The Darkness of Shadows Read Online Free Page B

her.
    “Valerie, that is enough,” Mrs. Guerrero said.
    “Did the police catch him?” I said.
    “No, not yet—” Mrs. Guerrero said.
    “Your laws don’t apply to him.” I was surprised by my own anger. “He’s been out there for sixteen years, and they’ve never even gotten close to him.” As quick as I’d fired up, I burned out. “I’d understand if you want to leave.”
    “We are not going anywhere,” Mrs. Guerrero said.
    “I’m sorry.”
    “This is a heavy burden to carry by oneself. We will figure this out together,” Mrs. Guerrero said. “You will move back home while we sort this out.”
    I looked from Mrs. Guerrero, who was still seated on the bed, to Val, who was standing. I blinked a few times.
    “He won’t stop,” I said. “You’d be safer if you’d let me go.”
    “Natalie!” the Guerrero women said in unison.
    I needed to get out of there, disappear, to protect Val and her mom. Where was my cane? Real nice, hide the cripple’s cane. Where was my pistol? I pulled lines out of my arm and tried to get out of the bed.
    Mrs. Guerrero blocked my way—damn! She was strong for someone so small!
    “Valerie, please get Mrs. Carey,” she said.
    Val ran out of the room.
    I struggled against her tiny frame. She was like a freakin’ brick wall. My nerves were jangled and my body was beyond exhausted, but I kept fighting. Pain raced through my stomach. The panic was reaching further into the depths of my mind.
    “I can’t protect you. You have to LET ME GO!”
    “ You will listen to me, young lady !” Mrs. Guerrero said.
    Wow! That was a rarity. I pissed her off enough that she raised her voice.
    I tried to gather some strength for another round when she passed her hand in front of my face and whispered something. Dazed, I collapsed against her, my head resting on her shoulder.
    My vision blurred. “What … What did you …”
    “Dear child,” she said as she laid me down. “We will protect each other.”
    Val and Nurse Helen hurried into the room. Mrs. Guerrero nodded to the nurse, who returned the nod. She had something in her hand. I couldn’t make it out until it was too late. She reinserted the IV and plunged the syringe into it.
    I tried to protest, tried to fight it, but on top of whatever Mrs. Guerrero had done, this was too much for me. A warm feeling coursed through my veins. I murmured something I was sure I would have to apologize for later, and drifted off.

    The Guerrero’s soft voices were coming from the chairs by the window. I blinked several times, trying to clear my head. I was thirsty. The water cup looked like it was closer. I reached for it and missed.
    “Dammit!”
    “As Yogi Berra said, ‘It’s like déjà vu all over again.’” Val smiled.
    They were looking at me. I looked at them looking at me. If things turned out like that movie Groundhog Day , this was going to blow.
    “Maybe today you can tie some sheets together and go out the window,” Val said.
    I glared at her. I tried to swallow, but my mouth was so dry.
    “Water. Please? That’s if you’re finished with your comedy routine.”
    Val moved the stand closer and handed me the cup.
    “Thank you.” That was good water. I tried to put the cup back, but couldn’t manage the simple task. Val helped.
    “I’m sorry for yesterday.” Mostly sorry I hadn’t gotten away.
    “You are part of our family,” Mrs. G said. “We do not turn our backs on family. Is that understood?”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “You’re an asshat,” Val said.
    “Language, Valerie.”
    “Sorry, Mom, but it’s true.”
    Mrs. G asked how I was.
    “Okay.” My stomach hurt like hell, and a migraine was brewing behind my right eye. Oh, and I was endangering the only real family I had ever known. If I was any better, I’d have to be twins to contain my joy.
    “When can I leave?”
    Val snorted.
    “What’s so funny? I feel fine. Where’s my cane? I want to go home.”
    There was an eye dialogue going on between