Demons LLC (Damned and Cursed Book 7)

by Glenn Bullion

  "I'm telling you, you look really good."

  "No, I don't."

  "How the hell do you know? You can't even see your reflection."

  "Because I can look down and see!"

  "You have really nice legs. It's a fact. You're not very good at taking compliments, are you?"

  "Shut up."

  "Quiet down. You'll wake up Alex."

  "Guys," Alex said, standing up. "I'm already awake."

  Nate pulled a resisting Kylie to her feet.

  "Dude, check it out. I showed her a new trick."

  The jeans Kylie had worn since Alex first met her were gone. In their place were a pair of black shorts. She still wore her sandals, but their color had changed to match her magenta shirt.

  Alex nodded and flashed a thumbs-up. "Nice."

  "And check out the legs!" Nate added.

  He shook his head and looked down at Meagan. She was relaxed, at peace. The sight brought on a small smile.

  "She hasn't slept like that in a while," Kylie said. "Thank you so much, Alex."

  "For what?"

  "Just…for everything. Just her talking to me, it's helped out so much."

  Alex nodded and reached out to gently shake Meagan. She roused from sleep and slowly opened her eyes. When she realized she wasn't in her own bed the early morning grogginess vanished instantly.

  "Oh, Alex, I'm so sorry."

  Laughing, he shook his head, not bothered at all.

  "It's okay."

  "What time is it?"

  "Almost eight o'clock."

  She sat up and stifled a yawn, smiling.

  "It's been a long time since I stayed overnight with a man in a motel room."

  "Oh my God," Kylie said, covering her face. "That's so gross, Mom."

  "Is Kylie here?" Meagan asked. "Did she hear that?"

  Alex laughed as he glanced at Kylie. She was horrified, but her mother only joined Alex in laughing.

  "Yeah, she did."

  "Hey, I'm still a woman," Meagan said. "Oh, the stories I could tell."

  Kylie covered her ears. "Mom!"

  "And we would love to hear those stories," Nate said. "Tell her, Alex."

  "I don't think so."

  Meagan took Alex's hand and found her daughter. The two shared an I love you and a goodbye before Meagan agreed it was time to go and let Alex get to work.

  "Alex," Meagan said. "Walk me to my car?"

  "Sure."

  The two left the room and headed for the stairs. Alex assumed something was on Meagan's mind, and waited patiently for her to bring it up.

  "Thank you for last night."

  Alex laughed quietly to himself at the phrasing. Cindy and he had used that very phrase many times, but in a much different context.

  "No problem."

  "What's going to happen to Kylie? When all this is over? Will she stay here? Go to Heaven?"

  "That's all up to her."

  "Ah, so there is a Heaven?"

  "I don't know. Believe it or not, I don't have all the answers," he said, smiling. "Maybe Heaven is already all around us."

  "If that were true, gas wouldn't be so expensive."

  They shared a laugh as they arrived at her car. Meagan opened the door, but didn't climb inside.

  "My daughter will never grow up," she said, her voice cracking. "She'll never get married, have children."

  Alex didn't know what to say to ease her pain. Perhaps there was nothing to say. Even knowing, like he did, that death wasn't the end, only helped so much.

  "She does like that boy, doesn't she?"

  "Nate? They drive each other crazy, for sure. But he's been great for her. Me, too."

  Meagan smiled. "Call me when you're here tonight. I won't stalk you like last night. You take care of my daughter for me."

  "You got it."

  She drove away, and Alex rejoined Kylie and Nate in the room. They were hunched over the police report on the dresser, both trying to get a peek at what might be inside. Kylie stood up, embarrassed, but Nate didn't budge.

  "Is it time to crack this thing open?" Nate asked.

  Alex peeled his shirt off as he passed the both of them, heading for the bathroom.

  "After a shower and breakfast."

  "Not to be negative," Kylie said. "But what are you going to find that the police couldn't?"

  "I'm not sure. But I do have an edge over the police."

  "What's that?"

  "I get to interview the murder victim."

