by Kelly Goode
‘Kay.’
‘Spare me,’ Harvey muttered, knowing full well that JC’s lines always worked and that it was a foregone conclusion that he wouldn’t be spending the night alone.
‘You’re in a bad mood tonight,’ JC said, giving his friend a concerned look. ‘What happened with Ember?’
‘Nothing happened with Ember.’
‘Ah, so that’s why you’re in a bad mood. I don’t know why you don’t just bang her again and get it out of your system.’
‘Who’s Ember?’ the barmaid asked.
‘No one important,’ Harvey lied. ‘We’re private investigators.’
The barmaid fell silent, as if considering her next response carefully.
‘Who are you investigating? Not me I hope.’
‘Only if you have something to hide,’ Harvey replied, and her face paled slightly as her eyes darted to where a coat hung on a peg behind the counter.
‘Does it look like I could hide anything in this top?’ she said, but even though her tone was jovial, her smile was forced.
‘That’s something I’ll gladly check later, darling,’ JC replied. ‘But for now we’d like to speak to your boss - Darrick.’
35
I found Ghent exactly where I’d left him, cornered by the same purple-haired woman, only this time he didn’t look as if he was trying too hard to get away. I discreetly observed the two of them until their interaction and flirtatious gestures grew too much to endure without feeling like a voyeur. Ghent didn’t appear so intimidating when he smiled. He was quite attractive, if you liked the muscular, bald, antagonistic type.
‘Hey,’ I said, coming to stand beside him. ‘Are you ready to go?’
‘Hey, I wondered where you went. This is Violet. We were just discussing the current lack of laws surrounding necromancy. Violet is part of a coven of witches that meet here at Wild Side. Fancy that?’
‘Yeah, fancy that,’ I replied, staring at the woman and wondering if I’d ever crossed paths with her before.
Violet’s eyes narrowed at my interruption, and the look she shot me was anything but friendly.
‘I thought you said you didn’t have a girlfriend,’ she said, looking me up and down as if I were her competition.
‘I’m not his girlfriend,’ I replied at the same time that Ghent said, ‘she’s not my girlfriend.’
Violet didn’t seem convinced by what seemed like a well-rehearsed response from the two of us.
‘The offer to visit the coven is still on,’ she said, ‘but only if you leave the redhead at home. I’m not into three-ways. You have my number.’
‘I do,’ Ghent replied, patting his pocket.
‘So call me.’
‘Bye,’ I said. ‘It was nice to meet you.’
Violet sashayed away without acknowledging my friendly gesture. After she’d disappeared into the crowd, Ghent turned to face me.
‘I take it you completed your assignment. Sorry I couldn’t get away from that woman at first, but then she mentioned the coven, so I decided to see what information I could get out of her.’
‘It’s ok; I met with Sophia, the head-witch. She admitted she knew all the dead girls.’
‘Could she be a suspect?’
I shook my head.
‘Her reaction to the news of their deaths seemed genuine to me. She is going to speak to one of the other coven members called Ava, as she knew Colleen, Mary, and Katrina too.’
‘Great. Let’s go.’
Ghent took me by the arm and directed me downstairs, towards the exit.
‘I need to get rid of this bracelet before we leave,’ I said, raising my arm and gesturing towards the metal cuff around my wrist. ‘One of the failsafe mechanisms is that only a security team member can do it.’
‘What happens if you try to take it off yourself?’
‘I heard rumours that your head explodes,’ I said, trying to keep a straight face but not succeeding.
‘Well we wouldn’t want that to happen,’ he replied. ‘Yours being so pretty and all.’
At the security station, a bored-looking guard swept the bracelet with a scanner, before releasing the clasp.
‘You don’t seem to mind being classed as a supernatural,’ Ghent said, as we exited Wild Side.
I shivered as the cold morning air hit my bare shoulders.
‘Is there a question in that statement somewhere?’ I asked.
