by Mary Abshire
“Because I’m psychic.” She laughed in her head as he stared at her. “Yep, I never told you.”
He scoffed. “No way. You would’ve said something before.”
“Oh yeah? You know me that well?”
“I know you very well and in all the right ways.” He grinned.
She rolled her eyes. “Okay, I’m not psychic. But I was sending you messages via telepathy.”
Again, his gaze froze and he had a serious look on his face. “Are you playing with me? Because there were times I thought you were with me. I even talked to you and you talked back. Well, in my head you spoke to me.”
Her brows rose. “Really?” She recalled how she’d pretended he was with her and had spoken to him. She found it interesting he’d likely done the same thing. “What did I say?”
“Well, you were based on my memories, so we talked like normal and debated things. You were bitchy for a little bit when I hadn’t started researching about the demon quick enough.”
She giggled. “I was bitchy?”
He shook his head. “Stupid, I know, but it helped distract me. I was so angry and frustrated. I thought you would hate me and never forgive me. I couldn’t eat. Nothing had any flavor. Then I all I wanted to do was sleep and dream about you. All I cared about was thinking about you and our good times.”
Her eyes filled with moisture. She swallowed hard, fighting the wave of sadness. His emotions had been similar to hers. “I would never hate you. Well, unless you cheated on me, but I don’t think you’d do that. But if you did, I’d cut your dick off.”
His eyes widened. “Would you really?”
“Yep. Count on it.”
“Okay, good to know. But don’t worry, I would never cheat on you. Those days of playing around ended when I met you.”
Smiling, she believed him. “So you pretended I was with you and we talked like normal?”
“Pretty much.”
“I’m not telepathic. I made that up.”
“I thought so. It was all in my head.” He lifted her injured hand and set it on his chest.
“To go back to your question, I checked your computer history. I saw several articles you had pulled up. I didn’t go through everything, but since there were complaints filed against him and a few of the women are dead, I made a guess.”
“I spoke to one of the women yesterday, the one where the judge suspended Deon for a day. She said Deon had stopped one of her cousin’s friends and the woman later turned up dead. She thinks Deon killed her.”
Now her eyes grew wide. “Wow, you have been busy researching. Not bad.”
“There are eight parishes with the highest murder rate among women. He pulls them over and threatens them so they’ll do whatever he wants.”
“The victims of the serial killer, did any of them have complaints against him?”
“A few, not many.”
“Maybe he’s stopping and killing them instead of threatening and then killing.”
“He still threatens women. I spoke to another lady who works at a grocery store. She told me Deon pulled her over for a traffic violation. He told her she had an outstanding ticket and threatened to put her in jail. She had a kid with her and feared the child would end up in protective services, so she agreed to give him a blowjob. He continues to show up at her job and ask for favors.”
“What a manipulative fuck.”
“I haven’t been able to follow him much. I tried to today, but I lost him out on some country road in swampland.”
Concern crept into her thoughts. “How many times have you followed him?”
“A couple, but he works various hours. I followed him to the gym, to work…”
“You need to be careful. He could notice you.”
“I keep a good distance.”
“He’s trained to notice things. If he is this serial killer, then he’s smart enough to get away with murder. This is a game to him and he controls everything.”
“Then we have to be smarter. And we have to find a way for me to destroy him before more innocent women are hurt.”
His words filled her with joy. He’d said we.
“Have you got any ideas?” she asked.
He stroked her un-bandaged digit between his thumb and forefinger. “I’d like to follow him while he pulls someone over. I don’t know if he stops them in secluded areas or takes them there, but either way, I could follow and kill him before he harms another woman.”
“You’d expose yourself. The potential victim would see you.”
“I was willing to live with that, but now that you’re here, maybe you can distract the woman.”
“It’s a good idea. It could work.” Of course, she had one too. “Do you have a back-up plan?”
“No, but I know what yours would be. You’d try to lure him to pull you over, somewhat like what you did with the first demon in Pittsburgh.”
“Yeah, but you’d have to be with me. There’s no way I’d go alone. You’d have to hide in the trunk or the back seat.”
A murdering demon who was a cop frightened her worse than any of the other demons he’d destroyed.
His chest expanded as he gathered air. “I don’t want to endanger you.”
She put her hand on his forehead. “Andrew, we work together. There will be risks involved and I’m willing to take them, but let me decide. I’m not going to go alone, I promise. But there will always be danger involved since they’re demons. You know this.”
He stopped caressing her finger and looked away from her. “I don’t like it.”
“I don’t either. But it is what is. We work together and we can get through the challenges and the risks.”
His gaze returned to her. “I’m so lucky to have you. I had to meet you, had to. My life here and there”—he shot his gaze to the ceiling briefly—“is forever changed.”
She could say the same. “Let’s stick to your first plan. I have our phones so we can both follow him and keep in touch. Or maybe we should switch cars every other day to follow him. That might be a good idea, mix things up.”