  "Kylie, let Alex shower," Nate said. "Stop slowing him down to stare at him."

  "What? I am not! Screw you, Nate."

  Alex left the two to argue.

  Thirty minutes later, Alex was munching on a bagel with cream cheese when he grabbed the police report. He took a deep breath as he walked to the desk in the corner. He knew it was going to be a long day reading, and rereading, until his eyes grew tired.

  Kylie and Nate moved to stand behind him.

  "No," he told Kylie. "I'll holler if I need you."

  "Why?" she asked, frowning.

  He didn't know what was in the police report, but was certain not much of it was pleasant.

  "This just…isn't for you. At least not yet. Let me look it over first."

  She nodded and sat on the edge of the bed to watch TV.

  "Actually, now that I think about it, I'm not sure I want to read about my own murder."

  Alex read through every page, with Nate watching over his shoulder. There was a mountain of information, and he didn't know what was pertinent or not. Kylie's birthday, the hospital she was born in, the name of her high school, how well she did with her grades. There was no cause of death listed. They also didn't know where Kylie was murdered. In truth, it seemed the police didn't know much of anything. There were statements from both Meagan and Zoey.

  He turned a page, and wasn't prepared. Nate stood up and gasped, which caught the attention of Kylie.

  "What?" she said. She went to stand up, but fell through the bed. Only her head was visible, giving the appearance of a pretty disembodied face sitting on the blankets. She stood up quickly. "Did you guys find something?"

  "No. Stay over there."

  Alex flipped through the various photos of Kylie. His hands trembled with every photo, every angle. They'd been taken shortly after her body was discovered, on the riverbank. Her body was bloated, discolored. Her skin was torn and chewed from her time underwater. One eye was missing.

  "No cause of death," Nate whispered. "Looks like she fucking drowned to me."

  "Maybe not. Whoever killed her might have just dumped her body. I'd think drowning would be easy to pick up on an autopsy."

  "Autopsy. They cut Kylie open?"

  "I'm sure they did."

  Hours passed. Alex read over the report again, hoping something would leap out at him. He knew eventually he would have to bring Kylie over, show her the photos of her body. It was a terrible thing to have to do. But seeing them could possibly trigger a memory.

  It was nearly noon. He was on his fourth pass when he glanced at Nate, still leaning over his shoulder. Nate's attention was no longer on the report, but on Kylie as she sprawled across the bed.

  Kylie was using the time to practice lying down. She faced away from them toward the wall, on her side. Propping her head up with her hand, she moved her legs about, trying to find a position that was comfortable for her. Parts of her body fell through the mattress occasionally. An arm once, followed by a leg. She willed her sandals to vanish, thinking being barefoot would help. Even from the back, Alex recognized the motion of her adjusting her glasses.

  "You still with me, Nate?"

  "Huh? Yeah, yeah. It's just…" He couldn't stop from smiling. "She's just hot. Even though she doesn't have red hair. She's got this geeky, hot thing going on."

  Kylie turned unexpectedly, wanting to switch sides. For a change, she wasn't the one bothered at having been watched. Nate quickly looked back to the report, his eyes darting up onc
e to meet hers. Kylie smiled and tossed her hair back over her shoulder, with as much seduction as the awkward girl could manage.

  "Hi there, Nate," she said playfully. "You like what you see-?"

  She completely fell through the bed before she could finish. Not bothering to stand up, only a voice emanated from the mattress.

  "Well, that was humiliating."

  They shared a much-needed laugh. Nate stood up and sighed.

  "You mind if I take a break?"

  "Go for it."

  Nate crossed the room and reached inside the mattress, feeling for Kylie's hand.

  "Hey, watch what you're grabbing."

  He immediately recoiled.

  "Sorry."

  "You're forgiven. This time."

  Alex smiled and lowered his head.

  Words were starting to blur together as he read the statements from Meagan and Zoey once again. He nearly turned the page when something stayed his hand.

  He read Zoey's statement once more, and then again.

  "Hmmm…."

  Nate noticed his body language, his stern expression. He glanced at Kylie before approaching the table.

