by Robin Roseau
And if, from time to time, I had dreams of a woman in a cage, begging me to rescue her, to save her soul, I drank a beer and tried to forget them.
I thought about Poppy -- Marley. I thought about calling her. But this wasn't really over, and I just couldn't. I hoped Evaline explained enough that the lack of a phone call from me wasn't unduly upsetting. She seemed very sweet.
She deserved better than me, anyway.
Yeah, I was in one of those moods.
A month went by. I called Kate, and we had a one-minute conversation where I assured her I was alive and well.
* * * *
"St. Claire!"
I looked up. Standing at the entrance to the squad room was Stew Anderson, another detective in the station. I'd known Stew for a long time; he was a good cop, although he'd grown a little soft in recent years.
"Look who I found wandering around out front?" He stepped further into the squad room, and from behind him, Beth appeared.
"Fuck," I said quietly.
She looked at me tentatively. I stared at her.
"Are you two getting back together?" Stew asked. "Do we get to start razzing you about your hot lawyer girlfriend?" He looked at Beth. "Yowza."
"Thank you for that endorsement, Detective," Beth said. "Teigan, can we talk?"
"I don't know. Do I need my lawyer?"
She visibly flinched. So did Stew. "Oh. In my younger years, I might stay to watch the cat fight." Instead he ambled away.
I climbed from my taxpayer-furnished seat and headed for the door, grabbing Beth's arm on the way. She didn't resist as I pulled her through the station, and neither of us said a word. I considered stuffing her into an interview room and letting her simmer for a while, but I decided that wasn't going to help anyone. We made it out to the sidewalk, and I let her arm go, but I turned right, heading away from the station.
"What do you want?"
"Look," she said. "No one is threatening your career." I didn't say anything but kept walking. We got a block further before Beth grabbed my arm, pulling me to a stop.
"What?" I asked. "I'm not answering your questions. I'm done with this."
"I need to know, Teigan."
"No. You want to know. There is no need involved."
"What happened the last time I saw you-" she broke off. "I put more pieces together. It's something bad, and my cousin is wrapped up in the middle of it. Teigan, I need to know."
"You're not going to find out from me. Haven't you figured that out yet? You need to drop this, Beth."
"I can't." She paused. "I talked to some people."
"What kind of people?" I asked cautiously.
"The kind that rescue people from cults."
"Beth, this is a bad idea. One of two things is going to happen. Either they won't find anything, and you'll be wasting your money. Or they'll find something, which would be worse."
"They said they can protect Rachel. They said they've done it before."
"Beth, this is a phenomenally bad idea."
"How bad an idea, Teigan?" she asked, moving closer. "Are you going to receive a bullet in the head if I dig deeper? Am I?"
"It's a bad idea! Don't do this, Beth. I am begging you."
"What could possibly have you this frightened? You led me to believe it's not organized crime. You also led me to believe she'll come home someday. I don't think you were lying or even offering misdirection. How bad an idea can this be?"
"I can't answer that. I can't! God! You need to let this go."
"I'm not letting it go, and you know me well enough to understand that. However, there might be other solutions."
"Such as?"
"Talk to your contact. Convince him to talk to me. And I'll convince him it's easier to give her back than to keep her."
"Or maybe you'll convince him to just kill her and bury the body so deep she'll never be found."
"Three days," Beth said. "In three days, I'm writing a very large check. They assure me they won't stop looking, no matter what they find. Unlike someone I know."
She turned her back on me and walked away.
Soul
I barely paused on my way through the station. I signed out for the rest of the afternoon and headed for my car. I headed for Club Vixen, but I didn't put it past Beth to try to tail me. Or, given her willingness to hire outside help, have someone else do it. But I went through a variety of very quiet neighborhoods, and absolutely no one was on my tail for at least several blocks. Still, I parked two blocks away from the club and approached it obliquely besides.
Once inside, I headed for the bar. There was a woman working. "What'll ya have?"
