Page 33 of The Devil Goes to Washington

“We are not your fucking playthings,” she hissed, peeking around the corner to make sure Micah was out of earshot.

“But you are fun to play with.” Michael cooed, leaning on the wall next to her.

“I mean it! If you are doing this as some kind of retribution, that kid is going to be crushed. Just stop now, before he gets hurt.” She busied herself with stacking dishes.

“I told you. I’m not going to let anyone, including me, hurt you or Micah ever again.” Positioned behind her, his warm breath caressed her neck.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You consumed and then decimated me once before. I can’t survive that a second time.” It was imperative for her to recall why she was angry with him and brazen it out.

“Evie, I want our forever to start right now. I’m in this completely. Body and soul. I’m going to prove to you that I’ve always loved you.” Curling the hair around her ear, his touch sent shivers through her. He could be so charming and persuasive. Remembering that he was the devil to be despised was going to prove difficult.

“IS THIS YOUR PLAYROOM?” Micah asked in awe, standing at the open doors of a room Michael hadn’t visited in eight years.

“Sort of, but for adults. We always called it the game room. You want to look around?” Michael asked, noticing that Banner had done an excellent job adding some new features while they were out for the day.

“Wow, foosball! Mama, look! It’s like the one at the store. Can I touch it?” Micah was cautious. Even though he was excited, he was careful and didn’t run through the room.

At the park, he and his friends were fearless, taking risks because they knew that their moms were there to support them. Michael wanted Micah to feel that way all the time. He hoped this room would be a good way to start.

“Absolutely! I thought you might like to share this room with me, and maybe your mom sometimes.” He bumped Micah’s shoulder and saw Evelyn observing them, still at the entrance of the room. “Your mom used to be a heck of a foosball player. But she probably can’t anymore after that injury.” He appealed to her competitive nature to draw her into the room.

“Mama, you got hurt playing his game?”

“Yeah, when I kicked her butt four times in a row!”

“It was twice, and that was only because you cheated.” She crossed to the game, fiddling with the handles like she was warming up.

“Whoa! Is that a gaming station?” Micah spied one of the new additions to the room, complete with chairs and headphones.

“I don’t remember that being here.” Her eyes traveled the room. She was so expressive, he saw every time she landed on something familiar.

“It’s kinda new.”

“My friend Bobby told me this just came out. I played the old one at his house before.” Micah called across the room, holding a game case in his hand.

“You don’t need to bribe him. He’s thrilled just to have your attention. You were amazing with his schoolwork and then playing soccer with all the kids. That’s all he needs.”

“And what about you, what do you need?” He asked, moving closer to her.

“To see Micah live a long, happy life.” She watched Micah setting up a game and getting comfortable in the low-slung seat in front of the large screen anchored to the wall.

“I think that’s a given. But what about something selfishly for you?” He whispered in her ear.

“I’m fine, Michael. Don’t try to fix me.” If her words were meant to repel him, her body leaning against him sent a different message.

“I don’t think you’re broken. I just want you to let me in so I can share the burden.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.

“Too much has happened. We can’t go back, and I don’t know how we can undo the damage done to move forward.” Her voice caught as she laid her hands over his.

“Come on! You need to choose your avatar.”

“Uh oh! Someone’s getting restless. You should go.”

“You’re not going to play? Are you at least sticking around?”

“If you want me to. I need to catch up on some emails and bills, but I can do that on my phone.” She walked to the overstuffed white leather couch where she and Micheal used to spend hours snuggling.

“Micah, I think I need your help with something.” He stated, easing into the floor-level chair that rocked back.