A Demon Does It Better

by Linda Wisdom

  “Thank you.”

  Lili smiled back. “You’re welcome, and if you need anything, call me any time of day or night. I’m serious about it, Cassie.”

  Cassie nodded.

  “We do great work, don’t we?” Deisphe asked, standing at the entrance with Lili and watching Cassie buckle Kevin into the backseat of a battered blue Honda.

  “That we do.”

  The two exchanged high fives and returned to the ER.

  ***

  Lili was a witch on a mission. A mission to find out just what Kevin’s monster was.

  And she knew just who to ask when she got a chance.

  She wasn’t surprised to hear from Asmeth not long after.

  “Such gifts you send me, my pet,” he boomed in her ear when he called her later that day. “What am I to do with the children? One a mere babe, no less. I am not a nasty witch living in a gingerbread cottage,” he laughed heartily.

  “If anyone can help Kevin, it’s you,” she praised the wizard. She ducked into an alcove where she could have a bit of privacy. “I know Cassie told you what happened, and you’ll recognize what I did for Kevin. She’s scared to death, Asmeth. I think she’s afraid whatever Kevin saw will come back for him. Or perhaps even his father will track them down.” She wished she knew what Kevin’s father was and hoped Asmeth would find out.

  “I asked Cassie and her son to come see me this afternoon,” he replied. “Not to my shop, of course, but to my other residence. Come for dinner this evening. Hopefully, I can relate something to you by then. I will be back in my shop by then.”

  Lili had a feeling the invitation was for much more than a meal and idle chatter. The last time she’d seen her old friend, she asked him to keep an ear open about the hospital. Luckily, he hadn’t asked any questions, merely looked at her with a sharp gaze and promised to report anything he heard.

  “I would love that. I get off duty at three.”

  “I will see you at six.” With that he clicked off.

  Lili tucked her phone away and headed for the stairs. She was hoping she might find some answers below.

  Of course, she should have known it wouldn’t be easy when it wasn’t one of her days to be down there. Not to mention that Dr. Mortimer told her she wasn’t to have anything to do with Jared. Luckily, she knew the doctor was off today, so she didn’t have to worry about running into him.

  “Dr. Mortimer didn’t say this was one of your days to work down here,” Coing growled, his huge arms crossed in front of his massive chest.

  “This won’t take long,” she told him, already determined to throw a massive amnesia spell on the ogre and his cohort before she left. “Just bring Patient 1172 to my office.” She used enough persuasion on him that he had no choice but to obey her command. She brushed past him, wrinkling her nose at the rank smell that came from his unwashed body, and headed for her office, hoping her ballsy attitude would be enough.

  She paused at the door and looked down the hallway that looked never ending. One large door on the right glistened with power. She looked over her shoulder, wondering if she had enough time to check out the door. Hearing the ogre’s voices made her mind up for her. It would have to wait.

  She frowned at the fresh bruises marring Jared’s face and his split lip.

  “What happened here?” she demanded, rounding on his keepers.

  “He fell.” Turtifo smirked.

  “Get out.” She held up her hands and used her magick to push them out and slam the door after them.

  “You’re going to be in trouble after we tell Dr. Mortimer!” Coing yelled.

  “That’s what you think,” she muttered, hexing up coffee and food for Jared as he stumbled into a chair.

  “They’re better than the ogres Mortimer used to have here,” he said, wincing at the hot liquid burned his tender lip.

  “Here.” She cupped his chin in her hands and lightly brushed her free hand over his face. His bruises soon disappeared, and his lip healed. “How quickly do you normally heal?” She felt the heat of his skin against hers and was tempted to further explore his sharply-defined body. She stepped back before she gave in to the temptation to touch him further.

  “Always right away, but they have something down here that doesn’t allow us to heal too quickly. My broken ribs took almost a week to heal.”

  “That would be a miracle for a mundane,” she commented, taking the seat across from him.

  “And an eternity for supes. So why the surprise visit, Doc?”

  “You left here without anyone the wiser.”

  “And you didn’t tell anyone,” he replied.

