by CC Dragon
I slid the chicken in the oven and set the timer. Ivy double checked it.
“Thanks,” I teased.
“You do fine with prep. You get distracted and burn things. I’ll make sure.” She smiled. “Look. I’ve known you for a while. This Brimlow guy is nothing. Gunnar, you hired him pretty fast. You judge people well. But LeBlanc makes you anxious. You like him but he’s nudging his way in too much. Or you want him around too much. I can’t tell.”
I shrugged. “Neither can I. He’s very academic which means he shouldn’t be interested in this crime fighting side of things. He’s qualified for the clinic stuff. At first he seemed to put down the psychic thing but he seems to be trying to understand.”
“Maybe he thinks you’ll fire him. You are the boss.” Ivy winked. “Some guys like being bossed around.”
“I don’t think that’s it.” I suppressed a laugh. “He’s controlled. I don’t know. I’m not saying he isn’t the issue but Missy had a ton of drama. I finally got it out of her. She’s been more anxious and weird since the angels moved in. Odds are, she’s the one creating the doubt and problems. I’m probably picking up on her.”
Ivy nodded. “That could be. Is she okay?”
“I haven’t seen her since I got home. Missy!” I shouted.
Instead of my usual ghost, Gran showed up.
“Missy is gone?” I asked.
“She made it over. Whatever you did worked.” Gran smiled.
“I just pushed the issue to know what she’d done. Hopefully, you can help her out,” I said.
“Don’t worry. But you are losing a maid of sorts,” she said.
“I’ll probably just hire someone. Easier than dealing with a centuries old ghost who hides from angels,” I said.
Gran disappeared.
“Gone? I’ll start interviewing houseboys,” Ivy teased.
“I was thinking more of a housekeeper,” I said.
“Gunnar needs a boyfriend,” Ivy said innocently.
“You’re incorrigible.” I sighed.
A few hours later we took the hot dishes over to the Weathers mansion.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Matt said.
“I know you have a staff and everything but it can’t hurt,” I replied.
“I let most of them go. For just me, this place doesn’t make much sense. And it costs a lot to keep up. John and his wife already have their own place. Lance got an apartment for now. Seriously.” Matt rolled his eyes.
“Big changes but you have plenty of money,” I said.
“Sure. But Mom left me the house for a reason. She knew I’d never keep it. Maintaining this rich history is nice but it’s not me. I think she was getting tired of it herself. I might turn this into some sort of historical stop on the tours. I know some mansions let people tour but this could be staged and set. I just need to figure out what’s going to happen with Mary Lou.” Matt cut himself a big piece of lasagna.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“She’s still here. She and Lance haven’t talked much. Lance is being a beast. Mary Lou put Mom’s jewelry in a safety deposit box and he doesn’t know where or have access to it.” Matt took a bite. “That’s good. Thanks.”
“So, they’re separated?” I asked.
“Basically. Lance will probably fight for half the jewels but then she can demand half of the cash. I hate drama,” Matt said.
“Well, you know where to find us if you want company. To vent or eat,” I offered.
He nodded. “Thanks. Mary Lou is upstairs, if you want to talk to her.”
“Sure.” I headed up and waited for Ivy to follow me.
“I’ll make sure the food is put away and check on the old stuff. Men never clean out the fridge,” Ivy said.
“You don’t have to do that,” Matt said.
“I don’t mind. Eat,” Ivy insisted.
I climbed the stairs to the second floor. I tried to walk quietly and listened at the door. No loud conversations on the phone or sobbing. I knocked softly. “Mary Lou, it’s De. We brought some food over.”
The door opened and Mary Lou had a big smile on her face. She hugged me and pulled me into the room. Her room had been under Lance’s design. Old-fashioned as ever. But she’d put up some other art lately. She was making it her own.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“I’m great. I’m done with that jerk. I can’t stand him anymore. He’s so greedy and power hungry. He wanted to contest the will against his own brothers. John told him he was stupid. I told him I was done.”
