“You played dirty,” Ayla said.
Luxor settled onto the couch and draped a blanket over her knees. “I did what I had to do,” she said and shrugged. She flicked the television on to filter their conversation.
“Ditto,” Pandora agreed.
Luxor pulled up a veil of nonchalance to hide the gnawing distress she suffered at the lengths she had to go to. Blackmailing the triple terrors, she could live and deal with the repercussions, but threatening to expose The Renaissance Centre which was a refuge was a low act.
“Speaking of dirty, I think the residue from the crows are playing with my system, we need to clean that up.”
“There’s nothing but bones and feathers,” Ayla said.
“Then my tolerance must be increasing.”
The front door slammed shut, and before she could rise, Pandora pushed her back and held up a finger.
“Snow, where are you?”
“I’m here,” Luxor yelled out, and relaxed.
Evie darted her eyes about, and stepped back to survey the scene. “Well, well, well. What the hell is this?” She furrowed her brow. “Here I am thinking you broke your arm.”
“Why would you think that?” she said.
“That’s a mean right hook you served Scarlett,” Evie said, sitting on the edge on the couch.
Luxor sighed. “And the rest?”
“What rest? Principal broke it up and said you went to the hospital with possible fractured fingers.”
Luxor set her lips in a grim line and wondered if there was a lucky dip of ridiculous excuses Principal Wright shelved out to unsuspecting minds. She surveyed her hands devoid of any evidence of a physical altercation. She would never suffer injuries or have to worry about hospitals ever again. If it wasn’t for Ayla who managed to bring her back from the brink of further damage against Scarlett, and Theo and Castor who indeed did clean the aftermath of her temper, her identity would have been revealed. Luxor wanted to reign in her temper but she had no clue how.
“What happened?” Evie asked.
“Scarlett knows things she couldn’t possibly know. The specifics are unclear but something is fishy.”
"Maybe she’s bugged your house.” She laughed.
“What did she say?” Luxor asked.
“It’s a joke. I’ve been watching too many spy shows on daytime television.”
Ayla stopped playing with her plait, her forehead furrowed. "Don’t be ridiculous,” she said. “Besides it's impossible, she's never been in your house. Has she?"
Luxor shook her head, and wracked her brain for a logical explanation, but came up empty.
"Scarlett doesn't have the gear or brains to come up with that, that's Jake's department. His father works for a massive security company." Evie paused before continuing, "What does he have against you? Nothing. I mean even if he did, that's a big if, he'd have to actually be in your house to sneak it in and he hasn't."
Luxor gulped. "He has."
Evie did a double-take. "When was this?"
The pieces clicked into place; Jake's strange visit with sunflowers apologising after Scarlett had thrown a baton at her. The following morning, Scarlett had dropped the bombshell by revealing her name.
"No, Jake is too nice of a guy, I haven't done anything to him," Luxor argued, but the voice at the back of her head told her it didn't matter. He was associated with Scarlett and would do anything for her.
"Let's test out this theory." Evie pepped up, her vivacious demeanour appearing. "Let's eradicate these bugs."
Evie made a pit-stop to her house to pick up a "guaranteed bug detector." She retrieved a remote from her pocket and opened the roller door to her garage. The garage was in a clean and orderly fashion, the benches clear and the shiny tools on the wall. She ducked down, and opened the cupboards, rummaging around the assortment of boxes which were stacked up on top of each other.
“Ugh, it’s been tidied up. Not happy at all,” Evie grumbled.
“It’s okay, Scarlett is bound to screw up again and then we’ll find out how she is finding out things about me.” Luxor stepped aside to avoid bumping hips with Evie, and her thigh banging into the side of the counter.
A buzz sounded and a line of red lights flashed on. The cabinet clicked and suddenly disappeared downwards, before a black one re-appeared, followed by the back wall opening wide like a mouth. Rows upon rows of swords of different lengths and thicknesses, hung on brackets.
Luxor yelped, and held a hand to her mouth. “Evie, something you want to tell me?” she mumbled.
