Outside of work, I don't socialise much. Running a café takes a lot of time. Even now, Yu had brought all the admin over for me to do. I'd been advised to get someone to help manage Fixated and all front of house tasks until the taskforce could determine the ramifications of the shooting and get a better handle on the extent of the case they had. The children would provide evidence, but being an adult, I was able to be provide more detail. Malaya had yet to speak. She'd been in a state of shock since we'd been rescued and just stared off into space. Not even sudden, loud sounds seemed to register. When they'd first arrived at the hospital, they'd assumed she'd follow the rest in, but she stood motionless in the emergency area, even when a car swung around the corner and screeched to a halt to avoid hitting her. That meant I was the key source of information for the taskforce. They interviewed me here, at Mum's place, and sometimes it would go on for hours. Tien lined up the interviews, but Mum and Tien weren't allowed to attend them. Not that the officers interviewing me were impolite or anything, but I suspect Mum would have been inclined to give me more breaks. After the interviews, there'd be nothing for a few days while they followed up leads or tracked down evidence or… whatever it was they were doing. They were all very apologetic for the inconvenience but had not needed to emphasise how important it was they kept me safe. It was fortunate Yu was able to manage the café. She wanted to own one herself one day and this was an opportunity she had been happy to leap for. I promised her I'd find the budget to give her a raise for the extra responsibility, but, to be honest, I wasn't sure how I was going to do it. My lack of a social life was also fortunate in that I didn't have a large social circle, because that meant no tricky explanations to friends about why they couldn't visit or why I was staying at Mum's place.
My one really close friend, Alyssa, had started out as a customer. A self-employed writer/editor, Alyssa's never had an office, but my café might as well be it— I've even taken to letting her stay after hours if she's got a deadline. Over the course of a few months we discovered we had a lot in common, including being very serious about our coffee. We also share the same taste in music and fashion and driving; usually too fast. Alyssa has a pain condition and barely sleeps, so she's learned to live off coffee. One day she gave me a t-shirt that said: Death before dishonour, nothing before coffee— we've been friends ever since. I really miss her because not only does she know about me seeing angels, she sees them too. She's been asking about me at the café and she'd sent texts and an email. The problem is, I don't want her drawn into this, but I don't want her to worry, either. I decided I should send an email, but I'd have to be careful with my words so I wouldn't find her suddenly on my doorstep— she's been here plenty of times because we often have movie marathons with Mum. Alyssa's the kind of person that, no matter how inconvenient, if you even hint you could use some help, she'd turn up and make you feel like you were doing her a favour. I'd told her about Therion at the ice rink and I wanted to talk to her about recent events, but I knew that even if I kept it to angel-talk, I'd be putting her at risk. A non-committal email assuring her I was fine, just busy, would have to do.
As I walked around the garden, I felt my flagging energy pick up a little. There was a kind of muted vibration in the air, almost like that charged atmosphere the air takes on just before a thunderstorm. Ah, Garry was around. Even if I couldn't see him, and he'd taken to hiding himself very well, I could feel him. I wandered back up and down the garden. When I finally decided where the vibe was strongest, I stopped and sat on the ground, leaning back until I was lying. I bent my knees and put my arms behind my head to create a cushion.
'You know, Garry, you don't have to hide, I know how to share a companionable silence.'
'You are very perceptive.'
The observation was grudging, and he sounded irritated. I couldn't see him, just hear his voice. I couldn't decide if I could only hear it in my head or whether it was an actual sound.
'It would be less disconcerting if you would appear when you do decide to talk,' I pointed out.
Silence.
I mentally shrugged, I was getting used to talking to myself and having my questions left unanswered. 'At least Therion had the decency to appear whenever I talked to him. He seemed more tolerant, too.' Okay, I was being a bit of a troll, provoking him with statements like that, but I was feeling frustrated about the whole situation and if someone was watching me, I preferred they showed themselves. 'Therion looks quite different, too, almost like he's an angel-vampire cross.' I paused as something occurred to me, 'He's not some kind of vampire, though, is he? I mean, he has fangs, so he could be a vampire, for all I know.'
