by Michael Todd
Katie smirked. “Hell, yeah! You know I can down the damn donuts. Let me ask you a question. Do you like working here?”
The girl at the counter shrugged. “We’re not demon-angel mercenaries saving the world or anything, but it’s not a bad gig.” Two more employees came from the back, cautiously peeking around a rack of donuts.
Katie wiggled her finger at the cashier. “How long have you guys known about me?”
One of the guys hiding behind the rack of donuts laughed. “Probably since the first time you came in here. Maybe the second time, after we saw you on the news.”
The other guy chimed in, “We try to keep it on the DL for you, though, because we knew you wouldn’t want to come in here to enjoy a dozen donuts around a whole bunch of people holding signs.”
Katie clapped her hands. “I like you guys. Now, pack me up three dozen, and I’ll be out of your way.”
They went to work packing up three dozen assorted donuts, and Katie paid them quickly. She took two hundred dollars from her purse and stuffed it in the tip jar with a jaunty wink. Before she left, she flashed her eyes red. She heard the cashier gasp and call the guys over as the door shut behind her.
Pandora cleared her throat. Are you going to answer me?
If you want to know my heart, you have to promise to open yours.
Pandora sighed. Well, fuck.
5
“Did you pack up all the tablets from the guardhouse?” Calvin asked Joshua.
Joshua looked down his clipboard. “Yep. All packed.”
“You’re always on top of it, dude.”
Calvin’s phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out. The general’s name flashed on the screen. He turned his back to the group and put the phone to his ear. “General, everything okay?”
The general walked to his office door and closed it. “Yeah, how’s everything going over there?”
Calvin watched as several people carried boxes toward the helipad. “It’s going. A little at a time but we’re getting there.”
“Good, good. And how are Korbin and Stephanie doing? I know they got their memories back, but how are they adjusting to the mercenary lifestyle?”
Calvin took in a deep breath and blew out his cheeks. “They’re adjusting faster than I thought they would. Korbin’s kind of falling back into things, but he recognizes that it’s been a while and things have changed. He’s taking it one step at a time. He’s using the consultants whenever he can and listening to us about our concerns. He’s good about learning what we know about being mercenaries.”
“That sounds promising. And how’s Stephanie?”
Calvin chuckled. “Loving being a merc again.”
The general sat down in his chair and leaned back, taking a pause. “I’m glad to hear it. I was actually wondering if you had a few minutes to chat?”
Calvin pointed to a group of men and directed them to the next item that needed to be loaded onto the plane. “About?”
The general didn’t beat around the bush, just got straight to the point. “Katie.”
Calvin pointed to Joshua and then to his phone. Joshua gave him a thumbs up, he had everything under control. Calvin walked away from the noise, putting one finger in his ear. “Okay, I’m all yours.”
“Today was an interesting day. I got a call from the NYPD. There was a robbery, or I should say an attempted robbery. Katie took care of things before they had a chance to go downhill,” the general explained.
“And that’s a bad thing?”
The general chuckled. “No, it’s just that the way she did it was a little bit odd. She was aggressive. Even brutal. She threatened a guard after the robbery was dealt with. I guess I’m kind of worried about Katie and the possibility of PTSD after her last fight.”
Calvin was shocked, but he recovered. “She’s been through a lot of tough things as a mercenary. It would surprise me if this was what broke her, but I guess I’ve seen stranger things.”
The general shook his head. “I know that. I also know that I asked her to fight the Leviathan. Maybe I asked too much of her this time. I’m starting to think it might’ve been a mistake. She seems to have come back a bit changed.”
Calvin sat quietly for a minute, thinking about the general’s words. He had not touched base with Katie since she had finished that mission. “Changed how?”
The general put his fingers to his lips. “It’s hard to explain. She’s a lot harder. She’s not the Katie I know.”
Calvin considered carefully before responding. “It’s still Katie. I’ve seen something like this a couple of times. Listen, I can talk to her, but I would have to go to New York to do it. It’s not really a conversation I want to have over the phone.”
The general grumbled, but he had to agree. “No, it’s not a conversation you can have over the phone. At the same time, I need that base moved. The demons know where you are, and there’s no concrete evidence to suggest they won’t attack again, especially now that they know your weaknesses. That armory is what’s going to keep us alive right now, and I can’t have it taken by Moloch and his cronies, not after what I just saw.”
Calvin could tell from the general’s voice that he was extremely stressed. He softened his tone. “General, you trusted her to save the world, so why is this so much harder?”
“I don’t know how to explain it. I guess I don’t have an answer for you. Katie’s become a very important person to me, both professionally and personally. I’ve never seen her act like the Katie I saw today on those tapes. I’ve only seen her act that way when Pandora takes over. To be honest, even Pandora didn’t seem as rough-and-tumble as Katie looked today.” The general hated to say it, but it was true.
Calvin looked at the others, remembering what it was like for him and Katie after Korbin and Stephanie had left the team. “General, I hate to hear that she’s going through this and I can’t be there. However, I’ve seen her ups and downs. I’ve seen the worst and the best, and I’m pretty sure she’s going to be okay. Whatever happened between her and this Leviathan in hell, I’m sure it took a serious toll on her, but I don’t think it broke her. Give her some time to come around. My guess is that Pandora is already working on her. If you noticed it, you can be damn sure Pandora did too.”
