by May, W. J.
“What do you mean?”
“The stuff she accused me of, she was doing, and more.” He shuddered as if cold. “She’s like schizophrenic or bipolar without meds or something. Her other side is frightening, like a serial stalker – probably way worse. I found out she was using people like you as play things, pawns in her game. Corrupting them to do her bidding. She did all the things I detested that Shadows were capable of.” Erebus shook his head. “She hid everything from me, and I never caught on.” His voice dropped.
“You never knew?” There was disbelief in her voice.
His stomach dropped. How he hated himself for it. “I didn’t. I should have, but the sweet side of her seemed so real. Plus the whole Shadow-thing is different. It wasn’t like we lived together. My studio apartment here is the first physical place I’ve lived, besides a phone booth. Nanny’s some psycho-schizophrenic.”
“How’d you find out? If you’d been together already five years, how did you figure it out?” Aurora’s head tilted to one side, like she was trying to sort through some tough math equation.
“Nanny’s pretty fearless and bold. Hmmm… maybe stupid’s a better word. Since I didn’t catch on in the beginning, I think she grew sloppy. Or she didn’t care anymore if I found out.” An ironic laugh escaped his lips. “I didn’t believe it at first, but I found the proof soon enough. She recorded a lot of her, uh, exploits. Sick, hey? When I found out she’d done something even worse…” He pictured the scene in his head, closing his eyes. “There was this married couple. She broke into their house, stole from them, and physically assaulted them. She didn’t need their money, or anything but she got some stupid kick out of their fear. After she was done with them, she kept them naked and tied to their bed. She beat them with whatever she could find in the room. She tortured them!” He let out a shaky breath and held his hand up to stop Aurora from responding. “I had no idea. She had just seemed weird at the beginning of the night and told me three different stories of where she had to go. So I followed her. It must have already been going on for a night or two.”
“Oh my goodness.” Aurora covered her mouth.
“I didn’t know what. I was terrified she would kill them. So, I called her and asked her to meet me at a bar, anything to get her out of their house. As soon as she left, I rushed inside, untied them, and offered help.” He didn’t add how terrified they’d been of him, their courage broken. He’d run away the moment after he called the police.
“The police didn’t catch her?” Aurora sounded angry, her lawyer voice coming through again.
“Nanny may be crazy but she’s also extremely bright. On top of that, she’s a Shadow. There’s no record of her anywhere – no birth certificate, no Social Security Number, no bank account, nothing…” He let his voice trail off. There was no record of him anywhere, either. He didn’t really exist.
“So, it’s impossible to catch a Shadow.”
“You could say that.”
“What about the tapes you said you found?”
“I found them purely by mistake. I don’t use a bank, so I often hide the money I have. I uncovered her chest of videos. She’d neatly labelled and added star ratings on the damn things. I found them the night before I found the couple.” His shoulders slumped, and he dropped his head.
Aurora reached for his chin and brought his head up to look at her. “You reacted as soon as you found out. You saved those people.”
“Saved them? She broke their spirits, and I was too late for that. I let them live with the fear and nightmare of what she did.” He felt the same helpless feeling he’d been trying to bury for years.
“That’s not true. You didn’t do those things. She did. What did she do when you confronted her?”
Could he sink any lower tonight? Erebus whispered, “I didn’t.” He felt Aurora pull back in surprise. “I went to my handler, another guy like Janus, and told him. Then I left.”
“You just left?”
“Yeah. Ten years ago. I didn’t want to see her again.” He hoped, obviously in vain, that he would never see her again.
“I don’t get it. She shouldn’t be able to get away with what she did.”
“Oh, I don’t think she got away with it. I told our handler. She was punished according to our laws.”
“Your laws?”
“We have our own set of rules we’re to follow. If we don’t, we pay the price. We still have to live according to human laws within our realm. There’s a Night Council. It’s too complicated to explain.” And too dangerous to even talk about. If shadows had ears, who knew what could be listening. He’d just put both of them in terrible danger. That thought cleared Erebus’ head a moment. “I think I’ve said enough tonight.” Even he could hear the finality in his voice, firm but sure. “It’s getting late.”