“Good for you.” I was going to support whatever she said because I’d never seen Mary Lou this happy.
“I know. Matt’s been so sweet letting me stay. I know he wants to sell the house. It’s all happening so fast. Lance will block me from selling the jewelry. Call it marital assets so I’m a bit stuck for now.” She paced in her heels and purple dress.
“If that’s the case, so is his inherited money,” I pointed out.
“Right. I need a lawyer and a job,” she said.
“A job?” I scoffed.
“I have planned tons of parties and charity functions. I could be a party planner. Run a charity. Be a weather girl,” she said.
“Want some advice?” I offered.
“From the single woman pushing forty? Please,” she mocked.
“Catty. Forget it.” I headed for the door.
She got in my way. “No, please. Okay. I’m sorry. Everyone has advice about marriage.”
“This isn’t about marriage. If you get a job, then that’s income. That’s less Lance has to pay you. Come and stay with me. I have plenty of rooms. You’ll never be alone. It might be weird with Greg but I’ll be there. Ivy. Gunnar. Ivy’s boyfriend. Lots of other people. You can help run my charitable clinic project once your divorce is final. Then I don’t have to worry that you’re alone in some sad condo,” I said.
“You’re so sweet. It won’t be too much?” she asked.
“I have guestrooms to spare. It’s a freaking mansion. Pack your stuff and I’ll send Gunnar over to help you move.” I nodded.
“Tomorrow is good. It’ll take time. I might need a storage unit,” she said.
“Okay, you two can sort that out. Just remember, you don’t get to spend my money like you did Lance’s. Your wardrobe is fine. The house doesn’t need to be redecorated. Focus on the divorce and you can volunteer to help with my charity thing until you’re free.” I had to keep her busy or she’d find projects of her own.
“Done. Deal. And I’ll pay you back when I can sell some of the jewels. Just in case I splurge somehow,” she said.
“No, no accidental spending. I don’t buy that crap,” I said.
She laughed. “No wonder you’re single.”
“Thanks. I think I’m actually feeling hungry now. Let’s eat.” She headed downstairs.
“Be down in a minute. There’s a text I need to answer,” I fibbed.
As soon as her fancy heels hit the main floor hardwood floors I called Greg.
“What’s up?” he answered.
“How mad would you be if I invited Mary Lou to come and stay with us until her divorce is done?” I asked.
“Trick or treat?” he asked.
“No, serious question. Matt is going to sell. Lance has a place. She’s done with him. But her assets get frozen as soon as she files. Marital property and all that. She can help with the charity volunteer until the divorce is finalized,” I said.
Greg was quiet for a minute. “Fine.”
“Fine? If it’s a problem, tell me,” I said.
“Not a problem. It’s your house. If it gets weird, I’ll move out,” he replied.
“No, no, I don’t want you to leave. I know it might be odd at first but she’s a friend. That house is huge,” I reminded him.
“I know. It’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it. Let me know when she needs help and I’ll be over,” he said.
“Okay, thanks. I was going to
send Gunnar tomorrow.” I felt bad but it was the right thing to do. “You can put her at the total opposite end of the hall.”
“Sure. Whatever she wants. Gunnar and I will be there tomorrow.”
“Thanks.” I ended the call before I rambled for no reason.
I headed downstairs and Mary Lou and Ivy were jumping and hugging.
“De, I can’t thank you enough,” Matt said.
“Oh, no problem. Mary Lou can stay as long as she needs,” I said.
“I meant me.” Matt smiled and looked at Ivy.
Ivy gave me a sheepish grin. “He can’t stay here all alone.”
“Lance might freak out at me if you both stay,” I pointed out.
Matt waved it off. “I’ll handle my brother. These mansions are so big and costly to maintain. Besides, Lance will say you deserve it for getting that big fat charity donation.”
“Two guestrooms, it is. You’ll be in the bachelor’s corridor,” I teased. “Away for the ladies.”
Matt ate another forkful of lasagna. “I don’t care if I’m in the attic.”
