Shadow of Doubt: Part 2

by May, W. J.

  Standing in the dark wasn’t going to give him any answers, either. He went around the living room and switched on a few lights. He made his way into the kitchen and flipped the switch by the counter. He measured out six cups into his new coffeemaker. As the coffee brewed and delicious aromas filled the air, he thought about asking Coty if he could help him find Janus tonight.

  A loud pounding on the door made him almost drop the mug he’d just grabbed from the cupboard. With trembling hands, he set it on the marble counter and waited to see if the door-banger would give up and leave. The hammering continued, louder and harder this time. Insistent.

  Erebus watched the percolating coffee for a moment, wishing the dripping noise would drown out the knocking and make it disappear. Taking a deep breath, he slowly stepped out of the kitchen and forced himself to go to the door. Terror filled his body.

  Chapter 5

  Worse than a Nightmare

  He wanted to hide. It seemed a much better idea than opening the door to what might be hidden behind it. A Shadow stood behind the door. Erebus knew it wasn’t Coty. He would’ve shouted or pounded with more erratic consistency. That left only Shadows he would be happy to never see again. Whoever it was, he needed to open the door before they literally broke it down.

  Spreading his feet shoulder-width apart, he rested one hand against the wall beside the door, as if to brace for the worst, and turned the knob. He pulled the door slightly open. With his gaze downcast, large men’s dress shoes shifting impatiently crossed his line of vision. His first thought was of the scarred guard that evening a few months back at the Night Council. He closed his eyes as he exhaled a long breath and opened the door a bit more.

  “Erebus? Finally! I’ve been knocking for about five minutes.”

  The familiar voice almost made Erebus burst out laughing with relief. He opened the door fully and spread his arm wide to let the man into the room. “Janus! I’m happy you’re here. I’ve been trying to figure out how to get a hold of you. I didn’t think I’d survive waiting until tomorrow.” He heard his voice, emotional, too gushing.

  “I had a feeling you’d want to see me.”

  “You won’t believe –” He began closing the door and turned to face Janus, who was now leaning against the back of the couch, his eyebrows drawn close together, and his lips in a thin line. Erebus paused, unsure by Janus’ serious posture and worried expression. He didn’t even realize at first that something was stopping the door from fully closing. Dazed, he double checked if Janus’ familiar briefcase blocked the door.

  His blood ran cold and froze in his veins.

  Instead of the briefcase, a black leather stiletto boot blocked the door. It irked him that he hadn’t realized someone stood behind Janus sooner. He’d been so worried about getting caught; he hadn’t listened to his inner senses. He couldn’t believe he’d missed her presence.

  “Hello, sweetie.” Nanny slithered through the door, patting his cheek as she brushed by him. Her breasts brushed purposely against his arm. She wore a tight, emerald dress with a short fur coat and knee-high boots. Her thick, green eye shadow and dark liner gave her a hooker appeal. She acted like one in her gait, the way she brushed by him, and then moved to cuddle too close to Janus.

  “Why did you bring her?” Erebus glared at Janus. “What are you doing here?” He stood rigid, clenching and unclenching his fists.

  “Cozy little place you got.” Nanny let a hand slide down Janus’ arm as she slipped away from him and walked around the living room. She pointed to the British phone. “Nice touch.”

  “Sorry I had to bring her.” Janus stayed put without making any effort to remove his coat, but his eyes followed Nanny as she moved about the room, peeking into the bedroom and kitchen. Her hands touched and slid along everything.

  “Oh, I smell coffee. You must’ve known we were coming.” Nanny disappeared into the kitchen. “Or, are you expecting someone else? A friend perhaps?” Her voice held a clear mocking note to it.

  Erebus walked stiffly, his jaw clamped tightly, as he followed her into the kitchen. Cupboards banged shut as she searched for mugs. She pulled two more out when she found them and put them beside the coffeepot. She began pouring the piping black liquid. Erebus leaned against the door frame as he watched her, too upset to speak.

