“No. I mean, I’ve heard some really twisted stuff like Cord liking masks during sex. Other than that, I haven’t seen anything for myself that would cause me to run in the opposite direction.”
“I guess that’s good. Hmm. Well, keep the job, keep your eyes open, and if you feel any hint of apprehension working there, you quit. Immediately. Got it?” Sidney demands.
“I hear you, loud and clear,” I murmur, smiling at her protectiveness.
“Now that we have that out of the way, tell me more! Do you have to wear a uniform?”
“It was recommended that I wear their clothing. Dane said I could get away with jeans and dark shirts, but he’d prefer I wear some of the store’s clothing, too. I get fifty percent off full-priced clothing, and thirty percent on sale items,” I explain.
“Not bad. What kind of clothing do they sell?”
“Dresses, corsets, hoodies, jeans and pants, shirts, you name it. It’s all really dark-themed, though.”
“And you have to wear some of this stuff? You have to take some selfies and send me what you wear. I just can’t imagine you in anything other than your usual tanks and hoodies,” Sidney muses.
“I can’t either,” I laugh. I am definitely going to be way outside my comfort zone, but that’ll be the whole point.
Four
I’m feeling anxious the next morning. It’s another day that I have to suffer through school, but today is different. Dane had immediately added me to the schedule, so today is my first shift at the store. Since I don’t plan on stopping by the house before leaving for Manchester later, I grab the extra cash I’d saved up from back in South Bend. After my shift, I’ll have to buy some of the store’s clothing so that I can fit in better.
When I enter the kitchen for breakfast, my mom is already sitting at the table, sipping coffee. Her hazel eyes lift to meet mine, and she doesn’t smile. “I hope you’ve had some time to reconsider the job you accepted.”
I pause, my hand tightening on my backpack strap. “Nothing is going to happen to me, Mom.”
Her lips twist with concern. “I just think it’s a bad idea, sweetie. I’ll support you working anywhere else, just not there.”
“It’s a public store,” I remind.
“For Heaven’s sake, Mitch told me that Dane Bodine drives a hearse. A hearse, Krista!”
My eyebrows lift. Now this is news that I haven’t heard before. “You mean the kind they put dead people in to take them to the cemetery?”
“Yes!”
Okay, that ups their creep-to-meter slightly. Cord wears masks during sex; Dane drives a hearse. No wonder why everyone calls them freaks. I school my expression into one of cheerful curiosity. “That’s kinda cool. Think he’ll show me it?”
“Krista!”
I laugh, shaking my head as I walk to the door. “Mom, I’m kidding. And I’ll be fine,” I assure.
“We are not done with this conversation.”
I look her straight in the eye and hold her gaze steadily. “I’m not quitting. I’m going to give it a chance, because that’s what people are supposed to do when it comes to new things or new people. I am going to show Cordane’s more curtesy than what the student body is currently showing me. I’ll see you tonight.”
I turn and open the door, stepping out onto the porch.
* * *
Lunch is shaping up to be just as I’d expected. After dealing with catcalls and lewd gestures in the lunch line, I am now sitting on the school lawn by myself, eating chips and sipping soda. I still can’t get over how easily Riley ruined things for me at this school.
Speaking of the devil himself…
Riley and two guys are walking my way, and when they approach me, I know this can’t be anything good. It takes a lot of restraint on my part not to tense as they sit down uninvited.
I set aside my mostly empty bag of chips. “What are you doing?” I ask bluntly.
Riley shrugs, his eyes gleaming with some sort of smug anticipation. “They wanted an introduction.”
“I’m Gavin,” one of the guys introduces.
“I’m Marcus,” the other says.
I flash them a fake smile. “And I’m bored already.”
Gavin looks at Riley with mock hurt. “You didn’t tell us she was so mean.”
Riley inspects his nail, looking bored. “My bad.”
“I like ‘em mean,” Marcus speaks up as he grins at me.