‘Why don’t you pretend to be human like I do? Seems like you’d get less hassle that way.’
I looked up at Ghent, wishing there was a simple answer to that.
‘I spent most of my early life pretending to be something I wasn’t,’ I said slowly, thinking of all the times Roger had hurt me and I’d lied to cover it up. ‘My mother told me to restrain my powers, but something burned inside of me, something I couldn’t comprehend until I was older, and then trying to contain the fire was like trying to keep a wild animal in a cage. It broke free. I broke free.’
There was a couple of seconds of silence as Ghent studied my face.
‘I know it doesn’t make sense,’ I started to say, but he cut me off.
‘It makes perfect sense. Shall I drive you home?’
‘I’m kinda between addresses as the moment.’
‘What happened?’
‘My landlord kicked me out when I was incarcerated last year. He said I breached the terms and conditions of my rental agreement, so I’ve been staying at my mother’s house, but that’s all the way out towards the coast. It’s probably easier to go back to HQ with you. There’s always a spare bed waiting for me there.’
‘It’ll be a bit of a squeeze, but I could make some room in my single bed,’ Ghent replied innocently.
‘And what would Violet say about that?’
‘I was only pretending to be interested in her. You’re still my number one girl.’
‘Until you have to shoot me?’
‘Until then,’ he repeated. ‘Besides, Agent Myles will be pleased to know that we have a secondary “in” with the coven now too.’
‘You certainly have an in with Violet; I’m just not sure you’d find a way back out. She seemed like the bunny-boiling type.’
Ghent’s lips curled into a smile.
‘Hey, I can’t help it if women are naturally drawn to my good looks and charm. What’s the worst that can happen?’
‘You could end up married again.’
The large man laughed loudly, as he opened the car door for me.
‘Yeah, in hindsight, it was a good job that you interrupted when you did. I can’t afford another divorce.’
‘Is Perry married?’ I asked.
Ghent stopped laughing and slammed the door shut on me. He walked around the back of the car and got into the driver’s seat. His face took on a serious expression as he started the engine, and I was reminded of the fact that this man was a criminal, and not my friend.
‘What did I say?’
‘Nothing,’ he replied. ‘Just don’t go around asking too many questions about Perry. He doesn’t like people knowing his business.’
‘I only asked if he was married.’
Ghent pressed his foot against the accelerator.
‘Stay away from Perry,’ he said ominously, ‘and don’t go anywhere with him if I’m not there. Got it?’
I nodded. ‘Got it.’
36
‘I don’t appreciate being summoned like a lapdog, Gentlemen. I am a busy man. Nightclubs don’t run themselves, you know.’
Harvey felt the irritation coming from the vampire in waves. Even though to a human, Darrick would appear calm and relaxed in his expensive navy suit, as a demon, Harvey remained attuned to the undead, and could sense what lay beneath their cold, aloof surface.
Darrick was pissed off.
Pissed off, but interested.
‘We appreciate you agreeing to see us,’ JC said.
‘I’m only here because of something interesting Kay said.’
&
nbsp; Harvey stared at the blonde barmaid, wondering what she’d said to pique the vampire’s curiosity. Her face was even paler than earlier and there was a fine sheen across her top lip as if she was nervous or worried about something.
‘What did you find interesting?’ Harvey asked.
‘Ah, we’ll get to that later,’ Darrick replied. ‘Firstly, let’s start with who you’re working for and why it has brought you to my nightclub?’
‘We usually work for whoever pays the most,’ JC replied candidly. ‘But currently we’re running errands for S.P.T.F.’
‘I can’t imagine what the supernatural police would want with me. My taxes and paperwork are up to date. My supernatural employees are treated fairly and according to the current laws. There’s nothing untoward going on here.’
‘I think S.P.T.F. might be interested in the drugs you’re selling,’ Harvey said, nodding towards the bar.
Darrick tilted his head to one side.
‘Drugs?’