  "Did you find something?"

  "Maybe. All this time, I've been trying to figure out what's in this report. But I didn't really notice what's not in it."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Read Zoey's statement."

  Kylie joined them. Alex hesitated, not sure if he wanted her to see. He didn't think there was any harm in letting her read. The pictures were face down, out of sight.

  "It just says what we already know," Nate said. "Zoey and Kylie got separated at the club, and that was the last time she saw her."

  "Yeah, but where's the rest? Where's the part about dancing with some guy, and a fight? And where is that guy's statement?"

  "I don't know. You think it's important?"

  "I have no idea. It's just weird that it's not here."

  Kylie folded her arms and pursed her lips.

  "So, what are you trying to say about Zoey?"

  "Nothing. I'm not saying anything. I'd just like to talk to her one more time."

  Kylie rolled her eyes and threw her hands in the air. "Fine. But I think I'll wait outside this time. I've had enough of seeing my best friend falling apart."

  There was a knock at the door. The three looked at each other in confusion.

  "Are you two expecting company?" Alex joked.

  "My mother, maybe?"

  Alex stood and was in the middle of stretching when Nate crossed the room. He stuck his head through the wall as Alex shoved the chair under the desk.

  He was halfway to the door when Nate pulled his head back inside. The look on his face froze Alex in place.

  "Shit!" he said. "It's that cop lady!"

  "Detective Nash?"

  "Yeah."

  Forcing himself to stay calm, he glanced around the room. The illegally-obtained police report called out to him. He took even, controlled steps back to the desk and gathered all the papers.

  "Alex?" Kylie asked. "What are you doing?"

  "Hiding everything."

  "What is she doing here?"

  "I wish I knew."

  Nate paced energetically near the TV.

  "Just don't answer the door!"

  Alex lifted the mattress and shoved the pile of papers out of sight.

  "I don't think she'll just leave."

  "God, I can't believe this," Kylie said, grabbing her head. "What are we going to do?"

  He looked up and smiled at his two ghostly friends.

  "Relax, guys. You two are safe. Just do me a favor, and don't talk. Don't distract me."

  "You want us to leave?"

  "No. Watch her, everything she says and does."

  Detective Lisa Nash's voice boomed from outside, followed by another knock.

  "Alex, open the door, please."

  "Just one sec!"

  He glanced in the dresser mirror, to compose himself. His nerves gnawed at him. Never before did a police officer seek him out.

  Alex opened the door and greeted Lisa with a hearty smile. She wore a similar skirt and blouse as the day before. In fact, as Alex eyed her, he wondered if they were the same clothes.

  "Detective Nash," he said. "Did you change your mind about throwing some information my way?"

  "No. Do you mind if I come in?"

  "Not at all."

  Stepping aside, he immediately regretted his words. He needed to act as if he weren't hiding anything, but that was exactly what he was doing.

  Lisa mindlessly glanced around as she entered the room. Alex closed the door, watching her carefully. She wasn't fooling anyone. The detective's mind was racing, searching. Alex met Kylie's gaze briefly. She stood with Nate near the bathroom.

  "How did you find me?" Alex asked. "I don't remember saying where I was staying yesterday. And you kicked me out kind of fast."

  "There are three motels in this town," she said. "It didn't take a long time to find you. You know, I haven't met many private detectives in my time. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this isn't it."

  "What do you mean?"

  She shrugged as she ran a finger along the desk.

  "I don't know. Maybe a tray full of cigars on the nightstand. A trench-coat and fedora in the corner. Shit, you don't even have a computer."

  He laughed and pointed to his suitcase in the corner.

  "I have a phone. That's about all I can manage right now, and even that's a bitch. I know my wife loses a few brain cells whenever she has to show me how to use it."

  Lisa let out an easygoing laugh.

  "Wow. No tech skills. It looks like you're working alone. How the hell did you do that little stunt of yours last night?"

  Alex swallowed the lump forming in his throat. Kylie and Nate whispered in frustration.