“Why don’t you hang with us after school, Krista. We’ll have a bangin’ good time,” Gavin offers with a snicker as he makes a lewd gesture and thrusts his hips dramatically.
“No thanks, I’ve already heard about your short stump and how unsatisfying it is,” I reply.
“Ooooh, she’s got claws,” Marcus laughs.
Gavin grins at me, not the least bit fazed by my insult. “We could double team her, Marcus. Pin her between us, show her whose boss. I bet she secretly likes that kind of stuff.”
A shadow falls across the three of us. “Get lost.”
We all look up with surprise to see Cord standing there, his expression unreadable, though I can see the hint of violence swirling in his gaze. His hands might be relaxed at his sides, but the hostility radiating off him and the look in his eyes have me going on full-alert. Riley and his friends would be fools to tangle with this guy.
Riley’s face darkens as he slowly rises to his feet, refusing to confront Cord from a sitting position. “What do you want?”
“Leave her alone,” Cord repeats simply.
Marcus and Gavin rise to their feet as well, and I stay right where I am, making myself a smaller target. I’m hoping this doesn’t end in a fist fight, but if it does, I’m running.
Riley looks at Cord without a hint of fear as hatred transforms his face into something cold and ugly. “Did all the sex talk make you want to tie her up and fuck her while wearing one of your little monster masks? Or are you more turned on by the idea of butchering her while she screams?”
Oh shit.
This is going to get bad real fast, and I grab my soda and crumpled wrapper. I’m just jumping to my feet as Cord steps forward, deadly intent glaringly evident in his gaze. I don’t know why I do it, but I grab his wrist firmly to stop him. “Not worth it,” I mutter.
I give his wrist a good yank, and surprisingly enough, he reluctantly gives in and we both walk away in silence. I quickly release his wrist but continue walking beside him to make sure he doesn’t turn around and go back.
Cord strides over to his usual spot, and I follow him. He sits down against the trunk of the tree he’s claimed as his and picks up his sketch pad. He braces the pad on his knee and focuses his attention on the paper. “You’re a damned magnet for trouble and the very last thing I need right now.”
Feeling curious about this guy that has defended me once again, I sit down instead of walking away. “Then why intervene?”
He doesn’t look up as his pencil begins to scratch across the paper. “Because no one else would have. Shut up and finish your lunch,” he says lightly, taking the harshness out of his command with the lightness of his tone.
I’m not sure what to think of this new predicament, but I am determined not to let him see that I am uncertain of him, so I calmly lift my bottle of soda and take a sip. This is the second time that he’s come to my rescue. Was it his obvious hatred for Riley that had him defending me, or had he really felt the need to stop the harassment?
Since he’s ignoring me, I study him, taking in his natural sexiness and good looks. His hair isn’t tucked behind his ears, and it falls across his cheek, hiding part of his face from me as he draws. My eyes linger a moment longer on his face before dropping down his body. He looks really good today. His black tee has a red, demonic skull on the front, and his jeans are black with the knees torn. On his feet are big, black boots with one of the laces untied. I’ve never been into guys like Cord since I’m used to jocks hanging around me and my friends, but I’m finding that he is definitely droo
l-worthy. How can the girls stay away from him? Sure, he’s been accused of murder, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he did it. I mean, look at him. He’s frickin’ hot. I can see why Emmaline had eventually caved and started seeing him. Then, I promptly remind myself that Cord does have a disturbing side to him. He’s probably not a good guy, not to mention he must have a few screws loose.
“Stop staring at me.” His low, masculine rumble has me coming back to the present. He’s still sketching, eyes focused on whatever he’s drawing.
“I was just admiring your hair,” I lie smoothly.
The pencil pauses, and he turns his head towards me so that his green eyes lift to mine, and he looks genuinely puzzled. “My hair?”
I’m pleased that I’ve succeeded in throwing him off from what I’d originally been thinking, and I can’t resist throwing in a grin. “It’s so shiny. What kind of conditioner do you use?”
