Once Upon A Midnight

by Stephanie Rowe

  Rose gave a small smile, totally in character as she spoke, “I’m Marie O’Connell. I’d applied for a job and thought I’d come in person to try and get ahead of any other applicants.”

  “A job?” Valentine frowned as he glared down at her.

  “Yes.” Rose gave him another smile, even though they didn’t appear to be working on him. “I’m good with technology, computers, that sort of thing.”

  “I see.” Valentine ushered her inside the elevator when the doors pinged open.

  She went in slowly, looking all around as he joined her and hit a button that had the doors closing and the small tin can moving upwards quickly. “Shoot,” she let out as her stomach appeared to have been left on the ground floor.

  “First time?” He raised an eyebrow and she nodded.

  “Yes.” She looked all around again. “Seen them but never been in one that I can recall. Maybe as a kid but I don’t remember being in one.”

  “If you get the job you’ll be using them all the time.”

  Rose shook her head slightly, mindful of how it made her want to puke, again. “Stairs are fine for me. They’ll keep me fit.”

  “Whatever.” Valentine shrugged as the carriage stopped and the doors opened at a plush hallway, where two large guards were on duty outside a set of double doors.

  “On you go.” Val pointed. “I’ve got stuff to do but the boss is waiting for you.”

  “Okay, thanks.” She gave him another smile as she walked slowly toward the doors. “Game on,” she thought as one of the guards pushed open the door for her and she got her first glance of an impossibly lavish apartment.

  “And now it starts,” she thought as she straightened and walked inside.

  Chapter Eight

  As she entered the large space she took in the deep, lush cream carpet, sofas dotted around the space with several comfy looking, oversized armchairs in a dark red velvet. A bar was to her left and she noticed it was stocked with the very best of liquor brands. What she wouldn’t do for a good shot of a single malt right now.

  On the wall opposite the sofas, a large oil painting hung, dark and brooding. The subject being a rather creepy castle set high above a forest that seemed just as dark as the building dominating the picture. A shiver ran through her as she looked at it. Although beautiful in a way, it gave her the chills and she couldn’t think of a reason why anyone would have it on display.

  “Through here,” a voice shouted and she turned her head, seeing an open door to the left of the bar.

  Rose loosened her body as she walked towards the voice, wanting to appear weaker than she truly was. As she felt as if she’d been through a wringer that wasn’t hard to pull off. Her head kept spinning and she focused fully on putting one foot in front of the other. When she reached the door she peeked inside and saw the Vampire from earlier. The one whose shoes she’d puked on. Great!

  “Hello,” she said quietly as she stepped inside the room. Another large space which was an office, a huge dark wood desk dominating the corner and floor to ceiling windows along one wall. The view was magnificent, looking out over the city and with Central Park so close you could almost touch it.

  “Come in.” The man behind the desk motioned with his arm. “Take a seat. I understand you were hurt quite badly earlier so sit down, relax, and we can talk.”

  “Thank you.” Rose sat gingerly, her entire body now protesting about her earlier encounter.

  “I’m Cassius Allarde and this is my little slice of paradise.” His hand moved around, taking in the area outside. “We’re working hard to make this a safe place so what happened to you upsets me greatly. My apologies for that and I’ll ensure no further harm comes to you while you’re here.”

  “Is my bike alright?”

  Lifting his head his eyebrow rose. “Your bike. That’s what you’re worried about?”

  Rose shrugged. “It’s my means of transportation and if I don’t get the position I was coming to see about, then it’s my only way out of here.”

  He laid down the pen he’d been writing with, sat back and crossed his arms. “What position may that be?”

  “My name’s Marie O’Connell. I heard you needed someone with computer experience, an all-round tech geek. I sent you my information with references but as I was at a loose end I thought I’d come by personally and see if the job’s still available.” Rose gave him a practiced shy smile. “There’s not a lot of work out there for someone with my expertise so I’m hoping it still is. Available that is.”

