Demons LLC (Damned and Cursed Book 7)

by Glenn Bullion

  "Uh, Alex?" Kylie said. "What are you doing?"

  "Whoa, this shit is dangerous," Nate said, watching the flames. "This isn't very smart, dude."

  Alex said nothing as he waited patiently. He touched the top of his head. The blood had stopped, at least. Now it was time to take care of his injuries.

  "Your side," Kylie said. Alex's ribs were black and purple. "Please, you've got to call a doctor."

  The flames had grown into a full blaze. If he let it go too much longer there was a good chance it would spread further. He took a step forward.

  "Hey!" Kylie shouted. Nate and she moved together, reaching out for him. "What are you doing?"

  Stepping into the fire felt like sinking into a warm bath. The flames started at his feet, and worked their way up. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the sensation as his body caught aflame. Kylie and Nate shouted in fear at first, but realized pain was the last thing Alex felt.

  His body was healing, his strength building. It no longer hurt to breathe, and Alex took in the moment by taking deep breaths. Opening his eyes, Kylie and Nate stood before him, stunned. He held up a hand, but the flame was already dying out. His body absorbed fire, like a regular human did lotion.

  "Much better," he said, smiling. "But not there yet."

  He strolled to the log, with the ghosts watching his every step. He squatted and stuck his hand in the fire, enjoying the beautiful orange and blue as it danced up his arm. Slowly, the flames on the ground vanished, seeping into Alex's flesh.

  "Ahhh," he said, moving his arms about to test for pain. "I needed that."

  He was quiet as he opened his bag and pulled out a change of clothes. Yet another shirt ruined, this time with one of his favorite pairs of jeans. He could feel Kylie's eyes on him as he quickly put on a pair of underwear and sweatpants. He felt more comfortable at least half-dressed, but Kylie still stared at him. Nate joined her, looking back and forth between Alex and the dead fire.

  "What do you guys think?" Alex said, searching the grass. "Is the fire all gone? I don't want to burn this whole field down."

  Kylie and Nate said nothing. They were lost for words. Not only was Alex healed, but his skin was clear of any bloodstains. He looked like his old self once again.

  His cheeks turned red from the attention. He slipped a shirt over his head and slung his bag over his shoulder.

  "Some people like Gatorade," he said. "I like fire."

  CHAPTER 8

  Alex drifted in and out of sleep until finally awakening in an unfamiliar room. He looked to his right, where the alarm was supposed to be, but saw nothing. A soft glow pulled his attention to the left, where a digital clock informed him it was three in the morning. Cindy wasn't next to him, like she was supposed to be. Slowly, his memory pushed aside the brain haze.

  They'd arrived in Stewardtown just after midnight. He'd checked in at the first motel they came to. Exhaustion had already claimed him, and he didn't even look over the room before collapsing into bed. He'd only managed two tasks before passing out. Sending a semi-coherent text to Cindy, and turning the TV on for Kylie and Nate.

  Despite the fact that he could barely keep his eyes open, restful sleep eluded him. His thoughts drifted to Jack Kursed, and the Hell he went through the past two centuries.

  With one final, irritated sigh, he tossed the sheet away. Swinging his legs over the bed, he tuned into his night vision, to check out the room. The motel was cheap, exactly what he needed. A single bed, mini-fridge, small TV, a corner table with a single chair, and a simple bathroom. There was also a dresser he didn't intend to use. It was a base of operations that would suit him perfectly.

  Kylie and Nate were nowhere to be seen. He stood up, his knees wobbling slightly, and crossed the room. He turned the TV off, bathing everything in silence and darkness. Maybe some sleep was in his future, after all.

  He was nearly back to bed when he noticed someone through the window. It was Kylie, standing on the walkway outside the room. He smiled at the sight of her. She didn't have any further incidents staying in the truck after the diner. Alex was proud of her, and although Nate didn't say as much, so was he.

  The warm air smacked him as he opened the door. It was definitely hotter than Maryland. Kylie heard Alex and turned.

