Page 200 - The Houseguest

were me? I’ve already told you this isn’t how I had planned this to end.”
She lifted her head and I could see there were tears slowly rolling down her cheeks. “I don’t know what you want me to say. I don’t know what you want me to do. I told you I didn’t care if I died, but that was before I knew about my baby. Now I beg you, I’ll do anything. I know now what I took from you. You have proven your point and I will live the rest of my life in regret. Please let my baby live.” But her words only enraged me, “WHY SHOULD I? Why should your child be allowed to grow up and not mine? Give me one good answer, and I’ll let you live.” Without hesitation, she spoke softly, “Because you are not evil.”
I slammed my hand into the fireplace mantle. The excruciating pain instantly alerted me of my poor decision. “Oh God, Karina...where are you?!” I shouted to the ceiling. “Appear to me again, my darling!” Sensing an opportunity, Rachel chimed in, “You’ve seen her, too?” For a moment, I was inclined to punch her in the face, knock out her teeth, maybe use the fire poker as a weapon against her. I stopped and took a deep breath. Then another, and another. Could she be telling the truth? Could Karina have visited her, as well? It would be something she would have done, visit a pregnant woman to offer strength and encouragement. But, how could I tell if this was the truth or a trick? “Yes, Lance...I have seen her, too. She has come to me in my room to tell me what a good man you are inside. She said you could never kill me, especially with a baby.” She spoke, then anxiously waited for my response.
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The Houseguest by Linda Ellis www.LindaEllis.life