"All right, I guess there's no harm in it," Lily relented, looking hard at the other woman. "But don't be gone all day; I'd like you to bring Eddie back well before dinnertime."

"Sure, Lily, don't worry." She smiled disarmingly, looking at Eddie. "Are you ready or do you have to change or anything?"

"No, I'm fine the way I am," the boy replied, and laughed shyly. "Let's go."

"Right," Cindy said, starting back toward the car.

Eddie kissed his mother, flashed her a radiant smile, and followed the older woman into the car. He waved gaily as she started the engine, gunned it, and took the Mercedes forward to vanish along the winding dirt road. Lily watched the empty road for a moment, then sighed and went back inside leaving the door open. Eddie would be okay, she told herself. Anyway, he was with her now and that was all that mattered…

Lily sat down and stared at the necklace. Before long her hands were working in the familiar rhythm and she became totally immersed in the act of creation. She worked quickly, as the form of the piece took its shape. Suddenly, she sensed that she was not alone. She swiveled her head, looking toward the open door, and her eyes widened with surprise.

Carl Bradley stood there, smiling a smile that was almost brazen in its hungry, hot intensity.

CHAPTER THREE

The sight of Carl Bradley standing, in her doorway looking as he did had unnerved Lily Granger somewhat; he was a hell of an attractive man and it had been some time since she had been fucked by a man of any kind…

She could feel his eyes on her, as he gazed at her breasts as if he could see through her thin blouse.

"What… what do you want, Mr. Bradley?" she demanded, a little unsteadily.