Night Terrors (Sarah Beauhall Book 4)

by J. A. Pitts

  I rubbed my eyes. Not enough pieces to the puzzle. Besides, what did that have to do with either Katie or JJ?

  “Tell Jai Li we love her and will come get her as soon as we can,” I said, finally. I was too damned tired to think.

  “She asked about Nidhogg,” Julie whispered. “Said the dragon was angry about something.” There was a long pause. “Sarah, how does she know Nidhogg’s angry?”

  My stomach was in knots. All I’d had to eat in the last twelve hours had been coffee. I needed something on my stomach or I was gonna hurl.

  “I called Qindra,” I said, turning away from the waiting room. Didn’t want Jimmy getting his panties in a wad. “Nidhogg was going a little nuts. Qindra was dealing with it, but she hasn’t called back yet.”

  “When is this going to end, Sarah?” Julie asked. “When is too much?”

  What could I say? I didn’t have any answers for her. “I don’t know.”

  We let it hang there for a long time. I stared out onto the highway, letting the lights from the traffic hold my attention.

  “Would you feel safer at Black Briar?” I asked finally.

  Julie laughed an angry bark. “Hell no, we’re not bolting. Mary has her hunting rifle out and I’ve got the shotgun. Edith is keeping Jai Li calm. No way we’re letting a little fear drive us off the farm.”

  I smiled. House full of tough women. “I stand corrected,” I said. “No one better to watch Jai Li for us.”

  “Be careful,” she said. “I’ll text if Jai Li has any new brain waves. Otherwise call in the morning.”

  I hung up and stared at the traffic a bit longer. What other enemies were out there? How was this related? Who else did we know who had ties to this shit?

  Skella.

  I called her and filled her in. Surprised to find her in Bellingham. She was hanging out with a group of college kids up there. The news about Katie and JJ didn’t make Skella happy. She agreed to help if she could and I promised to call when I had more news.

  Then I called Rolph and let him in on the situation. He didn’t have any advice either, but the more eyes and ears we had on the ground, the better I thought we’d be. I told him to hug Juanita for me and left him to his family. It scared me how vulnerable we all were—especially the young ones, and Juanita was due any time now.

  Deidre patted me on the knee when I sat back down again. Jimmy had gone off to get coffee. I told her about Jai Li and we lapsed into that silence that overcomes people in waiting rooms. The sheer volume of silence becomes too heavy a burden to carry.

  So we waited. And oh, how I loved to wait.

  Twelve

  The doctors came out again around two in the morning. Katie was stable. They were feeling much better about her condition, as the aspects of shock seemed to be lessening. They were going to keep her in ICU for the immediate future, however. I shook the doctor’s hand, thanked him, and let him move on.

  Jimmy sat with his hands in his lap, wringing them to keep from punching something. He looked just like Clyde from earlier in the night. A lifetime ago.

  Deidre was making noises about staying for the duration, but I could tell she was flagging. She’d been making excellent progress with her physical therapy over the last year. The wheelchair was second nature to her now. But she didn’t have the stamina she used to. By three I pulled Jimmy aside and convinced him to take her home. I offered our apartment, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Wanted her in her own bed.

  I called Skella back to see if she could take Jimmy and Deidre home via the mirror travel and she was eager to help. By the time she could get away for a bit, another twenty minutes had eked by. It was good to see her. I’d grown fond of the elf. And I wasn’t unhappy at all when she hugged me.

  “Sorry,” she said, giving me a final squeeze. “Call me if things change.”

  I envied her at that moment. I wish I had some action I could take, some way I could make a difference.

  Jimmy would get his truck the next day. He and Deidre disappeared down an empty corridor. Several minutes later I got a text from him that they were home and that Skella was heading home herself. I was to call any of them if things changed.

  I paced a little while, letting the blood work its way through my limbs. I was growing stiff just sitting there. Moving at least felt like I was doing something. Illusion was better than nothing. At three-thirty, I gave up and went back to the couch, letting my head fall back against the wall. The ceiling tiles were very white.

  Sleep defeats even the greatest warriors. If that’s not a famous saying, it should be. One of the nurses shook me awake around five to tell me that Katie’s vitals were stable and that her color was coming back. She said I could go in and see her for a few minutes if I promised to go home and get some real sleep.

