Demon World

by Balvir Bhullar

  Rowanne answered truthfully, ‘I last saw Thomas at the reception desk in the evening, when I left the office to grab a bite to eat. He was just starting his shift, and that would have been around, let me think... roughly five o’clock, I’d say.’

  ‘And when was the last time you saw him?’ His eyebrow was raised as he looked at her quizzically.

  ‘That was the last time I remember seeing him, because I went back to the office afterwards, not leaving again until I finished. When I left, the reception desk was deserted which isn’t really of any note, because I assumed he was doing the rounds of the building.’

  ‘Where did you go after you left work?’ Driskell had stopped typing, and instead had his long legs stretched out under the table, and his arms crossed, as he looked at her inquiringly.

  Though his exterior gave nothing away, it still unnerved Rowanne, who didn’t want to show the first signs of cracking.

  ‘I drove home, Chief Inspector. It had been a typically long day, and once I arrived back home, I completed my work, then went straight to sleep. That is the extent of what I did last Thursday.’ She watched him cautiously, wondering if he had believed her.

  Driskell typed furiously, head bent in concentration, and looked up two minutes later - the longest two minutes of her life. Driskell was smiling at her, why was he doing that?

  Damn it, I’ve blown it. He knows I’ve been lying through my teeth, and he’ll probably read out my rights before handcuffing me. Then I’ll end up...

  Rowanne was brought out of her thoughts as Driskell announced without fanfare that she was free to go. And just like that, she felt light and free as if a huge burden had been lifted. Well, partially, because even though she had passed the interview, she was still no nearer to finding out what actually happened, and if she had played a part in it. It was a hollow victory of sorts, but she reminded herself to be grateful for each success.

  ‘Well, Ms Knight, all that’s left to say is that we have your details, and we will contact you in due course if we require anything further. Thank you for your assistance. My colleague is just outside, and will escort you out,’ concluded Driskell.

  Rowanne got up and left.

  Finally, she was outside the confines of the police station, and the sun was shining, and even though it had started to rain, it could not dampen her mood as she made her way to her car.

  I can actually make it on my own. I do not need that six foot ice king to help me out every time. Hang on, how many times has he helped me out, so far... wondered Rowanne, twice, right...

  Her vision began to fray around the edges, and a migraine threatened whenever she thought of Alexander and the inexplicable.

  This time however a curious thing happened; the headache disappeared as quickly as it had come on, and her vision was brought back into sharp focus by what felt like a mental slap in the face by something, some force. Ow! that hurts, she thought anxiously.

  You deserved that! said the entity.

  Rowanne had a surreal moment: the voice in her mind had just berated her. The situation was bizarre, to say the least.

  ‘I thought that the voice in my head should at least be comforting,’ and reconsidering, added, ‘well, at least some of the time,’ said Rowanne.

  I was merely performing my civic duty by waking you out of your old patterns. Consider this: have they actually served you for your wellbeing?

  ‘Now that you mention it-’

  Quiet! You look like a lunatic speaking to yourself in front of the police station in the pouring rain. Trust me, get into your car as quickly as possible. You don’t want Driskell catching you like this, he’ll haul you back in no time. Now move! said the entity.

  Rowanne did not need to be told twice, one mention of the detective was all it took, and she practically ran to her car.

  Paranoia may just serve you this time.

  Rowanne heard the voice echo in her mind as she got into her car, slamming the door shut behind her. Once her breathing came under control, she wanted to test her theory. ‘Hello, are you there?’

  Yes, replied the voice wearily.

  ‘I need answers, now!’ said Rowanne shakily.

  Alright. But is this really the best place to get them? Take my advice when I say go home and then have a long chat with yourself! Afterwards, call the men in the white coats, ha-ha.

  Rowanne’s mood instantly sobered, annoyed at her own audacity.

  ‘That’s not funny. I have actually been considering for a while now that I may have had a nervous breakdown, but I didn’t know why, which is frustrating as hell! I should go straight to a doctor,’ said Rowanne.

