The Fold (The Fourth Book in the Redbone series) Read online

  “I’m begging you.” Cutie positioned her hands as if she were praying. “I gotta know. I just gotta.”

  It was at that moment that Melinda truly realized she cared for the weird child. Why else would she allow her to run her all over town? Melinda shook her head, eased out of the car and approached the intercom with Cutie hot on her heels. Afraid, although she wasn’t sure why, Melinda pressed the button on the device in an attempt to connect with someone inside.

  “Hello,” the female voice said from the speaker. “How can I help you?”

  Cutie looked at Melinda to respond but when she didn’t answer quickly enough she stepped up. “Uh…is Farah Cotton there?”

  Silence.

  Melinda looked down at Cutie with a knowing look. Something told her they would meet anybody except the great Farah Cotton. So why couldn’t she walk away and yank the child who was left in her care? Melinda was almost certain that just like the other house they visited in an attempt to find Farah earlier that day, only to be turned away, that this one would be the same. Still she wanted to put the vampire idea out of Cutie’s mind. That alone gave her enough courage to take the first step.

  “You have the wrong address,” the voice said. “Get off the property.”

  Melinda grabbed Cutie’s hand harshly and yanked her in the direction of the car. “Now will you please leave this alone?”

  Cutie shook her off and returned to the intercom. Pressing the button again she said, “Is Bones there?”

  “Who is this?” The voice asked more angrily. “And what are you still doing on the property?”

  “My name is Cutie…and I’m a friend of Mooney.”

  A few seconds later the voice returned. “How do you know Mooney?”

  Melinda and Cutie’s eyes widened believing they were getting somewhere after all. “She was a friend of mine,” Cutie said. “But she died a little while ago.”

  A few seconds passed and the gates rolled open allowing them entry. Accepting the invitation, Cutie dipped inside, fearing they would shut them again without her closer to meeting her idol. Of course Melinda trailed behind the teen, arms flailing as she tried to grab her and pull her back into the safety of the car.

  “Hold up, Cutie!” She called out. “I don’t trust this place!”

  She could run her mouth all she wanted the girl was on a mission, to finally meet the woman of her dreams. And after running for what seemed like forever, Cutie happened upon a double black lacquer door. It was so large it was intimidating and before long a handsome man with neat dreads running down his back exited with three women at his side. “What you say about Mooney?” He asked, his voice booming with authority. He stood over the child in an intimidating manner.

  “Are you…are you Bones?” Cutie questioned, eyes glistening.

  He looked back at the women before focusing on Melinda and Cutie again. Who was this bitch who thought she knew him? “I asked what you say about Mooney?”

  “Uh, she was murdered a few weeks ago. Her funeral was today and she’s a friend of mine.” Cutie paused, sadness visiting her again due to the loss of the old woman. “Well, she was a friend of mine.” Blinking back tears she continued. “Did you know her?”

  “You mean outside of her trying to break into my house, forcing me to chop off her arm?”

  Cutie stumbled. “You were the one who cut her?”

  “Listen, I don’t know what Mooney told you but you better forget everything she said. The woman was off her rocker anyway.” He pointed at her sternly. “Don’t be spreading lies.”

  “No problem, we’re out of here,” Melinda said trying to snatch Cutie away from the volatile scene. “Come on, we have to go home.”

  “Get off of me!” Cutie yelled pulling away. She moved closer to the man and it was obvious that the child was fearless, a trait that was bound to get her in trouble. “She wrote about you in her journal, Bones. I know almost everything there is to know about you.”

  Bones glared at her and stepped closer. Now the kid had gone way too far. “Mooney wrote about me? In that book right there?” He pointed.

  “Yes.” She swallowed the lump in her throat.

  He snatched it away and flipped through the pages. He could tell that it had been read many times, the pages barely holding onto the spine. It was also obvious to all that the property now belonged to him.

  “But there’s more,” Melinda said, sensing they were in danger now that he believed that he held onto the only book of his story in his hands. “A whole series of them are back at my house.” She wanted him to know if he killed them the secret was still out.

