Hellcats: Anthology

by Kate Pickford

  “Deeva, get down! I can hear Uncle Bobby’s truck. We gotta get out of here.”

  You two go without me. I’m going to stay out here a little longer. Uncle Bobby won’t even know I’m in here. I promise. Deeva scrunched herself as tight as she could on the rafter, hoping that she’d concealed herself.

  Good luck. I have no idea what you’re doing, but I’ll keep Heather preoccupied while you stake this place out. Mama Dog pulled at Heather’s shorts. The two slipped out the side door of the barn and left Deeva on her own.

  Deeva didn’t mind. She’d always worked on her own. Being around an angel and human child wasn’t the worst thing that had happened to her, but she had been sent here to retrieve a soul and that was what she planned to do. Her only issue was that for it to be a fair trade, she had to figure out who had called for the revenge, and ascertain that there was a darn good reason for the retrieval that related to it. The scales of justice weren’t always perfectly balanced, but they weren’t completely skewed either.

  The large barn doors opened wide. An old Ford pickup truck backed in and a man that Deeva could only assume was Uncle Bobby jumped out of the driver’s side. He wasn’t the nicest looking man, and he was older than Deeva had expected. He had a good ten years on Justine. Deeva looked for the mark, it wasn’t there. He walked over to an area of the barn that looked empty and stood with one hand on his hip, staring at the dusty open space. He put on work gloves and started picking up the air. Deeva blinked her eyes. What was he picking up? A shimmer of light reflected off the barn ceiling and caught Deeva’s eye.

  She zeroed in on the shining object dangling from the rafter beams by a single nail. The object was high enough that unless you were looking for something, the small reflection of light wouldn’t catch your attention. It was a pendant! The barn was cloaked in a spell! Deeva needed to grab it and move it out of the barn. If she could see what Uncle Bobby could see, an inconvenient disaster might occur, leaving the farm to Justine and Heather. She just didn’t know how she was going to get to it. It was high up in the barn’s framing. She would have to jump for it and wish for the best, hoping that she’d somehow make the twelve-foot leap from the floor to the rafter beam. If she missed, game over. Heather would be left alone with Mama Dog to fend for themselves against Uncle Bobby’s wrath. Unless… Heather seemed talented, maybe she could use her magic to levitate Deeva. Before she could think on it further, a rock zoomed past her head.

  “You piece of crap, cat. Get out of here!” Uncle Bobby yelled. Spit flew out of his mouth with each word.

  Deeva wasn’t going to waste any time becoming part of Uncle Bobby’s bone collection. She didn’t have to be told twice. She scrambled down the opposite side of the barn from Uncle Bobby and ran out the door before he could get to her. The thud of a pitchfork fell short behind her. Luckily, Heather and Mama Dog waited on the porch.

  Deeva ran past Heather into the house.

  “Keep your cat out of my barn! Do you hear me? This is still my home! I don’t want anyone or anything in there! Especially some vile cat!”

  “Yes, sir. I hear you.” Heather looked down at the ground. Her bottom lip stuck out.

  Uncle Bobby pointed at Heather. “The next time I see that cat, it’ll be dead.”

  Heather stood on the porch for a moment as Uncle Bobby walked away. He angrily grabbed the pitchfork from the ground and headed toward the barn. Deeva watched as a glowing, bright blue aura surrounded Heather. The girl was tapping into her energy whether she meant to or not. The wind began to blow and with a great smack the large door to the barn slammed shut before he reached it.

  The sound of Uncle Bobby cursing could be heard from the house.

  Heather laughed.

  Did you find anything? Mama Dog asked as she walked into the house.

  Deeva smiled.

  Of course, I did. I’m not only a revenge demon but a pretty darn good detective. Someone cloaked that barn. There’s bad stuff in there and we just need to get the right people to see it. I’ve got a plan.

  Good, it is time to get justice served.

