Free Dark Sacrifice by Angie Sandro Page A

keeps her shoulders bunched. Drops splash against the windshield so hard it’s like peering through a sprinkler.
    I twist in my seat so I face her. “I love how much you care about me. That you always see the best in me. Even going so far as to praising me to Cready, but…” My gut clenches, and I breathe out the words. “I’m not worth it.”
    Her eyes widen.
    I hold up a hand. “I’m the one to blame for all of the horrible things that have happened to Landry. Losing his eye. Being locked up in jail. His attack.”
    â€œThat’s bull—”
    â€œNo, it’s the truth! You saw his face. He got the shit beat out of him. How could he do anything to me in his condition?” Bessie’s expression tightens. There’s no point in continuing the argument. She’s too protective. God, thank you for this woman.
    With a grin, I poke her shoulder. “You know, this isn’t even about me and Landry. You were pissed before you entered his room. What did you talk to Cready about?”
    She doesn’t crack. “Work.”
    â€œA murder?”
    She turns a slow scowl in my direction.
    â€œIt is, isn’t it? A murdered woman.”
    â€œWhat makes you think so?” Maybe because the ghost’s pissed off and keeps appearing before me. Man, it would make my life easier if I could trust Bessie with the truth. “You told Cready you needed to speak with him after talking about Lainey’s murder.”
    â€œYou are too sharp for your own good.”
    â€œSo who was she? How did she die?”
    Bessie spears me with her gaze. “How about if you don’t refer to the woman in the past tense since we don’t know for sure she’s dead? Right now she’s listed as a missing person.”
    My palm itches from the gooey feel of rotting flesh still coating my hand. Will it ever wash off? “Is she a nurse?”
    â€œYes. Gloria Pearson disappeared four weeks ago—the night Reverend Prince escaped from the hospital. I’m sure he had help since he was in no condition to drive. Gloria’s car still hasn’t been located.”
    â€œAh, he kidnapped her to help with his escape. Then killed her.”
    â€œMala,” Bessie snaps. “Missing person.”
    Given the fact that Gloria haunts the hospital, she probably died there. Whether her body remains hidden on the hospital grounds or has been disposed of in another location is the question I need to answer.
    I get her being angry. Being murdered would piss anyone off, but why does she despise Bessie, if the bitch comment refers to her and not me? Does she feel like Bessie should’ve found her body? Does she want me to find her? Crap! I really don’t want to get involved, but if Reverend Prince kidnapped her, I already am.
    I’m gonna find that psycho before he hurts anyone else. And I’ve got the biggest lure of all time—the soon-to-be-released son of the devil himself. Landry Prince is going home, and Daddy will be waiting.
    I can’t wait to join in the happy family reunion.
    *  *  *
    Bessie’s daughter, Maggie, had fried up some okra and buttermilk-soaked chicken. The meal waits on the buffet table when I walk into their house. The smell sets my mouth to watering, and I barely spare time to give her a hug before I rush to the table. I have a plate of food in one hand and a mouthful of chicken by the time I turn to the dining table and see who else makes up my welcome home party.
    Georgie sits at the end of the table. Far enough away that if he drowns in his own gravy, I won’t have to give him CPR. Why in the world would he invite himself over? He’s the last person I want to have a conversation with.
    The jerk leans back in his chair and gives me a lazy grin. My heartbeat kicks up a notch. Damn his infernal soul! Does he have to be so hot? Lately, every time I see him, I think the same thing.
    I flop down in my