Evie darted her eyes about and hurried to the opposite side, checking out the side panel of the counter. She found a square button and pressed it. The same thing happened. “Close the roller door!” she said, her voice high pitched.
“You have the button,” Luxor said. Evie sped up the process and manually yanked on the door. “I’ll take that as a no.”
“What is all of this?” she asked. She peered in close where on her side, four types of bows hung, some simple wood ones with a slight curve, and others were silver ones, thin and smooth, where the curve was prominent and daunting.
“Is that a crossbow?” Luxor asked and unlatched it from the wall, her eyes widening at the added attachments. A burn singed her palm and she let go, turning around and clenching her fist. She blew on her palm, to stave off the remanent of the holy water.
Evie crouched and caught it in time, not noticing Luxor’s burn. “Pretty heavy huh?”
She nodded and swallowed the pain. “What’s in the boxes?”
Evie lifted the countertop and gasped. Separated into two compartments knives piled on top of each other, their wooden handles etched with crosses. On the other side were bottles of holy water and salt. A treasure chest perfect for demons was almost identical to Hunter’s haul.
“Why would my dad have all of this? Or more to the point, hidden like a spy?” Evie took the questions out of Luxor’s mind.
“Maybe they’re heirlooms. Remember you said you come from a whole line of hunters?”
“Yeah, pests.” She peered in close. “And what’s this blue stuff and black ash.”
Vermin to eradicate.
“Let’s close this up and pretend we didn’t see it.”
“There’s a reason why it’s hidden, and I’m going to find out why.”
Luxor power walked out eager to leave, and sat in the Jeep and waited, the sight of the weapons sending a chill skittering up her spine.
Evie came bouncing out, not long after, a skip in her step, holding a machine in her hand. She slid behind the wheel and the bug detector to Luxor. "Found it tucked away at the back of the cupboard. If this doesn't detect the sucker, nothing will. Luxor held a brown, rectangular radio in her lap, turning it over, and wondered how on Earth this could help. "FM frequencies will pick up transmissions from the bug when we hear a beep, beeeep, beeeeeeeep, it'll be in the loudest spot." she explained as if she sensed her confusion.
"Are you sure about this?" Luxor asked dubiously.
"Absolutely. It's been tried and tested." She had a mischievous grin on her face. When Luxor raised an eyebrow, she continued. "Last year Jake bugged the teacher’s lounge, let's just say we found out some interesting information. Anyways, when he went to remove it, it wasn't there, so in came the radio. It simply just dropped."
"What kind of information?" She couldn't help but be intrigued.
"Oh, the usual, mail order brides from Russia, kinky fetishes, ugh I wish I didn't know." Evie shuddered.
They had arrived at The Chalet, and before entering the house, they set up a plan on how to go about it.
"In case we can't find it, what rumour should we conjure?" Evie asked her enthusiasm only increasing.
There was a multitude of malicious ways to extract the information but Luxor didn't want to stoop to their level. The main aim was to regain her privacy when then was done she wouldn't have a problem.
She hopped out of the Jeep. "I need the low down, what
happened?"
Luxor swung the radio around by the handle, she couldn't wait to get started. "The day after the baton incident Jake arrives with sunflowers-"
Evie furrowed his eyebrow. "But he's allergic, not serious, but in primary school, he came in contact with them and blew up like a pufferfish."
"It's strange that he'd come with them. He apologised for Scarlett’s behaviour, then his hand starts to swell up."
"Let me guess you brought him in to play nurse?" Evie laughed mischievously.
"Ha ha, you’re a comedian. I turned to get him an ice pack, and—"
"Wait, you turned your back on him? Perfect opportunity."
"It was only for a sec, and I don't think he was in any condition to plant a bug."
"Don't be so sure, he's an athlete and apt at multitasking,"
Luxor open the door and Evie jumped right into the role of investigator. She waved the radio around slowly like a wand.
"Oh my god did you hear the latest goss? I bumped into Scarlett at the chemist, and guess what she had in her hand?" Evie said.
"Thrush cream?"
