Of Ash and Spirit: Piper Lancaster Series

by D. G. Swank

  “Piper!” Jack shouted. He was stuck on the other side of the street, separated from us by a long line of cars turning left.

  “Abel!” I pounded. “You owe me answers.”

  His window rolled down slightly. “I owe you nothing, Piper. Go home. Find the daggers.”

  “No! You have answers, you asshole, and I need them! Open the damn door!”

  His answer was to roll up the window.

  I turned to glance at the light and saw it turn green.

  Dammit!

  Acting on impulse, I ran to the front of the car and stood in the street, blocking the car’s path. “I’m not moving until you let me in!”

  The three cars in front of Abel’s moved forward, while Abel’s driver gave me a look of disdain that suggested he would think nothing of running me over.

  The car behind theirs released a long honk.

  I stayed in place with my hands on my hips. “I mean it. I’m not moving until you let me in!”

  Abel leaned his head out of the rear driver’s side window. “You’re making a scene, Piper. Move out of the way.”

  “No, you’re making a scene!” I shouted. Great job at looking mature . . .

  A quick glance confirmed that Jack was just about to reach us. Demon attack and all, he was obviously in much better shape than I was.

  “An Episcopalian, demon-exorcising priest is about to join me, so let me in now or you’ll have to deal with him too.”

  The back door opened on the driver’s side, and a passing car had to swerve to the side of the road to avoid hitting it. The initial honk had become a chorus. Soon someone was going to call the cops, and the last thing I needed was to end up back on their radar.

  “You have three seconds to get in,” Abel said, then slid back inside.

  I ran toward the open door, pushing it slightly closed to avoid getting hit by a car.

  “Piper!” Jack shouted again, reaching the back of the car.

  I hopped inside and Abel’s driver shot forward, throwing me into the seat before I even had the door shut.

  I looked out the back window and saw Jack running behind us, shouting my name. Guilt stabbed into me—I’d have to give him a call later to explain—then I turned to look into Abel’s dark, menacing eyes.

  Maybe I’d made a huge mistake.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Well,” he said in what sounded like a growl. “Ask your questions.”

  “How do you know who I am? How do you know I’m important?”

  He gave me an amused smirk, but his eyes remained dark. “Who says you’re important?”

  “If I’m not important, then why did you show up at the police station at four in the morning and lie for me?”

  He didn’t answer, but he didn’t turn away either.

  “How did you know I was there?”

  “I’ve had you watched.”

  I didn’t want to react to that, but I must have. The corner of his mouth twitched with a barely there smile. “Why?” I asked.

  An arrogant grin spread across his face. “Because you’re important.”

  “A funny guy, huh?” I dug into my purse and pulled out my can of pepper spray, pointing it into his face. “Let’s see how funny you are with a face full of mace.”

  His driver reached his hand out, grabbing for the can, but Abel barked, “Leave her be.”

  “But, sir!” the driver protested.

  “She can’t hurt me.” But I noticed a hint of hesitation as though he didn’t quite believe it.

  “The detectives called you Mr. Abel. What’s your first name?”

  “You’re wasting time on stupid questions, Piper. Be smarter.”

  “Where would you like me to go?” the driver asked.

  “Beaucatcher Mountain.”

  My blood ran cold.

  “You want answers before you’re ready for them?” Abel asked me. “Then let’s get right to it, shall we?”

  “What are you doing?”

  “You’ve figured out the demon is tied to the mountain, haven’t you? The priest helped you. You’re finally finding answers the way you’re supposed to, but if you want to skip everything and get right to the final scene, we can go find the demon now.”

  I wanted to protest, but I knew he’d use it against me. Something told me that he was bluffing. He wouldn’t let the demon kill me now, not when he so clearly had a purpose for me.

  I hoped.

  I stuffed my pepper spray back into my purse. It wouldn’t help me fight off a demon, and it would be counter to my purposes to use it on Abel.

  “What do you know about this?” I asked, holding up my palm.

  He cast a quick glance at my hand and then met my eyes. There was that strange pull again, that magnetic tug that instinctively told me I was tied to him. Only it wasn’t just our similar interest in demons that bound us together. Whatever this was ran a whole lot deeper.

  What was I thinking? This guy was an asshole . . . or at least he was doing his damnedest to act like one.

  While I waged my inner struggle, I studied his face, but his eyes gave nothing away. His face was a blank mask. He was completely unmoved.

  He still held my gaze as he said in a dull tone, “It’s a sign that you’re important.”

  “What does it mean?”

  “How much time have you actually spent working on the codicil instead of running around town?”

  “What’s the point of working on it, Abel? I’ll never be able to prove I’m related to Ananias Dare.”

  “Have you even tried?”

  “No. Not for one second.”

  His face reddened. “Do you have a death wish?”

  “No, which is why I’m not wasting valuable time searching my family tree. What do you know about these daggers you keep mentioning?”

  His exasperated look gave me a hint of satisfaction . . . because I was ornery like that. “You need to be searching for them.”

