Scarlet Rain (The Escaped #2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

blocks away.” Cal grinned at the driver and slipped her EZ Ride pass in the fare box. “But he’s riding his bike, so it shouldn’t take too much longer.”
    The driver adjusted his crisp blue shirt and flicked his glance to the large rearview mirror. “I am a little early. But we’re almost completely full, so I’m only givin’ him another couple of minutes. Gotta get these people to their stops on time.”
    “Thank you so much. That’s plenty of time. He’ll be here.” Cal stepped back out onto the sidewalk and shielded her eyes against the sun as she looked up the street in the direction of the community college. “There he is! Just at the intersection.” She pointed. “Can’t miss that bright orange OKC Thunder hat.”
    “I see him. I see him.”
    “Kev! Come on!” she shouted, and waved for him to hustle.
    He lazily waved back, too preoccupied with the strap hanging around his neck to cross the street when the crosswalk signal illuminated.
    She put her hands on her hips and impatiently tapped her toe on the sidewalk. Annoyance fluttered in her chest, and she tried her best not to glare at him. “Always so busy messing with that stupid GoPro. I wish he’d just throw it in the garbage.”
    Muted buzzing hung in the air around Cal. She swung her tote around to the front and dug in the side pocket for her phone. “Wouldn’t have to call me if you were at the bus stop on time.” She yanked out her phone and stared confusedly at her reflection in the black screen.
    Brow furrowed, she turned to the driver and asked, “Do you hear that? It sounds like something’s vibrating. It might be coming from the bus.”
    He huffed and cocked his head to the side. “No excuses are going to get me to stay longer. I watched your boyfriend sit through that light. He better start peddlin’ next chance he gets or—”
    “Wait, shh.” Cal craned her neck and listened. “It’s louder. You really don’t hear that? Your bus sounds like it might be about to break down.”
    He squinted his eyes, as if narrowing his field of vision would help him to hear. “It’s probably the electrical wires. All that juice runnin’ through ’em, they’re bound to crackle every once in awhile. You can hear ’em humming real good over out by my sister’s place.”
    His long-winded hypothesis faded into the background as she focused on the heightened humming.
    A car horn blared as Kevin bailed off his bike and stepped into traffic. Her attention snapped toward the sound of his frantic, muffled shouts.
    She put her hands up by her shoulders and shrugged. “I have no idea what you’re saying. There’s too much traffic noise.”
    He cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, “Get on the bus!”
    “No, we’re waiting for you.”
    “There’s something….”
    His shouts were overtaken as the buzzing swirled into a roar.
    There’s something above you. Each word shot down at her in a shriek like a freshly launched firework.

Five
    The delicate silk nightgown offered Eva little warmth, and even less protection from whatever was lurking behind the door. She wrapped her arms around her torso and braced herself.
    Maiden threw open the door, and gestured for Eva to walk ahead, graciously at first, then impatiently. “What is it that you are waiting for? I invited you in, did I not?”
    “You said whatever’s in there might kill me. I’ve already died one too many times. Thanks, but I’m good out here,” Eva said, shuffling backward.
    Maiden grabbed Eva’s arm and pulled her through the doorway. “Is that not a saying in the Mortal Realm? Although you just might die?”
    “Yes, but if we’re talking about sayings, I prefer ‘let’s do brunch.’” Eva passed the perplexed Fury and took in the grand, fabulous room. A circle of candles illuminated the space and cast dancing shadows on the high, vaulted ceilings. Mirrors lined one wall, reflecting rows of beautiful dresses and sparkling shoes.
    “This is…