"Water." I slipped her my card. "And if you can ring Ms. Marsh and let her know I am here, I would appreciate it. If you can tell her it is a matter of some urgency, I'd appreciate it twice."
The bartender glanced at my card, grimaced, and poured my water. I thought I heard her mention something about "fucking cops", but it was under her breath.
I'd been called worse, anyway.
However, she did head to the phone, carrying my card with her. A minute later she was back. "Why didn't you tell me who you were, Lacey? I heard about you. Ms. Marsh said to give you anything you want and apologizes. She is not immediately available. She understands if you wish to come another time."
"And if I wait?"
"Expect to wait an hour or two. Maybe three."
"I guess I'll wait."
"It's a little early for something from the kitchen, but I can make up a plate of nachos for you."
"I'm fine," I said. "Thank you."
* * * *
It wasn't three hours, but it was more than two before I felt her presence at my elbow.
"Hello, Teigan."
I turned to face her. "We have a problem."
"I thought you would put this problem behind us."
"I've been somewhat hampered," I replied. "And certain people no longer trust me."
Evaline looked at me with sadness in her expression. "I'm sorry for that."
"It's not your fault. Can we go somewhere and talk about this?"
"Of course." But then she froze for an instant before her gaze shifted to the front door. Her eyes widened. I turned around to see what could startle a demon.
"Teigan!" yelled Beth, framed in the doorway. "Get away from her!"
Everything after that happened far more quickly than I can explain it.
Beth began running for me.
I had time to wonder what she was doing here. I was sure I hadn't been followed.
From behind me, the demon said, "Oh, we're going to talk all right, Detective."
And then Beth was in front of me. She grabbed my shoulder and pulled, dragging me off the stool and shoving me behind her.
"Stay away from her, demon!" she screamed.
I looked over my shoulder. Beth grabbed my glass of water from the table, made the sign of the cross at it, and threw it into Evaline's face. "Begone, demon!" she screamed. "I banish you!"
And then everyone froze.
The tableau lasted like that for perhaps five seconds. And then Evaline began laughing. "Good one!" she said. She stepped forward, clasping one hand on Beth and another on me. She pulled us both to her. Beth struggled. I didn't. It didn't matter.
"Teigan St. Claire," she hissed into the space between our ears, loudly enough for Beth and me to hear, but probably no one else, "I find you in violation of our agreement, and I claim your soul." I stiffened, and with those words, I felt every vestige of my free will flee from me.
"Teigan, flash your badge and calm these people down. Make up a story about bad jokes. Then join us in my office."
"Yes, Evaline," I said woodenly.
"Elisabeth Brewer, you are coming with me."
"I'm not going anywhere with you, demon!" Beth said loudly.
"You've done your best, and you are no challenge for me," the demon countered. "But if you force me to fight you, Teigan and your cousin will pay for it for
a very, very long time. I can't claim your soul, but I can kill you. Come." And then she began dragging Beth towards her office.
I started with the bartender. I explained briefly about jealous ex-girlfriends. Then I flashed my badge to those in the bar who were paying any attention. It took very little time, and then I turned towards Evaline's office.
When I arrived, Beth was on the sofa, and it looked like she'd been practically thrown there. The demon was looming over her, and the two were glaring at each other.
"Teigan," the demon said. "Close and lock the door. Then take out your gun. If Ms. Brewer moves from her current seat, shoot her."
It didn't even occur to me to consider fighting the order. I did exactly what I was told. I closed and locked the door, set my back against it, and then withdrew my service weapon. I centered the sights on Beth's forehead.
It all felt quite natural. In hindsight, I am horrified. But I stood there and aimed my gun at the one woman I had ever truly loved. And if she had moved, I would have shot her. I knew that, too.
"Ms. Brewer," Evaline said. "Do you doubt Teigan's aim?"
"What have you done to her?"
"Answer my question or I'll ask her to put a bullet into your knee. Should we see if she obeys?"
"She's a cop. I'm sure she can aim just fine. I've never seen her fire her gun. What did you do to her?"
