Curse of the Dragon

by Madison Johns

  “Facility?” I asked.

  “It was a small treatment center. Glenn went willing, but he didn’t flourish under the doctor’s care.”

  “So you took him out of the doctor’s care?” I asked.

  The lines on Hugh’s brow became pronounced. “I brought Glenn to my waterfront home, but he disappeared soon after about two months ago. I haven’t been able to find him since. I should have filed a report earlier, but you know how hard that is when he’s an adult.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss, Hugh,” I said.

  Hugh nodded, tears threatening. “He was a good brother. I’ll miss him.”

  “Dr. Drake was very delusional,” Blake said. “He believed your brother was something he wasn’t. I wish I could go into the details, but with federal agents handling the investigation in regard to Dr. Drake they’re sealing the case file. I’m under the impression that the doctor will be institutionalized somewhere he won’t be able to cause further harm.”

  “Do you think he had anything to do with his death?” Hugh asked.

  “I believe your brother was troubled and Dr. Drake took advantage of it,” I said, “but he didn’t cause your brother’s death.”

  “He certainly sent him on that path.”

  “Don’t blame yourself,” I said. “You did what you thought was best.”

  “At least he’s not suffering anymore.”

  “We’ve cautioned the media to handle this with care. Your brother’s name will be released on the news as a suspicious death as we continue our investigation.”

  “I really appreciate it. Being the deputy mayor is draining enough.”

  “We’d hate to see the public take the wrong spin on this,” Blake said.

  “I appreciated everything that you’ve both done. Please keep in touch. I’ll help you any way I can.”

  Hugh dropped Blake and me at the police department. “Are you serious about speaking to the psychics?” I asked.

  “I don’t have any other pressing matters at the moment.”

  “Great,” I said as I rattled off the directions once we were in Blake’s car. I hummed as the city gave way to the countryside.

  “Do you believe Glenn really died at the hands of a hunter,” Blake asked.

  “So you’re a believer in the paranormal now?”

  “I never said that. If someone like Dr. Drake exists, I imagine so do other fanatics. Someone out there thinks they’re doing the world a service by killing Glenn. What could he possibly have done to deserve that?”

  “It’s probably like you said, some kind of nutcase.”

  Blake pulled up to the psychics’ mobile home and Gracie opened the door. “Sister, it’s Detective Blake,” she called out as we walked in the door.

  Wilma waved us over and I made the introductions.

  Blake nodded curtly.

  “No need to be so shy detective,” Wilma said. “Please come closer. I don’t bite.”

  “Not unless she has her false teeth in,” Gracie chuckled.

  “I explained to Blake here how helpful you’ve been.”

  “Even though the tip about Bigfoot was a bit off.” Blake forced a smile.

  “Please sit down, detective,” Gracie said. “Would you care for a cup of tea?”

  “I only have time for a short visit,” Blake said as he cleared his throat. “Are you really both psychic?”

  “Real as any you’ll ever meet,” Wilma said.

  “Promise me you won’t tell anyone I visited with you ladies today.” Blake cleared his throat again. “Involvement with psychics on a criminal investigation would affect perceptions of the police department.”

  “Does that mean you’re going to allow us to help you?” Gracie asked.

  “Do you feel you can help me?”

  “Probably not. Wilma’s visions are gone,” I said.

  “It’s the strangest thing; they returned this morning,” Wilma said. She motioned us forward. “The killer is closer than you think.”

  I frowned. “Is that all we get?”

  “Let them talk,” Blake said.

  “I meant the killer is close to one of you. And I’m afraid if you don’t find him soon, one of your lives is in jeopardy.”

  “Can you be more specific?” Blake asked.

  “I wish I could, but that’s all I have seen in the crystal ball.”

  Blake frowned. “Thank you, ladies.” He glanced at his watch. “We have to be going,” he said as he opened the door.

  “I’ll meet you in the car,” I said.