Kay either chose that unfortunate moment to make a small noise in the back of her throat, or else fear forced the sound out, and Darrick’s blue eyes homed in on her.
‘Ah, I understand what you’re saying. I think its best if we take this conversation somewhere private. Gentlemen, if you’ll follow me please.’
Darrick gestured towards the far end of the club where there was a sectioned-off area. Harvey looked over to gauge his friend’s reaction and JC nodded his head in agreement. Two security guards lifted the rope as they approached, allowing them entry into a smaller bar area.
‘I’ll deal with you later,’ Darrick said to Kay. ‘Go wait in my office.’
The young girl’s eyes widened before she nodded. There was an eerie look of resignation on her face, as if she knew something bad was going to happen to her. Harvey felt a little guilty for mentioning the drugs, but he quickly dismissed it. She would’ve been caught eventually. There was only so long you could deceive a vampire.
‘Gentlemen, can I offer you a drink?’
‘Two beers please,’ JC said.
Darrick made a gesture with his hand and two frosted bottles appeared on the bar.
‘I can assure you, I don’t condone the use of drugs, especially in my nightclub. I took my eye off the ball, and for bringing that to my attention, I’ll agree to help you if I can. What do you want from me?’
‘Information,’ JC replied, taking a swig from his beer bottle. ‘We’re hunting a demon. Likes to dress his victims up as brides. He’ll be new to town, and so would look for a safe place to stay while he conducts his business.’
‘And you think I’ve met with this demon?’
‘I know you’ve met this demon.’
Darrick smiled, but there was no warmth in his eyes.
‘And it’s your business to know everything there is to know about people,’ he said. ‘Isn’t it, Mr Croft?’
‘You’ve heard of me? I’m flattered.’
‘Your reputation for finding things is legendary. So legendary in fact, that I’m surprised you’ve come to me for help, but more surprised that you slipped up and allowed S.P.T.F. to arrest you. What did you do?’
‘I fucked the wrong woman,’ JC replied curtly.
‘Think of this as a courtesy call,’ Harvey cut in, irritated by Darrick’s condescending tone. ‘We’re reaching out to you before we take this demon out permanently.’
‘Are you asking for my approval?’
Harvey shook his head. ‘Not your approval, I’m going to kill the creature no matter what you say. It’ll just be quicker if you tell us what you know.’
Darrick’s blue eyes locked onto Harvey’s and he could feel the vampire trying to influence his thoughts, to examine his emotions, but demons were harder to read than humans were.
‘A demon tasked with killing demons,’ Darrick finally said. ‘I’ve heard about you too, which is another reason why I agreed to meet with you. You worked at my club last year, didn’t you. You knew Sasha.’
Harvey knew it would be pointless to deny it, so he nodded his head.
‘I never forget a face, or what someone owes me.’
‘Is that a threat?’
‘Not at all, I propose a trade.’
Harvey didn’t like the sound of that. He’d made deals with vampires before, and they weren’t the most trustworthy of species.
‘And what could we possibly have that a vampire like you doesn’t?’ JC asked, gesturing around the nightclub.
Darrick smiled again, and this time his fangs elongated.
‘Information.’
Harvey reached for his bottle of beer and glugged down the cold liquid, his throat suddenly feeling dry at the thought of what Darrick might ask of them.
‘You’ll trade information for information?’ JC asked.
Darrick nodded.
‘I’ll give you the demon, but in return, I expect you to find something for me. It shouldn’t be hard, for a prolific supernatural hunter like you, Mr Croft.’
‘That depends on what you’re hunting.’
The smile that split the vampire’s face made Harvey’s stomach clench with trepidation.
‘A redheaded fire-witch,’ Darrick said. ‘I believe you’re already acquainted. Her name is Ember.’
Part Three - Attachment
37
Carter repeatedly pounded the leather punch bag to the point where his knuckles were numb and he couldn’t feel the pain of the skin splitting anymore. He wished it were as easy to numb other parts of his life, such as the burden of solving the case, the stress of the internal review, or the temptation to break the rules.
