Between the Bleeding Willows (The Demon Hunters Series Book 1)

by Roach, D. A.

  “This is a really nice car.”

  “German engineering at its finest. It’s a smooth ride.” Tyler picked a playlist off his phone to play through the speakers. “Have you heard of Silversun Pickups?” I shook my head. He pressed play and put the car in gear. The music was fitting, lighter than the Krav soundtrack but still energetic. While he was distracted by the road, I checked him out. Tyler was a good-looking guy with short, messy, blond hair, slightly longer on top, fair skin, and blue eyes. His chin was square with strong cheekbones. He turned to face me and smiled. Caught. “What?”

  “Just assessing whether you are a serial killer, momma’s boy, or closet geek.”

  He chuckled. “Well, which do you think?”

  “Hmm…a closet geek wouldn’t listen to music like this or coordinate your clothes as well as you do.” Tyler was not at the top of the style chain, but he looked edgy and modern, even in workout clothes. “And I’m not sure on the momma’s boy part. She hasn’t called you yet and you haven’t called her…so that’s a good sign.”

  “Actually, my mom died a few years ago so calling her would be hard,” he said dismissively.

  “Oh, sorry.”

  “No worries.” He looked towards me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring down the mood. What about serial killer?”

  Checking the backseat and glove box, I returned and said, “So far, so good…no duct tape, cable ties, or gags in sight, but I’ll be able to make a better assessment after lunch and a good conversation.”

  He smiled at my banter, and I was enjoying myself. He pulled into a parking lot next to a rundown small building.

  “I know it doesn’t look like much, but I promise, the food is amazing.”

  I hoped he was right, and I hoped it was clean. This was the kind of place where you’d expect cockroaches and rats. Tyler walked ahead of me, and I appreciated the view. He had broad shoulders, a trim body, and a lean waist. Although as I compared him to Casper, it was clear that Tyler was more muscular and a bit shorter than him. He opened the door for me.

  “A man with manners. I guess chivalry is not dead.”

  “Careful, if you inflate my ego too much, I won’t fit through the door.” I grabbed his hand and rolled my eyes playfully.

  The inside of the restaurant was very clean. It smelled wonderful, exotic but delicious.

  “Mister Tyler, did you have a good class?” A small, Asian man approached and smiled at Tyler.

  “I did, Joe, thank you for asking.” The small man showed us to a table along the wall. The walls were stark white with maroon paint beneath the chair rail. Calendars hung on the wall, and a lucky cat sat near the register. On the back wall was a large aquarium with fish as large as my lower leg. The décor was a bit tacky, but it was clean and well kept.

  The man returned with menus and waters then quickly left. “Joe? He doesn’t look like a Joe.”

  Tyler looked at the man and smiled back at me. “Hey, people tell me what they want me to call them, and that’s what I use. But, you’re right…he looks more like an Alex or Thomas.” He smiled and I found myself laughing. “Anyway, unless you feel adventurous,” Tyler said, “I recommend number ten. That’s the soup I told you about.”

  “I’ll just order that.” I set the menu down and took a sip of water. “So tell me about yourself. Do you work? Do you live nearby?”

  “Yes, I work at my father’s factory. And I live about a half hour from here in the Village of Winnetka. Heard of it?”

  “No. What do you do at the factory? What do they make?”

  Tyler took the paper off his straw and began folding it into small triangles. “I do everything, honestly. My dad is the CEO of a huge telecommunications company. He has me working every job in the factory so I understand every aspect of the business.”

  “Sounds like a smart idea.”

  “I guess. He should try it too. I think he’s lost touch with his employees.”

  “So is he trying to train you to take his place one day?”

  “I don’t know. Besides, I’m not sure I want to do that. For now, I’m learning a lot and making money. Good enough for me.” He set the straw wrapper down and looked up at me. “What about you? Do you work?”

  “No.”

  “College?”

  “Not yet. My Gram died this summer, and it’s taken some time to get past it. I’m weighing my options.”

  “Your Gram?