  “You’ve made this little apartment into quite the home. Ahhhh…. Are you nesting? Trying to become something you’re not?” She handed him a mug before pushing against him to take coffee to Janus. “Why else the need for an apartment?”

  “Leave him alone. There’s nothing wrong with Erebus wanting to be here.” Janus’ voice carried the authority that would warn any Shadow to watch themselves. “I hear from Coty, this is quite the lady’s pad.” He raised his mug towards Erebus. “Well done.”

  Erebus smiled at Janus but kept a wary eye trained on Nanny.

  “Lady’s pad?” Nanny laughed. “I highly doubt that. I think ‘Bus is trying to pull something over on you. Like I told you before, he’s hiding something and causing trouble for the Night Council.” She settled down on the couch, leaning back, jutting her chest out and letting her dress ride higher than what anyone would consider decent.

  Erebus watched Janus give her a once over. He began to wonder if any denial he made would be futile.

  Janus surprised him. “You’re a very good temptress, Nanny, but I’ve been around four human lifetimes longer than you and know every trick in the book. You’re still just a bitch in heat. I don’t know your past with Erebus, but the Shadow standing here,” Janus pointed at Erebus, “wouldn’t lie to me.”

  Nanny opened her mouth to speak but Janus cut her off.

  “You were adamant you had proof I needed to take to the Night Council. What is it?” Janus sounded seriously peeved off. “I do have other things to do, and I don’t have the time, or interest, to play your silly jealous games.” He crossed his arms tightly across his chest. “I follow our laws. You made a claim, now explain it.” He stepped away from the couch and stopped in front of the door.

  Erebus stayed rooted where he was. He held his breath as he waited for Nanny to tell Janus about Aurora, and in the same breath destroy his unstable world.

  “He’s dating a blonde, Aimee, or something stupid like that.” Nanny sat up on the couch and yanked her dress hem down closer to her knees.

  “So? He’s got a thing for blondes.” Janus pointed at Nanny’s hair.

  She waved her hand in front of her face, like swatting at a fly. “No. He’s dating a human.”

  “Erebus has never been quick in tasting the fruits of the mortal world. It seems he’s been screwed before, and he’s now overcautious. There’s no law against interacting with humans.” Janus checked his watch. “Is there anything else, Nanny? Something concrete?”

  Nanny stomped a heeled boot which echoed against the hardwood floor. “You’re not listening! He’s pretending to be human. Can’t you see?” She stood, arms spread, as she made a three hundred and sixty degree circle. “Maybe you’re becoming blind, old man.”

  “Watch yourself, Nanny.” Erebus almost jumped with excitement. Nanny had nothing on him, only a hunch. She had no idea what Aurora knew. Shoot, she couldn’t even remember Aurora’s name. “Don’t disrespect the elders. You’ll be the one in front of the Night Council again. I highly doubt they’ll be as easy on you as they were last time.”

  “Shut up,” Nanny hissed.

  “Enough, Nanny,” Janus warned. “It seems you have nothing and I’m already late for a meeting. I’ll let myself out.” Janus tilted his head to look directly at Erebus. “I’ll see you tomorrow night at the usual spot.” He opened the door and walked away before Erebus could reply.

  Nanny moved across the couch, closer to Erebus. “Why’s he in such a hurry?” She blinked several times.

  “Give it up.” Erebus rolled his eyes before walking into the kitchen. He rinsed his mug in the sink and set it aside. He wanted Nanny out of his place, preferably out of his life
, forever. Spinning around, he took two quick steps and skidded to a halt, trying to avoid crashing into her. He reached around her to grasp the frame to stop his forward momentum.

  Nanny didn’t miss a beat. She slipped her arms around his waist and pulled herself tight to him. With her neck-breaking high heeled boots, she stood almost the same height. Rubbing her hips against his, she reached to send hot breath against his ear.

  “Stop.” Erebus grasped the trim and grimaced when he felt it rip off against the doorframe in his right hand. He couldn’t move forward as he’d be pushing tight against her, and he couldn’t step back as he’d be dragging her with him. “Get off!”

  “That’s not what your body’s telling me.” She began leaving wet marks on his neck.