  Deeva ignored Mama Dog’s comment. She was ready to make a move to get her mark. If they found out Uncle Bobby had hurt someone, Deeva would make him pay in hell.

  Heather, did you make the wind happen? Do you think you could move other stuff? I’ve found the object I’m here to get, but it’s out of reach.

  Heather wasn’t ready as quickly as Deeva had thought she would be. They’d spent the past two days moving chess pieces, doll hands, twigs, and making the wind blow over things. Uncle Bobby had continued to play around in the barn and refused to leave it for the slightest moment from sunup to dark.

  The cleaning crew was coming today, under protest from Uncle Bobby. Deeva had heard Justine telling him they were just coming to pull out the old hay, wash out the interior, and paint the outside of the barn. Nothing fancy. They wouldn’t be taking his old tools or anything like that. He’d grumbled about a man having a private space, but had agreed to take the truck out of the barn so the guys could do their work. The delay had given Deeva plenty of time to make her plan. It just relied on the cleaners being slow and Heather being good at moving things.

  As Heather worked on moving the chess pieces across the board with her thoughts, Deeva thought she’d be just unguarded enough to tap into why great Nana had called for her and put a cloaking spell over the barn.

  Tell me about great Nana. Did you get to meet her? It sounds like you did.

  “Not really, I mean, she came to me when I was about four. She sat at the end of my bed at night and talked to me.”

  What did she tell you?

  “That I was special, like her and Mom. She would sing me songs. We talked a lot about how I would always have to balance things, and that power can be good and bad. She told me she’d had to do a bad thing once, which is why when you were to arrive she would leave me.”

  Oh, what did she do? Deeva picked up a chess piece in her mouth and walked it across the room to place it on top of a high dresser. Do you think you can move it from here?

  “She said she’d taken too good of care of Uncle Bobby. That he was naughty and she’d allowed him to do things he wasn’t supposed to.”

  I see. Okay, now lift it up and knock it over.

  The chess piece lifted and then promptly fell to the ground next to Mama Dog.

  Sheesh, can’t a dog get a nap around here? Mama Dog sat up, startled.

  You needed to wake up anyway, it's showtime.

  Deeva had watched at the window for hours. The cleaners had arrived around ten in the morning. This seemed to irritate Justine, as she’d expected them to be done by three. Instead, the entire house had been subjected to Uncle Bobby slamming things in his room and walking back and forth from the barn. In between his walks, he stood in the doorway of Heather’s room, staring at Deeva. She’d played the stupid cat and rolled over on her belly to play with a toy. Inside, she’d seethed at him. His aura was so ugly that it hurt her eyes to look at it.

  Once the two cleaners were in the barn, Uncle Bobby had switched into Mr. Charming mode. He’d gone and smiled at the two men, and asked them if they needed help with anything. He’d thrown bales of hay into the back of their truck. His behavior was making it hard for Deeva to rouse suspicion as to why it would be okay for Heather and Justine to be in the barn. It took her awhile to come up with a solution to catapult the plan into fruition.

  Listen, you two. When you hear a scream, call for your Mom and head out to the barn. We’re going to need the paramedics when I’m through. Open this window; I’ve gotta get to work.

  Heather opened the window. “Good luck, DeeDee. We’ll be waiting.”

  Just remember, heaven wants justice, Mama Dog warned.

  Yeah, yeah, let’s wait and see what’s behind the facade before we make up our minds, okay? Deeva shot back.

  As she landed on the ground and headed to the barn, Deeva wasn’t sure what to expect once they pulled the f
acade down. She felt bad for whomever would be her most convenient victim for getting emergency services to the barn. Hopefully it would be Uncle Bobby and this whole thing would be over.

  She slipped into the side door of the barn and looked for the first person she could trip and make fall. The older guy would be the easiest, and also the least likely to get her kicked. Deeva slipped behind a bale of hay and got ready to weave through his feet as he fuddled around with a broom that stirred up the dust more than cleaning anything. She was deciding on which way to go—weave through his legs and twist up his feet, or just plain outright trip him—when she felt a sharp, searing pain on the back of her neck.

