Tainted Souls

by Alice J Black

  Vaughn caught my eye and pointed towards the kitchen. I swallowed the lump in my throat and bit back a scream of panic when I realised that was the last place we had to look. He moved towards the hatch, which would lead into the kitchen. I followed, legs shaking, chest on fire. I held the gun out in front of me, along with the torch. My arms tense, ready to spring into action.

  Vaughn rounded the corner of the kiosk and aimed the gun down the dark passage that comprised the kitchen. His beam lit up the steel benches, the utensils hanging on the walls, the knives in their block, the cooker, the skillet, the cupboards. Once he reached the hatch, without averting his eyes, he reached down and unhooked the bolt on the swinging door. The door moved as if by its own volition, and I clenched to fight the knot in my stomach. I wanted to turn back, to go back to the safety of the clock tower and lose myself in his arms again.

  Vaughn pressed against the door and stepped into the kitchen. I hurried to catch up, and we crept into the narrow corridor. As the door swung shut behind me, a sudden blast of cold air hit my legs. I gasped. It was like we were passing into the lion’s den, knowing a monster lurked inside.

  We stalked down the linoleum floor. My head swung left and right as I took in the benches, utensils, cooking appliances. Nothing moved.

  Only one place left to look. The store cupboard at the end of the corridor.

  The metal door glinted in our torch lights.

  We reached the bottom of the kitchen. Vaughn put the torch in his mouth and grabbed the door handle. He yanked open and jammed his foot against the metal door to stop it from falling shut again, as he swept his torch beam around. I joined him, and our dual beams searched the space. Metal shelves lined with stock, labels, boxes. No movement. The area devoid of life.

  My shoulders sagged, and I pressed my hand to my forehead.

  Vaughn dropped his arms and turned to face me. “False alarm.”

  “So where did that noise come from?”

  “No idea. Come on, let’s get out of this place.”

  “You don’t need to tell me twice.” I spun on my heel and hustled towards the moonlight glaring in the main part of the centre.

  The warmth of the clock tower swam around my mind’s eye, but I was ready to leave this place behind for good.

  Chapter Thirty

  As the night crept on, we nestled in the tower, on the blanket. The candles still glowed, flames guttering as the night went on, sending yellow shapes dancing across the walls and casting shadows. The fight between light and dark. Good and evil. Hunters and demons.

  We’d found nothing during our investigation, but I still knew that whatever was going on in the town was happening right there in the community centre. I felt it in my bones. Every time I entered that place, darkness pressed down on me.

  Every now and then, Vaughn’s phone went off. Delta checking in. They were still stationed outside, and despite it being summer, it would still be cold due to the demonic presence.

  Vaughn tightened his grasp around me, hands curling over my hips. I rested against him as he leaned against the wall. In his arms was the only place I’d wanted to be for a long time. It felt like a dream. And I knew I was safe even though Cursed were swarming outside. Right there in Vaughn’s arms, nothing could harm me.

  His phone dinged again, and he searched the screen. “It’s my dad. He says dawn is breaking. The Cursed are dispersing.”

  I shivered after pushing myself up and out of his grip, then pulled my jacket down and stretched. True enough, I could see the grey light of the morning peering through the clock tower. When I turned around, Vaughn was blowing out the candles. Trails of smoke drifted and then vanished.

  “Vaughn?”

  “Yeah?” He stood beside me, stretching his arms above his head.

  “We searched this place high and low, but I still think there’s something we’re missing.”

  “We’ll figure it out.” He caressed my arm. “Come on, let’s get out of here. You haven’t slept a wink.”

  “Neither have you.”

  “Then it’s time for bed.” He grinned, but it soon faltered. His face flushed, and he dropped his gaze as he straightened his jacket. “I didn’t mean…”

  “I know.” I grinned. “Come on.”