  "Look at you. You didn't even change your clothes—"

  She tried to grab the railing, but her hand passed through. She lost her footing, and her expression took on a wild look of panic as her arms flailed. Alex reached and grabbed her before she could plummet from the second floor walkway to the parking lot below.

  "Thanks," she said, taking a deep breath. "That would not have been fun."

  "You would have been fine," Alex said, resting his elbows on the railing.

  "Yeah, I guess so. I could have just teleported back up. Like this."

  Kylie teleported from his right side to his left, flashed him a smile, and then back again. She was showing off. Alex laughed quietly and nodded approval.

  "Looks like you're getting good at that."

  "I am. It's not so bad. Nate says when a ghost spends a lot of time with certain people, they can go right to them without having to know where they are."

  "It's true. One of the benefits of being dead, I guess. Where is Nate, by the way?"

  "He said he had to check in with some people. He'd be back soon. What are you doing up? I thought you'd be asleep for days."

  He groaned. "Not in that bed."

  They were quiet as they watched the street before them. The area was dead, with the exception of the rare car that drove by. Their only company was the crickets and the sounds of the leaves rustling in the woods behind them.

  "This road goes to my school," Kylie said. "My old school. I don't know how many times I passed this motel. I just wanted to survive senior year." She adjusted her glasses. "I didn't even survive, period."

  "We'll solve your murder, Kylie," Alex said, patting her shoulder. "Then it will get better. I can't even imagine what it's like for you. But I've met enough ghosts to know that death really is just a phase. Whether it's here, or on the other side. You can still have more, if you want it."

  "The other side," she said. "What's that like?"

  "I don't know. I can't cross that line, and the other ghosts that come back can't describe what it's like. But from the looks on their faces, it's pretty cool."

  Kylie laughed. "Pretty cool," she repeated. "I wonder if I'll need glasses there."

  Alex smiled and gestured to the room. "I'm going to try to sleep. Tomorrow will be a big day."

  As he reached the doorknob, Kylie stopped him.

  "Don't take this the wrong way, but today at the diner really freaked me out."

  "Me, too."

  "You're not…normal, at all."

  He didn't respond. There was that word again. Normal always liked to follow him around, taunt him.

  "What are you?" she asked. "You're not a vampire, not a witch, but you're different, just like Victoria and Kevin. What would you call yourself."

  "Right now, very tired."

  *****

  Alex took in his surroundings as he drove through the streets of Stewardtown. Exhaustion kept him from an initial impression the night before. Kylie's hometown was quiet, friendly. It had a working class vibe. Mothers walked their children to school. Local police gathered outside a coffee shop to gorge on caffeine before their shift. The sounds of electrical saws and nail-guns filled the air as they passed a house being built. It reminded Alex of his own area just outside Baltimore.

  Then, as he followed Kylie's directions, everything changed.

  The houses grew larger and further apart. There were more fences and lawn than street. The cars became more luxurious. They passed one home that rivaled Victoria's.

  Kylie was quiet as she sat in the middle. Nate played a game of guess the occupation as they passed each home. His guesses ranged from drug dealer to doctor to high level CEO.

  "Holy shit, you know that guy is rich," Nat
e said, pointing at a man in a suit climbing into his car. "Ha! You should have seen the look he just gave you. Like 'What is that filthy-ass truck doing here?'"

  "Kylie? What's on your mind?" Alex asked, noticing her solemn expression.

  "It's just…." She searched for words. "It's great to be back home. And it's depressing to be back home. If that makes any sense."

  He smiled warmly and nodded. It made perfect sense.

  Kylie finally directed them to slow down as they approached a house on the very edge of Stewardtown. It was far bigger than the rest, sitting on a hill that loomed over the neighborhood. A long driveway led to the road. The driveway formed a circle in front of the house, with a fountain in the middle.

  "Damn, Kylie," Nate said. "Did your family win a bet with the other neighbors or something?"

  "Like I said. My mom's rich."

  "But you didn't say how rich."

  "You didn't ask."

  "So, why do you dress like that?"

  Alex and Kylie both regarded Nate, with her glare being slightly more evil.

  "Like what, Nate?"

