“Fine. But I need caffeine on the hour, every hour.”
“You’re such a dork.” She grinned.
Chapter Five
My favourite part of the day was getting home. As I walked into St. Helen’s, my feet were weary, my body sagged, and my brain was so close to mush I could almost feel it leaking out of my ears. I was ready to lie down and never get back up. Shopping was hard work.
I stared up at the three long flights of stairs that led to our room and sighed. I didn’t know how Becca did it. After a full day of wandering and changing, she still had plenty of energy, and she continued to stride up the steps as I lagged behind. The bags in my arms were like lead weights, and my shoulders ached. A bath. That’s what my plan was.
As I entered the room a few seconds behind my best friend, I dropped the bags at the foot of my bed and sunk onto the mattress. If Becca ever mentioned the mall again, I would scream. When I looked up, she was already on her phone, fingers whizzing across the screen and a huge grin on her face. I knew what that meant.
“You’re not going out, are you?” I asked.
“Jake is taking me out.” She nodded and dropped her phone on the bed, then rummaged through her wardrobe to find a change of clothes.
Everything with Becca required a change of clothes.
“I don’t know how you can be bothered.” I shook my head. “I’m done in.”
“Ruby, it was just a bit of shopping.” She glanced at me in the mirror as she pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans that clung to her long legs.
“It tires me out more than training.”
Training was a different sort of exhaustion, the type I enjoyed. It helped that Vaughn was usually there with me, too.
“So what are you going to do?” she asked.
“Take a bath and relax.” I pushed myself up and picked up the towel that was resting on the radiator.
Becca pulled a black bustier over her head, fastened it, then smoothed it down and fanned her hair across her shoulders.
I couldn’t help but marvel at her figure. A little taller than me, she had long legs and a slim body with curves in all the right places. Compared to her, I felt small and dumpy.
As she pulled the last eye hook closed on the corset, her silhouette took a firm hourglass figure.
“You look great.”
Her grin widened as she turned and caught my eye. “Thanks, Red.” She pulled on a three-quarter sleeved cropped jacket to complete her outfit.
“I can tell you, Jake will be more than happy when he sees you. Have fun!”
I picked up my handbag again and slung it across my body, then made for the door as Becca was finishing up. I passed Jennifer when I stepped into the hallway, and she smiled.
“Hey, Ruby.”
“Hey, how are you?”
“A little worse for wear after last night, but good. How about you?”
“Same. Plus, Becca made me go to the mall today.” I hitched my thumb towards the bedroom door.
“Ouch.” She grimaced. “Do you have many plans for the summer?”
“Not really.” I shook my head. “I guess I’ll just see how the days go.”
“Same here. I think I’ll be spending time with Jess.” Blood rushed to her cheeks when she said Jess’s name, and she dropped her gaze to the floor.
“That’ll be great. And you know, it was great to see you two there together last night. Did you have fun?”
“Yeah. I was a little nervous I guess, being two girls and all. We didn’t get much stick, so it was good.”
“Some people never grow up. Ignore them and do what makes you happy.”
A smile sparked, and her cheeks grew red. “Thanks, Ruby. Hey, you maybe want to hang out with us some time?”
“Sure.” I nodded. “Just give me a shout, and I’m there.”
“Okay, great.”
“See you later.” I strolled to the bathroom.
On my way to the attic, I waved at Beatrice, who passed me on the stairs, then walked to the end bath. A couple of the baths had their curtains pulled across, and I heard the showers running. When I reached the bath I was going to use, I dumped my stuff on the chair, turned on the faucet, and watched as steam erupted. Luckily, St. Helen’s had an endless supply of hot water. I could only imagine the chaos that would erupt if the boiler broke down. I poured in some bubble bath and watched the foam multiply. Then I tied my hair up into a knot and stripped.
The chill in the attic was nothing but a breeze in the middle of summer, and as it licked my skin, I sighed in relief. Today had been way too hot, and the weather channel stated we were in for a heatwave. I wasn’t sure how I would cope.