  “Grandma, but she was more than that. She raised me since I was born. I’ve always called her Gram.”

  “I’m sorry she passed.” He gave me one of those rare looks of understanding that wasn’t sympathy or pity.

  “Thanks.” I looked down. I still hadn’t gotten used to this exchange whenever I had to bring up Gram.

  After a moment, he gladly changed topics. “So when you are not in Krav class you are…slacking?” He sat back and smiled a sexy smile with a raised eyebrow.

  “Are you calling me a slacker?” I guffawed. “Okay, fine. It’s been a few months…”

  “Listen, I’m just teasin’. Just don’t let life pass you by, you know?” Joe came to take our orders and hurried away. Within a few minutes, he brought out two steaming bowls of a broth and noodle soup, along with plates of vegetables, herbs, and meat.

  “Here, this goes in and you stir.” Tyler used his chopsticks and picked up the raw beef slices and beansprouts and plopped them into his soup. “It’s good with the jalapenos in there, if you like it hot.” He put everything from his little plate of veggies and herbs into his soup and stirred it.

  “This smells wonderful.” I grabbed my spoon and took a sip. The soup was delicious, unlike anything I had eaten before. “Oh my God, it’s so yummy.” I tore off some cilantro and added it to my soup along with two jalapeno slices.

  Tyler smiled and continued eating. He asked more about Gram, and I gave him the short version of our lives together. Then I inquired about his mom.

  “You mentioned your mom passed away too. How did she die?”

  He looked down into his soup. “She fell from our balcony in the entrance of our home.”

  “Oh my, how?”

  “Good question. There was no sign of what she was doing prior to falling. I just remember her laying on the ground, twisted unnaturally, blood everywhere.”

  “I am so sorry.”

  “Thanks. It’s been a few years…”

  “Did your dad remarry?”

  “Not yet, but he’s in a relationship. She’s okay, I guess. I think she’s more arm candy for him than anything.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She doesn’t have much personality, but she’s stunning to look at. She doesn’t look much older than me. He brings her around to all of his high press events. Anyway, change of subject…”

  “Sorry.” I didn’t want him to feel uneasy talking with me. “So, no college for you either?”

  “I finished.”

  “What? How old are you?”

  “Twenty-one. I graduated this past spring. Lots of summer school and advanced classes helped me finish early.” He looked at me. “Wait, how old are you?”

  “Nineteen.”

  Joe took our bowls away and laid down the bill. Tyler grabbed it and looked at his watch.

  “My treat. Listen, I hate to speed this along but I forgot I have an appointment in an hour.”

  “That’s okay. I just need to use the restroom. Be right back.” When I returned, Tyler was chatting with Joe near the register. I walked past our table to double check that I had not left anything. A one hundred dollar bill lay on the table. There was no way our food cost that much money. At the register, I noticed the display read $27.53.

  “Tyler, there was a large bill on the table, did you mean to leave that much?” I whispered. He nodded at me and finished with Joe. He held the door for me as we exited. Either this kid had more money than he knew what to do with, or Joe needed the money and Tyler was being altruistic.

  In the car, I turned t
oward Tyler, “Thank you for lunch. By the way, I decided on my new career choice. I think I’ll be your personal waitress since you tip so well.”

  He smiled at me from the driver’s side. “I could go for that, you’re pretty and your banter is fun. All that’s left is bringing me delicious food.” His compliment made me blush. “Maybe we can partner up next week in class?”

  “Maya might be sad. She was a good match up today.”

  “I’ll kick Maya’s ass so you don’t have to worry about upsetting her,” he teased as he pulled up next to my car. We hugged farewell, and he waited long enough to see me start my car before turning out of the parking lot.

  My afternoon with Tyler had been fun and it reminded me that positives existed here in the Human Realm, I just had to remember to not let life pass me by.

  Chapter Seventeen

  I was feeling better than ever. My energy returned, my outlook on life was brighter—time to get my life in order.

