Just a note:  This story has not been edited and will be rewritten before being published. I know there are errors, but please comment, vote, and follow.  Your support means the world to me.  Tootles.

44

The days seemed to drag on as I waited for something to take effect. Each evening it was the same routine. I’d set the table, apply the poison, and sit and watch. After dinner, I’d clear the table and make sure I washed out his wine glass, placing it in a special spot for the next night.

The only difference was how Damon and my father were acting towards each other. Where my father used to call Damon “son,” he now just called him by his name, unless he was pissed, then you’d hear an occasion “listen boy,” fly out of his mouth. I had to admit that each meal became more and more stressful. Between their fighting and my hopes of the poison taking effect, I was a nervous wreck.

As far as I knew Damon hadn’t gotten his hands on the Will or any of my trust paperwork. I was shocked at how determined he was to get to the bottom of it. Every night when he came to my bed, he’d lay there, telling me how he’s hit a wall, but by hell or high water he’d get to the end of it. I had to admit, the fact that he’s such a pit bull over this matter leaves no delusions on how he made his stake in life. He defiantly doesn’t take “no” for an answer; at least not for long, which I unfortunately found out the hard way.

Liz had stopped by to bring me some of the things I asked for and a new cocktail dress and shoes that I was told Damon ordered.

“What do I need this for? I have five perfectly beautiful dresses in my closet that I haven’t been able to wear yet.” I asked her.

“Don’t ask me sweets. Damon text me and said that he wanted a sexy lace number with killer heels and matching accessories brought up to you when I came by today. So here they are.”

“What the hell does that man have planned?” I couldn’t help but feel anxious.

We both sat in silence trying to figure it out. “If I knew doll face, I’d tell you. By the way I heard from Angel and you’re not going to be happy about it.”

I felt my heart rise and fall by the mention of Angel’s name. Every thought I could have ran through me, making my blood run cold. “Do I really want to hear this?” I finally asked.

“Here, just read the text I got from her.” Liz said, as she thrust her phone in my face.

~Tell Vi that it has been too long. Not waiting around anymore. Tone and I are headed to Vegas to see what we can do. Tell her, I love her. ~

“She’s coming here?” I blurted out.

“Keep reading.” Liz advised me.

So I did. Scrolling down the page I read all their messages. It looked like Angel had been on her way here the moment she found out where I was, but Liz had stopped her until last week, when Angel had waited long enough. I had to say it warmed my heart to know she loved me enough to come save me, but I also knew this would throw a kink in my plan.

“Liz, where is she now. The message was from four days ago?”

“She called me yesterday to say she was staying at roadside motel way off the strip. Angel also said, she’s been by the compound at least a dozen times, and Tone was able to get a view inside. They have a plan to break you free, if you want them too.”

I started to panic. “No!  They need to keep their distance.” I started to freak. “What the hell, they’ll ruin it all. Fuck, I want to kiss her and ring her neck at the same time.” I spat. “Won’t that woman ever listen? She’s so bull headed. Argh!!!”

Liz laughed. “That’s why you love her.”

“I know, I know.  Liz, I really do love her. I want to be back with my Angel more than I can express.”

“I know, so what do you want me to tell her?” Liz asked. Knowing our time would be over soon.

“Just what I said, they need to keep their distance. If I need them, they’ll know. Also, please tell her, I love her too.”

“Sounds good to me doll. Know if you need me, you know what to do.” Liz got up and started packing her bags.

“By the way, I love the dress. It’s beautiful.” I told her, trying to change the subject. I could sense there was something going on with Liz.

Liz smiled back; weakly. “I know it is sweetness. You’ll look stunning. There is a part of me that wishes you weren’t taken. You’ve got this, this something. I can’t put my finger on, but it draws me to you, every time I see you.”

Before I realized what was happening, Liz was in front of me, leaving caressing my cheek, with her soft, elegant fingers. Looking up at her, I couldn’t help but blush.

“Liz.”

