Tempting the Light: Legends and Myths Police Squad (L.A.M.P.S. Book 1)

by Bonnie Gill

  This was great news about her leaving behind a journal. Now, Abby just had to get her hands on it. If she couldn’t get a hold of the neighbor soon, she would drive down to Florida and personally retrieve it herself.

  Pepper walked into the shop with a brown and white puppy in her arms. “Hey, Abinator. Look at this guy. Some jerk was giving him away in the shopping center parking lot. They have no idea how dangerous that is for these poor puppies.” She set him down in an empty pen. “I’ll have the vet stop by this afternoon to check him over. How’s the morning been?”

  Abby scooted the chair from the counter and jumped up. “Good news! My mom called. My grandmother left a diary, or journal at my mother’s house in Florida. Even though my mom’s still out of the country she gave me the number to her neighbor who’s watching the house. I called, but I had to leave a message. My mom said she remembered my grandma ranting about a curse and a genie. There might be a cure to my curse in that journal.”

  “Oh God. I hope so.” Pepper’s voice was strained. “I can’t wait for you to get back to normal. You’ve been a teensy-bit dramatic lately.” Averting her gaze, she turned away and flipped through envelopes in a stack of mail.

  Abby reached out to Pepper and touched her arm. “Oh my gosh. I’ve been so wrapped up in my curse, and my break-up, and my bad luck, I haven’t been any kind of a good friend lately. What’s going on? You have been the best friend a girl could ever have. I’m so, so sorry.”

  Pepper tossed her hair over her shoulder and sighed. “I don’t know why I just caught a case of the super-bitch. Things have been shitty for you, and I hate it. It’s just, you know, that thing with the Neanderthal shooting my dinosaur shoved me straight over the ledge. And I’m over-tired. Not to mention, what the hell was I thinking sleeping with Tom? Ewww.”

  Pepper rattled off explanations, but there was something else underlying her super-bitch facade. Her eyes gave her away. Abby stared into a haunted hollowness that deepened into a gloomy pit.

  Abby knew Pepper, maybe better than she knew herself. That look held a depth of something complicated, something that couldn’t easily be conquered.

  To most people, Pepper probably seemed like a shallow, happy, throw-petals-in-the-breeze type of girl. But her best friend was so, much more than that. Complex, super-intelligent, Pepper could fix almost everything.

  If Pepper had a problem, Abby suspected it was huge, otherwise she would have taken care of the issue herself.

  “What’s going on? You’re hiding something.” She wrapped her arm around Pepper’s shoulders.

  Pepper leaned the side of her head against her. “Right now we need to get rid of your curse. Don’t you have some witchcraft anti-genie candles to buy?” She turned and grabbed Abby’s hands. Pepper’s eyes flared to life, and Abby saw the iron curtain slam down behind them to shut out her pain.

  Abby shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what’s going on.”

  “I already told you. The dinosaur has me stressed beyond Uranus. Go get the candles.”

  “I can stay with you and get the candles tomorrow.”

  She shook her head. “No way. Get your butt out that door and get your supplies. We’re going to cast some spells tonight.”

  Abby studied the shelves of colorful candles inside the ‘Blazing Broomsticks’ shop. The display indicated each candle color held a different power. Pink stood for friendship and sweet love, brown represented the earth or animal related workings, and red would enhance lust and courage. Should I pick up a red candle, too?

  When she reached for a black candle on the shelf, a woman in a tie-dyed shirt and a matching flowing skirt walked to her side.

  “Welcome to my spiritual shop. How can I help you find what you need?”

  Abby focused on her sincere smile, then turned and grabbed the biggest black pillar candle on the second shelf. “I just need to pick up a black candle.”

  “My name is Tammy. Is this your first time casting a spell?” She wrapped her hand around the candle next to Abby’s and pulled it toward her.

  Abby held on to the candle and tugged back. “Yes.”

  “Honey, trust me. You don’t want to use that big of a candle or it will be next year before you see your results.”

