Hellcats: Anthology

by Kate Pickford

  “She said her name was Deeva.”

  Justine looked back and forth between Deeva and Heather while Deeva tried not to stare at either one of them. She needed to look like the nonchalant, didn’t-care-about-anyone-but-themselves cat she was supposed to be. What Justine said next would determine her move. It had been fun while it lasted, but she wasn’t in the mood to be kicked out on the street. Being a homeless cat in the country was no fun; she’d done it before, and Satan could be a real jerk about making her stay until she finished the job. Killing field mice for sport was one thing, but depending on them for your meals was another. Plus, the cold wet mornings made it take all day for her fur to dry out.

  “Baby, we talked about this. You can’t pretend you talk to animals, see dead people, or can make things happen with your words.”

  “Mom, great Nana told me, I would be able to do it and I can. She said you used to be able to do it. She summoned us here to help Uncle Bobby. Remember? I told you.”

  “Heather, we are here because great Nana left us half this house. We’re going to help Uncle Bobby clean and stage it, and then we are going to sell it. We’re moving back to Boston with the money we make from the house. I let you get a new cat to help keep mice out of the house.” Justine stood up and walked over to Deeva. She gently placed her hand on top of Deeva’s head and slowly stroked her fur. Deeva couldn’t keep it in.

  “Prrrrrrrr.” It was a natural mechanism that came with the cat body. There wasn’t much to be done about it.

  “See? She’s just a regular old cat. Right, Fluffins?”

  “Meowr,” Deeva responded.

  Justine placed one hand underneath Deeva’s stomach and the other over her back. She gently pulled her from the hutch and placed her on the floor.

  “Why don’t you and Mama Dog show her around the house? She’ll need to know where she’s going to sleep. Plus, it’ll give her time to figure out where all the mice are located. She’s gotta earn her keep.”

  Heather was obviously smarter than Deeva had given her credit for. Initially, the kid had played off as though she were a couple watts short in her light bulb, a facade that her mother was encouraging from the looks of it.

  “Come on, DEEDEE, let me show you our room.” Heather stood up from the table and pushed her chair in ceremoniously, startling Mama Dog in the process. Heather stomped to the hallway then beckoned the two.

  “Rawr?” Mama Dog stood up and wagged her tail.

  Did you really fall back asleep that quickly? Deeva laughed at the dog.

  Hmmph, I’ve been here long enough to know this place is pretty low key. You know we also get the qualities of whatever dog we inhabit, and this type of dog likes short walks, long naps, and big scraps. Did I miss anything important? Mama Dog waddled over to Deeva.

  You didn’t miss anything important except we’re in a house of WITCHES. Did you miss that important detail of your assignment? Because who knows what kind of witches these are, what they’re doing with animals. Oh and by the way, the little one is telepathic. If Deeva had been in one of her more humanlike forms, she’d probably have smacked her forehead at the realization that came to her next. She can probably hear everything I’m saying right now.

  Oh. Mama Dog flopped to the floor. It occurred to Deeva that either angels couldn’t control their ethereal forms very well, or this angel was a sloppy, dopey mess.

  “Are you two coming or what?” Heather glared at them, her hands on her hips. She was obviously losing her patience with the two of them.

  “Heather, be nice. Don’t take your irritation with me out on the animals. Remember our deal, the animals do not go outside. Understand?” Justine looked back at her phone.

  Let’s just play it cool and see what happens next. I mean, what could go wrong? She’s only a little girl, right? Deeva had been lucky enough to steer clear of witches on earth as far back as she could remember. The problem with witches was they sometimes didn’t believe in heaven or hell. They did their own thing, which was a problem for the two entities that were fighting for supremacy over the Earth. Sometimes they did worship Satan, but they still really weren’t around a lot in the part of hell that Deeva hung out in.

  Deeva strutted down the hallway. Before she had a chance to get too far, she felt a tug on her tail. She turned to scowl when she saw a forewarning look on Mama Dog’s face.

  Never underestimate a witch. They have all the cunning of demons from hell, the passion of any angelic creature, and their own earthly will that makes them a challenge for those above and below.

  Deeva couldn’t help herself, she chuckled at Mama Dog.

  Sure.

  Heather, when do we get to go outside? Deeva curled up beside the little girl’s head on her pillow. She was reading a book.

