Demon World

by Balvir Bhullar

  Alexander raised an eyebrow, ‘Thank you for bestowing your hospitality, but I am quite capable,’ and at her uncomprehending look, he indicated the breakfast.

  Rowanne had no idea what he was talking about. ‘You’re welcome. Honestly, it was nothing.’ Guess, he must have really liked the coffee.

  Alexander chose to ignore her inane comment and continued to eat.

  ‘Listen, if you don’t mind hurrying up, we have to sort out the Driskell situation.’ Rowanne carried the things away to the sink to wash up, she was a busy woman, after all. He hasn’t even the courtesy to at least clean the mugs, she huffed.

  She was about to turn around and get his dishes when she nearly collided into him. God, I didn’t even hear him come up behind me.

  ‘Can you not sneak up on people like that, you nearly gave me a fright.’

  Alexander chose not to get into a pointless argument, and instead went back into the living room to wait for her.

  Rowanne’s mobile rang, ‘Can you get that for me, please?’ she asked Alexander.

  He came into the kitchen and held it next to her ear, as her hands were wet.

  Rowanne felt a little disturbed by how close he was standing behind her, Honestly, has he never heard of personal space?

  Alexander laughed quietly behind her, ‘Just take the call, Rowanne.’

  ‘Good morning, Ms Knight. I’m glad you’re awake after the long night you had.’

  Rowanne’s shoulders stiffened. ‘Who is it?’ hissed Alexander.

  She turned her head slightly to look at him, mouthed, ‘Driskell,’ and put her ear to the phone once more.

  ‘Good morning, Chief Inspector. I’m not one for wasting the day away,’ she heard Alexander snort derisively behind her. She looked at him sharply, but he gestured for her to continue.

  ‘Good to hear it. In that case, you will be pleased to know that I have fixed a new time for your interview. If it’s convenient to you, could you come down this afternoon at three o’clock? I hope to conclude without further disruption from unwanted guests.’

  ‘That’s fine, Chief Inspector. I’ll see you then.’ Alexander shut off her phone.

  Rowanne dried her hands, sat on the sofa, and didn’t move for a solid ten minutes. Well, it appeared that way to Alexander.

  ‘Rowanne, hello, anyone there?’ Alexander thought about gently shaking her, but then he reconsidered; he liked his hands intact. She had a rabid look about her that he didn’t quite trust.

  Suddenly, Rowanne got up. She had finally come up with a plan of action that she was satisfied with, and it didn’t require Mr Black!

  She stalked towards Alexander, who had his hands up before him in mock terror. She grabbed him by the forearms, and hurled him up into a standing position.

  ‘Rowanne, what on earth do you think you’re doing?’ He was perplexed at her irrational behaviour, but also impressed that she could haul a man his size and weight so effortlessly.

  I wonder if she just works out a lot, or if it’s being a half demon that’s given her this new ability. Already she was hearing his thoughts easily and replying back naturally, even if it was unconsciously. The truth might only scare her, let her figure it out for herself, that’s probably the best way, he thought.

  Yes, I agree with you there, Mr Alexander Black. Ha-ha-ha...

  Alexander nearly jumped back in surprise, but Rowanne’s tight grip kept him locked in place, as he helplessly watched her green eyes flash with an unearthly violet light.

  ‘You!’ he said angrily. ‘What did you mean by that statement?’ He had been wondering why the entity that seemed to possess Rowanne had been quiet lately. He assumed it would have come out when she had been forcefully taken to Demon world.

  For your information, that would have defeated the purpose. For had I shown myself, it would have led her straight to the Noble Court, no further need for questioning. She’d be executed! The entity said in a trembling violent voice.

  Alexander had recovered himself enough to continue, ‘Point taken. You know a lot about our world. I think my first estimation of you is proving correct. I just don’t know who you are, care to enlighten me?’ he asked wishfully.

  I am not presently at liberty to answer that particular question, replied the entity earnestly.

  Alexander got the hint. ‘Fine, but why do you possess her?’