  Abby let go of the massive black pillar and Tammy placed it back on the shelf.

  Abby took a deep breath. “I have a very serious spell to cast.”

  “Are you creating something negative or are you banishing?” The woman stared into Abby’s eyes. “You’re dead serious about this?”

  “Yes.”

  Tammy scratched her forehead. “I hope its banishment.”

  Abby nodded. “Yes. I’m trying to get rid of a curse.”

  “Is this your first spell?”

  Abby inched her way closer to the cash register. “Yes.”

  Tammy held her hand up for a high five “You go girl.”

  She reluctantly smacked her hand. “Thanks. Umm. I have business going on back home, so I need to hurry.”

  “Okay, wait here. I have something in the back room that may help you.” She moved the strings of colorful beads covering the door opening out of her way and trotted into the back room.

  Overhead music of chimes and a soothing violin relaxed Abby’s taut, twisted nerves a fraction. She breathed in the calming aroma of sandalwood incense.

  Tammy glided back into the room with a large book under her arm. “This old book has a great banishing spell.”

  She laid the book on the counter. Silver stars graced the black book’s cover and highlighted a gold metal clasp on its side.

  Abby slid her fingertips over the spell book’s smooth leather and foiled stars. “This looks expensive and old.”

  Tammy flashed her a huge toothy grin. “Very perceptive, but you can borrow it if you wish.”

  “Wow, I really don’t know what to say. Thanks so much.” Maybe she wouldn’t need her grandmother’s journal after all.

  “I just need you to promise that if you don’t return it you will hand over your first-born child. Here, let me find the binding contract.” She rifled through a stack of papers on her desk.

  Abby sucked in enough air to fill a hot air balloon and slid the book back toward Tammy. “Maybe it’s not a good idea.”

  Tammy laughed and placed her hand on her stomach. “I’m kidding. I just need a credit card number.”

  Abby handed over her debit card to pay for the black candle, and the privilege of checking out the spell book. Tammy wrote her numbers down. She also gave her cell phone number to the shopkeeper.

  “If you get into trouble, call me. My number is on this card.” She handed Abby a blue business card with yellow planets and orange printing. She placed the book in the middle of a pile of tissue and wrapped the corners to protect the precious book.

  “Would you be able to help me with the spell?”

  She shook her head. “Sorry. This spell can only be performed by you.”

  “Figures. Thanks again.” Abby nodded, picked up her candle and book package, and left the store. She had a spell to cast tonight. She just hoped the ritual wouldn’t turn into another damn catastrophe.

  Chapter 15

  Guilt chopped at River’s vertebrae and curled the lobes in his cerebral cortex. Hooking up cameras to spy on Abby and Pepper seemed wrong. A knot tightened between his shoulder blades as they moved through the forest. Sure, the two women were suspicious, but that didn’t give him and Ottar the right to put them under surveillance. Well, actually, it did, what with L.A.M.P.S. being a secret part of the government and all, their job included protecting the townspeople. It wasn’t like they hadn’t snooped on people before, but this time seemed invasive.

  River and Ottar set up three cameras to record the activity that too
k place on the ladies’ property. He grumbled when Ottar goaded him.

  “All I’m saying is you’ve been quiet since those women came over this morning.” Ottar’s prodding questions and relentless statements had started to wear on River’s resolve.

  Why couldn’t he leave it alone? Because they were on an assignment and the last thing he needed was to be preoccupied. “Drop it. Okay.” River leaped over a fallen moss covered tree stump and marched through the dry leaves on the forest floor. What the hell was up with the big oaf’s bossy Australian insolence anyway?

  Ottar slung his beat-up backpack over his shoulder and jogged to catch up. “Na, not this time. Out of all the dragos we have working at L.A.M.P.S, I thought you would be the last one to screw up an investigation over some ho.”

  River swung around and punched Ottar in the jaw. “Don’t call her that.”

  Ottar’s head snapped back. He rubbed his face and smiled a sly smile. “Damn, you can really pack a punch. You really like her.”

