Tristan growled, the sound low and filled with excitement as the deer came into view. He looked at her and she heard his voice in her mind, asking if she wanted to make the kill. When she nodded, he fell back and she darted forward. The kill was quick and clean.
Since it was her kill, he sat back on his haunches, letting her consume the choicest parts before he took his place beside her.
As she gorged on the soft, inner parts of the deer, she couldn’t help wondering what Mr. Fischer would think if he could see her now.
The idea percolated in her mind. She thought of Kim. She thought of all the times that horrible man had molested her and the other girls. The times he had hit his wife for being kind to her or one of the other foster kids.
When they’d had their fill, Bailey and Tristan returned to the place where they had left their clothing.
Instead of putting on her jeans, shirt, and shoes, Bailey pulled on her Jedi-like robe. For once, she was going to put her fears aside. She was going to confront the monster and let him know if he ever hurt or molested another child, he would have her to contend with. And then she would show him what he’d be dealing with if he didn’t heed her warning.
Tristan looked at her askance when she stepped into view. “What’s up?”
She quickly told him what she intended to do.
“I’ll be happy to drive you,” Tristan said. “I just hope he puts up a fight, because I’d love to take him out. Are you ready to go?”
She nodded. “Before I lose my nerve.”
* * *
The Fischer house looked the same as always. A single light burned in the living room window. Mr. Fischer liked to watch TV in the evening by himself, so Bailey knew everyone else had been sent to bed, including Mrs. Fischer.
She took a deep breath when Tristan parked the car.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked.
“Yes.” Another deep breath, and she stepped out of the car, padded barefooted to the ugly brown front door. And rang the bell.
When Mr. Fischer answered the door, her courage almost deserted her, but then she sensed Tristan behind her. As long as he was there, she had nothing to fear.
“You!” Fischer exclaimed. “Where the hell have you been?” He reached for her with one beefy hand, no doubt intending to drag her inside and punish her for running off.
Bailey danced effortlessly out of his way. “I’m here to talk to you,” she said, pleased that her voice was strong and steady.
“Talk?” He sneered. “What about?”
“I know what you did to Kim. If you ever molest or abuse another child, you’ll answer to me.”
He snorted his disdain. “What’s a kid like you gonna do about it?”
“I’ll show you.”
Fischer’s beady eyes grew wide when she stepped out of the robe to stand naked before him. Tristan stood behind her, blocking her from the view of passing cars.
“If you ever hurt another child—or strike Mrs. Fischer—I’ll know about it. And I’ll come after you.”
“Yeah, I’m real scared,” he said, unbuckling his belt. “Now get in here where you belong!”
He reached for her again.
In that instant, Bailey shifted. Ears laid back, she bared her fangs. A low growl rumbled deep in her throat.
Fischer gaped at her, eyes wide as dinner plates, mouth hanging open as he stumbled backward.
Bailey followed him inside, then backed him against a wall.
Tristan followed them, her robe in his hands.
Shifting back to human form, Bailey pulled on the robe. “If you ever touch another child, I’ll tear you apart.”
Fischer nodded. Face pale, brow beaded with sweat, he sank to his knees.
Bailey didn’t wait for a reply. His fear was real. He believed every word she said. Of that, she had no doubt.
With a last warning look, she turned on her heel. Head high, back soldier-straight, she walked out of the house. She’d done it! And she hadn’t been afraid at all!
“I’m proud of you,” Tristan said when they were in his car driving home.
Bailey grinned. “I’m proud of me too.” She had faced her worst fear. If she could stand up to Mr. Fischer without flinching, she could do anything.
Chapter Thirty
The next week passed by quickly. Another wedding shower for Jilly. Another day of shopping, this time for a bridesmaid’s dress for Tessa. She bought the first one she tried on—a pale blue, floor-length silk with a dark blue sash. A small hat with a short veil and a pair of matching shoes completed her outfit. They had found a dress for Bailey as well.
The day of Jilly’s wedding dawned bright and clear.
Tessa glanced over her shoulder as Andrei appeared in the doorway of her room.