Page 96 of Hell Hath No Fury

“That’s why the grave was so shallow.”

“It was pouring rain. Digging by hand would be hard enough, but the hole would keep filling with water.”

“Makes sense.” Emma’s relieved breath warmed Matthias, even over the phone. “Eric’s in the clear,” she said, “and Nell’s agreed to check back into rehab. Seems like all’s right with the world.”

“Except for one thing,” Matthias said. “You’re there, and I’m here.”

“Nell just came out of the bathroom, so we should be back well before sunrise.” Emma gave a lilting laugh. “And we should make it back to Erie in plenty of time for me to keep my job.”

“Drive safe, okay?”

“You know it. See you soon. Love you.”

He echoed the sentiment back to her and ended the call with a smile.

* * *

Emma glanced over at Nell in the passenger seat, head lolling to one side, eyes closed. Asleep.You’re a lot of help.A conversation with her sister would definitely aid in keeping her awake, but such was not the case.

They’d made one stop before leaving Akron. Emma had bought a large coffee and a can of Mountain Dew. With that much caffeine in her system, she hoped to make the entire trip without needing to find a hotel. A restroom? Yes. Nell had added a large bag of chips and a monster-size soda to the order.

Emma’s unease began as they pulled away from the convenience store.

She noticed a car pull into the lot behind them and didn’t give it much thought, but when they eased onto the road, loaded with their travel supplies, that same car followed them. Its headlights stayed in her rearview mirror as she maneuvered the streets and as she took the ramp from Goodkirk Street to Route 8. The dark car blended into the night, except for its ever-present headlights.

Now, miles from Akron, with Nell asleep beside her, Emma still kept an eye on the mirror, convinced the same car was following them.

ChapterTwenty-Nine

Matthias’s phone jarred him from a sound sleep. The red light on the hotel’s alarm clock read two a.m. Adrenaline jolted him the rest of the way awake. His phone’s glowing screen identified the caller as the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

“Detective Matthias Honeywell,” he answered, already out of bed and reaching for his jeans.

The man on the other end of the call gave his name, but it evaporated from Matthias’s consciousness. “I’m afraid there’s been a traffic collision.”

“Emma,” he whispered. “Is she…?”

“She’ll be fine. The paramedics are checking her out.”

He would’ve been relieved… hadshebeen the one calling him. “What about her sister?”

“Nell Anderson has been transported by ambulance to East Liverpool City Hospital.”

Matthias put the phone on speaker so he could pull on his jeans and a shirt. “How bad?”

“I’m no doctor, but from what I gather, she suffered a broken leg. Could’ve been much worse. Their car is undriveable. Would you be able to come to the scene?”

* * *

Matthias pulled up a map on his phone. From the hotel to the hospital was roughly forty-two miles northwest, with the accident scene another eleven miles north. With the destination set, he started the Jeep. He hadn’t made it out of the hotel’s parking lot before Emma called.

“Are you okay?” he demanded, not bothering with a hello.

“I think so.”

She didn’t sound okay. “Where are you? I’m coming to pick you up.”

“I’m still here. With Eric’s car.” She groaned. “He’s gonna kill me.”