  Don’t do that. Trust me, you’re not crazy. And going to the doctors, telling them about all of this would be a monumentally stupid and hazardous idea! warned the entity.

  ‘In what way is it hazardous? That sounds slightly melodramatic,’ said Rowanne shaking her head.

  It is not only a danger to you, but also to anybody else you tell, including your doctor. Think on it, but if anything untoward were to happen, then on your head be it. I’ve said my piece. And God knows, I would have liked someone to help me...

  The voice in Rowanne’s mind trembled, and she could have sworn that she heard crying. For some reason this pierced her heart, and she felt a deep sadness. She also found it a little spooky.

  Rowanne wisely switched off and focused solely on driving; she dare not think of anything else...

  The rain had become heavier, and the sun was imprisoned behind the steel grey clouds as violet lightning slashed down upon the city as she drove. It was an incredible sight; she’d never seen such a vibrant violet colour in her life, and it looked very unnatural and out of place.

  The river accompanied her drive by obligingly churning and creating huge waves that smashed everything in its path. The heart of the city seemed blanketed by a strange electric atmosphere the closer she got to her home.

  Rowanne parked her car, and as she got out, felt a piercing coldness accompanied by the scent of frozen lilies crushed underfoot. Shaking her head, she rubbed her arms to feel warm again. She got into the lift, and the doors closed behind her with a finality - or so it seemed to her.

  Leaning against the glass wall, she closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them, she could have sworn that she saw violet eyes reflected back at her mournfully in place of her own green ones. She rubbed her eyes, and this time when she looked again, thankfully, only her own reflected back. I am really tired, she yawned. Where had all her energy gone... She had been more alive after the interview had concluded.

  The doors swished open breaking her reverie, and she shuffled to her door, but just as she was about to put the key in, it opened inwards of its own accord. Rowanne jumped back in surprise.

  Has someone broken in? she thought, reluctant to enter. Cautiously she approached, holding her bag loosely from the strap to use, if the need should arise; ready to swing it in the face of an intruder who might come running out.

  She poked her head around the door and pushed it back to keep the path clear, Always keep your exit point open, she thought.

  She was not about to stupidly call inside and alert whoever it was to her arrival, and instead tiptoed in. Here goes, she thought, and on the count of three, walked into the living room. Rowanne let out the breath that she had been holding as she surveyed her empty room and kitchen.

  She had two more stops to make: first, she went into her bedroom, and checked under the bed, and behind the curtains. Finally, she went to the bathroom, and opened the door slowly, nearly jumping out of her skin when it creaked ominously.

  Damn it! thought Rowanne clutching her heart. I’ve been meaning to fix that, but as the door opened, she saw that it too was empty. The shower curtain was open, Thank God, and her legs trembled in relief at not having to recreate a certain famous Hollywood scene.

  Rowanne felt shaken and nearly screamed when upon shutting the door she saw Alexander standing in her hallway. Her frail nerves coul
d not take it and her eyes felt teary, and angrily she swiped at them, hating to be caught in an emotional state every time he happened to be near. God, I really hate him right now.

  ‘What the hell are you doing here?’ she asked Alexander angrily.

  ‘Give me a second,’ he replied, before stepping back, ‘right, go ahead,’ he leaned against the closed lift in a relaxed manner.

  ‘What are you doing? You look stupid, do you realise that? And far be it for me not to laugh if those doors open,’ she said, somewhat frazzled by his calm demeanour.

  ‘Well, I thought I’d keep my distance and prepare myself mentally for the onslaught. And by the way,’ moving away from the lifts, he stood before her, his arms crossed, ‘I am not quite sure what I have done this time.’

  ‘Just don’t. And you can take that look of your face,’ she said at his incredulity. She grabbed his arm and dragged him into her apartment before leaving him in the living room.

  She went back to her front door, and noticed that the lock was intact, and opening the door once more, she realised the front of the door did not look as if it was forced open, and was somewhat puzzled as she shut it.

