“You thinking this more than a natural event?”
“I just can’t shake the feeling. If it is, I want to get a jump on it. Meet me soon?”
Will do.”
Nihilist clip-clopped into the shadowy attic of Old Town’s mansion. He centered a burlap bag inside a pentagram etched into a rough-hewn rectangular table. He hastily circled the five-pointed star with salt.
Nihilist hopped backwards when the burlap sack vibrated to life and crumpled into a heap. A purple and black witch ball twitched, then hummed and uncoiled. Rings of amethyst and onyx stretched to the ceiling and snapped back toward the table. “Why do you contain me?”
The gurgling voice sent a chill through Nihilist. “You may fool others, small demon—not me! I will keep my life.” Yellow eyes glinted off neon-red ones.
“You are afraid of me.” The imp stretched upward. “How delightful.”
“Where is the skull?”
“Look out the window.” Pet mocked.
“The miniature.”
“Well, if you could see fit to let me out of this prison, I might be able to help you.”
“I’m not a fool!”
“Oh, but you are.”
Nihilist clip-clopped forward and stood just out of Pet’s reach. “I’m not imprisoned by the Kumrande.”
“This?” Pet glanced around at the salt. “You think it will contain me forever?”
“Yes.”
“Just know when I am free, your punishment will be eternal.” Pet shivered with delight.
“You won’t get out of there.”
“We shall see. Onto more pressing matters. Where is the she-thing?”
“What do you speak of?”
“Do you think I’m deaf? I heard you talking among your comrades. Now, where is the tree-dweller? She is no longer in her prison.”
Nihilist put weight on one hoof then the other, like a small child caught in the act of stealing a cookie before dinner.
“WHERE IS SHE?” Pet roared.
“I don’t know,” Nihilist’s jaw tightened.
“You are a fool! She is not of the demons; she is not of the humans. She has no allegiance and seeks to destroy us. Why do you think we left her in the tree for these centuries?”
Nihilist stared into the hate-filled red eyes. “We will find her.”
“You have an original thought? Since what time?”
“I can think for myself! The Gorgon’s imprisonment left her starved for human food. She will reveal herself. Then we will find her.”
Pet pulsed through his yellow and purple colors as he thought. “Bring me the she-thing.”
“Why would I?”
“Because if you don’t, I will destroy this trinket.” Pet turned his clawed hand toward the floor. A miniature skull dropped to his feet. The demon morphed into a purple and black hammer and hovered over the sculpture.
“You would not destroy that. You need it as much as we do.”
Pet became a lavender vapor and streaked to the ceiling. “True.”
Nihilist backed up several feet, the clippity-clop echoed through the oppressive silence.
The mist rocketed toward the table, then disappeared. A small arrowhead lay in the center of the pentagram. “I can find a stupid human to release me.”
“Not as long as you are alone.”
“Do not underestimate me, slave. I was made to destroy those filthy and arrogant humans. Mark my words, I will have one—soon.”
“How is it you escape the abyss when the others in Iconoclast’s dark army do not?”
“It is none of your concern. This skull is.”
“What do you want me to do? The woman demands it. Or she demands my death. I must have it.”
“I would like to see Lilith take you.” A vision of blood and shredded flesh glazed Pet’s red eyes. “Very much.”
“Don’t say her name. She’ll come here!”
“Which won’t work to my good until I am free of this prison.” Pet tossed the dark brown skull to Nihilist. “The book is gone—again. Find it.”
Nihilist caught the ivory orb. He never saw the claw until it cut halfway through his hand.
“You horrid creature. I will send you to the abyss myself!” He threw his arm up, blood splattering the walls in a wide arc.
“If you could send me there, you already would have. Bring me the book. And show me respect! I AM your master.” The snarl and bared teeth revealed Pet’s lethal nature.
“As you wish.” Nihilist bent forward in a shallow bow and walked backwards.
“I want the book AND the spirit here no later than tomorrow this time.” Pet screamed.
