The Lure of a Traitor

by F. L. Jordan

  Promise me you won’t call her, Copper was determined.

  “I promise,” Zach spoke sincerely, “and if I break that promise you can rip my ear off.”

  Deal, Copper flicked the phone out from under the bookshelf with his tail, sending it skittering across the office before he leapt onto Zach’s desk.

  Zach groaned and carefully lowered himself to the floor, feeling for the device where he’d heard it come to a stop, “You’re an asshole, Copper.”

  Just to drive home his point, Copper knocked a stack of papers off the desk. I’m the only person on this planet that you haven’t driven away. I’ve earned the right to be an asshole, just like you.

  Zach didn’t respond, he just picked up the mess. He knew his dragon was right. He didn’t need Steffani for anything other than a new hospital bill. Why had he automatically tried to call her? His phone started buzzing, making it much easier to find. As his fingers made contact with it, the automated voice reminded him of his appointment with Dr. Tory.

  “What time is it?” Zach asked as he stood, holding the stack of jumbled papers in his arms.

  6pm, Copper responded. You missed a paper.

  Could you get it? By the time I find it we’ll be late, Zach set the stack down on his desk and reached for his jacket that was on the back of his chair. Copper obliged, silently picking up the paper and dropping it onto the stack before he settled into his place on Zach’s shoulders.

  As Zach strode out into the office his phone buzzed again. He pulled it from his jacket pocket as the automated voice called out, “Incoming call from... Emily.”

  Zach paused, as did everyone else in the office. He could feel them staring at him. They all knew that his relationship with his sister had taken the hardest hit of any after his blinding. Zach bit the inside of his cheek and started walking again, his thumb finding the button needed to answer the call.

  “Hey,” his voice shook as he answered, but he really didn’t care. He missed his little sister. They’d been incredibly close as children. They knew everything about each other, even things their parents had no idea about. She’d tried to help him after the blinding, and he’d shoved her away. It was singlehandedly the biggest mistake he’d ever made. Not a day went by that he didn’t regret it.

  “Zach, this is Andrew,” Zach hadn’t expected to hear her husband’s voice.

  “Oh, uh, hi Andrew,” Zach put his free hand on the metal bar of the station’s front door, shoving it open. The last time he’d talked to his brother-in-law they’d gotten into a fist fight.

  “Emily is... God, how do I say this,” Andrew was struggling to deliver the bad news.

  “Look, I know you and I didn’t exactly part on good terms, so I’m already highly alarmed by this call. Just spit it out,” Zach shoved his free hand into his pocket, listening carefully to Copper as he navigated the city sidewalk.

  “Emily wants to see you,” Andrew sighed, “and truthfully, so do I. Would you have time to stop by the hospital tonight after you get off work?”

  “Hospital?” Zach froze, fear welling up in his chest.

  “She’s dying, Zach,” Andrew’s words hit him like a Mack truck under full load.

  “Which hospital?” he asked with urgency.

  “Saint LuRen West,” his brother-in-law’s voice seemed completely drained of life. “We don’t know how much time she has left.”

  “I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” Zach hung up the phone and turned, stepping up to the curb of the street and raising his hand to hail a cab when Copper instructed him to.

  Call Dr. Tory and let him know why you’re not going to be there, Copper insisted as they settled into the back of the vehicle. Zach gave the driver the hospital’s name and then dialed the psychologist. He gave the receptionist a brief message for the doctor and then spent the rest of his ride nervously chewing every single fingernail, ruining Wea’s hard work.

  Chapter 4

  That was amazing! Slag laid in a happy heap on Natalie’s bed, her plump belly turned towards the ceiling, What was it called again?

  “Bluegill,” Natalie responded as she washed the bowl the little dragon had eaten out of. “I’m glad you liked it.”

  She genuinely was. Natalie had feared that the lower quality fish wouldn’t be appealing, especially since she’d purchased the odds and ends that the butcher typically sold for soup stock. Slag had eaten every single speck of it. Natalie had also concealed both a wormer and a vitamin booster within the meal by running it through her blender. The curious lizard had asked what they were and she’d told her spices. Little white lies never hurt, right?

