Chapter 32

Julianne's P.o.v

With a frustrated sigh, I drummed my nails against the counter, the rhythmic tapping echoing in the silence as I anxiously awaited the call to connect.

"Hey Chris! I just wanted to check in since I haven't heard from you in a while. I think we need to catch up, girl!"
"Oh, um, hi, Jules," Christine responded slowly. "Yeah, you know, work has been really busy, and having a teenager in the house whose mood swings change faster than the wind doesn't help. I'm sorry, but I'm actually kind of busy all week. Maybe next week?"
"Next week? I mean, yeah, I guess. I just need a friend right now. The anniversary of my mom's death is coming up, and it hits me every year..."
"Of course! How could I forget? Oh, Jules, I am so sorry!" Christine cut in quickly, making me smile slyly. She was getting completely swept away by my sob story!
"I actually have a few hours off work tomorrow afternoon, but I'm hitting the gym. Why don't you come along? We can talk, do some workouts, and then grab a coffee afterward."
"You know what? Yeah! That actually sounds fun. I'll meet you at Anytime Fitness around half past 1, okay?")
"That sounds good to me. See you tomorrow!"

The call ended with a sharp beep. A satisfied smile spread across my face as I placed the phone down on the counter. I locked eyes with the wooden door opposite me, feeling a surge of confidence. Everything was falling perfectly into place. Tomorrow, Christine would have a little accident, and I would be the one picking up the pieces for poor Paul. No one knew, not even my daughter, what was behind this door. I had told Louisa that the door led down to a flooded basement and needed to remain locked for safety reasons. However, the truth was much worse.

I had recently enlisted a team of workers to install pipework that would allow water to flow into the basement, where I had placed a large silver cage. I claimed that it was for a new animal recovery center, but that was just a cover for my true intentions.The truth was that the pipes weren't designed to transport water but rather a dangerous substance known to immobilize even the toughest of creatures: wolfsbane. And the silver would be strong enough to contain such a beast. And who was this beast? Only my dear friend, Christine!

As night fell, a thrill of anticipation coursed through me, but rest was elusive. I tossed and turned beneath the covers, my mind racing with a whirlwind of possibilities for the following day. What if Paul made an unexpected appearance? What if Christine failed to show? What if I stumbled and got caught in the act? The thought sent a jolt of anxiety through me. And what if, in the end, I couldn’t summon the courage to see my plan through? Each scenario danced in my head, keeping me awake and on edge, each one more gripping than the last.

As the dark, velvety night gradually surrendered to the soft glow of dawn, the rooftops and trees of the suburbs were bathed in a gentle light. The cheerful chatter of birds pierced the morning stillness, their songs a joyful announcement of a new day. I could hear Louisa next door, her footsteps clumsy as she prepared for yet another day at school. It wouldn’t be long before the front door slammed shut, marking her departure and leaving me alone in this quiet house once more. With a heavy sigh, I sank back into my pillows, surrendering to an uneasy sleep, where the line between dreams and reality began to blur.

********

Beep! Beep! Beep! The persistent sound of my alarm pulled me from the depths of sleep. Rubbing my eyes, I glanced at the clock and realized I had overslept—midday already! Panic set in as I realized I only had an hour and a half before it was time to claim my prize. With a rush of excitement, I leaped out of bed and made my way to the mirror. The reflection staring back at me was a vibrant splash of bright red hair framed by striking green eyes. Damn girl! I still had it—everyone in the Packhouse knew it. But despite all the attention, my heart belonged to just one man.

With a sense of anticipation, I carefully selected my gym gear from the wardrobe, feeling the familiar fabric in my hands. I hadn’t worn these pieces in ages, but as I slipped them on, I couldn’t help but admire how good I still looked in them. I knew I’d turn some heads! Slipping into my trusty pink running shoes, I grabbed a brush and ran it through my tousled hair, taming the strands into something presentable. Taking one last glance in the mirror, a satisfied smile crept across my face. I was ready to conquer the day, so I confidently headed for the door.

I dashed down the stairs, my heart racing with excitement as I entered the kitchen. As I passed by the basement door, I hesitated, my curiosity piqued. Biting my lip in contemplation, I made my way over to it, fingers brushing the cool metal key that hung from a chain around my neck. With a racing heart, I quietly unlocked the padlock, the click echoing in the stillness. As I pushed the heavy door open, it creaked ominously, the sound slicing through the silence like a warning. Beyond that threshold lay another door shrouded in shadow. My hands trembled with anticipation as I yanked on a dangling string. The bulb sputtered to life, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls. I took a deep breath, adrenaline surging through my veins, and swung open the second door. A chilling gust of air rushed past me as I descended the rickety staircase, each step creaking under my weight, promising secrets hidden deep below.

What was I doing down here? Everything was ready and waiting to go, but I just had to check. Nothing could go wrong today.

As my feet met the cold, concrete floor at the bottom of the staircase, a solitary light flickered to life, casting an eerie glow across the room. I found myself in an expansive basement, its walls lined with shadows that danced as the light struggled to stay steady. The air was thick with a lingering scent of dampness, and the silence was broken only by the faint hum of the overhead bulb.

At the far end of the space, my gaze was drawn to an alcove shrouded in half-light, where an imposing silver cage stood out against the drab surroundings. Its surface gleamed like polished metal, reflecting the soft illumination in sharp bursts. The intricate bars of the cage twisted and turned like a work of art, intertwining in a way that suggested both beauty and confinement. I felt a chill run down my spine.

The atmosphere thickened around me as I stood frozen, my eyes fixated on the gleaming silver that glinted mockingly in the dim light. Just the thought of it sent a wave of revulsion coursing through my veins. To my right, a massive tank loomed against the wall, its contents swirling ominously—Wolfsbane, that wretched potion capable of freezing any werewolf in their tracks. The vibrant purple liquid bubbled softly, a sinister reminder of the deadly combination that could spell doom for my kind. My heart raced at the realization that even a mere glimpse of that silver, combined with the toxins of the Wolfsbane, would be enough to spell my end. I swallowed hard, my instincts screaming at me to steer clear of both, but there was no escaping the palpable threat that enveloped the room. It was a dangerous dance, and one misstep could lead to catastrophic consequences, but those consequences wouldnt be for me. I was prepared.

Christine wasn't escaping, and the chilling reality hit me - no one would hear her desperate screams or pleas for help, not that she would have the strength to even make a sound. I stole a quick glance at my watch; it was nearly a quarter to one. The clock was ticking ominously. By the time I drove into town and found a place to park, I'd undoubtedly be late for my half-past one meeting. But maybe that was for the best. Being late was part of the story I was crafting to justify my absence. Yet deep down, I knew I would show up, no matter what..

Oh Christine. I might be concealed, but I'm right in front of you.