  “Mom said if I wanted to keep you, I had to make sure you didn’t go outside. You might disappear.” Heather continued to stare at the pages, her concentration unbroken.

  I’ll be fine. I promise.

  Deeva revved up the little motor in the cat that relaxed humans. She’d started communicating with the little girl out of fear. It didn’t seem like people came around much, but it would only take one savvy human who knew of the underworld to figure out she was a demon. Then it might be lights out for her and the mission.

  Are you sure? I’m a tough cat.

  “I know you think that. I also know you and Mama Dog are looking for something, but I’m not even allowed in certain places here. I promised Mom that I’d stay right here. We don’t want to make Uncle Bobby mad. He doesn’t like cats.”

  Deeva peeked over at Mama Dog to see if she was listening. One eye was slightly open, but that was also how the dog slept sometimes.

  Do you think the other cats were special like me? I doubt it. I’m smart, quick, and I’m not afraid of anything. Those other cats were not me, I can assure you. Did the others talk?

  “DeeDee, it doesn’t work like that. Great Nana said that each animal speaks its own way. You use words, but others use images and feelings, and some even use physical sensation. Like Mama Dog. I can’t hear her, but I can see things through her eyes. She likes you, but she shouldn’t. She knows that.”

  Mama Dog lifted her head and looked at Deeva. I did not say that. You’re a demon.

  “See, she’s upset now. I can’t hear the words, but I feel the protest.” Heather put her book down, rolled over, and looked at Mama Dog. She grinned at the dog. “You thought you were going to hide from me?”

  “Hmmmmphr.” Mama Dog laid back down, her head on her front paws.

  Deeva flipped on her back and wiggled beside Heather. She cackled softly. Heather, you’re funny. Now, what can we do to get out of this house?

  “Ugh, I’m not going to help you until I know why you want to go outside so badly.”

  That’s the thing, I am looking for something. There’s usually a bright red mark on what I’m here to retrieve. I haven’t seen it yet, so I need to get out of the house and find it. Could you give me a rub on the belly? I’d like that quite a bit.

  Deeva couldn’t help herself. Three strokes on the belly made something in the cat brain have pure happiness, but at the same time, one too many strokes and it turned on this weird mode that made her want to grab something tightly with her claws until she couldn’t let go.

  Heather cautiously placed her fingers lightly on Deeva’s stomach. She stroked gently with each finger drumming down the cat’s chest. After exactly three rounds of belly rubs, Deeva swatted at Heather’s arm as the feel-good chemicals in her cat brain went into overdrive. Deeva rolled over on her back; she didn’t need to get on Heather’s bad side by leaving a scratch on her vulnerable skin.

  Well, let’s go outside and take a look around. Once I find the mark, I can retrieve the item and be on my way.

  “You can’t leave me. I’m really lonely here. I didn’t have any friends in Boston, either.”

  Deeva realized she’d misstepped. Heather was enjoying their companionship. It wasn’
t that Deeva was opposed to the idea of being a cat for long periods of time, it was just that she’d never done it before. Her longest missions typically lasted for two or three weeks. Then again, who knew if the little witch was even telling the truth? Maybe she knew that Deeva was a demon and was trying to trick her.

  I don’t think it’s that easy for me. See, I’m sent to earth for certain reasons and then when I complete those tasks my owner asks me to bring back what I’ve retrieved. Some cats sort of live on other worlds. I’d have to make some kind of deal with my owner to stay here longer. They might say no. But, if I don’t do the task, something bad might happen to me.

  “Like what?”

  Honestly, I’m not sure. I’ve never failed before. My other owner can be a little bit demanding and not nice. I haven’t tried to cause problems. Anyway, never mind that. Tell me about Uncle Bobby. Where is he? What does he do?

  Deeva hoped that curiosity wouldn’t kill the cat.

  Do you really think it’s necessary for you to stand on my back to open the door? I mean, I hear other cats just keep jumping at the doorknob or running at the door to get it open. Mama Dog whined.

  Shhhh, do you want to wake up Heather? Or worse, Justine? Just gimme a second and we’ll be in the room. Deeva’s hind claws dug into Mama’s back. It wasn’t intentional but the limits of cat balance only went so far. It would be worth it if they could find out more about Uncle Bobby. He hadn’t been home since Deeva had arrived, which didn’t seem odd to Justine or Heather as he was a truck driver. Deeva’s gut told her that he was the mark. But why? She hoped getting into his room would give them a clue.

