A Strange There After (31 page)

“Fix this,” I said, though not with as much
authority as I would have liked.

Flashing me his gold-toothed smile, he
answered, “Catherine is here as a reminder for you to obey.”

“I did everything you asked!”

Catherine chuckled. “Always read the fine
print.”

“Yes, Cora is gone, but not as we discussed.
I asked that
you
be the one to get rid of her. Not her boy.
Since you half-fulfilled the bargain, I did the same.”

Anger built inside me, begging to be
unleashed. I ignored it. The consequences of using it on Kalfu
frightened me.

“Can she get out?”

“Oh, no, she is quite stuck where she
is.”

I glared at Catherine, the root of all the
evil that had been introduced into my life. “How long?”

“She’s here as long as I see fit. Until I’m
convinced you are taking our contract seriously. Until you prove
your willingness and loyalty.”

Catherine rapped her knuckles on the glass
from her side. “Face it. You’re stuck with me. Might as well get
used to it.”

My jaw dropped open. Just minutes ago I’d
been so full of hope and happiness. I had believed the worst was
behind me. Now, standing here with these two, my hope vanished. I
was right back where I started. Trapped.

About the
Author

Missy Fleming lives in beautiful Bozeman,
Montana where her love of being outdoors often conflicts with her
love of writing. Luckily, winter makes it a little easier. Missy
contributes to multiple writing sites and A Strange There After is
her third published novel in the United States. She is blessedly
single, dedicating her affections to travel, writing, reading,
family and her six year old Bichon Frise, Jack.

Other books by the Missy
Fleming

Happily Never After

Into the Deep

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