by Casey Wyatt
Selene continued to call me at regular intervals. As much as it pained me, before we left I turned her over to Gabriel, leading her to believe that Gabriel was an agent for the family working on locating Grace. I couldn’t afford the distraction where we were going and she’d have someone to contact. Gabriel seemed to be a master of reassurance and would string her along so she wouldn’t panic and alert the actual authorities. I’d like to think that Selene would tow the family line, but the instincts of a mother were strong and would eventually trump family loyalty.
“We’ll be back when the sun rises,” I said with grim determination.
Luca and I traveled by car. He feared opening a portal could alert the Jiang Shi of our arrival, losing the advantage of surprise.
A dangerous cocktail of anger and anxiety stirred my blood. Luca remained silent, deep in his own thoughts. We didn’t need to speak to understand what we needed to do. Capture the Jiang Shi or die trying. Except death was not an option. I had to live to spare Grace and to save her.
“Before we go in, I have to retrieve my bag,” I said, noting the passing scenery through the window. We were close. The neighborhood had grown shabbier and more derelict. One block away, the car stopped and we got out.
The driver’s side window rolled down, revealing the last person I expected to see behind the wheel.
“God speed to both of you,” Meadows said. He drove away before I could reply.
I found the bag in the agreed upon location. With a smooth slide of the zipper, I retrieved my new weapon, a stun gun designed to fire 12-gauge shells. Each casing held special, individual stun charges.
“Impressive.” Luca examined the ammo. “Blessed and cursed.”
“Of course. Meadows took care of it for me. I planned to use it on the first Jiang Shi. Guess Lillian will be the lucky recipient.” I slung on the holster containing enough shells to bring down an elephant sized spirit.
“Remember, when we get in there, stick to the plan. Don’t let emotion overrule your judgment,” Luca admonished.
“I won’t.” I hoped. With Grace’s life in the balance, it would be hard not rip Reg apart.
We walked down the deserted streets, approaching the building from the front. I stopped, Lillian’s memory of the store superseding the shabby reality in front of us. I saw it as she remembered it. Red and white striped awnings anchored over the wide storefront windows. Bins of fresh fruits and vegetables neatly lined the sidewalk. Her brother smiled at customers and bagged their produce. She worked behind the scenes handling the bookkeeping, ordering, and supervising deliveries. Happiness and accomplishment filled her.
“Radiance?” Luca touched my shoulder, wiping away the vision.
For a moment, my determination wavered. Lillian didn’t ask to be disturbed or brought to the mortal world. Bo’s words echoed in my head. I vowed that if there was a way to spare her an eternity locked up in the Hereafter’s equivalent of Alcatraz, I’d take it.
“I’m ready.”
Luca shifted into his beast form and flew us to the rooftop. After he changed, we took the rooftop stairs down to the next level, our route already pre-determined. Unfettered wealth had its advantages, like being able to obtain blueprints and floor plans from city hall anytime. We still proceeded with caution. Unregistered renovations could have changed the layout, not to mention the poor state of the floors and ceilings made conditions treacherous.
Luca motioned for me to veer right. We approached a door that in Lillian’s time was the warehouse where they stored all their stock. I hoped like hell this is where they had Grace. Otherwise our surprise would be for nothing. We stopped and I placed my palm on the knob, searching for signs of Reg. He’d been there, but I couldn’t tell when. Jumbled thoughts and his plans for glory had occupied his head when he’d opened the door.
“They’re here,” Luca said in a low voice. “I can smell them.”
My phone vibrated in my pocket. I turned it off without looking. Stupid. I should have left the thing in the car. Luca’s cross look told me he was thinking the same thing. His face softened and he leaned forward.
His lips brushed mine. “Be safe, my love.”
“You, too.” I gripped his wrist. “I love you.”
“And I you.” With a sharp nod, he prepared to enter, his face stone.
Nervous energy raced down my spine. Calmness filled me. I was ready.
