The Midnight Within

Chapter 13

Jackson Carver was not a patient man. He didn't suffer fools lightly, yet every day that passed, ever day he saw the boy around town made his blood boil. He knew they would come, unless something had happened to them, they weren't indestructible after all. They could be killed, or in some cases placed in a state of suspension, torpor if you will. Either placed in some forgotten small space or buried so deep no one would ever find them." Daddy? I'm going to the Mall of America to get my costume. "Looking up from his expensive camera he forced a smile for her, glanced at his watch and ran a manicured hand through his hair." I thought you said you would help me tonight pumpkin? "" But the store closes at nine. " Britt's red smile pulled down at the corners. She hated the smell down here, a smell she could never quite place and the black walls made her feel claustrophobic. The only furniture it held was a bed, two couches and a black lacquered cabinet that took up one wall." Tell you what. You help me out and I will call the store and see if they will stay open for you ok? " He smiled lovingly at her, holding out his hand. " It won't take long. "Britt bounced into the room, her eyes alight as she flopped down on the bed" Can I get my allowance early? I saw this amazing pair of shoes and matching purse. " No problem, baby. I just need a few new pictures of you. I have a couple of new Japanese clients who would like to see your pretty face. "Britt's eyes darkened, her manicured nails toying with the hem of her dress. She had hoped that he would start using Katie for his shoots once britt turned sixteen but he seemed to want more and more shots of her instead." Don't scowl like that. " Jack, scolded her from behind the lens. " Do you need a drink? " " No, " Her voice cracked." Baby the sooner you play nice for daddy the sooner you will get your dress. I know what you need. " He came to the bed, producing a small vile of white powder. " Don't tell me you ran out already? " He said, handing it over to her." I had to study. " She said weakly." As you should, no one wants to marry an empty-headed bimbo. "Jack waited for her to take her bump, leaving the little vile at her feet. He returned to the camera, unbuttoning the top button of his starched white shirt." Are we ready to rock? "" Can I ask you something? " Sighing heavily Britt scooted back onto the bed. She knew what he wanted, could do it in her sleep by now and only had to remind herself that afterwards she would not only get the costume, shoes and dress but some perfume as well. " What's up pumpkin. " Grinning Jack picked up the camera. " Did you love Mother? " " Of course I did. Why do ask? " " But you fought a lot and I don't think she was very happy. " " I still loved her. We had a lot of differences but sometimes that's a good thing. Differences make good sparks. " " I think I love him. " " No you don't. trust me, that boy was no good for you and we both know it. " " But I can't stop thinking about him...." Jack stopped snapping photos and went to pour himself a drink. He didn't know how many times he had to tell her that Daniel was bad news. She was a smart girl and the last thing he wanted was for her to be dragged down by a gutterpunk. " Sweetheart. You can do so much better. In a year your off to college and then you won't have time for boys. Now can we get back to work? " With tears in her eyes, Britt dropped her head and pulled her dress over her head. It was useless to try and argue with her father. Better to just do what he wanted and get it over with. If she played her cards right she might be able to score a new wardrobe out of it. She had so many dresses she couldn't even count them all and most were never even worn. She would just move the oldest ones to the basement when she wanted more room. In fact the storage room was mostly filled with her stuff. Shopping and being an influencer had been her thing until she had met Daniel at school. At first she had just wanted to see if he would notice her or not. Everyone said that he and Zakk Morgan were gay and there was no way she would ever score with him. It didn't actually take her much work to get him to give her a ride home and before she knew it she was going down on him in the boathouse. He was her project, until she thought she was pregnant and he cut himself while at his friend Mia's house. Everyone blamed her but Daniel had been talking about wanting to end his life from the first day she had met him. How was it her fault that he had actually tried. Laying back she looked down at her feet and regretted it. She could see the swell of her belly and it scared her. She would have to find a way to stop taking pictures for her father before he realized the truth. Perhaps she could go live with her aunt for a while. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes and it was all she could do to not burst into tears. Her father couldn't know about the baby. No one could. Daniel would be killed and she didn't think she could live with that. She just had to pretend for now that everything was fine, let daddy take his awful photos and pray that she would find a way to break the news both of them.