  "Uh, what are you talking about? What stunt?"

  "Our IT department pulled me aside this morning. I don't like those guys too much. They start talking tech, and it makes you feel like you're an idiot."

  Alex thought of Kevin Mishnar.

  "I know what you mean."

  "Anyway, after one of them drooled looking down my blouse, he showed me something interesting. Did you know we actually have cameras all over the station?"

  She was playing with him, and he didn't like it. It was obvious she saw what he did. He hid his anger behind an amused smile.

  "No. Why would I know that?"

  "I'm sorry, of course you wouldn't. Why don't you take a ride with me? I'll show you something that will make your day."

  "Actually…can I call you Lisa?"

  "Hey, whatever works for you."

  "Lisa, I'm a little busy right now."

  She snapped her fingers. "Ah, that's right. You're investigating Kylie Sinclair's murder."

  "I am. And I was just leaving—"

  "Please, Alex. Can I call you Alex?" She didn't wait for an answer. "I insist."

  "I'm afraid I just can't. So, unless you're going to arrest me—"

  Lisa shook her head and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. Alex's eyes shot open as he took a step back. He didn't even know where she hid them.

  "We can do it that way, too."

  "Holy shit. Are you serious?"

  "Obstruction of justice. Breaking and entering. Yeah, I'm serious."

  Kylie was on the verge of tears. Nate tried to calm her down, but that was impossible.

  "Oh my God. Shit," Kylie repeated, in different variations. "Alex is getting arrested. What now? What do we do?"

  Alex looked at Kylie.

  "Just relax."

  Everyone in the room stared at him. Lisa followed his eyes, and saw nothing, as Kylie and Nate gasped.

  "Dude!" Nate said. "She's staring right at you!"

  Alex dismissed Lisa with a wave, not taking his gaze from his friends.

  "I need you to follow…who it was we were talking about before."

  "Zoey?"

  "Yeah.
Just keep an eye out. Okay?"

  "Ah, and I thought you worked alone," Lisa said, smiling. "But you have little invisible helpers."

  He ignored her. He was worried about Kylie. If she were still alive she'd be in the middle of a nervous breakdown. Did she drink too much coffee when she was alive?

  "You just take care of her," he told Nate. "We'll talk later."

  "What are you going to do?"

  "Apparently I'm going to the police station."

  He left the motel, Lisa right behind him. He paid her no mind as they descended the winding staircase and crossed the parking lot. Kylie and Nate ran down the street, with her leading the way. They argued for a moment before waving to Alex. He nodded in return.

  He turned to see Lisa staring directly at him. Her face was a mix of amusement, confusion, curiosity. There was a morsel of fear in her eyes as well, and he drank it up like chocolate milk.

  "Getting your insanity defense in a little early, aren't you?"

  Alex didn't answer her question. He only smiled and nodded to his truck.

  "How are we doing this? Am I following you?"

  "How about you just ride with me? In the back, of course."

  "Of course."

  He slid into Lisa's unmarked car. She closed the door behind him and climbed behind the wheel. In another minute they were on the streets of Stewardtown.

  Perhaps Alex should have been more apprehensive, but he wasn't. His nerves had calmed down. With everything he'd dealt with in his life, a police officer's scare tactics were minor in comparison. He knew, even if their internal security footage captured everything, that all they saw was him disappearing and reappearing throughout the station. It was something completely unbelievable, which was why he wasn't wearing handcuffs.

  If things did escalate, and he found himself in a jail cell, a single call to Victoria, Jack Kursed, even Meagan Sinclair would solve the problem. Victoria would have him out in an hour. With Jack, there was no telling what he would do. Possibly burn Stewardtown to the ground.

  Alex caught Lisa staring at him through the rear-view mirror.

  "I'm trying to figure you out, Alex. How did you do it?"

  He said nothing. He wouldn't step into any trap Lisa prepared.

  "I figured out the why. The IT guys tell me the file on Kylie Sinclair was printed from my workstation last night. The thing is I never print anything. I'm a modern gal. I like everything on computer screens and tablets."