Page 6 of Infernal Secrets

She didn’t care. I could’ve run out of gas in the middle of I-40, and she wouldn’t blink. She just didn’t want me calling for money. As if I’d call them for help.

“I’m fine. I got paid Friday.”

“Good. You better get going. Tim will be home shortly.”

God forbid he has to be reminded of my existence.

“Yep. I’m on my way. I’ll call you before I come for my next visit.”

I didn’t hear Patricia’s response because I was already crossing the yard to the side gate leading to the driveway.

Once a month, my friend Maya loaned her car to me for the drive to visit Grandma. In exchange, I covered her Saturday shift the following week—the one she usually slept through after partying late. I never understood the appeal.

If a full tank of gas and an extra overtime shift let me visit Grandma without buying a car when I normally took the bus, I’d take it.

I didn’t know it then, but that drive home would be the last time my life made any kind of sense.

2

BAD LUCK

RAE

Amild breeze cooled my sweaty skin. The steady rhythm of my sneakers grounded me as memories of the phone call with Patricia last night swirled in my mind.

The moment her name lit my phone, I knew what the call was about.

Whenever I visited, Patricia called within a day or two complaining about Grandma’s “unhinged ramblings.” Last night was no different—more threats, same script.

Rounding the curve to my townhouse, I slowed at the sight of two men near the community mailboxes. I kept my eyes down as I climbed the hill, but the weight of their attention prickled my skin and sent a shiver down my spine.

“Good morning, Raelynn.”

I raised my head at my neighbor’s voice.

She stood on the other side of the mailboxes in a fluffy yellow bathrobe, graying blonde hair tied in a messy bun. An eager husky tugged on the leash at her side.

I jogged over to meet them. “Mornin’, Mrs. Stevenson. Taking Max for a walk?”

“No time. Jim needs me at the office early. I’m running late as is, but Max needed to poop, and Andrew isn’t back from fishing yet, so here we are.”

I smiled at her open laugh before glancing at the men who hadn’t moved.

They kept talking but glanced over when I did.

The brown-haired man smiled in acknowledgment. But when my gaze locked with the man standing closest to me, his eyes narrowed. I could have sworn a shadow crossed his irises, but when I blinked, they appeared bright blue.

I turned back to Mrs. Stevenson. “I can take Max. I need to cool down anyway.”

“You sure?” She looked up at the sky. “They’re callin’ for storms sometime today. I can smell the rain already.”

“Of course. He’s such a good boy.” I crouched, and Max moved closer, licking my face as I buried my fingers in his neck fur. “You are, aren’t you?”

“Well, if you’re sure.” She passed me the leash. “Just let him in and lock up for me when you’re done.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I looked down at Max. “Ready to go?” He barked in response as if he understood.

When Mrs. Stevenson left, I glanced once more at the man and recoiled, the hairs on my neck standing on end.