Nihilist scampered into the courtyard and up to Homunculus. “I will be rid of him, I swear by the gods of darkness!” Nihilist said to Homunculus.
“So be it!” Homunculus replied. The two Kumrande dove beneath the boulder and disappeared.
Chapter 10
Two for the Price of One
“Off, Benny, off now!” Kat pushed against the barrel chest of the white wolf. He didn’t budge. She sighed and stared at the ceiling. She grimaced when a wet tongue ran up her left cheek.
“Benny, for heaven’s sake, get off of her.” Bernice Tellamoot yanked the canine’s leash. Clear amber eyes met chocolate brown ones. He stepped rearward and sat down.
Kat pushed herself off the floor. “Guess I should come out and visit more often,” she said as she dusted the back of her pants.
Doctor Douglas’s waiting room went tomb-silent when Benny put both paws on Kat’s shoulders with such force he almost dropped her to the floor a second time.
A Yorkshire terrier barked as if to applaud Benny’s actions. Kat gave the terrier a stern look, then perused the waiting room. Every chair was occupied.
“Who are all these people?” Kat asked Bernice.
“Haven’t a clue. It was like this when I got here. I think you and Alese need to come for a visit. I’ve heard about the”—Bernice’s voice dropped to a whisper—“deaths.”
“You know something, Mrs. Tellamoot?”
“Not saying I do. Just saying it’s not natural. Just like the ones in Old Town weren’t natural.”
“You have an idea, don’t you?”
“More, Katrina, you have an idea. We need to help you remember.”
“Remember what?”
“Just bring your grandma. We’ll talk.” Mrs. Tellamoot waved, and with Benny in the lead, headed out the door.
“Hey, happen to come for a small panther disguised as a cat?” Nyna managed a tight smile before the threatening growl of a black lab stole her attention. The black canine had the Yorkie in his sites like an owl with a mouse.
“Just a second, Kat.” Nyna walked out from behind the reception desk. “Sir, please get control of your animal.”
The owner, a man in a wide-brimmed cowboy hat and boots to match planted his feet. He and the dog looked like twins.
“If you don’t, I guarantee you won’t be seeing this vet—today or ever.”
Cowboy hat relaxed and heeled the lab. It sat at his feet, and cast threatening looks at the terrier.
Kat leaned into Nyna and whispered, “You tell ‘em.”
“People like him get under my skin.” Nyna walked back behind the desk.
“Mine too.” Kat pushed back off the desk. “So, what’s going on?”
“Seems there’s an outbreak of kennel cough. Worried tourists heard the rumor and almost ran each other down to get here.”
As if to emphasize Nyna’s point, a long-haired blonde in dark sunglasses raced through the door and to the counter. The black eyes of a teacup poodle stared at Kat from the rim of a leopard-print hobo bag. “My baby needs a shot. Now!”
Nyna ran a hand through her hair. “I understand. Please have a seat. We’ll be with you shortly.”
“I’ll just let myself in the back,” Kat said.
“Good idea. Carl will join you as soon as he can.”
The smell of
antiseptic hung in the air. Kat scanned the stainless-steel kennels lining the room. Her eyes came to rest on a furry black ball on a pink fuzzy rug.
“BC.”
One lime-green eye opened. BC stretched like a Halloween cat, trotted to his owner, and bumped her leg with his head. He jogged back to the kennel.
Kat followed BC and crouched down. She came eye to eye with what she swore—again—was Lassie in miniature. The sincere, gentle eyes never left hers.
BC stuck a paw through the kennel bars. “No.” Kat gripped his forefoot.
The dog gave the paw a small lick. BC rubbed the kennel bars with his head and looked up at Kat.
“So what do you want me to do?”
“I think he wants you to take her home.” Carl Douglas strode toward Kat, removing purple examining gloves and tossing them into a waste can. “BC only lets me examine her and give her food and water. Otherwise, he growls and blocks my way. You’re the closest anyone’s gotten to her.”
“Oh, I don’t know, BC.” Kat looked at her long-time feline companion. “I can hardly keep you in food and other things. How am I supposed to take care of two of you?”
