Page 10 of The Silence of Hell

“Chance, my president is on his way. Hellfire hasn’t made threats, Lavender, nor would we issue them. We’re a clean club. Can I wait for him? I’d love to see the place. Even as a kid, we all wished to see inside,” Chatter asked.

I glanced around and saw people milling about. There was no way he could kill me and hide my body.

“Fine. Be warned, Ravenberry is a bit shameful at the moment. Don’t embarrass her too much,” I explained. I winced after saying it. Would Chatter think I was crazy?

“I’m sure Ravenberry is a grand old dame just waiting to shine again,” Chatter said and stepped inside. His gaze left mine, and he looked around.

A strangled noise echoed in the lofty entrance hall, and Chatter’s eyes rolled up, and he passed out. What the hell?

Chatter

“I swear to God, I did not touch him! Chatter entered and fainted! Don’t kill me, I didn’t harm him!” Lavender babbled in panic.

“Calm down, we know what happened. Is there a room without dolls?” Sunny asked.

“Yes, where I’m sleeping and living at the moment,” Lavender replied.

“I’m awake, but I’m not opening my eyes,” I stammered.

“It is okay, bud. We’ll get you safe. Lady, can you check there are absolutely no dolls in your room? Chatter has one of the most severe cases of pediophobia known to therapists. He’s been a case study for many years,” Chance explained.

“Pediophobia?” Lavender asked.

“Yeah, it’s an intense fear of—”

“Dolls. I’m aware of it. That’s why he beat the crap out of Marybelle?” Lavender said.

“Yeah. Could we get Chatter off the floor, please, Ma’am?” Sunny demanded lightly.

“Yes, two seconds,” Lavender’s voice faded, and she called out a few minutes later. “You can come in now. I closed my work desk, and there’s nothing here to trigger him. Do doll parts also upset him?”

“Yup,” Chance replied.

Chatter felt himself hauled to his feet and then walked slowly into another room.

“You can look, brother, it’s clear,” Sunny said, and Chatter squinted around with one eye. Happy he was safe, he opened both eyes and glanced at Lavender.

“Workspace?”

“I’m a doll maker and restorer,” Lavender announced.

Chatter looked at her in sheer horror. “What?” he whispered.

“Drink this,” Sunny demanded, shoving a can of fizzy pop into his hand. “I’ll replace it, Ma’am.”

“Lavender, please,” she replied, and Sunny grinned at her, making Chatter scowl.

She was insane, but she was his piece of insanity. Chatter blinked. He must have hit his head harder than he thought.

“You make dolls?” Chance asked, amused, eyeing Chatter.

“Yes. And restore them, and I’m a renowned expert at valuing them, too,” Lavender answered.

“Basically, your entire life revolves around dolls?” Chance added.

Every time someone mentioned dolls, Chatter felt sick to his stomach.

“Yes. They’re interesting,” Lavender responded.

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