“Why did you pull me out of the attic?” Pet demanded.
“The holy angels would have been dispatched in response to the man’s plea, and they would have thrown your miserable hide into the depths of the earth. In hindsight, I should have let them.”
“But you didn’t.”
“You should not have shown yourself.” Atramentous spoke to the black and purple fish ball in the leathery palm of his hand. He curled his narrow, razor-clawed fingers over the pulsing sphere.
“How did I know you’d be released? The hag had to be stopped.”
“You do not have an altruistic pulse in your body! Your eagerness to move up in our ranks motivated you. Then, you enlisted the Kumrande who cannot be trusted—only controlled. I hope you’ve learned only your fallen brothers are your friends.”
I do not believe in friends—unless you are properly motivated—and you are. Pet calmed to a melancholy hum.
Atramentous looked at the pulsing orb. “Have you found Gorgon?”
“The one they call Lilith? I have found her servant.”
“Where is she?”
“I had to kill her.”
“Did you at least get her to tell you where the Gorgon resides before she died?”
“Well, no. I had to use her to make a point.”
“You are worthless! Why Iconoclast finds you useful, I do not understand.”
“I freed you! How worthless was I then?”
“You did nothing of the sort! The dark prince negotiated with the One I cannot name for our release. If anything, the repulsive half-breed Gorgon freed us because of her threat to the One’s precious humans. All you did was conjure up an opening—a weak one I might add—which allowed only me to come through. It almost imploded before I was free.”
“Still, you are here.”
“To clean up the mess you’ve made! Now, where is the skull key?”
“On the table.”
Atramentous pointed to the skull-shaped rock in the courtyard. “Put the key in the mouth of Dacoit to open the tunnels to the center of the earth.”
“Do it yourself. I don’t answer to you!”
“Since I am Iconoclast’s second-in-command, and Iconoclast is not here, I disagree.”
“I should be his captain. Who was shrewd enough to avoid the abyss—twice—while you and all those smarter minions of Iconoclast were imprisoned?”
“Yes, you were free. And your rash decisions and lack of control over the Kumrande has allowed them to make an alliance with a spirit who cannot be subjugated and works to destroy us all. Free Dacoit!” Atramentous unclenched his hand and turned his palm to the floor. The purple and black ball plummeted toward the ground. A gnarly foot burst from the sphere before it hit the boards.
“You tried to harm me!” He spat at Atramentous.
“Consider it a warning! Go!”
Pet dissolved into the floor and reappeared next to the beak-nosed skull in the center of Old Town. He dropped the ivory skull into the right eye socket. The hollow sizzled. Miniature lightning bolts bounced around the opening until it glowed with a crimson light. The light danced to the left socket, setting it ablaze with color. A sparkling red tendril flowed like tears from both eyes to the earth. The base of the boulder started to glow. Pet became a mist and reappeared beside Atramentous.
“Awakening the rock is dangerous. Dacoit is a spirit of its own will and power. Are you strong enough to control him?”
Atramentous glared down at Pet. “How dare you question my abilities. I can send you to the abyss right now.”
“I am only saying Iconoclast is the only demon who has been strong enough to bind Dacoit.” Pet tensed and waited for the shockwave of pain which preceded being hurtled into the earth. It didn’t come. He opened one eye and looked into the smirking face of Atramentous.
“Iconoclast’s strength is beyond question. He has proven himself in the millennia since the downfall in the Garden and the taking of the first mortal. The corruption of Lilith was his greatest triumph—and his curse. The Gorgon has proven to be both a strong spirit and a great enemy.”
“All true, my lord.” Pet bowed.
“Since Iconoclast is not here, it is my duty to awaken Dacoit. I am strong enough to control him.”
“And it is done.”
“Where is Lilith’s prison?”
“With the humans. I will have it soon.”
“Without her prison, we are defenseless to stop the Gorgon.”
“Why do we want to stop the Gorgon? She is only after the same thing we are—destruction of the humans.”