  We traipsed down the stairs, and I felt lighter with every step I took. It felt like I was walking to my freedom. Vaughn locked the tower door behind us, closing a part of us up there. Then he gripped my hand and we moved past the café—which I refused to look at—and past the stage. The pews were lit in the early morning light, grey and dim, but better than the darkness that had shrouded them. We left the community centre and walked into the meagre light of the dawn. I took a deep breath of crisp air, and for the first time since we were locked inside, I allowed my body to sag. Turning, I glanced up at the building’s spire as Vaughn locked up. Despite its size and the amount of space inside, I had felt trapped in there.

  “Hey, guys,” Luka said, striding across the road with Delta. “You all right?”

  I nodded. “Fine. Did you guys spend the night there?” I nodded towards the wooden bench that the old man was sitting on when we first arrived.

  “It was fine. Delta has a comfortable shoulder.” Luka grinned.

  “How was it?” Delta asked.

  Vaughn turned to look at him. “Like Ruby said, fine.” He shrugged. “We searched the whole place and found nothing. I don’t get it.”

  “You searched it all?”

  “Offices, hall, café,” Vaughn said.

  “Basement?” Luka asked.

  Vaughn groaned. “I forgot there was a basement.”

  “So did I,” I said.

  “Come on, Vaughn.” Delta shook his head. “This could’ve been our only chance. There’s no way Tom will let you do that again.”

  “Sorry.” Vaughn shrugged and dropped his head.

  I wanted to take his hand to console him. Delta was hard on his son at times.

  Delta’s mouth opened and closed, and his hand dropped.

  Luka patted his shoulder. “It’s okay, mate. We’ll figure it out. I think it’s about time we all went to get some sleep anyway. I don’t know about you lot, but I’m wrecked.”

  “You’re right.” Delta nodded. “Come on.”

  He turned around and we began to trail along the pavement, towards the inn. We had walked those streets for days now, and I felt like I knew the town like the back of my hand. But in the dimness of dawn, everything looked different. It was quiet and serene. The shop windows reflected the last of the lamplights, and the houses were dark. We stopped by Tom’s house on the way home so that Vaughn could drop the keys through the letter box as arranged and continued on our way. It wasn’t long until we reached the Traveller’s Rest, and after trooping up the stairs, we waved goodbye and separated into our rooms. As Vaughn closed the door, my gaze met his. He was a hulking shadow, his shoulders visible against the width of the door. I wanted to go to him, to be capsuled in his arms again and feel his lips against mine. Then his stare was gone. He shrugged out of his clothes and fell into bed, wearing nothing but his boxers. I hurried into the bathroom and changed as quickly as I could, grateful for the comfort my pyjamas brought. Once I sunk into bed and closed my eyes, I willed the night away and beckoned sleep to come.

  It was just after lunchtime when I woke. I blinked my eyes open to take in the light in the room, my mind still foggy with sleep. Rubbing my eyes, I turned and saw Vaughn still asleep. We had missed breakfast for sure, and my stomach was rumbling. I pushed myself up and leaned back against the pillow as I continued to wake up. Then I stared at Vaughn. His skin was smooth, expression neutral. His chest rose and fell with each breath. My gaze fell to the top of the duvet where it ended just below his belly button, and I bit my lip. I rubbed my fingers over my lips as if I could still feel his lips pressed against mine, tender with a deep undercurrent of lust.

  Vaughn stirred, twisting across the bed as he began to wake. He stretched his arms
above his head, bicep muscles popping. Then he opened his eyes and oriented himself before turning his head toward me.

  He smiled. “What time is it?”

  “Just after lunch.”

  “Man, I’m starving.”

  “Me, too.” I nodded.

  “Tom is going to kill me. I was supposed to be at rehearsals this morning.”

  “Don’t worry. He’ll forgive you.”

  “Hopefully. I’m going to take a shower, then I’ll go find Dad and see what the plan is.”

  He stepped into the bathroom, pulling the door shut behind him, but I didn’t hear the snap of the lock. Was it intentional? Did he forget? I bit my bottom lip.

  Someone knocked. I shoved the covers back and hurried to the door. I opened it to find Delta standing there, already dressed. I glanced down at my attire and crossed my arms.

