His Dead Wife's Shadow

ien's

re sunset. The lights were on. The windows sparkled. The

iller said, smirking as he checked his tablet

laugh. "Let t

to do this here? In

treat her when they do

dded. "Un

aightened my cuffs. The door fle

ike she'd rehearsed it all week.

in the middle of the hallway in a bright red dres

he was the prize

rred. "I didn't ex

rly," I said wit

d like lemon polish and overpriced candles. The food was laid

ether Alina

aid. "We've always admired your company's wo

emember."

.. taken with her,"

ile turning soft. "I knew the

ing not to laugh. I let the silen

e for someone els

all b

cked just a little. "You mean

my hea

er. "Well, whoever it is, I

re for

went de

s smile

frowned. "I'

ves here. Works here. The one you've

... she's not really part of the fam

ke to s

erstand, Mr. W

n't as

m froze

sed. Her cheeks flushed red, no

t polite. "Please get her. Mr. Wi

seconds, n

a smile and turned stiffl

room, her heels clicki

back in t

ed at me, ey

ir whole little world in f

how they like being the one

na's

oof, trying to sleep,

Click

door sla

Mrs. Halston hiss

g my hands on my old dress. "

apped. "Mr. Wild

t jumpe

t. "Don't act stupid. You know

. "No...

d me. Not hard enough to leave a

own there, you smile, you be quiet. Say 'yes, sir',

I didn't understand. Why would

g, stupid girl. Walk

My heart was racing. My hands were still damp.

e living room, ev

was looki

'd eaten something sou

on looked

on's smile

n... I

i

lack coat. The one with cold eyes that had lo

eath

orld. His coat was off, his sleeves rolled to his elbow

fr

as he

he looki

he st

voice that made th

I've been loo