  “Grrrrrr.” Her claws came out and she readied to rip the face off of the first human she could get ahold of.

  “I told you to stay outta here. Why can’t cats listen?” Uncle Bobby shook Deeva so hard she saw stars.

  “Uncle Bobby, stop! Don’t hurt DeeDee. She’s my friend.”

  Deeva looked up to see Heather standing in the barn doorway.

  “I told you cats are no good. They’re evil.”

  If Deeva has been in a better position, she might have laughed. Instead, she tried to grab at Uncle Bobby with her claws and swatted mostly at thin air.

  Look up to the beams! There’s a pretty necklace I need you to pull down. Once you get the necklace, run and find your Mom.

  “Hey man, you’re not going to kill that cat, are you? We don’t want to see that crap.” The younger cleaner came over and grabbed Uncle Bobby’s hand. It was then that Deeva saw the metallic shine of a meat cleaver.

  Mama Dog, can I get a little help over here? Deeva yelled.

  “Aaaaaaawwwwwooooohrrrr!” Mama Dog bayed as she ran towards Uncle Bobby. Deeva had never seen the dog move so fast, or all of its teeth flash. Mama Dog latched on to Uncle Bobby’s leg with all she had. He dropped Deeva, but he tore his other hand away from the cleaner and with one fell swoop hit Mama Dog with the cleaver. Deeva ran towards the second floor of the barn trying not to look at her friend. Heather had to knock the amulet down.

  Up there, look at that shiny spot! Make it move. Deeva watched as the amulet swung back and forth from the high beam. You can do it. Get it down!

  The amulet finally fell from the nail it had been tacked to on the rafter’s beam. Deeva watched as the amulet hit the bottom of the barn floor. Luckily, the cleaner was struggling with Uncle Bobby. Deeva was grateful the man appeared to be an animal lover. Next to the two struggling men, Mama Dog lay still, a pool of blood under her. Rage filled Deeva. Mama Dog was probably the best angel she’d ever met. The dog didn’t deserve to die at the hands of Uncle Bobby!

  Deeva shook off her overwhelming feelings. Grab the amulet and run!

  Heather ran past the two men and scooped up the amulet. She ran out the side door.

  Slowly, the barn walls became darker. There were auburn splashes on the walls, some brighter than others, as if whatever had painted the walls had been going on for a long time. Various hooks and chains hung from the rafters. Deeva wasn’t surprised to see the debris of hair on some of the hooks. She ran to the window on the second floor and looked out at the truck. Dark plastic trash bags were piled high in the back of the old pickup. Deeva knew what was in there, she just didn’t want to think about it right now. Those souls were probably lost somewhere in between, neither in heaven nor hell.

  In the distance, a siren could be heard. Heather had done as Deeva had asked. Now, she needed to retrieve Uncle Bobby and get out of here.

  Deeva jumped down from the second tier landing onto one of the remaining bales of hay. The hay was really there, it was just way more disgusting than the mirage had been. She stalked over to where Uncle Bobby now lay where the two cleaners held him down. He was seething with rage and foaming at the mouth. If she jumped on him just right, she could bite his jugular and he would bleed to death in a most horrible way. She imagined pulling what was left of his rotten soul down to hell with her.

  Let him live.

  Deeva heard the quiet voice of Mama Dog. She looked over and to her surprise, the fat old dog was alive but breathing heavily. She walked over to the creature she now considered to be her friend.

  It would be too easy to let him die. He needs to rot on this earth before his eternal damnation. If the families know what happened to their loved ones, they can leave the in-between and rest in peace. Give them justice.

  Deeva was so sick of the word. What am I supposed to do if I can’t retrieve a soul? Sit around here and help raise a child? I can’t do that. I like the kid, but my job is revenge demoning.

  “Yes, but, the debt for revenge was for me.”