  “I have my reasons, and as long as you don’t attack anyone on the outside, I’ll keep it to myself,” she told him. “But now I need your help.”

  Jared picked up his sandwich and investigated the contents. “Looks good.” He bit into it. “You’re asking for my help? I’m supposed to be begging for your help, Doc.”

  “Stop calling me Doc!” Lili snapped. She took a calming breath. “A new patient came into the ER today. A mundane teenage mother and her little boy…”

  “Who’s not,” he guessed and laughed at her expression. “Why else would you be down here unless something’s off.”

  “I think it’s demon-related. Something I haven’t encountered before. Demon clans are notorious for keeping things to themselves.”

  Jared looked puzzled. “So what do you want me to do?”

  Lili knew she’d already broken a lot of rules in the hospital, and she was getting ready to break a whopper. She took a deep breath and spoke before she could think twice of what she was about to do.

  “I want you to go with me tonight to a friend’s house for dinner.”

  Chapter 7

  “Why are you so worried about what to wear to Asmeth’s house?” Cleo asked from her pillow on Lili’s bed.

  “Because I rarely get to wear more than scrubs at the hospital or my pj’s at home,” Lili argued as she rummaged in her closet. When was the last time she’d done any serious clothes shopping? Racking her brain only gave her a headache, so she stopped. She finally settled for a pair of charcoal wool pants and a deep red silk top with a draped neckline that left one arm bare, along with a favorite pair of red peep-toe stilettos. She already knew her moonstone pendant would easily nestle among the fabric.

  Instead of using a flatiron on her curls, she bundled them up on top of her head in a loose knot.

  “I want to go,” Cleo insisted, her silver chinchilla fur ruffled in agitation.

  “And I want a three-week vacation in Bali. We can’t always get what we want.” She added a glossy red lip color.

  Not that she was doing this because Jared promised to be there. She merely wanted to look nice for Asmeth, who always enjoyed seeing a woman looking her best.

  That’s right, Lili. You keep on saying that.

  “The only reason you want to go is because you know Asmeth will feed you a lot of exotic treats.” She reached for the perfume bottle she had picked up at the scent shop.

  She stepped out of the bathroom and froze. She noticed that Cleo stared at the bedroom doorway with a fascinated expression on her face.

  “Why does everyone feel they can just pop in without warning?” the cat asked, ruffling her fur even more. “No one has manners anymore.”

  Lili sniffed the air. “I don’t think Eurydice smokes cigars. That’s it. I’m setting up megawards tonight when I get back.”

  She followed her nose finding Jared in the family room smoking a cigar, channel-surfing, and sitting in her favorite chair.

  “Make yourself at home, why don’t you?” She glared at the glass of wine he held in one hand.

  “I am, thanks. Nice wine.” He held up his glass. “Do you want some?”

  “Since it’s my wine, yes.” She stomped into the kitchen and poured herself a glass. “And get rid of that thing.” She snapped her fingers, gratified to see the cigar wink out of sight. Another flick of her fin
gers had the lingering smoke following the cigar and a hint of citrus filling the air instead.

  “You really know how to ruin a guy’s fun, Doc.” Jared smiled lazily.

  “How exactly do you get in here?” She took a hefty swallow of her wine as she glanced at the clock. Almost time to leave.

  Just as the other times she’d seen him away from the hospital, Jared was cleaned up. All signs of his injuries were gone.

  “How do you do it?” she asked curiously. “You can’t tell me that wrapping yourself in shadows also provides a bath, shave, haircut, and decent clothing.” She had to admit he looked damn good in dark stone-washed jeans and a forest-green, long-sleeved polo shirt that showed off a nicely sculpted body.

  He settled back in her chair, resting one booted leg across his opposite knee.

  “Nice place you have here. How come you don’t live in Inderman like most of the witches do?”

  “Not as many live there as you think. Living units aren’t all that plentiful in Inderman,” she corrected him. “And the witches I know live in various parts of the city and even in the ’burbs. Housing on that plane is meant more for those who own businesses there. Do you understand why Inderman is here? After all, it’s not known for attracting demon businesses except for a tavern on the edge.”