  "Like, I don't know…so plain." He realized the error in his choice of words, and his eyes grew large. "That's not what I meant. It's just weird, that's all. You're actually very beautiful."

  Kylie's expression softened, and Nate once again found himself backpedaling as his cheeks turned red. Alex smiled and enjoyed the show.

  "I didn't mean beautiful. It's just…your clothes, and this house—"

  "You mean why didn't I ask Mommy to buy expensive clothes for me? Because I'd rather dress how I want. You know, money isn't everything, Nate."

  "I would have been more than happy to test that when I was alive."

  "What do your parents do?" Alex asked.

  "The money is all from Mom's side. A lot of it was inheritance, but she works her ass off. People in town think she doesn't do anything, but she actually owns the steel mill, which I don't think anyone knows. She owns a couple of other shops in town, too. She's always giving money to schools, charities." Hey eyes teared up. "She's a great person. Now, Dad, well, I haven't seen him in a few years. This town and Mom weren't good enough. I used to spend every summer with him. Then it was every other summer. You get the idea."

  Alex nodded and studied the house, trying to prepare himself for the meeting ahead. He didn't anticipate it going smoothly. They never did. It would be awkward, tense, maybe even volatile. But if he wanted to help Kylie, and get paid, this was the first step.

  "Should I go up there to the driveway?" Alex asked. "Or park down here? Is she even home? I don't see a car. What's best?"

  "She's home, and the driveway's fine. She always works from home. The car's probably around back in the garage."

  He gripped the wheel and leaned forward to look over Kylie to Nate. "Do you mind sitting this one out?"

  "What? You think Kylie's mom will think we're dating or something?"

  Kylie laughed. "Mom won't think anything like that."

  "Why?" Nate said, smiling. "Not your type?"

  "No. I just…didn't date."

  "Please," Alex said. "This will be tough."

  "And you don't need another ghost making things harder," Nate said, sliding toward the door. "I get it. I'll be out here."

  "Thanks."

  "You got it, man."

  Alex nearly hit the gas when Nate reached back through the door and grabbed Kylie's arm. He leaned through the window.

  "Good luck, Kylie," he said. "Whatever happens, I've got your back."

  She smiled and nodded gratefully. Alex looked her over as he slowly drove toward the house.

  "I'm glad to see you two have become friends."

  "He irritates the hell out of me," she said. "Talks too much. Never serious. I can't be sure, but I think I've caught him looking at my breasts three times now. And that's just weird. Do I really even have breasts to look at? I'm dead, after all."

  "You regret letting him come along?"

  Kylie didn't hesitate. "Not at all."

  She shifted forward as the house drew closer. Frowning, her shoulders slumped as she fixated on something.

  "Oh, Mom."

  Alex followed her gaze, and saw a For Sale sign in the grass. They were quiet as he parked the truck. He left first, standing still on the driveway, with Kylie following shortly behind. She approached the sign and ran a hand along it, her fingers poking through.

  "I can't believe this. I lived in this house my whole life. I just can't imagine someone else living in it."

  "Maybe your mom wants a fresh start."

  "I guess I can't blame her. But still—"

  "Can I help you?"

  Alex spun to see a woman standing at the front door, leaning out. He didn't need to be told she was Kylie's mother. She was the exact image of Kylie, aged twenty years. The same light brown hair, the same blue eyes, the same dimples. She didn't wear glasses, but brushed hair from her eyes in the exact manner as Kylie. It was all Alex could do not to smile. The clothes were the only difference. She wore a charcoal skirt and white blouse, looking ready for a business meeting.

  "That's Mom," Kylie said, choking up a little. "Always looks great, even for a meeting over Skype."

  "Ms. Sinclair?"

  Kylie leaned close. "Her name's—"

  "Meagan," she said, interrupting her daughter without realizing. "What can I do for you?"

  "I was actually hoping to have a few minutes of your time. My name's Alex. Do you mind if we talk inside?"

  "Oh, wow," Kylie said. "You really have done this before."

  Alex ignored her. He wanted to flash her a look, silently ask her to be quiet for a few minutes, but Meagan's stare never left him. She was sizing him up, judging him.

