The Shikari Box Set

by Dora Blume

  “I don’t want her to be suspicious of us, which could happen if we go in.”

  “I can hear her from about a block away, maybe more. Why?” Erik said looking around and then seeing a patio across the street.

  Sloane pointed up to the roof patio, “Will that work?”

  “Yeah, I should be able to hear her from there,” he responded.

  Sloane headed across the street. She went to the host and asked for a table on the patio. He nodded and said, “Follow me.”

  Erik followed, and Sloane smiled at the host before he left.

  “We’ll need to order some food, but we should be able to stay here until they close.” Sloane moved her chair slightly to scan the room.

  “This works, I can hear her from here.” He scanned the bar and listened to those around them. He didn’t want to be surprised by another demon. It seemed all clear, so he focused back on the woman.

  “Incoming,” Sloane said a moment before the waiter came to take their drink order.

  Erik’s head snapped up a second before the waiter reached their table. Sloane ordered a Crispin, and I asked for a Red Rock IPA.

  “So, hear anything interesting?’ Sloane asked.

  “Not yet, she doesn’t seem to be thinking about much beyond the crowded bar, and the drinks she’s making. It might be awhile.” Erik took a drink before attempting to refocus.

  The waiter came to take their order. He was tall and lean with spiky blonde hair. He dropped his pen when he jostled his notepad, trying to flip to a clean page. Sloane bent to retrieve it. She fluttered her lashes when she held the pen out to him. Erik shook his head; he wondered if she even noticed she was flirting, or if it just came naturally in everything she did. After their order was placed, Erik turned his attention back to the thoughts around him.

  “So, have you heard anything from Jess as to when they’ll be here?” Sloane asked.

  “Yeah, she said tomorrow. They got information from whoever they saw in Nebraska. Why anyone would live in Nebraska is beyond me.” He took a drink of his beer.

  “It’s nice they’re at least answering you.” She took a long pull from her bottle and clasped her hands tightly in front of her.

  “Yeah, I guess.” Erik went back to listening. He didn’t want to hear Sloane complain about whatever problem she was having with Mike.

  Erik sat upright in his seat quickly, “I think I got something. She thought about a meeting she has tomorrow with other demons. It sounds like it’ll be at the local university. Some professor is heading up the meeting. Older guy, brownish gray hair, and a full beard. Typical professor type, suit and all.” Erik looked over to Sloane.

  “Any idea which campus?” Sloane asked.

  “Yeah, the professor is in the ECS building, fifth floor, room five-ten. Hold on; she hasn’t thought about when other than tomorrow.” He rested his head on his hand, listening.

  “Okay, anything else?”

  “She’s thinking about how early the meeting is, and how late it’s getting. She has to close the bar, so she isn’t happy about the early meeting. She’s trying to think up an excuse for not going but isn’t coming up with any. She knows she needs to be there.”

  “So, early tomorrow ECS building. Do we need to stick around here longer, or can we take off?” She glanced around the patio. The waiter had already dropped off their check and was glancing over to the table periodically.

  “I think we can take off. Unless we want to check out other places. See if there are any other demons around, we should know about.” Erik felt energized. He loved the hunt; he drummed his fingers on the table in anticipation.

  “I’m not sure; I’m up to heading to any more bars tonight. I think the action of the last few days is catching up to me. I'm beat.” She yawned. “I’d like to take some time to see if I can get a vision tonight. I haven’t been able to wind down since Minneapolis, and I would like to try.”

  “We should go then, catch some sleep before the meeting in the morning. We’ll get some leads at a demon meeting. I still can’t believe how much things have changed. Demon meetings are becoming a regular thing. What next, demon cocktail parties? At least that would make sense since they’re demons. This whole college campus thing is throwing me off.” Erik threw his hands up before standing. He dropped a twenty on the table for a tip and walked toward the front door. Sloane followed close behind.