"I enforced our agreement," the demon said. "She betrayed my confidence, and in doing so, she is in default of our agreement. Her soul is mine, and along with it, her free will. She will do what I tell her to do."
"I want to see the agreement."
"Excuse me?"
"Let me see it!" Beth screamed.
"You are in no position to make demands. I should have her shoot you for what you did. Then I'll order her to plead guilty to murder. She'll go to prison for the rest of her life. I wonder how they treat cops in prison. But at night, every night, night after night, I will whisper to her. I will squeeze her soul. And slowly, then not so slowly, she will go insane, stark raving mad. And your cousin, oh, the things I'll do to your cousin." Evaline shook her head. "I miscalculated. I was sure Teigan would keep her mouth shut. Well, sometimes I'm wrong." She shook her head again. "Of course, you won't see any of this because you'll be dead. You'll have gotten off easy."
"I am Teigan's lawyer," Beth said. "And you are premature. Show me the agreement. Now. Or do you want to see what happens if you order her to kill me? And I don't mean what happens to me, or to her, but to you?"
"You threw holy water on me!" the demon screamed. "You attacked me." She punctuated her words by jabbing Beth in the chest. "And I have every right to defend myself."
"If you have laid illegitimate claim to Teigan's soul, do you want to push it? Show me the contract."
Evaline slowly backed away from Beth. "Teigan, if she moves from her seat, shoot her dead."
Beth glanced over at me, staring into the muzzle of my gun for a moment, then returned her gaze to Evaline. "The contract."
"Fine," Evaline said. She moved to her desk, unlocked a drawer, shuffled through some papers, and finally withdrew a manila folder. She verified the contents but then glanced at Beth. "No. I am not letting you touch the originals. I will print you duplicate copies."
"If I am not satisfied, you will show me the originals," Beth said.
"Of course."
Evaline replaced the folder and turned to her computer. No one said anything until after she printed the papers and handed them to Beth. She moved away, watching her.
"Teigan," Evaline said, "you will tell me before your aim begins to waver."
"Yes, Evaline," I agreed.
Beth read the papers twice. Finally she looked up. She looked over at me. "You let her feed from you?"
"Answer her, Teigan."
"Yes."
"Tell her why, Teigan."
"It was part of the price to see Rachel."
"Oh, Teigan," Beth said. "Oh..." But then her gaze hardened, and she returned her attention to the demon. "I would like to know in what way you feel she violated this agreement." She waved the papers. "Or perhaps I am missing another contract."
"No, that's everything. Clearly, she told you about me and then brought you here to confront me."
"She did no such thing," Beth said. "In fact, we've been fighting because she wouldn't tell me a single damned thing. She was going to give up her career before she told me." She glanced down at the papers and looked over at me. "I'm sorry. Now I understand why. Oh, Teigan. You shouldn't have signed these." But then she looked back at the demon. "But she is not in default. Release her."
"Oh, I think she is," Evaline said coldly. "My evidence is clear. You are here. You knew what I was. You attacked me. If she didn't tell you, who did?"
"No one," Beth said with a grin. "I followed her. I threatened to hire a group that promised results, and I let her believe they wouldn't stop until they found my cousin. I then gave her three days to get me in to see whoever her contact was. And then I followed her."
"Teigan," said the demon. "Is that true?"
"No."
The demon raised an eyebrow.
"It certainly is," Beth said.
"She's not capable of lying to me," the demon countered.
"You asked too open of a question. Ask her if I threatened her."
"Teigan, did Ms. Brewer threaten you the way she has said?"
"Yes."
"And did you tell her about me?"
"Yes."
"As you can see, Ms. Brewer, she is in default."
"Ask her what she told me!" Beth said.
Evaline turned to face me fully. "Teigan, did you tell anyone that I am a demon?"
"No."
"Did you tell anyone that Rachel was here?"
"Yes."
She spun around to Beth and crossed her arms.
