by Michael Todd
“It’s a travesty,” he whispered. “It’s like he got dragged backward through a cactus field by the Eighties.”
What’s wrong with that? Timothy’s demon chuckled. Personally, I liked the big hair and spandex and everything.
You would. I bet you loved his broke-down Grease outfit.
Better than those ugly-ass red ones you have.
Timothy gasped. Those are Marc Jacobs’ Spring Collection. How dare you thrust your trash-bag fashion onto my sense of style? You are a demon. Demons go running around the city with their balls swinging all over the place. You have no room to criticize.
Please, you should have seen me last time I was on Earth. Every woman wanted to date me, and every man wanted to be my friend.
You probably used your voodoo, Timothy mumbled.
Even with voodoo, I wouldn’t choose those shoes.
Timothy scrunched his nose and rolled his eyes. He hated his demon. Even if the demon had liked men, he would still hate him. They had absolutely nothing in common and disagreed on every single subject. His demon reminded him of some ultra-conservative rebel-flag-waving redneck.
It was almost like he’d never left home.
Timothy sighed as he scrolled through the Facebook feed. “All right, George, there has to be something in here. Something I can blackmail you with…”
It was nothing but personal pats on the back and a couple of financial videos he’d shared. There were also about a thousand photos of George with his pampered-looking cat. That the love of your life was a sweater-wearing cat wasn’t something Timothy would expect a grown man to want to get out to the public, but since the IRS agent had shared them online, they were useless to Timothy.
He clicked off Facebook and started to dig further into the agent’s digital life. He hoped to find some juicy website in George’s browsing history or emails that could be used against him, but all his hacking turned up was the same story. He was boring, he loved his job, and there was zero dirt that could be used against him to gain the information Timothy needed.
“Lord, even the pope has a skeleton somewhere in the back of his closet,” Timothy grumbled. “This guy is just the weird neighbor whose house always smells like canned cat food and terrible cologne.”
He leaned forward in his chair and continued to sift through George’s online footprint. On the third page of the search results he found a link to a page, so he clicked it. George’s Myspace page popped up on the screen.
“Who the fuck still has a Myspace page this day and age? This guy belongs in that fucking movie, Napoleon Dynamite.”
He scrolled through the feed, shuddering when he saw the photos from four years before of George wearing moon boots and an ugly cat sweater. Timothy squinted at the picture, seeing an older woman sitting on the couch next to him. She was wearing the same sweater and holding a ratty-looking dog with one crossed eye. At first, he thought it was a possible lead into some sick twisted world of geriatric pornography—as George’s thick mustache hinted—but after reading the caption, he realized it was just George’s mother.
“For a guy who looks like he owns the Bates Motel, he sure is boring.”
I bet he gets mad tail; all the weird ones do. That, or he sits at home watching weird farm porn, wishing he had asked out his high school crush and crying into his meal-for-one.
Timothy laughed. With a shrine on the wall to the crush, right next to the one he made for his mother.
Yes! But his mother’s is bigger. No one can stack up to Mom.
Timothy burst out laughing, glad for once he was laughing with his demon and not raging mad at him. Timothy couldn’t believe that the thing they’d formed a bond over was grandma porn and momma’s boys. For once they weren’t fighting over him sleeping with a woman, at least not for the moment.
I know they are doing something to specifically pin this bullshit on Katie. I know it’s not just a simple case of tax avoidance.
Of course. They don’t care about the money, they are trying to take down your girl. You need to be careful, or they might come after you next.
Timothy’s lip curled. I’d like to see them try.
7
“So, tell me about your life.” Katie’s mom poured tea for them both, and the delicate fragrance of Katie’s favorite blend filled the air. “Where do you live? What is your world like?”
Katie swallowed her emotion before the scent of bergamot mixed with her mother’s perfume could bring tears to her eyes. “Well, you know I fight demons. We work with the military, but we’re separate from them. I was based here for a while, but I’m currently based in New York. I actually just bought a condo in the city.”
Her mother tilted her head in surprise. “Really? I have to say, I’d never pictured you as a city girl. You always liked your space when you were growing up.”
“I know, right? I never thought I would like it out there, but I ended up falling in love with the heart of the place. Not only that, there’s always a high level of demon activity there, and with the mercenary teams being sent out all over they need someone with strong powers to keep things under control.” She saw the hesitation on her mom’s face. “What do you want to ask?”
“New York condos, all the traveling… How can you afford all that?”
Katie grinned. “Demon-slaying pays a premium, Mom. Plus, I have an extremely profitable business attached to my base out here, and a fantastic team of people to run it while I’m away.”
Her mother flushed with pride. “Oh, that’s wonderful! At least you can be close to home, not be out there in the wind all the time.”
“Yeah.” Katie smiled, thinking that the Vegas base was anything but out of the wind. “It’s nice coming back, even more now that we have each other again.”
Her mom smiled. “We can have lunches together, and maybe even holidays.”