  Erik reached the car and got in quickly. He agreed with Sloane; he was beat. It had been a long few days between the hunting and battle a few days ago. The last few weeks felt like months. He could use a good night's rest and, suspected Sloane could too. Erik could see the dark circles and lines under Sloane’s eyes, indicating she hadn’t rested enough either. They could both use a good night’s sleep. He knew neither of them would get the real rest they needed until this was all over, but he determined to try.

  Chapter 4

  Sloane walked down to the kitchen looking for coffee, lots of coffee. Erik said they needed to leave for the campus by eight. Sloane didn’t like her good night’s sleep being reduced to four short hours. She swore she’d catch a nap after all this was over. She deserved a pajama day as far as she was concerned. Then the thought occurred to her; she may never get a pajama day again. She shook her head to clear that awful thought.

  “Morning sunshine,” Erik smiled from the kitchen table.

  “Seriously? Go to hell, Erik. How are you so chipper, right now?” Sloane moved to grab a mug and the coffee pot.

  “Well, aren’t you just a ray of sunshine?” He took a drink from his mug.

  “I already told you to go to hell. Do you want me to put you there?” she threatened.

  “Keep dreaming sis; you couldn’t send me to hell. You love me.” He cocked his head in a defiant gesture and crooked the corner of his mouth up.

  “Not right now, I don’t.” She sat at the table, cradling her coffee cup in both hands.

  “You got about ten minutes to wake up before we have to leave.” He got up to pour himself another cup of coffee.

  “Seriously, ten minutes?” Sloane took another long drink from the cup. She closed her eyes as the coffee slid down her throat.

  Erik finished his coffee and went for the keys. “I’m running down to grab my phone; then we can go.”

  “Okay, I’ll run up and get my purse. What weapons are you grabbing?” she asked.

  “Magnus gave me access to the stash downstairs, just a few guns, and knives. Things I can hide on my body. You want me to grab you something?”

  “Yeah, could you?” she headed toward the stairs.

  “No problem,” Erik emerged from the basement holding a duffel bag and keys. Sloane was standing by the back door for him, hand on her hip.

  “Ready?” Erik asked.

  “Let’s do this.” She was preparing herself mentally for the possible fight.

  They both headed to the car, Erik opened the trunk to dump off the duffle, then headed for the driver's seat. They were off to campus. “Could you get directions to the campus?” Erik asked.

  Sloane took out her phone and searched the address. She hit the navigate button, and the voice of the navigator filled the air. Sloane was silent for the ride. She was still trying to wake up before they jumped into whatever role she would need to play today. She rested back in the seat and closed her eyes. She tried to focus her energy on a vision of what was to come. She wanted to see what they were getting into before they arrived at the college. She didn’t want to be blindsided again. Last time they went to check out a college campus; they sent Amy in to find out the building was filled with demons.

  Sloane felt Erik’s tap on her arm, “Did you fall asleep?” he asked.

  “No, just trying to have a vision of what we’re walking into before we walk into it.”

  “Any luck?” he asked.

  “No, not really. Just a few quick flashes. It’s like the universe hasn’t decided the future, so I can’t see it.” She shook her head. She felt useles
s when she couldn’t get a vision. She thought that the potion Shaundra gave her would help her get visions when she wanted, but she knew her power didn’t exactly work like that.

  “That’s weird, I wonder what the universe is waiting for?” he asked, mockingly.

  “That’s not funny. Remember last time? Amy walked into a building full of demons. I don’t want to be surprised like that again.” Sloane opened the door and got out of the car.

  “Yeah, I remember. I will hear it if the building is full of demons.” He tapped his finger to his temple.

  “That’s good because I feel useless.” Sloane closed the door behind her.

  “So, are you going to let me get to the weapons, or are you keeping them all to yourself?”

  “Keeping them.” He rolled his eyes and went to open the trunk. “Remember, we’re here to get leads, not kill them.”

  “Yeah, I know, but we still need a few weapons just in case.” She bent to see what she could fit in her purse or on her person. “Aren’t you grabbing any?”