  Alexander looked at her questioningly as she came back.

  ‘Well, what’s happened?’ he asked patiently.

  Rowanne was taken aback by the sincerity that she heard in his voice, instead of the angry retort she’d been expecting at her ludicrous behaviour. She deflated somewhat and began to feel calm. She indicated for him to take a seat, and sat opposite him, hunched with her hands resting in her lap.

  Rowanne took her time before answering, and when she looked up noticed the glass of water before her on the table that separated them.

  ‘Where did that come from? I didn’t even see you get up...’ said Rowanne, surprised by his kindness, and yet at same time, somewhat baffled.

  Alexander brushed her concerns away by focusing her mind on the matter at hand, which required their urgent attention.

  ‘You’re right,’ replied Rowanne, agreeing with him. ‘I think I may need your help,’ she said slowly, watching his reaction.

  Alexander felt his heart ache to see her in this state. He’d been on his way to see someone who could have helped Rowanne, when he was interrupted by the entity going out of control around her. He’d rushed back, inflaming the pathways with his supernatural speed.

  The sound and lightshow of the storm had accompanied his every step. This was not normal weather; it was unearthly, and he had a feeling that one of his own was responsible for it.

  He had felt emotions lash out at him, even on the pathways as time seemed to slow down. He had run through a transparent ghostly London, which had a violet aurora above it that seemed to shimmer and sizzle at alternate points. The rain had shot down, soaking his body so that he felt the chill begin to freeze his heart. Lightning had forked down, purposely trying to skewer him in place, thereby slowing him down so that he wouldn’t have been able to reach Rowanne in time.

  His own anger had thawed his heart and propelled him forward, so that the rain had barely touched him. His sapphire eyes had glowed emerald as a barrier encased and thereby protected him, and he had finally burst through the portal, setting it on fire. Thankfully, Rowanne had come out a second later, narrowly missing this incredible sight.

  For all intents and purposes, she had seen him standing there bone dry, as if he had just driven to her apartment. Appearances and assumptions were important, especially where he came from; serving their Lords and Ladies well.

  Rowanne looked at Alexander. ‘I came home just now to find the apartment door wide open. I thought that perhaps someone had broken in.’

  ‘Why the hell would you go in to take a look, why not call building security to come up and check?’ Alexander was disgusted by her foolishness. Had she not watched horror films, there were certain things you didn’t do...

  Rowanne could tell that Alexander was upset on her behalf. She too would be angry if someone she knew did something so reckless. ‘I appreciate your concern for me,’ and looking at Alexander’s less than pleased expression, she amended, ‘I meant as a fellow colleague, you were worried for me,’ she finished, exasperated that he could have mistaken her meaning. He really did have a high opinion of himself; As if I’d even consider him in that way.

  Alexander started smiling widely, As if she thought for one moment that I’d look at her in that way! What’s more, I don’t think of myself any more than the average man does...

  Rowanne really hated his smile, it was making her feel uncomfortable. Arrogant git, he’s not even my type - David, on the other hand, is looking a lot more appealing now, it made her laugh.

  That took the smirk right off Alexander’s face to be replaced by a pained expression. Really? David of all people, that fool. She truly has a questionable taste in men.

  ‘How’s Eileen keeping?’ asked Alexander lightly.

  Rowanne abruptly stopped laughing, wondering why he was asking about her editor.

  ‘Last time I called her, she was knee deep in work, other than that she’s fine. Anyway, I would have thought you’d have her number already...’

  Alexander watched her neutral facade.

  ‘No. I didn’t have time at the reception, and then it completely slipped our minds later on.’

  Rowanne was puzzled; what did he mean by ‘later on’? She remembered them walking off together, and where they had gone was anyone’s guess. Well, it’s nothing to do with me.

  ‘Listen, I’ll give you her direct line, that way you can ask her yourself,’ she said, smiling sweetly.