  I started with the laundry. My mom’s ring fell from the pocket of my workout pants and clanged as it hit the tile floor. My hand was still healing from the gash the ring made during Krav class. Not wanting to aggravate the wound, I put it back in my jewelry box before heading downstairs.

  “Lots of work, but lots of energy,” I said to no one. It felt great to not be sick. I managed to get the house back in order and even looked into college classes.

  The next day was another great day. I stretched out and went for a two mile run along the country roads around my house. When I returned I saw I missed a call.

  “Hello, Ms. Kavanaugh, this is Tracy from Dr. Milosett’s office. We need you to come in for a repeat blood test. You don’t need an appointment, just come in when it’s convenient.”

  They left a number if I had any questions, so I called and pressed two to speak to a nurse.

  “You’ve reached Tracy, Dr. Milosett’s nurse. I am with a patient right now but if you leave a message, I will try to return your call within one business day. Thanks.” Beep.

  I hung up. Why did they need more blood? They said I didn’t need an appointment, so I left for the doctor’s office.

  When the receptionist asked, “Hello, can I help you?” I realized I had no recollection of my drive. Scary.

  “I need to give another blood sample.”

  “Oh, very good. Please fill this out and have a seat.” She handed me a clipboard with three papers. Did I seriously have to fill this out again? Nothing had changed since last week, but laboring through the forms helped pass the time. Eventually, the door opened and a nurse looked down at her clipboard.

  “Cassidy? Are you here for the blood draw?” the nurse asked and I nodded.

  “Come here, sweetheart…” She led me to a back room and had me confirm my date of birth. “Very good. How have you been feeling?”

  “Well, it depends on the day. Right now, pretty good. But a few days ago I swore I had a virus.” She nodded and motioned for me to sit in a special chair with large arms. As she prepped and started drawing my blood, I continued, “They said I needed to repeat the blood test. What were the results from the first one?”

  “I’m sorry. I’m not allowed to discuss that with you, but I can see if your doctor is available.”

  “Yes, please. Thank you.” She finished and withdrew the needle, then applied a bandage.

  “Wait here, and I’ll see if I can find her.” The nurse returned a few minutes later. “I’m sorry, Dr. Milosett left twenty minutes ago for a conference. I can have her call you in the morning.”

  What more could I do? “Fine. When will these results be in?”

  “The lab is in this same building, so hopefully tomorrow midday. No promises, though.”

  God, I hated waiting. Needing a distraction, I got in my car and headed to Krav. I had never been to a Tuesday class, but I knew they offered classes all throughout the week.

  “Hi, it’s not my usual class day, but I’m having a bad day,” I said to petite blonde behind the counter.

  “No worries, there’s a bag class going on right now.”

  “Thanks.” The class was challenging; it was more of a workout and did not teach blocks and hits, but it felt good to exercise and clear my head. After class, I finished signing up for classes, then went to my car. My brain was thinking about the blood tests, and I wasn’t ready to go home. Physically, I felt better than I had in days so there was probably nothing to worry about.

  I drove aimlessly around this side of town, nearing the Lake Michigan shores. It was hard to believe this beautiful view was less than an hour from where I lived.

  ‘Village of Winnetka’ the brown wooden sign read. Hey, this was Tyler’s part of town. I slowed, not wanting to get a ticket in the small town ahead. The houses were grand; each was as big as four of mine combined, at least. Their front yards stretched far and were adorned with gorgeous, mature trees. Each house seemed more impressive than the next. But the one that particularly stood out had a horseshoe drive lined with boxwoods and rose bushes. The house was a pale stone mansion with large windows that arched at the top and repeated around the ground floor. The entry had a circular landing surrounded by large pillars resembling the Grecian monuments connecting the landing to the circular overhang—breathtaking. Someone exited a car parked on the driveway, a grey car with a Krav Maga sticker in the back window. It couldn’t be. Surely, it was a coincidence, and some other Krav student lived here or was visiting. I drove slowly ahead to get a better view of the car. The front grill had four perfect circles—an Audi. Was this Tyler’s house? Grabbing a pen from my purse, I wrote down the address so I could look into this in the safety of my own home. When I reached the end of the block, I flipped around and slowly drove past the house one last time, writing down the license plate number too.