Aurora opened her mouth to speak but then closed it. She pressed her lips into a thin line, one corner of her mouth puckering against her cheek. Aside from the darkness of the conversation, she looked adorable. Erebus knew he didn’t want to ever leave her.
“You’re a good man, Erebus. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.” Shifting in her seat, Aurora leaned towards him. “An’ you’re one fascinating Shadow.”
Unable to resist, he bent forward and kissed her lightly on her lips. She could bring him pure joy just with simple words. She’d called him Erebus instead of Aaron. For the first time in forever, he liked the way his name sounded. What he couldn’t believe was how she wasn’t disgusted in him, or what he was.
“I think you’re in denial. Probably shock,” he whispered. “You’re going to wake up tomorrow morning and run. You’re too calm to accept all of this.” Part of him was pleased, the other terrified tomorrow night she’d really be gone.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she said, as if reading his mind. “After spending the past few months with you, I know how you are. Everything seems so far-fetched at the moment, but also believable. I’m not sure why, but I feel it here.” She pressed a hand over her heart and then flashed a quick smile. “Plus, I don’t run away from challenges.”
“My little tough girl.” He grinned before his face turned serious again. He double checked the clock on the dash board. “It’s four in the morning, and you need to rest. Drive home, sleep, and digest what I’ve told you. I’ll find you tomorrow night. I promise.”
“You aren’t going to stay over?” she asked in a quiet, pleading voice. She leaned against him, slipping her fingers onto his neck and hair. Her smell and touch became intoxicating, her lips soft just when he needed their tenderness.
“My heart beats me senseless when you’re around,” he whispered, the words out of his mouth before he realized he’d said them. Would he ever figure out how to keep those personal feelings in his head, not straight out of his gob? He was glad Coty couldn’t know. He’d never let him live it down. Pulling Aurora tight to him, his heart hammered against his rib cage. He could barely concentrate with her this close. He had never known a heart could beat this strong.
He felt her smile against his chest.
“Does that mean you’ll stay over?” Her voice was muffled.
“Tempting. So very, excruciatingly tempting, but I think you really need to be on your own. I’ll tuck you in though.” He gently pushed her back, placing her hands on the steering wheel. He let his hand slide down and rest lightly on her thigh. As much as he wanted to stay, he also needed time to think and to find Janus. The latter as soon as possible actually.
Aurora shifted the car into drive and headed towards the park exit. Erebus jerked his head slightly. He turned back and squinted at the parking lot behind them. Aurora glanced in the review mirror.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Nothing. I thought I saw an animal standing near the grass.” He shifted around, refusing to look back again. His inner radar convinced him it wasn’t an animal but something else.
Chapter 3
Questions
Erebus shuddered
as he drew in the cold, fresh air. It took a few moments for his limbs to relax from the inner fear, only to tighten from the frigid temperature. It took a moment, but he shivered again as the reminder of last night’s events remerged: the conversation with Aurora, seeing Nanny, the bitter truth of what had happened in the past, then Aurora’s simple acceptance, taking her back to her apartment, and then it being too late to find Janus.
Focussing on his immediate situation, he caught hold of the pay phone just as his feet began to slip on the slick pavement. Snow covered the sidewalk, but black ice lay beneath. Regaining his balance, he glanced around to see the familiar café that stood a few blocks from his apartment. He followed the aroma and forced himself to ignore the urge to run into its warmth. The cold never seemed to bother him before, but tonight it felt glacial.
He was still paranoid about trying the booth in his apartment. What if it didn’t work since it was indoors? He’d work up the nerve one morning, but right now he had more pressing matters.
Once inside, he rubbed his hands together and blew on them as he waited for his turn in line. After ordering a large coffee and grabbing a newspaper, he settled into the nearest booth. Not focused on the cold, his brain seemed warm enough to allow him to think. He stared at his coffee, pondering the blackness of the brew with the black of his own Shadow life.
