Sal Campano was serving possible life in prison for attempted homicide?That took his penchant for hair-pulling to a whole other level.
That aside, how did MCknowall of that?How could he possibly know she’d been afraid her third-grade wish would come true and, even though Latonya was mean, she didn’t want her to get hurt just because she got the part of Cindy Lou Who, and Dom had been relegated to Whoville resident number four?
MC cleared his throat.“I see your surprise, Dominique, and I acknowledge how exposed you feel right now due to my deep dive into your innermost thoughts and perceived misdeeds, but when I say I vetted you, know that I always mean what I say.”
Her chest felt tighter than the corset she’d worn on Halloween last year, when the Remember Me staff had a party and she’d dressed as Marie Antoinette.
Tugging at her scarf, she pulled it off and set it near Fletcher, who immediately set about making a nest from the silky material.Her cheeks went hot and her breathing became erratic.
“I think…I think I need a minute.Maybe some fresh air, if you don’t mind?”She didn’t wait for an answer.Instead, Dom jumped off the couch, her eyes flying to search for an exit.
Carl held out his pale green hand to her in a silent invitation, a soft smile on his boyish face.“Come…with…wi…th me.”
His words were stilted and slow, but his eyes held a sincerity Dom couldn’t deny.
“It’s okay,” Wanda whispered softly, her affection for Carl clear in her expression.“Go with him.Carl will take good care of you.”
When she placed her hand in Carl’s, the instant their skin touched, Dom almost gasped.It wasn’t only the immediate connection she felt to him, the safe vibe he gave off, but it was as though she’d jumped into his soul—a soul that was unpolluted by malice or discrimination.
He radiated love and joy, and those emotions transferred to her, threading through her veins, whispering over her heart, bathing her in his genuine light.
Without hesitation, with zero fear, Dom let him lead her through to the kitchen, where he pulled open some French doors that led to a cobblestone patio, where there were chairs sitting around a circular fire pit.
The cool air splashed her face, easing the sting of red blazing across her cheeks.Sitting in one of the striped cushioned chairs, Dom leaned forward and breathed deep, trying to slow her thrashing heart.
Leaves in orange, yellow and brown littered the patio, skittering across the pavers, scratching against them as the cool breeze made them dance.
Edison lights surrounded the area, glowing cheerfully, highlighting the endless terra cotta pots of mums in various colors.It was a warm and inviting space, even if it was chilly out.
Carl placed his palm on her back before he sat on his haunches in front of her.“Scared?”
She lifted her eyes to meet his warm brown ones, swimming with compassion, unsure why she felt comfortable answering.“Petrified.”
And she was.
“Too much…too…toosoon?”he whispered, patting her hand.
“Yes.That’s exactly it, Carl.Too much, too soon.It all happened so fast, and I have no choice but to either think I’m in some crazy nightmare or this is real.Talking hammers and werewolves and vampires are really real.”
Dom heard the wonder in her voice, felt the tremor in her throat as her heart skipped a few more beats.
Carl’s smile of sympathy was tender and filled with understanding.“Demon… Demons, too…”
Her response was to jolt in her chair and scan the landscape of Nina’s huge backyard.“Demons are real, too?”But seriously, why not?If a hammer could talk, why couldn’t a demon exist?
But he reassured her with another pat to her hand and a gentle smile.“S’okay.Good demons.”
Still, she had to ask.“There are good demons?”
“There are!”a booming voice from the darkness assured.When the owner of the voice stepped into the light—an oversized teddy bear in jeans, high tops, a sports team jersey and a knit cap—Dom cringed a little.“I’m Darnell.Good demon.”He held out a beefy hand, which she reluctantly took, letting him envelope her fingers.
He clearly saw her hesitance.“Don’t be afraid, Miss.I’m one of the good guys.Promise.Most of us are here because of circumstance, just like you.”
Humbled.
Dom was instantly humbled.Her only defense?She’d been raised by staunch Greek Orthodox people who, while amazing, were firm believers in Heaven and Hell, and demons were from Hell.
But Darnell didn’t appear at all hellish.In fact, Carl jumped up and threw his arms around the demon’s large form.In return, Darnell gave him a squeeze and dropped a kiss on the top of his head.“Hey, buddy!How you been?”
