friends on the other side

chapter 12

Oscar arrived at the grand estate of Lucy's father, a sprawling mansion nestled behind thick iron gates, casting an imposing shadow in the early morning light. Oscar adjusted his coat, taking a moment to brush away a bit of dust, and strolled confidently up the stone pathway to the door. As a businessman himself-though one in a much darker field-he knew precisely how to appeal to a man of power and ambition.

Lucy's father, greeted him with the wary look of a man who knew the cost of trusting too easily.

"To what do I owe the visit, Oscar?" He asked, arms crossed as he led the way to his study. Oscar noted the pride in the man's voice as he talked about his plans for an apartment complex to "modernize" the area.

"Well, Mr. McAlister, I understand you've got quite a bit of land that's heavily wooded," Oscar began. "I also understand you've been looking for a way to clear it without breaking the bank on labor."

The man's eyebrows raised, intrigued. "Go on."

Oscar leaned forward, as if sharing a personal secret. "I happen to know a young woman named Evelyn. A street performer, humble beginnings... but she's got grit. And she could use the work. Here's my suggestion: instead of paying her, why not offer her the wood she clears? It saves you the trouble of dealing with it yourself, and it gives her a way to make something of her own."

Edmund leaned back, considering the proposal. "So she chops down my trees, takes the wood, and saves me from paying for labor. And what does she want with all this wood?"

"Why, she could sell it, use it for firewood... who knows? The important part is, it gives her a source of income without costing you a dime."

A slow, calculating smile spread across his face. "You're sharper than you look, Oscar. You've got yourself a deal."

Oscar returned the grin. "I'm glad to be of service. Consider it a favor." And with that, he left, feeling the thrill of his latest scheme coming together.

That afternoon, Oscar approached Evelyn as she was gathering her things after a street performance. He explained the arrangement, watching her face light up with relief and excitement.

"You mean I can actually earn something worthwhile?" she asked, a rare spark of hope in her eyes.

"Exactly," Oscar replied, barely able to hide his satisfaction. "All you have to do is clear those trees, and the wood's yours to keep. You can sell it or use it however you wish."

Evelyn broke into a grateful smile. "Oscar, I don't know how to thank you. This... this is more than anyone's ever done for me."

He waved a hand dismissively, careful to mask his ulterior motives. "Think nothing of it, Evelyn. Just remember who gave you the opportunity."

As he walked away, Oscar felt a surge of confidence. Evelyn would be close to Lucy, working with the wood from her father's land. And with Evelyn stable, the two young women might even consider taking their relationship to the next level, perhaps even talking of a future. The seeds of his plan were taking root, and all he needed was the right time to make them blossom.

And he knew that, soon enough, he'd have to set out to find that angel. And also figure out how to kill it. Angels are powerful creatures that are supposed to be near impossible to kill.