  Bones smiled sinisterly. “How convenient.”

  Suddenly the door opened wider and a light skin woman with a red chiffon flowing dress exited the premises. She looked regal and was truly the most beautiful woman Cutie had ever seen. “Did she write about me too, little girl?” The woman questioned.

  “Are you Farah Cotton?” Cutie asked, as she felt herself on the verge of crying. Her knees buckled a little and she could barely stand straight. This was not happening. She could not be real.

  Farah nodded. “Yes…I am.”

  Cutie ran up to her and hugged her hard before separating. “Mooney spoke so much about you.” She said excitedly. “You are the most interesting woman I know!”

  Farah frowned because she didn’t know her to make that statement. “You shouldn’t have come here,” Farah said seriously, pity all in her eyes for the child. “You should never have come.”

  Cutie’s heart rocked in her chest upon hearing the response. It definitely wasn’t what she had in mind. “Are your friends…The Fold? Are you vampires?”

  Farah looked back at Bones and down at Cutie. Now she’d said too much to ever leave. Although she didn’t answer when Cutie glanced at their clothing and saw tiny T’s and F’s embedded in the fabric she had her answer.

  And it was all the confirmation Cutie needed.

  ****

  Farah gripped Cutie’s hand and pushed open the huge black lacquer doors as they entered the mansion briskly. They were stopped short when seven members of The Fold approached them, looking at Cutie sinisterly and as if she were a new toy.

  First there was Nicola, who smiled at the girl, ready to drink her blood or eat her pussy, her choice. Then there was Denny, Nicola’s right hand who was only happy if she was having sex, with someone, anyone to hear her tell it.

  Then there was Eve, a cutie with a passion for gasoline and matches. It wasn’t enough for her to enjoy a fireplace or too. She wasn’t fully satisfied unless she was starting fires that destroyed buildings, cities or living things. Nothing got her wetter than arson.

  Next to them was Wesley, who Farah used to enjoy sexually from time to time until Bones forbid any of them to play with her, something that had always been a past time for other members.

  To Wesley’s left was Vivica, a beautiful but amazing liar. She would fib about everything from the color of the sky to someone else’s life. It didn’t matter to her. Just as long as she was lying and people were listening.

  But it was Gregory with his serial rapist ways and Swanson with his serial killer ways that were really interested in the young girl. As long as Dr. Weil, The Fold’s protector, kept everyone’s condition at bay via medication and pain therapy, everyone was safe. But if anything changed it would be hell on earth.

  “Aye, Cotton,” who’s the new girl,” Gregory asked stroking his large penis which stiffened in his jeans. “She playing and staying right? Cause I need a new flavor ‘round here.”

  “Yeah,” Swanson grinned. “She look like her blood might be kinda sweet.” He sucked his teeth. “What’s up, sexy?” He asked Cutie. “You wanna—”

  “She’s off limits!” Farah yelled, dragging her past them.

  They frowned.

  “Since when this happen?” Gregory yelled as she continued down the hall. “She here, which means she’s fuck-a-ble!”

  When Cutie turned around th
e door opened again and she saw Melinda being whisked into the mansion, in the opposite direction of her and Farah. “Cutie!” Melinda called out. “What’s happening?”

  “I don’t know, ma!” She said. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!”

  “She good!” Bones said pulling her away. “You coming with me though.”

  Hearing her foster mother’s frantic voice, she realized in her youthful foolishness that she made a grave mistake that could cost them their lives, and yet for the moment she was too in awe, too fascinated with it all, to understand. Besides, Farah was squeezing her fingers so tightly they throbbed. How could she get away from her?

  And would she drink her blood too?

  The scent of the mansion was thick.

  A mixture of leather, vanilla and apples tickled the senses and Cutie wondered if it had been deliberate. To make her feel at home, which surprisingly with Farah holding her hand she already had.