Sherlock Holmes was a big advocate of believing in improbable truths. If the fictional detective lived in my world, he’d shit a crumpet when he saw what waited on the other side of the door.
A rational person would have expected to find a rundown abandoned space, straight out of a horror novel. Dirty floors, filth-encrusted windows, the smell of urine, and the skittering of tiny rat feet.
None of those things greeted us. Instead, we entered a richly appointed space. Bookcases lined the far walls. A fire crackled in the marble adorned hearth. The mantle even had photographs on it. With a slow headshake, I realized it was nearly an exact replica of Sebastian’s library, right down to the mammoth desk and the sofas arranged in front of the fire. The only thing missing was the giant-sized portrait of Grandfather.
I put my hand on the side of the bookcase. Both my senses and my power confirmed it was real. The thick rug sank under my feet. Clean, bright, and scented like cedar, there wasn’t a rodent doodie in sight.
Yup. He was completely unhinged. Bat-shit crazy.
“Come in, cousin,” Reg called from the couch, his arm around Grace.
An open storybook lay across their laps. I recognized the illustrations as my own. Lillian sat on the other side of my niece holding a large bowl of popcorn.
I pumped a round into the shotgun and aimed it at him. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t shoot you right now.”
“Really, Radiance. You’d splatter my guts all over Grace.”
His amused tone gave me pause. Grace hadn’t moved since we walked in. Cold fear nearly froze me.
I circled to the front of the couch. “What have you done to her?” Her green eyes were dull and cloudy, like she was in a waking dream.
“Nothing harmful. A little pill to keep her calm. You don’t think I’m totally heartless, do you?”
I glared at him. “Let her go. And spare me the evil bad guy platitudes.”
“Is that how you see me?” he said. “Evil? I’m hurt.”
Like I gave a shit if I hurt his feelings. Out of the corner of my eye, Luca shifted closer to the couch. Lillian shot him a dark look.
“Please enlighten me about how good you are.” Better to keep him talking so I could plan a way to safely retrieve Grace.
“Do you know how many years I worked for the old man? I started working for him after school when I was sixteen. I even attended a local college so I could learn the business. I thought he was grooming me to take over. By the time I’d earned a Master’s degree, he allowed me to be his personal assistant.”
“You never did understand that Sebastian used all of us as resources to suit his needs. Why do you think I left?”
“Your rejection vexed him the most. Why? From what I’ve seen, there’s nothing special about you,” he sneered. He removed the book from his lap and tossed it to the floor. “You spent your youth partying. The young spoiled heiress that the press couldn’t get enough of. I was the one who had to clean up your trail of family embarrassment!”
That was news to me. Then again at that age, I hadn’t really cared about anyone or anything. Not that I’d defend myself but I needed him to keep talking. Already he was agitated, his voice shriller and his free hand tapping his leg. Lillian seemed riveted by the growing tension between us.
“Here’s a newsflash, Reg. It’s not my fault you tattooed ‘welcome’ across your back and let Grandfather use you as a
doormat.”
“You stupid fucking whore! I should be the heir not you!” He jumped off the couch.
Grace sat like a glass-eyed doll propped against a pillow.
I backed away, my steps matching his. “Call me all the names you want. It won’t change anything.”
“We’ll see about that. Lillian, come here!” he snapped.
Did he really have no clue about her true nature? She could rip him to shreds at will.
Lillian narrowed her eyes, a thin smile on her lips. With lazy feline motion, she stretched, then joined Reg, slipping one arm around his waist. “Yes, lover.”
After seeing her in her decayed tiger form, ick on the lover images. No, I wouldn’t allow my mind to go there.
“I’m tired of this game. I brought them here as you asked. Time for you to honor our agreement.”
“Wait. What agreement, Meixiu? Maybe I can make you a better offer?” I kept my eyes firmly trained on her face. In my periphery, Luca inched his way toward Grace.
