by S. L. Gavyn
I plopped down in a seat, and put my head in my hands for a moment before looking up at him.
“Cop, I don’t know what to do. I’m so scared. I know Jared’s right. This Fallen is coming after me just because I was making out with him at the club the other night, and I have no way of defending myself against him. I mean, I’ve never even been around Angels before let alone fought one. What am I supposed to do?”
Cop got up and walked around the desk and put his hand on my shoulder.
“Don’t worry, Avery. Jared will take care of you. The best advice I can give you is to tell Jared how you feel. He’ll understand, and be able to help you.”
“The only problem with that is this overcoming desire I have. It’s practically debilitating.” I got up and looked Cop in the eyes. “I mean, every time I get close to the guy I have this overwhelming desire to...” I looked away as if I was embarrassed.
“What is it Avery?”
I bit my lip like I really didn’t want to say anything then looked him in the eyes and just came out with it.
“I have this overwhelming desire to...to...stick my katana up his ass, and if you don’t stop controlling my boss, I’m going to do just that in about two seconds.”
Cop smiled for a moment then his expression went blank for a second before it was his usual grimace.
“What do ya need Tywella?” he asked me like I had just walked in.
“Just letting you know that I have no new info on our case, but I did draw a composite of the killer. I’ll make copies and spread it around.”
He grunted acknowledgment. “Then get back to work.”
I nodded and left the room.
I walked back to my office to find Jared sitting in my chair with his feet propped up on my desk.
“So you know I’m right, huh,” he said.
“I knew you were messing with me so I messed back. None of that was true. Well, other than an overwhelming desire. That desire is especially strong right now.”
“Really? Well, we are alone.”
“That’s right, we are. The only problem is, where do I put your dead body when I’m done?”
“Ha ha. I was thinking of fulfilling another desire of yours.”
I pretended to be thinking.
“Nope, can’t think of any other desire you could help me with. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have some work to do. Make yourself scarce.”
“Alright, but just for the record, did it ever occur to you that I possibly don’t have a long line of ex’s? That perhaps it’s my lack of attention to those of the opposite sex that made you stand out, and that is why Jael is after you?”
“I highly doubt it. I think it is more of me being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong guy.”
“Oh, I am definitely the right guy.”
“Like I said, I’m busy so please leave.”
He walked out, and I started going over the information I had gathered on Amber Lambert. I still haven’t talked to the other two band members, but this seems more like the killer has issue with Jared than the other members or the band. I tried to find out any information on Jael himself, and couldn’t find anything. It doesn’t surprise me. There isn’t much info on Angels unless they are Fallen.
I decided I would look up Jared to see what I could find. There wasn’t too much on him either. Just that he had been on earth for the last seventy five years or so. He started in Europe spending time in Romania and Syria before meeting up with Luke. The two of them traveled to the US where they met up with, first, Zach then the other two band members Samael and Hashiel, or Sam and Hash. Not sure why, but they kinda sound like they should be in a Dr. Seuss book.
At about noon Kansas popped his head in the door.
“Your beau’s bought lunch. Let’s eat, chica.”
“He’s definitely not my beau. What’d he get?”
“Thai.”
I was heading toward the door before he was finished saying the word.
“Ooh, chica likes Thai food. Goth boy did right, yeah?”
“For once.”
He laughed. “He ain’t been able to crack that tough exterior yet? I’d think a smooth guy like him would have had you on your back by now.”
“Do you want to be on your back? Perhaps with a blade to your throat?”
“Think I’ll pass this time. I’m not into all that kinky stuff you are.”
He said the last as we entered the break room and Jared raised his brows.
“I didn’t know you were into kink, Caru.”
“I didn’t know my name was Caru.”
He just smiled at me.
“Hey, hot mama. How’s your case going? I see you picked up a straggler,” Davis said as he walked in.
“Grandmother always warned me not to feed stray animals.”
He laughed.
“I believe it is I who is feeding you, Caru.”
“Don’t worry, Jared. I have no problem with leaving you.”
“Keep telling yourself that.”
They laughed and I couldn’t help but join them.
We ate mostly in silence except the occasional odd thought. Cassidy and Levon joined us. They were another set of partners who worked for the task force. There were eleven of us all together.
“So how’s your Demon hunt going?” I asked Davis and Kansas.
“He’s an allusive fucker. Can’t find him anywhere. I hate when they jump back to Hell,” Kansas said.
“It would be nice if we had some kind of liaison there,” Davis added.
I laughed. “Who would want to live in Hell just so they could help us catch Demon? Certainly not me.”
“It still sucks that he can just hang out at home and we can’t do anything about it,” Davis replied.
“I’m sure I could get a spell that would portal you to Hell. You could have a little vacation and catch your Demon while there,” I said.
He started to shake his head as Kansas said, “You’ll be going alone. This partner doesn’t want anything to do with Hell.”