“BC seems to think it’s not a problem.” Douglas smiled at the cat’s half-closed eyes.
“He doesn’t have to pay the food bill.” Kat sat on the floor and crossed her legs. The pup sprang to its feet and wagged its beautiful full tail, tipped in black.
“Not fair.” Kat reached through the bars and gave the dog a scratch on its head. “Not fair at all.”
BC walked into her lap and purred.
“Look, I wouldn’t push anything so serious. But there is an outbreak of kennel cough, and I don’t want to see a healthy dog in harm’s way.”
“Life is a bit crazy right now.”
“I can’t fix everything, but I can help with the food bill.”
“The food bill is not my only concern.”
“The owner may show up yet. I’ve already given her the shot to protect her from kennel cough, but I still don’t want her exposed before it takes full effect. Think of it as a foster service.”
Kat took a deep breath. “What about the leg?”
“It’s fine. Didn’t even need stitches. The bandage can come off in a couple of days.”
Kat felt like all eyes were on her. Doc Douglas, BC, even the small dog in the kennel seemed to be waiting for her decision. “If it doesn’t work you’ll take her back, right?”
“Right. And I’m looking for the owner.”
“You got a lead?”
“Not yet. But I’m sure someone is missing her. She looks to be a purebred Shetland Sheepdog, and she’s been well-cared for.” Carl smiled and disappeared into an exam room. He reappeared with a royal blue leash attached to a black leather collar.
“Are you giving away expensive collars now, too?”
“This one was on her. Just couldn’t see it under all the fur.”
Kat inspected a miniature bronze key hanging from the leather band. “What’s this?”
“Don’t know. If anyone calls to claim her, though, it’s a great way to identify her.”
“Good idea.”
Doctor Douglas opened the kennel door, snapped the collar in place, and handed the lead to Kat.
“All yours. Oh, wait.”
He disappeared into the supply room. When he came back, he held out a bag of dry dog food. “As promised.”
“I think I’m gonna need some help. Can you take her a minute?” Kat handed the leash to the doctor and pulled her cell from her coat pocket.
Bart came in a few minutes later. “Thank goodness you needed me. Jenny had me in a budget planning meeting. She wasn’t gonna let me out of there before sunset—which is around, what, nine these days?”
“We still on for dinner tonight?”
Bart smiled at Nyna. “Planning on it. What time?”
“I’ll be off at six-thirty. Pick me up?”
“You bet.” Bart picked up BC, who in an out-of-character moment, settled into his arms as content as if he were in Kat’s. Bart shook his head. “Wonders never cease.”
Bart opened the passenger door. “This animal better not have an accident in my ride.”
“It’s rare an animal does, Bart. And who’d notice? It’s not like your truck hasn’t seen better days. There’s always a weird smell.”
“It’s a manly smell.”
“Sure it is. I’d call it O de Stink.” Kat picked up the sheltie. “You’re a hefty one for your size.” She put her in the back well of the truck and followed her in.
“You aren’t going to sit in the front?”
“She could get scared.”
“You are such a lunatic—about animals. You need help. Want me to call someone?”
“You could use a little sweetness yourself. Of course, Nyna seems to be helping in that department.”
“I’m the same as always!”
“You just keep telling yourself that. Can I ask a favor?”
“You can.”
“I just remembered I told Ken I’d meet him at Gram’s. I can walk from here. Would you drop BC at the house?
“Sure. How do you think your soon-to-be-mate is going to take a new addition to the family?”
“The key phrase is soon-to-be. I’m not sure how long we’ll have this addition anyway. She probably has a family waiting in the wings. I’m just the sitter.”
“You keep telling yourself that.”
Chapter 11
The Key
“Come on, little dog, finish your business. We need to get to Gram’s before Christmas.” Kat pulled on the leash. The canine kept its nose glued to a grassy mound.
“Yeah, gossip is a real business in a small town.” Mandy’s familiar voice was followed by a slamming door.
“Oh, man. Come on dog.” Kat yanked harder, and her companion followed.