Lillian’s lackadaisical expression faltered. “You know my name? How?”
“Who gives a shit what you’re real name was?” Reg said. “Did you bring the vessel, cuz? And don’t try and trick me. We’ll know if it’s a fake.”
“We have it. What do you think it will get you, Reg? The secrets to the universe.” I saw the bigger picture with more clarity. He had no idea why Lillian really wanted the jar. As soon as she had it, she’d probably rip his heart out. That sounded like a win-win plan, but not with Grace’s life hanging in the balance.
“Don’t mock me!” he shrieked, scooping Grace off the couch. “Nice try, Luca! No more dicking around. Give me the jar.”
Grace hung limp in Reg’s arms. Her cheeks were red, yet she showed no other expression. I worried that she could hear what was happening and that the incident would scar her for life.
I nodded to Luca. “He will hand the jar to Lillian.” She licked her lips in anticipation. “You will hand me Grace. You attempt to fuck me over and I will shoot you.”
Lillian gave me a thoughtful look before speaking. “There is no need for the little one to be hurt.”
I spoke to her matter-of-factly. “I know why this place is important to you, Meixiu. I saw the store. It was beautiful. I can imagine how wonderful it must have been to own a business. Beholden to no one. I understand what it’s like to not have free will. It doesn’t have to be this way.”
Realization brightened her expression. “For Zihou as well?”
I nodded. “For both of you.”
A silent bargain was struck. She gave a slight head bow. “Yes, I think we understand each other.”
A thick vein pulsed on Reg’s forehead. Spittle formed on his lips. “What are you two bitches talking about?” He wrapped his fingers around Grace’s neck.
Lillian’s eyes widened. She placed her hand on Reg’s shoulder. “Patience, love. Please do not harm the child. Radiance will cooperate.”
I put on my best contrite face and nodded. “Luca, bring the jar, please.”
Lillian captured my gaze. Her emotions flowed into mine. I could see what she wanted. Peace. Rest. Freedom. I could relate.
“Quickly.” Reg pivoted around to follow Luca’s progress around the couches. He held out his hand.
“You’ll need both hands for this.” Luca displayed the large vessel.
A low growl vibrated in Lillian’s throat. Her human façade faded away. The undead tigress woman stood in her place.
Reg yelped, eyes wide with disbelief.
Before he regained his senses, I snatched Grace from his arms and moved out of his reach. Lillian snarled, stalking Reg like a cat would a mouse.
“No!” He aimed his wrath at Lillian. “You will obey me, slave.” He reached under his shirt and brandished an amulet. Black vapor ejected from the center and filled her mouth and nose. Her agonized screams broke my heart. She collapsed and thrashed on the carpet.
“Don’t!” Luca warned. “You have no idea what that can do.”
Neither did I. But every cell in my body recognized the danger. Reg wielded a weapon of the Hereafter.
“Oh, you’re wrong about that Alkhari. I know all about you. I found Sebastian’s secret diary. It was interesting reading. I thought most of it was deranged ramblings. But then I found this amulet. I’d forgotten all about it until dear Radiance became the heir. It took me a few weeks of trial and error to learn how to use it properly.”
It all made sense now. Lillian wanted freedom, not from the underworld, but from Reg. And he was way more dangerous than I thought.
“Get Grace out of here!” Luca urged.
I ran toward the nearest exit. Metal doors slammed down, trapping us inside.
“No one leaves until I get what I want!” Reg bellowed, power lacing his voice. Lillian levitated, her limbs askew as if she were a puppet on strings. Her eyes pleaded with mine before she pivoted to face Luca.
Reg commanded, “Take the jar.”
Whether she liked it or not, Lillian torpedoed toward Luca. In a flash of movements, they sparred, toppling the couches and flattening the coffee table.
Typical Reg. Let someone else do all the work. He issued the order and then the coward snaked his way toward the other side of the room.
