The Quest (18 page)

The doors at my side slid open. I glanced over my shoulder, into the empty elevator, then back to him. Another decision to make.

“Give me the car keys,” I said.

His hands slowly slid away from my arms. “Please, Shelley.”

“I need to think about things,” I said as I lifted my palm.

Boss withdrew the keys from his pocket and placed them in my hand. “We won’t be far behind you.”

With a nod, I stepped onto the elevator. The doors shut, leaving me alone and with heavy thoughts.

Part of me wanted to curl into a ball and cry while the other part longed for blood and death. My angel and demon sides battled for dominance. Which would win?

Stepping out of the elevator, I recalled my way through the hospital and headed for the garage. As I reached the car, it dawned upon me I couldn’t recall the last time I had driven. I shook the uneasiness aside. I’d seen Jonas and Boss drive plenty of times. I could handle it.

I sat behind the wheel, started the engine, shifted the gear, then backed out. Slowly, I navigated the car out of the garage. When I stopped at a red light, I relaxed my arms and leaned back.

“Is it easy?” asked a familiar voice.

Discovering Benny sitting in the passenger seat, I jumped and gasped. “Shit, Benny!” His quick appearances had a way of catching me by surprise.

The angel held an impassive look on his face. His light, floral perfume filled the car. He lifted my purse from the side of his leg and placed it between the seats. “Is it easy?”

A green light shone above. I moved my foot from the brake and accelerated. “Is what easy?”

“Driving.”

I briefly took my eyes from the road and glanced at him. “I suppose.”

“You are in full control of a powerful machine. You can stop it or crash it into something. You have control over its every movement. It’s not like life.”

I inhaled a deep breath as I reflected on his words. “No, having full control over a machine is nothing like life.” No matter how hard I tried to control my life, I couldn’t.

“I have been watching you,” Benny said, his expression as calm as always.

“Why, and how often have you watched me?” God, I hoped he hadn’t seen me having sex with Boss.

“Mostly while you are in the basement of that building.”

I held my breath, hoping he didn’t mean the basement of Boss’s house.

“The one with all the records,” he said, and I breathed easier. “Are you finding anything?”

I accelerated onto the empty interstate. “It’s too soon to tell. We might have, but nothing solid yet. Jackson and his friends are helping.”

“They’re good people. You would do well to stay near them.”

I veered my eyes from the highway. “Is that a recommendation or hint at the future?” The angel had a way with words, and I often needed clarification to understand the true meaning.

“Both. Your life is still in great danger.”

“From what I’ve been told, there are people wanting to kill me.”

“Yes, and they will not stop.”

“Boss wants me to quit working at the warehouse. He thinks I’m in more danger by returning.”

“He’s wrong.”

I jerked my head to face him. “Really?”

“Danger follows you everywhere. You are no more a threat to your enemy in her house than in your own.”

What?
Eyes tight, I stared ahead in confusion. “I guess I’m a magnet for danger.”

“Be careful of your choices. Someone powerful is here.”

His cryptic words tangled my thoughts, preventing me from focusing on driving. I accidently strayed into the lane next to me. Fortunately, no other cars were near. I steered back into my lane with a slight jerk.

“He cares deeply for you,” Benny added.

My neck started to feel sore from all the back and forth movement. “I know he does,” I said, assuming we were discussing Boss. “Boss is trying to help me.”

“I’m not talking about Boss.”

Surprised by his words, I jerked my head to face him and swerved into the next lane. A loud horn sounded from behind us. Realizing my error, I quickly steered the vehicle back on track.

“Who?” I asked.

“He wants to save you,” the angel replied, ignoring my question.

“Can he?”

“Yes, and no.”

Holy fucking crap. What did he mean? Who was he referring to?

“Do you mean Jonas or Jackson or…Anubis?”

“Follow your heart, and you will be happy,” said the angel spreading love.

Annoyance fluttered within me, and I pressed my lips together. I wanted a real answer to my questions, not some obscure one. Still, I persisted with questions in an effort to figure out the mystery.

“Will something happen to him?”

“No, he is strong.”

His answer added to my confusion. “Who are you talking about?”

