He nods once. “Don’t go doing anything stupid in the meanwhile.”
“Don’t take too long…please,” I add when his eyes narrow.
“I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you,” I push out. I don’t know if I can wait a couple of minutes, let alone a couple of days. I’ll find a way to get through it. “We’ll talk soon, then?” I raise my brows.
“Yes, we will.”
I leave. Worry clawing at my gut. So many ‘what ifs’ rolling around my head, I feel weighed down by them. I need to push all that aside. I’m doing this with or without the help of the Order. I am a Seeker. I will find her.
4
One week later…
Lyre
The scent of Chinese takeout is pungent as I get out of my car. It makes my mouth water, and my stomach twist. I’m on edge. I close my car door and push the lock button.
I hope Luke has something for me. Anything. I’m desperate. It’s been two weeks since I lost my power. All of it. Every shred. The last two weeks have felt like two years. I feel naked without it. No…naked isn’t quite right…I feel empty. I feel half of…of…well, of me. I hate how it feels. I was cheated. Taken advantage of. I keep running through the events of that night. I get headaches from trying to piece things together. From trying to understand.
I walk past the entrance to the takeout place and make my way through a glass door, which leads up a flight of stairs. I head down a hallway. I pass a couple of doors until I reach the one that has ‘Luke Roberts PI’ on it in gold lettering. It was so clichéd the first time I came here that if I wasn’t as desperate, and if he hadn’t come as highly recommended, I might just have turned and walked away.
I knock once and enter since he is expecting me and I’m two minutes late.
Luke is tapping on the keyboard of his laptop. He looks up. “Hey. Take a seat.”
“Please tell me you have something for me,” I get right to it as I sit down across from him.
“I do.”
I push out a pent-up breath I didn’t even realize I was holding. “Oh, thank god!”
“It’s not what you think, though.” He frowns. “I still have no leads on our mystery lady. None of the street cameras picked her up. I had hoped to get a registration on a vehicle, but nada. The barman remembered her, but it was the first time he had ever seen her. All he could tell me was that she left with some guy. That would be you.” Luke nods his head in my direction. “She hasn’t been back since.”
“All dead ends.”
He nods. “Yep. I canvassed the area, including bus stations, the train station, and the closest airport, and no one remembers seeing anyone matching her description.”
“You used her picture?” I ask.
“I did. So far, I’ve come up empty-handed.”
“What is this lead you referred to?”
“I don’t know if it’s a lead. It could be nothing. A woman called me wanting information. She said she’s looking for the same woman.”
I frown. “How could she know that?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe she spoke with someone I approached. I left my card all over. You’d be surprised how often a lead comes in from that. Especially if you offer a reward. Also, I called in a favor with a detective friend at the police department. I had him run facial recognition on this.” He picks up the photograph of Gabriella.
“Surely they can’t trace someone with that?” The photograph is pixelated. It’s a side-view. It isn’t great unless you’ve met Gabby. You would most likely recognize her then.
“In this instance,” he shakes his head, “they were unable to identify her. I told them what went down, how she lifted your wallet, your watch, and some electronic equipment. They’ve put a BOLO out on her.”
“That’s handy.” I’m hoping it will pan out, but this woman is elusive.
“The woman caller mentioned the picture. She called the woman by another name, though.”
“Oh?” I sit up taller in my seat.
“Lilith.”
I shrug. “All it tells me is that she has more than one identity. Anything else? Did this woman caller give you her name, at least?”
“Nope. She clamped up tighter than an oyster about to be shucked when I asked.”
“What did you get?”
“Her number. She gave me a number to call if I had any information to share. She said she was looking for Lilith. Wouldn’t say why. All I can say is that she didn’t sound like there was much love lost.”
“I’m going to assume you traced the number.”
He nods once and smiles. “Of course. It’s a burner.”
“So, all we have is another mystery woman, a cellphone number, and the name Lilith.”
“I’m afraid so, but it’s more than we had yesterday.”
Damn.
That’s nothing.
Less than nothing.
Who is this person who called Luke? Who is Gabby…Lilith? More importantly, what is she? There’s only one thing to do in a situation like this. “Call her,” I say. “Put her on speaker.”
“Now?” he asks, sounding bewildered.
“Yes, now.”
“I tried to get her to talk to me. I tried to get her to agree to meet but got nothing. I don’t think it’ll help if I call her.”
“There’s only one way to find out.” I look down at his phone. I’d take her number and call her myself, but I’m afraid she won’t answer if she doesn’t recognize the number. In fact, it’s highly likely that’ll be the outcome.
“Okay. I guess we have nothing to lose.” He picks up his phone and starts scrolling. Then he swipes at the screen a couple of times and puts the phone on the desk.
“It’s on speaker,” he says, as a ringtone sounds.
I pull my chair in closer, my eyes are on his screen. “Let me talk,” I say.
Luke looks unsure for a moment, and then he nods.