  It was tasty, Slag flopped and rolled lazily in her freshly formed nest of blankets. Can I have some more?

  “I’ve got enough left for breakfast tomorrow,” Natalie thought about the half full bucket of fish bits in her refrigerator, “but I did pick up some prawns for a late night snack.”

  Prawns? the little creature looked excited. What are those?

  Natalie dried her hands and pulled out the package for her to see. Slag’s eyes lit up with desire and her black forked tongue darted out hungrily. Natalie laughed and put the sea bugs back in the refrigerator, “They’re for later, Slag. Let your dinner digest first. Too much good food at once might seriously wreck your gut.”

  Ha! Those hot dogs seriously wrecked my gut, Slag hopped from the bed onto the counter. The mess I left in the alley sent the rats running for their lives.

  “That’s not good,” Natalie gingerly looked the creature over. Her potion had done wonders, but there were still several open wounds that seemed to be healing slower than the rest. “How are you feeling now?”

  Pretty good, honestly, Slag sat as Natalie bent to examine one of the cuts. The biggest one did those. Used a dark colored blade. They hurt.

  “Dark colored?” Natalie stood, and grabbed a small bottle of crystal clear liquid from her cabinet. “Sounds like a poison blade. We need to clean those out.”

  What is that? The dragon inspected the bottle after she set it aside to stop up the sink.

  “Holy water,” Natalie stated, testing the water’s temperature. “It’s good for a lot more than just hunting demons.”

  Will it hurt? Slag curled her tail around herself in discomfort.

  “A little, but nothing like last night. Actually,” Natalie turned off the water, “you might find this interesting. Hold your right front leg out over the sink.”

  The little dragon did as she asked and Natalie picked up the bottle, squeezing the rubber top of its lid to fill the dropper inside. She carefully placed two drops into the small cut. Slag growled against the sting, her mesmerized eyes glued to the sight before her. As the holy water settled into the wound black ether oozed from it like slime, settling into the bottom of the sink beneath the water.

  Ew, but also kinda cool, Natalie laughed as the little dragon eagerly raised another injured limb. Do it again!

  Once all of Slag’s cuts were treated Natalie placed a few drops of the purifying water into the sink, converting the rest of the water to the same holy status. As the ratio of white magic now outweighed the black, the ether in the bottom of the basin vanished. She pulled the plug and began refilling the sink once more.

  Now what? Slag watched with great interest.

  “Now you get a bath,” Natalie snatched the creature as it tried to escape. “You smell like a dumpster!”

  I like the way I smell! Slag cried out as Natalie stuffed her into the sink, spraying her down with the faucet’s hose attachment. Someone help! I’m being violated!

  “Oh stop,” Natalie giggled, gently rubbing the moisturizing scale wash she’d picked up into the creature’s hide. “You have a fungus under your scales, Slag. I know that can’t be comfortable. This will help.”

  What’s a fungus? she looked terrified. Will it kill me?

  “No,” Natalie admitted as she continued to gently scrub the no longer struggling dragon. “Not on its own, but it’s the reason your
scales are shedding in strange patches. If your scales are weak, it’s easier for you to get sick.”

  Oh, is this stuff supposed to tingle? Slag asked, calmer now.

  “It’s supposed to be relaxing,” Natalie glanced up at the bottle. “Do you feel relaxed?”

  I feel wet, The lizard glared at her in annoyance. Natalie just laughed.

  “Close your eyes so I can wash your face,” Slag obeyed and she set to work, carefully ensuring that every single scale was cleaned before she reached for the spray nozzle. “Hold your breath, I’m going to rinse you off now.”

  I’m ready, Slag jumped slightly as the water hit her face, but didn’t move otherwise until instructed. She didn’t want to admit that this was the best she’d ever felt, or that she was really enjoying herself. Slag had always wanted a human; her mother had told her about how nice it was to be taken care of. Unfortunately, that desire had gotten Slag into a lot of heartbreaking situations. She’d allowed herself to be used as rodent control at a Chinese restaurant. When the health department came in, the owner had cruelly chased her out with a broom. She’d tried to be a companion to an old lady that fed strays at the park, but after she’d crawled into her lap one day, the woman’s caretaker had smacked her with a magazine. Slag stopped going to the park after that. She’d been so hungry and eager to be cared for that she’d trusted a young man who offered her a piece of bologna. She never imagined he’d throw her into a plastic sack and beat the piss out of her with his friends.