  “No, I already have what I need on me. Some of us like to be prepared before we reach our destination. You know, just in case something happens on the way.” His tone was mocking.

  Sloane grabbed one last gun, and slipped it in the back her pants, pulling her shirt down over it. “You can be such an ass sometimes. Speaking of being prepared, are we trying to look like college students cause neither of us has a backpack?”

  “I hadn’t thought about it. I’m sure there are others on campus without backpacks.”

  “Sure, Let’s go with that.” She rolled her eyes.

  “Whatever, no sense worrying about it now. Let’s go.”

  “Lead the way, little brother.” She smirked and squared her shoulders.

  “You know I hate that, right?”

  “Yep, that’s exactly why I do it.”

  Finding a bench outside the ECS building, Erik lit a cigarette and sat down. Sloane sat next to him. “Anything yet?” she asked.

  “Nope, but I know she’ll be here soon.” He sat back and inhaled a long drag from his cigarette. Sloane watched him slowly release the smoke from his mouth. She rolled her eyes at his casual appearance. Sloane scanned the approaching students, trying to recognize the bartender, she’d never seen. Closing her eyes, she tried to focus on her powers, searching for the tell-tale sign of demons.

  “Why don’t you text Jess or Mike to see where they’re at?”

  “Yeah, I would like to know what time they’re coming.” Sloane focused on her phone and sent a text to Jess. She knew Mike wouldn’t answer her. Thoughts of Mike filled her head. Taking a deep breath, she stared at her phone. Mike still hadn’t answered her messages. He hadn’t forgiven her, despite her apology. She didn’t get what the big deal was, one mistake shouldn’t ruin what they have. Taking another breath, she typed in, Hey, what time are you guys arriving? We’re on a lead right now and could use your help. Lmk. After a few moments, Sloane’s phone dinged signaling a message.

  “So, where are they?” Erik asked.

  “They’re a couple of hours north. It sounds like they’re heading straight here. She said the information they found out isn’t good news, and they need to get here quickly.” Sloane sent a text back about where they were, and what they found out the night before.

  Erik sat bolt upright as he felt the hair on his arms stand up. “There’s a demon close by, I can feel it,” he said looking around, trying not to be noticed.

  “You didn’t hear their thoughts?” she asked as she scanned around them.

  “No, apparently not, but I’m searching.” Erik became still before he spoke. “She’s walking up to the building with another demon. She’s talking about how tired she is from working at the bar. They’re both headed to the building.”

  Sloane slid her hand in her bag, wrapping her fingers around the grip of the gun. Erik touched her hand. “We’re only looking for information, remember?”

  “Sorry, instinct,” she said.

  Erik stood, and Sloane rose a moment after he did. Feeling the familiar tingling up her spine, she knew another demon was near. She turned to Erik, “Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha.” She tried to fake laugh but sounded a little too on edge to pull it off.

  “What are you doing?” he asked.

  “I realize that you’re focused, but some people are staring at us. I thought I would pretend you said something funny, so they’d stop staring. It worked.” She looked to the two, and their attention was back on each other. She didn’t think they were the demons she felt, but it was good to keep up appearances.

  “Oh good,” Erik lead her into the building. As soon as she saw the coffeehouse, she grabbed his arm and led him in the direction of the coffee shop. She loved that they could both work and grab a coffee.

  “Can you hear where she went?” Sloane asked as she joined the line.

  “Yes, they’re upstairs.”

  “Any chance they’ll be out of your range if we stay here?”

  “I’ll be able to hear what’s going on as long as we’re in the building.”

  “Perfect, I can enjoy my coffee and maybe a little breakfast since I only had ten minutes before we left this morning.” She smiled, her arm still wrapped in Erik’s

  “You’re unbelievable,” he shook his head.

  “What? We get to blend in and enjoy some food while you listen to what’s going on. I personally think I’m a genius. Plus, aren’t you the one yammering on about needing breakfast to function or some such nonsense.” She punched his arm playfully and smiled.

