“How’s it going, Derek?” Sarah asked.
The boy didn’t look up. His hair was combed neatly to the side, and he barely seemed to fit in the chair he was sitting in; his legs lengthened way past the seat. When we came close, Derek stood and took a hesitant step toward us, head still down, eyes staring at the shiny object in his hands. Suddenly, he thrust it toward me, revealing what he’d been working on.
My eyes lowered, and I opened my mouth to say thank you, but instead a scream tore through my lungs.
30
I screamed again and fell to the ground, crawling backwards away from the strange teenage boy. In his open palm was an exact replica of the silver necklace Boaz had given me.
Sarah stared at me with her mouth open, eyes wide.
“Get away from me,” I cried, but the boy took several more steps toward me.
The door at the end of the hallway flew open and out stepped a man with brown curly hair. He moved quickly toward Derek and spun him around away from me. “Derek, let me see what you made.”
With the necklace no longer in view, I relaxed a little, but my heart still raced.
Sarah kneeled beside me. “Are you okay?”
A few people from the cubicles had come rushing over. Sarah waved them away and said, “Nothing to see here. Get back to work!”
“What a beautiful necklace. May I hold it?” the brown-haired man asked Derek. The man’s back was to me. He was several inches taller than me and broad shouldered.
Derek shook his head vehemently and again thrust the necklace toward me.
“Who is that?” I asked Sarah.
“Derek Asher, an autistic boy who works here. He’s completely harmless, I swear.”
I looked up, my gaze meeting that of the boys. His wide-set eyes were gray and full of innocence, something I had never seen in anyone else before. I stood up slowly and reached for the necklace. It was cool to the touch.
“Did you make this for me?” I asked, keeping my focus on Derek. The tin necklace felt like a thousand pounds in my hands.
Derek smiled but didn’t answer. Instead, he walked by us, taking extra care not to touch me as he passed. I stared after him until he disappeared around the corner.
“I’m sorry about that, Eve,” the man said. “I should’ve been more prepared.”
That voice. I turned to him. His hair was shorter on top and there were lines in his face he didn’t have before, but I recognized him. “Charlie?”
The corners of his mouth turned up slightly, and he nodded.
Surprising even myself, I threw myself to him and buried my head into his chest, tears blurring my vision. He stroked the back of my head tenderly and guided me into an office, shutting the door behind us.
After a minute, I calmed down and pulled away from him. “I’m sorry.” I sniffed. “It’s just so good to see you.”
“It’s about time. I was starting to doubt my abilities,” he said, motioning me to sit down in a plush, high-backed blue chair. He sat across me, bringing his bent, right leg up to rest upon his left knee. Behind him was a mahogany desk; a vase of red roses and a neat stack of papers sat upon its top.
Although it had only been seven years, Charlie looked much different than I remembered. There were deep lines between his eyebrows and a two-inch scar on his right cheek. His eyes had changed the most. They were still green, but no longer sparkled with life. They reflected the pain I had read in his letters.
“How was the drive?” he asked.
“It was fine. I’m just glad that it’s over and that I’m finally here. Sorry it took me so long.”
“You came exactly when you were supposed to.”
I cleared my throat. “Yeah, well, thanks again for taking care of me for so long. And for the letters. They meant a lot to me.”
He chuckled uncomfortably and shifted his position on the chair. "I wasn't sure you were reading them. Honestly, they meant a lot to me too. Writing them was cheap therapy."
It was my turn to squirm. "I didn't read them until a couple of weeks ago, but I wish I would've. I might've come back much sooner."
"You took the time you needed."
I shook my head. "I owe you so much."
“You don’t owe me anything. The work you’re going to do will more than make up for any debt you’ve incurred.”
I immediately tensed, not because I didn't trust him, but because I was afraid of using magic. “What kind of work?”
“Let’s get the formalities over with, and then we can talk about your future.” Charlie reached for the nearby desk and removed a thick manila envelope from off its top. He reached inside and removed several papers. “As your parent’s only child, upon their death, you inherited everything.” He handed me a single sheet.
“My mother?” I asked.
“She died four years ago. There was an earthquake, and the facility she was being held in collapsed, killing everyone inside. It was a terrible disaster.”
Both my parents were dead.
“You’ve inherited everything,” Charlie said. “We transferred the funds to a Swiss bank account under an alias. I hope you don’t mind, but we didn’t want to give anyone the ability to track you. If you’d just sign this paper, then everything will be transferred to your new name: Eve Andrews.”
"But don't people think I died?"
He shook his head. "Only missing. Your body was never found in the fire. After your mother passed, we filed paperwork showing you were alive, and then created the new identity. It was all done in secret. There's not a chance anyone will find out who you really are."
I glanced down at the paper. The dollar amount was staggering. “This is all mine?”
Charlie nodded.
“What will I ever do with this much money?”
“Whatever you want.”
I set the paper in my lap.
“What made you finally come?” Charlie asked.