  Jared shook his head. “I don’t know much about the place. I’ve only visited there a few times because I feel…” he paused, “safe. I stay away from any place where I’d run into too many demons. It’s just better for me in case it’s someone I know.”

  “I don’t understand it. If you can wrap yourself in shadows and leave the hospital, why don’t you just make the ultimate escape? Personally, I can’t see Dr. Mortimer sounding an alarm because that would mean he’d have to admit he couldn’t hold you. That wouldn’t look good for him.”

  He absently rubbed the edge of his wineglass against his lower lip. “My shadows only allow me to go a short distance. So far Inderman is the furthest I’ve been able to go,” he said finally. “My strength also diminishes when I leave the hospital for too long a period. I can only be gone for so many hours before I’m pulled back there, and then I can’t leave for several days while my power recharges.”

  “What do you hope to accomplish by leaving, even for a short while?” she asked, even though she already had a pretty good idea what his answer would be.

  His smile was tinged with sorrow. “A chance to breathe air that’s not tainted with sickness. To feel free.”

  Lili was hungry to know more, but she saw that time was racing. And Asmeth didn’t appreciate less-than-punctual guests.

  “While I’d love to find out more, we need to go to Asmeth’s. Luckily, he doesn’t live far from Inderman, so you should be fine.” She set her glass down and stood up.

  “I wouldn’t have all that much more to tell you anyway.” He did the same.

  Cleo strolled out of the bedroom and sniffed. “Oh, you’ll take him but not me?”

  “He’s invited and you are not.” Lili went into the closet and pulled out a soft wrap, woven of dark purple wool, and draped it around her shoulders. She led the way through the house and into the small attached garage. “I’ll suppose you have no demon macho attitude about a female driving?” She didn’t wait for his reply as she opened the driver’s side door.

  “Not at all. I like being waited on. Plus, I haven’t seen the need to get a driver’s license.” His teeth flashed white in the darkness.

  Lili always enjoyed her SUV and the room it offered, but it suddenly shrunk to the size of a toy car when Jared filled the passenger seat. She was grateful the drive wouldn’t be a long one.

  “You’re pretty calm about all this,” he commented as she drove toward the freeway.

  “Why shouldn’t I be?” She caught his nod out of the corner of her eye. “I’ve seen strange things over the years. A shadow demon isn’t all that unusual for someone in my line of work.”

  “As compared to what?” He twisted in the seat, resting his arm across the back of her seat.

  “A forest druid suffering from termites is one of my favorites.” She shifted in her seat, recalling the days she was ready to claw her skin raw after treating the itching patient. “We’re talking oozing rashes and bites all over, especially in sensitive spots.” Her gaze flickered southward while the tiniest of evil smiles touched her lips.

  “Damn, you are one wicked witch,” he muttered, shifting in the seat.

  “I’m surprised it took you this long to figure it out.” She sped up, managing to breeze past traffic lights that always stayed green.

  Lili found a parking space near the entrance to Inderman. She frowned when she noticed faint shadows surrounding Jared.

  “Are you all right?”

  He nodded. “Protective coloring in case someone who might recognize me is around. No one will notice me walking with you, so act as if you’re alone.”

  As they walked toward Asmeth’s shop, Lili noticed that Jared not only kept darkness around him, but he also managed to change his appearance. Nothing overt, but enough that if she looked quickly, she wouldn’t think she was with the same man.

  She walked toward a narrow alley next to Asmeth’s place of business and knocked on a bright turquoise-painted door.

  “There you are!” Asmeth opened the door and hugged her tightly. He looked past her and smiled broadly. “Welcome!” He rapidly spoke in the guttural sounds Lili first heard Jared make.

  Jared smiled back and replied in the same language.

  “But I am rude to my beautiful Lili,” Asmeth said, ushering them inside. “We must speak so she can understand us.”

  She stepped in and inhaled the rich spices of food that made her mouth water. She wasn’t able to snatch more than a quick lunch that day, so by now she was starving.