Evie bit her lip hard, trying to contain the laughter. "Nope, although I wouldn't be surprised. A couple of pregnancies tests. She was over the top incognito with the sunglasses and scarf as if people wouldn't recognise her."
Luxor screwed up her nose. There was a mild beeping but not enough for it to be close enough. The radio beeped incessantly, and Evie switched it off.
She followed Evie around to the kitchen table, and dropped onto her knees. She felt under the chairs, and table but came up empty. Next, she tried the one Jake was seated on. Luxor switched the light function on her phone and had the radio in the other. She cocked her head under and swiped two fingers back and forth underneath the metal until she came across an unfamiliar bump. She peered, and certain it wasn't part of the chair she picked it off.
The small, golden bug was held between her thumb and forefinger, small but the potential to cause trouble. Scarlett threatened to expose her in the most extreme way.
Luxor switched it off, and said with conviction, "She's going to pay."
Again.
Luxor jogged to the end of the property where the forest began and screamed out her anger. The stirrings whirled within like a cyclone, and the amount of fury directed at Scarlett had her on the pinnacle of losing control.
A brief shot of lightening split the sky and Evie yipped, her eyes wide. Pandora bound over and squeezed her shoulders, and murmured consoling words to contain some of the rage, but it only managed to take the edge off. Under her feet she felt the blades of grass being pulled.
She was in a deep bind and had nowhere to go, she refused to stay at home, and going to Evie’s wasn’t even an option after the revelation that her family were demon hunters. In the end Ayla agreed to stay with Meredith, and Evie convinced Luxor to sleep over, but she only agreed on the stipulation that Pandora join her. Once everything was organised, she stuffed her backpack with pyjamas and toiletries as well as Elphie, and nervously left.
An hour later, and a whole lot of procrastination, Mrs. Cooper opened the door with a welcoming smile. Dressed in a V-neck navy cotton midi dress, landing just below the knee. Dangling from her neck, a string of pearls gave her an aura of class.
"And you must be Luxor." A pair of arms wrapped around her shoulders, embracing her in a hug, a subtle flora perfume filling her nostrils. She stepped back and smoothed her sleek auburn bob. "I've heard so much about you dear, from Eve and of course your mother.”
"All good I hope," Luxor joked as she was led inside.
Of course, Meredith would never bad mouth me.
To the outside, their life was perfect, a loving mother-daughter union. On the inside, however, the contrast was as clear as black and white, a web of lies serving as the foundation.
“And what’s your name?” she asked Pandora.
“Pandora. It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
Mrs. Cooper laughed. “Please call me Bethany. Would you like to stay for dinner, I always cook extra?"
Luxor looked over to Evie for clarification. She didn’t want to impose but she didn’t want to stay alone in her room.
"Mother, we can have your little get-together another time?" Evie said, obviously eager to head upstairs.
"Eve, don't be rude. Come this way, I'll dish up. And for goodness sake, go wash that paint off your face," Bethany chided.
Evie rolled her eyes and ignored her mother's wishes about her makeup.
At the end of the hallway, the dining table was set up as if they were in a high-class restaurant. Laid out set out for four, porcelain crockery with floral designs, green napkins set on top, cutlery in the correct order; spoons and knife on the right, fork on the left, and a glass cup above the right-hand side of the dish.
Everybody had taken a seat at the six-seater round table which was positioned in the middle of the room. Waiting around to be invited to sit, Luxor pulled out the closest chair, directly across from Evie. In the next moment, she was all but bumped out of the way, her hips colliding with Evie's, and she firmly gripped the back of the chair.
"Not that one. Sit next to me." Evie half smiled, and settled in.
The aroma of the impending dinner consumed the air. When Bethany served the spinach and goat cheese stuffed chicken breast on a bed of asparagus, Luxor licked her lips.
"Let us say, Grace." A hush descended over the room as Pastor Richard Cooper bowed his head, inhaling a centring breath. On autopilot for their ritual, Evie and Bethany followed his lead. "Bless this food laid out before us, we show thanks for the offering tonight. God, please accept our gratitude for the gifts bestowed, for others may not be as fortunate; no food may pass their lips when hungry; no liquid to drink to quench their thirst, or friends when they are lonely. Finally, we give thanks for our special company here with us tonight." "Amen," he said, followed by Evie and his wife.
