Our Sick Inheritance (editing)

Chapter 49 - Keep Me From Evil

Something was different about Anna, but Jake couldn't figure out what it was. Not wanting to get caught gawking at her, he looked down at her overly bright eyes. Anna put on her fur-hooded jacket and wrapped her arm through Jake's. Her purse was clutched in her other hand. Jake didn't pull away to avoid any awkwardness. Her boots seemed to be made as the same material as the jacket and he would bet the fur was real. It almost made him sad for the animal that the fur at one time belonged to. His smile belied his thoughts and was again drawn in by her eyes. It was jarring how much they stood out against the darkness of her makeup and clothes. She was pretty, just strange, Jake thought. They rode arm in arm up in the elevator.

"Ready?" Anna asked, giving Jake a big smile before they stepped into the cold. Within just a few steps, Anna slipped in her high boots, so his arm automatically flexed to hold her steady. She laughed at the surprise of almost falling. It was cold but the little alcohol he had in his system made him numb to it. Jake escorted Anna to her door. He didn't want to be drunk in her room so made sure he wasn't going to have another drink. Jake watched Anna unlock her door easily with gloved hands. Warm spices greeted them as she led him into the giant space.

The cabin came alive as she started lighting their way. The view through the windows was stunning and the lit mountains were easily seen in the moonlight. Giant snowflakes drifted down past the windows which had a luminescent glow from the twinkle lights reflection.

"Come, I'll show you around." Anna smiled wickedly.

"Cool." Jake said taking in everything. Anna gave Jake a quick tour and impressed him with amazing views from three sides of the house. The giant cabin was comfortably equipped with modern appliances but designed to look rustic. Its large rooms and high ceilings made Jake feel short at his six-foot-two-inch height. It could have easily been a home for giants. Even the refrigerator was large and fully stocked. Mixers, blenders, and a cappuccino machine were strategically placed on the two long counters in the full kitchen next to the fully stocked bar that faced the large living room. Glass cupboards displayed candy, mini snacks and mini bottles of alcohol. The resort supplied a closet full of towels, robes, and beauty accessories of all types in the bathroom. It was safe to say that this cabin was much more equipped with conveniences than any of the ones he had seen.

Irritating envy crept into his mind before Jake pushed it out. He smiled at his implausible thought. He was so lucky to get the deal that his family gets, and who was he to complain or compare? When he makes the money from his profession, he was going to treat his family to this cabin. His mom and Stacy would love it. They settled in the living room in front of the biggest screen he had ever seen on the most comfortable couch he had ever sat on. His Dad would love this, Jake thought.

Anna lit several candles around the room giving a sweeter scent to mix with the spicy fragrance that was already there. Jake's head felt light. With the low lighting and extra candles, Anna's eyes glowed. It made his heart race. She was beautiful, but there was something about the way her eyes looked that scared him. It was a bit sinister. He couldn't be sure if it was still the alcohol that made him feel this way or his senses were being tricked by the head tingling scents filling the cabin.

The bruise on her cheek barely showed in the amber-lit room. He knew at dinner, it had been fading, because even her makeup could barely cover the purple turning yellow around the edges of the bruise. He wanted to ask about it but wasn't sure when or how to bring it up.

Jake watched Anna pick up the cabin's phone. When her ring was answered she gave her name then said she was ready and hung up.

"Oh, you already had this planned?" Jake asked smiling but his stomach was in knots.