by CC Dragon
I leaned in to Paul. “I feel like we just dropped into an episode of The Handmaid’s Tale,” I whispered.
He grabbed my left hand and nodded.
“What?” I asked.
“I think we should’ve worn rings or something,” he whispered in my ear.
He was probably right.
As the service ended, we filed out. I heard whispers about my dress and hair. The pastor shook hands with Paul but didn’t touch mine when I offered it.
“A nice couple. Are you looking for a new church?” the Pastor asked.
“Couldn’t hurt. Most religions tend toward the modern to draw people in. I prefer old school approaches.” Paul played into the Pastor’s hand.
“Excellent. Are you married?” the Pastor asked.
“Yes, we were the victims of a robbery. They took everything of value, including making us take off our rings. We’re waiting for the insurance money. You understand,” he said.
The pastor nodded. “I pray your originals are returned but sometimes God gives us a new thing for a reason.”
I smiled and bit my tongue. The pastor seemed to ignore me and believe anything Paul said.
A girl in the crowd was trying not to be seen, so of course my eye went right to her. it was the girl from the ladies’ room at the Dungeon. That made no sense at all, but it was the same girl. Same big eyes and blonde hair. Only now she looked innocent and wholesome.
“Ready, my dear?” Paul asked.
I nodded and smiled. I did my best to match his pace and not rush to the car.
Inside, I buckled my seatbelt and tried to be calm as he got us back to the main roads. Only then did I feel like I could talk.
“That is creepy.” I shuddered.
“Agreed. But I didn’t see anyone being mistreated. No obvious bruises or marks,” Paul replied.
He was right. If they were abusive, they hid it well. Or those people didn’t show up in church. Either way, I wasn’t done with them.
Chapter Six
By dinnertime, I felt more human again. In jeans and a low-cut top, just because I could, I helped Brody and Ivy with their culinary efforts. Chili and gumbo were on the menu for dinner. I was in charge of cornbread.
The two were cute working together.
“No Paul?” Ivy teased.
“After that Stepford church display I needed a break, too. He said he’s going to do more research. I can text him a dinner invite if you want.” I whipped the batter one last time before filling two large pans with it.
“Sure. The more the merrier,” Brody said.
I was glad Brody and Paul got along. I didn’t want Paul to feel disconnected from the group. Or Brody to feel that way, for that matter, since they were both the newcomers.
I put the cornbread in the oven then texted Paul. “Sent. We’ll see if he’s up for it. I think the sorority house setup is a bit much for him.”
Ivy laughed. “We’re not having keggers and wet T-shirt contests. Having everyone together helps keep us strong. Fight the evil crap. We’re not partying. Especially with Mary Lou’s drama and new job.”
I set the timer on the oven and watched as the duo fussed over their respective creations.
Gunnar and Matt came down to the kitchen. “When’s dinner?” Gunnar asked.
“Something smells good,” Matt added.
“Half an hour for the cornbread,” I said.
Brody offered the guys a tiny bowl of sampling. “Let the chili simmer. No rush.”
“Paul text back?” Ivy asked.
I checked my phone. “Nothing. He might be working.”
“You two okay?” Ivy asked.
“Sure. Why? Did I do something?” I was always getting advice from my dear friends.
“No, but you don’t want to be too hard to get. Your life is challenging enough,” Ivy said.
I shook my head. “He and I talked. He doesn’t want to rush things either. I mean, this place is busy and crazy but it’s also a mansion and I own it. Men get weird about stuff like that. And my job is weird. Nice and slow.”
“Just don’t let him think you’re not really into him,” Brody said.
I stared at him. “What has Paul said?”
“Nothing specific but men need some encouragement. They’re weird about some stuff. Clueless about others.” Brody winked.
The doorbell rang I dashed over, hoping it was Paul.
It was not.
Lance stormed past me and I was too confused and disappointed to stop him with my mind. I wasn’t strong enough to stop him with my body.
