Page 12

My voice is a firm whisper, its words a reassuring promise. “Just trust me,” I say, holding her gaze. “Do this and everything will be okay.”

The woman hesitates but nods, a small smile on her face. “O-okay,” she stammers.

Tomorrow the sun will rise and she will be free.

I hug her tightly, holding her and the little boy close.“She’s going to be safe, and he’s going to pay for what he’s done.”

As I pull back, the woman looks up at me, her eyes shining with tears. “T-thank you,” she whispers. “I don’t have any money... or anything like that.”

I smile, a cold, calculated smile. “You don’t have to give me money or even thank me,” My voice low and deadly. “You just have to trust me. And soon, it will all be over.” I crouch down and look at the little boy. “I’ll expect you to be a good boy and grow into a decent man. Don’t ever be like him.”

The boy nods and holds out his hand for mine.

“A promise; the child is making a promise.”

What do I do?

“Shake his hand, duh.”

I look up at his mother and she has a smile on her face.Okay.I take the boy's hand in mine and he whispers. “Make him disappear. Please.”

“You got it." I release his hand and I step back out, allowing the woman and her son to do their business and exit the stall. As they walk out, I catch a glimpse of the man standing outside the bathroom, looking impatient and annoyed. The voice seethes with anger, its words a dark promise.“He does not know what’s coming for him, Nova. He has no idea what you’re capable of.”

That he doesn't, and that makes this all the more delicious.

I followtheir family at a distance, watching as they continue through the carnival. The woman and her son seem more at ease, and I can sense a glimmer of hope in their eyes. They know that something is going to change and that someone is going to help them. Even I feel a little better as I follow them. My head is brimming with all the ways I can torture him and make him suffer. I bet she isn’t the first woman he’s hurt. She was just the one that fell in too deep and couldn’t escape.

Family night wears on, and I keep a close eye on the three of them, making sure that the man doesn’t suspect anything.“Be careful, Nova. You have to make sure that he doesn’t hurt them again.”

Shut up for a fucking second, would you? I know. I need to draw him away so I can get him to come back later tonight to have some fun with me.

“Cunt.”

I know you are but what am I?

“You can be such a child.”

The carnival starts to wind down and while it doesn’t close until eleven, the family heads back towards the exit. I follow, keeping a safe distance, as they walk out into the cool night air. The man is still making passes at other women, still completely unaware of the danger that’s following him. Somehow, I manage to get in front of them without the man noticing. I’ve got on a black skirt with a slit up the thigh. I spin and my skirt opens just enough for him to glimpse my thong and bare ass cheek.

"Well, that’s a way to get his attention.”

I make eye contact with him and watch as he bites his lip and I know I’ve now caught his attention. He’s on the lure and all Ineed to do now is reel him in. While he looks me up and down, I make eye contact with his wife and give her a sly wink.

“Roy, we really need to go. Anthony’s tired and if you want dinner at a decent time... " His hand flits toward her, motioning for her to shut up. I do everything in my power to keep my composure. What kind of man does that to his wife?Hold it together, Nova.

“Soon, Nova. Soon, he’ll be alone, and you’ll be able to take care of him. Don't fuck this up.”

“Here are the keys; go get him in the car.” He hands her a set of keys and keeps his eyes on mine. “I want to see about the show tomorrow night.”

“Oh, I bet you do, you sick son of a bitch.”

The woman and her son walk away from the carnival toward the parking lot, and I watch as the emotions inside of me that are bottled up get ready to explode. I know what’s going to happen, and I know that it’s going to be soon.

I turn and walk back to the man,Roy, my eyes scanning the crowds. The other performers are still engaging with patrons, and the crew is dismantling the rides and booths.

“Draw him in.”

“So, what do you want to know about tomorrow night’s show, baby?” I ask sweetly, biting my lip. “Something caught your eye?”