Lucky Like Us

chapter Thirty-Five

* * *

THE FOX STOOD before the mirror and straightened his blood red bow tie. He slid his arms into his black jacket. His white shirt glowed beneath the dark, rich fabric. A piece of lint on his sleeve marred his perfect image. He flicked it into the trash and his frown turned to a satisfied smirk. With a last brush of his hair, he set the antique silver backed brush in its exact spot on the bureau. Unable to help himself, he adjusted the mahogany framed mirror just a smidge to the left.

Perfect.

Just like his life would be again after tonight.

Plans in place, his secret rented house in the hills was the perfect place to spend time alone with her. He thought of the chair he’d nailed to the floor, the leather straps banded around the chair back, and the pain he’d inflict. Oh, the screams he’d elicit from her beautiful lips.

She’d pay for all she’d done, surviving twice after he’d tried to kill her. She’d ruined his perfect setup with the insurance man. He’d only just begun to realize his full potential. He needed more time to perfect his craft. When he had her alone tonight, he’d explore a whole new aspect of his darker half.

Outside, the elegant limousine waited. He slipped into the back seat and sank into the luxurious soft leather. A dark smile tugged at his lips. He liked this part of his life: wealth, privilege, power. Tonight he’d use his power in a whole new way. He’d use his cunning, imagination, his need to inflict pain and suffering, and he’d silence Elizabeth forever—and he’d do it with pleasure.