Trouble in Hell (Hell Night 1)

On one hand, Trouble intrigues me, and I want to know more about him. Remembering what he told me several nights ago filters through my mind and my throat tightens. What he went through as a child was horrible and sick, and my heart hurts for him. What happened to him after he left with Mae and her husband all those years ago? What was he like as a teenager? Has what happened to him shaped his need to become a doctor?

On the other hand, he makes me nervous. Actually, he doesn’t make me nervous, but what he makes me feel does. Before Phillip, I had had a couple of relationships. Nothing too serious, but more than just casual. I hadn’t found anyone who made me look to the future and want to see them there. Even not knowing much about him, Trouble’s the first man who’s ever made me want more. And that scares me, because we could never have more. Trouble is here in Malus. This is his town and where he belongs. My place is… I don’t really have a place yet, but I was hoping it would be in Aurora, close to my brother.

Elijah and I are leaving soon. Actually, we should have left already. I got a call a few days ago from Mick saying my car was ready. When I hung up with him, I was surprised I wasn’t more excited. I missed my brother and couldn’t wait to see him, but I was also sad that my time in Malus was almost over. I haven’t told anyone my car is ready yet. My brother called yesterday for an update, and I put him off, saying I didn’t want Elijah traveling yet. While that was a good excuse, it was still just that; an excuse. I’m not ready to leave. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Susan. Or Jenny and Jamie, who’ve both visited me several times and who even talked me into getting my hair trimmed and highlighted the other day. I’m especially not ready to say goodbye to Trouble.

After brushing my teeth and throwing my hair up into a messy bun, I go back to the room. Elijah is stirring and it’s about time for me to feed him. He falls back to sleep once he’s done. It must be nice to only have to sleep and eat all day. I lay him back in his bassinet and roll it out to the living room. Susan’s in the kitchen cooking something on the stove.

Feeling fidgety with nerves of my upcoming date, I walk into the kitchen.

“Hey, Susan. Would you mind keeping an eye on Elijah for a bit? I wanted to take a walk.”

She sets the ladle down on the counter and puts

a lid on the pot. “Sure. Take your time. Elijah and I will be just fine here.”

I smile gratefully at her. “Thank you. I just fed him and changed his diaper, so he should be good until I get back.”

“No worries, dear.”

After leaving a kiss on Elijah’s forehead, I slip on a pair of flats and head outside, stopping just long enough to pet Barry on my way. It’s still early, but it’s already hot out. Fortunately, there’s a slight breeze again that makes the heat just on this side of tolerable.

I walk down the street and make a right onto the main road. I don’t have a particular destination in mind, I just let my feet take me where they want to. I’ve ventured into town several times, but there’s still some places I haven’t seen. Although I haven’t exactly been welcomed by everyone, I like how close knit the community seems to be. I have no doubt that if a person were in trouble or needed help, many of the people here would volunteer. They have each other’s backs, and that’s not something you see much anymore. It reminds me of how things were probably back in the day.

Spotting a small building to my right, I turn that way. It’s the library. It’s been a while since I’ve read a good book, so I decide to step inside and check it out. It’s the smallest library I’ve ever been in. Three of the outside walls are lined with bookshelves, while the other one has two comfortable looking chairs and two computer desks. The center of the room boasts kids toys and a couple of small tables.

The older lady behind the counter just inside the door offers a smile. “Hello.”

“Hi.” I walk over and put my hands on the smooth surface. “I don’t have a library card, but I was wondering if I could check out a book? I understand if it’s not allowed.”

“We’re not as picky as most libraries. Just so long as you leave a name, address, and phone number, we’ll call it good.”

I grin. “Thank you.”

I leave her and head to the adult section. I used to love to read romance books, but with work taking up so much of my time and the trial, I haven’t been able to keep up with the hobby. I browse down a couple of aisles until I come across my favorite section. Historical romances were always my vise. I pick a Kat Martin book, read the back, and am immediately intrigued. I debate on just sitting in one of the chairs against the wall and reading for an hour, but I don’t want to leave Elijah for long. I’m sure Susan would be okay watching him for a while longer, and there’s a bottle in the fridge with breast milk I pumped last night, but I’d still rather get back. I don’t want to impose on Susan’s time. She’s already done enough for me.

I leave my name, number, and Susan’s address with the lady behind the counter and take my book, looking forward to just sitting and relaxing for the day until this evening. Pushing open the library door, a wave of heat hits me, and it nearly steals my breath.

“Why are you still here?” a snooty feminine voice comes from behind. I spin around and face a woman with strawberry blonde hair up in some fancy looking updo. Her light-green silk sleeveless shirt, khaki shorts, and sandals with rhinestones makes her look out of place. Not one bead of sweat glistens on her make-up slathered face, and her lip is curled as she looks me up and down. Disgust pinches her forehead, making her look like she’s constipated or something. The expression almost makes me laugh.

“Excuse me?” I ask, tucking my book under my arm.

She takes a couple of steps toward me. “You need to leave here.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because you don’t belong here, and because no one wants you here.”

My brows shoot up in surprise. With the looks I’ve gotten from some people, I’ve no doubt she’s right, but none of them have outright ordered me to leave. The question is, why is she? From the snobby tone of her voice and her apparent dislike of me, it has to be more than me being a simple newcomer. It’s personal.

I’m not naturally a mean person, but something about this woman makes me want to slap the ‘you-are-beneath-me’ look right off her face. Even so, I keep my tone as light as possible.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I’ll be leaving soon.”

Her lips tighten, and her voice drops when she says menacingly. “Not good enough. Bad things happen to those who aren’t wanted around here.”

Chills race across my spine, and despite the heat, I shiver. What in the hell did that mean?

“Are you threatening me?”