, even though we’d never met, her blonde hair gilded and her fingers elegant as she tapped the window to speak to the driver.
It seemed my guesses proved correct—Cruise did have a rich partner, wife, girlfriend, or whatever. Someone who made his lifestyle happen, someone beyond himself.
I should have possessed someone rich.
She could go right ahead and do that, especially if it meant she’d leave me alone.
“Hi,” the blonde woman said to the driver. “My brother sent me out to pay you. Take this. Addalee, come on inside. It’s getting cold out here. I think it might snow.”
I had the same thought, despite April being awfully late in the season for it. I shivered, ready for sunshine and warmth. “Do you really think it will?”
“I hope not.” She frowned and put out her hand. “I’m Mary, Cruise’s sister. Come on. Leave your stuff to the left by the door. No one will bother it there.”
Oh, sister.Well, there went the spouse idea.Even if her connection wasn’t romantic, she was clearly in charge, so I obeyed and put my stuff down. “Nice to meet you.” We shook hands.
There is something about her I don’t like.
That was funny, since I liked her immediately. She motioned toward the house as the cab drove away, so I followed her inside.
“Are you okay? Need anything? We’re going to have dinner in a few minutes. My wife is cooking tonight, which should make us all unbelievably grateful.” She grinned. “Come in. I’ll introduce you.”
I was glad to follow her, especially since something about their house didn’t quite ring normal to my senses. They’d tastefully decorated the place, but nottoofancy, considering the palatial exterior. Mary wore jeans and a white- collared shirt, and for some reason, her bare feet stuck out to me.
“Should I take off my shoes?”
“No,” she smiled, lifting her foot in the air. “I prefer to be barefoot when I’m able, but we’re not atake your shoes off at the doorkind of a family.” I followed her to a modern, if farmhouse- styled, kitchen done in mostly whites, accented with pops of bright blue color. The table was set as though we would soon sit down for a meal.
A beautiful, Black woman stirred the pot as we entered. She turned around to smile at me. “Oh good, you’re here.” She offered her hand. “I’m Willow, Mary’s wife.” She sighed. “If her brother would get here, we could eat soon, but he’s almost always late. We’ll have to wait and hope the sauce doesn’t burn.”
He hadn’t been late this afternoon so I shook my head. “He was right on time at the prison.”
“Work is different.” Mary sighed. “At home, he seems less concerned. Anyway, would you like some wine?”
I shook my head. “No, I don’t drink. Thanks.”
“Did you always prefer not to drink or just since you got possessed?” Mary walked to the fridge to pull out a soda. “I ask because my demon didn’t want me to drink, so I didn’t then, either.”
I pressed my lips together as it all finally made sense. “You used to be possessed? At least I know now why he wanted me to meet with you. Listen, I don’t want an exorcism, okay? I’m sure you know this, but only one percent of the people who go through an exorcism live. It’s great that you did, but…”
She held up her hand. “I know the statistics. You don’t have to convince me. Cruise didn’t bring you here so I could talk you into an exorcism. In fact, if he hasn’t told you, although I survived ours, my twin sister didn’t. Cruise was one year older than us.” She looked away. “I’m Mary, named after my grandmother, while he’s got my mother’s maiden name, Cruise. My twin was James, but we always called her Jamie, and that was my grandmother’s maiden name. Since Jamie didn’t surviveher exorcism, I know Cruise wouldn’t force anyone to get one. Never.” She looked from Willow to me and shrugged. “Maybe he thought you could use a friend who wouldn’t judge you or deny the facts of the situation.”
I sank into a chair at the counter. She poured a seltzer and pushed it in front of me. “Does food still have taste for you, or are you to the point where it doesn’t even have flavor anymore?”
“I haven’t thought about it, honestly. Maybe a little? I can still taste some things, especially stronger flavors.