  She fiddled with her cast, moving from side to side in the chair as she portrayed a nervous geek. His eyes seemed to see all the way inside her and soon her portrayed nerves were real. Her head banged and for a brief moment she felt as if she was going to throw up again. God, she hoped she didn’t make another disgusting mess in front of this man.

  “I’ve seen your application and it’s a rather glowing CV but there are others in the running, Ms. O’Connell.”

  Rose sat forward, making sure her face looked intense and a little scared. “Please. I really need this job. My last appointment ended rather abruptly. I refused to continue to work for the asshole when I found out he was trafficking kids. I only barely got out of there in one piece and I sure as hell didn’t get paid. Let me work for you free of charge for a week and if by then you don’t think I’m right for the job then we can part ways. No harm done and no ill feelings. What do you say?”

  Allarde sat back scrutinizing her as her head started to spin again. “That’s some proposal, Ms. O’Connell.”

  “Marie, call me Marie.”

  “I think we have a deal.” Allarde gave her a tight smile. “I wouldn’t be a very good businessman if I passed up the chance of having someone work for free, now, would I?”

  “Thank you.” She nodded and immediately regretted it.

  “Your bike and possessions are perfectly safe. Again, I apologize for the attack on you.” He looked out the window briefly. “My guards are out hunting the Fairy down as we speak and I can assure you he will not get away with it. If needs be I’ll clear the Park of all of them and..”

  Rose’s good hand shot up as she remembered she hadn’t told anyone that the perpetrator wasn’t a Fairy. What it was she wasn’t sure but it damn well wasn’t a Fairy. “No, wait . . .”

  No more words came as her head spun violently, pain completely overtaking her skull, as she toppled forward and into darkness.

  *****

  Basilius smiled coldly at the lesser Demon before him, still in the form he’d instructed it to take earlier. “You performed your task?”

  “Yes, Master,” it answered, bowing its head low.

  “Good.” Basilius rose from behind his desk, striding around to stand before the much smaller being. “I expect you want your payment now. Is that right?”

  “Please.” The Demon groveled.

  Basilius cocked his head to the side. “I’m not sure I can trust you to keep your mouth shut.”

  The being before him started to shake, fear pouring from it as it blustered. “I will. I always keep my promises. I won’t say a word to anyone.”

  Basilius stared at it, shouting out, “Orthon, get in here.”

  His assistant appeared in the door, looking between him and the other Demon. “Come in,” he ordered and Orthon entered, closing the door behind him. “Orthon, I need your opinion.”

  Orthon looked startled for a moment before he stood a little taller, nodding furiously. “Of course, Master. How can I help?”

  “This scrotum here did a job for me.” Basilius pointed at the cowering beast. “A very secret one. One that nobody can know about.” He looked over at Orthon. “Now, what do you think, can he keep it quiet? Or, as I suspect, will he spill his guts if he’s ever caught?”

  Orthon came nearer, poking the quivering Demon with his pen as he walked around it. “He’ll talk.”

  “No! I won’t say a word to anyone. I promised.”

  Basilius laughed a
s Orthon poked it again, snarling. “You will. You’re weak willed and not much more than a simpleton. You’ll talk the first time anyone questions you. Or,” Orthon nodded, “You’ll boast about it to make yourself look more important than you are.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Basilius concurred, stepping forward he grabbed the Demon by its throat, hauling it off its feet. “But, as you carried out your mission as you were supposed to I’ll show you kindness.”

  The Demon now struggled violently, kicking out and trying to dislodge the fingers that dug into his throat. Basilius laughed again. “I won’t take my time with you for my own pleasure,” he said as his fingers lengthened and wrapped all the way around the neck in his grasp. “Thank you for your service.” He grinned as his grip tightened an audible crack breaking the silence as he dispensed with the being as easily as tossing scrap paper into the garbage.

  Releasing his fingers the body thudded to the floor. “Take out the trash,” he said as he made his way to his room and the fresh female that awaited him.

  “Certainly, Master,” Orthon replied quietly.

