Chapter 15
Sitting by her mother’s bedside Mackenzie was struck by how frail she was. She looked like a frightened teenager trapped in an adult’s body. Which in most respects was exactly what she was. Mentally, her mother never grew up. The doctor had given her a sedative and she now slept.
It was early and the hospital was quiet. Mackenzie couldn’t relax; she sat hunched in the chair watching her mother intently for any movement. She wanted to ask her why she had done it, why she had been so stupid but according to the doctor, she would be out until the evening. She didn’t like the fact that they had her handcuffed to the bed. She was no threat, not in this state.
A nurse came into the room to check the monitors, “You don’t have to stay here all day,” she said.
“Yes, I do.”
“Well, you won’t be alone; your husband is right outside.”
It had been a long day and that statement threw her completely, “My what?”
The nurse looked confused, “Your husband? Tall, dark hair, really good looking.” She pointed out the window to the hallway. Mackenzie stood to get a better look. Taryn was sitting on a chair, scowling.
“He is your husband, isn’t he?”
“Apparently so. Sorry my head is a bit fried after everything. We haven’t been married that long; I guess it’s weird hearing him being called my husband.”
The nurse gave her a sympathetic smile, “I know this all must be very stressful for you.”
The nurse left and Mackenzie waved Taryn into the room, mindful of the guard that was posted outside. Taryn came in and shut the door.
“So let me get this straight, you have a problem with me pretending you’re my boyfriend but you told the nurse you’re my husband?”
“They only let family in. We should go back to the apartment, it isn’t safe here.”
“You could have said you were my brother,” she said.
“Does it matter? Let’s go.”
“I’m not leaving my mother.”
“I have spells around the apartment but I can’t put them around here or they’ll be noticed. You’re vulnerable here.”
“My mother is vulnerable. I’m not leaving her.”
“You are one of the most argumentative brats I have ever met in my life,” he hissed, “I will drag you out of here.”
“Go ahead; I’m sure that cop won’t mind.”
Her mother stirred, muttering something.
“Mom?” she moved to her bedside and took her hand.
Her eyes fluttered open, “Baby?” she whispered.
“I’m here, mom. Why did you do it?”
“I’m so tired,” she said, her eyes closing again.
“If you stay here, you’ll put her in danger. Lucien wants you. He won’t attack here, it’s too public. She’ll be safe,” Taryn said.
She knew he was probably right, but that didn’t make her feel any better. “I’m coming back later. I want to be here when she wakes up.”
He nodded, knowing it was useless to argue.
“Sebastian?” Annie whispered.
“Mom?”
“He was here. I saw him.”
“You were dreaming.”
“No, I wasn’t. He was in my cell. He was asking about you and he was so angry.”
“Ssh, mom. Just rest.”
Murmuring something incoherent, she went back to sleep. When they left the room, O’Donnelly was waiting outside for her. “Detective,” Mackenzie said coldly.
“Miss...” he checked his notebook, “Murphy? I’ve been looking for you. I have some questions for you about a Mr. Beckman.”
“We’re in a hurry,” Taryn said, trying to steer her around him.
“And you are?” O’ Donnelly asked.
“Her brother.” Mackenzie kicked him.
“Boyfriend. Husband,” he stuttered.
O’Donnelly raised an eyebrow, “Which is it?”
“Pick one,” Taryn replied.
They walked away, “Real smooth,” Mackenzie whispered.
“I’ll be in touch, Miss Murphy,” O’Donnelly called. He didn’t chase her which hopefully meant he had nothing on her.
They drove back to the apartment in silence. Once inside Taryn collapsed onto the sofa. Mackenzie noticed the circles under his eyes, “When was the last time you slept?”
“I’m fine. I don’t need as much sleep as you.”
“Yeah, but still it has to be at least a couple of days.”
“I’ll sleep when all this is over.”
“You’re not going to be any good to me if you’re too tired to fight. Lie on the sofa for a while.”
“You won’t leave the apartment?”
“No. I’ll wake you if anything happens,” she promised.
He sprawled out on the sofa and closed his eyes. While he slept, Mackenzie went over the books again but she found it difficult to concentrate. She kept looking at the phone, terrified it would ring and it would be bad news about her mom. When it did ring she nearly leapt out of her seat.
“Hello?”
“Hello? That’s all you have to say for yourself? I’m going crazy down here.”
“Rhonda? Oh, God I forgot to call you.”
“You were supposed to come here days ago. I’ve been ringing constantly,” she said.
“I’m sorry. I decided to take a detour to my mom’s hometown first, looking for my dad and so much has happened.”
“Your dad? Did you find him?”
She took the phone into the bedroom, out of earshot of Taryn.
“He’s dead.”
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Are you still coming here?”
“Not right now. I have to help someone out. It’s hard to explain but I’ll come visit when I get it all sorted out.”
“Jeez, Mac, if it’s not one thing with you it’s another. Don’t leave me in the dark again.”
“I won’t. Speak to you soon.”
She was going to have to come up with an edited version to share with Rhonda. She returned to the table.