She picks up. I’m shocked because I somehow didn’t think that she would. “I hope you have some information for me and that you’re not wasting my time.” Her voice is no-nonsense.
“Hello,” I say. “My name is Lyre. It seems like we might be looking for the same person.”
“I’m listening.”
“What is your name?’ I ask. I told her mine. Maybe, just maybe.
She sighs. “Do you have information or not?”
I need to give her something. I hope she’ll give me something back in return. I won’t hold my breath. “This woman…you call her Lilith, she stole from me. She took my wallet, my watch, and a couple of other things of little importance. The watch was sentimental. I need it back. I’m trying to find her.”
“Your watch and your wallet?” she asks, I hear skepticism in her tone. Maybe I’m wrong.
“Yes, that’s right. Like I said, the watch isn’t worth much, but it’s important to me. I’m trying to find her. I’m offering a reward.”
“That’s nice.” I don’t think she’s interested.
“Ten thousand dollars,” I throw the number out there. I can pay it. In fact, I’m fully prepared to pay triple that – more – to find Gabriella.
“Let’s cut the bull,” she says, deadpan. “We both know she didn’t steal those things from you. That’s not how she operates. Why are you really looking for her?”
What? How could this woman possibly know that? “Excuse me?”
“You heard me! Lilith, or whatever she’s calling herself these days, was not after your money or jewelry. Why do you want her so badly?”
“I’m telling you—”
“No, I’m telling you! You’re lying to me. Maybe if you come clean and tell me what really happened, we can set something up.”
“Who the hell are you?” I growl. “Why are you trying to find her?”
“Call me when you have something, or if you’re willing to cut the crap.” She hangs up the phone.
I’m reeling.
This woman knows something.
“Call her again!�
�� I say.
“Why?” Luke is frowning. “She’s full of hot air. I’m telling you she’s one of those crazies we get calling in sometimes.”
That was no crazy. I get why Luke would draw that conclusion since he doesn’t have all the facts.
“Humor me.”
He looks my way for a few moments and then pulls in a breath. Luke goes through the motions, putting the phone down between us. It just rings and rings and rings.
He tries again, but the same thing happens.
“I want her number,” I say.
“Why?” He raises his brows. “Forget her. She clearly can’t help us.”
“Please,” I say.
“I wouldn’t waste my time.” He gives me her number anyway, and I program it into my phone.
Then he proceeds to explain several avenues he plans on exploring. They’re all long shots. I’m thinking about the woman I just spoke to. How am I going to get her to talk? She knows something. It’s important. How do I get her to open up without revealing too much about myself? It’s not like I can tell her that Gabby – Lilith – stole my power. That would sound like crazy talk. I’d scare her away for good if I did that. I’m tempted to give her more information about myself. Maybe that will draw her in. Problem is, I can’t trust her.
It doesn’t take long for Luke to finish outlining his plan. We’re getting to the point where we’ve exhausted all leads. Not that there were many to begin with.
“I’ll call you if I find out anything,” he says.
I nod.
“It’s like she just disappeared,” he adds. “Rest assured, I won’t give up.”
“I know you won’t.”
“I’ve got PD on this. I’ll keep fishing. Keep on turning rocks until something comes up.”
“I know you will.” We shake hands, and I leave.
I can’t walk past the Chinese takeout a second time. This time, my mouth waters and my stomach rumbles. I go inside and place my order.
Then I sit down at the cheap plastic table. I can’t stop thinking about her. For once, it’s not Gabby but the other mystery woman. I look at the screen of my phone for a long couple of minutes before I finally decide to send her a text.
Nice chatting.
I see that she has read my message, but I don’t get a response.
I wish you’d tell me your name.
She reads the message…and I get nothing.
The lady at the counter tells me that my order is ready. I look at my watch. Ten minutes. That’s impressive. I take my food and head to my car. I get inside and do what I always do when I get Chinese; I find my fortune cookie. I rip open the plastic packaging. Crack open the cookie and take out the little piece of paper.
Soon life will become more interesting.
I choke out a laugh. Please no. ‘More interesting’ is another way of saying more complicated. It’s complicated enough, thanks.
You don’t even want to know the fortune I just pulled out of a cookie. I ordered Chinese BTW.
I’m not sure why I just sent that message. I see those bouncing balls that indicate she is typing. I watch them for a long couple of seconds. Then they are gone. Damn. She thought about it but didn’t respond in the end. She is reading my messages. Maybe I can get through to her if I keep trying. Maybe she’ll tell me what she knows without me having to confess to being a dragon demigod…because that won’t work.
Okay then. Take care of yourself. I’ll eat an egg roll for you.
Again, she reads the message, but that’s all. Rome wasn’t built in a day. I’m a patient man. As a surgeon, I have to be. A heart transplant can take eight hours. Six for a triple bypass.