The general nodded. “I appreciate you taking my call, Calvin, and I’ll give your words some thought. Good luck with your move. If you need anything, let me know.”
The general hung up, and Calvin stood there in the sand, watching one of the choppers take off. He hoped whatever was going on wasn’t as bad as the general thought.
Katie stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom. She fastened the catch to a long dangling necklace and adjusted the pendant so that it sat in her cleavage. She swished her hair back and forth on her shoulders and tugged the edge of her miniskirt. Her tight black top stopped just above her midriff, and her skirt came up snugly right above her waist, leaving a little bit of flesh showing around the middle. Her breasts were pushed upward by a French lace bra that was a size too small.
Angie walked past her open door and glanced in, stopping in mid-stride. She let out a loud whistle and walked into the room with her hands on her hips. “Somebody’s looking to score tonight!”
Katie laughed it off with a shake of her head. “Just felt like a little sex appeal was in order after being covered in soot and cuts.”
“Well, you hit it right on the head.”
Before Angie could turn away, Katie stopped her. “Angie, did I leave my keys here the other night? You know, the night I…” Katie paused, then continued, no matter how insane it sounded. “The night I went to hell and came back.”
Angie furrowed her brow. “No, you always put your keys on your belt. You took them with you that night.”
“That’s what I was afraid of. I must’ve left them in the other dimension. Would you make me a new copy of the condo key?”
Angie chuckled. “Sure, though I don’t think I’m going to tell the front d
esk that I need a new key because you left the other one in another dimension.”
Katie smirked. “Probably a smart move.”
Katie breezed through the condo to the front door, pausing when she realized Pandora hadn’t said a single thing, not even one snarky comment about her sex appeal. She shrugged her shoulders and closed the door before taking the elevator downstairs. When she stepped off, the doorman was standing there with his hand out and a smile on his face. Katie let him take her hand and help her off the elevator. “You look lovely tonight.”
Katie smiled. “And you know just what to say to the ladies.”
The doorman led her to the concierge desk and then down the hallway. “I think it’s best that you go out the side door tonight. Maybe we can keep from having another fight in the street.”
Katie looked at him abashedly. “Sorry about that. Oh, do you think I could get a new set of keys?”
The doorman held up a set of keys for her. “Angie already called down.”
Katie took the keys and nodded. “Sorry about losing the other ones, but I wouldn’t worry about it. I don’t think anyone’s going to find them where I left them.”
The doorman gave her a funny look as she walked outside. Almost everyone walking past eyed her, not because they recognized her but because of how hot she looked. She slid on her dark glasses and grabbed a cab. She was on her way to a nightclub, and she was really surprised Pandora hadn’t asked yet where they were going. In fact, it was absolutely silent in her head.
When she reached the club, a bouncer took one look at her and her six-inch heels and immediately pulled the rope from the VIP section, welcoming her in. She didn’t look at the hipsters waiting in line or the doorman, just walked straight up to the bar. The bartender stopped what he was doing and walked to her. “What can I get you?”
She kept her glasses on. “I’ll take a whiskey on the rocks.”
The bartender shot her with a finger-pistol and walked off. Katie turned and leaned against the bar, staring at all the people dancing and talking around the club. The bartender slid the glass across to her and inclined his head. “It’s on the house.”
She smiled and turned back to the crowd. Look at these men. I’m going to play a game. Let’s see. That one in the corner over there, with the tight jeans and tight black shirt. At first glance, I’d say he’s at least an eight, but after you watch him for a while, it’s obvious he hasn’t gone shopping in about a decade. It’s the same with the guy across from him. I give him longer since he’s gone because he has a dragon on the back of his shirt. They haven’t made those shirts since 1993.
Pandora could hear everything she was saying, but it wasn’t like Katie. Katie didn’t seem to care that Pandora wasn’t responding. She picked up her drink and walked across the room, standing on the edge of the dance floor. Now, that guy, however, is definitely at least a 9.5. Those muscles are huge! Fuck it. I don’t want to be here any longer than I have to, so why not make it an early night and grab him now?
Pandora was torn. This was her scene, but she knew whatever was going on wasn’t healthy. She wasn’t going to let Katie go home with some random guy. She started to fight against Katie’s movement toward him, making her struggle as she walked. I don’t think this is a good idea, Katie. It’s not the night for that, and I can sense he’s not worth it.
Katie pouted. But I want to get some!
Do you really, or are you just being destructive? I think you should go home and think about this. I’m not trying to be Debbie Downer, but seriously, you’re making some very drastic moves here. You know me. I’m all about you getting laid, so you know that if I’m saying no, there has to be something to it.
She stutter-stepped across the dance floor. Katie strained with all her might, but Pandora fought her to a standstill. You want to fight me on this? I’ll make you wet yourself.
You wouldn’t.
Try me.
Katie finally gave in and allowed Pandora to take her back across the club. She wasn’t happy about it, though. You’re such a bitch. All you do is moan because I don’t get any, but when I finally want to get a little sweaty, you throw a fit.