  He shook his hand out. Crap, that man had a hard face. “Look, I haven’t screwed anything up. Don’t worry. I’ll capture the Gnome and the Jersey Devil, if it’s the last thing I do. Have I ever let the agency down?”

  Ottar huffed, and dragged his super-sized hand through his unruly brown tangled hair. “Nope. But I have to say, those girls are not normal. Who in their sane mind would place a giant dinosaur sculpture on their lawn?”

  River stopped and pulled out his binoculars to scan the treetops. “Well, think about what we’re doing here.”

  “Our job. That’s what we’re doing. Making the world a safer place.” Ottar’s voice held no remorse.

  “We’re grown men chasing a Gnome through the woods.” And spying on Abby like a couple of pervs.

  Ottar placed his hand on his shoulder and spun him around so they were face to face. “No, not just a Gnome, mate—a man eating Gnome. One of the nastiest buggers on the planet. What’s going on? You having second thoughts about the job?”

  River stepped back and scratched the place Ottar’s hand had touched his shirt. Was he having second thoughts about the job? Ever since a Cryptid killed his brother, he’d dedicated his life to ridding the continent of monsters. It didn’t matter how long the job took, he never lost his focus. He swallowed hard. “Maybe I just need a vacation.”

  “In all the years I’ve known you, you’ve never needed a vacation.” Ottar tilted his head, disbelief stared from his face.

  “Exactly. That’s why I need one now.”

  “Na, I’m not buying it.” He shook his head but didn’t look away from River’s eyes. “Let’s split up. We’ll cover more ground. Radio me if you see anything.” Ottar gave him a pat on the back and took off in the opposite direction.

  For the next two hours, he placed each step he took in between the dried dead twigs and brittle brush, taking the utmost care not to make any noise. Under no circumstances did he want to alert the Gnome. It took all afternoon sifting through the forest before he finally caught a break—River lifted one long, coarse white hair entangled in a pine branch—his first break since the trouble began. He placed it in a plastic baggy for evidence.

  The pungent odor of spoiled mushrooms and rancid decomposing earthworms strengthened, and he raised his forearm to cover his nose and mouth. He etched in closer to his target. Nowhere in the Cryptid manual did it mention that these creatures stunk to the lowest level of hell. The death stench churned his stomach.

  If the Gnome was more than a hundred yards away, he’d have to wear a gas mask or at least a bandanna over his nose. His mind drifted to the sweet cherry scent that reminded him of Abby. He pictured her swiping lip balm across those plump pink sexy lips. Visuals of the way she pursed them together, and the way her forehead crinkled when Charlotte showed up unexpectedly this morning, taunted him. He could feel his smile growing along with the sudden urges to do more than simply kiss his sweet Abby.

  The bushes rustled about ten yards in front of him, snapping his attention to immediate danger. He crouched behind a fallen hollow tree and caught his first glimpse of the little bastard. River’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. The creature wore a small red hat, and his long white beard fell over dirty royal blue overalls. Shit.

  The Gnome hummed out a screeching melody sounding similar to what he imagined a cat in a clothes dryer might sound like. The miniature monster looked identical to lawn statues people placed in their garden, except for the large hooked nail on each of his thumbs. Oh, and there was that long mucus-covered purplish-pink hollow tongue the nasty bastard would dart out of his mouth every so often.

  River crept closer. He guarded his steps with silence. He slowly lifted a heavy metal net from his backpack and stretched it between his hands for the capture.

  A crow squawked out a warning from a gnarled branch in a dead tree above him. “Caw. Caw.” The Gnome’s icicle blue eyes connected with his.

  So much for the surprise attack. He bolted toward the Gnome at top speed and tossed the net up and over the creature. His net caught nothing but air.

  “Ha. Ha. You can’t catch me.” The Gnome’s voice taunted like a little old man doing a voice impression of the gingerbread man. The critter darted off, running to-and-fro. His feet moved so fast they blurred under his ample round body.