  Katie had been in the hospital over Christmas for a couple of days the last time she’d collapsed from using her magic. She’d been in a private room with an IV. It was scary, but normal.

  This was a totally different world.

  There were wires and hoses running under the blankets that I didn’t want to see where they connected. Her hair was plastered against the sides of her head and her face was puffy. I went to touch her, but wasn’t sure if I was allowed.

  “Best if you just let her rest,” the nurse said.

  I didn’t argue, just looked down at Katie and tried not to cry. The pain was building in the back of my throat, a clawing sensation that was just as likely to turn into a howl as a sob.

  “I have to go check something for a minute,” the nurse said, patting me on the arm. “I’ll be right back.”

  She walked into one of the empty rooms and stood looking at her watch; didn’t look back at me at all.

  I knelt down and kissed Katie on the forehead. She had a tube down her throat so I was afraid to get too close to her lips.

  “I’m sorry, baby,” I whispered to her. “I wish I could fix this. Wish I knew what the fuck was the matter with you.”

  The regular rhythm of the heart monitor never changed as I lay my hand on her shoulder. After three breaths, I kissed her again and turned away. I walked out of the ICU and didn’t stop until I was outside. I waited until I got into the truck before I broke down and let the salty pain bleed out of my eyes.

  I drove over to the apartment, grabbed a shower, and put together some things for Jai Li for a few days. By seven I was pulling into Circle Q. The clouds were low and heavy, threatening lots of liquid sunshine. We’d had a dry spell for a few days, quite unlike Seattle weather.

  By the time my boots hit the porch at the Circle Q, the door slammed open and Jai Li launched herself into my arms. I dropped her sleeping bag and duffle bag onto either side and caught her. She sobbed into my shoulder for a very long time, just me and her standing in the chill morning.

  I talked to her in quiet tones, explaining about Katie being okay, how she was going to come home soon, and Jai Li finally quieted. The women of Circle Q stood in the doorway, watching us. Mary was crying, one hand covering her mouth. Julie had her arms crossed but wiped at her eyes. Only Mrs. Sorenson—Edith—wasn’t crying. She was watching me, appraising me. I looked at her for a moment and she nodded once, then turned back into the house.

  I stood and carried Jai Li across the porch. Mary held the door and Julie stepped out and grabbed the things I’d dropped. I walked straight through to the back of the house to where Mrs. Sorenson was standing.

  “Put her here,” she said, pointing to a large bed covered with a double wedding band quilt. “She has not slept. Lay with her.”

  I nodded and set Jai Li on the side of the bed, kneeling at her feet.

  “Come on, Big Girl,” I said, taking off her shoes. “Time for a little rest, what do you say?”

  At first she shook her head, but I slipped off her socks and tugged her dress over her head. Julie dropped the duffle at my feet and handed me a pair of pajamas.

  Jai Li sighed and took the pajamas out of my hand, pulling the top over her
head and stepping into the fuzzy bottoms. They were pale blue.

  When I tucked her in, she grabbed my hand and pulled me toward her.

  “Lay with her,” Julie said.

  I glanced over. “Not tired.”

  “That’s what Jai Li says,” she said with a smile, flicking out the light. “Lay with her a bit and get her to sleep.”

  I rolled my eyes and sat on the side of the bed to take off my Docs. Soon I was nestled in the bed beside Jai Li, who snuggled up to me and closed her eyes.

  “Only for a few minutes,” I said. I closed my eyes and tried to believe the lie.

  Thirteen

  Julie shook me awake late in the afternoon. “Phone,” she said, handing me my cell. “Qindra.”

  I grabbed the phone and followed her out of the room. Jai Li was sleeping, one arm thrown over her head. Julie pointed to an office two doors down.

  “Hey,” I said into the phone, pulling the door closed and finding a large office chair to collapse in. “How are things?”

  “Rough,” Qindra said into the phone. “Nidhogg is sleeping, finally. I don’t know what the hell happened yesterday, but it’s a damn miracle we didn’t have more casualties.”

