“Of course, it’s not right!” he raises his voice. “But what we did wasn’t either!”
I close my eyes.
Shit, he’s got a point.
I glance back up at him and swallow. “H-How will you do it?”
He blinks, blowing out a breath. “The same way I killed him.”
“Wait, what?”
“With Medusa’s blood,” his brows go up, “only this time, I’ll use the blood from the veins on the right side of her head.”
“That’s disgusting,” I whisper.
“You asked.”
“Jesus,” I mutter to myself and look back up. “Please, for the love of God, tell me we won’t have to dig up his cold, dead body.”
His mouth twists and I gasp.
“No,” he holds up a palm, “well, not exactly.”
“Holy shi…”
“That cemetery is only a few miles from here,” he cuts me off. “He was buried there, right?”
I nod. “Yeah, Smithfield I think it’s called, or something like that.”
“Yes, that’s it,” he clasps his hands. “It’s only been a couple of weeks, there should still be a mound, I’m sure we can find where he is.”
“Holy shit, we do have to dig him up,” I cover my mouth.
“No,” he shakes his head, “Medusa’s blood is strong enough to penetrate through the soil and,” he lets out a breath, “even the coffin, but...” he pauses and looks away, as if going over it in his mind. “Most of the dirt will have to be dug away so he can get out.”
“Awesome, that’s not creepy at all.”
He locks eyes with me. “You don’t have to come with me, Elise, I can do it all on my own.”
“No,” I shake my head. “I helped to get us in this fucked up mess, I need to help get us out.”
“I’m not sure this deed will be any better than the first,” he whispers. “But, Kevin will have an advantage. Everyone thinks he’s dead, he can get a new identity, and start a new life.”
“If he’s the same asshole as before, we’re only giving him another chance to destroy other people’s lives.”
Ascot moves closer and pulls me close, letting out a sigh. “It’s true, we will be releasing a monster back into the world.”
I close my eyes. “Is there a chance at all he could be changed? You said Medusa’s blood could do that, but can it ever be for good instead of evil?”
He gently rests his chin on the top of my head. “Anything is possible,” he whispers. “It really just depends on the person,” he sighs, “although in Kevin’s case, I highly doubt it.”
***
The next morning, I get to work, surprised to find the door is still locked and Tammy hasn’t shown up yet.
That’s strange.
I reach in my bag for the office key and let myself in, hoping like hell nothing is wrong. She might just be running late.
I grab my phone and call her cell twice but get no answer, trying to keep my cool. Mentally, I go over any possible stops she would make besides Camilla’s school…maybe the coffee shop, but that’s it, she should have been here thirty minutes ago.
Maybe I should try to find her?
Yes, I should…
With car keys in hand, and purse strapped over my shoulder, I head for the door just as Tammy rushes in, out of breath and already apologizing.
“Sorry! I couldn’t answer your calls while I was driving,” she darts past me to her desk.
“Are you okay?” I ask, watching her mannerisms closely.
“Oh, yeah,” she smiles, setting down her bag. “I actually overslept,” she smirks, shaking her head. “Camilla and I both did.”
“Oh, were you two up late or something?”
Tammy shrugs. “No, not really,” she opens the side draw, “we slept better than we have in weeks.”
I let out a loud sigh and her eyes dart over to me.
“That’s great,” I get out, trying to hide the real reason I’m relieved.
Kevin must have left her and Camilla alone last night. Maybe he really is serious about keeping his end of the agreement? Maybe it’s the banishing water too?
Tammy nods. “Yes, it was amazing to sleep an entire night,” she pulls out her chair. “And, Camilla didn’t wake me up once to say she had a bad dream,” her face brightens up. “I slept like a freaking baby.”
“That’s good news,” I smile, stepping back to my desk.
“Oh,” Tammy blurts out, “you don’t know yet.”
I glance up at her, confused. “Know what?”
“Adam hired a new girl yesterday. She came in right after you left,” her eyes glance up at the wall clock, “I think she’ll be here any minute.”
“Well, if that isn’t perfect timing,” I murmur under my breath, taking a seat.
Tammy tilts her head. “Huh?”
“Nothing,” I smile, “I’m just glad he found someone so quickly.”
“Yeah,” she sighs, “apparently she’s been in this business for like, ever.”
My brows go up. “Oh, is she older?”
“Much,” she nods. “I think she’s a friend of Adam’s mom or something.”
“Oh well, that makes sense. At least Adam won’t have to train her.”
“True,” she shrugs, a look of sadness beginning to cloud her features, “but I’m going to miss you.”
“I’m gonna miss you, too,” I swallow, getting to me feet. “But, hey, we’re still friends,” I reach out to her, “I know where you live, for now anyway.”
Tammy laughs, giving me a tight hug. “Yeah, and I’ll have to give you my new address when I get settled back home.”
“You have my cell number,” I whisper. “You know you can call or text me anytime,” I let go. “How’s that going, by the way?”
“Oh,” her eyes brighten up, “my parents want Camilla and me to live with them until I can find an apartment,” she grabs a notepad and blinks. “And, I’m pretty sure the new girl Adam hired has a daughter who can replace me, too.”
“How convenient,” I smirk, rolling my eyes. “He better not flirt with the daughter of his new employee.”
Tammy giggles. “No shit,” she whispers, sitting back in her chair. “God, I hope he’s learned his lesson.”
“Right?” I laugh, suddenly relieved Adam has already hired someone.
I may as well do it now.
“Just so you know,” I lock eyes with Tammy, “I’ve decided that today will be my last day.”
Her smile slips. “Why? Did you already find another job?”
I shake my head. “No, not yet, but I am going with Ascot to Greece later this week,” I smile. “And since Adam’s already found my replacement, there’s no reason for me to stay,” I wink. “Adam can train her.”
“Holy shit, girl,” her jaw drops. “That’s awesome, I’m so jealous.”
“Yeah, I can’t believe it either,” my smile widens, “and we’re going on his family’s private jet.”