Pandora got her out of the club and onto the sidewalk. Trust me, you’ll thank me for it in the morning.
I really don’t think I will. I think I’ll be just as horny as I am now. You're a goddamned hypocrite. You can’t push me to be who you want me to be and then pull back when I finally become her.
Pandora sighed. All I’m saying is that you need to think about it. You’re on some crazy streak right now, and I’m saving you from yourself. Stop being a damn asshole and just hail a cab.
Katie stomped her foot. You know what? Why don’t you just take over? I’m going to sleep.
With that, Katie’s voice faded into the background, and Pandora found herself in the driver’s seat. She looked down at her heaving breasts and shook her head. That hadn’t been her intention, but if that was what it took to get her out of destructive mode, she wasn’t going to complain about it.
I guess it’s just me by myself now. That’s fine. I need to think about some stuff anyway.
“Would you like another glass of wine?” the waitress asked Pandora.
Pandora gave her a kind smile. “Yes, please.”
The waitress poured the wine into her glass and walked away, leaving Pandora alone. She was sitting in a cafe on the roof of the very tall building in the middle of town. She was right on the edge of the roof and could see the whole city, including the dark river to the east. She watched the specks of light from the boats, and her mind began to wander. Until that moment, Pandora had only focused on one thing—being a badass demon inside Katie.
Sitting there in the hot summer air watching the twinkling city lights, she began to wonder about her future, and she couldn’t help worrying about Katie. Katie was only human, even if she did have angel DNA and a demon inside her. If Pandora didn’t have Katie, she couldn’t go back home to hell. She was too different now. She’d changed.
Pandora took a sip of wine and sat back in her chair, listening to the conversations around her. People were talking about business, relationships, and everything else normal human beings would talk about in a rooftop restaurant late at night. It was almost refreshing to Pandora. In fact, she was so lost in her thoughts that when she heard the voice next to her, it made her jump in her chair.
“May I sit with you?”
6
Pandora turned and found herself looking at a silver belt buckle. Interesting. She ran her eyes up the man’s body, which included a flat stomach and a broad chest under a white shirt and suit coat. His shoulders bulged under the coat. On top of it all was Gabriel’s smiling face. Aw, shit.
He was wearing a bright silver tie that almost perfectly matched his hair, which was pulled back into a ponytail. His shimmering blue eyes let her know he meant her no harm.
Pandora gestured at a chair across from her. “If you must.”
Gabriel sat down. “Good to see you, Pandora.”
Pandora took a sip of her wine and lifted a skeptical eyebrow. “Is it?”
Gabriel waved his hand, making it so no one around them could hear their conversation. He smiled at her, staring with his penetrating angelic eyes. “Yes. It’s not every day that I’m surprised.”
Pandora tilted her head. “It didn’t use to be for me, either, but I find myself shocked more and more. What did I do to surprise you?”
“You had an opportunity to stay in hell.”
Pandora barked out laughter. “You saw that, did you?”
Gabriel picked up an empty glass in front of him. By the time it reached his lips, it was filled with water. “No, but I was told about it. I’m not omniscient.”
Pandora snorted, not at all impressed by his magic tricks. “When has that stopped you from assuming what happened?”
Gabriel shrugged his shoulders slightly. The waiter smiled as she came over, and Pandora quickly tipped back her glass, finish
ing her wine. “I’ll have another. One for my guest as well, please.”
“Right away.” The waitress hurried away.
Pandora glanced at Gabriel. “Unless you want to transform your water into cabernet?”
“That wasn’t me.”
“Oh, right. It’s been a while since I read anything. They have movies here. Very exciting.”
Gabriel nodded calmly. “Where is Katie?”
Pandora snorted. “Sleeping off a bender, believe it or not. I made her leave a club, and she threw a hissy fit. She just gave up and told me to take over. Before I knew it, she was fast asleep. If I hadn’t been paying attention, we would have face-planted right there on the concrete. I wasn’t ready to go home, so I came here for a nice glass of wine and some peace and quiet. Apparently peace and quiet are in short fucking supply.”
Gabriel ignored her last line. “This is a lovely restaurant. The view is absolutely gorgeous. I’m surprised to see you in a place like this. I would have assumed you would still be at the club, doing whatever it is that you do.”
Pandora smirked. “You know what it is I do.”
The waitress came back over and poured two glasses of wine. Gabriel thanked her and lifted the glass to his lips to take a sip. He closed his eyes as he swished it around and swallowed. “Good stuff. You always knew your reds and whites.”
Pandora shrugged. “After all the time I’ve spent here, I should know the good from the bad.” Gabriel smirked at her and Pandora cut her eyes at him. “Wine-wise, at least.”
Gabriel set his glass down. “Michael asked me to tell you hello.”
Pandora snorted. “You can tell him to go fuck himself.”
Gabriel chuckled. “That was the expected response. It seems you know how to hold a grudge.”
Pandora snorted, exasperated. “It’s only been ten thousand years, give or take a few. What does he expect?”
Gabriel shrugged, not thrown off by Pandora’s outburst. “Not much, really. He just wanted me to pass along his greeting.”
