Hard Candy

137

CALLED CANDY.

"Hello, baby," she said into the phone. Breathy. Knowing how old she was supposed to be.

"I want to do it again," I told her.

"Anytime, honey. Just tell me."

"There's something I have to do first. Something real important."

"I know you'll be okay."

"Yeah. I'm just a little nervous."

"Anything I can do?"

"No, I'm covered. He doesn't know…oh, never mind. It's too complicated. But when it's done, I'll bring Elvira back."

"Are you going to have to…?"

"No. I'm going to do something for him. Something he really wants. He'll give me the kid. No problem."

"Oh, I knew you could do it. Didn't I tell you?"

"Yeah. I'll call you soon."

"I love you," she said. Like she had before.