“In that house, you do,” Ivy warned.
“Yeah. Stay out of the attic and the storage room under the stairs. There are ghosts and things so be careful. Ask first. Don’t freak out,” I advised.
“Greg okay with this?” Ivy asked.
“He’s fine,” I said. “He and Gunnar will come by tomorrow to help move over whatever you want. And if you want a storage unit, that’s up to you guys.”
“Wine?” Mary Lou offered.
“Yes, please,” I said.
What had Ivy and I just done?
Chapter Eleven
My ego didn’t need an entourage. Gunnar and Greg were both helping Mary Lou and Matt move. Ivy was playing hostess and prepping guestrooms. I should’ve waited for Gunnar. I should’ve stayed and played hostess myself.
But I had that itchy urge to piss off an enemy of mine.
I didn’t have many enemies. A couple were in prison. Some in the bowels of hell; okay, maybe a lot down there. Whatever demons roamed the Earth, surely. But human enemies—I tried not to. Only really evil people.
Lester was evil. He was also powerful and full of dark magic. He didn’t care who he hurt. He used teenagers and simple-minded adults. He had a little shop off the beaten path. More like a den of evil where he sold stuff. Lester’s Lair, as I thought of it, was void of cars parked out front. The place looked innocent from the outside. He sold occult crap, most of which was useless if the person lacked the right spells or powers. He fleeced clueless people and helped bad ones in creepy ways.
I listened to my gut and stayed very calm and quiet as I approached. Lester was inside but no major evil conjuring was going on. We’d sort of had a standoff before. I summoned angels, he summoned demons and we both walked away alive.
I entered and Lester came out from the office area immediately.
“To what or whom do I owe this honor?” he mocked me.
“Just checking in. Halloween brings out the freaks and I wanted to be sure you weren’t stirring the pot,” I said.
“Freaks? That’s offensive.” Lester smirked.
“People going after dead bodies. Biting the bottoms of a corpse. Disrespecting graves. Freak. I’m sticking with that.” I shrugged.
“Halloween is for amateurs. You should know that,” he said.
“I do but when they’re trying to break into graves? People get pissed off when their dead are messed with,” I said.
“So true. But they’re just dead. It’s not like the people are really in there anymore.” Lester rolled his eyes.
“But are there people obsessed with the dead enough to think doing something to or with a corpse? Can they do something special? Something bad?” I asked.
“Oh, they could. But most won’t have the power to do it. I wouldn’t bother doing it now, if ever. The dead are hard to control. Zombies who are alive are easier, as you recall. Some beginners could get power or connection from black magic on the dead but really, it’s probably some creep who wants to sleep with the dead or a vampire wannabe. Heck. Who doesn’t want a real skeleton? Let the cops handle the morons,” Lester advised.
“Good to know. I’ll get out of your hair,” I said.
I headed toward the door.
“Dr. Oscar,” he said.
I turned. “Yes?”
“You’re safe in my place. I won’t attack you again,” he said.
“I know. I just don’t know why.” I shrugged. I felt safe.
“Then you don’t need to bring four big angels with you every time.” He looked around me.
I glanced and realized I was surrounded by a glow. They weren’t fully visible so I thought I was alone. I’d been feeling strong without Gunnar, but I guess it wasn’t me.
“They just sort of tagged along. I didn’t drag them here. They must not trust you,” I said.
“Why would they? Happy Halloween,” he said.
I left and slammed my car door. “Amy, really? You needed to let him see you?”
“Your protection is our job,” she replied.
Once I pulled away from the shop and was back on public roads, I could feel the other angels peel off and return home. Only Amy was stuck with me for life. Poor girl.
I returned home in time for dinner. Chinese take-out sounded great after all the weirdness of today.
My house was fuller and no one was fighting. So far.
As was passed around the fortune cookies, I watched my friends. Brody was even there. He’d leant his muscle to the move effort.
“Love is right in your sights,” Mary Lou read aloud.