  “Look, you clearly think this mysterious game is a lot of fun—let’s get Piper scrambling and watch her bumble around like a fool—but let’s just save everyone involved in this mess a bunch of time and trouble. How about you tell me where to get them?”

  His eyes narrowed. “If I knew where they were, I would tell you.”

  That was disappointing. “Then how do you know about them at all?”

  His mouth pressed into a tight line.

  The sun was beginning to set, and Abel’s driver had started up Beaucatcher Road.

  He was really taking me up the mountain, in the dark or near enough.

  “What do you know about the Guardians’ weapon collection?” I asked, telling myself not to panic.

  His eyes widened, but when he spoke again, his words were drenched with disgust. “The priest must have told you about that.”

  “He has a name.”

  His upper lip curled. “Priest is all I need.”

  “At least he’s helping me . . . as opposed to your vague nonsense.”

  “This is a journey, Piper. A necessary one.”

  “Do the Guardians have the daggers?”

  “I’ve told you all that I can.”

  “Says who?”

  He didn’t answer.

  “See,” I said, “there’s something you should know about me—I’m not so great at being a good little girl and accepting whatever men tell me. So let’s try again.” I leaned closer and lowered my voice. “How do you know about the daggers?”

  He glanced out the window. I was sure he was going to blow me off again, but he said, “It’s my business to know things. I deal with antiquities.”

  “What does that mean?”

  He smirked. “It means I buy and sell items that are more than a hundred years old.”

  Smart ass. “Do you work with the Guardians?”

  His response was blunt. “No.”

  “So they’re your adversaries?”

  He paused, as though sorting through a few possible responses, then said,
“Their group suffered a major setback last week. They won’t be anyone’s adversaries for some time to come, but”—his eyes found mine—“they are not to be trifled with, Piper. If they find out what you can do, they will exploit you as they’ve tried with others before.”

  “How so?”

  “They are interested in harnessing the demons for their own purposes. They likely believe you can control the demons, but I don’t think that’s true. At least not in the way they’re hoping.”

  “And what is your interest in the demons?”

  “I couldn’t care less about the demons.”

  That stumped me. “But these daggers kill demons, don’t they? Why would you want me to find them if you don’t care about the demons?” I asked.

  “Caring about your personal safety is not the same as being interested in the demons.”

  The cold hard truth hit me. He’d been serious. “You really do want me for your own purposes.”

  His eyes turned cold as ice. “I do. It serves my own best interest for you to protect yourself from demons, and they will seek you out, Piper. Of that you can be sure.”

  “Why?”

  He grabbed my left hand and stretched out my palm. “Because of this. It’s proof you are who I thought you were. Others will figure it out too. Especially the demons.”

  I jerked my hand back from him. “But what do you want me for?”

  His eyes lit up with amusement. “I can’t share everything. What would be the fun in that?”

  “How can I trust what you’re saying about the Guardians?”

  “What else did your priest tell you about them?”

  “They contacted him and asked him to look at their weapons collection. But he was in the hospital after getting attacked by the demon.” I narrowed my eyes. “How do you know about Jack?”

  He shifted in his seat, ever so slightly, but enough to show me I’d stepped on a nerve. “I make it my business to know who’s dabbling in demonology.”

  “And yet you claim not to care about the demons.”

  He released a short laugh. “I don’t.”

  “Then why would you care about who’s dabbling in them?”

  His eyebrows lifted slightly as he waited for me to connect the dots.

  “Me,” I said. “You’re interested in who’s circling my orbit.”

  “I knew you were smart.”

  “How long have you known about me?”

  He looked amused. “That’s one of those fun secrets.”

  “And if I refuse to play your twisted game?”

  “Then you forfeit your life.” There was that weird turn of phrase again. The corner of his eye twitched. The thought of me getting killed bothered him . . . but why?

  “I’m guessing you know the Guardians tried to kill me fifteen years ago?”

  His merriment faded, replaced by empathy. “I’m sorry about your parents. Your father was very brave.”

  I sucked in a breath. “You know what my father did?”

  He was quiet for a moment, as if deciding how much to say, but he finally nodded. “I know that he protected you with his life. The police report is comprehensive. Your statement is in there as well.”

  He’d read the police report? This guy was a major stalker. I knew I should be completely creeped out, but something inside me insisted I needed him. That we were supposed to be in this together. I’d reserve judgment for now. “Why were you watching me tonight from the street corner?”

  “I’ve admitted to having you followed.”

  “But I presumed you hired others to do it. Surely you’re busy selling your sideboards and teacups.”

  He laughed, catching me by surprise. “You’re correct. I’m a busy man, but tonight felt like it should be a more hands-on observation.”

  “Why don’t you like Jack?”

  “Whether I like or dislike him is inconsequential. What matters is your safety.”

  “And you think he risks that?”

  “He is arrogant and careless. He was nearly killed because of it.”

  He knew the truth about Jack’s attack. “He realizes that now.” But as soon as I said the words, I knew I’d betrayed Jack. Again. Running away from him like that was a kind of betrayal too, especially after he’d offered to help me. I’d deal with the guilt later.