“Yeah, he figures he’ll be spending enough time there once he’s dead,” I added.
“Ha ha. You speak for yourself Demon girl. I’m a born again Christian,” Kansas said.
“A drunken pervert on Saturday night and a Christian Sunday morning. That’s gotta get you into the Kingdom.”
“Well, at least I know I won’t be alone in Hell.”
“That’s right. You’ll have your best girl friend with ya,” I said with a wink.
“Why would you think Avery would ever end up in Hell? If anyone is worthy of the Kingdom, it would be her,” Jared said.
“He obviously doesn’t know you very well, chica,” Kansas said.
“I’m going to try to keep it that way,” I replied.
“Well, I guess we should get back to our hunt. What do you two have planned for the afternoon?” Davis asked.
“I’m going to go see if Chris can tell me anything new then talk to Amber’s friend, Sarah, while Jared is checking her for mind manipulation,” I said.
“I am?” Jared asked.
I ignored the question and asked my own. “Can you remove the manipulation so we can find out what she really saw?”
“How do you know she saw anything?”
“I called her yesterday and she told me they were supposed to go to the club together Sunday, but she couldn’t make it. I asked her why, and she couldn’t remember. That sounds like manipulation to me.”
“I see. I’m not sure if I will be able to remove the manipulation, but I might be able to manipulate her into telling me what really happened. Unfortunately, you have a problem with me messing with people’s minds.”
“I think I can make an exception. Let’s go find out what she knows.”
“As you wish, Caru.”
First we headed over to the medical examiners’ in my car. I’m somewhat of a control freak therefore I like to drive when possible. Plus, I love my car. I saved up for quite a wh
ile before buying my Camaro ZL1, and I like to drive it whenever possible. Jared didn’t seem to mind riding shotgun. Not that I cared either way.
When we walked in, I asked to see Chris and was sent on back. I’m here often enough that everyone knows who I am without having me flash them my badge. We walked in on him preforming an autopsy on Amber Lambert.
“I would have thought you’d have finished yesterday,” I said.
“Hey there, peach. I knew you missed me.” He looked up and smiled before giving Jared a brief glimps.
Chris was an overweight and balding middle age man. I’m sure when he’s home he spends most of his time online in chat rooms or watching porn. Or, thinking of new ways to turn every conversation we have into something about sex. Ever noticed how it’s the guys who never get any that are always talking about anything to do with getting some?
“Yes, I love the morgue. It’s just so peaceful. Anyway, enough about me. What can you tell me about my vic, and why are you just now doing the autopsy?”
“Pileup on the interstate during rush hour yesterday. She got pushed aside. TOD was between ten pm and midnight. She was stabbed multiple times with what appears to be a six inch blade. The knife that was brought in with her matches the size of the wounds so it’s probable it was the murder weapon. She had intercourse within an hour of death and from the tearing present it was pretty rough. Do you need any more information, peach?”
“No other injuries? Defensive wounds? Restraint marks?”
“No, apparently she liked the rough sex.” He looked me up and down. “What about you, my peach, you like it rough?” He looked like he was in pain for a second before he said, “I’m sorry. That was unprofessional and rude. I will not speak to you in such a manner again.”
“Jared, release him,” I said.
“If you ever speak to her that way again, you will answer to me. Understand?” Jared said to Chris.
Chris looked both scared and confused. “I, uh, I understand.”
“Good. Let’s go, Caru, before you are down one less medical examiner.”
We walked out, and Chris didn’t say a word.
When we reached the parking lot I turned to face him.
“What is your problem? He was just messing around. That’s just the way he is.”
“You did not see what was going on in his head. I will have you know that he was picturing you on that table.”
Okay, that’s seriously gross. Gods, I hope I don’t die for a long time. Because the thought of Chris Smith performing my autopsy is truly sickening.
“You didn’t have the right to invade his thoughts to begin with. If you wouldn’t have, you wouldn’t know what he was thinking.”
“Oh, I didn’t have to invade his thoughts to know what he was thinking. I just didn’t realize he was as sick as he is. I will be speaking with the mayor about removing him from his position.”
“And what makes you have so much pull with the mayor?”
Jared just smiled. “You ready, Caru?”
I rolled my eyes then headed for my car.
Sarah Thompson lived in Brookhaven just north of Atlanta. She met us at the door and invited us inside. It was apparent she had been crying. I hope she didn’t start any of that while I was talking with her.
“Can I get you anything,” she asked after I had introduced us, and we were seated in her living room.
“No thank you, Mrs. Thompson. I’m here to ask you a few questions about Amber. You told me you were unable to go with her Sunday. Is that correct?” I asked.
“Yes. I feel horrible about it. I can’t help but think that if I went, she would still be alive,” she answered.
“And, why couldn’t you meet with her Sunday?”
