The Darkness of Shadows (30 page)
Read The Darkness of Shadows Online
Authors: Chris Little
Game, set, match, Mrs. G.
“Do we have time for a vacation before school starts?” I said.
Val snorted. “Good one.”
I pulled the green folder from the coffee table drawer.
“I wanted to thank you both for taking care of me after the hospital.”
And for saving my life.
“You have thanked us numerous times,” Mrs. Guerrero said.
“This is more of a formal thank you. And early Christmas and birthday gifts too.” I handed Val the folder.
She read the contents. “Holy shit! Mom, check this out.”
“Dear, your language. What is it? I do not have my reading glasses.” Mrs. Guerrero pushed the folder back to Val.
“We’re going to Vegas and the chocolate show! Then to Turks and Caicos for Big Head Todd and The Monsters!” Val was doing her version of the Snoopy dance.
“You will have a wonderful time, I am sure.”
“There are tickets for you too,” Val said.
“I’d understand if you don’t want to, ma’am, with your schedule and everything, but I’d really like it if you came with us,” I said.
“Mom, you haven’t taken a real vacation since Dad died. It’s time.”
“I do not know what to say.”
“Say yes, Mom!”
The elegant woman’s posture lost some of its steeliness. “I would truly enjoy a vacation with you both.”
I felt myself smile a little. I still couldn’t believe they were here.
There’s a piece of my soul that I protected from William and Karen Gannon’s gruesomeness. An infinitesimal particle that would be ignored by those who have an entire soul. It’s clean and it’s bright and it’s mine.
No one can touch it. I won’t let them.
Acknowledgments
I’d like to thank my editor, Shannon Roberts, without whom this journey wouldn’t have been possible. And to the rest of the folks at The Editorial Department, thank you for your expertise, support, and kindness.
About the Author
Chris Little
was born and raised in New Jersey. She won’t tell you what exit.
When she’s not trapped in a cubicle writing for corporate America, she turns her attention to the world of urban fantasy.
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