What had he done?
Aurora knew his secret. He’d just broken the most important law of Shadows by telling her. He knew he was already screwed, but that was unimportant. He had to protect her at all costs. If any Shadow knew, she was dead. He thought about the last Night Council meeting he’d attended and shuddered. He pictured Aurora in place of the girl who had begged for her life. He couldn’t get the terrible image out of his mind.
He flicked the porcelain mug, irritated. Instinct had him grabbing at the coffee cup and wrapping his hands around it to preventing it from toppling over. Hot coffee spilled onto his hand. Swearing under his breath, he reached for a napkin and wiped it off. It hadn’t burned but would be sticky later.
The distraction gave his head the moment’s rest it needed. First, he needed to speak to Aurora and warn her to keep quiet. It didn’t seem very likely this was something she’d be telling other people, but he still needed to take precautions. Her life meant more to him than anything ever had.
Second, he had to find a way to get rid of Nanny. It wouldn’t take her long to figure out something was going on between Aurora and him. She’d take pleasure in hurting him by doing something to Aurora. However, he also needed to find out what she wanted. She wouldn’t come looking for him without some sort of agenda.
He needed to make sure Nanny didn’t know where he lived. He’d have to find Janus and ask him to keep that information to himself. Too bad a Shadow couldn’t get a restraining order on another Shadow. The Night Council would laugh in his face if he tried to approach them. At least Janus knew his past situation with Nanny. He’d be willing to help.
Erebus sighed. Unless, of course, Janus found out about Aurora. He’d have to stand before the Night Council. Nothing would matter then. Aurora would be dead, and all because of him. The Night Council would force him to watch or participate before they came after him. Horrific pictures filled him again.
Gulping down the rest of his coffee, he headed out of the café to his apartment. He checked to make sure Nanny wasn’t lurking about and, assured of her absence, quickened his pace. Tapping in the numbers to his keyless entry, he dug in his coat as his cell began vibrating.
“Hello?” He started flipping lights on inside and hadn’t bothered to check the caller ID.
“Hiya.” Aurora’s voice sounded breezy. “You know how hard it has been to sit here all day and wait for it to get dark out? I’ve been dying to talk to you.”
Dying? More appalling pictures flashed in front of his eyes. “Is everything alright?” The pictures changed to images of Nanny stalking unsuspecting Aurora.
“I’m fine, silly. I just have ten thousand questions I want to ask and can’t wait to see you. Where are you?”
He sighed, his body relaxing from the tension he hadn’t even known had crept in. “I’m at my place.” It was probably best he stayed there tonight; less chance of anyone seeing him, or them, together.
“I’ll be over in ten minutes. Bye.” She hung up before he could reply.
Tossing his coat on the ottoman, he began pacing. What should he do? Who could he talk to? He hit Coty’s number and swore when Coty’s voice mail picked up after one ring.
“It’s me. Call me ASAP.” He flipped the phone shut, clenching it in his hand, then chucked it on the couch. With stiff legs, he walked around the room, pausing in front of the K-Six. He slid the door open and stepped in. Inside the booth, the heart beat pounding in his ears calmed. He could breathe normally again. He sagged against the glass and let his forehead rest against its coolness. His eyes closed automatically.
The vibration of his cell against the leather couch brought him back to the moment, and he rushed to get it.
“Coty.”
“Yeah, mate. You aren’t going to believe this.”
Erebus could tell Coty was shaking his head as he spoke. Erebus said nothing, just waited for the axe to fall.
“Nanny’s here. I’m not lying. I just saw her, in the freakin’ flesh. She’s looking for you. She drilled me for your number, where you’re at, and who, as she put it, was the blonde slut you were with last night.”
“You didn’t tell her.” Erebus’ heart raced, and his breathing came out in short gasps.