“Where is she?” Lance asked.
“Get out!” I shouted. “Matt!”
“No, you have conspired to get my wife away from me and everyone to support it, including my own brothers. I won’t allow it,” he said.
“I didn’t conspire to do anything. That’s all your own work,” I reminded him.
Matt walked out from the kitchen. “Lance, stop it.”
“I can talk to her if I want,” Lance said.
Matt shook his head. “You’re trespassing. De is the owner. I don’t want to take you jail. You know better.”
“John is trying to get me to move with him. He thinks I should cut all my losses. Give up.” Lance leaned on the banister.
Was he drunk?
“That sounds like a good idea. Finalize the divorce and move on,” I said.
“I don’t want to be divorced.” Lance’s voice had an eerie edge to it.
Matt stepped between his brother and me. “You can’t have a marriage with only one person. It’s not up to you. Pestering her won’t make a difference. Mary Lou is moving on. She has a new job. You’re only hurting yourself.”
“Where is she working?” Lance asked.
Matt steered his brother to the front door. “Go home. Stop drinking. Move on, otherwise you’ll end up in jail.”
“He can’t drive like that,” I said to Matt.
Lance turned like he was going to fight with me.
Matt grabbed him. “She’s right. I’ll drive you home.”
Greg chose just then to walk down the stairs.
Lance broke loose from his brother and took a swing at Greg.
“Assault charges won’t help,” I warned.
Matt and Gunnar jointly hauled Lance out of the house and I locked the door behind them.
“Obsessed,” Greg said.
I shrugged. “Mary Lou coming down for dinner?”
Greg nodded. “She’s all about this new job. She can’t stop talking about it.”
“Maybe she needs to move out. If she’s so determined to be independent of me and Matt, it might help.” I rubbed my forehead.
“Maybe but she won’t give up this job right now.” Greg sighed.
I checked my phone. Nothing from Paul.
The doorbell rang again but I knew it wasn’t the person I wanted to see.
I opened the door and Lester stood there.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“We need to talk about the Dungeon,” Lester said.
Greg shook his head.
“It’s fine. Follow me, Lester.” I let him to the library. If I was safe anywhere, it was there. My house ghost, Noah, was very protective. Add in my guardian angel and Lester was in more danger than me.
“Your home is impressive,” Lester said.
“How did you find out where I live?” I asked.
“Not hard to find out who owns mansions around here. I saw you at the opening. Lucifer is trying to impress you and your friends. He’s trying to run in higher circles.” Lester nodded.
“You mean he’s using me? You do realize I have more powers than you, right? Good powers. I know when I’m being played. But I’d rather keep my enemies close. The evil weirdos close...like you.” I smiled.
Lester glared at me. “That wasn’t necessary.”
“We have a tense truce but don’t mistake lack of war for allies,” I warned.
“Lucifer
is more dangerous than I am. He thinks he’s influential. He’ll surround himself with people with powers. Various powers. He’ll play games and make deals to up his power level. Supernatural or very mundane, it doesn’t matter. You must be careful,” Lester said.
“I will be. I only went to the club to see what he’s up to. Mary Lou was hired. It’s weird.” I sighed.
“He’ll do anything to keep powerful people close. She’ll be rich when the divorce is done. She has social sway. She’s friends with you. It’s all good for him.” Lester stood up. “I can help.”
I laughed. “You have a plan?”
“No, but I could try to get a job there to keep an eye on him,” Lester offered.
“Then who would cover your shop?” I asked.
Lester nodded. “I can hire someone. Lucifer won’t suspect me.”
“Really? Why would you do me this favor?” I asked.
“To show you I’m not all bad,” Lester replied.
I didn’t buy it. He wanted me to owe him or he wanted to run his own game on me and Lucifer.