“Shhh… I know; in a different time and place things may have worked differently for us. Still, I remember hearing about Miss Vivian from my father. You don’t know how much he adores you. Now I can see why.”

“Ohh, Liz…” Where the only words I could get out before there was a knock at the door, causing Liz to step back. “Enter.” I called out, when she was a few feet away from me.

In the door came Damon; commanding as always.

“Liz, so nice to see you. Did you bring the things I asked for?”

“Yes, Mr. Hannon.”

“Good, good. Well, it looks like it’s time for you to go now. Bruce will show you out.” Damon stated coldly.

Liz looked at her watch and agreed with him. “Yes, it does seem as if it’s time to go.  Until next time Mrs. Hannon.  Good evening to you both.” With that, Liz walked out the door, leaving me alone with the devil.

Once we were completely alone, Damon came over to me. “My darling, how has your day been?” Damon asked as, as he kissed the same cheek Liz had just touched, bringing me out of a daze.

“Fine. I’m fine Damon.” I told him. “So what’s with the new dress?” I asked.

“That’s just what I came up here for. Be ready at seven. We’re going out tonight.”

“What!?!” I had to admit I was shocked. I’d been here for a month and I hadn’t left the compound since arriving.

“Well, I figured you’ve been such a good girl and as long as you can behave yourself, we’ll go out on the town.”

“Oh...” I replied.

“You seem disappointed.” He questioned me.

“No, not at all; just a little surprised is all.”

“Well my darling, surprises are good for the soul.  So would you like to accompany me out this evening?” He asked

Knowing that saying no was an option I answered. “Yes, I’d be happy too.”

“Good, now promise me you’ll follow the rules.” Damon almost sounded as if he was teasing. Almost being the key word.

I knew there would be some catch to this, but maybe it would be worth it to get out of the house. “What rules?” I questioned him.

“They are rather simple darling. Don’t leave my side. Don’t talk to anyone. Do exactly as you’re instructed and we’ll have a marvelous time.”

A marvelous time, my ass. I’d be better off sitting at home watching a movie and getting fat.

When I didn’t reply, Damon asked. “Can you do that?”

Looking up into his hopeful eyes, I knew this was a mistake, but I agreed. “Yes, I can handle it.”

Pulling me into his arms, he wrapped me in an embrace. “I knew you could. You’re my good little girl.”

I wanted to vomit. His good little girl?  What the fuck? “What about father, is he coming.” I finally asked. I didn’t want to miss a night of his dosage. Afraid it would set me back.

“Hell no! You’re old man is staying put. Just have one of the maids serve him dinner.”

Looking at the bedroom clock and seeing it was close to five, I knew I didn’t have much time. Pulling from Damon’s embrace, I told him. “Well, I’ve got a million things to do around here if I’m going to be ready by seven. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll go make sure things are set for tonight.  The last thing I want to do is rock the boat.” I smiled up at him, trying to use my charm.

“Yes, I’ll leave you to it my sweatheart.” After pulling me in for one more kiss, Damon turned and left my room.

I don’t know why by I felt myself go into a panic. I needed to get the table set and the let Nicole know she needed to stay later than I had planned. I had a huge habit of letting her and Hilda slip out early, especially when the only thing left to do was wash the dinner dishes, take out the trash, and pull something for the next night from the freezer. It was just simple busy work that kept me from going insane. I prayed that Nicole wouldn’t mind staying late.

Slipping into my bathroom, I grabbed the vile and slipped it into my pocket. Heading towards the kitchen I ran into Nicole, bringing up the linens she’d just folded.

“Nicole, I need you to stay late tonight.” I told her.

“Sure thing Vi. I’d be happy too. What will you need me to do?”

“Just clear the table after my father is finished with is meal, wash the dishes, and take out the trash. Anything else left I can handle tomorrow.” I started to turn to walk way. “Oh, and please really soak the wine glasses. I noticed they’re getting a little discolored.” I added to just for extra security.

I know that the note from Jose said the poison was only toxic when absorbed orally, and wouldn’t cause harm through the skin. Still, I wanted everyone to be safe.