  “Make it quick. I really have to get back to the station.”

  I nodded and relaxed when Blake was gone. “You mentioned the killer was close to one of us? Are you positive that’s all you can tell me?”

  “I could hardly tell you the killer is close to you with the detective here, Alex,” Wilma said. “You’re in danger.”

  I frowned. “Your vision is wrong. I’m not close to anyone besides Blake.”

  “Oh? Is there something you’re not telling us?” Gracie asked.

  “We’ve been working together on this case.”

  “Let me explain further. The killer is someone you know or have interacted with.”

  “That could be anyone,” I said in aggravation. “Is there anything else?”

  “I know you’re going through quite the transition, but never fear you’re quite capable of defeating your adversary.”

  “I can’t defeat the killer. He needs to be arrested for murdering Glenn Miller.”

  “I don’t know how you’ll be able to do that, dear. I foresee you having to defend yourself and you should know what that means for you.”

  “Do you know who I am?”

  “I can’t read you, but I could try if you’d like.”

  “No,” I quickly said. “The book, a page was missing.”

  “You mentioned that before,” Gracie said.

  “So you didn’t find it?”

  “I wasn’t looking for it.”

  “I need the missing page. It might mean I can reverse what happened to me.”

  “In what part of the book would that be?”

  “I’d rather not say,” I said. “Do you happen to know anything about gems?”

  “I have a book that might be helpful,” Gracie said. She fetched it from the other room and pressed it into my hands. “You keep the book.”

  “I wish I could keep the other book too,” I said.

  “What do you think, sister?” Gracie asked.

  “Give it to her. It’s time to pass it down to one much younger. You must keep it safe. The secrets in that book are sought after and cannot fall into the wrong hands.”

  Gracie brought me the book and placed it inside a large shopping bag. “So the detective doesn’t see it.”

  “Thanks,” I said. “I have a feeling I’ll be seeing you ladies again at some point.” I smiled and walked outside with the shopping bag.

  “Did the psychics give you their crystal ball?” Blake asked when I jumped in the car.

  “Why would they? I’m not a psychic.”

  “Why do I have a feeling that you’re hiding something from me?”

  “See? One trip to see psychics has your head spinning. Maybe you’re the one who’s psychic.”

  Blake drove up the road. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. But strange things have happened since the murder. Why have you suddenly gone to wearing colored contacts? I never considered you a girlie sort of woman. You’re too kick butt for that.”

  “Why can’t a woman wear makeup and be strong?”

  “I’ll shut up because I keep getting myself into trouble with you.”

  I smiled. “So you’re really going to have dinner with Holly Holstein. Holly Blake has a ring to it.”

  “Why are you pushing me so much on Holly? Don’t you have someone you’re interested in?”

  “He’s too young for me.”

  “Since when has that ever stopped anyone, Hey, he’s at
least of age, right?”

  “Yes, early twenties I believe.”

  “You’re only twenty-nine.”

  “Twenty-eight,” I gasped.

  “You have the mind of someone much older.”

  “Thanks a lot!”

  “I’m impressed with how you’ve handled this investigation. It’s too bad I’m a cop. We’d make a good team.”

  “We make a good team now.”

  “Yes, but there are limitations to what I can share with you.”

  “Do you have any other suspects?”

  “I’d say you, but I’ve changed my mind about that. Or I should say I haven’t found any evidence against you.”

  “Lucky me.”

  “I wish I had more to go on. I’d hate for the investigation to go cold.”

  “Unless the doctor was the killer.”

  “If you thought that you’d have said so before. Besides, the agents have been with the doctor the entire time.”

  “After the fact.”

  “I don’t see him as the killer. I didn’t see any bow or poisoned arrows at the house.”

  “I wonder if an avid hunter accidentally killed Glenn.”

  “Except hunters don’t use poison arrows to kill game, even if they’re poaching.”

  “Sorry, I’m just grasping at straws here.”

