Shiela Stewart - [Darkness 07]

by Consuming the Darkness (epub)

  She’d done it again. She’d let herself fall for a cop.

  As she collapsed in Nathan’s arms, Sienna decided this time, she wasn’t going to let go.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Nathan woke to a slippery tongue sliding over his cheek from a very friendly dog. “Morning, Daisy.” Giving the puppy a scratch on the head, Nathan sat up and had a look around. The spot beside him where Sienna had slept was vacant and cold, which told him she’d been up for a while. “She in the kitchen?”

  The puppy proceeded to pick up the shoe she had obviously carried with her onto the bed and gnaw on it.

  “I don’t think she’ll be too happy with this. I have got to get you a chew toy.” Taking the shoe from the dog was no easy feat. What resulted was a mild tug-of-war between man and dog and ended in man scooping the puppy up and kissing her on the head. “Sucker.” Yanking the shoe from Daisy’s mouth, Nathan tossed it over the bed, and then set Daisy back on the bed.

  Grabbing his pants, he slipped into them, and then trudged from the room. Boxes lined the walls, yet to be unpacked. Nathan wondered if she planned on staying here or had plans of moving to a house. It would make more sense for the dog if she moved to a house. The little squirt could run and play in the backyard instead of roaming the tiny apartment destroying everything in sight.

  Spotting a note tacked to the front door, Nathan tugged it free and read.

  “Off to work. Catch you later.”

  “Aw, she’s so romantic.” Smiling to himself, Nathan slipped the note in his jeans pocket and as he turned back to the bedroom for the rest of his clothes, he saw Daisy sitting in the doorway, shoe in mouth.

  With a heavy sigh, Nathan scooped up the dog and headed to the bedroom to change.

  ***

  Sienna stood beside Doc Hawthorn while he filled her in on cause of death. Not that she didn’t already know what had caused the poor boy’s death, but it was part of procedure. She listened intently as he described the dimensions of the hole and how the heart had been torn out in the same manner as the other cases. The blow would have been so fast that the boy wouldn’t have felt a thing before his heart was ripped from his chest. For that at least she could be grateful.

  “So he comes up behind his victims and with one quick jab, punches through their back, grabs the heart on his way through to the front. Then he carefully lays his victims on the ground and what…takes the heart back to his place or eats it right there and have you ever heard of anything more disgusting?”

  “Actually, I have.” Cooper pulled the blood-soaked gloves from his hands and tossed them in the trash can. “I’ve been around long enough to have seen just about everything.”

  “Scary.”

  He made a low humming noise. “You must’ve seen your share of oddities in your lifetime, not just in your line of work but with your father’s shops as well.”

  Cocking her head to the side, Sienna responded with surprise. “You know about my father’s shops?”

  “I do. I also know your father, or knew him. Years ago when Basil and I were trying to find our way in the world, we settled in Kansas. We rented a room above your father’s shop for a time. Basil and I have both kept in touch with him since. He taught me a great deal about spiritual healing.”

  “Huh….I don’t remember seeing either of you.”

  Cooper smiled, producing crease lines at the corner of his eyes that added to his charm. “This was before your time, my dear.”

  “Oh… Okay, so if you’ve seen something like this before, do you have any idea what kind of demon we’re dealing with?”

  “I’ve never seen this in particular, but there was a time when I was being held by one of the worst vampires known to mankind. I saw some pretty horrendous acts. Such as the eating of a human hearts by vampires thinking it will give them a high.”

  “Disgusting.” Sienna shuddered.

  “Indeed it was. But I imagine not so much for the one eating it.”

  With another shudder, Sienna headed for the door. “Let me know when the tests come back.” Leaving the morgue, Sienna took the elevator up, wondering what kind of sick individual could do something as horrible as eating a human heart. It was beyond her, but then again, she didn’t understand how a vampire could drink blood from humans either. Despite her having grown up with the unusual, there were still some things that weirded her out.