  Deeva looked up to see an apparition of an older woman. She was cloaked in the chains of hell. Fire singed the edges of her hair and clothes.

  “I’ll pay for him until he’s ready. It has already been agreed upon with him.” The old woman looked downward.

  Of course, I don’t get a say in what I do with myself, do I? Deeva asked no one in particular.

  Mama Dog wheezed out a laugh. We’re not even middle management.

  “You two will take care of my great-granddaughter and ensure she doesn’t shut off her powers like her mother. She needs the balance of both of you.”

  I’m not so sure Mama’s going to make it, Deeva pointed out.

  “Don’t worry, she will. Heather needs you both. Besides, you’ll have eternities to go back to claiming souls. Heather will only be on earth for ninety years at the most.”

  Great, so we’ll be reincarnating? That sounds like a wonderful life, doesn’t it, Mama?

  There was silence from Mama Dog.

  “She’ll be back.” The elderly woman looked over at Uncle Bobby. “I wish I hadn’t covered for you for so long. That is my biggest regret. I’ll make it up to all those you hurt, and I’ll pay for my part.”

  The police entered the barn.

  “Nobody move!” one of the officers yelled as he pointed his gun at all three men.

  Another cop came up behind him. “Who owns the old pickup truck out here?”

  The two cleaners pointed at Uncle Bobby and let go of him. He continued to lie flat on his back with the cleaver in his hand.

  “Sir, drop the knife and rollover. You’re under arrest.”

  Deeva sat beside Mama Dog and watched as Uncle Bobby was escorted out of the building.

  As soon as it was clear, Heather rushed in and scooped up Deeva.

  “I’m so happy you are okay.”

  Deeva rubbed her head on Heather’s chin.

  Mama Dog didn’t make it.

  “I know. I felt her light go out. Will you stay with me for a while? Mom is really upset.”

  Deeva looked around the barn. She had a suspicion that a glamour had always surrounded Uncle Bobby and Justine had never seen him for who he really was.

  Sure, I’ll stay with you.

  “What do you think of our new house, DeeDee?” Heather twirled around on the dark hardwood floors in the expansive living room. Deeva sat in the bay window and looked out over the waterfront; it was almost time for the snow. They hadn’t made it to Boston as Justine had planned. Instead, they’d ventured to upstate New York and found a house on a nice lake. Who knew so many people would want to buy a farm that a serial killer had murdered a bunch of people on?

  I like it. Deeva couldn’t help but miss Mama Dog. She felt like the balance was off. During their time together, the three of them had created a trinity, of sorts.

  Justine opened the front door. “Hi, guys, guess what, or should I say who has arrived?”

  A small golden ball of fur waddled into the room with its tail between its legs.

  “A puppy?!” Heather ran over to the golden ball of fur. Large brown eyes looked at her with excitement.

  Dear Satan, who are you? Deeva held her breath as she waited to see if it would talk. The young golden ball of fur stuck its tongue out.

  Hi, I’m—Uh, I’m not sure. I feel like I know yo
u, though.

  Deeva squinted at it and smiled. Your name is Minnie. Like mini-Mama. I’ll help you remember who you are. It’ll take time. You can call me DeeDee.

  Oh good. I just know I’m here to help a little girl. I’m from heaven, where are you from?

  It was an enthusiastic little thing, Deeva observed. It looked like she was going to be the old lazy one now.

  Yeah, we’re all here to help a little girl.

  “DeeDee, she likes you!” Heather squealed as Minnie curled up next to Deeva.

  People and puppies seem to love me, what can I say? Hell will have to wait.

  Author of sci-fi, paranormal, and horror fiction. She is a caretaker to her own hellcat, Lucy A. Furr. Loves dogs and cats equally.

  Find out more at katiecord.com.

  56

  Birth of a Were-Cat Medic

  by Jamie Davis

  Leah Casado wanted something positive to do with her life, not inherit her family’s were-jaguar criminal empire. But what’s a girl raised in privilege and comfort supposed to do instead?

  Chapter One