  Alexander thought that an excellent idea, but decided that could keep for another time.

  ‘Is anything missing? Have you checked that all’s in order?’ he asked, whilst looking around at the same time, but as far as he could tell, in these two rooms at least, everything seemed in place, nothing disturbed in any way.

  ‘I’ve checked everywhere, and I don’t think I’ve been broken into. It’s more likely that my damn lock is broken, or that I didn’t shut it properly before going down to the police station. My mind was on other things, so...’

  ‘Do you mind if I have a quick look around?’ asked Alexander, clearly restless until he did his own inspection; only then would he be satisfied to leave her.

  ‘Go right ahead,’ replied Rowanne, who just wanted him to get on with it so he could leave her in peace.

  Alexander got up, and muttered, ‘Ungrateful,’ under his breath as he went to her bedroom.

  Rowanne was incensed at his rudeness: she had not actually asked him to come to her home and personally look around on her behalf, she was quite capable without a man, thank you very much! ‘Idiot!’ she whispered angrily.

  Alexander’s shoulders stiffened just before he entered her room. Damn it! I wonder if she actually heard me? and coloured slightly.

  He walked into her bedroom and looked around. He could not believe that her hearing had grown so sensitive; he had the grace to look embarrassed before shaking it off and continuing his inspection.

  He walked back out a few moments later, satisfied that there was nothing to be worried about. Where had the supernatural occurrence come from? That was the only thing that puzzled him, and he suspected that it must have emanated from Rowanne.

  ‘I told you, everything is fine. And before you waste a trip to the bathroom, there’s nothing there as well. I am confused by one thing, though: Why have you come here? I didn’t mean that to sound rude,’ said Rowanne.

  Alexander smiled, taking it in his stride. ‘I was just wondering how your meeting with Driskell went?’

  Rowanne sat down and Alexander joined her, much to her annoyance: why was he sitting so close? But continued, ‘As a matter of fact, it went great. It’s now over, unless they need me, which I doubt very much as I don’t have anything to add to my statement.’

  Alexander felt a huge weight lift from his chest; he could finally breathe easy in the knowledge that, for now at
least, they wouldn’t be killed. In the future it could be a different matter if they were ever found out, but today at least, he felt optimistic.

  Rowanne was pleased to see Alexander looking more relaxed than he did before. It suits him; he appears more human when he smiles, and less intimidating.

  You’ve no idea, Rowanne, that’s an understatement! he thought.

  ‘Did Driskell mention anything else?’

  He had used his name so casually, almost as if he knew the detective in another capacity... Rowanne did not like being out of the loop.

  ‘Sorry, I meant detective Driskell,’ he amended, at the suspicious look that had just come into Rowanne’s eyes.

  ‘No, he didn’t say anything else,’ she replied.

  ‘Well, I’m glad it’s all over... for now. I’d better be going,’ he got up and started to walk towards the front door.

  ‘Alexander, wait!’ called Rowanne.

  He turned around to find her standing behind him.

  ‘Thanks for everything. I do appreciate you coming over to check up on me. You can report back to Eileen that I’m doing alright. And I’ll get started on some of those deadlines now,’ she said cheerily.

  ‘I didn’t come on behalf of Eileen,’ he said indignantly.

  ‘Oh,’ said Rowanne, confused.

  ‘I came,’ he took a step towards her, bringing himself very much into her personal space. Rowanne politely took a step back. ‘Because, I wanted to see for myself that my friend,’ and shortening the distance by coming a touch closer, he finished sincerely, ‘was doing well, and that the stress of the interview had not taken too much of a toll on you.’ She was about to berate him, but he put up a hand to stop her. ‘I remember you telling me that this case was hard on you because it involved not only a colleague but someone you considered a friend, Thomas.’

  Rowanne looked at him with watery eyes, nodding her head in agreement. She accepted the embroidered handkerchief he gave her, and went about awkwardly drying her eyes without smearing her makeup.