“No, no thanks. Lucifer might get suspicious if you were to walk away from your own place to work at his. Makes no sense. But if you have a friend or someone you’d hire to watch your place, maybe suggest they try to get hired at the Dungeon and they can report back what’s going on. Less obvious,” I suggested.
“I can do that. We’ll keep Mary Lou safe,” Lester said.
I frowned. “She’s an adult. I’m not making deals with the devil over anyone.”
“I’m not the devil,” Lester scoffed.
I smiled. “I’d ask you to stay for dinner but my angels are getting twitchy.” I showed him out.
“Everything okay?” Greg asked.
“The devil works through weak people. Lester is weaker than I thought,” I said.
“Lucifer is working on Lester?” Greg asked.
“Or Lester is trying to use Lucifer. Can’t tell yet,” I said.
“Dinner,” Brody announced.
“Mary Lou?” I asked Greg.
“Not coming down. I’ll take her food.” Greg shrugged.
The doorbell rang again and I was relieved to find Paul on the other side.
“Sorry I’m late. Dinner sounds great. That church is crazy.” Paul had a stack of papers and a tablet in his hands.
Greg walked up and sprayed Paul with holy water. I glared at Greg.
“Just checking,” Greg said.
“It’s fine. I need to get baptized and stuff. Not that it’s foolproof but it can’t hurt. I work with some disturbed people. That church is full of them. They have a long history and move around to avoid prosecution.” Paul smiled.
“De, we took your cornbread out of the oven. It would’ve burned,” Ivy said.
“Crap, sorry.” I was not good in the kitchen. “Thanks. I’d hate to ruin your great dinner.”
“Let’s eat. Then we can hear about the scary church,” Brody said.
Paul nodded and set his stuff on the foyer table while the rest of us filed into the dining room.
That night I was confused and frustrated enough to bug Gran. As much as I wanted to stand on my own and figure things out, I needed her as my sounding board.
Projecting myself into her cozy home calmed me a bit.
“Hello dear, so nice of you to visit.” She sat down in the overstuffed arm chair and picked up some knitting.
“What do you think?” I asked.
She looked up. “About what?”
“I know you don’t watch every detail of my life but I’m assuming you check in now and then,” I said.
“I do. You’re doing well. I knew Mary Lou and Lance were bound to happen. Mrs. Weathers is doing well. She’s not one to visit or bother about the living. That’s fairly common.” Gran smiled at me. “Your Paul seems nice.”
“Seems?” I asked.
Gran looked over her glasses at me. Funny how she still had them even though I’m sure she didn’t need them anymore.
“You know him much better than I do. I trust your judgement. He’s not overly religious but he’s a good man. He’s smart. He cares for you and he gets you.” She nodded.
“Gets me? Really?” I asked.
“He’s trying hard. Your life is not normal. But you’re managing things,” she said.
“I have a crazy little church and a friend who is working at a creepy bar. What’s the biggest problem?” I leaned in.
She shook her head. “I can’t tell you things.”
“I know. I was hoping for a hint. Some advice. If I’m overreacting to Mary Lou, you could tell me that,” I teased.
“If I could, I would. You know her. You know she’s clinging to lifeboats.” Gran kept knitting.
I sighed. “Greg is one thing. It’s fast but he’s not going to get her killed or crazy.”
“You fear this job will?” Gran asked.
“I don’t think it’s good for her. I offered her a job or two. I understand, she wants to be independent but this is like some weird rebellion. Greg doesn’t even think it’s a good idea,” I replied.
Gran shrugged. “People make mistakes. You’ll be there for her when she needs you. You can’t make decisions for others.”
She couldn’t tell me the future or what road to take, but she could give me generic advice that would make me crazy.
“So, this stupid club is a distraction?” I wondered aloud.
She put her knitting down. “The devil plays many games. But he has a lot of demons. The more you progress, the more they’ll mess with you. War with you. But you have backup. Stop worrying. If you’re only reacting to things, you’re not fighting. Just do your best and move forward.”