  ***

  With the back seat of his car loaded up with doggie supplies, Nathan pulled away from the pet store. He was rather surprised by the condition of the shop. On the outside it looked as if it had been through a horrendous act of violence, yet when he’d gone inside, the shop had actually looked clean and well kept. While paying for his items, Nathan struck up a conversation with the clerk and asked about the outer shell of the shop.

  “Damn vampires thought they owned the city when the sun was gone. But I showed them they didn’t own me,” he explained. “I shot any bastard that came near this place but it didn’t stop ’em from vandalizing it. They got theirs though, didn’t they? Thank God for the Hawthorns.”

  Utterly confused, Nathan asked, “What did you say about the sun?”

  “Not from here I gather. Well let me tell you this—you can thank your lucky stars you weren’t here a year ago,” the shopkeeper said. “There was no sunlight ’cause some nasty bastard named Chaos performed some ritual to blot out the sun. Was the damnedest thing to see.”

  “I can’t even imagine,” Nathan said and let the man continue.

  “The vampires took over the city and had most everyone running for their lives. But I stuck. An entire year of no sun. I never thought I’d see it again and I won’t lie by saying I wasn’t close to deserting myself. But I stuck it out and before you knew it, the sun was back thanks to our mayor and chief of police. The Hawthorns. You could read all about it at the local library.”

  Nathan had and he’d been blown away. What a tale. It would make one hell of a movie, he thought. And right at the forefront of it all were the mayor and chief of police who also happened to be vampires. They’d fought for their city and had won and now they ran the joint. Quite the story.

  It sure did explain the decay of the city.

  Beside him in the passenger’s seat Daisy busily chewed on her doggie bone, making a mess but loving every moment of it. She was even sporting a new collar, which he was very proud to have picked out. He was sure Sienna was going to like it as well.

  When his cell phone rang, he answered it with a cheery, “Hello.”

  “Good day, Detective. And how are you this fine morning?”

  Nathan’s spine instantly stiffened and he came to full alert. “I’ll be a hell of a lot better when you’re in custody.”

  “We both know that’s not going to happen. You and the lieutenant seem to be hitting it off. She is an attractive lady. I can see why you would be taken with her.”

  Nathan’s fingers clenched the tiny cell phone with enough force that he heard the plastic casing crack. “Are you watching me?”

  “Of course. I always have…well…since that first moment I saw you after my first kill in Boston. You amuse me, Nathaniel.”

  Nathan preferred not to indulge the bastard’s desire to get him riled up. “It wasn’t very smart of you to use your own blood when writing that note, Killer. Now we have your DNA.”

  “How do you know it was my blood? I could have used any one of my victim’s blood for that note.”

  Nathan signaled with his elbow while holding the cell in one hand and the steering wheel in the other. “We have our ways of finding out. It won’t be long now before you’re tucked nice and safe behind bars, and I personally am going to be damn happy to slam the lock closed on your cell.”

  “Shouldn’t let revenge cloud your mind, Detective. It will only lead to mistakes.” The line w
ent dead and Nathan cursed.

  Beside him, Daisy whimpered.

  Closing his cell phone and dropping it on his lap, he reached across the seat and ruffled the puppy’s head. “Nothing for you to worry about, little lady.” When his cell phone jingled again, Nathan scooped it up, only this time his response was not as jovial. “I’m going to take you down, you bastard.”

  “Nathan?”

  He cursed under his breath, chastising himself for not looking to see who it was before he answered. “Hey, Mom. Sorry about that.”

  “I should think so. Is that any way to answer a telephone? I taught you better.”

  Nathan cringed as the guilt grabbed hold of him. “Yes, Mom.”

  “Now what is this I hear you won’t be attending dinner tomorrow?”

  He sank a little deeper into his seat. “I can’t make it, Mom. I’m sorry.” He waited for it. Any second now she was going to either start yelling at him or guilt him into coming home and he, of course, would give in.