Katie’s heart soared at the idea, then fell when reality hit. “As amazing as that sounds, I do have to be careful with you. I can’t visit as much as I want to.” The look on her mother’s face broke Katie’s heart. “I have to protect you, Mom. If the demons found out about you and discovered that we were close, they would come after you in a heartbeat. They’ve put a target on my back and will get to me by any means possible— like taking out the people I love. I hate it, but it is what it is.”
Her mom was silent for a few minutes. She looked down at her teacup while she took in Katie’s bombshell. “Well, I suppose I understand, and although I don’t have to like the idea of my little girl running into danger, I support you. You’ve sacrificed your own chance at a normal life and ordinary things for the sake of this country and for this world. Katie, I’m proud of you for being strong enough to do that.”
Katie sniffed. “Thanks, Mom. That means a lot, really.”
“I mean it.” Katie’s mom passed her a tissue from the box on the end table. “Besides, I’ve always wanted to learn how to shoot. I’ll get some pistols for the house and be ready for the demons if they come. I can’t have my little girl worrying about my safety, not when you’re out there saving the world.” She beamed at Katie. “You saved the President of the United States, so it’s the least I can do.”
Katie grinned. “You’ve always been a badass, Mom. I appreciate you helping to keep my anxiety down. I don’t want anything to happen to you. We’ve spent too long apart from each other, and I don’t want to go through that ever again.”
Her mom nodded solemnly. “I couldn’t agree more with you. Now, would you like a sandwich? Or we could go get some lunch together.”
Katie sighed. “I wish I could stay, but the general put a time limit on this visit. It’s not over yet in New York, and he feels better knowing I am there to protect the place. Unfortunately, I have to get back there.”
Katie’s mom stood up with Katie and wrapped her arms around her daughter tightly. “It’s so good to see you again, sweetheart. Deep inside, I knew you weren’t gone. I knew you were out there somewhere. Be careful, please, I d
on’t want to lose you again.”
“I promise,” Katie whispered. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Katie.”
Her mom walked her to the door and smiled, brushing a piece of hair back from Katie’s face. Katie didn’t want to leave, but she knew it was for the best. Her mom watched her as she walked back down the path and jumped into her truck. She waved at her mom and took off down the street.
Her mother shut the front door once Katie had turned the corner, then leaned against it and smiled. Her heart was full to bursting after seeing that her beautiful daughter was alive, and she was strong. She might have a demon inside her, but she could tell she was still Katie.
She made her way toward the kitchen with the tea tray and quickly rinsed the pot and cups out. There was a knock on her front door. She frowned and put the last cup away before heading over to look through the peephole. On the other side was a silver-haired man, his eyes blue and green like the waves in the ocean. She felt a rush of warmth move over her and she opened the door, smiling at the man.
“How can I help you?”
Gabriel returned her smile, amused at how closely Katie resembled her mother. “I’m so sorry, but for now I’ve got to hide what you know. I promise it isn’t forever.”
Katie’s mom tilted her head, confused by what he was saying. Suddenly a flash of bright light illuminated the entire front porch of the house, and when the light cleared she was standing there alone. She blinked and looked around. There was no one out there.
“I could have sworn I heard someone at the door.”
She shrugged and sighed, then shut the door and went back into the house with no recollection of Katie’s visit. She walked over to the mantel on the fireplace and ran her hand across Katie’s picture.
“I miss you, sweetie. You died far too young. But for some reason, today I really feel like you are here with me, comforting me.” She wasn’t just saying it, either. She felt like her broken heart had been mended in some way.
Gabriel watched on, invisible to Katie’s mother. Even though he had tucked those memories far enough back to hide the knowledge that Katie was alive from her, the feeling of comfort and joy remained in her heart. Gabriel knew better than most that a mother’s love was stronger than almost any magic that could be performed. He knew that if he didn’t leave her content, those memories would find their way back.
After all, she was the mother of an angel.
When Katie got back to the base that night she thought about catching up on soap operas, but she was exhausted. She got Pandora some donuts and a pizza and shut herself up in her room. She was glad to be back, even if it was only for a few hours. She let Pandora have as much food as she wanted and then curled up in the bed, falling asleep to the comforting feeling of her mother’s contentment at knowing Katie was still alive.
When she woke up the next morning she jumped in the shower to wash the donut sugar off her face, packed her bags, and headed off the base. As much as she wanted to stay and see how things were going, she had to get back to New York. They were relying on her, and she had a new business to start building back there.
As she approached the helo pad, she saw Joshua waiting out front with six large duffel bags, all lined up ready for her to take.
“Every time I see you it’s like Christmas morning!” Katie smiled warmly and pointed at the bags. “What have you got for me this time?”
Joshua’s expression was one of pure joy. “I figured you would need supplies out there, so half of this is simply ammunition. I loaded you up with all kinds, and extra for those big guns you had me create.”
At the rate she’d been going through ammo for Tom and Harry so far during her time in New York, that was some very welcome news. “Nice, and thank you. And what is the rest?”
“New stuff.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I started getting creative after making those pistols. Actually, I went a little wild. You’ll find all kinds of goodies in there to hold you over while you are in New York.”
