by Tracy Sharp
Juno’s eyebrows lifted. “Likewise.” She smiled. “Cute.”
Toby nodded as he walked past Juno. “Hi. Wish I could’ve met you under better circumstances. Just showing up and crashing isn’t my style.”
“No worries,” Juno said. “Any friend of Robyn’s is a friend of mine. Until you piss me off.”
Toby grinned. “I’ll try my best not to.”
“Good enough.” Juno shut the door against the chilly air. “I have coffee on, and there’s orange juice for the little one. But you can put her down in the back bedroom if you want to. She’s tired.”
“Thanks,” Robyn said, carrying an already-sleeping May down the hall.
“You can put your bags in the bedroom across from the one May will be in,” Juno said.
Toby frowned. “Did Robyn tell you we were coming?”
“No,” Juno said. “I just knew.”
Toby blinked. “Ah,” he said. “Okay, I’ll get the bags and be right back.”
“Cool,” Juno said, heading down the hall toward what would be May’s room for the duration of their stay.
She stood in the doorway and watched Robyn cover the little girl and brush dark hair from her eyes. “She’s beautiful. But she isn’t yours.”
Robyn turned, looking thinner and paler than Juno had ever seen her. She remembered her as a gorgeous, smart, funny girl, with the warmest smile she’d ever seen. This woman was scared and beyond exhausted, and clearly at the very end of her rope. “I’m not going to ask how you know that, because I remember that you are a creepy-ass girl with a spooky-as-hell talent for knowing things.”
Juno grinned. “That’s right. So don’t even try to lie when I ask you how much trouble you’re in.”
Robyn stood up and they headed back out into the hall. “A lot.”
“I figured. Start at the beginning.”
“I will, as soon as I get some coffee in me. Your special brew?”
“You bet,” Juno said. “Strong as hell.”
“Thank God,” Robyn said, and headed into the kitchen.
†
Robyn told her everything, starting with being attacked when trying to save the woman in the park and unwittingly selling her soul to the devil. Juno remained quiet during the entire conversation, but Robyn could see emotion passing over her eyes, though she tried to look neutral. When she finished, Juno’s face was hard with resolve.
“And that’s how we ended up here.”
“I knew it would be bad when I felt you coming,” Juno said. “And I knew this day would come.”
“What day? The day I’d be at your doorstep?”
“The day that those evil fuckers would start showing up.”
Robyn stared. “You knew about the collectors?”
Juno nodded. “Good name for them. My father told me about them. He saw things most people don’t see. Had a talent for it his whole life. This shit happens about every twenty-five years or so. Satan decides he needs more souls and he sends workers out soliciting. But he doesn’t play fair. He makes sure the person is close to death anyway. So he stacks the deck in his favor from the get-go. These souls are easy pickin’s for him.”
“I was close to death, Juno. I was in really bad shape. And I did die. Twice. Once during the attack, and then I overdosed on whatever Domino gave me.”
“But you came back,” Juno said.
Robyn nodded. “So I reneged on the bargain.”
“They saw you more clearly. The fact that you already died put a kind of a shine to you. A glow. So they could find you more easily. I think those demons are like moths. They’re attracted to the light, but they can’t get too close. They can only get you to make the deal, but they can’t hurt you themselves. It’s not their job. But the collectors, their job is only to kill. Send you to Hell so old Lucifer can decide what he wants you to do for him.”
Juno looked at Toby, who had been silent throughout the conversation. “What do you think, October? Bet you didn’t think you’d be running from the devil, did you?”
“No, I sure didn’t. But when I figure out how to kick the devil’s ass for this, I’ll do it.”
Juno chuckled. “Good luck with that.”
“Did your father happen to mention if there was a way to get out of the contract?” October said.
“Someone has to take your place.”
“What, like get somebody to sell their soul?” Robyn said.
Juno nodded. “Yeah.”