The angel sat quietly, gazing out the window. His silence left me alone in my thoughts, and the more I speculated about his words, the more my head ached. As I approached the exit I needed to take, I realized Benny wasn’t going to even give me a clue in response to my question.

“Benny, it’s been a tiring night. While I appreciate your advice and warning, you’ve given me more questions than I can handle,” I said as I navigated the car off the interstate. “I need answers.”

“I want to help you, but my duties are to others.”

“We all have our problems,” I said with a sigh.

“Shelley.”

I slowed the car as I approached a stoplight. Once I reached a complete stop, I faced him.

“Watch your back.”

In a single blink of the eye, the seat became empty. He’d vanished. Maybe that was a good thing. My head throbbed a steady beat thanks to his vague words. In the morning, I’d recall my conversation and see if I could make heads or tails of anything. For now, I wanted a bath and a soft bed.

A few minutes later, I turned down the street that led to Boss’s house. As I drew near, I noticed two police cars parked on the side of the street. For a brief moment, I considered driving away, but I figured they’d probably follow.

I slowed the speed of the car. While I’d been on the interstate, I’d noticed a pair of lights behind me most of the time. Boss said he would follow, so I expected him at any minute. Driving at a snail’s pace, I passed the two police cruisers. Four men, two in each car, watched me go by. Since I couldn’t determine if they were friend or foe, I assumed the latter. Four against one–not an easy fight if they were demons or some other supernatural creature, but I’d manage until Boss arrived. I turned into the driveway, my heart and head pounding while a surge of anxiety rushed through me. If they wanted trouble, fine, I’d give them trouble. Let the battle begin.

Chapter 13

I exited the car and slammed the door behind me. The night breeze brushed over my exposed flesh and pushed strands of hair across my face. I tucked the loose pieces behind my ear while the wind cooled my warm skin. A touch of dew was in the air, hinting at rain. I breathed in the fresh air and savored it, suspecting the ashy scent of demons would infiltrate my nose soon enough.

As I headed toward the front door, my heels clacking on the concrete, I considered taking my dagger out of my boot. Better to be prepared than scrambling at the last minute.

One of the four men approached me before I made it to the sidewalk. I reached out with my senses and discovered his heart didn’t race, nor did tension drip from his pores. He didn’t appear threatening at all.

I stopped and waited for him to come to me. Turning just a tad, I tried to avoid as much of the demon perfume as I could. Unfortunately, the wind carried it my way. “Can I help you, officer?”

“Are you Shelley Baxter?” he asked, still walking toward me. His short, black hair matched the darkness of the night, much like his uniform.

“Who wants to know?” I held my hand at my side, ready to reach for my dagger.

He came to a halt a few feet from me. “My name is D. Scott. My clan leader asked me and several other men to guard you. Have you noticed any trouble tonight?”

Relief cooled me a few more degrees as I realized the two units were part of Sal’s security team.

“No, haven’t seen any…” I shifted my gaze down the street as a large SUV approached. “No trouble yet.”

D. Scott followed the vehicle’s movements. He pressed his hand over the gun strapped to his side. When the SUV slowed, I recognized it.

“This is my friend’s house. That’s his car.”

D. Scott and I stepped to the side of the driveway as the car drew near. The frown on Boss’s face as he stared at the demon cop spoke volumes. Guess I needed to make that call to Sal soon.

Silence returned to the night once Boss cut the engine. I headed for his vehicle, hoping to deflect his frustration. As soon as his feet touched the ground, I stepped around the door, in front of him.

“These men were sent by Sal to guard us,” I said, holding my free hand up in a stopping motion.

Boss shut his door, then faced the demon cop. “Your presence isn’t needed. You can leave now.”

“Sir, we’re under direct orders from our clan leader to stay here. We can’t leave until our shift is over or he instructs us.”

I placed my hand on Boss’s shoulder. “Let’s go inside, and I’ll call Sal.”

D. Scott reached into the pocket on his shirt. “Ms. Baxter, if you need anything, here is my card.”

“Thanks,” I said as I took the small piece of paper from him.

“We’ll be waiting in our cars should you need us.” Following a clipped nod to me and then to Boss, he returned to his cruiser.

“Can we go inside now?” Tabby asked, holding her hands over her arms. “I’m freezing.”