In one of the books, one thing caught her eye. There were tales of her father’s exploits. In the old days he was the apple of her grandfather’s eye. He led a war against the Duke’s and nearly decimated them. They rebuilt their ranks but between the three families they had nearly wiped each other out. Especially since ‘breeding’ with humans was no longer an option. That was what Cray meant by dying breed.
There was a knock at the door. She hurried to answer it, in case it woke Taryn. It was Kyle from downstairs. He was a skinny kid with long black hair and dark eyes.
“Hi Mac, I wanted to give you back your tools,” he handed her a canvas bag, “Thanks for the loan.”
“No problem, did you get the bike working?”
“Yeah, but I’ll probably never get to ride it, now mom knows about it.”
“She’s just worried about you. Count yourself lucky that you have a mom to look out for you.”
He looked sheepish, “I guess. I’ll see you later.”
She watched him walk back downstairs feeling a pang of envy. He didn’t know how easy he had it. She stepped back inside and was about to close the door when Kyle yelled, “Get off me.”
Mackenzie looked over the railing to see what was wrong. Kyle was being held by a man with a wrestler’s body, tattoos up and down both arms.
“Hey, let him go. I’m calling the police,” she threatened.
Kyle yelped as the thug tightened his grip around his throat.
Mackenzie ran downstairs to help him. The thug tossed Kyle aside as if he weighed nothing. She came to a halt, realizing too late that he was here for her.
He reached out a huge hand towards her, but she danced out of his reach. She crouched, went in low and punched him in the stomach. It felt like punching solid steel. She backed off, panting with the effort.
“Run Kyle,” she said.
He raced outside screaming for help. Mackenzie took advantage of the distraction
and swung her foot at the wrestler’s kneecap. He staggered slightly. Buoyed by the slight advantage, she dropkicked him in the chest, knocking him against the wall. She turned and was halfway up the stairs when a hand closed around her ankle. Pitching forward, she struck her head on the step pain exploding in her head. The edges of her vision went back.
She wasn’t sure how long she’d been out, but when she came to, the thug was dragging her down the stairs towards the exit.
“Taryn,” she mumbled. She didn’t have enough strength to yell. Pain sliced through her head and she couldn’t think straight. Sirens screamed in the distance. Kyle must have gotten help. The wrestler heard them as well and dropped her leg. She sighed in relief until she saw the huge knife he drew from a sheath on his belt. She drew her foot back and kicked him in the groin. As he doubled over, she took a chance by pulling the knife out of his hand and plunging it into his throat. His body fell on top of her.
Chapter 16
The police patrolled the alley searching for Mackenzie. O’Donnelly was among them. Now she’d never get him off her back. She watched from the rooftop above along with Taryn. He had woken up in time to get her out of the building before the police came in. They would no doubt want to question her about the dead body.
A wave of dizziness washed over her and she nearly pitched off the roof. Taryn caught her around the waist and led her away from the edge.
“I’m going to end up in a cell next to my mom,” she groaned.
“No you won’t,” Taryn said, unconvincingly. He was texting something on his phone. “We need to go see someone about the spell.”
“Are you listening to me? I’m going to jail. And I‘m pretty sure I have brain damage from all the knocks to the head.”
“Doesn‘t stop you talking, does it,” he muttered, “Trust me, by morning there won’t be a body to find.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you really think the demon world would leave a body lying around and risk exposure?”
“I guess not,” she said, “Does that mean someone moved Cray’s body?”
“Yes, I did. Come on, we need to go.” He led them across rooftops away from the police.
“Where are we going?”
“Downtown. Don’t worry we can steal a car.”
“And draw more attention to us? No, we’ll take the bus.”
“The what?”
“Bus. Big. Shiny. Runs on wheels.”
He scowled at her, “I know what a bus is.”
“Have you ever been on one?”
“Not exactly.”
“This will be an experience.”
She was supposed to be with her mother, not traipsing all over town avoiding the cops. What if her mother woke up and she wasn’t there? There were so many things she needed to ask her mother and if anything happened to her, she’d never find the answers.
They walked to the nearest bus stop. Mackenzie was glad to find she had enough change in her pocket, because she doubted Taryn carried any money. An old woman was seated on the bench, her bag in her lap. She glanced up at Mackenzie and smiled. Her gaze fell on Taryn and she quickly looked away.
“Can you at least try to blend in?” Mackenzie hissed. He was still wearing his long leather coat and one of his knives was showing on his belt. He covered it with his shirt.
When the bus arrived, they got on and sat in the back. Six punks, the seat of their pants hanging almost to their knees, covered with a over-long t-shirt, and rags around their heads, got on and started talking loudly and shouting insults at the bus driver. One of them sidled into the seat beside Mackenzie, grinning at her.
“Want to get with a real man baby?” he said.
“Yeah, sure, do you know one?” she retorted.
One of his friends laughed hysterically.
“You little...” he never got to finish. Taryn moved so fast the punk never had time to react. One minute his leering face was in hers, the next, he was clutching a bloodied nose. The bus driver slammed on the brakes, “That’s it! All of you off now.”