I grabbed my book, then climbed into the tub, feet burning as they hit the hot water, and sunk back against the porcelain. As I closed my eyes and completely immersed myself, my shoulder muscles began to unfurl. I sunk lower, letting the bubbles rise across my shoulders, where it lapped at the base of my neck, and I smiled. Bliss. Therapy after a day of shopping.
As I delved into my book and lost myself in the thriller, I realised how good it felt to focus on something I wanted for a change. Lately, all I’d thought about was exams, training, and hunting, and I never had time for anything fun. Now that the summer was here, I had plenty of time to look after myself and do what I wanted.
Since our expedition to the small town in Cumbria, where we’d managed to empty a clock tower of Cursed demons and free the town from the shadows, there had been Greed. Well, Greed had always been there. It just took me a while to realise it. After we captured it, I had only been on one other case since then. A small one, just a night away on the borders of Scotland. It required an elaborate story of an excursion with Becca to convince Barbara to let me go. After all, at seventeen I was still under Barbara’s care, and she could put a stop to my Hunting. While my trips did technically involve boys—well, a boy—the purpose of them wasn’t romance. I was so exhausted after the cases that I fell into bed and straight into slumber. Sex was so far off my radar it was unbelievable. You had to have someone to do it with, and I didn’t have a boyfriend. So for now, it wasn’t an issue.
My phone went off, and I reached over the side of the bath. I fumbled in my bag and fished it out. A message from Vaughn. Two. One from earlier that I’d failed to notice.
I’ve got no plans today. Just catching up with Jake, I think.
Then, Hope shopping went well. Want to train tomorrow?
I replied, Sure. See you there at 10?
Great. See you, Red.
When he used my nickname, it sent shivers down my spine. It was like we’d known each other for years. He was as comfortable with me as I was with him, but while he was happy with us being friends, every time I saw or texted him, butterflies danced in my stomach.
I dropped the phone back in my bag and prepared to sink back into the bath and open my book, when my phone went off again.
I considered ignoring it. Vaughn could wait. But something made me want to check, just in case. With a sigh, I retrieved it, and my jaw dropped as I read the message.
Jake dumped me.
Chapter Six
My stomach dropped as I re-read the message. How could this have happened? Becca and Jake were perfect together. They were both so happy—or so it seemed. I didn’t know what had happened yet, so I wasn’t about to jump to conclusions. But at the same time, I would take my best friend’s side every time.
I hustled from the bath, pulled the plug, ripped the curtain aside, then gathered my belongings. If I knew Becca, she would be on her way back now and she would need a lot of TLC. I hurried from the room and down the spiralling steps. My bare feet slapped the carpet as I dashed to our room.
She wasn’t back yet.
I dried up and pulled on my pyjamas. I was in the middle of packing up my toiletries, when the door opened.
Mascara tracked down her face, and as soon as she saw me, her face crumpled, and her eyes filled. I rushed over and scooped her into my arms,
squeezing her tight. Her body shook as I held her.
“What happened?” I smoothed her hair.
Sobbing, she pulled back and wiped her eyes. Then she dropped onto the bed like her legs wouldn’t hold her weight anymore, and when she looked up at me, I saw the pain and desperation. I wanted to take it all away, but there was nothing I could do.
Rage rushed through me, and I took a deep breath. I had no idea why Jake had done this, but I knew one thing. It made me want to have it out with him.
Her tears finally slowed, and she grasped at the tendrils of peace as she took a deep breath. Her chest hitched for a final time, and then her gaze met mine.
“We were at the diner. He was a little weird when I got there. Really quiet. I thought nothing of it and ordered.”
I nodded and perched next to her on the edge of the bed.
“We made small talk, catching up, talking about the dance. Then all of a sudden, he’s saying it’s not working, that we aren’t right for each other and he’s calling it off.” She dropped her hands into her lap as a fresh wave of tears cascaded from her eyes.