  Meagan didn't budge. She cocked her hip and crossed her arms.

  "What about?"

  "Kylie."

  Her mouth opened, just a little, at the sound of her daughter's name. She regained her composure quickly, but was intrigued.

  "I've talked to enough reporters, and the police have definitely been by enough times. I'm tired of talking, to be honest."

  "Well, luckily I'm not either of them."

  "And what are you?"

  Alex only grinned, particularly amused by the phrasing of the question. He was purposely being mysterious. He didn't want to blurt out his intentions on her front lawn.

  "Can we talk inside?"

  Meagan didn't move for a moment, didn't say a word. Finally, she nodded and stepped onto the porch, holding the door open for him. Alex thanked her graciously as he entered the foyer. Kylie kept close to avoid having the door shut on her.

  Alex took in the large, luxurious home as Meagan led him through the hall. They passed some beautiful paintings and a bare living room. At the end of the hall he could see a kitchen the size of his entire first floor. Meagan turned left into an office. A large bookcase took up the entire back wall, full of antique-looking literature. A Macintosh computer sat on an immaculate desk.

  "Please, have a seat. Sorry about sitting here in the office. I know it's not exactly warm and cozy. But our…my sitting room is a bit of a mess right now with boxes."

  "It's no problem at all."

  Alex approached the chair across from Meagan, but pictures on the wall caught his attention.

  "Ah," Kylie said. "Mom's shrine to me."

  The wall was littered with pictures of Kylie. They were taken throughout her life, showcasing her from a baby all the way up to her senior year photo. Alex smiled. She was napping in one, her leg hanging off her bed at an odd angle, with drool running from her mouth. In another she was holding a trophy of some kind, hugging her mother tightly. It was easy to see they were close. Alex tried to stifle a frown as sadness gripped him. He knew better than anyone else that there was life after death. Death wasn't the end, and there was no need to despair when it was time for a loved one to move on. But the thought of a living realm without Kylie was a sad one. He'd only known her a short
time, but the world would be a little darker without her in it.

  "It's funny how senior year pictures work," Meagan said behind him. "She didn't graduate yet; she was still in school. But there she is, in her cap and gown. She didn't get to go nuts with her friends, go to a graduation party. It's…just not fair."

  He turned to see Meagan dabbing her eyes with a tissue. Kylie took a deep breath, battling her own feelings, as she dropped to one knee next to her mother. She tried to hold her mother's hand, but that was impossible.

  "Don't worry, Mom," she said. "It's not like I had a lot of friends, anyway."

  "I'm very sorry," Alex said, sitting across from Meagan.

  "Thank you." Meagan sighed and forced a smile, looking even more like Kylie. She brushed a strand of hair aside and folded her hands. "So, Alex, I'm sure you're not here to watch a woman cry. What can I do for you?"

  "Actually, I might be able to do something for you."

  Meagan arched a doubtful eyebrow.

  "I've heard that before. I've had a few people wanting to help me recently. A woman stopped by a week ago and wanted me to invest in a business of hers. It would make me so much money, she said. And a man wanted to help me in other ways, but his help meant I needed to take off my clothes." She rolled her eyes.

  "Uh, Mom, that's gross."

  Alex laughed, but quickly shoved the humor aside.

  "Well, you can definitely keep your clothes on with me."

  "Why are you here, Alex?"

  "Okay, down to business," he whispered. Meagan was intimidating, but not to Alex. He'd dealt with far worse than a direct businesswoman. "I'd like to find out who killed Kylie."

  "You're a private investigator?"

  "At times, yeah."

  "Do you have a business card?"

  He had to focus to keep his cheeks from turning red.

  "Uh, no. My wife's actually getting them printed now. I do have a website, if you want to see—"

  She waved dismissively and shook her head. "You don't think the police are doing a good enough job?"

  "You tell me. Have they found out anything? What have they told you?"

  "Alex, I admire your initiative. But I'll be honest, I'd rather let the police handle this. That's their job. You'll just have to look through the newspapers for another potential client."