  River raced after him, pulling his rifle from the harness strapped on his back. “Halt, or I’ll shoot.” He shouted out a clear warning. He didn’t care if the government wanted the monster alive he intended to rid the world of the retched creature, and be done with the pest.

  The Gnome cackled a chicken laugh, turned right, then left—zigzagging through the bushes and trees, making a clear shot impossible. River narrowed his eyes, and tried to sight him in.

  A car rumbled on the road ahead of them. He knelt, pulled up his gun, and aimed at the spot he thought the Gnome would most likely cross the road. He clicked off the safety. Pressed his fingertip on the trigger. Exhaled a breath and steadied his aim.

  The Gnome whizzed into his sites. Dead perfect shot. But, out of the left corner of his eye, a blue car drove around the corner and into the range of fire. Abby’s car.

  River refused to chance the shot.

  The Gnome jumped in front of the car, tucked his chin, grabbed his toes, and bounced off the hood like a beach ball. Her car swerved, caught the shoulder of the road, and sprayed gravel twenty feet high in a rooster tail behind the vehicle.

  Abby tugged on the steering wheel to straighten her car. The click-tick-tick of gravel pummeled the chassis underneath her car. Thwamp! Her car stopped abruptly slamming her body backward into the seat.

  POW.

  Her vision whited.

  Then she felt the airbag deflate. What the hell!?

  She struggled forward in the driver’s seat and let her head find a resting spot on the steering wheel. Her face and her left shoulder hurt like something fierce. She yelped in pain when she moved her arm, but everything else seemed okay. To be sure, she’d have to wiggle her legs. Honestly, she didn’t feel like putting forth that much effort at this moment. Of all the lame brained cockamamie things to happen. Was that a Gnome that bounced off my hood?

  “Abby. Abby.” A deep baritone voice called out her name. Then pounding rapped on the side window. She didn’t want to look up to see who tried to get in. Deep down she knew it was River. She lay with her cheek resting on the steering wheel, squeezing her eyes shut. If she refrained from acknowledging him, maybe the hot sheriff would just go away. What would a little wishful thinking hurt anyway?

  The door handle clicked. Fresh air whooshed inside the car. “Are you hurt? Abby? Say something. Please talk to me.” River’s voice filled the silence of the car, tense and frantic.

  She kept her eyes closed. “I’m just resting.” How would she ever get over the embarrassment of this ep
isode?

  River ran his hands over her arms, and then her neck. His deep plush voice soothed her fried nerve endings and warmed her body. “Maybe we should get you to the hospital. Can you move? Where are you injured?”

  Abby opened her eyes to see River’s shadow of a beard covering his strong jaw a few inches from hers. He hovered there, an expression of concern etched across his features. She studied his lips and thought about the kisses they shared the night before and the surprise kiss in his police car. Not that she wanted a kiss right now. Well, maybe.

  He tried to reach for her.

  She jerked back. “I think I can move. My face hurts, and my shoulder, but I think I’m okay.” Leaning back in the car seat, she pushed the deflated airbag away. Her arms moved, which was a good thing. She turned her head from side to side and didn’t feel any pain in her neck, or her back.

  River held out his arms for her, and she latched a hold of his large warm hands so he could pull her from the wreckage of the car. When he brought her to her feet against the wall of muscles on his chest, she swayed. She almost lost her balance. Quick, and instinctively she wrapped her hands around his strong biceps to help her stand.

  “Abby,” he said, and searched her head with his hands for injuries. He stared into her eyes, but she quickly tore her gaze from his and assessed her car.

  “Aw, man, look at my car.” A huge dent crushed the middle of her hood. The left headlight dangled from its receptacle, and her car’s front fender had wrapped itself around a small but hearty oak tree. She blinked back tears. Her car was destroyed.

  River steadied her forearms, kept her on her feet. “Hey. The car can be fixed. Are you sure you’re okay?” His hand flushed over her shoulders to inspect for hidden injuries.