I reached over and pulled her close. Then she rested her head on my shoulder, bobbing with each sob that wracked her body.
“I’m sorry, Becks.” I squeezed her.
I didn’t know what else to say. I felt powerless. My best friend was hurting, her heart torn into a million pieces, while he continued on with his life. There was only one thing I could say.
“He’s a dick.”
She nodded and sat up again. “I just don’t get it. It was so out of the blue, you know? I thought everything was fine. I mean, last night was magical. The dance, being together, it felt…perfect.”
“You guys looked so happy last night. In love.”
I was in as much shock as Becca. How could they go from being the A-couple that everyone swooned over, to this? It didn’t make any sense.
I thought about Vaughn. We weren’t together, but last night had been amazing for me too. If he flipped and told me we couldn’t be friends anymore, I’d be devastated.
“I just left. I walked right out of there.” She shook her head. “I must’ve looked like such a mess.”
“He’s the one who looks stupid for letting you go.”
She looked up at me and gave a small smile. “You’re sweet, Red, you know that.”
“I just wish I could do something that would make it better.” I bit my lip.
“I’m just glad you’re here.” She patted my arm and wiped another stray tear. “I think I’m going to take a bath.”
“Want some company?” I stood.
“Nah.” She shook her head as she stood up, offering a weak smile. “I’ll be okay.”
As she grabbed her towel and traipsed from the room, it felt like she was leaving a hole in my chest. I stared out the door long after she left, unsure whether I should check on her or just wait there until she got back.
I slumped onto the bed and tried to process the information. I had no idea how Becca must be feeling. I had never had so much as a date, let alone a boyfriend. She and Jake were serious. At least, Becca thought they were, and now he’d left her heartbroken. Tomorrow, I would talk to Vaughn. He would know why Jake had done it.
Becca returned hours later, and as she trooped into the room, eyes red and hair pulled into a top knot. I offered her my best I’m-here-for-you look. She responded with a withered smile, then dropped into her bed, pulled the covers over, and closed her eyes.
When morning came, my alarm went off and I smacked the off button, then glanced at Becca. She hadn’t stirred, and she lay with her back to me, covers tucked beneath her legs. They rose and fell steadily with each breath. I wondered how long it had taken her to fall asleep. If she’d managed to push Jake from her mind for a moment.
I crept from the bed and quietly changed into my training gear, then packed a change of clothes and a towel. Downstairs, I made a coffee and grabbed a slice of toast, then watched TV while enjoying my coffee. But my mind wouldn’t stay focused. I scolded myself for thinking about Jake again, about the possible reasons behind his betrayal. This was Becca’s hurt, not mine.
A blonde newscaster shuffled a small sheaf of paper on the desk without breaking eye contact with the camera. “The spate of disappearances has continued in the town of Bridgendale. This morning, a man reported his wife, Anna Dugdale, missing when she failed to return from a night out. The police urge anyone who may have any ideas of her whereabouts or the whereabouts of the other missing people, to contact them immediately.”
I finished the last of my coffee and turned the screen off. That was why I tried to refrain from watching the news. Too many bad things going on. With my line of work, I needed positivity in all other areas.
A few minutes later and I headed out the door, leaving the still-sleeping St. Helen’s behind me. Sunday mornings were the best. I usually had the house to myself. During my walk to The Agency, I thought of Becca and how she’d been so excited to head to the beach with her friends. I wondered if she would still go.
I reached the building, headed up the stairs, and let myself into the main office. It was quiet, just as I’d expected, and Vaughn was nowhere in sight. I glanced at my phone and saw that I was early. I debated whether to hang out in the reception area for him or go to the training room, when the scriptures room flashed into my mind. I scurried down the office, bag thumping against my thigh, and used my key card to enter the hub. The darkened hexagonal room lit up as I stepped through. My vision travelled across thee rooms and then stopped on the one I was looking for. I hustled towards it, scanned my card, and opened the door after the light flashed green. I was greeted by a dim room, stories high, and the smell of old books. I breathed it in, enjoying the peacefulness of the room.
