Page 16

As I walk back in the early hours of the morning, I can feel the shadows shrinking away. Something is on my mind, just out of reach. I can’t quite place it.

It’s making me feel unsettled.

It’s not quite pre-dawn, but the shadows seem to sense that their time is coming to an end, much like I can sense mine is. At least with the Boy it is.

Three more nights. Tonight, I will torture him. Tomorrow, I have a grand plan and the day after will be the big finale. Shiloh has until I leave for the big finale to complete her task, or I will have to take her hand.

There is no one on the street at this time of night. People wouldn’t think it was safe, whereas I think this is the safest time to be out. Monsters aren’t afraid of other monsters, and I like to play.

I get home and shrug off my coat and purse. Putting them away, I go do my usual routine, and once I’m showered and in bed; I drift off. I don’t wake up at my usual time, which in itself is strange, but what is really strange is the dream I had.

I dreamed the boy survived my final assault, and I had to free him and take him back to his parents. They forgave him and everything worked out for him in the end. He married a much older Shiloh, and they started a happy family together.

My eyes fly open as they seal their marriage with a kiss, and I gasp. I sit up and can feel myself shaking. Definitely unsettled. Something isn’t right. I am in control. I am always in control.

I cannot complete the contract if I do not have myself in control.

This is a disaster.

I get up and go relieve myself, then splash water on my face before I brush my teeth. I get dressed and make my bed perfectly, feeling a bit better.

I walk to the kitchen and turn the coffee machine on after greeting Kerri and Shiloh. I turn to look at Kerri while the dark liquid drips out of the machine.

“I’m going to need you and Shiloh out of the house today, for the whole day. I want to get some cleaning done.”

“I can help if you like,” Kerri offers.

“No, no. I want to do a deep clean of everywhere, including your room. So, make sure all your valuables are packed away and take Shiloh out for the day. Go watch a movie and go to the amusement park. You have my card.”

Kerri nods, though she looks puzzled. I drink my coffee and start to get out my cleaning supplies, stacking them neatly in the bucket I have for them. I get a second bucket and fill it with soapy water.

Once Kerri leaves with Shiloh, I start scrubbing at the end of the hall and go into her room. It’s neat, but it’s not clean. I grab a cloth and begin to wipe down all the surfaces. Spraying bleach to disinfect everything and rinsing the cloth out in the soapy water. Then I get the vacuum and vacuum the room within an inch of its life. I get a small stepladder and clean the light fixtures, and I wash the windows both inside and out. As I clean, I feel my nerves start to settle. I can control this at least. I can control how clean the house is.

I move into Shiloh’s room, which to the untrained eye would appear spotless. I complete the same order of things. Wiping down, vacuuming, cleaning the light fixtures and then washing the windows.

I take my time disinfecting the bathroom, cleaning every nook and cranny before I replace the water and throw the cloth in the washing machine, getting a new one for my room.

As I clean, I focus on my breathing, and I can feel my racing heart start to calm down. The boy will not survive, he cannot escape, and he certainly won’t marry my daughter. I have plans for Shiloh, ones that do not require marriage.

I clean the living room and dining area that I use for special occasions. Then I start on the kitchen. I empty every cupboard and clean every corner. I wash all the dishes, especially those that haven’t been used in a while. They are dusty.

My heart is now beating steadily, and I feel far more in control. I clean out my study and then go downstairs and clean the basement, feeling a lot more settled now.

The house is spotless, so I pack away the cleaning supplies, rinse out the buckets and put the clothes in for a wash cycle while I go make coffee.

I check the freezer and realize I need to go to the store. I can take Shiloh with me while Kerri prepares dinner. I take out a shopping list and jot down what it is I know we’ll need. I stick it to the fridge with a magnet before I take out all the ingredients for dinner and set the ham to defrost in a basin of hot water.

I glance at the time. The store closes in two hours. I could go without Shiloh, but I want to talk to her. I need her to understand that time is running out. She needs to do what needs to be done.

I make another cup of coffee and sit at the kitchen table in silence. I don’t move until the front door opens and Shiloh comes in, holding onto some teddy bears.

“Shiloh, while Kerri cooks dinner, we’re going to the store. Keep your jacket on.”

“Yes, Mommy,” she says happily. She leaves to put her teddies down, and Kerri comes into the kitchen.

“I’ve taken out a ham for dinner, and you can make mashed potatoes and gravy with some vegetables,” I say.

“Thank you, Esther. I’ll get started right away. House smells great by the way.”

“Thank you. I got all the cleaning done,” I add, getting up. I put my cup in the dishwasher, retrieve the shopping list and get my coat and purse. “Come Shiloh,” I call gently.

Shiloh comes up the passage and takes my hand as I lead her out of the house.