Page 13 of The Silence of Hell
“Oh, that would be free. I’d sponsor them to be here and expand their knowledge. And considering I’m looking at thousands of dolls here, they’ve ample to go through,” I said.
Chatter paled. “Thousands?”
“Easily. Every single room I’ve seen is crammed with them. It’s clear what Aunt Aggie spent her money on,” I replied with a smile.
Chatter’s eyes rolled up in his head, and he collapsed on my bed.
“Oh shit!” I gasped.
“Fuckin’ pansy,” Chance muttered. “I’ll go remove those boards.”
“Yeah, that’s probably the best,” I said with a wince.
Such a shame Chatter had such an extreme reaction to dolls. Because Chatter was quite cute. He had two full sleeves of tattoos, and I loved them. Chatter’s hair was cropped short, and he had dark stubble. His face was lean but handsome, and he had soft brown eyes. Chatter also had muscles! But it wasn’t to be. My job would give him nightmares, I thought with a snicker.
“Not considering a career change any time soon?” Chance asked, his eyes narrowed on me.
“No, sorry!” I replied and moved my gaze away from Chatter. How embarrassing, I’d been caught checking this man’s brother out.
Chance grinned, and I gaped, spellbound at how his face changed, and it hit me how good-looking he was. In fact, Sunny was, too, for that matter.
Both men smirked as they left, and minutes later, they were tearing the boards from the frame outside. I didn’t feel so safe now, with just a pane of glass between me and the world. Several times, I’d heard people outside over the last two weeks. It was probably kids, but I planned to get a dog anyway. I liked being alone, but everyone knew this house had been empty for ages. It was a target.
“I’m looking to adopt a dog; do you have any suggestions?” I asked Chance as he returned.
“Guard or pet,” Chance inquired.
“Guard. Theres been noises outside a few times, and now that window’s un-boarded, I’m a little insecure,” I said.
“Jinx,” Sunny exclaimed.
Chance looked at him. “No, we couldn’t!”
“Yes. We’ve got a candidate we can assign to watch tonight. And also, a couple of brothers in another club own a sanctuary. I’m sure Calamity and Klutz would have a dog,” Sunny explained.
“Oh no, I don’t want someone having to sit outside all night!” I cried.
“And we don’t want our neighbour being terrified in her own home. We’ll send Jinx. Candidate can bunk in the hallway or the porch. Up to you. But we’re not going to leave you alone until you are safer,” Chance argued.
“I’ve lived by myself for nearly ten years,” I said.
“Good for you, but something’s worried you. And if you don’t feel safe, there’s a reason for it. So let us help you, and even if you don’t, we’ll still send Jinx.” Sunny grinned.
“Fine!” I exclaimed as Chatter began stirring again.
“Let’s get the delicate flower out of here,” Chance stated.
“Fuck you, asshole,” Chatter grumbled, but allowed Chance and Sunny to launch him out of the window. Chatter landed with a crash and a roar, and they swapped glances.
“Oh, my!” I gasped, rushing to the window to check on him.
“He’s fine!” Sunny said and walked out with Chance on his heels.
???
No wonder Sunny had nominated Jinx. The man was a menace. He’d arrived at six, and a builder had dropped a hammer on his toes. Since then, everything bad that could happen had. The door, which had been fixed, jammed again. A workman fell down a hole in the garden, which suddenly appeared. The cherry picker got stuck with a tree cutter at the top and it wouldn’t lower for love or money.
Jinx took everything in his stride, but I found it odd it all began going wrong when he arrived. But he was lovely. Jinx rode his motorbike here and brought a sleeping bag, fold-up cot and a backpack. I was surprised at how Jinx fit it all on his bike.