  The doorknob creaked and the door swung open, causing Deeva to fall forward. Luckily she rolled with the fall and landed on her feet. She turned to check on Mama Dog. Horror filled the hound’s face.

  Look in the corner, Mama Dog said. The thick, black hair on the back of her neck stood up. Deeva wasn’t sure if she wanted to turn. Loook! Loook in the corner.

  Fine, fine, I’ll look. It can’t be that bad. Deeva had seen some crazy, bloody horrible things in hell; it really couldn’t be that bad. She whirled around, anticipating some weird art, or maybe the guy worshipped some old god and had an extravagant alter. What she saw instead didn’t really surprise her, with the intel she’d received from Heather. Well, at least we know where all the cats went.

  In the corner were probably, if Deeva understood anything about bones, twenty to thirty cat skeletons arranged into a weird tentacle-like statue. Tufts of cat fur were still attached to tails that adorned the waistband of the bone creature.

  Is this some witchcraft stuff? Mama sounded more unsure of herself by the moment. Deeva had never seen this type of human depravity before, but it made her all the more certain that Uncle Bobby would wear the mark.

  This isn’t about worship, this is about being a little messed up in the head. There is no telling what we’ll find once we get out on the farm.

  A quick scan around the room brought up nothing other than the bone creature. There were a bunch of items under the bed that smelled like women: wallets, earrings, a handkerchief. Deeva could only hope that Uncle Bobby had kept mementos of his girlfriends since he was always on the road, but Deeva had seen this type of behavior before. Killing animals and keeping mementos, but she couldn’t place the image of the reason she retrieved the person. There were so many questions to be asked too, did Justine know about the bone creature, and if so, why hadn’t she taken Heather away from here? A mother should know this probably wasn’t a good idea for a short one to be around.

  We’ve gotta get out on the farm. I’m worried for Heather. This isn’t a safe place for her.

  Mama Dog nodded her head in agreement. The duo backed out of the room and Deeva curled her paw up under the door frame while Mama tugged at her tail to assist Deeva in pulling the door shut.

  “Reowr!” Deeva growled as sharp canine teeth pinched her delicate tail.

  Sorry, I can’t always control myself.

  It’s fine, let’s get back in Heather’s room before she figures out we're gone.

  Once Deeva was curled up in bed with Heather, she listened to the rise and fall of the little one’s chest. This entire trip was confusing and frustrating. She’d been hanging around with an angel and a witch for over a month with no sight of the soul she was meant to retrieve. Her feelings for the little girl were growing every day. The human was smart and sassy. She wasn’t typical for her age. She was also cunning because she could come off as a simpleton and act younger when needed, as she’d done the day they’d met. If she was mentored and trained right, she’d be an amazing servant to Satan someday. Well, if she wanted to be one. It wasn’t for everyone, that was for sure. That whole free will thing and all.

  Which brought Deeva to thinking about Mama Dog. She’d shared some fun times with Mama Dog. The angel was funny, kind, and probably not as insane as some of the other heavenly forces she’d had to deal with over the years. She’d taught Deeva how to enjoy being in an earthly form a little more, activating parts of the cat’s brain that Deeva hadn’t known existed.

  Why was an angel even here? Justice? It didn’t seem like that was something that was needed here at all. Uncle Bobby needed to go to hell, and as quickly as possible. He wasn't a nice guy just based on the fact he’d apparently killed cats to make art. This was a simple case where Deeva could sentence him without any problem.

  The sun peeked through the curtains of Heather’s window. As Deeva looked around, she wondered if this was actually really Heather’s room. The porcelain dolls, the ruffles, the lace, and the various shades of pink didn’t seem to fit who Heather was. This had to have been Justine’s room from childhood. It didn’t really matter. The quicker they could get Uncle Bobby out of here, the better Deeva would feel about the safety of Heather. She snuggled closer to her, feeling the warmth of the little girl's body and soul.

