Trouble in Hell (Hell Night 1)

I finish my shopping and try my best to forget about the conversation I overheard as I walk back to Susan’s with my two grocery bags. I can’t help but look over my shoulder every few steps though. I’m sure I look stupid to the people I pass. The unsettling feeling doesn’t leave me until I’m tucked safely in the house.

Dropping the bags on the counter, I rub at the sore muscles in my lower back. Each day I get more and more anxious to have the baby. Not only because I can’t wait to hold him in my arms, although that’s the main reason, but each day seems to be more uncomfortable than the last. I’ve always heard the last month is the worst, and I’m not looking forward to seeing if that’s true.

After unloading the bags, I put the chicken in a pot to boil, then move to the couch with my laptop to check my email. I’m waiting on responses from a few long-time clients I contacted to let them know I’ll be working after all.

Thirty minutes later, I’m finally hopeful that all isn’t lost when I’ve locked down a couple of jobs. I love my regular clients, and fortunately, they love my work. Mrs. Brushae was excited about my email and said it was good timing because she was due to sign a contract with a temporary replacement that very day.

I’m at the counter chopping celery leaves when I hear the front door open, following by rapid clicks against the tile floor. A moment later, Susan appears in the doorway with Barry tucked under her arm.

?

?Hey,” I greet. “I didn’t expect you for another hour.”

She drops her purse on the counter and goes straight for the fridge, grabbing out a bottle of water.

“Last appointment for the day cancelled and Dr. Trayce had a house call so we closed a bit early.”

I drop in the tiny bits of celery leaves in the pot then wash my hands. “Y’all close early a lot, don’t you? Does the office even have set hours?”

“We normally stay open at least until lunch time. If there’s no appointments after then there’s no point in stayin’. Dr. Trayce always has his phone on him in case he’s needed, and I always have mine on me if he needs me.”

“I guess that’s understandable.”

After putting Barry down, she walks over to the pot and looks inside, careful to not get burned by the steam. “Smells good.”

“Thanks. It’ll taste even better.” I grin.

“I still find it weird you mix two starches together,” she comments wryly.

Laughing, I grab the bag of egg noodles and pour them into the pot with the now stripped chicken. “Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Chicken noodle soup dumped on a big pile of mashed potatoes…. Mmm.”

Susan has become somewhat of a friend over the last week. We’ve sat and talked for hours, not getting too personal, but still giving away small parts of our lives. She’s been in Malus for nine years, but before that, she worked in Dallas. When I asked what made her move to Malus, her answer was vague, only saying she needed a change. Although she’s been nothing but nice, I still get the feeling she’s a very reserved person. It doesn’t bother me, because there are things I’d rather not talk about either.

“Can I ask you something?” I turn from the stove to face her.

“What?”

“Are there any dangerous wild animals around here?”

She frowns and her lips pinch together as she thinks. “We get the occasional cougar and boar, and of course rattlers, but nothing that you should worry about. Why?”

I rest my hands on top of my stomach and regard her.

“I overheard some boys talking today in the grocery store. They mentioned an animal was put down recently in a clearing.” I pause for a moment, unsure if I should continue. Knowing the boy could have been in potential danger being out there where they killed the animal makes my decision. “One of the boys was out hunting for his dog and saw it happen.”

The look that comes across Susan’s face is worrisome. Her lips form a straight line, and wrinkles appear between her brows as she frowns.

“Did you get his name?”

I hesitate, not wanting to get the kid in trouble, but knowing the next time could end differently.

“Tommy.”

She nods stiffly. “There’s nothing you need to worry about. We had a couple of coyotes attacking the farm animals recently. They’re nuisance creatures, but it’s been taken care of.”

I release a sigh of relief. “And you normally don’t have problems with them?”

She turns away and grabs her purse. “Not really. They come every couple of years, but they’re never around long. I’m gonna go grab a shower before dinner.”