  “I do love me some breakfast.” He focused on what they were thinking upstairs. “Holy shit,” Erik said under his breath.

  Sloane looked over to him concerned, but she didn’t want to say too much. They were still in line and the woman ahead of them had already turned around to roll her eyes at Erik. Sloane grabbed Erik’s hand and looked into his eyes, warning him of saying anything out loud.

  Sloane walked up and ordered for both of them. Erik followed her to wait for their drinks. Sloane could tell by his blank expressions that he was concentrating hard on what was going on upstairs. When they finally got their drinks and reached a table, Sloane leaned forward, getting closer to Erik before she spoke. “What’s going on?”

  “They have a school here. They’re possessing high school students. One of the kid's parents is possessed. I can hear her thoughts along with the demons. She’s screaming, not my child, in her head.” He explained, then his eyes glazed over, focusing.

  “Are you fucking serious? They’re going after high school kids. That’s insane.” Sloane said in disgust and shock.

  “Yes, now please wait, so I can get all of the details I’ve seen a picture of the inside, but I’m hoping one of them will give me more about the school and where’s it’s located.”

  “Okay,” Sloane sat back and sipped her latte. She poured her granola into the yogurt and began stirring. She was happy to be eating something. She didn’t like the news that Erik shared, but she knew she needed to let him listen. He needed to learn all that he could if the demons were going after kids. She questioned how in the hell they would be able to do that, weren’t the parents noticing? Then she thought about her teenage years. She left home at sixteen after a traitor killed her mother. Her father didn’t know anything about her when she was a teenager. Many parents are in the same boat, teenagers are volatile and transitioning. Maybe their parents chalked any weird behavior up to being a teenager and hormones. She could see how that could be explained.

  “It sounds like they are leaving,” Erik said.

  “Did you find out any more?” she asked.

  “Yeah, apparently the school isn't in Denver it’s in Colorado Springs. I’m not sure where exactly and none of them thought about it. We need to follow them. We need to dispossess the one woman who is still present inside the demon's mind. That's not typical for a possession. Usually, the demon completely drowns out the host's mind. This woman is screaming in its
head. I think we need to figure out why that is. It’s bothering the demon as well, and they may do tests on her if the other demons find out. Plus, they’re after her daughter because she’s a leader at her school. If we save the woman, they may not be able to get her daughter. She plays a major role in their current plan.” He got up from the chair as the three women were walking by the coffee shop.

  Sloane accompanied Erik as he followed the woman. They split off when they got out of the building. Erik stayed a safe distance behind the woman with the daughter. Sloane followed the woman from the bar. She figured Erik would be able to dispossess the one woman while she could work on one of the others. When the woman got to the parking lot, Sloane came up beside the woman and matched her stride to hers.

  Looking over to the woman she said, “Hey do you think you could help me with something?” The woman glanced over and shrugged. Sloane led her behind a large van. When she turned, Sloane hit her in the side of the head, and she slumped down quickly. Sloane said the incantation and then sat the woman on the ground against the van. She knew that she shouldn’t leave her there when she didn’t know how long she would be out for, but at least a demon did not possess her. She wouldn’t know what had happened and would be confused. She thought that would be perfect for the current situation.

  Sloane looked around to make sure there weren’t any cameras around in the lot. There weren’t, and there weren’t any people in the immediate area. She walked quickly back in the direction of their car. She liked that she’d gotten rid of one demon today. She wanted to dispossess all three of the women but knew at the moment it wasn’t possible because they all headed in different directions. She was surprised the demon hadn’t sensed she was Shikari. It was too easy to take the woman out. They were usually better than that. She couldn’t help but look around. She felt like she was being watched. She quickened her pace. She had a feeling another demon was watching her, and they were aware of what she’d done. She smiled wide sending a message. She stopped at the railing before the next stairway. She leaned against the railing and looked around her with her cocky smile. She wanted to send the message that she was ready for them and to challenge whoever was watching her.