  As Natalie wrapped Slag in a big fluffy towel, gently rubbing the moisture from her scaly face, she snuggled into the woman. This place wasn’t grand by any means, but it was warm, had clean food and water, and a seemingly decent human. For once in her life, Slag felt safe. She closed her eyes and let Natalie dry her off completely. The woman’s caring touch was delightful.

  “Ew,” Natalie giggled as she unwrapped the little dragon from the towel. “Look at all those dead scales.”

  Slag opened her eyes and examined the fabric. It was covered in dusty looking dull grey ovals. She then looked at the dark colored water in the sink before giving her entire body a satisfying shake. No wonder the woman thought she stank, she’d been filthy!

  Do I look different? Slag asked as the woman shook the towel out the bathroom window.

  “Yes,” Natalie answered honestly. “Your sheen is much brighter now and your color looks healthier.”

  Cool, Slag began inspecting herself, fascinated by the fact that her wounds were nearly gone already. This woman’s magic was strong. Slag had seen witches in action before, but she’d never seen one whose magic was potent enough to heal a being this quickly. Slag found the fact that Natalie had very little magic related items in her house very confusing. She chose not to question it and lept back onto the bed.

  “No, don’t!” Natalie lifted Slag out of her blanket nest and set her back on the counter, “These all need to be washed. If you crawl back into them you’ll get the fungus all over you again.”

  Slag didn’t understand it, but patiently watched as the woman pulled all the sheets and blankets from the bed. Natalie tucked the old sheets into a hamper and dressed the bed with new ones, pulling out a small purple blanket from the bottom of her closet.

  “This one can be all yours,” her voice seemed sad as she laid it atop the new quilt.

  Slag pounced on it, happily rolling around in it until she’d formed a new nest. Natalie watched the small creature with contentment. Once the dragon had disappeared within the folds of fabric, she grabbed her night clothes and settled in for the evening with the classifieds section of the local newspaper. Slag seemed happy with her. It was time to start looking for a new apartment, again.

  ~*~

  Zach held Emily's hand, listening to the steady beeping of her heart monitor as he examined her withered fingers. It felt like he was holding the hand of a ninety year old woman with osteoporosis, not his barely twenty-six year old baby sister. Andrew had tried to fill him in on what had happened, but long story short, the doctors had no clue what was going on. Emily had been hospitalized a little under two weeks ago after fainting at work. Since then, she'd lost over 70lbs and needed several blood transfusions. Her organs were shutting down and no one knew why.

  Describe her to me, Copper, Zach gently ran his thumb over Emily's bony knuckles.

  Skeletal, Copper couldn't think of a less harsh term, ashen skin, thinning hair, lots of bruises.

  This has to be magic, nothing else would progress this quickly, Zach bit his lip, trying not to cry as a wave of guilt crashed into him. I should have been there for her.

  Zach, Copper nudged his human’s jaw with his face, Less pity party and more thinking. What spell would do this?

  I have no idea, Zach stood, tracing Emily’s arm until he found her jaw. But I know someone who might.

  Who? Copper asked, but already knew the answer.

  Zach bent down and placed a tender kiss on his sister’s forehead before turning to leave, Steffani.

  Anyone but her, Zach, Copper pleaded in between giving him directions.

  How many other witches do you know? Zach had a valid point. We’ll meet in public. It’ll be fine. I’m not going to buy anything off of her, I swear. I made you a promise to get better, and I’m going to stick by that, but I don’t have any other contact that could help with this.

  Fine, Copper hated that Zach was right; witches typically didn’t talk to cops. But if she tries anything, I’m lighting her on fire.

  Sounds good to me, Zach agreed as they stepped out into the cool night air. He hailed a taxi home and wracked his brain for any magical knowledge that might help his sister. Nothing came to mind, but his knowledge was limited to material magic. He had very little experience with curses, other than one.