  “That makes two of us. Where should I drop you?”

  “Home. I really could use some downtime.”

  “Lucky you. I have reports to work on.”

  Eighteen

  I whistled when I opened my door and picked up an envelope that had slid under my door. I plopped on the couch and read the note:

  I need to see you. It’s very important.

  Hannah

  The werewolf’s sister. What could she possibly want to talk to me about? I had determined Bobby Hackman wasn’t the killer. Could he be the person I should fear?

  I pulled out the book and flipped it to Curse of the Dragon. A page sat loosely in the middle of the book. I stared at the sword on the page and took in a breath. I retrieved the red and green gems, locked up and headed downstairs.

  I roared off down the road, preparing myself to take on whatever waited for me at Bobby Hackman’s house. Whatever his sister wanted couldn’t be good. I had only made contact with them once. I parked near their driveway and removed the burlap wrapping and unsheathed the sword. On either side of the pommel were two indentations, I pressed the red and green gems into them. I didn’t know what it meant, but there was a reason the gems were supposed to be embedded in the sword.

  The sword was too noticeable to carry everywhere I went, but it fit snugly in my backpack. I stretched the straps over my shoulders and moved toward Bobby Hackman’s house. I moved through the woods to canvas the area. An empty driveway could be good or bad, depending on what was going on here.

  Hannah moved past the door and a dark shadow fell over her. I swallowed hard and held my breath for a moment as fear danced across my heart. Hannah wasn’t alone and she might be in danger.

  Shouldn’t her brother be there? Not if someone was luring you here dummy, I thought. Were both Bobby and Hannah luring me here? I shook my head. I was letting those psychics get in my head.

  I entered the yard and cautiously approached the door. An arrow sailed toward me and I rolled on the ground to avoid it. I barely had time to retrieve my sword before another arrow came at me. I rolled out of the way and with my hands on the grip of the sword I swung. I concentrated on the incoming arrow, swung my sword and the arrow burst into flames, dropping harmlessly a few feet from me.

  I would have smiled in triumph if arrows didn’t continuing whizzing toward me. I dropped each of them with the sword. Smoke trailed from my nostrils and I tried to suppress the fire inside of me. I slowly made headway toward the porch. I barely missed the last arrow, and felt it pierce the fabric of my shirt. I would have been a goner if it had penetrated my skin. No time to think about that as I tumbled on the porch. I landed hard on my elbow and shoulders, but I leapt to my feet again and jumped through the living room window. In a hail of raining glass, I rolled with my sword to the sight of Hannah trembling as a man’s hand clutched in her hair.

  “You coward! Hiding behind a woman. Let her go!” I roared.

  The shadow moved into the room and my eyes widened as my eyes met the attacker’s.

  “It’s nice to see you again, Alex,” Nate said.

  “Nate? What are you doing?” I gasped.

  “Isn’t it obvious?”

  “Hannah, where’s Bobby?”

  “H-he’s dead,” she cried.

  “No, that can’t be,” I said. “Why would you kill him?”

  “I work at the car wash and hunt on my days off,” Nate smirked. “Fortunately, werewolves aren’t too hard to kill when they’re not in shifted form.”

  “Are you quite certain he’s dead?” I asked. “Werewolves are hard to kill.”

  “Not if you use poisoned arrows.”

  “You’re the one who killed Glenn Miller?”

  “I should have remembered you went jogging on the trails in the mountains. You were, as they say, in the wrong place at the wrong time. I thought I’d killed a dragon, but now I’m faced with another one.”

  “You can’t kill the dragon,” I said. “Why did you come here?”

  “What can I say? Bobby Hackman was on my kill list. I’ll be able to have a lengthy vacation once you’re dead.”

  “How can you be certain I’m a dragon?”

  He smiled. “Besides the sword?”

  “Neither Bobby or Hannah know what I am.”

  “The fire damage on your car was an indication, especially the way you played it off.”