His lips stretched. “I like it, and we have a Plan B if we need one.”
“Exactly.”
He sat up and smooched her, twice. “What would the love of my life like to do now?”
She brushed the back of her fingers over his hairy cheek. “What would the imaginary Emily say?”
“Well…” He slid his hand between her legs. “She’d want me to do some things to her.”
Her body warmed while her southern charm moistened. More play time with orgasms sounded great, but her growling stomach had another idea. The love fest would have to wait.
“I’d say that’s right, but the real me is starving for food,” she said.
He jerked his head toward the door. The subway bag lay on the floor. “Crap. I don’t think that’s going to be any good.”
She chuckled. “Let’s order something, then you can pick it up.”
“Uh… I don’t have any menus.”
“Wait. You can do research on a laptop, but you don’t know how to search for nearby restaurants?” she asked with wide eyes.
“Oh, right. I guess I could do that.”
She gave him a kiss. “See, you do need me.”
He moved his hand from her apex to her cheek. “I’ve always needed you and I will continue to. Never forget that.”
He invaded her mouth and tortured her tongue in the most pleasing way. Desire elevated her temperature, hardened her sore nipples, and made her wetter. She longed to feel his touches and kisses all over body again and again. But when her belly roared, she decided a rain check was in order. Besides, they could spend plenty of time exploring after they ate.
She broke the kiss and put her palm on his chest. “Food first.”
He grumbled. “Yes, sweet love of my life.”
Chapter Seventeen
Andrew drove down an aisle in the shopping center’s lot, looking for a place to park. The Chinese rest
aurant he’d ordered from sat between a clothing shop and a burger joint with more shops on each side. Given the evening hour, many cars filled the spots in front of the eateries. Out of all the nearby food establishments, Emily had chosen the Chinese one. He’d been more than happy to appease her. He’d built up quite an appetite over the last several hours with her. The last time he had felt so hungry had been when they were last together in Borrego Springs. For a change, he could eat just about anything.
Frustrated with the lack of spaces available, he steered into a spot at the end of the row. He’d suffer through a few minutes of heat to get food for the woman he loved. He cut the engine and then left Matt’s vehicle.
Andrew swung the key ring around his finger as he headed toward the restaurant. Thunder rumbled in the sky. The ominous clouds didn’t bring his mood down. For another change, he felt happy and excited. He had energy and a craving for sex. Only Emily could satisfy that hunger. The days of feeling angry, depressed, and flat-out miserable were over. Life was good now, even better with the knowledge he would have her forever.
A short stocky man dressed in khaki shorts and a green polo shirt entered the restaurant as Andrew reached the curb. Andrew jumped onto sidewalk and then grabbed the door before it closed behind the man.
Cool air washed over him as he entered the building. The short guy who had entered before him stood in line for the cashier. A large woman waited at the counter. The tight orange tank top and jean shorts hugged her skin and revealed her rolls of fat. Chattering voices in the establishment drowned out the soft string music from the speakers in the ceiling.
Andrew’s pocket vibrated and he smacked his thigh. For a brief second he’d forgotten Emily had given his old prepaid phone to him before he’d left. He withdrew the cell and found a message from her on the screen.
Hurry up, lover, your woman needs to eat.
Joy filled him and he grinned. She truly was the only woman for him. He typed a response. In line. Restaurant busy. Your lover will return as soon as he can.
He’d missed her spunkiness and humor. He’d missed so much more he couldn’t put everything into words. She meant the world to him. She filled him with immense passion and glee. He had to reciprocate. She deserved it.
Leaving her had been a colossal mistake and one he’d always regret. He should’ve listened to his instinct and Matt. If Troy hadn’t encouraged him, Andrew would’ve stayed with her. Emily had been right. Troy had taken advantage of the situation and Andrew’s emotions. Andrew couldn’t have been more pleased to hear she’d parted ways with Troy for good. He was a dangerous man, the kind she needed to avoid in order to get to heaven. While it angered Andrew what Troy had done, Andrew also blamed himself. He shouldn’t had let Troy sway him. If it weren’t for her steadfast love and determination, he would have sunk deeper into a dark void with no hope of getting out. He owed her his heart and endless affection, which he planned to give her every day. He’d been fortunate to receive her forgiveness. If this was his second chance, he couldn’t blow it.
His cell buzzed. The screen showed a new text from her.
Shove to the front of the line. Tell them you demand food for your lover who is waiting alone, naked in bed, and hasn’t eaten all day. I’m sure they could rush to get the order.
He chuckled as he stepped forward. The big woman at the front of the line stepped away carrying two large bags. Andrew typed a reply as the stocky man in front of him requested his food from the Asian woman behind the counter.
Not sure your excuse would motivate them to rush as much as it does me. My lover should not be alone and naked. Good news. I’m next in line. I will remedy the situation soon.