“Always good to see you, little sister.” Wendy wiped her right eye and hurried down the steps.
Kat jumped backwards right before Wendy body-slammed her. “Whoa, friend. I was hoping I’d find you here.”
“Not if you’d waited any longer.” Wendy turned misty eyes to Kat.
“She did it again, didn’t she?” Kat threw her free arm around Wendy. “What happened?”
“She’s acting weird, Kat.”
“She’s always acted—“
“No, she’s different. You didn’t see the hate in her eyes. For a minute, I thought it wasn’t Mandy. Stupid, huh?”
“Not stupid. You know her better than anyone. What do you want to do?”
Wendy shrugged. “What can I do? She doesn’t want my help.”
“Makes me wonder why she came back,” Kat whispered.
Wendy shrugged again and pointed toward the ground. “Have you taken up pet sitting for some extra cash?”
Kat smiled. “It’s my foster child. Your boyfriend asked me to take care of her for a bit.”
“He’s not my boyfriend—although I might consider it.” Wendy winked.
“I bet. Anyway, I’ve acquired a new pet—for a time. Since she’s so new, thought I’d better keep her close. I’m on my way to Gram’s. Want to come along?”
“What’s up?”
“Not sure. Think it’s important, though.”
“I’m always game for breaking news,” Wendy said. “I suppose you want me to let the little beast in my car.”
“Well, I sure don’t want her running alongside it. I’ll even use my windbreaker as a seat protector.”
“You think of everything. Get in.”
“That may be the noisiest animal I’ve ever met. My ears are still ringing,” Wendy said in disgust as they started up the steps.
“She does have a shrill bark.”
“Shrill? She could be heard in Clayton without a megaphone. Really, every tourist we passed was a threat, really?” Wendy directed her question to the dog at Kat’s feet.
Kat giggled. “I don’t know much about the sheltie breed, but I
’m beginning to think they’re barkers.”
“Ah, Ms. Sherlock, what was your first clue?” Wendy popped her ears and opened the storm door.
Kat heard Ken’s warm baritone. Sadness flooded her heart. You don’t believe me. How can I stay with you forever? Anger inched out the sadness. She threw her shoulders back and started toward the kitchen.
“I was wondering when you grew claws.” Grandma Bricken scanned the petite dog hiding behind Kat.
“Long story, Gram.”
Alese Bricken sighed. “Bring it along. I’ll find a bowl for some water.”
“Sounds like we’re late for the party,” Wendy whispered.
Kat sniggered. “I like to think of it as right on time.”
“Where did you get that?” Ken looked from the small canine to Kat.
“Don’t like dogs?”
“Not much.”
“You have fought a demon-army—twice I might add—and you’re uncomfortable with a dog? Just another tidbit to add to the ‘what I don’t know about Ken’ list.”
“Meaning?”
“You’re the detective. Figure it out.”
“So, why the problem with dogs?” Wendy asked.
A slim smile crossed Ken’s lips. “Long story.”
Wendy plopped into the chair beside Josiah and cupped her chin in her hands. “I’m all ears.”
“Suffice it to say, I’m bad luck for dogs. They know it, and they bite me.”
The small canine stepped toward Ken. “Might you get control of the beast?”
“It’s a dog for heaven’s sake. Say hello.”
“Hello. Now get a hold on it.”
The dog yanked the leash from Kat’s hand and bounded over to Ken. “What part of control don’t you understand?”
“Oh, get over it.” Kat took the leash and gave it a gentle yank. “Come on, dog. You’re not welcome.”
The dog braced itself against Ken’s leg and pulled backwards.
Kat dropped the leash. “Deal with it, FBI.”
“If I might continue?” Josiah winked at Ken.
“Please do continue this history lesson on the name Lilith.” Ken caught Kat’s eye and mouthed, “we need to talk.”
Kat shook her head side-to-side and mouthed back, “nothing to talk about.”
“As I was saying, if these murders in Anchorage and Ravens Cove are connected, Lilith becomes important.”
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