“You, sir, are the best. You are going to have to come see me in New York. I bought a condo out there and everything.”
Joshua wrinkled his nose. “Maybe. I’ve never been fond of big crowds, but I think I can make an exception for you. I have always wanted to see the Statue of Liberty.”
Katie chuckled and tapped her lips with a finger, and Joshua leaned in to accept her kiss on his cheek. “We’ll work it out. You guys stay safe out here, and look out for Timothy. I know he visits you when he gets lonely.”
Joshua nodded. “He does, and we are always happy to see him. We will watch out for him.”
“Thank you.” Katie smiled. “I gotta get going. I’ll see you soon.”
Joshua hugged her and headed back to the armory building. Katie looked down at the huge bags of weapons at her feet. She was about to pick up the first two when the soldiers standing watch grinned at each other, slung their rifles around to their backs, and headed over.
Don’t you dare refuse their help, Pandora told her.
Katie rolled her eyes, but stood aside to allow the soldiers to carry her bags to the waiting bird.
Katie did her best to keep her eyes on their work and not on their asses, but she was finding it a little difficult since both guys filled out their fatigues pretty nicely.
I knew you were a woman somewhere in there.
I suppose. Katie laughed as she climbed into the helo. Let’s just get to the jet and get back to New York. We can talk about it there.
I’m holding you to that.
I knew you would.
While Katie was on her way back to New York, Timothy was readying himself for a cyber battle—one of heroic proportions. He went to the kitchen and filled his large water bottle with can after can of Mountain Dew. He tossed the cans into the recycling bin and filled his tote full of snacks from Doritos to Ho-Hos. He was now fully prepared.
For someone so stuck up about looks, you sure have no standards when it comes to what you put into our body, his demon bitched.
Timothy hissed. First of all, it’s my body, not our body. Secondly, this is the very nectar of the hacker gods. I need it to perform at optimal levels.
For what? Hacking a political website again?
No, no. This time my sights are set on something much larger; something that will help me get Katie out of trouble. I’m going to hack the IRS.
His demon scoffed. Sure you are.
Hey! I’ve hacked major military defense bases. What makes you think I can’t handle a bunch of Georges? Bitch, please!
Timothy sat down at his desk and cracked his fingers, a smile on his face. He took a sip of Mountain Dew and started to work through the layers upon layers of security in the IRS system. Several times the system shut him out and attempted to backtrack him, but he was faster and smarter than any damn program. Sweat beaded his forehead as his fingers flew and he forced his way past the firewalls the IRS used to protect its secrets.
He sat back in his chair when he was thrown out of the system yet again, and that time he’d only just avoided getting busted. He put his elbows on the desk and cradled his tired head in his hands, wondering if there was a better way to go about getting onto the server. Timothy rubbed his chin and stared at the screen, not ready to give up quite yet. While normally getting knocked back like that would irritate the shit out of him, this time it was different. He found the seemingly impenetrable walls of their system to be a challenge, and he never backed down from a challenge.
Besides, there was too much at stake. Katie was being targeted, and that meant the rest of the company was too. Their enemy had already sent one agent out here to sniff around, and Timothy wasn’t sure how much power this person actually wielded. What if they were capable of turning the military against them? They could find themselves surrounded inside their own base.
He couldn’t have that, and he wouldn’t let anything happen to Katie if he could do something to stop it. Besides, his professional pride wanted the ma
ssage. He might not be able to tell anyone he hacked the IRS, but he could sure as hell sit back afterward and enjoy the speculation that would explode across the hacker community the moment it got out that the IRS had been breached.
Katie’s private plane touched down in New York, where she was greeted by a car sent by her new condo’s front desk. There were actually two cars: one to bring her back, and the other to retrieve her luggage. She was impressed, but then again, she had picked the place because it had impressed her, and she expected no less than the stellar service she was receiving.
She was happy to get back to her new life, to see the progress that had been made and then map out the rest. Even as they drove through downtown, she felt like she belonged there with everyone else. What used to be so huge and overwhelming now seemed normal and everyday. She was no longer bothered by the ever-present hum of traffic overlaid with loud sirens and honking cars. She just rode along and let it wash over her as the sun shone through the car window and warmed her skin.
The car pulled to the front of the building, and Katie tipped the driver. She got out and unloaded her weapons bags onto a waiting luggage rack and wheeled it inside, leaving the bags with more mundane contents to be sent up separately.
She smiled at the concierge as she passed through the lobby, and he nodded kindly in return. She pulled the luggage rack behind her into the elevator and swiped her card across the sensor, and the elevator took her up to the floor her apartment was on. It felt kind of strange going there knowing she was home, but she would get used to it.
Katie opened the front door and paused to look around at the accent pieces placed artfully in the entry hall. She nodded in approval and tossed her keys into the bowl on the stand by the door. She knew that Angie would have made an effort, but she’d only been gone for a day and a half. She hadn’t expected the woman to work miracles, but this was a nice start.