Boss strode past me, jingling keys in his hand. Tabby followed him while I trailed behind her. Once he unlocked the door, we headed inside the house.

“I’ll be in the basement,” Boss said, passing by me without as much as a glance my way.

Tabby headed for the stairs. “I’m going to clean up and get some sleep.”

“Tabby,” I said, and she stopped midway up the staircase. “I’m sorry about…everything.” My heart wept for having to see her leave on my account. Yet, at the same time, I was glad. Her safety took priority.

“It’s okay. I’m sure everything will work out. But I really think you should consider Boss’s suggestion. He’s only looking out for your best interests.”

Her smile offered me a touch of comfort while her concern warmed my soul. “Thanks.”

She dashed up the stairs, feet thumping on the carpeted steps.

With a heavy sigh, I strode down the hall. My head continued to throb, encouraging me to hibernate for a few hours. I needed to contact Sal to appease Boss, but I really wanted to wait until daylight. Besides, what harm could come from two cop cars stationed outside the house? I’d just wait a few hours to make the call.

Slowly, I descended the stairs to the basement, then stopped at the bottom. Boss sat at his desk along the far wall, staring at his computer monitor. He was busy typing on the keypad, evidence supplied by all the fast taps. I needed to inform him about Benny’s visit and opened my mouth to do so, but my aching mind insisted I wait until later. First, sleep.

After a deep breath, I closed my mouth and strolled down the dark hall, away from Boss.

Inside the bedroom, I slid my purse on the dresser and glanced in the mirror. My tangled hair needed a good combing, but I lacked the strength to bother with it. Another chore for later. I dropped to the bed and unzipped my boots, leaving my dagger safe in the inside pouch. With Boss nearby, I didn’t see the need to keep it under the pillow. Lethargy weighing heavy on my mind, I crawled backward over the comforter. The minute my head hit the pillow, I closed my eyes and prayed for peace, if only for a little while.

* * * *

Angry voices roused me from my deep sleep. Men shouted at each other. One sounded very familiar to me. Jackson? I opened my eyes to a world of darkness. Was I dreaming?

“Shelley?” Tabby called out.

Quick thuds, one after another, alerted me and I sat up.

“Shelley?”

I scooted off the bed. Tabby’s voice sounded panicky. I rounded the doorway and nearly smacked right into her.

Tabby grabbed my forearm. “You have to say something to them.” She dragged me down the hall.

“Who? And where is Boss?”

She stopped at the staircase and released my arm. Light from the open door above poured into the basement. I squinted at the brightness while I rubbed my sleepy eyes.

“He left shortly after we came home.”

“Left? Where did he go?” Bewilderment swallowed me whole. Had I pissed him off to the point I drove him away? He said he would protect me. Why would he leave?

“I don’t know. He left a note for you.” Tabby raced up the staircase. Reaching the top, she twisted to face me. “Would you hurry up? They look like they’re ready to rip each other’s heads off.”

I stomped my bare feet up the steps. “Who are
they
?”

“The cops and Jackson.”

Okay, I hadn’t been dreaming.

I followed Tabby toward the front of the house, combing my fingers through my tangled hair. Since I’d gone straight to bed without cleaning up, I hoped the little bit of makeup on my face hadn’t smeared much and my breath wouldn’t scare them.

Tabby stopped at the window and tugged back the curtain. “Look”

I squinted as my eyes adjusted to the bright sun. Standing on the driveway, Jackson and Tom dressed in casual attire faced three uniformed officers, one of them D. Scott. Jackson held a folder in one hand while his other pointed at D. Scott. Their deep voices and hostile glares at each other were clear signs of an unfriendly conversation.

“Shit,” I mumbled as I headed for the door. What were they doing on the driveway?

I yanked the door open, then stepped outside. The warmth of the sun caressed my skin. Above, the blue sky contained a few clouds, not enough to offer shade or hint at rain. I walked down the concrete path toward the group of men gathered together. All eyes watched me.

“What’s going on?” I asked, my feet slapping on the gritty driveway.

Jackson and Tom stepped to the side. One of the uniformed cops walked toward me with his hand up as if he thought he could stop me. “Miss, do you know these men?”