  A welcome distraction…just what I needed.

  I drove home, avoiding Blaylock Grove. That was my past. It was time to look ahead and find out more about Tyler. I pulled up the gravel drive and parked beneath the large elm in the back of the house. Inside, I made a cup of soup and fired up my computer. I typed in his license plate number and hit search. Nothing. Google Earth would be easier. I typed in the address and an impressive mansion on a large plot of land came on the screen. There’s no way this could be Tyler’s house; he didn’t act like a rich kid. I admired the house for a few more minutes and then Googled “doctor repeat blood test.” Curiosity always won over smart thinking.

  Various answers scrolled across the screen but they all said “doctors will repeat a blood test if there is an abnormal result.” It could be nothing, and I needed to keep the worry from growing within me…at least until the doctor told me there was something to worry about.

  I shut down the computer and cuddling up on the couch to watch The Shining. Halloween was approaching, my favorite time of year. Gram and I would bake a pie each weekend in October, a different flavor each week. Then mid-October we would stop at a local pumpkin farm, take the hay ride to the field, and grab some pumpkins to carve.

  I decided tomorrow I would make a pie in honor of Gram and our traditions.

  ***

  In the morning, I headed to the grocery store to buy the needed ingredients for the pie. Then I headed home to heat the oven and assemble the crust. Pricking it as Gram taught, I remembered I needed dried beans to weigh the crust down for the blind bake. I grabbed the beans from the pantry and the phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Cassidy? This is Jan from Dr. Milosett’s office. Your most recent blood test came back normal. If you experience feelings of being unwell in the future, call and make another appointment.”

  That was great news, but I still asked her why they had to take blood twice.

  “Your initial white blood count was very high, but your new results are normal. Dr. Milosett said it was probably an infection, but you are all clear.”

  My body truly felt worlds better.

  When the pie finished baking, I set it out to cool. A t
rip to Benton’s Pumpkin Farm would make this day even better. I ran upstairs and changed into warmer clothes and checked myself in the mirror. There was more color in my face and my eyes looked brighter. I undid the bandage that covered my palm and saw the wound from the ring had healed. Good, I was wanting to feel connected to my past while enjoying the day. Opening the jewelry box that sat on my dresser, I found Mom’s ring and slid it onto my finger.

  Benton’s was a five minute drive from the house at best. I meandered through the old country store and bought a few jams and honey bottles. Then I bought my ticket for the hayride to the pumpkin patch and ran my bag of goodies to the car.

  The old, red tractor pulled up just as I returned from the car. A group of us loaded onto the attached trailer; a couple sat opposite me on a bale of hay. They were young and in love, holding hands and whispering to each other as Jace and I once had on this very ride. Jace had joined Gram and I the past two years at Benton’s. We’d return home to carve the pumpkins and watch whatever scary movie was on TV. So much had happened since then, and now Jace was lost to the darkness. He’d chosen the darkness; that’s what Killian had said. A cold breeze stirred me from my memory, and I pushed it away.

  Pumpkins, orange and fat, lay in waiting on the dirt amongst the withered vines. The tractor stopped and we unloaded into the patch. My eyes scanned the field for three pumpkins that weren’t too large to carry. I settled upon one medium and two small round ones. The wind blew its icy breath again, and I felt the cold deep within my bones. My teeth chattered and my hands trembled. I set the pumpkins down to zipper my coat and put on some gloves. Better, but still frigid. Where was that tractor? Tilting my chin beneath my coat collar, I blew warm air from my mouth into the small area my lower face occupied. Finally, the tractor sputtered and lurched to a stop close by. I loaded on with my pumpkins. My teeth made so much noise that I drew attention to myself. Damn, it was cold! I looked around at the others riding back and many had their sweaters tied around their waist. No one wore gloves or shivered like me.