He pictured Ember’s face when he’d brushed off her suggestion to meet up after she’d visited Wild Side. She’d been hurt by his brusqueness, but he couldn’t afford to be anything but professional towards her.
Carter hit the punch bag one last time, putting his full-force behind the blow and dodging out of the way when it swung back at him. He took a swig from his water bottle and then crossed to the running machine, deciding his knees could take a hammering next.
Carter programmed the machine, and set off at an unrealistic pace that he struggled to maintain after a few minutes. Sweat dripped from his brow, as he tried to run as fast as the machine demanded. He wanted to run until his mind emptied, but as usual, in those moments of loneliness and despair, his thoughts drifted to his sister.
Sometimes, he wished he could outrun the memories too, but then he’d remember that all he had left of Beth were memories - memories and one photo.
Beth had always been the one to pull him from his moods. She was genuine and sincere with everyone that she met. She held a light inside of her. A light that brightened even the darkest day, but then a vampire had extinguished it.
Carter’s heart thumped against his chest as he struggled to catch his breath. His arms pumped in time with his strides, as he remembered finding Beth’s battered and broken body. Her murderer hadn’t been some newbie vampire who couldn’t control his bloodlust. Beth hadn’t been in the wrong place at the wrong time, or put herself in a dangerous situation. A sadistic killer had targeted her. One who’d not only fed on her, but tortured her too. Her suffering had been acute and prolonged, and Carter hated the thought that his sister had died alone and in pain.
Had she called out for him?
His spell of anger faded to one of helplessness. Carter pressed the button to slow the programme, and after a few minutes cooling down at a light jog, he was able to get off the running machine without injuring himself.
Carter stood in the centre of the room with his hands on his hips and sucked in breath after breath. Once his heart rate had resumed a normal pace, he let out a strangled roar of frustration. The release was welcome and he closed his eyes against the tears that threatened to fall.
He should have been there.
‘I’m sorry, Beth,’ he said.
‘Who’s Beth?’
Carter spun around to find Ember standing in t
he doorway. Her green eyes were wide and wary as she studied him, as if he were a wild animal that had escaped from its cage.
‘What are you doing here?’ he asked, deliberately ignoring her question. She looked stunning in a tight green strapless dress. The same one he’d laid on her bed on Agent Myles’ orders. Her hair hung messily around her shoulders and her red lips were glossy and inviting.
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t know anyone was in here,’ she replied. ‘Well not until you screamed.’
Carter rubbed his hands across his eyes and down over his sweaty face.
‘I didn’t scream. I yelled.’
‘Is there a difference?’
He nodded.
‘Screams sound girly. What you just so happened to hear was a manly release of tension. It’s therapeutic.’
‘I’m sure it is.’
Carter walked over to where he’d stashed his gym bag and pulled out a towel. He wiped the sweat from his brow and the back of his neck.
‘You’re welcome to use the equipment. I’m done.’
‘I was just looking for somewhere to shower. I want to wash away the grime of that nightclub. HQ was closer than my mother’s house.’
Carter picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder.
‘Showers are through the back,’ he said abruptly, resisting the temptation to invite her back to his room.
‘Thanks.’
Carter exited the gym before he could change his mind and almost collided into Perry who was standing outside the door. The hulking recruit seemed nervous to see him.
‘Woah, back up a sec. Ember’s inside, so if you want to use the gym, you’ll have to come back in an hour.’
‘You’re not going to stand guard over her?’ Perry replied, looking over Carter’s shoulder and into the gym.
‘Why would I?’
‘I thought the bitch was made of gold the way everyone treats her. Either that or she’s a wildcat in the sack.’
Carter took a step closer.
‘Watch your mouth. I don’t like werewolves, so the fact you’re on my team, means I have to tolerate you, but I suggest you shoo like a good little puppy before I put you on a leash and drag you away.’