“The Gorgon’s alliance is only to herself. She is not human, and she is not a demon. This makes her dangerous. She believes if she destroys us, the enemies of the One, she will find favor with Him and be restored.”
“Why does this concern you? Are we not stronger than this she-thing?”
“Strength is not my concern. Imprisoning the Gorgon is. When Lilith learns of the murder her servant, she will know we are here, and she will declare vengeance. Something we do not need!” Atramentous glared at Pet.
Pet dropped his eyes. “Agreed.”
“How did you manage to trick her servant into taking human form? It was the only way to kill her.”
Pet grinned. “She, like all of her kind, had an insatiable hunger. All I did was create the illusion of blood, and the smell brought her to the old building.”
“You surprise me. Although it caused us great trouble, it was inspired.”
Pet stood taller under the praise. “Thank you, great one.”
“We can use this to our advantage. Lilith’s anger will cause her to be reckless. She will come out of hiding. Then we will take her and confine her once and for all. Find the jar!”
Chapter 17
Gorgon Explained
Mandy Thomas hummed a happy tune as she dusted the antique shop’s display cases. Things are starting to turn around for me. I can feel it. My sister is going to find out just how smart I am. Then I can be free of her and all her stupid ways.
“Enjoying the new job?”
Mandy whirled around. “You don’t look so good, Detective Dayton.”
“I’ve been better. But then, you haven’t.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I think you have a permanent job. How about you?”
“You aren’t making sense. Annie’s coming back tomorrow night.” Mandy’s cell phone chirped. She looked at the readout, pressed the mute button, and shoved it in her pants’ pocket.
“Don’t you want to take the call?”
“Just a friend. I can talk later. What can I do for you?”
“I need to know what you’ve been doing since late yesterday afternoon.”
“Don’t answer.” Ken’s flushed face belied the anger he tried to control. “What are you doing here, Dayton? You’re a guest in this town, or don’t they teach you protocol in the academy?”
“They do. This is a different situation. Every time a body shows up, this woman is tied to it. Now, my partner is missing. I need some answers!”
“What do you mean, your partner is missing?”
“He was supposed to call the office yesterday. No one’s heard from him.”
“Why do you think I know anything about his disappearance? I don’t even know your partner!” Mandy wailed.
“You knew the latest victim. He knew the latest victim and lied about who she was. I think you know where he is.”
“I don’t!”
Dayton gripped Mandy’s arm. “I don’t believe you! You’ve been hiding something from the get-go, and I want to know where Detective Watermill is!”
“You’re hurting me!”
Ken pried Dayton’s fingers from Mandy’s arm. “You’re too close to this case. I think you’d better take a walk, and let me get to the bottom of this.”
“Have it your way, chief.” Dayton spat. “I’m going back to Alese Bricken’s house. Call me when I can talk to her.”
“I cou
ld press charges!” Mandy yelled at the slamming door.
“You might want to hold up on filing a complaint for the moment. You have bigger concerns.”
“Like what?”
“We identified the body from the ravine.”
Mandy’s upper lip started to glisten. “Who?”
“Her name was Ivy June Coistrell.”
“Don’t know her.”
“You know her as Madame Piquant.”
“I only saw her once. Why does this have anything to do with me?”
“Detective Dayton has a point. You seem to be connected to everyone who’s turned up dead.”
“It’s just coincidence—I didn’t kill anyone.”
“You don’t have to commit the murder to be tried for it. An accomplice to murder is just as guilty as the one who does the killing. You’re connected to each and every one of the people who have died since this case began.”
“It’s just a twist of fate! I haven’t done anything.”
“Maybe you have, and maybe you haven’t. But you do see why it looks suspicious for Annie Scofland to have just picked up and left without a word to anyone don’t you, Mandy?
“She’s away on a business trip.”
“We need proof. Otherwise, I’m going to arrest you for kidnapping.”