  I rubbed my face, letting a huge yawn overwhelm me. “Sorry,” I said. “I was dead asleep.”

  “Lucky you,” she said. “I haven’t slept. I hear we weren’t the only ones affected by this, whatever it was.”

  “Wait, casualties? Did she freak out and eat people again?”

  Okay, maybe not the smoothest way to ask that question.

  Qindra sighed. “Tactful as always, Beauhall. She cleared her throat before continuing. “Minor injuries. One broken arm, two burns, nothing major. The staff scattered when she turned. Luckily, I was able to hold her attention long enough for the others to make it out.”

  “Not too horrible, then,” I said. Of course, Katie wasn’t conscious and JJ had seen better days. No one dead yet. Hell of a way to measure success.

  I filled her in on JJ’s and Katie’s situation as well as Jai Li’s antics.

  She listened, asking probing questions. “Damn it, Sarah. I couldn’t pinpoint exactly where the epicenter of this event was, but I know it was south, Kent area. And with Katie crashing and burning, I’m betting hers is the hot spot.”

  “Want to go over there?” I asked, climbing to my feet. “Scout out the place? I’d like to get a bead on what the hell happened.”

  “Interesting thought,” she said. I could almost see the look on her face, that quizzical and determined look she got when she was narrowing in on something. That image was burned into my memory from when she was holding that dome together out in Chumstick. She’d held that against the wraiths and ghosties for months. Magic or no, I had no idea how she’d managed to stay alive, other than sheer cussedness, as my da would’ve said.

  “Give me two hours,” she said. “I want to make sure that Nidhogg is really and truly calmed down. Hell, I may even sedate her. A little wine should do the trick in her state. Just something to take the edge off.”

  I rocked my head around slowly, stretching the muscles and listening to the creaks of my spine. Sleep would be more prudent.

  “Two hours,” I said instead. “You know the place?”

  Of course she knew the place. She had done her research the second she met Katie and me. I’m sure they had files about each of us somewhere in that huge old house.

  “Yeah, I’ll call ahead, get the principal’s permission to search the classroom. You’re known to them, right? They’ll recognize you?”

  I thought back to the faculty luncheon Katie had dragged me to before the last school year ended. Back when she was afraid she may not teach again. “Yes, they’ll know me.”

  We said our pleasantries and I left the office to gather up my boots.

  Julie had them in her hands when I opened the door. I hugged her and she made shushing sounds, pulling me down the hall to the kitchen.

  Edith handed me a chicken salad sandwich and a large glass of milk. I ate the sandwich quickly and downed the milk.

  I hugged her, which seemed to surprise her, and headed out to the truck. Julie handed me a sack with another sandwich and a thermos of coffee. I hugged her, too. I needed the human contact.

  “Watch out for Jai Li,” I said. “I’m going over to Katie’s school with Qindra. See if we can figure anything out.”

  “Assumed as much,” Julie said. “You had that look on your face that tells me you are going to do something rash and probably painful.”

  I laughed. “Hopefully neither of those, but I reserve the right to do what it takes.”

  She hugged me again. “Of course. Find out what this is before anyone gets killed. Then we need to seriously discuss moving someplace with fewer dragons and necromancers and shit.”

  Did such a place exist? Or were we just screwed in general. “Don’t pack up yet,” I said. “The grass isn’t always greener and all that jazz.”

  She waved as I drove away. There was something comforting about seeing her there. Safe and sound—that’s what it meant for me. A person who loved me unconditionally. Folks who were in my corner. Good to know I had a place to come home to.

  Now off to find the witch and track down just what the hell happened to Katie. It felt good to have a plan. There was definitely something wrong here and if Qindra and I couldn’t get to the bottom of it, no one could.

  At least that was the hope.

  Fourteen

  I got to the school ahead of Qindra. Must have been tougher to get away from Nidhogg than she thought. Even though it was after five, there were several older model sedans in the parking lot. Katie’s Miata was still in her spot. I’d tell Jimmy to have some of the Black Briar crew come move it. No reason to leave it here longer. Kids would just vandalize it. I headed into the office to see who I could see.

  Principal Nutter was still in his office and rushed out when he saw me.

