The Devil Child

Chapter Forty Two

 "Wait, I know you."

Polly stared into the eyes of the same boy that sat at the table all those years ago when she was still in the camp. It was the same boy whose name she forgot but remembered how Tanner had called him his brother.

He was Minny's twin. Lennard.

He looked like Minny, with floppy dark hair and a grin that looked equal parts sinister and powerful. His presence was separate from Minny in the way that it was obvious Lennard was not a good guy. He was mischief and danger and a trick of the eye. Polly immediately didn't trust him.

"Is it weird? That I look just like Benny boy?"

Polly shook her head because it wasn't all that weird. Yes, he looked like Minny. But, he was different. His stance, his tone of voice, and his facial expressions were all wrong. His body may have looked identical to Minny, but it was the mannerisms that made him easy to identify.

"Minny shaved his head." Was all Polly supplied.

"I know. My father is an idiot, and my brother is an even bigger one. But, less about that, and more about why you're here."

Tanner pressed a hand into Polly's lower back, but it felt like a protective gesture. Polly didn't like it, not one bit. Her hatred for Tanner ran deeper than any apology could fix, and she didn't trust him. Not yet. Probably not ever.

"Let's talk about that human." Polly's finger sought out the girl on all fours. "What is her deal?"

Lennard piercing glare met Polly. He moved towards the girl and picked her up, cradling her like she was his daughter. But, Polly knew that the girl was older than she appeared, and she knew their relationship was not that of a father and daughter.

"She is a member of this household, and you will respect that." His tone was hard, icy. It was clear how protective of the girl he was, to the point where Polly began to wonder if she was his girlfriend.

"Alright. I won't ask about the fox, either. Let's just get to the point. Why did you put that letter in my locker? With the rat. I'm not afraid of rats."

Lennard put the girl down, then pulled out a chair to sit in. He looked almost regal with his pressed suit, his styled hair, and his glass of liquor. He brought the cup to his mouth and tossed back the drink.

"I'm well aware of that. The rat was in your locker not for you, but for Minny. I knew you two were already friends, and so I knew you would tell him about it. And I was hoping my brother would use his brain for once to deduct that I was behind the letter. The rat is an inside joke between us."

"An inside joke? I'm not some game, okay? That note was terrifying!"

"And also a way for you to go running to Minny, who would sweep you into his arms to protect you. Too bad you like girls, because Minny is quite a catch."

Tanner's hand on her lower back clenched into a fist.

"You need to relax, Polly. Come, sit down. I have a proposition for you."

The word no burned in the back of her throat, begging to be said, but she pushed it down and grabbed a chair instead. She felt sick to her stomach, as though she knew what a mistake she was making. It was quite a large mistake to be making, if it ended with her dead.

"Why was my sketchbook here?" Her tone was accusatory, but she felt it fitting.

Lennard leaned back in his chair, grinning. It was devilish, and not all that welcoming. It was all trouble, and no friendliness.