“Aw, shit. Then we’re no better than the asshole that got me to do it,” Robyn said.
“Wait a minute,” Toby said, his eyes narrowing in thought.
A slow smile curved Juno’s lips. “I think October is getting it.”
“Getting what?” Robyn said. “Somebody let me in on the secret.”
“You just go for scumbags who deserve it,” Toby said.
“Who decides who is a scumbag?” Robyn asked. “What if we’re wrong?”
“You just have to make damn sure you’re not,” Juno said.
†
“Wow.” Robyn looked around the underground bunker, amazed at how large it was. Juno had been busy. Weapons of all kinds hung on all four walls. Most of them were clearly modified or made from scratch. “Where did you get these?”
“A squirrel named Zed. Has a huge barn full of this kind of shit. Creepy bastard. But he knows his shit. I need to pay him another visit,” Juno said, lightly stroking something that looked like a grenade launcher.
Toby and Robyn exchanged looks.
“What?” Juno said, her gaze shifting between them.
“You don’t want to see Zed,” Robyn said.
Juno frowned. “Why not?”
“If you thought he was creepy before, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet,” Robyn said.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Juno crossed her arms over her chest. “Just spit it out, would you?”
“Zed’s dead,” Toby said. “Kind of.”
“He’s undead,” Robyn said. “Toby tried to get him, but he was still kicking when we left him. So I don’t think it took.”
“Oh, lovely,” Juno said. “Just when I thought he couldn’t possibly get more charming.”
“Actually, we should make a trip to his barn of fun,” Toby said. “We can take the weapons. He won’t be needing them anymore.”
Robyn nodded. “Let’s get some sleep and then we’ll head out. I’m shot.”
“I’ll come with you,” Juno said.
“Actually, would you keep May here? I think she’d be safer with you,” Robyn said.
“If they’re after her too, she’s safer with all of us. They will come after her.”
“True.” Robyn pushed out a long breath. “I just wanted to give her some kind of sense of normalcy for a little while. No seven-year-old should have to go through this shit.”
“From what you’d told me, she’s never had normalcy. And honestly, Robyn, she won’t be having it anytime soon. Not until we get the devil off her back,” Juno said.
“Right.” Robyn looked around the room again, at the walls of weapons. It was hard to believe that life had come down to this. Staying alive.
“So you two go get some sleep. I’ll keep watch,” Juno said. “You’re gonna need it.”
†
They waited while Juno unlocked all the locks on her front door. Her windows were all barred on the outside. The woman was serious about keeping nasty things out.
May was standing in the hallway, clutching a stuffed dog with long, floppy ears to her chest, her face wary. “I thought you left me, but then I saw that the cars were still there, and I thought the bad things got you.” Her chin quivered and her eyes filled with tears.
“No, sweetie. We weren’t far away.” Robyn went over to her and drew her into a long, tight hug. “You were safely behind locked doors and barred windows. Nothing will get in here, baby.”
“Where were you?” May’s voice quavered in Robyn’s hair.
Roby
n moved back and looked into May’s face. “We were looking at Juno’s weapons. She has an underground room filled with guns and all kinds of things to keep the bad things away. You’re really safe now.”
May smiled. “Wow. Can I shoot them too?”
Robyn stammered. “Well…”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Juno said. “I’m sure I can find a weapon she could use.”
“She’s just a kid,” Toby said. “She could end up hurting herself, or one of us.”
“Look,” Juno said. “There may come a time where she needs to use a weapon against them. If worse came to worst. You know what I’m saying?” Her grey eyes penetrated Toby’s, then Robyn’s.
Toby hung his head a little. “Yeah. Maybe you’re right.”
Juno walked over to May and crouched down. “I’ll find you something to use. And we’ll practice. Okay?”
May gave her a thousand-watt smile. “Awesome.”
Juno tugged on one of the dog’s ears. “I see you found the doggie. He’s been waiting for someone to come and cuddle him, and I’ve been way too busy. He needs someone to take care of him.”