He lowered the phone to his side and glanced around the room. The crowded restaurant contained families and couples eating dinner and chatting. A family of five sitting at a rectangular table one row away from the windows captured his attention. The demon wore casual clothes as he ate with a woman and three kids. The oldest boy was the same one Andrew had seen before. Deon was speaking to him while the lady talked to the little girl beside her. Andrew suspected they were Deon’s wife and daughter. The middle-aged boy continued eating. They looked like a normal family, but their auras told a different story. All but the young girl had a white glow.
Andrew lifted his cell and prepared a message for Emily. You’re not going to believe who is here.
After he fired off the note, he returned his attention to the demon. A waitress stood near Deon’s older son. Deon’s lips were moving fast. The waitress shook her head and replied. He shoved his dish forward. Brows tightly drawn together, his expression seemed angry. The waitress collected his half-eaten plate of food and then took a step to the side. Deon grabbed her arm and told her something which made her nod.
Motion within Andrew’s palm drew his gaze away from the family. The cell in his hand revealed another text from Emily.
Is it the image of me? Imaginary Emily should be getting upset for the long wait.
He responded. No, it’s not you. The demon is here with his family.
Andrew looked at them again. Deon was saying something to his wife. Other customers from nearby tables were stealing glances at him. Andrew wished he could hear the demon, but he stood too far away.
The phone shook again.
Has he seen you?
Andrew replied. No.
“Next,” the Asian woman behind the counter said.
Andrew moved forward as the short man walked away with a plastic bag.
“Name please,” she said with an Asian accent.
“Reynolds.”
She turned around and checked the bags on the table near the wall. A younger woman with her black hair tied behind her head stood in front of the cash register helping a customer. Lifting a full bag, the older Asian returned and set his order on the counter.
“Twenty-six fourteen,” she said.
Andrew set the phone on the counter while he dug into his pocket for his wallet. The cell buzzed with a new message. He read it as he withdrew cash.
Be careful. Don’t look at him. Don’t make eye contact.
He handed the bills to the woman. While she rang his order up at the register, Andrew slid the cell into his pocket. Since he planned to be back at the hotel in ten minutes or less, he didn’t bother to respond.
Waiting for his change, Andrew returned his gaze to the dining area. Deon’s wife and kids continued to eat their meals, but Deon had left. Not finding him in sight, Andrew suspected he might have gone to the bathroom or to talk to the waitress.
“Your change,” the Asian woman said.
Andrew collected the bills and coins before he stuffed them into his wallet. “Thank you.” He pushed his billfold into his pocket.
The woman grabbed small packages from under the counter and then dropped them in with his order. “Have good evening.”
Bag in hand, Andrew headed for the exit. He couldn’t wait to get back to his lover.
Outside, he paused for a brief second on the sidewalk. Seeing Deon a few feet from the door with his head tilted toward the phone in his hand had stunned Andrew. Avoiding contact with him, Andrew proceeded across the lot. The temptation to look back pressed upon him, but he ignored it and focused on returning to Emily.
Andrew dropped the bag of food in the passenger seat before he sat behind the wheel. Although he’d parked at least ten cars away from the entrance of the restaurant, he could still see a trace amount of Deon’s body through the windows. Disgust and anger started to rise within Andrew. He would’ve enjoyed killing Deon right then and there to end the murders, but the man stood in a public place. Andrew would have to wait, but he would soon get his opportunity to destroy the demon.
Pushing aside his hostile thoughts, he steered out of the parking spot. His favorite woman waited for him to return. Anticipation grew inside him. He looked forward to seeing her. And holding her. And kissing her. Hell, he planned to do all that and more.
Chapter Eighteen
She checked the time. The iPhone Matt had given Andrew to use while they were security guards showed another minute had passed. She preferred using it as opposed to the prepaid ones she still had since it had more functionality, but soon she’d have to give the phone up.
Frustration and worry chiseled away at her while she strode back and forth in front of the television. Where the hell was Andrew? Why hadn’t he replied to her text? He should’ve let her know when he was on his way back.
Pausing near the door, she sent him a new message. Where are you?
She continued pacing. Maybe she was overreacting or a bit paranoid, but they’d been through a lot together to destroy demons. One who had been a nurse had almost killed her by giving her a bottle of water laced with poison. And the last demon had been selling young women as sex slaves. Emily had almost been one. Demons were evil and sneaky. She couldn’t bear to think about something happening to Andrew. Now she understood how he felt when she’d left him to get on the boat in San Diego to help save the four young women.
The phone in her hand came alive with a vibration and ring tone. Startled, Emily flinched. She assumed Andrew was responding her to the message she’d sent, so she didn’t check the screen for the name of the caller. In a rush, she tapped the screen and lifted it to her ear. “Are you okay?”
“That wasn’t exactly the greeting I’d expected to hear,” Matt said.
Emily sat in a chair by the table. Disappointment coursed through her and she felt like a tire deflating. She sighed heavily. “Hi Matt.” The two words came out sounding grim.