  *****

  Brendan O’Connell slipped through the dark alleyway, alert and aware of the dangers all around. It was one of the most dangerous places he’d had the misfortune of encountering but it would be worth it if his tip paid off. He’d do anything, go anywhere, if it meant he got answers that could keep his daughter safe. He longed for the day he could visit her without the fear of him being tracked and his little Rose being taken by those that wanted to make her species extinct.

  The scents that assaulted his Wolf nose almost had him gagging, disease, death, and a host of others that filled this ruined city. He was fortunate to have his enhanced senses as there was no power and no lights to help him find what he sought. Few were out on the streets now and even fewer in the alleys that he’d been stalking through. Anyone he encountered would not be out for an evening’s stroll. No, they’d be lying in wait for easy targets to either steal from, kill, or just have some evil fun with.

  He was so far removed from an easy target that he’d already taken care of two morons who’d tried to rob him a few streets back. The shock on their faces as he decimated them brought no joy to Brendan. He hated violence, always had, but it was a necessity in this desolate and ruined world they now lived in. His only purpose to protect the only family he had left: Rose and Seth.

  Seth may not be his blood but he was as close to family as anyone. He’d kept his daughter safe for over twenty years and Brendan looked on him as a brother. If he could get to the bottom of the Witch-hunt that destroyed so many lives then maybe, just maybe, he could keep his daughter safe. The tip he’d acquired almost a week ago brought him here, to the streets of what was once LA but now housed so many degenerates that even daytime wasn’t safe in most areas.

  Brendan pulled a scrap of paper from his pocket, checking again on the directions he’d been given. He looked around and saw the ruined store front over the street from the alley he was in. It looked as if it had once been a fancy dress shop but only a dirty and broken sign above the door gave any indication of what it had been. Now it was like most of the other buildings, run down, boarded up windows and a make-shift metal sheet covering the front door.

  He checked the street both ways and didn’t see or hear anything, so he darted across the road as quickly as possible. Snaking around the edge of the building and heading for the back door. He could feel the broken glass and god knew what else as he tried to tread lightly down the alleyway that led to the rear of the building. No easy feat for a man his size. His Wolf sight picking up a slight easing of the pitch blackness around the boarded up window in back. Candlelight. The flickering of the dim light letting him know someone was in. Resources were never wasted, a candle would not be burning if nobody was home.

  He just hoped it was the person he’d come so far to find.

  Brendan eased up to the reinforced door and knocked lightly then waited. His ears picking up movement inside as someone approached the door. “Who is it?” A soft, melodic voice asked and surprisingly there was no alarm or fear in the tone.

  “My name’s Brendan and I’ve been told you might be able to help me.”

  “I’ve been expecting you,” the voice replied as several bolts were released and the door opened. “Come in quickly,” a small Asian man said.

  Brendan slipped inside, taking in the short man before him. He definitely didn’t look like someone who could be a threat, but Brendan knew never to take things at face value.

  “Come.” The man had re-bolted the door and motioned for Brendan to follow him into a small living room. “My name is Kuan Ti, but you can call me Kuan, and I’m very pleased to meet you.”

  Brendan’s gaze swept the room, focusing on the dimly lit and shadowed corners, for any threat. It appeared they were alone but he was still on high alert as the small man spoke again, “You’re safe here. Please, sit.”

  Kuan motioned to the table where two chairs sat on opposite sides of the scarred wood. Brendan crossed over the room and sat down. It was the first time he’d rested in over twenty four hours. He watched the much smaller man closely as he prepared what looked like tea in a decorative china teapot. Brendan couldn’t remember the last time he’d drank tea. He was a black coffee guy, the stronger the better.

  “We will not be interrupted.” Kuan placed the teapot on the table and then two matching cups. They were so small and delicate that Brendan thought he would break them in his large hands.

  “You said you were expecting me.”

  Kuan poured the tea, minus milk, and pushed the cup towards Brendan. “Drink, it’s herbal. It will soothe you and help you to rest.”

  Brendan looked at the cup. “I don’t need to rest. What I need are answers and information.”

