Page 65 of The Cursed Chalice

Hecate knocks at the door, then Soraya’s voice sounds from the other side. “Come in.”

Hecate opens the door, and the officers walk in. Standing in Soraya’s bedroom, the officers can’t help but look around.

“Officers, I am so happy you came.” That is the first thing Soraya says. I shift from behind them and sit at the side of Soraya’s bed, propping up the pillows behind her.

The taller of the two says, “I am Officer Walker; this is Officer Jabbers.”

Officer Jabbers is shorter and slightly fairer. “Miss Maude, we received a report from Mr. Elias Thorne. He is claiming you are being held here against your will.”

Soraya laughs in disbelief. “Of course he did. That’s what he does. He twists everything, so he looks like the victim.”

Her shoulders drop, and so does her spirit. “He kidnaps me and then sends the police after me?”

Officer Walker shrugs. “It’s more like a wellness check, ma’am.”

“Hold on, he did what?” Officer Jabbers places his hat under his arm.

“He kidnapped me and held me captive in one of his buildings downtown.” Soraya clenches the blanket.

“Maybe you should tell them from the start,” Hecate interjects.

As Soraya begins to retell the story, I can feel myself getting angry again. Hearing about her cousin Michelle only confirms that I was right to have those numbers blocked.

“They all have to die, Aric. Every last one of them.”

The room begins to feel hot. Officer Jabbers begins to use his hat as a fan.

“Wow, is the AC on?” Soraya asks as she wipes her forehead.

Hecate raises her eyebrows. I inhale and rotate my shoulders, trying to calm myself.

Officer Jabbers strokes his chin. “We looked at the grounds. Everything appears to be in order.”

“Agreed. No signs of restraint, no distress. You look fine.”

Soraya frowns, and her lips tighten. “Fine. You think this is fine? He twists everything, so that he looks like the victim. He even calls the cops, so it looks like I’m the problem; it’s a power play. He wants the law on his side.”

Soraya places her hands over her face. “He will never stop, will he? God, what do I do?”

I hear a sniffle and instantly look up at the police, ready to kick them out.

Officer Jabbers exchanges a look with his partner. “Miss Maude, without evidence, there is nothing we can do. As far as the law is concerned, you are safe here.”

Soraya wipes her eyes. “You think I’m safe.” She throws back her head and laughs. “Elias sent you to fetch me like property.”

She turns to me, and I can see the worry in her eyes. “Don’t you see? He’s scum. He’ll just keep coming until he owns me again.”

“That can’t happen if his head is off his body.”

I pull her to my side and kiss the top of her head. “We will fix it, Raya.”

Officers Jabbers clears his throat. “Then I suppose…you are good for now. But if you change your mind?—”

“I won’t.” Her answer is swift and final.

“Well, gentlemen, let me see you out,” Hecate says as she opens the door and waits for them to walk through.

SORAYA