  Believe it or not, it wasn’t my choice. I have the two of you to thank for that!

  ‘Last I checked, I did not summon you. How could I have, when I don’t even know your name. I’d need that much at least,’ said Alexander, incredulous at the accusation being levelled against him.

  Well, in principle you don’t, but that’s neither here nor there. My point is, Alexander, think about what happened, break it down.

  ‘You seem to know everything, is it worth me even going on?’ Judging by the look of annoyance that quickly flashed over Rowanne’s features, he guessed he should just continue. ‘Let’s see, Rowanne died. No need to look at me like that, I know it’s my fault, alright.’ Alexander wondered how far he could trust the entity, but he was at a loss as to what else he could do. The entity probably knew everything that had happened to Rowanne already, so it made lying redundant.

  He felt as if he was under a test of sorts: if he passed, he presumed that the entity would allow him to stay and support Rowanne. But if he should fail...

  Please, just get on with it, we haven’t got all day! said the entity.

  ‘Why, is there somewhere else you have to be?’ asked Alexander tersely. He could not help it, he felt a little powerless before this being, and hated even admitting that.

  That was uncalled for, said the entity, annoyed at his childishness.

  Alexander untangled himself from Rowanne’s grip, and, stepping back, he extended his right arm with his hand resting on his abdomen, while his left arm extended to his side and lowered his head, bowing deeply from the waist in a pious act of contrition.

  The entity bent down and looked at him, her eyes swirling an angry shade of indigo. Alexander didn’t feel quite so smug now. In the next instant, he was proved right by being thrown in the air, and instead of falling back down, the entity walked underneath him, and smiled dubiously while he spun around continuously, like meat cooking on a spit.

  Not one to accept defeat so quickly, Alexander used the opportunity to stretch his legs out, and placed his hands under his head, thereby adjusting to the situation to make it more comfortable for himself.

  Immediately he was spun around so that he was now facing the entity. He arrogantly winked at her, a broad smile lighting up his face.

  Why, Alexander, you look a little green there. What, no more grand gestures for your lady fair? asked the entity, pretending to swish an imaginary skirt, and then performed a solemn curtsy of her own.

  Alexander hit the ground; it was lucky he’d had his hands extended out, otherwise he’d have smashed his head.

  This wiped the smirk right of his pretentious face, the entity was happy to note.

  Though the entity’s head was still lowered, and from his angle, Alexander could still make out the cruel laughter that danced behind the veil of her eyes.

  Do you want to know a secret? and looking at his pale face, the entity winked and asked, ‘Is it me, or Rowanne? Rowanne, or me...’

  Alexander froze at the new development: evidently, the entity’s power had grown considerably since their last showdown in this very apartment.

  Rowanne stood up. ‘Alexander, please get up and stop lounging about down there,’ she said as she extended a hand to him, which he reluctantly accepted and got up. She then turned him in the direction of the door, and pushed his back, forcing him to walk forward. She opened the door and stood to one side, ‘Well, thank you for everything you’ve done today, but I really must be getting on with all the work I’ve neglected.’

  Alexander just shook his head, angry at how ungrateful she was, but more so from his encounter with the entity.
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br />   ‘I will see you later,’ he said making it sound like a solemn promise. He had a lot to think over.

  ‘We shall see,’ said Rowanne, flashing him an uncertain smile, but as Alexander was about to turn away, he saw a quick flash of violet wink at him, reminding him that just under the surface, the entity lurked and could come out at any time it chose. Well, he hoped it didn’t yet have that ability, otherwise Rowanne was in trouble.

  He had to think of a way to help her and fast. He needed the expertise of someone who was experienced in the field of possession.

  He turned, and just before the door slammed shut behind him, he heard the entity, or Rowanne whisper, ‘So, call a priest!’

  He could hear strange laughter from the other side of the door, almost, as if two voices overlapped each other, and it unnerved him.

  Rowanne stood on the other side of the door, leaning against it for support. She had heard the weird laughter coming out of her mouth. No wait, she had heard two voices, hers and another...

