Free Dark Rapture by Michele Hauf

professionals take care of the major construction work, such as redoing the stairway and the roof. Now, a week and a half later, all that was left was to scrub the dirt from every corner of the place and paint. A monumental job in itself.
    “I think we’re almost done, too.” Gary pounded another nail into the oak steps. “Not much daylight left, and until Einstein here remembers to pick up some light bulbs, we’re finished.”
    “I don’t recall seeing a list that said that was my specific i job,” Vince said.
    Scarlet stepped over Gary’s arm, avoiding the toolbox at the bottom of the steps. “I’ll see you guys later.”
    She smiled to herself as she walked down the hall. Vince was such a character. Such a lovable character. She wondered if maybe she should have waited, and chosen him over Sebastian. Well, a girl didn't have to be exclusive so quickly. She'd keep her options open.
    ***
    Vince pressed his hands into the carpet and pushed the thick red material against the stairs so Gary could pound in another nail. “Catch you later, Scarlet—Oww!”
    “Oh, man, did I get you?” Gary dropped the hammer and searched for blood on the carpet.
    Pushing his head against the step, Vince moaned. “No, don’t worry, it’ll pass.”
    Another one of his attacks. Gary looked down the steps; only two left. “Why don’t you relax. I can finish this.”
    Vince rolled over and stretched his long legs out across the stairs. “Are you sure?”
    Gary jammed the toe of his tennis shoe into the carpet, pushing it tight against the stair. “Yeah, go sit down.”
    “I think I’ll stay here for now. Besides, there’s no place to sit.” Vince looked up at the arched ceiling supported by thick wooden beams and closed his eyes. His mouth pulled tight. He winced each time the hammer hit its mark. “We have to pick up some furniture one of these days.”
    “Almost done,” Gary said. “You going to make it?”
    “Yeah, it’s almost gone. I’m glad this never happens when I’m on stage.”
    “You’ve been lucky.” One more nail and the job was done. Gary looked over the aisle of red carpeting. Fit for a king, he thought with satisfaction, as his eyes traveled back down to his friend spread out across the bottom steps. “Looks pretty good, I must say. We’re quite the handymen.”
    Vince rolled over and picked at a bent nail pounded deeply into the carpeting. He laughed now, the pain subsiding. “Don’t get your hopes up man, stick to playing guitar. I don’t think anybody is ever going to pay you for your carpentry skills.”
    “Yeah, but you must admit it’s not bad for a beginner.”
    “Kudos to you.” Vince stood and clapped. “Hey, let’s check out the vault before we go. I brought a flashlight.”
    Gary smoothed his hand across the carpet and shook his head in pride. “Sure man, let’s go.”
    ***
    The jeep sputtered, and with one last ailing breath, the engine gave up and the vehicle rolled to a halt. Scarlet looked out the foggy windshield. It was raining in sheets, pummeling the hissing vehicle, muffling the sounds of the exhausted engine. She turned the key repeatedly, thumping the gas pedal, but to no avail.
    She smeared away a clear spot on the windshield. Her house was close, just a dozen or more blocks. Why did this have to happen when it was raining?
    “That’s the last time I buy a car from a junkyard,” she muttered.
    Through the downpour, she could see Sebastian’s house out the passenger corner of the windshield. An inviting glow from the porch light beckoned her.
    Now, what to do?
    She didn’t want to go to his house after what had happened last week. Though it was nearly healed, the cut on her forehead still stung whenever she thought of him. But, perhaps if she used the phone, and then left immediately, things would be okay. Maybe she could even talk to him, find out what was wrong, and why he hadn’t called her. Since receiving the roses she hadn’t heard from him.
    Muddling