  “I see. Well…I suppose we’ll just have to make it another time then. Take care, son.”

  “Mom—Damn it!” The dog whimpered again and, setting his phone on his lap, he ruffled Daisy’s head. “You’re lucky you don’t communicate with your mother…and I shouldn’t say that. I love my mother dearly.” He sighed heavily. He hated disappointing her, but he just couldn’t leave at this time. Not when he was so close to catching the bastard responsible for taking so many innocent lives, including his best friend. His mother would understand that…eventually. He hoped.

  Pulling up to the JCPD, Nathan hooked the leash to Daisy’s collar before scooping her and her bone, along with a bag of toys, from the car. With the dog in his arms, he entered the front doors.

  “Aw…what a cutie.”

  “Isn’t she?” he replied to the receptionist. “This is Daisy. She’s the lieutenant’s pup. Daisy, meet Lexi.”

  Lexi gave the puppy a scratch, smiling and cooing over her. It was the first time he’d seen her happy. “I didn’t know she had a dog. And what a sweet dog you are; yes you are.”

  “Is she in?”

  Lexi kissed the dog’s head before responding. “In her office.”

  “Thanks. Say bye to the nice lady, Daisy.” Obliging, Daisy barked, which made Lexi laugh. Carrying the puppy in his arm, Nathan headed to Sienna’s office. He could hear her talking as he approached her door and as he entered saw that she was on the telephone. He stepped inside and waited for her to finish.

  She set the phone down and gave a curious look at both Nathan and the dog. “I’ve got officers at the location the call came from. What did the killer have to say to you when he called?”

  “The usual. Bragging about his kill and letting me know he’s watching me.”

  “He told you he’s watching you? I need to put surveillance on you and why do you have my dog and what in God’s name is she wearing?” Sliding out from behind her desk, Sienna approached them. “Is that a studded leather collar?”

  “Indeed it is. I thought it was fitting, given what you like to wear.” He glanced with a wonted eye at her leather-clad legs. “And I don’t need surveillance. I can watch for him myself. I woke to this pretty lady kissing me. Though I would have preferred another pretty lady’s lips, but that can be remedied now.” Leaning closer, he attempted to kiss Sienna but she backed away. “Okay, maybe not. After reading your touching letter we headed out for a pee break, then some breakfast before going shopping. She loves these bones by the way.” Setting Daisy on the floor, Nathan handed Sienna the soggy bone. “I’m told they’ll help her teething problem.”

  “You’re not awake twenty four seven. I’ll get someone to watch you. You bought her a studded leather collar and a bone?” she added lastly, giving the collar a closer examination.

  “And some toys.” Nathan quipped, beaming. He held up the bag and pulled out a rubber bone. Giving it a squeeze, he made it squeak, which drew Daisy’s attention. “Should keep her from eating your shoes and tearing up your pillows.” He tossed it on the floor by Daisy, then took a step toward Sienna.”I don’t need a watch dog.”

  Again she backed away. “He won’t be watching you.”

  “Well, I am going to start thinking all you wanted from me was a quick lay.”

  “Keep your voice down,” she scolded him while hurrying to shut her office door. “I don’t need the entire precinct hearing about our sex life.”

  “Ah…I see.” Seizing the opportunity now that the door was closed, he grabbed her hand and tugged her against his chest. “Can I have that morning kiss now?”

  With a long sigh, she leaned toward him and gave his lips a quick nip.

  “Wow, that was incredible,” he commented sarcastically. “You can do better.”

  “Not in the office and, besides, we have more important things to discuss.”

  He held her firmly, though she tried to wiggle away. “I’ll take the watch dog but only if it’s you. There, business has now been concluded. Door’s closed and it’s only the two of us here now.”

  “What about the dog?”