Mackenzie stalked along the street while Taryn strolled behind her. She was so pissed at him. She whirled on him. “Why is it everywhere we go there’s always a fight? I’m really starting to see a pattern here. You could have just ignored him.”
He simply stared at her, with an amused look on his face.
“New rule. If it’s demon, you deal with it. Human— I’ll handle it myself. Agreed.”
“Agreed.”
They walked downtown. The moonless night swallowed the heat of the day and she was freezing. She hadn’t had time to grab a coat and was wearing only a long sleeved top over a pair of jeans.
As they approached a garage, Taryn stopped, “When we get in let me do the talking. Don’t stare at him. He doesn’t like being associated with his old life. So don‘t say it, no matter what.”
“Say what? Who is this guy?”
“You’ll see.”
Mackenzie rolled her eyes. Was it somebody famous? Maybe it was Elvis. She snorted at the thought, and then wondered if it was possible.
The garage was dimly lit and grungy. Weak fluorescent lights created distorted shadows on the concrete walls. A heavyset man in a biker’s vest was working on a Harley. The only other vehicle in the garage was an SUV, with what looked like bullet holes in the side. Nice neighborhood.
“Klaus?”
He turned around and Mackenzie was disappointed to see that it wasn’t Elvis. He was about sixty with a long grey beard. He had two tattoos up his arm, one was of a baby-faced cherub carrying a bow and arrow and the other was what looked like a meteor. They seemed a little strange on a biker. Of course, she could hardly talk; she did have Ramone’s initials on her shoulder blade. He had broken up with her a week after she had it done, so she had it changed into a pair of angel wings. A little hypocritical now considering what she was.
“Well, I’ll be. A Duke come to see little old me. What do you want?”
“I have a list,” Taryn replied, handing him a slip of paper. Klaus glanced at it then laughed.
“What makes you think I’m going to help you?” He said squaring up to him. Mackenzie took a step back, waiting for the fireworks to start.
“Prague in ‘06?”
“Never going to let me forget that are you, you bastard,” Klaus gave a rumbling laugh and clapped Taryn on the back, “How are you boy?”
Mackenzie relaxed.
“Not great. I really need those things.”
Klaus looked at the list again, “No problem, I have most of it here. You’ll need to come back tomorrow for the rest.”
He glanced at Mackenzie, “Who’s the skirt?”
“The skirt can speak for herself,” Mackenzie said.
Taryn cleared his throat and shook his head at her. She glared at him, but closed her mouth.
“Just ignore her,” he said. He pulled Klaus aside, so they could talk in private.
Chauvinistic jerk, Mackenzie thought.
She strolled to the other side of the garage. Strange noises emanated from behind a door. She craned her neck to see if the guys were paying any attention to her and when she saw they were not, she pushed open the door and peeked in. Behind the door was a pen full of hay and inside the pen was a fully grown, real life, reindeer.
“Oh. My. God.”
Chapter 17
“I don’t believe it. It was really him?” Mackenzie asked, for the tenth time since they had left the garage.
Taryn sighed, “Yes, it was him,” he said, his impatience beginning to show.
“He’s really real. Are all the legends true?”
“He’s a nature deity. For years he granted people wealth in return for a sacrifice.”
“A sacrifice?” she repeated, losing her smile, “I’m assuming you don’t mean a chicken.”
“No, he preferred first born children.”
“Stop. I don’t want to hear anymore. You have single handedly destroyed my childhood
memories.”
“If it’s any consolation he tried to make up for it. In the late eighteen hundreds he visited poor children and gave them gifts.”
“Right before he ate them I suppose.”
“You did ask.”
Mackenzie fell silent lost in her own thoughts. A cold wind was blowing and she shivered. There was so much she didn’t know.
“Where are we supposed to go now?”
“I know somewhere we can go until morning.”
He led them to a warehouse district. They found one that had been abandoned and went inside. There was no heating, but at least they were sheltered from the wind. Taryn put up defensive spells to hide them for the night. Mackenzie sat on a crate with her arms around her knees watching him as he worked.
“So what was it like growing up with Lucien?” she asked, to fill the silence.
“I didn’t grow up with him. I lived with my mother until I was ten, and then my father took me from her. Lucien was a few years older, he wasn’t around much.”
“Where is your mother now?”
“She lives up state. Father provides her with an income and a house; in return she never contacts me.”
“That must be hard. I was reading those books you left for me, they kind of skip over the women in your family.”
“Women are mostly just for breeding.”
She raised an eyebrow at him.
“You know what I mean. My mom tried to keep me away from everything, teach me to be a normal kid.”
“She obviously never taught you chivalry,” she muttered.
“Meaning?”
“A normal guy would have offered me his coat by now.”
“Then I would be cold,” he said, seeming genuinely confused.
Mackenzie rolled her eyes, and started lining up some cardboard boxes on the floor to lie on. She lay down trying to get comfortable and closed her eyes. A short while later Taryn covered her with his coat. She smiled and drifted off to sleep.
“Mackenzie wake up,” Taryn whispered in her ear.
“What?” she murmured.
“Ssh, check the left pocket of my coat,” he said.
She slipped her hand into the pocket and pulled out the dagger inside. He took it and moved off.
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