  Rowanne had felt the bizarre exchange; it had been like she was present, but at the same time she had lost control of herself. She had wanted Alexander to stay, but felt compelled to get rid of him, because of his, his... She didn’t know why he had to leave.

  It would sound crazy if she said it aloud, but for one unholy moment, she could have sworn that Alexander was levitating. These increasingly unexplainable incidents were beginning to weigh her down.

  She would be a fool to ignore them; to put it down to being tired, or her eyes playing tricks on her. Especially when other people’s actions, like that of Driskell, and that Court place that she had been in, seemed to corroborate her suspicions.

  Rowanne kept her mind as blank as possible while sending a quick text, praying that he’d pick up, and that he was not put off by her split personality, or so it appeared to Rowanne these days.

  Alexander was in the lift, and it had just reached the bottom when he received Rowanne’s text. The message read: ‘Help me, please!’ Even when the extraordinary happened, Rowanne managed to keep her head. Don’t worry, I’m not scared away that easily. His world, after all, was the supernatural.

  Alexander walked towards his black Lamborghini, not the most inconspicuous car, he thought, but then he liked its speed; Demons loved speed. Plus, it would get him to the one person who could help Rowanne, and time was not a luxury either one of them could afford. Getting in, Alexander reversed and sped away.

  Rowanne decided to prioritise what to deal with first, and, grabbing a notepad and pen, she began:

  Hand in assignment

  Make a doctor’s appointment

  Finish dreaded and somewhat annoying interview with flamed haired Driskell.

  She emailed her work to a pleased Eileen, who considerately sent over three more pieces with various deadlines.

  Rowanne was unable to get through to the doctors, and waited at least an hour before she was through, finally booking herself for a complete check up.

  By the time she completed everything, she looked at the kitchen clock and realised she had an hour to get down to the police station.

  She quickly showered and got changed into a suit, completing the look with high heels. She put on her protective make up which consisted of a dark eyeliner and a smokey eye paired with a pale pink lipstick. Now she was ready to take on the world, and Driskell was just a man, after all; he didn’t even stand a chance.

  Driskell thought way too much of himself, like someone else she knew, but at least he had some manners; Driskell, on the other hand, was a bully. I wonder if he’s been like that since he was a child, he probably terrorized anybody he came into contact with. She decided to go on the offensive. Well, if he tried anything then... Actually she didn’t know what she’d do.

  She draped her long black coat over her shoulders and grabbed her bag. Looking in the mirror, she saw a woman on the edge, someone who was not to be toyed with. She looked confident, and that was what mattered the most, especially in this unpleasant situation.

  Closing her door, she walked into the lift and tapped her nails on the rail as she looked out at the city. Gray clouds had come in now, marring the beautiful day, and there was an electric atmosphere highly charged, just waiting for that one tiny spark.

  Rowanne got into her Pegaso, and drove out of the car park, speeding off towards the main road.

  Driving along the river, she didn’t have the time to spare a glance at the churning waters that looked ominous as they repeatedly dashed against the river bank.

  Rowanne’s mood was off as she pulled up in front of the police station, before realising she could not park there. Damn it, and instead drove round back into the car park which was practically empty except for two cars. Busy day I expect, she thought.

  She climbed the stairs, stopped just before the doors to take a deep breath, and then entered.

  ‘Good afternoon, Ms Knight. If you’d like to sign here, please. Thank you. I’ll escort you to the Chief Inspector,’ said the officer on reception, whom she recognized from before.

  Rowanne followed him down the stairs, and finally arrived at the now familiar interview room. ‘Please, go through,’ he said, and then turned and left.

  Rowanne squared her shoulders; she was ready to take on this conceited nasty piece of work head on. She rapped her knuckles forcefully on the door, and waited.

  To Rowanne’s surprise, Driskell opened the door himself. She had been expecting him to call for her to come in.

  ‘Ms Knight, if you’d like to take a seat, please.’

  She looked at him squarely before sitting down.