  When Farah walked them toward huge double doors inside the house, Cutie couldn’t believe her eyes as she took in the intricate patterns carved inside the blood red wooden doors. Only five minutes in the mansion and already it was larger than her imagination.

  Mystical.

  Fascinating.

  Alluring.

  At their destination, Farah unlocked the door and yanked her inside, closing it behind them. Cutie’s breath stagnated in her throat as she looked at Farah’s exquisite Victorian style bedroom.

  Dark yellow walls, black and gold wall lamps with red night shades all seemed to put on a show for the magnificent black carved bed that dominated thirty percent of the space.

  It was like nothing Cutie had ever seen.

  Taking a deep breath, Farah sat on the edge of her bed and said, “Come… sit next to me. We must talk.”

  Cutie remained in place. As if moving would wake her up from the dream she believed she was having.

  Farah took a deep breath. “Are you scared of me?”

  She shook her head no.

  “Then come. I hate asking twice.”

  Cutie trudged slowly toward her, feet flopping under her body like clown shoes. She felt so silly she released a sigh of relief when the bed, which she had to climb on, held her weight. At least she wouldn’t look stupid when she moved.

  Farah smiled. “I can tell you’ve thought about me. A lot. It’s all in your eyes.”

  Cutie nodded again.

  “But there’s a saying some live by. And that is, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.”

  Cutie looked around, her eyes refusing to rest on one thing in particular because everything was too beautiful. There were so many things she wanted to say to her when she finally met her and now…well…she realized she was out of her league. How foolish she felt.

  “Is Mooney really dead?” Farah asked.

  Cutie nodded. “Yes, saw it myself.”

  “How?”

  “This boy I know shot her.”

  “Let me guess. For getting into other people’s business?”

  Cutie nodded yes.

  Farah looked away. “Silly old woman. I warned her.”

  Slowly Farah stood up and moved toward her terrace, looking out into the land behind the mansion. She always hoped Mooney got on with her life and now she knew she didn’t. As Cutie observed her she couldn’t help but feel like she was in the presence of a star.

  All of the stories.

  All of the tales and now she was realizing Farah Cotton was real.

  “Is it true?” Cutie asked. “That you drink blood?

  Farah turned toward her. “What did you think would happen when you came here?”

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I just…wanted to meet you I guess. Didn’t really think it through that much.”

  The bedroom door flew open.

  Bones entered first, his black slacks and shirt with TF laid smoothly against his fit body, his neat dreads resting over his shoulders. Cutie could see why any girl would fall for him, but it was the tall snack behind him that made Cutie’s knees weak. He was Phoenix, a 24-year-old freak and she had to have him.

  Quickly she adjusted her hair by fingering the curls to be sure she looked presentable or good enough to finger fuck at the very least. Melinda always said Cutie was too fast for her age but she didn’t care. In her opinion she was winning. With her hormones in rage she wanted what she wanted and now she wanted him.

  “I thought Phoenix could show your new friend around the mansion.” Bones said to Farah. “Since she’ll be staying for awhile.” He gave Farah a knowing look that Cutie, with her foolish mind tried to decipher.

  Basically the child was a hostage and she was clueless.

  “Yeah…let me show you a good time.” Phoenix winked at Cutie who giggled. “I’ma make you love me.”

  Farah swallowed the lump in her throat. Nothing about her getting up with him made sense because Phoenix was a monster and Farah knew it. “I’m not sure, Bones. She—”

  “She’ll be fine,” Bones said harshly.

  Farah nodded. “Yes…of course…I’m sure she’d enjoy herself.”

  Phoenix extended his hand and Cutie grabbed it so quickly she almost yanked it off. When they disappeared Bones closed the door and approached Farah. “I’m starting to not trust your judgment anymore.” He pointed a finger at her and she slapped it away. Smiling, he smacked her to her knees for being too grown. “Ms. Cotton. Did you forget who I am?”

  She looked up at him, eyes glaring.

  “Never disrespect me again.” He extended his hand and she accepted…slowly rising to her feet.

