Chase reaches out and picks up the coin. It’s small, tiny really. Smaller than a dime. And the raised areas are rubbed down to almost nothing. You can make out a head shape on one side, and even though the back is very worn too, you can see strange letters or maybe Roman numerals written around the coin.
“That’s pretty cool.” He brings it closer to his eyes, squinting.
“Hard to see what it says.”
“Probably some old version of a penny. Could be English.”
“Yeah. Probably.”
I hold my hand out again. He places it back in my hand as he moves close. “It’d be a pretty necklace on your beautiful neck.” Setting the coin down onto the closest flat surface, I lean into him and wrap my arms around his neck and let him have his way with me. “Want to fuck you again,” he mumbles into my ear.
I want that too.
Reaching out, I tug on his T-shirt. He reaches back and begins to lift it over his head when I hear the front door slam shut.
“Who’s that?” I mutter.
I half expect it to be Bella. She’s usually done with work early on Saturdays. But, to my utter astonishment, it’s not Bella. Or even a friend. It’s Mona. And she didn’t wait for me to invite her in. Nope. She opened the front door and found me, us, in the kitchen.
“Time’s up.”
“Huh?” I blink at the old woman. Well, not old-old. She’s around my dad’s age, so in her late fifties, but her meanness makes her old and wretched, just like her name.
She points to her watch. “It’s three oh one.”
I look up at the wall, expecting there to be a clock, but there isn’t. I glance at Chase, who’s looking down at his watch. “She’s right.”
Turning to face her, I scowl. “Have you been waiting outside?”
“I was passing. Saw cars and knew your time was almost up. I thought I’d do you a favor. I assumed you’d prefer this over having another conversation with the city council.”
“What’s going on?” Chase asks, looking confused.
“Tell you later.” Turning to the old bat, I scowl. “Mona? You can’t just walk in here.”
“The door was open.”
“No.” I shake my head. “It wasn’t.” At least I don’t think it was.
“It was. I’d like to see you prove otherwise.”
“Leave,” I snap. “Or doIneed to call the sheriff?”
“Oh, you’re amusing, child.” She turns as though she’s going to do as I asked and leave, but as she takes several steps, I watch in slow motion as Mona lurches forward like she’s starting to fall. How can that be, though? There’s nothing in her way—nothing to catch her foot or that would prevent her from a clear exit, because the first thing Chase did when he got here yesterday was organize all of the building materials and tools, which was great because instead of having to weave in and around stacks of lumber and plywood, it’s all neatly placed in the former office. The pathways are clear. The real issue here is Mona pretending to trip on something that isn’t there. I reach out in an attempt to catch her, but I’m not quick enough.
Luckily Chase has got her in his arms before she’s got a chance to hit the ground.
“If I were you, ma’am, I’d stay away from this area without permission from the owner. A construction zone is no place for someone your age.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ryder.” She brushes herself off and smiles at him, but it’s not a friendly smile. I’d call it diabolical. “I’m surprised you’re still here. You’re fortunate to be able to take such a lengthyvacation.”
He escorts her to the door and outside, even holding her arm as she takes the porch steps down. When he returns, he’s scowling. “She knew my name and that I’m on vacation.”
“Everyone in town knows your name.” I can’t answer the question about his vacation. “Did you tell anyone you were here on vacation, because word travels fast around here?”
“Yeah. Probably.” Chase has his arms crossed as he watches her pull out of the driveway. “I think I need the backstory here. Who is she?”
The town witch. “She’s… a bitch.” I laugh at my own words. “She wants this house.”