"Amen," Luxor whispered, opening her eyes.
Unfamiliar with any religious rituals Luxor mimicked the actions. Partaking in a religious act was a bizarre feeling since she was far from holy, but she didn't feel uneasy. If anything, it was enlightening to join something special.
As appetising as the food looked, a megaphone booming "eat me, eat me," had her stomach grumbling in protest at the lack of food she'd had today, but the same megaphone boomed, "danger, danger." The food contained dairy, and unless Luxor wanted to end on a stretcher with her face resembling a blowfish, it was a no-go zone.
"How are you settling in dear?" Bethany asked. She poured a stream of cheese sauce from the ceramic boat, all over her chicken, then passed it along to Luxor.
Luxor blinked a few times, snapping out of her daydream. Imagining the possibility of ever experiencing this was a far-fetched notion, and she would be treasuring this small but important moment.
"Great, it's an adjustment, but Evie has made all the difference." She bypassed the boat over to Pandora. She cut into the stalk of the asparagus and popped it in her mouth. Despite despising the vegetable, she chewed slowly as to not wanting to be rude. To remove the lingering taste, she washed the food down with a hearty gulp of the freshly made lemonade.
"That's my Eve, she's lucky to have you." Pastor Cooper squeezed his daughter’s fingers, beaming with pride.
The edge of the floral tablecloth creased up as Luxor fidgeted and twisted it around. she envied the interaction Evie had with her family. Both genuinely asked about her day, and if anything was bothering her. Despite Bethany criticising her daughter’s makeup, only love was given. All they asked of her was to tell them one thing she was thankful for that day.
“Pandora, Evie tells me you’re an exchange student. I’ve lived in Brighton Falls all of my life and you’re the first.”
“I feel blessed to have this opportunity,” she replied.
“Let’s say what we are grateful for. Pandora you’ve told us, how about you Luxor?” She choked on the asparagus before Evie t
apped her back. “I’ll get back to you,” Pastor Cooper said, slicing into his chicken.
“Evie?”
“I’m grateful for finding what I was looking for in the garage.”
Pastor Cooper slowly put down his fork. “How many times have I told you the garage is off-limits?” he said sternly.
“Why?”
“Because I said so.”
“You shouldn’t have given me a key.”
“That was Adam’s key. Hand it over.” He outstretched his arm.
Luxor dug her nails in deep and itched the back of her neck.
“Are you okay, my dear?”
“Ummm, yes. I think this new soap for my eczema isn’t agreeing with me.”
“You have eczema? I’ve never seen any,” Evie asked.
“Have you seen me naked?” Luxor let out a short laugh. She removed her hand and bit the inside of her cheek.
“Have you tried goat's milk, I swear by it,” Bethany said.
“Maybe you should see a doctor, get some blood tests. I’m sure the wretched problem would be dealt with,” Pastor Cooper said, blank-faced.
Oh my God, he knows, he senses me.
Luxor swallowed the lump in her throat. “Yes, definitely.” She smiled tightly. “Can I be excused?”
“Yes, of course. Eve, show her where the bathroom is.”
She wanted to remain in the bathroom indefinitely but returned shortly after with a soaked neck and armpits which didn’t escape Pastor Cooper's attention. He didn’t say a word but the constant glares confirmed her suspicions he knew.
The dinner lasted an hour, and Luxor was grateful when it ended. After Evie returned the key the conversation stilled, and the only sounds were the cutlery against plates. She'd volunteered to help wash up, anything to avoid further conversation with Pastor Cooper, and it was the least she could do, but her and Pandora were promptly shooed away to enjoy the night.
“Evie, I should go, thanks for dinner.”
“What about the bug? There’s no way I’m letting you go back, and spill anything Scarlett could use against you.”
Betrayed: The Chronicles of Luxor Everstone Book Two Page 9