  “What do you want, Bones? Did you hurt the girl’s mother? And the driver?”

  “You already know they’re dead. And I should’ve killed that old bitch Mooney when I had a chance too.” He raised the book. “And now look. All of our secrets are out there for the world to see.” He moved closer. “Mooney actually wrote about what goes on in this house. In our lives! I can’t believe this shit!” He said through clenched teeth. “And now we exposed.”

  Farah sighed. “You haven’t even read the journal yet.”

  “But I will.” He pointed at her with the spine of the book. “And I better not find anything you told her about me in this bitch either.”

  “I didn’t, Bones.”

  He nodded and placed his cool hand on the side of her face, stared into her eyes and stormed out.

  ****

  DR. WEIL

  He had three women under his desk. Denny, Nicola and Eve. One licked the left ball, the other the right, and the third the tip of his dick. One of the perks of running The Fold was the unlimited amount of sexual pleasures and he took advantage of them all. But for him ecstasy came not in reaching an orgasm but from the power being the boss warranted. He used to care about medicine, and now he was consumed with sexuality.

  Looking up at him like three little birds, he willed himself to cum inside Nicola’s mouth. When he came on her tongue she turned her head and kissed Denny and then Eve as they all tasted a little of the king’s icing. Long strings of nut connecting them. It was perfect timing too because there was a knock on the door.

  “Thanks, ladies,” he said. “You all can leave now.”

  On the way out Bones walked inside, glared at Nicola, Denny and Eve and slammed the door behind himself. “Still having all the fun huh?”

  Dr. Weil smirked. “And you don’t?”

  “Ain’t you heard? I’m a one woman man.”

  Dr. Weil shook his head and chuckled. “Then you a fool. So what you want, Bones?”

  “We have guests.”

  Dr. Weil shrugged. “I heard. And you know my rules on bringing people here.” He stood up and fastened his pants. “Once they in, its for life. So where are the bodies?”

  “I took care of two of them but the child is still alive.”

  Dr. Weil glared. “What does that mean?”

  “Mooney wrote about us in a book.” He paused. “And I think it’s documen
ted about what goes on here. The hunt, the business…everything. My only problem is I don’t know who else knows. I just want to make sure that the child gives me all the books.”

  Dr. Weil glared and rushed over to him. “You assured me Mooney was dead.”

  “And I—”

  Dr. Weil stole him in the jaw, shook his hand and wiped it with the black towel on his desk.

  Bones glared.

  “You’re sloppy, Bones. Didn’t used to be, but I guess that’s changed now.”

  Bones wiped the blood off his mouth and leaned against the wall. “That’s not true.”

  “It is!” He yelled. “You aren’t the man you used to be.” He pointed at him. “The one that I could depend on. Guess Farah has you weak at the knees. But it’s not like I don’t understand.”

  Bones’ jaw twitched. “Invited Farah to one of your little dinners again?” He paused. “Cause we all know that’s what you want. Me out the picture so you can have my woman. Which—”

  “Nigga, if I wanted you gone you wouldn’t exist.” He tossed the towel in Bones’ face. “Farah wants a real man. You and I both know it.” He smirked. “Besides, if something happened to me who would run The Fold? You? Carlton who too busy sniffing behind Mayoni to know what needs to be done?” He paused. “If I left it would be like releasing a hundred crazies onto the streets.” He paused. “I keep people sane and cared for not you.” He laughed. “As a matter of fact, I don’t know what I have you around for anymore. Now get out my space. You smell of defeat.”

  Bones dropped the towel and stormed out.

  CHAPTER TWO

  MISSISSIPPI

  SLADE

  “Let’s just enjoy the moment.”

  Rain pounded on the windows as Slade stood at the foot of the bed, his hands grasping his eight-month-old pregnant girlfriend’s waist as he pumped into her from behind. His chocolate muscular frame was fully engaged as he looked down at her braids, hanging along the sides of her angelic face as she moaned.