“Besides Nora threatening to beat me up? The desire to make things right. I’ve done some horrible things and wasted a lot of time doing nothing about it.”
“It wasn’t you.”
“But it was me, specifically my stupidity that caused it all. I let my hunger for black magic consume me, and I’m still not sure I’ve rid myself of it. “
“Time will fix that, or I should say what you choose to do with your time. We’ll help you, too.”
I tightened my jaw. “How?”
“By teaching you to use your abilities correctly.”
“What?” I asked, my heart racing again.
“We’ll teach you to use them for good,” he clarified.
“I’ve heard that before. I’m not using magic again. I think there’s been a mistake.” I stood nearly knocking my chair backwards.
“Eve, that’s not what I meant. Please, sit back down, let me explain.”
I hesitated, searching his eyes. I knew this man. In his letters, he had admitted to being afraid of the dark for years and learning to overcome this fear. He'd spoke of having children with Moira. He told me his weaknesses and insecurities. This was a man I could trust; his eyes spoke the truth. I returned to my seat.
“Because of the experiences you’ve had in life,” Charlie began, “you’ve only been taught to fear and to hate. Do you think only negative emotions give you power?”
I glanced down, my gaze finding my worn brown loafers.
“There are other emotions you can use that aren’t dark,” he continued. “Emotions that don’t fill you with the anger you despise. You can feel hope, love, peace—all the feelings that are good in this world. These emotions are far more powerful than what you’re used to feeling, and they will give you the ability to use your gift in ways you never thought possible.”
“But will it change me?”
He smiled big, finally reminding of the man I first met in those woods so long ago. “Of course, but for the better. Love has a funny way of growing inside you to the point where you’re no longer aware of yourself,
and you become consumed with the desire to help others.”
“I don’t think it’s possible for me to feel anything good,” I whispered.
“Nonsense. We’ll help you find love even in something as small as a flower.” He glanced at the roses sitting on the desk.
“Does anyone else here know about me or other supernaturals like vampires and demons?” I asked.
Charlie’s expression grew serious. “It is for you to tell who you want about yourself, and as for the real monsters of the world, well, we can’t tell just anyone. A few of us know the truth, but most people have to be eased into such things. Their sanity depends upon it.”
“What of the boy? How did he know about the necklace?”
“Derek?” Charlie clasped his hands together, pointer fingers up, and placed them under his chin in a thoughtful expression. “He has the ability to see the past and future and expresses it through art. We found him in an orphanage in England when he was nine and adopted him.”
I frowned. “The Deific adopted a boy?”
“No, no, of course not. It was Henry who adopted him.”
“Who’s Henry?”
“He is the founder of the Deific. He recognized Derek’s abilities right away and thought he’d be better off here. Derek lives upstairs in an apartment, and then works here after school doing odd jobs.”
“So Henry lives upstairs, too?”
Charlie cleared his throat. “No, Derek lives with a nanny, but Henry visits him often.”
“Why would he adopt a boy and then not take care of him?”
“It’s complicated. You’ll see soon enough. Henry is anxious to meet you when you’re ready.”
I was curious to meet the man who could start such an organization. I stopped suddenly and sat up straight. “Something’s not right, Charlie. You said Henry started the Deific, correct?”
“Yes.”
“But that’s impossible. You told me the Deific has been around for hundreds of years. If he’s the founder then he must be extremely old.” I shook my head, trying to understand. “He would be too old unless—” My head snapped up, and I stared at Charlie in disbelief.
He was shaking his head. “You weren’t supposed to find out like this. He wanted to be the one to tell you.”
A vampire. “How is it possible that a vampire could start something that does good in the world?”
“How is it impossible? Didn’t you say that a vampire once helped you?”
I hesitated, thinking of the vampire with the sorrow-filled eyes. He had helped me and not just by saving me from Alarica. Somehow he transferred light into me when we had touched, and it spotlighted all of the terrible things I’d done. I’m not sure I would’ve questioned Boaz had I not met the vampire in the park.
“We are all free to choose,” Charlie said.
I opened my mouth to speak, but he up his hand and stood. “You can ask Henry your questions when you meet him. He’s much better at explaining all of this than I am. Until then, you can stay in an apartment upstairs until you find your own place to live. Sarah will show you the way.”
I followed him to the door. “And what do I do with myself in the meantime?”
“Tomorrow Sarah will have you meet with one of our specialists to help you better understand your gift. It’s important that you learn to use magic the right way.”
“I will do this, but I want one thing in return.”
“Name it,” he said, his hand resting high on the door jam.
“I want your help finding someone.”
“Who?”
I took a deep breath, and on my exhale said, “The vampire who saved me from Alarica.”
31
When Charlie didn’t say anything, I asked it again. “Please. I need to find this vampire.”
“Why is he so important to you?”
“I’m not sure, but I felt something with him, a connection somehow. I know that sounds weird, but for some reason, I feel it’s important that I find him.”
