Page 5 of Beast of the Bayou

"I think I'll give them a call." I tuck the paper in my purse. "Thanks." I wave and head for the door.

"Miss?"

I turn.

The cashier is still watching me. He straightens. "You sure you want that job?"

I give him a tired smile. "Look—at this point, I'm willing to clean a haunted house if it pays enough." I laugh again.

But he doesn’t laugh or smile. Instead, he just stares at me until the smile slides off my face.

Then he looks away. "Good luck."

"Thanks," I mumble with a slight frown. I push through the door, the bell jingling on my way out. I have no idea why he said it like a warning, and honestly, I don't care, because Mount Mourne may just be my way out.

Sitting on the bench outside, I call the number. After a few rings, I'm met with the voicemail of a woman who sounds so sweet and pleasant. Already another green flag.

I leave a message:

"Hi, Ms. Landry. My name is Lila Saint-Claire and I saw your advertisement for a live-in housekeeper. I just wanna let you know ma'am, that if you hire me, you won't find a harder worker. I very much look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Thank you and take care."

Hanging up, I exhale. "Hopefully I don't sound too desperate," I murmur. "Even though I am." I sit on the bench for a while trying to figure out what to do next. Not wanting to go home, I wander around town. I eat a good meal from one of my favorite diners. I even splurge on a mani/pedi and a nice pairs of slacks and blouse for my potential interview.

The whole time I'm out, I wait anxiously to get that call back. If I can get a job interview the same day—even better, Hell, I have half a mind to pack my bags in preparation. Something about this just feels right.

The sky darkens, and I finally decide to go back home. My roommate works overnights a few times a week at a casino an hour outside of town. Her good for nothing man usually hangs out with his friends on those nights, so I'll have some reprieve from them both.

The house is quiet when I walk in, and I exhale in relief. I take a long shower and put on my favorite night gown. Pulling my thick hair up into a bun, I step out the bathroom. I jump back in shock when I see him.

He's standing there, shirtless, smelling like weed and liquor. A cigarette dangles from his mouth as he leers at me with bloodshot eyes.

I press my shaking hand to my heart. "I thought you were gone?"

"Decided to stay in." He looks me up and down with a smile. Leaning in, he sniffs the air. "Ya' smell good girl. What you got on?"

"Nothing." I back up with a scowl. "Excuse me." Sliding to the side, I push past him. His strong grip latches onto my wrist.

"Whoa, where you going so fast, pretty? Let's just talk."

My heart thuds, and my stomach drops. A jolt of fear hits me, but I put on a brave face. "I'm good." I try to snatch away, but his grip tightens.

"C'mon now, Lila. You ain't gotta be so mean," he coos, touching my waist.

"Get off of me!" My voice rises in panic. I try to snatch away again, but his arm snakes around my waist." He pulls me flush against him.

"You fucking tease," he growls, his fingers digging into my hips. "Always prancing around here like you cute."

I struggle frantically in his grasp, my body trembling. "Let me go! Stop it!"

His face inches closer to mine, his wet lips closing in. The smell of liquor and cigarettes on his breath makes me gag.

My body reacts. I don't even think about it—

I headbutt him in his nose. Hard.

Pain explodes in my head. Blood gushes from his nose and drips onto me. His hold on me loosens, and I shove him off making a mad dash to my room. His voice is filled with rage as he hurls curse words at me. Stumbling past the pain in my head, I manage to grab my purse and phone but nothing else.

Barefoot, I flee into the darkness of the night. I run until my chest burns and spots dance in front of my eyes. Eyes wild and heart racing, I stare around at my surroundings. The sounds of the night are alive. Cicadas. The splash of something moving around in the water. A low howl in the distance that makes goosebumps rise on my skin.