  “Aaah, Brendan,” the old man sighed. “You do need rest. You have journeyed far to reach me and you will be my guest this evening. We can talk and then you can stay the night. You’ll need to gain your strength for what is ahead.”

  Brendan picked up the cup carefully, smelling the tea before taking a sip. “It’s good,” he admitted as he sipped again then set the cup back onto the table.

  “You are seeking information on the reason behind the Witch killings. I understand you have a vested interest in this matter.” Kuan sipped his own tea, looking at Brendan over the top of the china.

  “Yes.” Brendan fidgeted in the seat, wanting the man to get to the point. “What can you tell me?”

  “A lot.” The small man raised an eyebrow. “But I will try and tell you only those things that are pertinent to your quest.”

  “Carry on.” Brendan cocked his head to the side, weighing up the man before him. He wasn’t sure if the man had information or if he was yet another person who’d send him on a wild goose chase.

  “She is very important, Brendan. Neither of you know what she is, or her role in the grand scheme of things.”

  Brendan scowled over at the man and snarled, “Who?”

  Kuan raised his eyebrow again. “Your daughter, of course. Rose.”

  “How the fuck do you know I’ve a daughter? Or her name?”

  “Brendan.” Kuan put his cup down then placed his hands palm down on the table. “I am not your enemy. I’m what could be called a Mystic. I see what has gone before us and I see what is to come. Rose plays an important part in all of our futures. She is the one that the hunters have tried to find and kill.”

  Brendan hissed and a growl erupted from his throat. “I won’t let them harm her. I’ll die first.”

  “Yes, you would.” Kuan nodded. “First, I need to explain some of my talents. I see things that are possible. However, one minor detail could be changed and that would change the path of those involved.”

  “What does that even mean?” Brendan snapped, growing impatient.

  “Well, I could see a young woman about to cross a road. Her phone rings and she ignores it and carries on, tripping as she reaches the o
ther side and only being saved from falling by the arms of a young man. She thanks him and they go for a coffee which leads them to going for dinner, falling in love, having children, and a long and happy life together.”

  Brendan shook his head in annoyance. “What’s that got to do with Rose?”

  “But,” Kuan carried on as if Brendan hadn’t spoken. “I also see that she stops to answer the ringing phone. Spending a few minutes to talk to a friend and then crosses the road. She trips, but, this time she falls to the ground as the young man had passed by moments before. She never gets caught in his arms, they don’t go for coffee and do not, in fact, meet at all. Love lost, all because she stopped to answer a call.”

  Brendan scowled again as the smaller man gazed off into space. “Then again, she trips a moment or two earlier, while still in front of vehicles and this time she is knocked down and killed. A myriad of different possibilities for one simple action of crossing the street.”

  Sighing in frustration Brendan shrugs. “I still don’t see what this has to do with Rose.”

  “I’ve seen her and she has many different futures.” He looked up at Brendan and his eyes were full of feeling. “Some are good and happy and others are not.”

  “Tell me,” Brendan ordered as his heart beat hard in his chest.

  “I cannot tell you all but I can give you guidance.” Kuan reached over the small table and patted Brendan’s arm.

  “Firstly, the so-called ‘legend’ of a Witch bringing death and destruction. The reason that has been given for them being hunted to almost extinction. This is wrong.” Kuan shook his head sadly. “She brings with her a freedom that the species have not encountered and it is because of this that some do not wish things to come to pass.”

  Brendan stood up abruptly, pacing back and forth. “Can you please stop talking in riddles?”

  “If she finds true-love, finds her one true-mate, then on their proclamation of their love something miraculous will happen.” Kuan gave a small smile. “Something that is meant to bring all species together and put them on what you could call, an even playing field. Vampires will be able to go out in the daylight, Wolves will all be able to morph on command. Human blood will no longer be able to be taken by force, if it is then it will be like poison to the blood-drinker. Wolves will no longer be able to escape with doing wrong, their Alpha will know if they do and be able to deal with them. Something similar to what the Vampires can do already. Most importantly, all species will be accountable for any crimes they commit against each other as the leaders of all come together to work to rebuild this shattered world.”