The Angel Series Collection - Books 1-3

The Foreshadower-1

After what felt like an eternity, I finally peeled myself off the pavement. My whole backside was rocking with agony. I picked my bike up, moaning as I bent over. As my eyes brushed over the bike, I eased a breath of relief. No damages. I, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky.

I, on the other hand, wasn’t so luckyMy body screamed in agony. The throb of my scraped-up elbows and the sharp pain shooting up my spine sent me spinning. I supposed his rich, pampered ass thought it was okay to flatten the peasant. He had to have seen me coming unless the tinted windows hindered his vision. Boy, I’d love to get my hands on the driver. Just swell! I had work early tomorrow morning too. Throwing papers was going to be a challenge, I flinched. Crap! My body hurt.

I didn’t get to make it to the diner or make it over to Ms. Noel’s for dinner that evening, either. When I got back to the hotel, I tried using my cell phone to call Sara. No such luck. Mommy dearest didn’t pay the bill. She lied, obviously. Geez! I wanted to have a temper tantrum, but my body ached too much. So, I did the next best thing, climbed under the covers, and sobbed. I hated my life, and I hated this town even more.

It was dark, around ten, when Sara came bursting through the door three sheets to the wind. The noise jolted me from a deep sleep. I jerked up to a sitting position, eyes droopy from sleep. “What’s wrong?” I rubbed my eyes, feeling a panic attack coming on.

“Don’t get your feathers ruffled. Everything is just peachy,” Sara cooed, furthering her boasting. “I rented a house just around the corner. Cute as a button and fully furnished.” Sara sashayed around the room, happy as a pig in mud.

“Say what?” My brows puckered, confused.

“I said I rented a house. Tomorrow we’ll be moving.” She flashed the keys in my face.

I sat there a minute, mulling over her announcement. “How did you get the money? We ain’t gotta pot to piss in!”

“I declare! Stop your grumbling. We’re fixin’ to move to a house. Get to packin’. We’re outta here first thing in the morning.”

I crossed my arms, fit to be tied. “Hold your horses, Mother! I can’t move us. Apart from my aches and scrapes from a bike accident today, I’m working in the morning.”

“Well then, start on it tonight. How much can it be? We only brought four suitcases.”

Like water off a duck’s back, nothing I said registered with Sara. I narrowed my eyes. “Why can’t you pack your suitcases?”

“Well, smarty-pants.” She rested her hands on her hips. “I have a date tonight, and I’m not sure if I’ll be back in time.”

“Fine! Shall I draw your bath too, your highness?”

“Watch your mouth!” Sara threatened. “I just might kick you out.” Sara’s dark eyes were on me like a lioness inching closer to its prey. Nothing was new about Sara’s threats, though the peculiar glint in her eyes felt foreign. Everything seemed off. How the blazes did she manage to lease a house blew my mind. We didn’t have any money. I wondered who she’d knocked in the head for this rental.

“Fine! I’ll pack. All the same to you, I’m not losing my job. I’ll move us after I finish my route.” I held my gaze to hers, but I didn’t go any further. By the seedy glare on Sara’s face, she’d crossed to the dark side, and that was one side I didn’t dare go.

“Have it your way, then.”

“What’s the address?” I asked.

“805 Saint Anne Street. It’s literally down the road. It’s the last house on a dead-end street.”

“You’re kidding?” My eyes followed Sara as she applied makeup to her already caked face. “How did you find the house?”

“A customer told me.” Before she said another word, a car’s headlights penetrated the curtains. Sara’s gaze lifted to the lights and then at me. “That’s my ride.” She nearly sprinted to the door. “Gotta run! See you tomorrow at the house.”

With nothing else said, she was out the door in a flash, and minutes later, the bright light dropped from the window. Loneliness soon spread over me. The sting of tears welled, but I refused to relent. The last thing I wanted to do was harp on my mom and her relentless absence.

I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, chewing my lip, wishing I had a book to read. My mind drifted back to Sweetwater, and instantly, I stopped. Reminiscing over Texas wasn’t going to help my state of mind. I had to bury it in my all-too-well-forgotten past. A cesspool of many faces and places locked away in the back of my brain, crammed so far down that it surely would never return.

Then I thought about my near accident with the mysterious black Corvette. I rewound that moment in my head like a bad rerun. I kept smashing into a brick wall. How the driver managed to dodge me blew my brain. He was right up in my grill, far too close to have veered. I practically was the deer in the headlights. I sighed, racked with unease. I reckoned that mystery might remain unsolved, though one I’d forever remained baffled.

* * *

After I finished my route, pushing past the misery of the scorching sun all morning, I did as Sara ordered. I managed to cram all our stuff into the Volkswagen. Luckily, the house was only a street over. I felt ridiculous, driving with a flat and my rusty bike duct-taped to the top. At least it matched. My car was as rusty as my bike. I reckoned the neighbors might go bug-eyed when they saw us moving in.