Garry appeared. 'Vampires rarely bother themselves with the kind of affairs that concern angels, nor do they possess the restraint required for the work we do.' He scowled deeply as he added, 'Neither does Therion, for that matter.'
'Is that why he's more forthcoming than you?' Okay, now I was being an utter troll, but he'd appeared after I'd suggested Therion might be a better angel than he was. It was a weak point through which I might gain enough information to understand what was going on.
A scornful expression further marred the perfection of Garry's face. 'You think he is some kind of hero, some kind of mysterious and enchanting creature of justice, but he has committed atrocities beyond your imagining. He has spent centuries redressing them and will spend centuries more before he comes close to any kind of redemption.'
I sat up and crossed my legs, looking up at Garry. 'At least he seeks redemption. Doesn't that count for something? My mother has encountered some truly horrible people who are without remorse. In fact, right now, she's working with a taskforce to stop an organisation that trades in children like they're cattle. Which brings me to a question I've been meaning to ask, why did Therion protect Archmore?'
'Who?' his beautiful face went blank for a moment, then, 'Oh, him.'
I waited out the silence that followed, hoping my patience would be rewarded with an answer.
'Archmore was the only one who knew the location of a child called Maya Del Omo.'
'That was the girl Therion took. She was badly hurt, but Therion promised he'd take care of her.'
My remark clearly affected Garry because his reluctance to take part in the conversation seemed to dissolve. He sank slowly to the ground, kneeling, lifting his wings, and then sitting in a side-on manner that kept them from getting beneath him. 'She was indeed gravely injured. That was why Therion was instructed to protect Archmore until he gained her location. Maya is safe now and has recovered. You can assure your mother that Archmore has since paid his dues.'
'He did? You mean, well, you don't mean he's in some kind of jail or anything.'
'He's dead,' Garry said flatly. 'His body is near the creek where you were held.' After a moment, he added, 'Therion's attempt to redeem does, indeed, count for something. He is, however, a very volatile creature, one that is far more dangerous than the oft-cited wolf among sheep. Do not mistake him for a friend. It was because he almost killed your mother that induced the need to protect you.'
That got my attention. 'He what?'
I heard the sliding door behind me open and close.
Garry was saying, 'Ah, I should clarify, it was an accident, a misjudgement…'
Footsteps indicated that Kate was approaching, I glanced behind me, sure enough, she was coming up the path, a mug in each hand. What was with her obsession with tea? I turned back to Garry, but he was gone. Of course! I grumbled incoherently under my breath and then pasted a smile on my face as Kate arrived.
'Do you mind if I join you? I made some tea.'
'Thank you, you really didn't have to. Please,' I gestured for her to take a seat. 'My father planted this garden, so I often like to sit here,' I added by way of explaining why I'd plonked myself down in the middle of the backyard.
'Oh, I gather he's, um…'
'Passed away.'
'Sorry—'
I shook my head. 'No need to apologise,
it was a while back. I know I'm not really with him here, but I miss him a little less.' I sipped my tea, looked away to wince so as not to hurt Kate's feelings.
'You don't like tea, do you?'
I laughed. 'You don't miss much. It's not that I don't like tea, but I prefer herbal, and my mainstay is coffee.'
Kate smiled, she had hazel-green eyes with gold flecks that matched the olive tone of her skin. 'I saw the coffee machine, but I have no idea how to use one.'
'I can show you, if you'd like.'
She nodded. 'Yeah, that'd be great.'
'Hello-hello!'
It was Mum and Tien.
Kate jumped up and started brushing down her jeans. Tien said plain clothes would be better suited for this assignment, and because of the shooter, Kate had a gun in a holster under her hoodie.
'I'll see you tomorrow,' she said and headed back to the veranda where Tien had stopped to wait for her. Tien waved and I returned the gesture. Some days she would stop to talk, others, like today, when it was already late in the day for her, she'd just wave or say hello because she still had to take Kate home before she could head home herself. They said goodbye to Mum and went into the house, presumably to collect Kate's things before heading off. Mum jogged down the veranda steps and then walked over to me.