May brightened. “I can take care of him. He was under the covers. I rolled over on him.”
“Ah. So he got to have a nice nap with you too. I bet he’s so happy.”
May cuddled the dog close. “Me too.”
Juno straightened, and Robyn saw something like sadness cross over her face, then it was gone. “Now, you two get some sleep, and May and I will hang out. Have you ever had a peanut butter and banana sandwich?” Juno asked May, who shook her head.
“Oh, you haven’t lived until you have one of those. Come on. I’ll make you one.” She took May by the hand and headed into the kitchen, leaving Toby and Robyn to find their way to a bed.
“I’ll take May’s bed,” Robyn said, heading down the hall.
Toby nodded. “Sleep tight.”
“Right.”
†
It was midafternoon by the time Toby opened his eyes. He didn’t know what had roused him from sleep, and as he looked around the room, remnants of a dream he couldn’t remember left him confused and jittery. Then he heard it again. An unfamiliar creak. He turned his head and almost jumped when he saw Robyn’s eyes watching him from around the edge of the door.
“Jesus. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” he said, moving a hand over his face.
“I just wanted to know if you were up or not. I was peeking in on you. Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’m just a tad bit jumpy.” He looked at the clock. “What time is it?”
“Three-ish. We have to get moving.”
“Right.” Daylight would be receding fast. It always did when you didn’t want it to. Toby’s stomach growled. “Think I’d like one of those peanut butter and banana sandwiches.”
“I’ll see what Juno can do.” Her auburn hair vanished behind the door and he heard her light footsteps padding down the hall. He wondered what it would’ve been like to know her before she met that sleazebag professor.
Toby didn’t care if Robyn was a willing participant in their sexual relationship. That prick was in a position of power over her, and he knew better. If he wasn’t already dead, Toby would want to kill his ass himself.
Juno had thrown together some spaghetti sauce and was just draining the pasta when Toby walked into the kitchen. He stretched and winked at May, who sat coloring at the table. May gave him a grin.
Robyn set a glass down beside a place setting.
“Anything I can do?” Toby asked.
“No. We got it. Thanks.”
He nodded, feeling a little useless. He sat down beside May. “What are you drawing there, peanut?”
She slid the picture over to him. “It’s me with a big gun, killing one of those monsters.”
Toby looked down at the picture, marveling at the girl’s ability. “This is really good, May.” Morbid, with blood spraying behind a black shape, but good. He smiled at the image of a little person with long, dark hair holding a gun almost her own size pointed at the black shape, small dark dots meant to be bullets headed straight for the thing’s face. “Really good. You’re a natural.”
“I’ll be a natural at making those things dead for good,” she said, her face serious.
“Okay.” There wasn’t much else to say to that.
Juno placed a large bowl of pasta and another of sauce in the middle of the table. “On that note. Dig in. We’ve got work to do.
†
An hour to Zed’s place, and the sun was steadily sinking in a burnt-orange sky. Tree branches reached up to touch the retreating sun, creating dark, twisted silhouettes against the steadily darkening sky. It had been a gorgeous day.
The last rays of sunshine shrank into the shadows as Toby drove up Zed’s dirt driveway. They parked in front of the barn to save time.
“Should we check the house? There might be some good stuff in there,” Robyn said, scanning the area.
“Why don’t you and May check the house and we’ll start gathering weapons?” Toby said, walking around the side of the barn to find a single door. He kicked it in then shrugged. “No key.”
“I don’t think Zed would mind. If he were in his right mind,” Juno said.
“And alive,” May piped in.
Robyn gave her a sad smile and rested a hand on one of her shoulders. “Okay kiddo. Let’s go check out the house. See what we can find.”
The structure was an old farmhouse, beautiful, she was sure, in its day. But now the paint was all but chipped off; only the occasional white strip here and there remained. The stairs were in need of reinforcing, and the railing was barely hanging by a couple of nails.
