Page 29 of The Cursed Chalice

The other officer chimes in. “Like her ring size.”

They both start laughing.

“Let me see that bride. I’m turning her in ASAP.

“Four million dollars? Shit, I’m wrapping her in a goddamn bow.”

Hecate raises her eyebrow, waiting for my next move. Go with Hecate, or have Dumb and Dumber carry me back to Elias?

“We can leave now, and you can start tomorrow.”

The officer looks at me, and I lower my head.

I should just leave.

The moment I decide to leave, the police officer whispers something to the other, and they walk my way.

Elias or Hecate? Elias will kill me for bringing him shame. Hecate? I have no idea. But my gut tells me there are new adventures.

“We can leave now,” I whisper.

Hecate’s smile widens, and she slides out of the booth, digs into her pocket, and drops money on the table. I gather my stuff, throwing my large tote over my shoulder.

Just when I stand, the two police officers block Hecate.

“My God, I may just have to arrest you for being beautiful.” The taller of the two adjusts his belt and smirks.

Hecate smiles. “Oh, thank you, boys.”

“Who’s your friend?”

Hecate sighs. “Excuse me, officer.”

I keep my head low as I walk behind Hecate. I see when the office slaps Hecate’s butt. The slap is so hard that the activity in the diner stops. Oh God! We can’t afford to get arrested, but I want her to slap the officer back. No, they will ask for my ID, which I don’t have. Then they will do a search, and it will be over. All this would be for nothing. I wait for Hecate to shout or scream at the officers. Instead, she stops, smiles, and touches his face. Hecate tiptoes and whispers in his ear. He nods like he’s being hypnotized.

Hecate taps his chest. “Now go be a good boy.”

That’s it?

“Come on, Raya.” I hurry behind Hecate. She stops at a crimson-colored vintage car. I don’t know the brand, but it’s sleek and expensive-looking.

“You like it? It’s a 1955 Aston Martin coupe,” Hecate says as she opens the door and slides in.

I hear a scream, and I look back at the diner. I see the police officer that Hecate spoke to pull a gun out. One sharp pop…Then I hear more screams.

The second officer stands with his hands high over his head. I can see his hands shaking, and he is trying to talk to his friend.

I stand frozen on the spot.

“Get in, Raya.” Hecate reaches across the car and opens the door.

As I slide in, I hear another loud pop.

“Don’t look back,” Hecate commands. My legs tremble, and I press my hands on my thighs, trying to control it.

“Let’s get out of here.” Hecate smiles brightly and says, “To new adventures.”

Her joy was contagious. “To new adventures,” I reply. I don’t know what the adventure is going to be, but I hope it’s a good one. It would be sad if living with Elias would be better with whoever I would be employed by.Oh, you might be kidnapped and sold in parts.