Maxence the Living Painting Part Three (special preview)

Moments later, the door opens and Barbachollo is standing there. He’s a tall, thin man who is pale in pallor and has his dark hair swept back, revealing his striking widow’s peak. Instantly, Maxence grabs hold of my hand and squeezes tight.

“There you are, Ms. Haydee, and this must be your lucky paramore. Come in,” he stands aside in the doorway. “I’m just getting lunch finished. If you don’t mind waiting in the parlor, I’ll come fetch you when it’s ready.”

“Thank you so much for having us,” I say. “Your home is quite striking.”

Maxence remains silent, but his hand is crushing mine. He stands stiff at the entrance, holding me back as I try to walk inside. When I won’t relent, he follows me, staying so close to me, I begin to feel suffocated. Barbachollo leads us to the parlor and once he’s gone, Maxence grabs me.

“We have to get out of here!” He shakes me, and the look upon his face frightens me.

I pull away from him and slap his hands back. “What the hell has gotten over you?” I hiss at him. 

“That man-” His eyes are wide and nearly black and tears have started to roll down his cheeks. He cups his hand over his mouth and appears to wither before me. “It...it can’t be!” He chokes. “But he looks-” His eyes squeeze shut and he starts to shake.

“Maxence,” I say sternly. “Max.” I place my hands on his arms. “Look at me, look at me.” I cup my hands on his cheeks and feel his tears. “Tell me five things you see.”

He jerks back from me. “Baldassar Barbachollo is who I saw!”

I furrow my brow at him. “The demon who trapped you?”

Maxence points towards the hallway. “It’s him,” he shakes his finger. “It’s him! I know it’s him!”

“That’s impossible, that’s-” I shake my head as I cast my eyes towards the ground. “Are you sure?”

Maxence trembles when he takes a breath. “We need to get out of here, Haydee. Please. Make any excuse! We have to go.”

“But my job, I-” I stop myself and nod. “Ok, that’s fine.” I take hold of his hand. “We’ll excuse ourselves. It’s ok.”

Maxence falls into my arms, holding me tightly and hiding his face in my hair. “Thank you,” he whispers. “I’m so sorry.” He then gasps and moves me so I am behind him.

“Oh, hello there.” A woman with long red hair stands in the hallway. She steps into the room and Maxence moves us back. “It’s been a long time.” It’s a shock to the system for me as I recognize her as the woman from my nightmares. My throat closes up and I find I can barely breathe.

“Madelena,” Maxence stands stiff and swallows back his fear. 

She smiles and bows her head. “I’m so happy you seem to remember me. How have you been, Maxence? You seem to be doing much better.”

“Madelena,” Barbachollo’s voice is dark and scolding. He appears behind her in the hallway and grabs her shoulder. “Do not frighten our guests.”

Her pitch black eyes look to him before turning back on us. “Merely saying hello.”