  “Call Steffani,” Zach commanded his phone as he stepped into his apartment, setting his keys down in their designated bowl. She answered on the first ring.

  “Long time no fuck, baby,” her voice calmed him instantly, he knew she had enchanted her vocal chords, but that knowledge didn’t stop their magic from affecting him. “I can be there in fifteen minutes.”

  “Uh,” Zach shook his head for clarity, “that’s... that’s not why I’m calling, Stef. I have a question about magic.”

  “Oh really?” he could hear the interest in her voice.

  “Yes, is there a spell that could turn a healthy person into basically a living skeleton?” he asked, kicking off his shoes into their space next to the door. Copper, satisfied that the conversation was going in the right direction, took off to check on his hoard.

  “No,” she answered confidently, “but there is a curse that can drain someone’s life force. After infliction, it usually kills the person in about three weeks.”

  “Can it be reversed?” he knew the answer, but had to ask anyway.

  “Zach,” Steffani sounded disappointed in him, “you of all people should know that curses can only be reversed by their castors. I take it someone close to you got into a bit of trouble?”

  “My sister,” he said sadly.

  “That’s too bad,” she cranked up the magical powers of her voice and Zach, in his saddened state, fell to them easily. “How about we do something to take the edge off? There’s a club on Brookwood. Let’s go get a few drinks and go dancing. Tomorrow night, 7pm, I’ll buy.”

  “Ok,” why was he agreeing to this?

  “Oh, and leave that dragon at home,” her voice felt as euphoric as the drugs she dealt. “He ruined my favorite dress last time.”

  “Ok, I will,” he had his new appointment with Dr. Tory at that time, what was he doing? Why couldn’t he say no?

  “See you then, Stud,” Steffani hung up and Zach tossed his phone into the bowl with his keys before heading to the kitchen.

  Well? Copper asked as Zach opened the refrigerator.

  “She thinks she knows how to fix it,” he lied. “Said I need to pick up a few things at the Underground and then she’ll mak
e a potion.”

  When? Copper never accompanied Zach to the Underground Market, it was too risky. A dragon of his particular color and talents would be a prime target for theft.

  “After work tomorrow,” Zach pulled out several ingredients for their dinner. “I’ll swing by before heading to the quack's.”

  Ok, Copper laid down in his bed on the counter and watched his human. He didn’t like leaving Zach to fend for himself, but he was also afraid of being snatched. Zach was a massive pain in the ass most days, but Copper’s life was comfortable. He had anything he could ever think to ask for at his immediate disposal.

  The day Zach had been blinded, Copper got a glimpse of what his life could be like without his human. Zach’s parents had put him in a kennel while they dealt with their son’s rehab. The kennel had been loud and frightening, but at least he’d had a cage to himself, a warm blanket, and canned food specially formulated for dragons. When Zach’s parents forgot to pay the bill, the kennel surrendered Copper to a shelter. That place was horrible. They’d shoved him into a small cage with two other dragons and got mad when he’d killed them after they’d attacked him. His punishment was no food or water for several days. When they did finally feed him, he was forced to eat dog kibble. He stayed in that horrible place for nearly a month before Emily had tracked him down.

  Zach had been livid with his parents. The entire time he’d been in rehab he’d thought they were personally taking care of Copper. After the little dragon had told him what he’d gone through, Zach cut his parents off completely. That’s what led to the argument with Emily. She’d urged him to accept his mother’s apology so he could attend her wedding and he’d refused. He chose his dragon over his sister.

  The little dragon watched intently as Zach seared pork loin in a pan and chopped vegetables. Most wouldn’t know he was blind by the way he moved. The only tell was that his head was constantly tilted, listening to his actions. Zach had worked his ass off to get back onto the police force. He’d been demoted heavily, but Captain Levit couldn't deny that he was more than capable. Even though he held the title of sergeant, he'd been able to maintain the majority of his duties as lieutenant. He was so proficient that the captain hadn’t filled the empty position. At least that’s what the man claimed. Copper thought he was scared of pissing Zach off.