  He wanted to peel her off and throw her against a wall. Except, Nanny would think it was some sort of foreplay. When she let her hands brush against his chest and make their way towards his head, he grabbed her wrists.

  “Ahhh…You’re in the mood for bondage tonight?” She purred. “You’ve changed since we’ve been apart.” She stepped back and pulled him into the living room. “Do you have a room of choice? The couch or floor, or are you still old-fashioned and want the bed?”

  He couldn’t stay calm anymore. “Get out. You’re disgusting. How can you think I’d be interested in any part of you?”

  “Liar.” She shouted but took a step away from him.

  “Self-absorbed bitch! Open your eyes and realize the truth.” He reached for her hand and clenched it in a vice-like grip and then he pulled her towards the door. As they passed the couch, he grabbed her fur coat strewn on the back of it and tossed it at her. “Just get out of here. You aren’t welcome.”

  She ripped her hand out of his. “You’re playing with fire. You know that, don’t you? That human slut isn’t going to satisfy you. You think pretending to be human is going to make you one of them? That the Night Council will forget about you and let you go your merry little way?”

  “Can’t you get it in your tiny, pea brain I don’t want you? Not now, not ever again. You disgust me!” She could threaten to get him or Aurora all she wanted. At this moment he didn’t care. The revulsion inside of him for Nanny trumped any clear thought of safety.

  “Whatever. Try and pretend this is about me. I know you, and you’re way more screwed up than I ever was. Your judgment is going to make mine look like a slap on the wrist. It’s going to be worse than any nightmare you’ve ever had.”

  Erebus strode over to the door and swung it open. “Get out.”

  “I’ll leave, but you don’t have eyes in the back of your head. You can’t watch your little whore and keep yourself safe. Then, there’s your friend, Coty, and…” She brought her hand to her mouth in mock horror. “There’s also your handler. Seems you have a special little bond with him as well. Whatever will you do, Erebus? You can’t protect them all and prevent the Night Council from questioning you.

  “And they will. I confided with the girls before I came looking for you. Let them know you were my partner in all my actions.” She scowled. “You were never witness to my standing before them, my arguments or the penalty I had to pay for my crimes. Five bloody years I had to live in the world’s most lousy places. Summers in the Artic, as the nights are few and far between, and then I had to live on some lousy little island in the Pacific, where winter was opposite to here. I haven’t had a proper anything, let alone a full night in half a decade.” She whipped her coat on and stomped towards him.

  “Get out of here and then leave town. Make a new life for yourself on another continent.” Erebus moved to open the door wider.

  “Oh, I’m not going anywhere, my dear. I plan on returning the favor you gave to me. Five years of misery.” She rested a cold hand on his chest and smiled like the Cheshire cat. “That is, unless you want to beg for my forgiveness and show how much you’ve missed me. You know destiny wants us to be together. We’re two of a kind.”

  “We’re not the same; not even close. Destiny’s having a laugh.” He could barely look at her. He just wanted her far away from him.

  “Think long and hard about this, Erebus.” She didn’t move. “This is one mistake you don’t want to make.” She stepped away from him and turned to go. “Oops, I forgot my purse.” She twirled around and bent over the back of the couch, her rump wiggling in the air.

  Erebus blew a long, exasperated breath out. Only Nanny would think that was seductive and would have to take two minutes to grab a purse that should take five seconds. He watched as she pulled herself upright and slipped her phone into her purse before zipping it shut.

  “You have a wonderful evening. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you tomorrow or Saturday.” She reached up to kiss him, but Erebus leaned his head back to avoid the vampire lips. She patted his cheek with her hand as she headed out the door. Talk about schizophrenic personality.

  He slammed the door shut and locked it. Too angry to think clearly, he took two long strides and dropped himself onto the couch. He stretched out, plopping his feet on one arm and letting his head fall on the other. About to cross his arms over his chest and let out a tirade of words to describe Nanny, he only managed the thought before having to sit up. He reached behind his back and, irritated, pulled his phone out from under him. He gave it a dirty look as he tossed it onto the coffee table, where it slid across and came to a halt against a mug with a bright red lipstick line.

