“As long as you maintain contact with me, you won’t be seen by others,” Death explained.
“Don’t do it here.” Cleg held up his hand to stop her. “You need to be hidden before you take his hand. Get in the back of the ambulance. Nathan will keep the door open so you can come out without being seen. Whatever you find, do it quick. You won’t have much time before someone might wonder where you are.”
She gave Cleg a brief nod and headed back to the ambulance. Did Cleg just say that once she had a handle on her abilities, she’d be able to make herself invisible? With a mental note to ask Death about it later, she climbed into the ambulance.
“Will this hurt?”
“No pain, only a weird sensation. Whatever happens, don’t let go of my hand. As long as we are touching no one will see or hear you. Remember to avoid other people. Just because we’re invisible doesn’t mean we wouldn’t be felt in some way to them.” Death held out his hand to her.
With a quick glance to Nathan to be sure the coast was clear, she slid her hand into his. The coolness of Death mixed with the warmth of her nerves, but nothing else happened.
“It didn’t work.”
Chapter Five
“It worked as it was supposed to.” Death nodded to silver compartments where their reflections should have been. Instead, there was nothing, just the wall behind them.
She held her other hand before her. “But I can still see myself and I don’t feel any different.”
“You’re still on the same plane, just hidden from view, it’s why you must be careful when coming into contact with others. As for feeling different, what did you expect?”
“I’m not sure, something. I guess pain or at least a sensation to represent the change.” Jael shook her head, uncertain she even understood what she meant. She blamed his touch that sent her thoughts jumbling around her mind and her heart fluttering. She shook it off and got back to the murdered girl waiting for them. “We need to go.”
Death nodded, leading the way. “Stay close.”
Outside the world seemed a little more gray than normal. The blue streaks that highlighted the world were darker, more real. Was she touching Thanatos more than before? Was she invisible because she was touching the land of the dead? More questions she didn’t have answers for, and more she didn’t have time to ask.
Weaving between emergency vehicles and personnel, they neared the scene. While some of the police stood around, others processed the crime scene. There in the middle of things was a car with a body laid out against it. The spirit stood not five feet away, tears streaming down her face, watching everyone as they moved.
“There she is,” she whispered to Death.
“Let’s get closer and get her away from here.” Death tugged her hand when she paused, her gaze on the body stretched out on the car. “The body’s not going to help, only she can give you the pieces of this puzzle.”
A deep breath in and out before she gathered the nerve to continue forward. She didn’t know what had been done to the latest victim and honestly she wasn’t sure she wanted to know, let alone see it.
“Amber, I’m here to help. Can we talk?”
“You can see me?” The woman stared at them with glossy eyes. When Jael nodded, the spirit continued. “What are you? Why can’t anyone else see me? Why did this happen to me?”
“I’m here to help tell your story. We will catch the person that did this to you. Right now I need you to come with me so we can talk.” Jael focused on Amber, but she could see from the corner of her gaze that Death surveyed the movements of those around them. Occasionally moving them to the side to avoid contact with someone.
“How are you going to help me?” Amber was clearly suspicious.
“My brother is a detective, he’s working this case. I’ll tell him what you remember and we’ll get the bastard. He’s waiting for us.”
“We’ve spent enough time like this, we must go now.” Death’s words held a touch of urgency to them.
“I can’t leave my…” Amber glanced toward her body, now covered with a sheet.
“There is nothing you can do here and you don’t need to see them cart your body away. Come with me so we can see justice served.”
Amber nodded and stepped forward. That’s when Jael noticed her right arm was severed at the shoulder. Severed was putting it mildly, the wound appeared hacked and jagged, making Jael sick to think of the pain the woman went through.
Death leaned in close to her ear, whispering so the woman’s spirit wouldn’t hear him. “You’re seeing her as she died because she’s not strong enough to portray a memory of how she was before. The final moments were too horrifying for her not to remember herself that way.”
Well, that explained one thing at least. It didn’t help her churning stomach, though. She turned, making her way through the crowd, taking Death with her and Amber tailing behind them. The white medical examiner’s van pulled up just as they left the throng of vehicles.
“I’m truly dead.” Amber’s soft voice echoed above all else.
“I’m sorry,” Jael whispered before stepping back into the ambulance. Out of sight, she let go of Death’s hand, becoming solid once again as she sank down to the bumper.
“That was close timing, Jael.” Cleg had his arm crossed over his chest. “I’ve got to deal with the M.E. If you get another call before I get back, I’ll call you when I have a moment.”
She nodded. “I’ll gather what I can.”
“Who was that hunk?” With a moan, Amber undressed Cleg with her gaze.
Jael snapped her fingers in front of the spirit’s face, while Death stood next to her snickering. “My twin brother, Cleg. He’s the detective I mentioned working this case. Now focus, tell me everything you remember.”
* * *
Jael leaned her head against the back of the seat, exhausted. Two more calls after the murder scene before their shift was over, and she couldn’t wait to crawl into bed and sleep the day away. Just as they pulled into the ambulance bay, she caught a glimpse of Cleg coming out of the police station across the street.