Never mind she was sitting opposite Greg. We were all ignoring that for now.
“That’s mine too,” Gunnar said.
Gunnar was seated across from Matt so it got a laugh and some teasing.
Matt turned red and broke out the almond cookies.
I walked over to Brody as everyone chatted. “Do you think you could make me up to fit in at that vampire club?”
“Sure. But you’re not going alone,” he said.
“I’m a big girl,” I assured him.
“And I’m a big queen. Don’t mean you go to that sort of a place alone. Ever. No one should. There are some people there that are just creepy as hell. I’ll go get some stuff. Change into something black and gray that shows some skin,” he said.
He and I both ran upstairs.
By the time we returned, Ivy had figured out what was going on.
“We’re all going,” Mary Lou said.
“Please, you’re a prom queen,” I said.
“I’m going,” Matt insisted.
“You reek of cop. No. Me, Gunnar, and Brody. That’s good enough,” I said.
“I fit in anywhere,” Ivy insisted.
“No, you need to play hostess here,” I replied.
“We’re all going. It’s a free country. But we should change,” Greg said.
I couldn’t fight them all.
Two hours later, we arrived in two cars. My entourage had grown. Seeing Matt trying to look Goth might just haunt my dreams. He was in black jeans and a polo shirt. Gunnar had spiked Matt’s hair and sprayed in a temporary purple streak.
Greg and Gunnar had done better with more beat-up looking T-shirts. Mary Lou was in a black corset and heels. Oddly, she blended fine when she didn’t smile. I had on a tight gray top and black jeans with a studded belt Ivy leant me.
We entered and I felt the evil like ice. It wasn’t everywhere; the dancefloor had a lot of people just wanting to get the energy out. But plenty of people were looking for something. Blood, sex, or worse...
The lack of light was creepy. The red and black decorations were obvious. It was a sad mix of living lost souls and predators eager to use them. No one was checking IDs at the bar and there was a chill in the air. They had the AC cranked up like a freezer. The tile floor clicked under my heels but there were couches and throne-like chairs scattered aro
und.
Matt could handle himself. Gunnar was fine. Brody would keep an eye on Ivy. I wasn’t here for a social outing. I had to find out things.
I went to the bar and found alcohol wipes and other things needed for safe fun. Watching someone cutting someone else and drinking the blood made me want to lose my eggrolls but I looked away.
“What can I get you?” The bartender tried not to smirk at me.
“Shot of Absolut lime,” I said.
“Make it two,” said a man as he slid up next to me.
He was handsome and oddly dressed like Johnny Cash. In black but not like Death or anything weird. Just a suit with black on black.
“I’m Lucifer,” he said.
I smiled. “Sure, you are.”
“First time?” he asked.
“Came with friends. Supporting their experimentation.” I wasn’t going to truly blend so why not tell the truth.
“You’re powerful. We can feel it,” he said.
“We?” I downed my shot.
“Another?” the bartender asked.
“Actually, I’ll get an Absolut lime and club soda,” I said.
One shot was enough to take the edge off. Now I needed something to sip.
“Are you a witch?” Lucifer asked.
“Look, Luci, I’m not anything like that. I don’t pull from the dark stuff. I don’t like it. I’m looking for people who are messing with the dead. Know anyone like that?” I went blunt.
“I do. Most are not doing things right now due to Halloween. But some of the less experienced can’t help themselves,” he said.
“Anyone come to mind?” I asked.
“I won’t help you persecute my kind,” he replied.
“Your kind?” I asked.
Gunnar and Greg came over. “You okay?” Gunnar asked.
“Yes, I was just having a weird conversation. Where’s Mary Lou?” I asked.
“Ladies room.” Greg was annoyed.
I took my drink and headed back from the crowd. I turned to Luci, “Thanks for the drink,” I said.
“You’re a brat,” Greg said.
“His name isn’t Lucifer. You know it, I know it. He knows it. It’s like high school drama class plus the misfits in here.” I tried not to let my face betray my thoughts.