Cord’s eyes narrow. “Are you fucking with me?”
“My mom’s a hairstylist. She’d love to get her hands on your hair.”
He studies me before replying, “I like you better when your mouth is shut.”
I shrug. “Fine. I’ll make a mental note to never compliment you again.” I open my crumpled bag to see if there’s any leftover crumbs worth eating.
I hear Cord’s pencil scratching against the paper, and I know he’s back to focusing on his artwork. I wish I could see what he’s drawing, but from this angle, it’s impossible to see what he’s doing.
My eyes slide across the lawn to where Riley and his friends are still sitting. They are talking, and once in a while, one of them looks in our direction. I wait until Gavin peers over again, and I wave cheekily.
Cord sighs.
The sound has me glancing at him, but his eyes are still on his sketch pad. All my humor is set aside as I recall seeing the promised threat of violence in his gaze earlier. Cord has a hair-trigger temper, and he definitely does not have a good grip on it. Just how bad can it get? Better yet, why am I sitting here feeling safe instead of frightened? I search my emotions and feel nothing but curiosity and attraction. I know he’s dangerous, but I don’t feel like I’m in any danger being around him.
* * *
As Dane shows me around the store, pointing out where items are and what most customers inquire about, I study him.
His black hair is styled in a messy, masculine bob that actually looks really, really good on him. It’s clear he likes to line his eyes with black liner, because once again, his eyes are darkened today. Oddly enough, it really plays up his eyes, and I find that it looks attractive on him. He’s also tatted up all over his arms, and not only does he have snake bite piercings, but his septum is pierced as well. The man is boldly dressed in a sleeveless, zip-up vest with spikes around the collar and shoulders, and he’s wearing black skinny jeans with large, combat boots tucked over the ankles. It’s the way that he carries himself that really pulls the entire look together. He’s tall, muscular, and has an air of confidence that’s probably come with age. I’m estimating him to be in his late twenties, and unlike his younger brother, Dane doesn’t radiate violence and danger. Instead, Dane seems friendly and alert, with a hint of playfulness lurking in the depths of his gaze.
I tilt my head, studying him as he turns and points at a display of hair dye. My new boss is definitely intriguing, and I’d even caught a glimpse of his hearse earlier when I’d pulled into the employee parking lot behind the store. It’s definitely a hearse, but it’s an older version of the ones you see these days. The store’s name decorates the vehicle along with some really interesting artwork that involves skulls. I can’t deny that it’s a great promotional tool. If I saw that hearse driving around town, I’d definitely do a double take and wonder to myself what the heck the name means. Then, I would have found out more about it out of sheer curiosity. I’m half-tempted to snap a photo of it with my phone and text it to my mom to put her mind at ease. I said almost. I’m going to continue letting her think he drives around a gloomy hearse because he’s psycho. For the time being, I’m finding her discomfort over my job quite amusing now that I seem to have the upper hand.
Dane is interrupted by a customer, and he tells me to familiarize myself with the layout of the store before he wanders away with the customer on his heels.
I walk around with fascination. The store caters to both men and women, so there’s a lot of merchandise. My eyes roam over the varieties of gloves, purses, wallets, ties, belts, bags, leggings, hosiery… The corsets in the women’s area give me a good pause. I’d never wear one, but they definitely look interesting and a bit naughty.
Dane finds me still studying them, and he looks amused. “Considering one?”
“Uh, no. I mean probably not. They look…uncomfortable to work in,” I quickly add, not wanting him to think I’m slamming the merchandise.
His eyes roam over my jeans and black tank that has a red, broken heart on the front. “You’re like a babe in the woods in this place, aren’t you?”
“I can learn,” I insist, not denying it.
He smiles. “Relax. You don’t have to live, eat, and breathe this stuff to sell it. You just have to know where the merchandise is located if they ask and be helpful.”