“You deal with him and I’ll clock us out.” Nathan nodded toward Cleg before jumping out. “Unless he’s done I can give you a ride back to your condo.”
“Thanks.” She didn’t want to deal with Cleg, not while completely exhausted, but the images of Amber still burned into her mind. “Cleg,” she called, hopping out.
“Just the person I wanted to catch before heading to the M.E.’s office.” He jogged across the street, looking just as rundown as she was. “Did you get anything for me?”
“Amber told me the same thing you already know, but the difference is she’s from here. I’m sure you already know that. He also hacked her arm to pieces.” She shuddered unable to stop the images from coming back to her. “While doing it, he kept going on about how he needed more pieces, his masterpiece wasn’t finished. That he was going to immortalize Amber for all eternity. He was turned on by what he was doing.”
“None of the others mentioned he was aroused by his actions.” Cleg made a note of it in his little black notepad.
“None of them. Amber said he didn’t seem aroused until he started cutting her.” Jael looked around, making sure no one was close enough to overhear. “She believes he would have raped her if she wouldn’t have died first. He didn’t cut her throat until she was already deceased and then I think it was only to keep the pattern. She was watching him after the life slipped from her body. There was no longer any amusement for him.”
It wasn’t her place to judge, but after gathering what she heard from the women she jumped to a conclusion. “Cleg, I believe his kills will continue to escalate. He might rape the next one as he’s hacking her to bits. We must find him and quickly.” The next woman caught on the side of the road wouldn’t be as lucky as Maddie, Amber, and the others.
“The M.E. was able to confirm that vecuronium was used in all women, except Amber, whose blood work isn’t back ye
t. I do agree he’s getting more vicious with each kill.” Cleg leaned against the ambulance. “Captain has agreed for you to work with a sketch artist. Have Nathan give you a ride home, get some rest, and I’ll call you this afternoon about setting up a time for it.”
“Okay.” She nodded as Nathan came back out onto the ambulance bay. “Cleg, you need to get some rest as well. You won’t be any good to the investigation or these women if you’re exhausted.”
“With the latest body, Captain has assigned Jaz to work with me on this case. I’m going to bring him up to speed after meeting the M.E. and then get a few hours of sleep.”
Jaz was Gemma’s fiancée, and they lived in the only other condo on the top floor of building. Such an unlikely couple, Jaz was a detective who sometimes worked with Cleg, and Gemma the ADA—assistant district attorney.
Gemma was the first person Jael rented to once she bought the building. A six story old warehouse that sat on the edge of town overlooking the river and city, had been turned into condos a few years ago. They became fast friends and the four of them—Cleg, Jaz, Gemma, and Jael—had started dining together a few times a week, depending on their schedules. Over the last year she had really been able to get to know Jaz, and she trusted him to keep Cleg safe.
Cleg caught her arm. “One more thing, I think you should start carrying again.”
Carrying. A year ago, when there was a spike in crime, Cleg had insisted she get her license to carry a concealed handgun. She had carried it when their mother was in the hospital since the parking lot was dark and isolated at night. A chill went through her. “You think it’s really necessary?”
“Yes.” Cleg nodded and for the first time looked to Death for backup.
“He’s right. With the killer aiming at women, and you haven’t had time to fully develop and learn your abilities, it might be for the best. I’ll be with you until the killer is caught, but even so, having a gun on you would make you safer,” Death chimed in. Until that moment she almost forgot he was there. Through most of the night he hung back, letting her do her job.
“I think it’s uncalled for, but if my Lieutenant approves it I will. Otherwise it’s going to be pointless since I have no plans to leave home at night except for work.” She yawned, ready for this to be over so she could get some sleep.
“I’ll pull some strings.” Cleg tipped his head to signal Nathan. “Be safe, sister, I’ll see you in a few hours.”
As Cleg strolled back to his police issued SUV, Nathan made his way to her. The sun was teasing along the horizon, threatening them with the light of day. Most people were still tucked into their beds or preparing for work. While Jael would be going to sleep, trying her best to catch up on all she’d lost thanks to Death.
* * *
The drive to her condo building took no longer than five minutes but it was almost more than Jael could handle. Her eyelids threatened to close as the tentacles of sleep pulled at her.
“Thanks, Nathan.” She was squeezed in between Death and Nathan, uncomfortable in such tight quarters with them.
Death stepped out of the truck, and she started to follow when Nathan placed his hand on her knee. The simple gesture seemed intimate, and sent her heart skipping a beat.
“You sure you don’t want me to walk you up?” Nathan asked, his hand on the gearshift ready to put it into Park.
“I’m fine. Thanks. I have my guard dog.” She tipped her head back to Death who stood holding the door.
He raised his hand to her face, cupping her cheek and forcing her to look at him. “This is against every rule in the book.” Her heart leaped, as he leaned toward her. His breath feathered a caress across her mouth and then he kissed her. Adrenaline flooded through her veins, as she opened her lips allowing him entry to her mouth. His tongue slipped between her lips, the kiss devouring her. It ended as quickly as it began.
Months ago she longed for him to show true interest in her, not the casual flirting that had become second nature between them since he transferred from the fire department. Now things were too unsteady, full of doubt as to what the future would hold.