When she reached me, she said, 'You missing your Dad, hun?' A kiss on my forehead followed the question.
I nodded. Then I remembered what Garry had just told me. 'Oh, um, don't let Tien leave, just yet, but I want to talk to you alone for a minute.'
Ever practical, Mum pulled out her mobile. 'Tien, just hang on for a minute, I'll be right out.'
'I know where Kerrigan Archmore is,' I started as she pushed her phone back into her pocket.
Mum frowned, started to say something and then gestured impatiently. 'You what, now?'
'I had a winged visitor.' I gave her a meaningful look. 'He said Archmore is dead, he's near a creek where we were being held.'
Mum groaned and rubbed her head. 'Ah, Jay,' she sighed. 'And how am I supposed to tell Tien I know this?'
I almost shrugged, but then had an idea. 'Tell her I remembered it, I overheard Quan say something about having a body near a creek to get rid of, let her do the math, she'll know there's a creek near the place they found us.'
Mum sighed again, then said, 'This will result in another interview, you know?'
'I know, but perhaps it could be tomorrow, I'm feeling pretty wiped out.'
'Okay. I'll tell her. Why don't you head inside? I'll make you a coffee when I finish with Tien.'
I let her guide me back into the house and fell onto the lounge. I really was tired and pretty soon my eyes drifted shut.
Bastien
It wasn't exactly your average suburban house; it was surrounded by a wall and the extensive, landscaped gardens included a pool and entertainment deck. I dropped from the top of the wall into the yard. The garden was in darkness, but the back section of the inner house was lit up and I could see people moving about. Avoiding the light spilling out through various windows, I made my way up to the deck. A young, Asian man was leaning against an outdoor kitchen bench next to a barbecue. He wore dark clothing and would have been hidden from human eyes but for the end of his cigarette lighting up every now and then. He was armed; I could smell both the oil for cleaning the weapon and the gunpowder. Yes, vampire senses can be that comprehensive, it depends on the type of vampire and the age, but like a shark, I can scent a drop of blood from a long way off. And, unfortunately, sweat and all the other less-appealing scents that accompany humans. There was a sour taint to the man's sweat. A drug-user, but sober, right now. I amused myself by working my way as close to him as I could. I got to within a meter or so and he didn't even look in my direction. I was now opposite him on the other side of the sliding door, near the window panel. Assured that my 'companion' was unaware of me, I turned my attention to the room within.
In front of my position, there was a large u-shaped lounge taking up two thirds of the space. Looking to the right, I could see the edges of a dining area and kitchen, but I would have to lean too far out to see it properly. Four people sat on the lounge; one couple— the woman sleeping with her head on the man's shoulder— and two men sitting on separate sections of the lounge. A wooden chest-like, square coffee table was strewn with drug paraphernalia, ashtrays, cigarette packets, and two decorative, wooden boxes. I almost huffed my dissatisfaction, then remembered the guard sharing the deck area with me and suppressed it.
I'd left my hunt until just after midnight, the address retrieved through various sources had not been easy to track down and I'd been told that my target, Lena Exeter, was moving around, never staying at one address for long.
Lena Exeter.
She had started as just a name Therion had given me, but I'd been able to match her to memories from the man he'd me question, Kerrigan Archmore. From there I'd enough to send an investigator on an information hunt and what I discovered was that Lena Exeter's crimes extended far beyond having a relationship with a slave trafficker and looking the other way. She had been aiding her brother, Riley, in his own paedophilic pursuits all her life. The two were abused by their father and that gained her a certain amount of empathy, but she was suspected of letting her brother abuse her childhood friends and later luring children her brother wanted away from safety. Therion had given me her name for a reason. He very rarely gave me names. He had to be careful because if Aurealis thought he was overstepping his bounds, he would be punished. So would I. By only giving me her name, all the rest was on me. I could have just tracked her down and killed her— Therion did not give me the names of innocents. But, by doing my research, by confirming the need for action, I acted as a balancing factor, and Aurealis was very keen on balance.