  The car stopped and I could see an arched stone bridge ahead. Helen’s Bridge. The narrow two-lane road was surrounded by hills on either side of the bridge, and the vegetation was overgrown, giving the whole area a creepy feel. There was absolutely no traffic at all.

  “Do you plan to leave me here?” I asked, my fear reemerging. Sure, he needed me alive, but what if he’d decided to test me?

  He stared at the bridge. “Do you know why the demon chose this mountain?”

  “No.” To my irritation, my voice sounded shaky.

  If he noticed, he didn’t gloat. “Come, let me show you.” He opened the car door and slid to the edge.

  My breath caught in my throat. What was he doing?

  He pushed out a sigh. “I’ve realized you need more help from me than I anticipated. Let me teach you something about the demon.” Then he held out his hand.

  I stared at him, my heart slamming into my rib cage. The sun had nearly set behind us, bathing the bridge in an orange-red glow. Long shadows lay across the road behind it.

  “Are you frightened, Piper?”

  I was terrified, but he knew what buttons to push. I gave him my hand and he slid out of the car, still holding on to me as I climbed out next to him. A jolt of awareness shook me, but I did my best to ignore it. I needed to concentrate.

  “Now what?” I asked.

  “Now we go meet Helen.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “What?”

  He leaned down into the open door. “Give us fifteen minutes, Carl.” Then he shut the door, and the car—and any hope of escape—took off.

  I tried to pull my hand from his. “Are you crazy?”

  His hand tightened around mine. “Piper. The sun is still up.”

  “Barely.”

  He gave me an exasperated look, but it was exaggerated enough to be on the playful side. “You say you want me to tell you things, yet when I try to show you, you protest.”

  “I don’t want to end up dead. Or lose my soul to a demon.”

  His smile faded. “The priest told you about that part.”

  “Like you said, I’ve been getting answers,” I said. “I haven’t liked most of them.”

  Once again, he changed the subject. “You need to learn firsthand, and I’ll be here to protect you.”

  I jerked my head to face him. “You can kill them?”

  “No, but I can send them away. You’ll be able to do it too as soon as you’re strong enough. We’re here to see how strong you are right now.”

  “How do we send them away?”

  “You and I will do it very differently. How I do it won’t work for you.” He tugged my hand. “Now come. Don’t be shy.”

  My heels released a soft clacking sound that echoed in the half tunnel created by the two hills united by the bridge.

  I was surprised we hadn’t seen any other motorists. While this area wasn’t heavily trafficked, we should have seen a car or two by now. But I kept my thoughts to myself, trying to process what was happening. “So Helen is real.”

  “Yes, there’s often a kernel of truth in the most persistent stories. She’s not always cooperative, but I suspect you’ll draw her out.”

  I ignored the you’ll draw her out. “What is she?” I had heard rumors that she was a demon instead of a ghost. Before yesterday, I hadn’t cared since I hadn’t believed in either one.

  “Helen is a powerful ghost. Her energy is much more concentrated than most.” He glanced back toward me. “She’s what drew the demon that’s interested in you. Her energy fed it.”

  “Like it consumes the animals’ souls. Jack thinks it makes the demon stronger.”

  “The pr
iest is correct.” He said priest like a curse word.

  “Why is Helen so powerful?”

  “Her grief.” When I shot him a look, he added, “Helen is distraught because her daughter was murdered.”

  “I thought she died in a fire.” As a pretend ghost whisperer, I’d gone out of my way to know the most common variations of the local stories.

  “She did, but it was purposely set as punishment. The landowner’s wife killed the girl out of jealousy.” As we drew closer to the bridge, Abel lowered his voice and walked slower. “Helen says the landowner was the father of her child. The affair had been over for a few months by the time the wife found out. She insisted that he fire Helen, but he refused because of the girl. Days after the fire, the landowner told Helen to leave. She had nothing to live for, so she hanged herself from the bridge.”

  “How old was her daughter?”

  “Margaret was three.”

  I shivered at the thought of someone deliberately killing a toddler. “How could someone be so cruel?”

  “The heart of man is dark and ugly,” Abel said in disgust. “Humanity isn’t much better than the cursed.”

  “The cursed?”

  He didn’t respond, so I decided to press for clarification later. If we were really on the verge of seeing Helen’s ghost, there were more important matters for us to discuss. “You’ve spoken to Helen before?”

  His mouth lifted into a sad smile. “She’s lonely.”

  “You can see ghosts too?”

  “I can see all otherworldly creatures.”

  “What are you?” I asked.

  He stopped and turned to look down at me with a serious expression. “I am your worst nightmare. I am your greatest hope. Tonight I am simply your teacher.” His gaze pinned mine. “Summon Helen.”

  I’d never heard anything about Helen hurting anyone, but before yesterday, I hadn’t heard anything much about demons either. “How do I do that?”

  He chuckled. “Just like you’d call anyone else.”

  I realized he was still holding my hand, so I dropped it and took a step toward the bridge. “Helen?”

  An eerie sound filled the air and my heart kicked into a gallop.

  “Helen,” I called out again, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’d like to ask you some questions.”