Read Online She Lies Twisted by C.M. Stunich - Free Book Online Page B

I couldn't hear and I cowered back, arms over my head. A thought crossed my mind that I wouldn't die but that this was going to hurt and then I heard a sharp yelp and glanced up. The animal was lying on its side in the grass, a glowing arrow protruding from its side. The light around the arrow pulsed like a heartbeat while the creature lifted up its head and licked the blood streaming from the wound. For a moment, I was reminded of a German Shepard licking its side. I almost felt sorry for it.
    Grandma Willa walked barefoot through the grass and paused next to me. She balanced on her toes and kissed my cheek. “Good girl, Marilyn,” she said and started limping back towards the house. Blue and red flickered across the white of the shudders and I felt my breath catch in my throat.
    Cops.
    James turned around and slid the fire poker under the welcome mat before standing up and pulling up his own hood. What will they say about the stitches? I wondered. What about the front door? How much can they see?
    I turned around and came face to face with Margaret Cedar's brother. For the life of me, I couldn't remember his name. The neighbors continued to gawk as he glanced around the yard with a glint of suspicion in his gaze. I risked a look over my shoulder. The dog monster was panting heavily, thick streams of drool dripping across its paws as blood drained from its body and pooled on the dirt under the roses. I almost screamed when a figure stepped out from the shadows.
    It was one of the harpies. I couldn't remember their names but I recognized her as the black one I'd met at the beach. She smiled at me. I turned back around and tried not to let my hands shake.
    “ We've received a call about a domestic disturbance,” Mr. Cedar said as he cast a disapproving glance at his partner. The other cop, who I didn't recognize, was still sitting in the passenger seat of the car doing something on his phone. It looked like he was texting. “And don't even get me started on how much trouble you're in at school.”
    “ No, no,” I said as I gestured at James to join us. He kept his head low and dragged his feet down the walkway like he was feeling put out by having to do it. I hoped he was acting or I was going to have to remember to be pissed off at him later. Mr. Cedar, whose name tag said Brandon, leaned down to look at James' face.
    “ Lord boy,” he exclaimed pulling back. “What have you done to your face?” I pulled the sleeve of my sweatshirt back and showed him the stitches in my wrist. I could see James' eyes flashing with alarm. I knew what I was doing. People saw what they wanted to see and believed what they wanted to believe. This would work. People were just too predictable.
    “ We're practicing for a play,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I decided to ignore his other comment. School could wait. That dog thing could get up at any minute. I needed to make this quick. Brandon Cedar raised his eyebrows. James pushed back his hood. “It's just makeup.”
    “ It's true, uh, dude.” I cringed. Don't lay it on too thick, I thought at him. “You know, it's like a rendition of Tim Burton's Corpse Bride for the stage. Real cool, huh?” Brandon stared at the front door and then at the ruined patch of begonias and then he smiled.
    “ Mrs. Ruby,” he said and stepped between James and me. There was an adult on the scene now, never mind the kids. Kids lie. Kids are trouble makers. I squeezed my fists in anger. James rested a hand on my arm.
    “ It'll be okay,” he whispered as he followed the cop up to the house. Please be normal. I thought desperately. Grandma Willa was unpredictable. She could be talking philosophy one minute, staring at the wall in silence the next. I never knew what to expect.
    “ Brandon Cedar!” She exclaimed as he came to a stop on one of the front steps. “I never did thank you for bringing Tatum home after her and Maggie's little play sessions.” I breathed a sigh of relief and