Slayed

Slayed by Amanda Marrone Read Free Book Online Page B

Book: Slayed by Amanda Marrone Read Free Book Online
Authors: Amanda Marrone
me for the rest of my life!


5.
    Kiki takes in a blubbery gulp of air and my father puts an arm around her.
    “It’s okay, honey,” he coos. “Take a deep breath.”
    “What are you doing?” I ask Kiki.
    She ignores me and keeps her tirade going. “I thought the worst was over but then”—Kiki jabs a finger in my direction—“
she
cut the woman’s head off! She even held it up and”—her voice quivers—” and said I could pick up the
next one.

    “Daphne!” Mom snaps. “What were you thinking?”
    My mouth drops open as adrenaline pumps through my system again. “It’s not like it sounds. She was totally fine a minute ago.
Tell them you’re fine, Kiki
. Tell them how you’re not squeamish.”
    Mom glares at me as Kiki howls.
    “She was
fine
until you showed up,” I insist. “She even helped me drag the body behind the Dumpster.”
    Kiki buries her head on Dad’s chest. “I thought she might be some sort of psycho killer and I was afraid if I didn’t help her she might stake me next.”
    “She’s lying!” I shout. “She thought the whole thing was totally
cool
. She even went on and on about how she’d fight an army of vampires!”
    Kiki lifts her head from Dad’s chest and slowly turns toward me, gasping dramatically. She puts a hand to her mouth and takes in a ragged breath. “There are
armies of vampires
?”
    Dear God.
    The other agent shakes his head and frowns at me. Then he clears his throat and marches over to Kiki. “I’m Agent Brennan. I think you need to talk with our event specialist, Katie Anthony. Ms. Anthony can help you process whatever emotions you might be feeling.”
    Kiki grabs his arm, shaking it frantically. “There’s no time,” she says pulling him toward the cars. “We have to alert the media and tell the world that
vampires are real
!”
    Officer Sloan groans and I imagine he’s thinking this is going to cost the town big-time. “Now, Miss, let’s not get carried away. Come with us to the station,” he says gently. “Brennan, you get the driver.”
    Kiki nods and lets him escort her to the car. Before they take more than three steps she pulls away.
    “Wait!” She stands up straight, sniffs delicately, and places a hand over her heart like she’s about to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. “I have just had an
epiphany
.” She stares off into the night for a few seconds, and then turns to look us each in the eye. Her face transforms from one filled with terror to that of a stalwart soldier. “If there really are vampire armies out there, someone needs to fight them. Why couldn’t that someone be
me
?”
    Agent Brennan’s eyes widen. “Miss?”
    “Here’s the deal,” Kiki says matter-of-factly. “If Daphne here teaches me the ins and outs of killing vampires you won’t have to pay me any hush money.”
    Mom clenches her jaw and looks disbelievingly at me. “You told her about the money?”
    I bury my head in my hands.
    Kiki folds her arms across her very large chest. “She did, but I’d be willing to forgo any compensation for my
harrowing
ordeal if she agrees to show me the ropes.”
    Mom nods. “She’ll do it.”
    “No, I won’t!” I say. “Don’t you get it—this is all an
act
.”
    Kiki shrugs. “I guess we’ll have to head to the station and discuss money, then. I’ll have to call my parents and their team of lawyers first. You do know my parents, don’tyou?
The Crushers
—lead singers of The Disco Unicorns? Name above the library door? Part of a billion-dollar media empire that could destroy this town with a clack of their little pink hooves? They’re going to be pretty upset to hear vampires have moved in around our cottage and how this traumatic near-death experience will no doubt affect my mental health.”
    “Good lord,” Agent Brennan mutters, exchanging a look with Agent Sloan. “The Crushers.”
    “Miss Crusher,” Dad says softly. “Daphne would be happy to show you ‘the ropes’ in exchange for not

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