  The lipstick just made him angrier. He jumped up and snatched the mug, bringing it to the kitchen. He drilled it into the garbage can. He’d rather buy an entire new set of dishes than have to wash any of her crap away.

  The shattering noise inside the chrome bin seemed to give him some release. It calmed him down enough that he decided to try sitting inside his K6 and come up with some sort of plan. Inside he gazed at his reflection against the glass. His blue-grey eyes stared back at him, their color turning to a steel grey. Nanny wasn’t going to give up until she hurt him and got her revenge. Or until she owned him and he submitted to her. This could go on forever if she had her way.

  What was the most important thing at this moment? The answer couldn’t be clearer: protect Aurora. His only comfort was knowing Aurora would leave Saturday morning, and she’d be safe. They just had to get through tomorrow.

  Chapter 6

  Missing

  Friday evening dawned grey and dismal. When Erebus stepped out of the phone booth, it took him a moment to realize the murky darkness wasn’t lingering remnants of his waking. It felt like snow or rain would fall at any moment. Erebus could tell it had managed to hold off throughout the day. The ground had wet patches from snow melting, but dryer areas showed through. The weather seemed to match his mood perfectly.

  He reached inside his coat and grumbled when he didn’t feel his phone. Stopping to check his side pockets, he groaned when he came up empty-handed. He’d had a cell since they first became available, and the one time he actually needed it, he’d left it in his apartment.

  Rotating, he walked back to the pay phone and stepped inside. He smiled wryly. He’d been a phone booth for about a hundred years, and this was the first time he was actually going to use one. Closing his eyes, he pictured Aurora’s number on the face of his cell. Hitting the digits on the older push button phone, he hoped she’d pick up, even though she might not recognize the number.

  “Crap,” he whispered when he got her voice mail. He waited for the beep, enjoying the sound of her husky voice on her message. “Hi. It’s Erebus. I left my phone in my apartment, and I’ve got a meeting with Janus in a bit. I’ll give you a shout when I get back to my place.” He paused, trying to think of something personal to add that wasn’t cliché. “You’re my sunshine in the darkness.” He slammed the phone back on the receiver, rolling his eyes. A simple ‘see you later’ would’ve worked. Even ‘I love you’ would have been better.

  He checked his watch. There was enough time to head home and then meet Janus. He ran to his apartment and aft
er some searching, found his cell on the coffee table. Slipped it in his coat, he headed over to the Starbucks on Lake Street. Janus might already be there. He wanted to ask his handler a few questions without any other Shadows present. He needed to be quick as he had no desire to see Nanny tonight, if he could avoid her.

  Erebus sighed when he didn’t see Janus on first glance from the large front window outside of Starbucks. Once out of the cold, he ignored the tempting aromas and checked to see if Janus sat at a booth nearer the back. All he found was an annoying love-sick couple holding hands and whispering quietly to each other. Irritated, he stood in line to order a cinnamon latte and picked a chair near the door. Knees bouncing he waited, and checked his watch every few moments.

  At quarter after eight, just before Erebus was about to give up and head out to search the small town, Janus came hurrying in.

  “Sorry I’m late. Got held up by you-know-who.” Janus settled into the seat across from him, dropping his briefcase by his feet.

  “Coty, or Nanny?” Erebus was pretty sure which one.

  “That she-devil.” Janus shook his head. “She’s a persistent little thing, isn’t she? Wouldn’t let me leave until I gave her double the usual. I know she’s just settling into town, but that’s a little over-indulgent, don’t you think?” He reached for his briefcase and set it on the table. “Maybe she’s just used to NYC spending. Can’t see why a gal like that would want to be here. ”

  “I’ve got a few ideas.” Erebus couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of his voice. He held back mentioning Nanny had just spent the past five years in solitary confinement, thanks to the Night Council. Could Janus already know that? Grinding his teeth, he thought about Aurora and realized he had to say something. Taking the money Janus offered, he stuffed it inside his coat. “I know you’re running late, but do you have a few moments?”