“Nada. No way am I telling her anything about you, your pad, or Aurora. You know, she’d kill everybody in this town to get to you. That is one crazy Shadow-bitch.”
Erebus sighed, collapsing on the couch. “I know. I need to find Janus before she does.”
“Shoot man, I’m sorry. I can’t help you there. I don’t see him again until Friday.” That was two days away.
“Do you have his cell?” Erebus had never asked Janus for it. They always met on Friday, so he’d never needed to get a hold of him.
“Nope. Never called him actually. I think your best bet’s to stay at your pad, use the K-Six, and wait till Friday. You don’t hang out with any other Shadows, except for me if it’s an emergency. Nanny’s not going to be able to find you. When Friday rolls around, Janus’ll find you before Nanny finds him.”
“I think she’s already spoken to Janus. She knew his name.” Erebus forced his shoulders to relax. “You’re probably right though, I’ll find Janus before she does.” Should he tell Coty Aurora now knew everything? “Aurora’s coming over in a bit.”
“Are you crazy? Keep her away till after you talk to Janus. Knowing Nanny, she’s gonna follow her around to find you.”
Could Nanny already know where Aurora lived? It didn’t seem likely but it wasn’t a risk Erebus was willing to take. “I’m worried about Aurora’s safety.”
“Then get her to leave town. Doesn’t she live in Mexico or something?”
“Texas. That’s not a bad idea.” Erebus got up and walked to his bedroom. He pulled open the drawer of the nightstand to count his cash. He wouldn’t be able to get to the park to dig up more, at least not until he figured out Nanny’s intentions, or could be positive she wasn’t following him. He tucked his cell under his chin and half-listened to Coty babble while he counted. He had about a thousand dollars. It should be enough for a last minute flight to Texas. He stuffed it in his back pocket just as he heard a knock at the door.
“How’d you ever hook up with Nanny? I can’t imagine her ever being your type.”
“You don’t want to know. Hey, I gotta go. Aurora’s here. I’ll call you later.” Coty continued to babble as Erebus shut his cell. He ran his fingers through his hair as he walked towards the door. Biting the inside of his cheek, he forced himself to appear calm as he opened the door. “Aurora.”
“Hiya.” She kissed him on his cheek, brushing by and bringing the cool, fresh
air in with her.
He could smell sunshine in her hair as she stepped by. He savored it as he watched her strip out of her long winter coat and settle onto the couch, her face flushed with excitement.
“Okay. I’ve got a million questions and don’t know where to begin.” She tucked a leg underneath her and threw an arm over the back of the couch. “Did you know from the beginning you weren’t normal? Did you automatically know your Shadow was a phone booth? Or that it had to be a pay phone, not just any phone? How’d you know exactly when you have to step into one? Can you come out during an eclipse?” She inhaled, her mouth hanging slightly ajar, her eyes sparkling.
Erebus watched her from the still open door, a smile on his lips despite the seriousness of the situation. He closed the door and came around to sit on the ottoman facing the couch. “Slow down.” He placed a hand on her bouncing knee. Apparently when Aurora was around, he could put his terror on hold and drop everything to sit and chat with her.
“Sorry. I knew I should’ve written everything down. I work better in debate when I have everything written in front of me.” She tapped her fingernails on the couch. “It just blows my mind this is true, that you’re real.”
“I am, but so is the situation I’ve just put you in. No one can know about us.” He folded his hands in front of him, leaning forward. “My telling you is very, very serious. It goes against our laws. I’ve gotten myself into trouble, but worse, I’ve put you in danger.” He could feel a bead of sweat start on his forehead as he said the words aloud to her.
She looked undisturbed. “I’ll be fine. I’ll keep your dirty little secret.” She winked at him. “I just want to know how it all works and –”
“I’ll answer your queries, but right now, we need to figure out how to get you out of town.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out the cash. “I’ve got enough money for you to head back home for a few weeks. I just need time to figure things out and make sure you’ll be safe.” He stared at the money, unable to look at her face.
