Dealing with Devils (Book 2 in the Road to Salvation Series)

CHAPTER 18

Deb's demeanor changed almost instantly. A smile played across her lips and she stared at Braden with large, round puppy dog eyes. He wasn't saying much, but Katie was sure that no matter what came out of his mouth, Deb would giggle uncontrollably at it. She stared at her friend in disbelief. Had she really changed that much when he appeared? It was mind boggling. Her aggravation and anger flared up, but she didn't say anything. What could she say? Anything that came out of her mouth would undoubtedly start a fight, and she didn't have the energy for that. Besides, she was curious to see how the situation played itself out.

Katie pulled her phone out to ask Josh where he was. She had no doubt Braden ordered him to stay away. He would have to obey—which probably upset him like there was no tomorrow. And Katie couldn't blame him. She wasn't happy either. Before she had a chance to type the first word, Braden wrapped his arm around her shoulders and grabbed the phone from her hand.

"He can't text you from Hell, Katie," he whispered.

"What is he doing there?" She didn't even try to keep her voice low. She had nothing to hide, and she wasn't going to let him either.

Braden smiled. "A small task. But don't worry, you'll see him later." He held out her phone.

She snatched it out of his hand and glared at him. Somehow she doubted Josh would show up later, but Braden probably didn't want to seem like a complete jerk. She fought back the urge to punch him in the stomach. He was so irritating!

Deb watched their exchange with interest. A combination of anger, jealousy, and confusion covered her face—all directed at Katie. Why was she looking at Katie like that? She hadn't done anything. It was almost more than she could bear. She had half a mind to throw her hands in the air and tell Deb she was on her own. She didn't know what Braden was up to, but she didn't want to be part of it. She wanted to walk away and let the two of them deal with it, but she never got the chance. Braden placed his hand on the back of her neck and squeezed just enough to be uncomfortable but not enough to do damage. Katie tried to move out of his grasp, but he tightened it to the point of painful.

"You don't want to let your friend down, do you?" he hissed in her ear. "I suggest you support her in her time of need." He released her, and Katie moved out of his reach.

What in the world was that about? Did Braden sense she was planning on walking away? Technically, she still could, but his warning was pretty clear, and Katie wasn't in a position to fight him.

He held his hand out to Deb, and she happily took it. A smile once again covered her face. Did she not just see what happened to Katie? Or did she not care?

Katie stopped walking. She wasn't going to be pushed around. What was Braden going to do if she didn't obey his order? Nothing. He couldn't do anything to her. He couldn't use Deb against her. As cold and callous as it seemed, Katie didn't really care what happened to her friend. She was old and wise enough to make her own decisions, and those consequences were on her, not Katie. And Deb was obviously content being with Braden. She folded her arms across her chest and dared Braden in her mind to order her around again.

He glanced over his shoulder and realized she wasn't coming. His smile grew bigger and he snorted a quick laugh before cutting it off. They were on the sidewalk in front of the funeral home where the service was to be held and more people were around. He didn't want to cause a scene. He stepped back up to her, dragging Deb behind him.

"You're such a child," he said under his breath. "If I had my way, it would have been you getting the whip instead of Josh. You obviously need to learn manners more than he does."

His reaction made Katie happy. Yeah, let me keep getting to you. I'm not afraid. Before she had a chance to reply to his comment, to tell him he couldn't do anything to her, someone called her and Deb's name. She glanced to her right and noticed Andrew approaching. Deb let go of Braden's hand and hugged Andrew. They stood that way for several long moments, then Andrew stepped back and turned to Katie, wrapping her in a hug as well.