I felt a flurry of warmth and all my muscles tensed. Speak of the devil, as the saying goes.
Aurealis appeared as an angel right next to me. It was alright for her to just drop into the earthly realm unannounced, no one could perceive her.
'Nor you, while I will it.'
I turned, still in my crouched position, and rested one knee on the ground. I looked up at her. 'Why are you here?'
'He gave you the name of a woman within. You plan to kill her.'
'Not without purpose,' I objected. 'First, I plan to extract her memories using a psychic link; a thoroughly excruciating experience, but one not undeserved. In the spirit of direct honesty, though, after that, well, then I will, indeed, kill her. And it will be bloody and terrifying, much like it was for her victims. You know,' I shrugged, pulling off an attitude of nonchalance I didn't quite feel, 'because I am all about balance.' I finished in a soft drawl, but maintained steady eye contact with the god, daring her to react to the unsubtle provocation in my manner. 'Why do you object? By removing Lena Exeter in this manner, I will, at the very least, be dispensing justice.'
Aside from narrowing her gaze in what I perceived as haughty disapproval and then settling on an expression of disinterest my explanation was left to drift in an abyss of silence.
'I get it, I get it; you are not a god of justice, thus this aspect is not crucial in achieving your ambitions. Consequently, I feel it would be remiss of me not to also point out that my course of action will prevent Lena Exeter from targeting others, spirits who might otherwise move closer to ascension in this lifetime were they not subjected to the trauma her crimes impart.'
'Yet, had he not given you this name, you would not be interested in Lena Exeter, or delivering justice on behalf of her victims, or potentially progressing their ascension. I must conclude, then, that your motivation stems from Therion and his provision of this information.' Aurealis persisted.
'True. However, I've been killing paedophiles and other equally vile ilk for centuries, so I'm not exactly behaving aberrantly. Anyone could have given me this name and I would act the same, thus, I can assure you, that neither of us are motivated by personal vengeance. This particular vile creatur
e also possesses extensive information on an organisation that trades in children. Once I extract that information, I will give it to others who can use it to take that organisation apart. I am also sure that you are well aware that Ceri-talen is behind much of this, influencing these criminals, getting them to target spirits he wants made vulnerable and then harvesting them.' I paused and then added with special emphasis, 'Ceri-talen is not just disrupting the balance here, he is flaunting his disregard for the treaty. I simply mean to even things out. That I get to kill while doing so is an unexpected pleasure, but not required.'
For a very, very long moment she assessed me. She could not read my mind; one of the major advantages of not pledging service to a god. Again, I did not flinch from her gaze. She might not be able to read my mind directly, but that did not mean she had other ways of divining my motives or my sincerity.
'I will allow this. But do not mistake it, vampire, I will not always be accepting of such actions. Next time Therion gives you a name, be absolutely sure of your motives and his before you act upon it.'
I snorted. 'I am surprised you are not going to give him a direct order not to give me any other names.'
The angel-god gave me a mysterious smile. 'Who is to say I did not put the thought in his mind to give you every name he has ever passed on?'
'Then why are you here this time and not the previous times?'
'Perhaps I thought it was timely to remind you that just because I may not be present, does not mean I am unaware of Therion's actions.'
'Well, now that I am reminded, I'd like to get back to my task, if you don't mind.'
Aurealis raised a hand in a stalling gesture. 'Just one more thing. This, what you are doing, I know it is a personal vendetta of yours. I know that despite your protests that there is deeper meaning to your drive to rid the realm of these people and to thwarting Ceri-talen. Mistake it not, Arareiks, this is a favour I have done you.'
I kept my expression blank when she used my real name. Very few know that name; the name I'd given myself when I decided to finally take a name in the earthly realm. 'Message received: I owe you. Now, let me get on with my evening before you drain all the joy from it,' I drawled.
Soul Taker's Redemption Page 22