Mandy took hold of the glistening counter. “I swear she’s on a business trip!”
“Not anymore.” Annie Scofland dropped her bag in front of the jewelry case.
“Ms. Scofland?”
“In the flesh.”
“I told you she was on a trip! Now, leave me alone.” Mandy ran to the back of the store.
“My, she’s upset. What’s all the hubbub about, anyway?”
“I can’t go into detail; just had some things happen which led me to believe you were in danger.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Why did you leave in such a hurry?”
“Oddest thing. I got a call. Said my sister was in the hospital in Idaho. They didn’t think she’d make it. I called the number. Sure enough, the person who answered confirmed it.”
“How is she?”
“That’s what’s odd. My sister was never in the hospital. I don’t know who called or why. I was so relieved. I took the opportunity to spend some time with her and do a little buying for the shop. Hopped a plane late yesterday, and here I am.” Annie searched the storefront.
“Something else missing?”
“The stray who adopted me. Mandy was supposed to take care of it.”
Ken raised an eyebrow. “Kat found her in the woods. She was in a bad way.”
“What? Please excuse me. Mandy told me she’d take care of the dog!” Annie headed into the office. She reappeared a few minutes later.
“Everything okay?”
“I said what I needed to. I’m just glad the dog’s okay. She kind of wormed her way into my heart.”
“I understand.” Ken felt a like someone buried a knife in his chest. I can’t believe I’m going to miss that noisome beast. He took a deep breath. “We’ll get the dog back to you later today.”
“Thanks.” Annie gave Ken’s hand a quick shake and walked over to greet some customers browsing the glass kiosk.
Ken headed into the back office. “I still have some questions, Ms. Thomas. Pull yourself together and come to the station. If you don’t, I’ll let Dayton come back and have another go at you. He’s just itching to pin a murder—any murder—on you. Got it?”
Mandy wiped her wet eyes and nodded. “I’ll be there in an hour.”
“Don’t be late.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” she called after him. Mandy pulled out her cell phone, scrolled to the last incoming call, and dialed.
Wendy’s head popped through the office door. “What are you doing in here? Annie Scofland just gets back and you leave her alone to deal with customers?”
Mandy sighed, pressed end, and smacked the phone on the desk. “I’ve had a bad day. I was almost accused of her murder. So, forgive me, but I was pulling myself together before I tried to greet the public!”
Wendy lowered herself into a chair. “How deep are you into this Mandy? How deep?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, big sister.” Mandy swept past her, then turned on her heel. “Look—oh, never mind.”
“Hey, Mandy. Seen Wendy?” Kat asked.
“In the back.”
“Looks like Annie made it back. You still have a job?”
“Don’t know. First thing she did was accuse me of losing her stupid dog.”
“You were taking care of it?”
“Yes. Dumb thing ran out the front door. I figured it would show up when it got hungry.”
“You’re kidding, right? You didn’t go looking for it?”
“It’s a stupid dog—and a horribly noisy one. It never shut up. I couldn’t hear myself think. I was going to look for it in a few days. Sooner, if I’d known Annie was going to show up.”
“If BC hadn’t led me to her, she’d be dead right now.”
Mandy shrugged. “Well, it’s not.”
“I wish I’d left you in Anchorage. You make me sorry I stood up for you.”Kat headed through the doorway and handed Wendy a cup of coffee. “Thought it was high time I returned the favor.”
Wendy gave her best friend a wan smile. “Your timing is perfect.” She raised the cup and sat down.
“Why so glum?”
“I tell you, she’s up to her eyeballs in this mess. I just know it! I have a bad feeling, a truly bad feeling, about where this is going.”
Kat touched Wendy’s hand. “I wish I could say something to make you feel better, but I know she’s in it, too. I’m so sorry. We’ll get to the bottom of it.” Kat stood up and marched toward Mandy.
“Wait for me.” Wendy ran after her.
“Now’s a good time to go see Ken Melbourne.”
