Donovan Creed 11 - Because We Can! by John Locke Page A

to the White House. They contact the U.S. Attorney General’s office, and thirty minutes later, Jack’s in my limo, reunited with Jill. You’d think she’d be all over him, but when he tries to embrace her she pushes him away, wrinkles her nose, and says, “The stink coming off you makes pig shit smell like honeysuckle.”
    As we wait for the sketch artist to show up my thoughts turn to Callie. I wonder what she had planned in New York City that was so important she had to get back right away.

11.
    Callie and Kathleen.
    CALLIE’S ALONE IN Kathleen’s living room, peeking through the blinds. Here’s what she knows: Addie has band practice till 5:30, and Kathleen should already be home, since she gets off work at 3:05.
    Must be nice being a teacher , she thinks. Home by 3:30, weekends off, winter breaks, Thanksgiving, two weeks for Christmas, twelve weeks’ summer vacation….
    Callie’s eyes are drawn to a chubby girl with pink hair walking on the sidewalk in front of Kathleen’s house. As she passes by, Callie notices a printed message on the butt of her sweatpants that reads, “What Would Scooby Doo?”
    Seems like everyone’s got something written on their asses these days.
    Kathleen’s car suddenly turns the corner, pulls into the driveway. When Kathleen enters the house she goes straight to the bathroom. Callie gives her a moment of privacy, while listening at the door. The toilet flushes, then Kathleen washes her hands. She opens the door, sees Callie and screams.
    “What the hell are you doing in my home?” she shouts.
    “You know who I am?”
    Kathleen regains her composure. “Of course. I saw you at Donovan’s fake funeral, remember? But never mind that. I don’t want you here. Please leave, before I call the police.”
    Callie laughs. “That has to be the emptiest threat I’ve ever heard. I could kill you before you take two steps toward the phone.”
    “What do you want?”
    “Shall I get straight to the point?”
    “Please do.”
    “No small talk? No polite chatter?”
    “Wrong woman, wrong place. What do you want?”
    “Offer me some tea.”
    “Fuck you.”
    Callie says, “There she is. The real Kathleen. Thanks for letting her out. That makes it so much easier for me.”
    Kathleen says nothing, just glares at her, seething with fury.
    Callie says, “Let’s sit in the living room.”
    “I don’t think so.”
    “I insist.”
    “I have to pick Addie up from band practice.”
    “In an hour. Now come, sit. I have a question for you. It’s about Addie.”
    Kathleen follows her into the living room, sits on the couch. Callie chooses the straight-backed chair directly opposite.
    Kathleen says, “What could you possibly want to ask me about my daughter?”
    “I was wondering what arrangements you’ve made for her.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “Arrangements. You know, for Addie’s future. In the event something happens to you.”
    “Are you threatening me?”
    “Not yet.”
    Kathleen frowns. “I don’t have much practice conversing with murderers. Perhaps you should just say what’s on your mind.”
    “Very well. I’d like to ask about your intentions.”
    “My… what ? Intentions ?”
    “That’s right.”
    “With regard to…?”
    “Donovan Creed.”
    “Oh. Well, that’s my business, isn’t it?”
    Callie studies Kathleen’s posture. This woman clearly has no idea how to defend herself. She’s leaning back on the couch, neck and head behind her torso, which means Callie could deliver a death strike faster than Kathleen could shift her body forward.
    “Stay away from Creed,” Callie says. “I won’t ask again.”
    “That was asking?”
    “Call him, text him, contact him in any way, for any reason…”
    “And?”
    “I’ll kill you with less concern than I’d show a stink bug.”
    “You’re a real charmer. I can see why Donovan’s so crazy about you.”
    “Consider this your last warning.”
    Kathleen smiles. “You don’t have the