  “Hey, Ruby.”

  “Hey.”

  “I just popped by to say we’re heading for lunch soon. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving. Want to meet downstairs in around half an hour?”

  “Sure.” I waved as he went back to his room.

  I heard the shower switch off. When Vaughn finally stepped out, he wore a pair of combats belted to his waist, and his chest was naked in all its glory. My cheeks heated as our eyes met.

  “Your dad stopped by.”

  “What did he say?”

  “We’re meeting for lunch in half an hour. I better hurry and shower.”

  I grabbed what I needed, then escaped into the bathroom, deliberating on whether I should lock the door or not. Forty-five minutes later, I joined everyone downstairs and blushed at the slow clap I received upon arrival.

  “Sorry. Had to dry my hair.” I motioned to my sleek auburn locks.

  “Geez, Ruby, anyone would think you’re a girl.” Luka grinned.

  “You look nice,” Vaughn said.

  My blush deepened.

  Luka took the lead and we headed out into the afternoon. Just as we reached the bottom of the small pathway leading to the Traveller’s Rest, Luka stopped mid-stride and there was handshaking, hands clapping, and smiles all around.

  It was when I finally caught up that I saw Justin, along with a guy I assumed was Roan. Reinforcements had arrived.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  “You guys got here a little late. Could’ve used you to storm the castle last night,” Luka said.

  “Sheila wanted us fully prepped before we left.” Justin shrugged.

  I looked at him properly for the first time. His dark hair was slicked back with gel, and he had a light spattering of beard and moustache. He had warm, dark eyes, and he carried himself with an air of authority. He was slimmer than the rest of the guys, but he was well-built and tall.

  “What happened last night?” Roan asked.

  He had short dirty-blonde hair, a strong jaw, thick moustache, and he wore a silver stud earring.

  “Fill you in at lunch. What do you say?” Delta asked.

  “Sounds good to me.” Roan grinned and patted the paunch that lilted over his belt.

  We strolled along, Delta leading the way as we headed into town.

  “So you’re Ruby Dawson,” Roan said. “Knew your dad well.”

  “You did?” I glanced up at the behemoth of a man.

  “Yup. He was a good fella. One of the best.”

  “That’s good to hear.” I smiled.

  Losing my dad had left a hole in my heart which had never filled, but being around the guys he’d worked with was like having a memorial for him.

  “Didn’t think I’d see his kid here,” Roan said. “Especially with you being a girl and all.”

  “Tell me about it.” I rolled my eyes. “Guess I was just born to break the mould.”

  Roan laughed a deep belly-laugh that upended the quiet atmosphere and made his belly wobble. “Seems you have, kid.”

  “And that’s something I can’t help puzzling about.” Justin glanced down at me.

  “Well, if you figure anything out let me know, because neither can I.”

  “Affirmative.” Justin nodded. “How about we stop here?” He pointed to the café where Summer worked.

  My stomach clenched, and I took a deep breath.

  “Actually,” Vaughn said, “can we try somewhere different? Like, that place.” He pointed to a place further up the road.

  “Sure.” Justin nodded.

  Vaughn met my eyes, and I smiled.

  We entered the café that Vaughn had suggested, which was closer to the community centre. Luka opened the door, and we trailed in. The place had a modern feel, with wood floors, brown sofas, and wide low-standing tables. In the window, tall seats lined against a narrow bench overlooking the centre. I certainly didn’t want to sit in there.

  “How about those seats?” I pointed towards the back of the café, near the counter.

  Vaughn followed my lead, and we were soon seated around a pine table with a small vase with fake flowers in the middle. The sofa was as soft as it looked, and I sunk into the cushion.

  “So how much do you guys know?” Delta looked between Justin and Roan.

  “We got the same briefing as you did, and we’ve seen the updates you sent to Sheila,” Justin said.

  “So you know about the Cursed swarming the community centre?” Delta asked.

  “Yeah.” Justin nodded.