“What do you know about it?”
“I know he’s expecting you. And I know you well enough to know you’re gonna try and skip town before he sees you.” Kat crossed her arms. “I’m going to make sure you get to that interview.”
“Aren’t you going to defend me—big, bad sister?”
“Not this time. Get your hand off the overnight bag I see sitting beside you, and let’s go.”
“Oh, I don’t think so, sis! I’m out of here.” Mandy came around the counter rolling the small suitcase.
Kat gripped one arm, and Wendy took the other. “For once in your miserable life, you’re going to do what you said you would.” Wendy pinched Mandy’s hand until she let go of the bag.
“I’m sure Ken will love hearing about how you abused me.”
Kat eye’s narrowed. “I know he would. If it were true.”
“Well you’re Wendy’s good friend and his girl of the hour. Who’d believe you?”
“You have a point, Mandy, but you see, I saw the whole thing.” Annie Scofland walked up shaking her head. “I never suspected this side of you.”
“It’s not me—it’s them.”
“I almost believe you. Except you were going to leave. I’ll keep your bag here until you’re finished at the police station.” Annie took the overnight case and rolled it back behind the counter.
“You’re just as big a loser as the rest of them,” Mandy screamed.
“I am sure more naive than I ever thought,” Annie said. “Consider yourself fired.”
“Tell me again how you came to be guardian to this shrieking banshee?” Paul yelled over Carnelian’s unrelenting bark. A lull in foot traffic on the street brought quiet to the car’s interior.
Josiah turned to Paul. “Well, Kat had business at the station, and she felt Carnelian was too new to her life to be left alone. What else could I do?”
Carnelian jumped over the seat like a gazelle over a small hedge and sat on the console between them, giving a lick first to Paul then to Josiah. “Can hardly stay mad, can you?”
Josiah scratched t
he dog behind the ears and ran a hand through her coat. “She is a beauty.”
“I’ll try to remember her attributes,” Paul said right before Carnelian’s paws landed on the dashboard and an earsplitting bark announced an older woman and man approaching the crosswalk.
The mayor’s assistant rushed up to the driver’s side window. “Seen Bart? We got a situation, and I can’t reach him on the phone.” Carnelian quieted and walked across Paul’s lap.
“What a doll.” Jenny patted her on the head. The dog returned to its spot between the driver and passenger.
“I think this dog just wants everyone to pet her.”
“Be my guess.”
“Haven’t seen Bart. Wait, he and Grandma Bricken are outside the general store.” Josiah pointed across Main Street.
“Thanks.” Jenny took off across the street and intercepted Bart before he ducked into the general store.
“Looks like Kenneth’s at the police station.” Josiah pointed to the late-model SUV. “How about we drop her off so we can get to church and work on those rickety stairs?”
“I had no idea you were a carpenter, too.”
“Jack of all trades. Master of none.” Josiah chuckled.
The tick-tick of toenails echoed through the police station. “Tell me that’s not who I think it is.” Ken called out from the breakroom.
“Of course it’s who you think it is! Hi, Carnelian.” Kat launched out of her desk chair. “Thanks, Josiah.”
“Not a problem. Although I’m not sure my ears feel the same way.”
Kat giggled and took the leash. “How’s my girl?”
Carnelian yipped, yanked the leash from Kat’s hand, and trotted to the coffee room.
A metal chair screeched. “It’s going to attack me!”
“Kat! Get this dog! Now!” Ken shouted.
Kat ran into the room. Carnelian was under the table, hackles up and snarling at Mandy.
“What is wrong with the stupid animal?” Mandy was standing with the chair between her and the table. “If it bites me, I’ll make sure it’s euthanized.”
Kat dropped to all fours, crawled under the table, and yanked on the leash. “Come here, you.” She pulled the halter-clad dog toward her. The low, threatening sounds continued.
“Stop it!” Kat scooped Carnelian into her arms. She tied the leash to the leg of her desk.
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