  A loud thump awakened Deeva with a start. She stretched out and lifted her ears to listen for what had caused the commotion. Heather’s eyes were still closed, so for a moment Deeva thought it had been a dream. She scanned the room for Mama Dog. Though Mama Dog’s nose was broken, her big floppy ears apparently still worked. The old dog was sitting next to the door.

  What’s going on? Deeva walked to the edge of the bed, not daring to jump in case it would wake Heather.

  Well, Uncle Bobby is home, and he is not happy. Looks like Justine has hired someone to clean out the barn and he is yelling at her to stay out of there. He’s trying to negotiate buying Justine’s portion of the house so the two will leave him in peace. Justine is insisting that it must be sold as directed by great Nana. She seems a little scared of the deceased.

  How long have you been listening? This is like a two-hour conversation you’re recanting to me.

  You asked me what was going on. I’m telling you. But, you’re right. We gotta get out of this house and see if we can figure out what’s on this property. Mama Dog leaned her ear closer to the door.

  A large thwap of the front screen door startled them both. Heather sat up in the bed.

  “What’re you two doing?”

  Deeva strutted to the top of the bed nonchalantly, Oh nothing. Sounds like Uncle Bobby is home. She really hated to manipulate Heather, but they had to get out of the house and figure out what was going on. Justine and Heather’s lives might depend on it.

  “Oh, he wasn’t supposed to be back for a couple more weeks. He must’ve talked to Mom about the barn.”

  You knew about the barn being cleaned?

  “Yes, Mom said that she was going to try to do it when Uncle Bobby wasn’t here so he couldn't be mad when the men who were coming to clean it threw all his old stuff away.”

  I’m curious, has your Mom been out in the barn before?

  “I don’t know. I just know I was told not to go in there. It’s very old. I think Mom wanted it torn down, but didn’t think that would go over well with Uncle Bobby. Great Nana said this place had t
o be sold. Uncle Bobby can’t have it, we can’t have it, and she also said that you would come to help us.”

  Well, if I’m here to help you then why aren’t we going outside? Mama Dog and I need to make it so the house gets sold. I bet that is why great Nana asked me here. Let’s go look at this barn.

  “If you really think Nana would want it, let’s go look. It can’t hurt anything, I guess. But, if either of you gets hurt, I’m not to blame, okay?” Heather threw back her covers and slipped out of her pajamas. She threw on a t-shirt and shorts.

  Agreed, I think Mama Dog and I will be perfectly capable of accepting the consequences of any actions we might take. Also, what can you tell me about Nana? Was she a good witch, bad witch, somewhere in between?

  “Great Nana wasn’t a witch. What makes you think that?” Heather frowned then slid her feet into a pair of bright green flip flops.

  Oh, just a wild guess. Did great Nana have any special herbs or sayings she’d chant around the house.

  “Yes, but I think all old ladies do that stuff.”

  Heather opened the door to her bedroom and walked out into the hallway. “You two better not run off. It is lonely enough around here. I don’t want to lose another cat.”

  We won’t leave you, I promise. Deeva purred as she followed.

  From behind her, Mama Dog tramped along. Deeva, you’re such a liar.

  No, I’m a revenge demon and it is time to get down to business.

  Well, this was a bust. Mama Dog flopped on a bale of hay, out of breath. Dust rose around her and made all three of them sneeze.

  “I don’t know what the big deal is about this barn. There’s nothing in here. Dirt and old stuff, plus this straw that is super scratchy.” Heather walked around the large open space.

  This has to be the place. I can smell the rotting flesh, and the energy in here emits feelings of horror like you only feel in hell. I know we’re in the right place. Damnit, Mama Dog, I wish your nose worked. Deeva jumped from one hay bale to the other and peered around. Maybe if I get up on the second floor, I’ll see something. There’s a force, or pressure in here. I know it. Deeva jumped onto the second tier. It was nothing but more old hay. She sniffed and sniffed, but the smell wasn’t any worse or better up here. It was frustrating that no one else could smell it but her. Deeva doubted Heather’s sense of smell was much better than Mama Dog’s. The child hadn’t protested a single night of Mama’s farts and had only laughed at the old dog’s feelings of embarrassment. Deeva wasn’t leaving the barn until she’d seen every inch of it. At the end of the barn the hay went all the way to the rafters. Deeva made a run for it and though she hated heights, she ran as fast as she could and jumped up onto the rafter.