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Cora walked over to Lane’s inert body on the floor as Adele watched the blood coming from his closed eyelids. The gut-wrenching sight tore through her like a bullet. Still, she didn’t go to him. The fear that filled her kept her away. She moved next to the desk as Cora passed her with a smirk on her face.
Adele stared at the outlandishly dressed woman while trying to understand the overwhelming number of crazy things that happened. The woman felt her hand touch the phone, and a thought came to her. However, she didn’t have anyone she could call for help.
“Well, that puts a damper on things!” Cora chuckled aloud. “He knows I don’t like such outbursts.”
Hearing the words coming from the woman everyone considered dead, Adele snapped. Her fear gone, she lifted the heavy phone and sent it towards Cora Elder’s head.
However, the equipment fell to the floor as Cora suddenly appeared on the other side of the room.
“My, you have a temper. No wonder this guy likes you. You’re both hotheads.”
Adele hesitated when she realized her enemy held all the cards. Finally, she kneeled by Lane’s side.
“Just leave him alone. You’ve tormented him enough. You’re just as bad as Lees.”
Cora stepped over and crouched down to look at Adele.
“Am I? Aren’t you afraid I’ll do something worse to you?”
Adele slid her arms under Lane’s shoulders, lifting him up enough to put her legs behind his back for support. Then she stared at Cora defiantly.
“No, he’s right. You treated him like a puppet, making him suffer for you. I was there when it’s happened. Explain how you’re different.”
“Do you realize that’s not your husband? He’s just a kid I picked up to fill in for the presence of Lane Dagger. He’s nothing like you,” Cora mused while looking at Lane.
“Yes, I get it. Lees told me I’m just a familiar. We’re all puppets for you and him. Lees treated me like I’m nothing and you’re no different. But the bastard was happy to kill me for being in the way. I guess you’ll do the same thing if I’m in your way.”
Adele looked down at Lane.
“I don’t care anymore. I won’t be afraid.”
Cora stood and pulled Alice’s chair to sit across from Adele, her heterochromia irises showing her surprise at the statement.
“That’s a pretty big jump. Survival instinct is in everyone. After all, I couldn’t make Stull Junction without it.”
“You made this place,” Adele’s eyes widened, then narrowed.
“I guess that makes sense. It’s a terrible place. Congratulations!” Her sarcasm held nothing but venom.
The strangely dressed woman laughed at her.
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