  “Any word?” he asked. He was pale, his pencil mustache the only real color on his whole bald head. “Is she okay?”

  I put my hand on his shoulder. “She’s stable,” I said, trying to smile. “Doctors are baffled.”

  He looked like he wanted to ask something else, but it was stuck in his throat. There was definitely something there.

  “She wasn’t attacked,” I said. “If that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “Oh, good,” he looked around quickly then leaned in toward me. “No subtle way to ask this.” He licked his lips. “Is there any drug use or anything we need to be aware of?”

  “What?” I took a step back. “Are you kidding me?” I felt my shoulders tensing up. Seriously?

  His face fell, embarrassed and horrified. “No, of course not. I just …” he faltered. “The district is very concerned here. Ms. Cornett has had a series of unfortunate events over the last year or so. The superintendent was just thinking of the children’s safety.” He didn’t look at me, kept his eyes downcast.

  I let out a long breath. Guy was scared and worried. That was his job.

  “No, no drugs. Nothing we can pinpoint at this time, either. If she comes out of the coma, we’ll ask her. What say?”

  He jerked his head up, shock painting his face. “Oh … of course … Coma?” I’d always had the impression this guy was decent enough. Tough position for him, I’m sure.

  “Is there something else I need to know about?” I asked. “Something you’ve observed?”

  “Nothing in particular,” he said, fretting. “She’s fabulous with the kids, as always. But a few of the other teachers have noticed that she looks fatigued, run-down.” He looked up at me, careful to hold my gaze. “We think the world of Kathryn. It’s just worry, is all.”

  I thanked him for his time and got his approval to pick a few things up from Katie’s room. He offered to escort me, but when I said I knew the way, he went back into his office relieved. Guy carried a heavy load.

  Qindra arrived five minutes later. Mr
. Nutter didn’t even notice. I met her out in the parking lot and we walked around to the far side of the building where the kindergarten classes were located.

  “Let me try something,” Qindra said in the little garden courtyard outside Katie’s classroom. Actually three classrooms opened onto this courtyard. It made a lovely place for the kids to work with plants. Katie loved it here; said it was peaceful.

  I watched as Qindra pulled out her wand and began to do her little squiggle magic. There had to be a pattern to it, but I couldn’t figure it out. It just looked like she was wiggling the wand around randomly and muttering under her breath. But I could feel the magic. At first it was a tickle on the back of my neck, then a breeze that ruffled the hairs on my arm. Finally, several small sparks flew into the air and coalesced into a diamond pattern, settling onto the surface of Katie’s classroom door.

  “Interesting,” she said. I watched her, expecting more, but she didn’t divulge. Instead she walked over, tapped the door with her wand, saying a quick “Alohomora,” and it clicked open.

  “I have a key, show off. Did you just say ‘Alohomora’? Is all that real? You know, wizards and Harry Potter?”

  She grinned at me and shrugged. “No, I’m just screwing with you.”

  I looked at her appraisingly. I didn’t know her to joke, this was a change. Odd time for it, but what the hell.

  “So, what’s interesting?” I asked, going back to her previous comment. We walked into the cool classroom.

  “Magic,” she said. “Chaotic. Not something I’d expect to find in a school.”

  Well, that sucked. “Right, then. Chaos magic. So she was attacked?”

  “Not necessarily,” Qindra said, glancing around the room. “Let’s not be hasty.”

  The classroom had been mopped down and all the papers cleared off Katie’s desk. While Qindra walked around doing her hoodoo, I ransacked the desk.

  Didn’t take me long. Mostly papers, crayons, safety scissors, unopened pack of little kids’ underwear in case one of them had an accident. Old pictures and stacks of graded papers. Nothing exciting. In the bottom-right drawer, however, was her personal stuff. Inside was her purse, some cards I’d sent her over the last couple of years, and the first scarf I’d ever knitted. It was folded neatly under her purse. I took out the purse, set it on the desk, and grabbed the scarf. Inside was a stack of five pictures. They were all of me: sleeping, working at the studio, hammering a sword on the anvil at Julie’s old smithy, she and me dancing out at Black Briar. The fifth one was of me in the hospital after I’d killed the dragon.