I nod, relaxing as he begins to tell me about his plans for October. Starting October first, they’ll be clearing out the back half of the store for Halloween.
“Halloween is a very lucrative time of the year for us,” he explains. “We tend to decorate to the extreme, so the back of the store becomes similar to that of a haunted house that displays all our merchandise and products. We get a lot of customers that come in, because they simply like to look around, and usually, they can’t resist buying an item or two. We also have an online Halloween store, and Cordane’s has an official website. You’ll be kept very busy next month seeing as we have the best supply of Halloween props in Manchester and the surrounding area. The local haunted houses come to us for their props, and we even do the makeup and costumes for their employees when requested. We also do custom made masks and take orders for specialty items that can be made to a customer’s satisfaction.”
“I had no idea that there is so much involved with this store,” I say, feeling impressed.
Dane smiles with pride. “Cordane’s has become quite successful. In the beginning, when the store first opened, I wasn’t sure if it’d make it, but it’s flourished. Now we’re branching out and getting more creative.”
“That’s great.”
“I wasn’t kidding when I said October is a crazy month here. We’ll need you for some weekends, especially the last weekend in September. That’s when we start bringing in stuff from the warehouse, and we’ll need help with transporting everything.”
“Not a problem, my weekends are free. So how many employees will you be hiring to handle the Halloween craze?” I ask curiously.
We’d begun to walk towards the back of the store when Dane hesitates, and his eyes meet mine. “Right now, it’s just me, my store manager, Owen, and my younger brother, Cord. And now you. I probably won’t be hiring anyone else.” He sighs, turning wary. “Let’s just get this out of the way, because it’s going to have to be acknowledged sooner or later. You’ve heard the rumors?”
I nod.
“Our store is more popular than ever, because people get a thrill coming here, shopping in a store owned by supposed killers. Death excites some people, and in all honesty, we made a shitload of extra sales last year right after everything went down. As for employees, we only get applications from the types that are looking for a thrill, but don’t really take the job seriously and end up getting themselves fired. We can’t seem to hold onto anyone decent.” His eyes hold mine. “So there you go. Still feel like working here?” he asks bluntly.
I steadily stare back at him. “Why did you hire me?”
His lip tilts upward in one corner, and I can tell that he hadn’t been expecting me to come back with a question of my own. �
��When you couldn’t remember your address and explained you’d just moved from Indiana, I figured you were a safe bet to hire since you didn’t know about what happened last year. I then hoped all the talk and rumors wouldn’t scare you off.”
“My mom’s not happy I’m working here,” I confess, deciding to be upfront as well. I actually kind of like him so far.
Dane winces. “So you’re quitting?”
“Nope.”
He cocks his head, looking curious. “Why not?”
“Because I’m at odds with my mom. That, and I need a job and want to stay busy,” I add.
This news has Dane grinning at me. “I think I’m going to like you. Now, are you going to take advantage of the discount?” he asks, switching the topic.
I nod.
“Do you want me to take it out of your first paycheck?”
“I brought money.”
* * *
When I arrive home after my shift, I find the porch light on and my mom sitting in one of the wicker chairs. The last thing I want is another confrontation after a long day of school and an evening of training at my new job, but I know this is one that I can’t avoid. Judging by her set expression, she’s not letting me in the house until we talk.
I walk up the stairs and set my shopping bags down beside the closest chair, then I slump down into it. “Mom,” I greet.
“What’s in the bags?”
“Clothes from the store. It’s preferred that I wear their merchandise when I’m working. Look, it’s not as bad as you’re thinking. Dane himself brought up the rumors and what happened last year. He’s been nothing but upfront and kind,” I explain.
“That doesn’t mean he’s innocent,” she points out as she sets aside her coffee mug.
“Just because he was a suspect doesn’t mean he’s guilty, either. Can’t we just agree to disagree on this one? I promise that if I notice anything weird, or if I start fearing for my safety, I’ll quit immediately.”
WHO KILLED EMMALINE? Page 5