  Nathan glanced down at Daisy who was busy gnawing on her bone. “She’s occupied.” And since she was, he wasted no time occupying himself with Sienna’s lips. She always tasted so spicy. She kissed with as much zing. He loved her mouth, loved how her lips curved up when she grinned, how it fit perfectly in his as they joined. When he released her mouth and watched her blue eyes flutter open he realized just how much he loved that soft, dreamy look she had when she was aroused.

  “Much better.”

  At the knock on her door she bolted out of his arms, smoothed out her shirt, and wiped her mouth before responding. “Enter.”

  “Relax, Lieutenant,” he whispered as he crouched down to tease Daisy with her rubber bone.

  “Lieutenant. Oh, hey, Nathan. And who do we have here?” Detective Vega’s eyes drifted down to the dog.

  “Daisy. She’s the lieutenant’s dog.” Nathan scratched the puppy’s belly which put her into doggy heaven.

  “Really?” Dante’s eyes shifted to meet Sienna’s. “Didn’t picture you as a dog owner. Huh.”

  “Was there a reason for your visit, Detective?” Sienna asked with firm authority.

  “I have someone in my office who says he has some information on our killer.”

  “What sort of information?” Nathan inquired eagerly, getting to his feet.

  “That’s all he gave me.”

  “And you left him alone in your office?” Sienna chastised with a great deal of reprimand in her voice.

  “No,” Dante affirmed. “He’s in the interrogation room which is being monitored by an officer. I haven’t been off the job that long that I don’t remember procedure, Lieutenant.”

  “Then let’s stop chatting and go do our job. Daisy, stay,” Sienna snapped at the puppy as she escorted everyone else from her office.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The young man sat at the long, stainless steel table with his arms crossed over his skinny chest and an uneasy look on his meek, almost weasely face. One glance told her he didn’t like being here one bit. Which was good for her.

  It meant he wouldn’t be dicking her around.

  “Conrad, this is Lieutenant Storm and Detective Powers. They want to ask a few questions.” Dante spoke in a soft tone which seemed to ease the guy’s nerves.

  “Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, okay.” He tapped his fingers on his arms still crossed at his chest. And Sienna bet the guy was juiced on something. He had that drugged up look.

  She took a chair directly across from Conrad and kept her tone light. “Are you thirsty? I can have one of the detectives get you something.”

  “Nah, I’m good. Just wanna get this over with if that’s okay with you?”

  “No pr
oblem. I need to get this on record, which means I’ll be recording our conversation. Is that all right with you, Conrad?”

  He examined the digital recording device she set on the table with a bit of unease. “I suppose so.”

  “Great.” Sienna clicked the record button, giving her name, rank and the case number before proceeding. “It’s my understanding that you have some information for us regarding the recent killings in Jacob’s Cove.”

  “Yeah…yeah…um…yeah…” the kid’s eyes darted around the room.

  If this guy didn’t have a record, she’d eat her shoes. “What sort of information do you have for us, Conrad?”

  “I know who you’re looking for,” he said quickly.

  She leaned forward in her seat. “You know who the killer is?”

  He tapped his fingers a little faster. “Well…not personally, but I know what you’re looking for. I…uh…heard from a girl I’m seeing that you guys were questioning people in The Demon’s Lair about this guy. I know what kind of demon he is.”

  Sienna felt Nathan shifting beside her. “What sort of demon is he?”

  “Krejka,” Conrad said quickly, then shoved a finger in his mouth and chewed on the nail.

  Sienna turned to Dante. He only shrugged. “I don’t think I’m familiar with that race of demons. What can you tell me about him?”

  “He eats hearts,” That had him giggling.

  Sienna kept her patience. “Do you know why he does that?”

  “It helps him, makes him stronger, gives him more life. The more he eats the longer he lives.” He shrugged thin shoulders.

  That was more than she had an hour ago she supposed. “Do you know where we could find him?”

  Conrad shook his head rapidly, then pushed to his feet. “I only know what he is. I need to go now.”

  “Are you sure you don’t know where he is?” Nathan pursued aggressively.