“Call me later and let me know how things go with the artist.” She gave Nathan a quick nod as she used the last remaining energy she had to climb down from the truck. Death slid his arm around her waist and pushed the truck door shut.
Nathan cracked the window and called out, “Jael, make him tell you the prophecy of the Grim Reaper and Death.” Nathan pulled away from the curb and drove off.
Puzzled, she looked at Death.
“What is happening between you and the fae?” Death asked.
“My personal life is not your business.” She crossed her arms over her chest. If she hadn’t been so bone-weary she’d have pushed away from him, and left him standing there alone.
“It is my business. You’re the Grim Reaper.”
“Don’t you have something else to do besides put your nose in my business?”
“My darling, you know he isn’t who you want. You’re just settling.”
She let out a deep exhale and glared at him. “You’ve been agitated since we left the murder scene, what’s going on? What did Nathan mean?”
He tipped his head back, almost as if trying to smell something. “Inside. It’s not something to discuss here…” Death’s words were cut off by a sudden flash of fire, smoke filling the air with a sickening sulfur smell. Without a thought for her own safety Jael took a step forward, going in search of what caused the flash. Death’s grip wrapped around her bicep, stopping her mid-step. “Don’t.”
“Someone could be injured.”
“It’s not that type of activity. Just wait.” He kept a firm grip on her arm, his gaze searching the darkness next to the building.
“I see your guard dog is firmly in place, daughter.” A thick ringing voice cut through the night air seconds before a gentleman appeared. With his black hair combed away from a tight narrow face smooth of wrinkles, he appeared no older than thirty. There had to be some supernatural blood running through the man’s veins to allow him to see Death.
Death’s body went tense, his fingers digging a little deeper into her skin. “I’m sorry, can I help you?”
He cocked his head to the side in question. “Daughter, you must feel the connection between us.”
“I have no idea who you are, but if you don’t leave my property I’ll call the police.” Slipping her hand into her pocket she pulled out her cell phone, ready to make good on the threat. A cool breeze washed over her, blowing her hair away from her face, and at the same time Death stepped in front of her.
“Leave.” Death’s deep voice crackled with power.
“She is my daughter.” The man stepped a little to the side of Death, looking at Jael. “I wish to speak with you, daughter.”
His red eyes glared at her through the darkness, capturing her until she felt like she was falling into them. Everything around her seemed to fall away until all she could see was his eyes. Flames danced within, calling to her, offering their warmth against the cool night air.
“Don’t look into his gaze.” Death was shaking her, trying to pull her back from where she had gone but the warmth was almost too much for her to leave. She felt her skin heat, her mouth go parch with the desire for water, as if she was being burned from the inside out.
Death dug his fingers into her until it hurt and still she couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. It wasn’t until Death stepped in front of her that she was able to blink, his sapphire eyes blocking her view, the sparkles of silver dancing before her. The coolness of death settled her until she could breathe again. Still he clung to her, his embrace keeping her on her feet.
“I need to sit down.” Her voice was barely a whisper but Death nodded.
“You are my daughter and when I tell you I must speak with you, you will make time.” The power and anger tainted those words, causing Jael to look at him again. Careful to avoid direct eye contact, she took him in. For a man that was suppose
d to be the Prince of Darkness he looked unbelievably normal, except for the flames dancing in his red eyes.
“You have no right to demand anything from me. Furthermore I have nothing to say to you.” Jael turned to go inside when Lucifer’s powers sizzled to life again, casting a wave of heat through the air again.
“Daughter, that was not a suggestion, it was an order. You will speak with me now.”
She spun to him, anger coursing through her. “Don’t threaten me.” A ball of electricity sprang to life, hovering just above her outstretched palm. Staring down at it, she couldn’t believe what was happening. “Death…”
“Another ability, it won’t harm you, only the ones you direct it at.” Death whispered, leaning close so he wasn’t overheard, before turning back to Lucifer. “The abilities of the parents were divided between the twins. Jael is not yours, you will not come near her again unless invited.”
“Is that what you want?” Lucifer looked to Jael who still held the ball.
Nodding, she moved her hand, letting the electricity bounce, trying to get the feel of this new power. “You might have your claws into Cleg, but you won’t do the same to me. I want nothing to do with you or your domain of Hell.”
“Child, to go down that path will create enemies you don’t want. To keep company with him, you’ll only be surrounded by death.” Lucifer slid his hand from his jacket pocket.
A low rumble started deep within her, slowly seeping out until it was loud, echoing in the night’s stillness. “Surrounded by death, are you kidding me? I’m the freaking Grim Reaper. Death is my life. Now I suggest you leave because as powerful as you are, I promise you I can be one hell of an enemy.”
“I wouldn’t doubt that for a moment, daughter, but know I always get what I want in the end. It’s best not to fight me.” He disappeared in a flash of flames and smoke.
“Could my life get crazier? The Devil as a father is just more than I can comprehend tonight.” Knowing instinctively what to do she closed her hand around the ball of electricity, putting it out without any pain. “I need to sleep.”
A Touch of Death Page 5