When I spotted the house, my breath caught in my throat. Sara had rented the same cute house that Ms. Noel had mentioned. I blinked, staring. I rechecked the scribbled address on the piece of paper that I’d written down. “Yep! This was it. 807 Saint Ann Street. I let out a whistle as I tossed the note in the back seat. How Sara managed to pony up the dough for this house had me scratching my head.

Then it hit me. Jesus! What if Sara was turning tricks? Maybe she lied about spending the rent money on that phony psychic. Then again, she had snared a new beau. He could’ve paid for it. Either way, I wasn’t going to question a gift horse in the mouth.

I rolled up into the drive and cut the engine. I sat there taking in the quaint little house. A smile played across my face. Most places we stayed at were dumps, but this place was like a palace. Taking in the curbside view, it was a simple white frame house, an older mid-century, I think. On the front porch, a wooden swing hung with bright yellow pillows. Deep purple hydrangeas in full bloom caressed each side of the steps, welcoming onlookers.

My mind filled with eagerness as I rushed to go inside. When I reached the top step, it dawned on me that I’d forgotten to get the keys from Sara. Suddenly I felt panicky. It wasn’t beneath Sara to play a nasty prank. Holding my breath, I spread my fingers over the doorknob. It was cool to the touch. I tightened my grip and twisted the knob, and to my delight, the door opened. I jumped for joy!

Quickly, I stepped inside, shutting the door behind me. I stalled for a minute as my eyes combed over the living space. A giddy feeling washed over me as I bit my bottom lip, gawking. The main room was small, simple, yet cozy. The house was fully furnished. The couch sat under the windowsill, leaving the fireplace open to the room. Wheat-shade lamps sat tall on each end table placed on each side of the sofa, offering a soft glow. Two big stuffy chairs faced the sofa on the opposite side and an accent chair nestled by the window with a small table and lamb. Light colors of blue and yellow accented the space bringing in a warm toasty feeling.

I sprinted upstairs, determined to get first dibs on the bedrooms. There were two rooms, one with a bathroom and a guest bathroom down the hall. I immediately claimed the master bedroom. It was the brightest room in the house and a double bonus… a bathroom. I knew Sara would want the one with less light, better for sleeping late.

a bathroomJust like the living room downstairs, the bedrooms were fully loaded. Unable to resist, I made a dive onto my full-size bed. I bounced and sank into it. A long breath escaped my lips. “Ah, a feathered mattress, soft with no lumps! It’s perfect,” I mumbled, bouncing once more on the bed. I soon discovered that the whole house had everything we possibly needed.

I couldn’t remember the last time we’d been this lucky. I reckoned I should count my blessings while they lasted. A little sadness pricked my heart. I frowned, thinking about my friends back in Texas.

I managed to sweat a jar full by the time I’d finished unloading our stuff in the house. The only thing I’d left were three bags sitting in the foyer. I figured Sara could lug her belongings upstairs.

I, in the meantime, made myself at home by filling my bedroom up with my stuff. I figured if I stored my clothes away that Sara wouldn’t make a big fuss. Then again, if I moved her suitcases to her room and set up her junk all nice and organized, she’d likely stay put. She hated lugging her bags.

IThe doorbell alerted me, ringing throughout the house. Our first guest! I skirted downstairs to the front door. I swung the door open, forgetting to check the peephole. I was surprised to see my new neighbor. “Hi there, Ms. Noel,” I smiled.

“Hey, neighbor! I hope I’m not pesterin’ ya.” A crooked smile spread across her face.

“Nope, not at all. Come on in.” I stepped aside. “ I’ll show you the place.”

“Thank you! I won’t stay long. I was makin’ grocers and picked you up a few items is all.”

I glanced down, spotting two large brown sacks by her feet, spilling over the brim with groceries and thick blankets.

Ms. Noel brushed past me as she stepped into the living room. “This looks like brand new furniture in ‘ere!”

All I could focus on was the sacks. “Oh, my,” I gaped, wordless. Then my brain booted up as I eagerly grabbed up the grocery bags and brought them inside, kicking the door shut with my foot.

“Honeychile, let’s take them sacks to the kitchen?” Ms. Noel waddled straight back as if she knew the place.

“Oh-my-oh-my! Not one thing has changed in ‘ere.” Her eyes beamed. “This old house once belonged to my older sister.”

“Where is she living now?”

“Oh my, Fannie moved on to the big house a while ago. I talk to her now and then when she has a minute.” Her eyes twinkled as if her thoughts wafted back to fond memories. “Don’t mind me none.” Ms. Noel grabbed one of the bags from my arms, setting it on top of the counter and started to empty its content. “It’s just a few things I know you need.”