Once in the kitchen, I grab a sharpie and the wine glass I’ve been using for my father. Placing a small black dot on the end of the stem, I grab the other dishes I need to set his place.

Standing in the dining room, I don’t know what came over me, but I just did it. I don’t know why I did it, I just did. These last few days, I’ve felt my anxiety grow and I must have hit my breaking point.  Instead of just adding a drop of pretty pink poison, as I have for the last few days, I poured in three large globs. Swirling it around the glass, I realized I had a puddle forming, so I stuck he tips of his knife, fork, and spoon into it. Finally, after a few minutes of heating the glass up in my hands and rolling it around, the remaining poison dried. Catching my breath I made sure everything looked perfect; just as the jackass expected.

It didn’t take me long to get my ready. After taking my shower and primping I had about twenty minutes to spare. Looking in the mirror I couldn’t help by smile. Liz had once again out done herself.  The dress fit like a glove and it’s like nothing I had seen before. She defiantly pulled off the lace request, for the dress had a black lace overlay, covering deep purple material. The contrast between the purple and black was exquisite, especially were it gathered on the side of my waist and fit my curves perfectly. Not only was the dress a perfect fit, so were the patching undergarments and heels.  Damn, that girl is good.

Pinning up my hair, so show the curve of my neck I decided to head over to mothers suites and raid her jewelry box. As a child she had a gorgeous pair of amethyst earrings and necklace that I thought would go well with the dress.

I had only been back in my mom’s rooms once since I’d been home. I spend half a day sitting in the middle of her bed crying my heart out.

Feeling like a child, I snuck into her room and headed to her closet. Digging through her jewelry box, which was like a small dresser, I tried to locate the pieces I was after. That’s when I noticed a faded yellow piece of paper sticking out, from the corner of a drawer. Unsure of what it could be, I reached for it and pulled. To my surprise, the bottom of the jewelry drawer collapsed and I was holding in my hand my mother’s Last Will and Testament.  

It was unbelievable. Looking at the date, it was stamped just twelve days before she had passed away. Plopping onto the settee in her dressing room, I began to flip through it. I couldn’t believe my eyes, Hilda was correct. I was left everything; the house, the money, the cars, the horses, and all vacation properties. Anything that was purchased during the marriage that used any of my mother’s money, my father owned forty-nine percent of it, while I owned the other fifty-one percent. This meant any stocks, bonds, or businesses I held the majority stake. No wonder the bastard didn’t want anyone to know about her Will. Fucker

Not having much time, I skimmed through the faded pages and on the very last page my eyes about popped out of my head. There was a disclaimer; if my mother didn’t die of natural causes, all marital property purchased with her money would fully come to me. He would be out in the cold without a cent to his name.

This all made sense to me know. He needed Damon’s company before anyone could contest the Will; otherwise he was broke as a joke. Way to stick it to him mom!

Folding up the will, I stuffed it down the front of my dress and found the jewelry I was looking for. After setting the false bottom of the drawer, I swiftly head back to my room. Putting the pieces on and checking myself in the mirror, I still had a few more minutes to spare, so I took a look at my own jewelry box, which was just like moms. To my amazement, it had a false bottom as well.  Stuffing the will in my own jewelry box, I quickly closed the drawer to hide what I had just found. I couldn’t help but laugh.  Now I didn’t need to kill the old man, I had everything I needed to get him out of my life.

With a smile on my face, I grabbed my clutch and headed to the top of the stair to meet Damon.

“Well look at you. You’ve got such a spring in that sexy step.” Damon called out to me.

“I do? Must be the fact that we’re going out tonight.” I retorted, knowing damn well it was that fact that I had a ticket out of jail.

“Must be. Are you ready to go my gorgeous wife?” Damon gave me a dopey smile.

“As ready as ever, Mr. Hannon.” I replied, unable to call him my husband.

Holding out his arm for me to take, we made our way down the grand staircase and out to the waiting black town car out front.