  It was as much as he had expected: Rowanne didn’t quite know how to take his seemingly genuine smile, especially from him of all people.

  He’s up to something... He’s trying to lull me into a false sense of calm, thought Rowanne.

  Driskell looked at Rowanne, really looked at her for the first time, and noticed the formidable woman before him. He would reserve judgment.

  Coughing to clear his voice, he said, ‘Let me begin by apologising deeply for what occurred last time. I am sorry that you were detained for so long without proper notice as to why you were being held.’

  He appeared sincere in what he was saying, but he did happen to conveniently leave out the part about her being drugged and moved to some secret closed court. What was it called? Noble something or other.

  Driskell had expected her to relax somewhat after his explanation. But she still seemed to be holding a grievance against him. All she should remember was waiting at the police station, and then ending up at the pub...

  ‘Ms Knight, you will think this an odd question,’ he leaned towards her as his green eyes sparkled with an hypnotic aura, ‘but what is the last thing you remember of our interview?’

  Rowanne saw the way his eyes changed, and considered that he might be trying to hypnotise her. Maybe the last time I was in his company I wasn’t drugged, after all; he most likely messed with my mind then, as well.

  He was watching her carefully, waiting for her reaction before going on. Hell no, she was not going to play into his hands. What he was doing was illegal, not that anybody would be able to prove it.

  ‘The last thing I remember is waiting an inconsiderably long time, and then instead of any explanation, or even having the courtesy to cancel and reschedule the interview, I am told to make my way down to a pub, of all places!’ Rowanne gave off just the right amount of indignation; judging by the look of satisfaction that came onto Driskell’s face and wait... could it be relief?

  ‘I won’t waste your time any further, let’s continue where we left off,’ said Driskell, as he settled back and opened his laptop, ready to take down her statement.

  Driskell cringed inwardly when he recalled their last meeting at The Salisbury pub. He would dearly love to question that rather annoying and obstinate blond, who seemed to have incredible strength. He smiled inwardly at the rather amusing moment when his guard had been heaved
off the floor in one momentous movement by the Amazonian looking woman. Putting the memory away, his features once more became solemn.

  His moment of quiet reflection was not lost on Rowanne, who saw the way that his mood lifted and how his features softened, if only for a moment. Is this the same man? she pondered abstractly.

  She could not afford to be thrown off by his mood swings, and continued valiantly, ‘What is it precisely that you’d like to know, Chief Inspector?’ Rowanne forced herself not to cross her legs or arms: she wanted to give of the air of being relaxed and open. Trust me. I have nothing to hide, she thought, and mentally willed for him to believe her.

  Driskell didn’t seem to care, one way or the other, instead looking up from his computer, he asked, ‘Where were you last Thursday evening?’

  Rowanne answered calmly, ‘Let me see,’ she paused as if considering, before continuing, ‘I would have been at the offices, most definitely working hard to complete my work.’

  ‘At what time did you leave?’

  Rowanne gazed upward in contemplation, ‘It would have been between seven thirty and eight o’clock in the evening when I finally managed to leave.’ She didn’t tremble once through this blatant lie, and carried on smoothly.

  ‘Ms Knight, was there anybody else in the office with you that could verify the time you left?’ Driskell had a penetrating look as he finished typing up her last response, and tried to gauge her body language as she answered this crucial question.

  Not in the least bit disturbed, and feeling herself gain courage with the confidence she was building within her, Rowanne answered, ‘Well, Eileen would have been the last to leave, but she had an appointment, so unfortunately there’s no one to verify the time that I left.’ She looked at him steadily, not giving anything away; much to his chagrin, she noted.

  ‘Did you happen to talk to the security guard in the evening? I mean,’ and looking somewhat embarrassed, he hastily added, ‘Mr Thomas Dillian.’

  Driskell appeared to be absorbed in typing up notes, but in actual fact, he was trying to get a feel for the situation: how much did Ms Knight know? He’d have to have that answered before he could go forward and judge her fate. He was pleased, so far. She was doing well, keep it up, Ms Knight.