  “What if you were wrong?”

  “I’ve never been wrong before.”

  “I’ve only been here once. Why did you have Hannah put a note under my door?”

  “I saw your car parked here when I was casing the Hackman place a few days back. I slipped the note under your door before I came here.”

  “I’m a private detective, you idiot!”

  “Oh, congrats on you new venture. It’s too bad it was so short lived.”

  Nate’s face had never looked more evil or determined.

  “Can you please let go of Hannah? You’re hurting her.”

  “She soon won’t feel any more pain. I have to kill her too, I’m afraid.”

  “If you’re a paranormal hunter why would you kill an innocent person? I imagine you can get kicked out of the club for that.”

  “She’s a fighter, this one. She tried to bite me,” Nate said about Hannah.

  “Don’t blame the girl. Let’s take this somewhere else -- and killing Hannah isn’t an option,” I ordered.

  “She’ll call the cops.”

  “You could always lock her in the basement,” I suggested. “Bobby had it constructed to be used during the full moon. He didn’t want to hurt anyone, you fool. Don’t you understand paranormals aren’t here to hurt anyone? We just want to live our lives like everyone else.”

  “Lock her in the basement and I’ll wait for you here,” Nate ordered.

  “And you won’t try to shot an arrow at me when my back is turned?”

  “No promises.”

  I glared at Nate. “I’m not turning my back to you,” I hissed as I pressed my blade against his jugular. “Get out the back door.”

  Nate gripped his bow and arrows. It would be easy for him to try to stab me with one of the arrows. I pushed him outside with a well-placed boot in the back. He tumbled down the stairs and landed with a thump against the tree.

  “Hannah … ,” I began.

  “Don’t worry about me, take care of him.”

  “Get up, you coward. I’m taking you to the police for murdering Glenn Miller.”

  “I can’t be punished for killing a dragon.”

  “But you didn’t kill the dragon. Remember, I’m the dragon. Apparently you don’t understand how thi
s works,” I said. With a groan, I hissed a flame from my lips as my leathery wings ripped their way through my skin and fanned my shoulders.

  Nate’s eyes widened. “What the hell,” he shouted as he jumped up and attempted to load his bow. I slapped him to the ground with my right wing, watching in enjoyment as his eyes widened. “No, please don’t kill me!”

  “I have no intention of killing you,” I said as I breathed a flame that consumed his bow and the remainder of his poisoned arrows.

  “I’d like to hear you talk your way out of this. If you call the cops, I’ll tell them what you really are,” Nate screamed.

  I laughed. “And you think they’ll believe you? You just killed a werewolf, er, a man you thought was a werewolf. I don’t think the cops will buy that one. I foresee a lengthy sentence in an institution for the criminally insane in your future.”

  “They can’t charge me with killing Glenn Miller. You’ve already destroyed my bow and arrows.”

  “Not all of them. I believe that are enough on the front lawn. And are you forgetting I have a witness?”

  “You’re outing yourself to the entire police department?” He laughed insanely.

  “What you fail to understand is that I won’t be sporting wings when they arrive.”

  “Call the police,” I called over to Hannah.

  “Make a move and I’ll incinerate you.”

  I heard the roar of cars and sirens blaring. I quickly retrieved my backpack and disappeared into the woods, where my wings retracted. With a fresh shirt on, I rejoined Nate in the backyard, where the cops were already congregating as Hannah pointed out the hunter. Of course she never called him a hunter, she explained that he forced his way into the house and assaulted her brother.

  “Nate killed Glenn Miller.” I pointed him out.

  “What happened to you?” Blake asked with concern.

  I felt my flushed face. “I’ll show you if you’ll accompany me into the front yard.” I pointed out the arrows on the driveway. “I’m sure if you test the arrows you’ll find they’re poisoned. The psychics were right. The killer was close to me and I was in danger. I see Nate at Starbucks every morning after I go jogging. He also works at the car wash I use.”