"Tell her to answer my questions," Beth demanded. "She still can't lie, can she?"
Evaline waited a moment, considering, then nodded. "Teigan, answer Ms. Brewer's questions unless I tell you to stop."
"Yes, Evaline."
Beth looked at me. "Teigan, did you tell me she was a demon?"
"No."
"Do you know how I knew she was a demon?"
"No."
"Can you even guess?"
I had no free will, but that didn't mean I couldn't think. And so I thought carefully. "Maybe you've encountered her before," I suggested.
"I haven't. Teigan, did you tell me where Rachel was?"
"No."
"Who did you tell?"
"My captain."
"When?"
"The first day I began looking for her. I'd traced her to the Vixen Club. I told him that."
Beth looked at the demon. "I believe that predates your agreement and thus is not evidence of any violation."
The demon looked over at me. "Teigan, I want to know everything you've told anyone about me, this club, or Rachel Spencer. Begin with the first time we met."
It took some time. Halfway through I realized my arm was growing tired, and I interrupted myself. "My hand is shaking."
"Ms. Brewer, do you doubt Teigan's ability to lift her weapon from a more relaxed position and still accurately shoot you?"
Beth looked over at me. "I will remain where I am," she said. "For now. If you attempt to bring anyone else here, that may change. If you order Teigan to do anything I don't like, that may change. If you do anything I don't like, that may change."
"Fine." Evaline turned to me. "Teigan, take a position you can hold for a lengthier period, but be ready to shoot Ms. Brewer if she moves from her place on the sofa."
"Yes, Evaline." I lowered my arm, but I kept the gun handy, at my side.
"Good," Evaline said. "Continue telling me what else you have told people."
The rest of the telling didn't take much longer. But I recited the conversations I'd had, as close to word for word as I could. When I was finished, the demon frowned. She glanced at Beth. "She s
aid you lied earlier, but you claim you did not. Resolve this to my satisfaction."
"Teigan, why did you say I lied?"
"You couldn't have followed me," I explained. "I was as careful as I could."
"Ah," said Beth. She grinned and crossed her arms. "I put a tracker on her car and a bug in her clothes. I followed the tracker. I almost lost her at that point, because the bug doesn't have very good range. I wandered for an hour trying to figure out where she went. Go ahead and look. It's in her left coat pocket."
Evaline looked at me for a moment then, her eyes not leaving Beth, she crossed the room, ducking well under my aim to come up on my left side. She put her hand into my suit jacket pocket and rummaged around for a moment. Then her hand withdrew, and she held something in the air. I could see it from my peripheral vision.
"Teigan, did you know this was in your pocket?"
"No, Evaline."
"Did you know your car had a tracker?"
"No, Evaline."
"Did you have any reason to believe you were bugged or your car had a tracker?"
"I thought Beth might try to follow me. I didn't realize she would do it electronically."
Beth smiled. "She is not in violation of your agreement. Indeed, she has been quite meticulous to follow it. She even took great personal risk to protect your privacy. She is not in default. You must release her."
"Perhaps," Evaline said. She ducked back underneath my aim and came upright near her desk. The bug went onto her desk, and she squashed it with her hand. "Lie to me, and I'll order her to kill you and herself. Is there a recording?"
"No."
"Who knows you're here?"
"I have no idea," Beth said. "I may have been seen entering the club. Everyone in the club saw me. The three of us know. I didn't tell anyone."
"That seems foolish," Evaline said. "I'm supposed to believe you?"
Beth shrugged. "I can't prove it. It doesn't matter. She is not in violation of your agreement, and you must release her."
Evaline leaned her butt against the edge of her desk and studied Beth. "Maybe you're right. But I've grown fond of her. You seem to be fond of her as well. I wonder what her continued good health is worth to you."
"You have no claim over her," Beth said. "Release her."
"Maybe you're right about that, too. However, you threw holy water on me. You attacked me with the goal of both hurting me and banishing me." She smiled. "Perhaps you should ask Teigan what Rachel tried to do."