  “Is that it over there?” Roan hitched his thumb back towards the window.

  “Yep,” Luka said.

  “Okay, so anything more from that?” Justin asked.

  “Vaughn and Ruby spent the night there last night,” Delta said.

  Everyone looked at us.

  “We planned to stay the night. I got the keys and full access to the building,” Vaughn said.

  “How?” Justin rested his chin on his fist.

  “He bribed the community worker there,” Delta said.

  “Oh, now, Delta.” Luka grinned. “Don’t leave out the best part.”

  “Which is?” Justin asked.

  “Vaughn is in a play,” Luka said.

  Roan burst into laughter again, his belly rocking as he stared at Vaughn, wide-eyed. “You’re in a play?”

  Vaughn’s cheeks flared red. “It was the only way we could keep going to the community centre without arousing suspicion.”

  “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be sure to get tickets and popcorn for the showing.” Roan grinned.

  “So, anyway,” Vaughn said. “I got the keys, and the plan was to let my dad and Luka in after Tom left. Only, he didn’t leave until late, and by then the Cursed were swarming.”

  “So did you see anything?” Justin asked.

  I shook my head. “Nothing. We heard a noise and went to investigate but couldn’t find out where it came from.”

  “And there’s only one place we didn’t search,” Vaughn said.

  “Where?” Justin asked.

  “The basement,” Vaughn replied.

  Footsteps broke the quiet, and I glanced up at a man striding towards us. He wore a black shirt open at the collar, black trousers, and an apron with the remnants of the breakfast rush. From his shirt pocket, he produced a long notepad and held it up while scanning our group. His gaze settled on Delta.

  “Can I take your order?”

  I went along with the majority and ordered a panini with chips. The waiter made the final note, then turned on his heel and strode back towards the counter.

  “Okay,” Delta said, “so you didn’t come across anything last night. What were your vibes?”

  I looked at Vaughn. “I think there’s something wrong with the place.”

  “What do you mean?” Delta asked.

  “I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I just get this awful feeling anytime I’m near it. It’s dark. Like, I don’t want to set foot anywhere near the place.”

  “Is it Pete?” Luka asked.

  I shuddered at the mention of his name. The thought of him made me feel like ants were crawling over eve
ry inch of my skin.

  “I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something not right about him. He creeps me out.”

  “Anyone else get that with him?” Delta asked.

  “I do.” Vaughn nodded.

  “Me, too,” Luka said.

  “Okay,” Delta said, “so we all get the feeling that something isn’t right with this guy.”

  “Who’s Pete?” Justin asked.

  “Sorry,” Delta said. “He’s the guy who runs the community café in the community centre.”

  “Right,” Justin said.

  “Don’t worry.” Roan looked at me and winked. “I won’t let him anywhere near you.”

  Anyone else might have felt safe surrounded by all these Hunters, but not me. Apprehension still rested in the pit of my belly.

  “I think there are two things we can do from here,” Delta said. “We can track him home. Check out his place and see what it’s like. It’s possible that if he’s the cause of this, he might not know it.”

  “And the other thing?” Vaughn asked.

  “Get into the café when he’s not there and ransack the place.”

  “And the basement while we’re there,” Roan said.

  “Well, that’s a problem,” Luka said. “He’s always there throughout the day. Always. Plus, Vaughn and Ruby searched the place and found nothing.”

  “That’s not to say there isn’t anything else,” Delta said. “I think more eyes are better. We might spot something they didn’t.”

  “So basically we need to go in during the night,” Luka said.

  “That’s right.” Delta nodded.

  I shuddered and glanced around the table.

  “And how are we going to do that when the place is crawling with Cursed?” Luka asked.

  “Leave that to me,” Justin said. “All we need to do is get the keys, and I’ll take care of the rest.” His lips formed a grim line.

  “Okay, so we need to do that tonight,” Delta said. “We have our backup, and we need to get in there before anyone else goes missing. Agreed?”

  He looked around the table and was met with affirmation.