“I was busy...with...stuff.”
“Stuff? What stuff would that be?”
“Um...uh...”
I shot Jared a look and he took over her brain.
The response was instantaneous. One minute she was stammering while trying to find a response, the next she was sitting there slack jawed with a blank expression.
“You went to the club with Amber and met someone there. What did he look like?” Jared asked.
“He had a scar on his face. He was still good looking even with being damaged. He said he was new to town, and that Amber reminded him of someone he knew.”
“Did you leave the club with him?”
“No, he told me that I couldn’t make it to the club because I was busy then him and Amber left together.”
“What vehicle did they leave in?” I asked.
“Her car.”
I nodded to Jared and he released his hold.
“Well thank you for your time, Mrs. Thompson. I am sorry for the loss of your friend.”
“Thank you,” she said then showed us to the door.
We left and went back to HQ.
Amber’s car wasn’t found at the hotel or her house so I put an APB out on it. If I’m really lucky, the killer will be found driving it. By the time I finished, it was late afternoon. I was just dialing the phone when Jared walked in.
“We need to leave soon to get ready for the show,” he said.
“I’m just about ready,” I told him.
“Hello, Angel,” Craven answered.
“Hey, Craven. I just faxed you a picture. Would you pass it around to your associates for me? It’s the Fallen I’m looking for.”
“Of course, Angel. I am disappointed that you didn’t bring the picture by the shop yourself. It’s not nearly as much fun this way.”
“I’ll come by to hang out soon. But, I really need to find this guy. He is seriously bad news. Not only that but he seems to have a particular interest in me. He brought me flowers the same day he abducted Amber Lambert.”
“What is it about you that attracts the bad boys? I know I have been asking myself that question for the last six months.”
“Maybe it’s my stunning personality.”
“Mmm. I do like your utter discord with everyone. But I do not think that is why I want you so badly.”
Jared’s eyes narrowed then he pointed to his watch.
“Alright, Craven. I’ve got to run. Please hit up your guys and pass on the picture.”
“Did you draw this picture, Angel? It’s quite good. Perhaps you could draw me sometime.”
“You help me catch his guy and you have a deal.”
“Well then, I will do my absolute best.”
“That’s all I can ask.”
After I hung up, I turned to Jared to let him know I was ready. His eyes were narrowed and his nostrils were flared. It seems he didn’t like mine and Craven’s conversation. Oh well.
Thirteen
We stopped at my apartment on the way to Jared’s so that I could grab some more clothes for my trip to the club. I had seriously thought of just wearing my jeans and t-shirt, but decided I would try to fit in, and most women don’t wear jeans and t-shirts when clubbing.
I unlocked the door, walked in, and went into my bedroom. Once again ignoring Jared. I started for my closet then stopped as I noticed something on my dresser. Closer, I saw that the necklace my mother had left me was laid out. It looked very similar to Jared’s only the symbol was different. Had someone been in my apartment going through my stuff? They had to have been. I never bring that necklace out, but here it was just sitting there. Jael must have went through my stuff. I opened my jewelry box and started to look through it when I heard the door open to my room. I turned to find Jared walking in.
I quickly placed the necklace in my pocket and continued going through my jewelry. I’m not sure why, but I don’t want Jared knowing about the necklace. It was none of his business if my mother knew an Angel. Nothing else seemed missing or out of place so I started going through my drawers.
“Looking for something?” Jared asked.
“Making sure nothing is missing. Apparently, I had an unexpected visit while I was gone.”
He quickly came to my side,
and started looking around.
“How do you know?”
“My jewelry has been gone through. Some of it was laid out on the dresser. I don’t see anything missing though.”
He opened the top of my jewelry box, and started to look inside when I shut it.
“I said nothing was missing. There’s no need for you to go through it.”
“What was laid out?”
“I told you a piece of jewelry. Nothing of significance.”
“Are you sure? It could mean nothing to you and something to him. Why else would he lay it out? Show me the piece.”
“No. I’m going to get some clothes then we can leave.”
I started to walk toward the closet, and he grabbed my arm.
“Show me the piece of jewelry.”
I looked at his hand on my arm then looked him in the eyes.
“Remove your hand from my arm before I remove it for you.”
“Why won’t you show it to me?”
“Because it is none of your business. Now let go.”
He released me and I continued to the closet.
I pulled out the first outfit that would be appropriate for a night at the club then looked for another one. After all, I would be stuck there tomorrow night too if I don’t find this guy and kill him before then, and I don’t want to have to return to my apartment until I do. I grabbed my black boots and was ready to go.
“Let’s roll,” I told Jared.
He just looked at me for a moment. I’m sure he was decided whether or not to press the issue of the jewelry. I really hope he just lets it go. I don’t feel like explaining things to him. Especially when I don’t know enough to explain them.