Time to field test my new toy. I set Grace at my feet, took aim and fired. Reg dropped to the ground like a sack of twitching potatoes. The stun shotgun didn’t have much recoil or noise since it wasn’t firing true shells. Grace didn’t flinch and remained non-responsive in my arms when I retrieved her.
I shifted her small body, searching for a safe place to hide her, since I couldn’t effectively fight with her in my arms. The securest place was under the replica desk. After tucking her underneath, I shoved it against the wall, praying that Lillian and Luca would stay on the other side of the room.
With Grace hidden, I searched the room. Reg was a cockroach. I doubted he’d stay down for—
A heavy blow landed between my shoulder blades, knocking me forward.
Reg flipped me over, straddled my hips, and trapped me. His hands closed around my throat. Black vapor flowed from the amulet and circled him like an unholy halo. Whatever mojo that cursed thing was channeling, it must have enhanced Reg’s stamina and strength. He should have remained senseless on the floor for at least another twenty minutes.
“Once I have the jar, you won’t be heir anymore.”
“Is that what you think?” I wheezed. Even though he squeezed my windpipe with crushing force, my body continuously healed the damage. Since I didn’t know my body’s limitations, I needed to wrap it up.
“Lillian can convince the Hereafter to make me heir.”
Jesus. He was so damn deluded I didn’t bother arguing anymore. Worse, he knew about the Hereafter. What the hell did Sebastian have in that room? Of course, who knows what Reg stole. I’d worry about that later.
I closed my eyes and went limp under his body. Assuming, I’d fainted or died, he didn’t seem to care which, Reg loosened his hold and shifted off of me. The moment he stood on two legs, I swept his feet out from under him. Before he could move, I jutted my elbow and dropped my full weight into his solar plexus.
He grunted. But then, that blasted amulet came to his rescue, pumping out more evil juju, and speeding his recovery. Reg’s balled fist shot forward. My nose crunched. Blood sprayed into his face and splattered my cheeks. He readied to hit me again.
I chopped him in the windpipe. He gasped and grabbed his throat, wheezing. More power poured into him. The rims of his irises turned red. Whatever that amulet was, it was changing him. I had to take the vile thing away from him because I didn’t want to find out what he might transform into.
He backhanded me into the nearest bookcase. The walls shook a
nd books crashed to the floor. Reg lurched toward me, slower than before, a visible dent where his windpipe was. Good to know that he couldn’t heal as fast as I could. He fished around the debris. I didn’t wait around to see what he was going to do. I had Grace to protect.
Luca and Lillian continued to spar over the jar. She must have been resisting Reg’s order. When they’d fought before, she and Luca had been evenly matched. Now, her blows weren’t as vicious or precise. Either she was pulling her punches or she was weakening.
Wood splintered. Reg approached with a broken chair leg. What did he think I was? A vampire?
“Luca! Time to end this,” I shouted.
There was no point in continuing. No matter what Reg had planned, he couldn’t succeed. He wasn’t the heir and he never would be. And Lillian deserved her freedom. I knew that deep in my heart and in my bones. An overwhelming sense of peace infused me. The brands on my hands glowed with heavenly light.
“Radiance! What have you done to me?” Reg’s word slurred. The makeshift stake slipped between his fingers. At first, I thought he’d dropped it. He stood transfixed, staring through his translucent palms.
Luca tossed the jar to Lillian. “Go to the temple. They will help you.”
Lillian nodded and escaped. I could only hope that I hadn’t misjudged her.
“No! Lillian! Return to me.” Reg raised the amulet. Dark vapor coiled around him instead. His red eyes narrowed. “You did this to me!”
Almost completely transparent, he made one final attempt to attack me, passing through debris and furniture.
“Your own greed has doomed you.” I raised my hands and met him halfway. When my palms touched his chest they hit a solid mass. Before he could grab onto me, my power ensnared his essence. It told me what Reg failed to realize. He was dead. A soul that refused to move on.