“Let’s make it fast,” Robyn said. “The place is falling apart.”
“I lived in a couple of houses like this,” May said. “All falling apart and dirty.”
“Well, not anymore,” Robyn said. “Not ever again, if I can help it.”
“Good,” May said. “You can help it.”
Robyn grinned. “I’ll sure try.”
The front door was unlocked. It figured that Zed would lock the barn, which housed all that he held dear, but left the door to the house unlocked.
Robyn’s hand flew to her mouth. She almost gagged.
“Eeew! What is that?” May said, her nose wrinkled up. “That’s disgusting!”
Robyn looked at the garbage, spilling over onto the floor. Rotted food from God only knew how long spilled out. Maggots, flies, and other nasty bugs crawled around it.
“Forget it, May. We don’t need anything in here that badly.”
“Wait,” May said. She let go of Robyn’s hand and stepped over to the kitchen table, which was only a couple of feet from the door, and grabbed a switchblade from it. She also climbed on a chair and reached for a sheath which held six small knives. “I want these.”
“Um… okay.” The kid wanted to feel safe. Who was she to tell her ‘no’, when she was being chased by hellions trying to kill her?”
She handed the switchblade to Robyn. “Can you help me put this on?”
“Let’s go outside first,” Robyn said.
Once outside, Robyn strapped the sheath around May’s waist. It was meant to be a leg sheath, but had Velcro straps and fit around her waist perfectly. “Do not cut yourself with these, May. Leave them in there unless you really need them, okay?”
May nodded, but couldn’t stop grinning. “I’m safe.”
“Yes you are,” Robyn said.
May held out her hand for the switchblade, which she then took and tucked into her jacket pocket. “Nobody better mess with me.”
Robyn laughed. “I guess not.”
They headed toward the barn. A cool breeze moved through the fields of wheat behind it, making a steady, lulling, shooshing sound, which made Robyn want to sleep despite her nervousness. Constant adrenaline rushing through her veins had exhausted her.
Juno caught sight of the knife sheath strap
ped around May’s waist and walked over to them. “Wow. A dragon throwing-knife set. Those are excellent weapons, kiddo.”
“Nobody’s gonna mess with me,” May said, her little face serious.
“Well, we’re going to practice throwing those, so that if they do try to mess with you, you can make them stop.”
“And kill them,” May said, her voice low and full of fire.
Juno stared at her for a long moment, as if deciding something. Then she said, “And kill them.”
Chapter 16
No time like the present. And we have no time to waste. Robyn felt twitchy as the darkness came over them. “We need to trade a soul tonight.”
Tony nodded once as he drove them away from Zed’s farmhouse. They’d picked through all the best weapons and would return for more if they needed to. “How do you choose?”
“Don’t make it a choice,” Juno said from the backseat. She was seated next to May, who had drifted off, her head leaning to the side. Juno gently placed a balled-up sweater on May’s shoulder to prop up her head. “Poor kid’s been through enough without having a sore neck on top of it all.”
“Don’t make it a choice?” Robyn asked her.
“Look, the quickest is way to get some kind of an addict to sell for a fix. But there are all kinds of addicts out there. I’m guessing you don’t want to put an otherwise-good person in this kind of shit.”
Robyn shook her head. “I don’t.”
“Then the choice is easy,” Juno said.
“Bait a scumbag,” Toby said. “Juno, where’s the nearest bus station?”
†
The girl stepped off the bus, her steps tentative and her wary eyes sweeping the station. Her blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail, but Robyn could tell that it had been a while since it had been washed.
Runaway. Good.
Robyn watched as the girl headed for the bathroom: to clean up, no doubt. She took a seat with a good view of the station and looked down at the cell phone Juno had given her, pretending to text. Her gaze swept across the station as her fingers tapped away, and almost immediately found a shining candidate for soul trading.