“Then we will help. I’ll speak to Henry about giving you access to our private database.”
I thanked him and gave him another hug. Sarah was waiting outside to escort me upstairs.
“So, what do you think?” she asked, after walking me through the three-bedroom apartment. “It’s not super chic, and could use some major updating, starting with getting rid of this tan carpet, but at least it’s clean. That’s more than you can say for a lot of other apartments in the city.”
“I think it’s perfect,” I said, trying to hide my enthusiasm. It was almost twice the size of the cabin with a living room, office, and a large kitchen. “And it’s so warm.” The one thing the cabin hadn’t been.
Sarah scrunched her nose. “It’s actually freezing in here. The thermostat hasn’t been turned up in like forever.”
“Compared to what I’m used to, this is warm. I think I’m going to like it here.”
***
I woke early the next morning feeling better than I had in a long time. I looked forward to being around others and learning more about the Deific and myself. In the closet, I found a note from Charlie that read: “I hope these clothes fit and are to your liking. Sarah picked them out.”
I smiled. Charlie hadn’t lost his touch when it came to knowing what I needed.
I dressed quickly in black slacks and a long sleeve white blouse. I pulled my hair back into a loose ponytail, applied a little makeup, and called it good. Downstairs, the Deific hummed with production. It was 8:30 am.
“Good morning, Eve. Did you sleep well?” Sarah asked. Her eyes twinkled and she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk.
“I did, thanks. And thank you for the clothes. They’re great.”
“Are you sure? Cause we could go shopping together and you could pick out something more your style.”
“No, really, the clothes are perfect, but I would like to go out and see the city sometime. Maybe you could show me around?”
“Absolutely. We’ll have a girl’s night out.”
“That will be nice. Is Charlie in yet?”
“Yup. Office number 452. Same room you were in yesterday. You remember how to get there?”
“I think so. Thanks.”
I made my way through the cubicles, having to turn around a few times, until I finally found Charlie’s office.
“Come in,” he said when I neared the doorway. He closed the laptop in front of him and leaned back in the chair behind his desk. The lines between his eyebrows were etched deeper than yesterday, and his mouth was pulled tight. “How are you today?”
“Better than you by the looks of it. You okay?”
“Nothing you need to worry about. Today I want you focusing solely on your training with Dr. Skinner.”
“Who’s that?”
“One of the most remarkable men you’ll ever meet. He has an insight on life that will change a person, if they’re open to it.”
***
I opened the door to Dr. Skinner’s office. A balding, heavy-set man greeted me. “You must be Eve.”
He stood and walked around his desk to shake my hand. He was barely taller than me, with brown hair that was tousled on top of his head in curly waves. When I took hold of his palm, I glanced into his steady brown eyes and felt at ease.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said.
“Oh, no, the pleasure is all mine. Have a seat.”
I eased myself into a chair and looked around. Except for a giant framed photo hanging on the wall behind his desk and a vase of roses, the room was void of personal belongings. The picture was a black and white photo of a young girl whose eyes seemed too narrow for her face. She had dark hair pulled into thick pigtails and was smiling cheerfully. But the smile didn’t come from her small upturned lips—it was in her eyes.
“I know you just got here yesterday, but have you had a chance to visit with Charlie much? I know you two are close.” He lowered himself back into his seat.
My
gaze dropped to the floor. “It feels strange to say that we are close when we've only seen each other a couple of times, yet I still consider him my closest friend.”
"Letters will do that. They can be extremely personal."
"You know about the letters?" I asked.
"I was the one who suggested he write to you. I figured it would be a good outlet for him, while also giving you a way to still connect to this world." He leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “I hope you know he expects nothing from you. Charlie spoke of you often while you were away, wondering how you were doing. He really cares about you.”
I remained still in guilty silence. Couldn't I have at least written a stupid letter?
“He was happy when he heard you were returning, but I don’t think he was very surprised.”
I looked up. “What do you mean?”
“A couple of days ago, he told me an old friend was coming to visit. I wasn’t sure what he meant, but I knew better than to question him. Sure enough, you showed up. Charlie’s ability is as sure as the rising sun. I never doubt it.”
I nodded in agreement.
“Do you want anything to drink?” he asked.
“No, thank you, but I would like to begin. I was hoping to visit with Charlie more. Something was bothering him when I saw him earlier, and I want to see if I can help.”
Dr. Skinner nodded slowly. “The last several years have been rough for Charlie. I just hope one day he can let the past go so he can live life again.”
I swallowed hard. “What happened to him?”
“That’s his story to tell, which I’m sure he’ll share with you when he’s ready.” Dr. Skinner opened a drawer and removed a gray folder. “I’ve looked over your file, and I must say, you’ve led a very difficult life.”
My lips tightened. “It’s in the past. Can we talk about something else?”
He observed me carefully, then said, “I understand you are different from most witches in the sense that it is your emotions that give you the ability to use magic, correct?”
The Devil's Fool (Devil Series Book One) Page 21