  Asmeth wasn’t just a wizard with clothing but also with delectable foods that tempted her palate. They sat in a room filled with sumptuous silk cushions, low, highly polished black lacquer tables, and elegant bowls filled with a variety of foods.

  “I have dragon egg soup, roasted griffin breast, seasoned greens, pickled frog legs, sugared almonds, and many other treats,” the wizard continued, naming the foods arrayed before them.

  “How many guests are you expecting, Asmeth?” Jared laughed. “There’s a feast here.”

  “Asmeth never does anything by half measure,” Lili said, accepting Asmeth’s hand as she arranged herself on a cobalt blue silk cushion.

  “And one of my special wines.” The wizard poured a golden liquid into three goblets. “To a meal that befits us.” He toasted them.

  “How did you two meet?” Lili asked curiously.

  “The boy needed sanctuary,” Asmeth said as he met Jared’s frown with a smile. “You cannot tell me that Lili does not know all about you.”

  “Not everything,” he muttered, reaching over to refill his goblet.

  “Their calling you dangerous is a travesty,” the wizard huffed. “The only danger you cause is to the females who lust after you.” His portly belly rolled with his laughter, which gradually subsided. “First, we will speak of the children you sent me.” He speared a look at Lili.

  “Cassie grew up very quickly when she became Kevin’s mother,” she reminded him.

  “Yes, I saw her maturity and that she is different. Oh, not a preternatural.” He waved his hand, smiling as red-and-gold sparks floated off his fingertips. “More as a…” he looked upward as he searched for the right word, “a receiver. She is someone who would easily attract someone from our world. And her son shows great promise as one who sees past illusions. Sees us for what we truly are.” His fingers hovered over the bowls until he chose a sugared almond, popping it into his mouth. He spooned dragon egg soup into three bowls and passed two to Lili and Jared. “Of course, I could only perform a few cursory tests on the boy.” He clucked under his tongue. “They have very little in their lives,” he informed her.

  “That was easy to assume,” she
said, sensing what was coming next.

  “I invited Cassandra to stay in my other residence and told her she was not to worry about any form of rental payment. I assured her she and her son would be perfectly safe there. That I would not be living there, and it would be solely for her own use.” He chuckled. “Kevin told her I spoke the truth, and if they stayed there, he could have a puppy or kitten. They will move in this weekend. The girl needs more schooling, but she is too proud to accept much help. She requires a higher-paying position than where she is now. And I will look into Kevin receiving proper education. He is a very intelligent boy, and I know he will learn quickly.”

  Lili felt her entire body warm. She also knew the little boy would have a pet before the week was out. “I knew I could count on you, Asmeth, and I thank you for all your kindness. After talking to Kevin, do you have any idea what his father is?”

  “Besides his obviously being a demon?” He shook his head. “I am not certain, but I will be doing some sleuthing. You might also want to contact your friend Margit. Perhaps she can provide you some additional protection charms for the young man. We must do what we can, so Cassandra will not have to fear that the sire might return to steal the boy away. I am sure his full powers will flourish once he has reached puberty. He needs to learn shielding as soon as possible.” He glanced at Jared. “I feel you could assist me with that.”

  “If there’s a way I can, I’m happy to help,” Jared promised, realizing as he looked at Lili that he would do anything to receive the bright smile he just received.

  He couldn’t remember the last time someone looked at him as if he wasn’t a rabid animal or treated him even worse. Lili was the first in a long time who showed him any form of kindness. He looked her way, staring into her coffee-brown eyes. Her olive skin, wildly curling hair, and dark eyes gave her a wild, striking look and revealed her Mediterranean heritage.

  He knew little about her magickal heritage other than she was a witch talented in the healing arts and had obviously been a doctor for many years. He overheard the other inmates—there wasn’t any way he could think of any of them as patients when they sure weren’t treated like such—discussing her, their surprise at how compassionate she was. Nothing like Dr. Mortimer, who preferred to deal with a more painful way of treatment. He wasn’t sure what the doctor wanted from them, but he was at the point where he intended to find out one way or another.