Kiss Me, Curse Me - By Kate Shay Page 0,36
shook his head, “I will join her in death then. I don’t want to exist without her. She means everything to me.”
“No, you will not. I have plans for you. Great plans. There is much for you to learn about our ways. This has been passed on from generation to generation. My time is nearing an end. Someone has to take over this duty.”
“What duty? I don’t understand. What is it that you do? I mean you’ve been out here all these years doing what?”
“You will find out soon enough what it is that I do here. It is necessary for the survival of all of you.”
Ahanu laughed now, “What, you’re our protector? That makes no sense—you kill senselessly. She is not a sacrifice for the wolf. I feel him in me now. I know that he’s there inside me, and maybe he always has been there in some form, but can’t you do this for me? I beg of you. Don’t take her.”
“I will not re-state that which I already have. You know what will be done.”
“I only came back here for your help. I know you have what I need, what she needs.”
Kanti raised the knife directly above Coreen’s heart.
***
“Wake up there, fellow.” Doby gave Ed a firm slap in the face. “I can’t carry you in there myself; you’re a load, that’s for sure.”
“It’s the middle of night. Can’t I just do this in the morning?”
“It is morning—late. You slept in my car. You’re golden, as far as I’m concerned.” Doby flicked his cigarette butt onto the sidewalk. “We are going to do this, Ed. I don’t have the full lineup here yet, but it’ll be any moment now. You’re here and we’re doing this. I can’t count that I will find you again anyways.” Doby opened Ed’s door.
The brute followed the sheriff in with leaden steps and poor posture, “I need some water.” He slumped down on a waiting room chair.
“No, no, up you go; water’s this way. We’re not here to serve you, Ed. My secretary has much to do, can’t be running around for you. I know you’ve grown accustomed to that sort of thing where you hang, but you’re in my station now.”
“God.” Ed shook his head. “I’m not in the mood for this shit.” He remained seated, feeling a strong headache and an awful sense of nausea.
“I can put you in a cell, if you prefer? You could lie down a little, kick off your shoes?” Doby gave him a very welcoming grin and opened a palm, showing the direction to his holding cell.
“Yeah, if you’ll let me back out again. There’s a bed?”
“I was only kidding.”
“I feel like I need to lie down. It’s not as if I haven’t graced this place before. You know, those beds are fine once you get used to them, and it beats the bed I have now in the dam camp.”
“You’re serious? You’ve been there long enough . . . haven’t they moved you up by now?” Doby motioned Ed to follow him to the cell block.
Ed got up slowly, gaining his balance, “No . . . well, yes. . . my main guys are in Tent Town. I’d rather be with them, you know.”
“I hear you. I’m the same way.”
Doby pushed open the heavy metal door to the cell block.
“It’s about time! Where have you been all night?”
Doby stood in shock to see a sweaty-looking Patty and a miffed-looking Hank leaning up against the bars.
“What happened to your head?” asked Doby, going through the keys.
“Ask him,” said Patty, nudging Hank.
“It’s my fault,” said Hank.
“I can see that. Where’s our boy?” Doby clicked the lock open.
“Well, Ahanu knocked me down and escaped,” Hank said with as much guilt as he’d ever expressed.
“What were you doing—going in his cell?” Doby was hiding his anger as he let the scruffy pair loose. The two of them smelled—stunk—like prison. “You can go in and lie down, Ed.”
“Nah, I’m fine now,” said Ed, energized by the scene.
“Wipe that smirk off your face,” said Doby, pointing his keys at Ed.
“You still need me?” asked Ed.
“Ed— Christ.” Doby wiped his face. It was too early for this shit was all he could think. “Ugh. I need coffee. Why don’t you all join me? Hank, I could just knock you out. Do you know how much time we spent yesterday walking in those damn woods?” Doby sat at his office table, kegs up, staring at the tired teen sitting before him.
Hank sunk