Chapter 48: Part 2

The power washer.

Brandt was incredibly stupid.

Punishment. The water spray meant pain and humiliation. Images of Carolynn holding the spray flashed through her mind; her fight to remain standing, icy water hitting her arms and legs, and tears. Tears caused by her mother's hatred. And finally escape. She looked around backing away from the sound. More thoughts flooded her brain, his blood, the taste, her need. They continued; his smile, his voice, food, his food offered to her. Her thoughts were jumbled confusion. The panic receded and she tried to gain control. Looking up his intense gaze stared back.

He turned away and walked back into the bathroom, shut off the shower, and let the bathtub slowly fill. From the corner of his eye he saw the tail end of her shadow move past the bathroom door. He'd created a mess and spiked her fear. Turning both knobs off, he walked to the bedroom. Not seeing her he let his nose lead him to the closet. Hidden and hunched down toward the back, her ar