I scanned the ground floor and glimpsed Phyllis seated behind the desk. Every time I’d been in the library, she was there. Surely it wasn’t manned day and night?
“Morning, Ruby.” She smiled.
“Morning.” I stepped forward. “I didn’t think anyone else would be here.”
“Normally, I’m not. Weekends are my days off, but I had a couple of things to catch up on.”
“Ah.” I nodded.
That was good to know, at least.
“Can I help you with anything?”
“No, I’m okay. Thanks.”
She nodded, and I strolled towards the aisles of books, hoping I didn’t look suspicious. I reached the shelves, pretending to peruse the spines as if I knew exactly what I was looking for. Then I lost myself amongst the aisles as I moved out of the desk’s viewing range. As soon as I was clear, I turned and looked at the locked wall, which I assumed guarded some of the most secret and dangerous accounts of Demon Hunting.
I thought about Sheila’s words. “There are things about The Agency that are not divulged to every individual. There are things that only certain people know, and it’s for good reason. I cannot give you that information.”
There were locked doors and offices, information that only certain people knew, including the scriptures room. I wondered who might have clearance. Probably Sheila’s most trusted Hunters. The people who had been here the longest. Delta. Luka. My dad. It wasn’t fair to ask Delta or Luka to risk what they’d worked so hard for, just for my curiosity. There had to be another way.
I stepped closer to the door. It almost looked like a continuation of the wall. Cream boards covered metal railings which reached the overhang in the ceiling. A long slit down the middle showed where the door opened, and beside it, a mechanism for a key card to be pressed.
There was only one door into that room, and I had to find a way to get past it.
“Can I help you?”
Startled, I spun on my heel.
Phyllis watched me from a few feet away, head cocked. A stack of books in her arms, and I hoped she had to put them away. Otherwise, I was in trouble.
“I—I got lost.” I shrugged.
Her face melted into a smi
le, and her posture relaxed. “It does take a while to get used to the layout. What were you looking for?”
“A book on the history of demonic lore.”
“Ah. This way.”
She led me down a couple aisles. I stayed close to her heels, eager to prove my alibi was true, and as we reached the aisle I’d supposedly been looking for, The History of Demons, I thanked her and immediately went to look at the books. I waited until the sound of her heels clicking became an echo, before exhaling. That was close. I couldn’t let her think I was getting too interested in what was in that room. Not if I wanted any chance of getting into it.
My eyes widened as I scanned the titles on the shelves. I tucked a few under my arm and decided that knowing the history of demons is important knowledge to have as a Hunter. I took them to the desk, where Phyllis scanned my key card, then the books. They were now linked to my account, just like the doors I entered. I would be hauled into Sheila’s office if I tried to get into the restricted section in the library.
“You’ve got some interesting reading there.” She nodded towards the books as she neatly stacked them.
I nodded. “Yeah, just some light reading.”
She laughed. “The life of a Hunter, ay?”
“Tell me about it. Off to train now. See you later.”
She waved as I turned and moved towards the door, leaving behind the library and the forbidden books.
Chapter Seven
I was alone in the training room. I dumped my bag, grabbed my music player, then trotted down to the treadmills. I started one up and pushed in my earbuds. As the music blasted, I started at a brisk walk, then gradually increased the speed. I had missed a few days training because of exams and shopping trips, and I was eager to get back to it. Soon, I was sprinting, lungs gasping for breath, so I slowed to a jog.
It wasn’t long before Vaughn joined me. He nodded and then started up. I offered a quick wave but kept my stride. He matched his pace to mine, and it wasn’t long before we were striding out together. My arms were pumping high, breath shallow, but I sucked it up. It felt good to release the pent-up energy.
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