“Sometimes, I feel like I should stop bothering you. But you still make me feel better when I come even if you tell me nothing.” I sat there for a few more minutes.
She didn’t say a word but returned to her knitting. I could tell it was all growing pains. Growing my powers meant change. I felt bad coming here. There was no training for this, no degree, yet I had people’s lives in my hands. Or at least their safety.
Somehow, I had all the tools. I lacked confidence and conviction.
Greg had studied to be a priest. He had training and a belief system.
Paul had been to medical school. He also had a philosophy and an oath to uphold.
My psychology background was good. I understood people. I had to go with what I knew and trust that I didn’t need to understand the details of angels and demons to deal with either.
Without realizing it, I’d returned to my bed. Something soft was tickling my bare foot. I pulled back and Tish pounced on my toes.
That trip had been helpful in a small way. Like multiple houseguests, I had to learn to juggle multiple demonic attacks in my world. The church guys just might be bad men but there had to be more than one evil being at work at Dungeon.
Chapter Seven
I had no desire to set foot in the Dungeon ever again but here I was. Mary Lou’s first night of work meant we were all worried about her. Greg, Paul, and I sat at the VIP table again. Mary Lou was decked out in a sleek black dress and high heels.
“So glad you came back,” Lucifer gushed as he sat down with us.
“We just wanted to support Mary Lou.” I managed to sound supportive.
Greg looked around. “Good crowd. I’m not sure Mary Lou is right for this group of people.”
“Relax, she’s not involved in any of the private room business. She is doing great. Keeping people happy and making sure things are handled.” Lucifer shrugged.
“Not much different than a charity event,” I admitted.
“Only we make money at it. Don’t be afraid to mingle. Most people just want to have a good time.” Lucifer stood and went about his work.
“This place gives me the creeps. It always did but I don’t like that Lucifer moved some things into the back rooms. Now it’s harder for people to know what’s going on. Maybe we should have
Matt do an official inspection. They have to let the cops in there,” I said.
Paul nodded. “I wouldn’t rush it. Let Lucifer drop his guard, then have Matt do a surprise visit.”
“Smart.” Greg nodded.
Mary Lou waved at us from the bar area then strutted around as if she owned the place.
“No Ivy or Brody?” Paul asked.
“Ivy has to manage my club. Brody is wherever Ivy is.” I smiled.
“They are cute,” Greg admitted.
“Matt and Gunnar?” Paul asked.
“Date night. I told Matt he can’t take responsibility for Mary Lou. She has to figure out what she wants her life to be.” I sipped my wine and tried not to worry. “I hate to admit this might not be the worst idea ever.”
Greg’s eyebrow arched.
“Lance pushes his way into my club and knows Matt or Gunnar will toss him out. We won’t call the cops. That’s why I had him arrested every time he came to the house. He thinks his brother will get him off,” I pointed out.
“Matt did get him off with a warning,” Paul replied.
“I know but there is a report of the trespassing. If he acts up too much, Matt won’t be able to help him. The club is public so I can’t get him for trespass but I can have him removed. If he keeps coming back...but it’s petty stuff. Here, Lance doesn’t have the connections to believe he’ll get away with it. Matt can help on the cop side but Lucifer is a question mark to Lance. How far will Lucifer go to keep the image up here?” I asked.
“Interesting. She might be safer here.” Greg shrugged.
“Hopefully. Then again, the patrons might be drunk and way creepy for all I know.” I sighed.
“What’s the plan? We just sit here all night?” Paul asked.
“We can circulate. I saw someone at the church that looked familiar. I think I saw her here. I want to take a walk around and see if I can spot her again.” I looked around.
Paul sipped his beer. “You didn’t say anything about it.”
I laughed. “Saying anything there would’ve been dangerous. I couldn’t approach her there, so it didn’t matter. Here there’s a chance for us to talk, if I see her. Want to take the tour?”
Paul shrugged and stood up.