I put my phone away and pull out into the road. I’m probably being an idiot here. I should forget about this woman. I’ll find some other way to find Gabriella…Lilith…whatever the hell her name is. I still can’t help feeling that this woman knows something real. Something that will break this wide open. I’ll keep chipping away at her. It’s all I have to go on.
5
Six weeks later…
Morgan
We drive into the underground parking and get out. I follow behind them. We take the elevator, which opens into a lobby of a hotel. The reception area is large and airy. The floor looks like it’s made of black and white marble. It’s that or some kind of shiny stone. Thankfully I decided to wear black slacks instead of jeans. I still feel out of place. I look up at a large skylight. The ceiling is white marble. There are wooden pillars down the whole length of the space. The contrast between all the marble and the warm wood works well.
There are several modern sitting areas and a large reception desk spanning the whole one side of the room. It’s made from white marble with a dark grain running through it. There are five people behind the desk. Four are smiling and looking our way, while a fifth is busy with a customer who is clearly checking in. My phone vibrates in my pocket, but I ignore it.
“Wait here,” Mandy instructs. She doesn’t look my way, but I know she is speaking to me…the third wheel. I’ve been tagging along with this pair for weeks.
I bite my tongue, holding back a sigh of frustration. I move away, staying in the general vicinity. This lead came in from head office. Someone called to say that a Lilith checked in to this hotel last night. It’s a long shot and more than likely a waste of time, yet here we are, grasping at straws.
If it were up to me, I’d hit the underground bars and hangouts. I’d find every lowlife scum from here to Alaska. I’d stir up hell until someone talked. Someone has to know where this harpy is. Harpies are rare. She has to be somewhere. Holing up with someone. She has to eat. Hunger will drive her into the open. She’ll be itching for a fix by now. I disregarded everything Lilith told me about harpies. I’ve been doing my own research. I’m more inclined to believe the books than anything that came out of that lying bitch’s mouth. The only way to catch her will be to think like her. To associate ourselves with those who get off on blood and guts. Her kind. My new partners – and I use the term loosely – disagree.
My pocket vibrates with an incoming message. I keep my eyes on Mandy and Mike. M and M, as I like to call them. They’re talking with a receptionist who keeps shaking her head. I roll my eyes, letting a sigh of annoyance fall from my lips. They aren’t going to get anything like this. It’s clear that the Order has sent the lowest-ranking Seekers on the harpy chase. Why? Because they think it’s a lost cause, but they have to make it look like they care. What am I saying? They do care, but they’re not wasting resources on a wild goose chase. We’re understaffed as it is. Besides, a job like this doesn’t pay. The Order needs cold, hard cash to survive. All of this is what Tom told me when he assigned me to join these two. I’m sorry that I agreed. I think I might have gotten further working a desk.
I head to the help desk. “Hi,” I smile brightly, “I’m in Room 314. My name is Bianca Tate.” All bullshit. One thing I’ve realized is that if you say something with real confidence, people will tend to believe you. “I need a large envelope, please.” I look at my watch and then lock eyes with the guy behind the desk.
“Of course…ma’am.” He frowns. “You said Room 314?”
“That’s correct.”
“No problem.” He takes out a regular-sized envelope.
“Do you have anything bigger. I have a stack of documents I need to get to a client by the end of business.” I look at my watch again, making sure that my expression conveys minor irritation. “I don’t want this deal falling through,” I add. My tone is no-nonsense and yet polite. I force a tight smile.
“Of course not.” He opens and closes a couple of drawers and then hands me what I’m looking for.
“Great!” I smile. “You’ve saved my life…” I look at his name tag, “George. Do you have a black marker by any chance?”
He nods and hands me the marker. I write ‘Urgent!’ on the envelope, followed by ‘Attention: Lilith Hunter’. That’s the name this woman checked in under.
Hunter.
Could it be?
I see M and M still hard at work trying to get the receptionist to give them information on the guest. She’s not budging…hotel policy. I’m not sure why they’re even trying anymore. I walk into the ladies’ restroom and stop in my tracks. Sheesh! It’s even more gorgeous in here than in the lobby. It smells amazing too. They don’t have disposable paper napkins, but there’s a stack of perfectly rolled up, fluffy, white hand towels. I grab four and unfold them, placing them in my envelope. I give it a squeeze and then add one more towel. Perfect. Nice and thick. It looks like there is something important inside the envelope. I lick and seal it tightly shut, and then I head for the reception desk.
I head to a receptionist further up from Mike and Mandy. M and M are still at it. The receptionist isn’t really listening to them anymore, but they’re still pushing hard. She gives a final, very definite, shake of the head, and they turn, looking defeated.
Mandy’s eyes flash around the lobby. They narrow when they land on me. I focus on the lady in front of me.
“Good day. Can I help you with something?” The receptionist is bright, and all smiles.
“Hi, yes, please. I have important mail for one of your guests.” I step closer and lower my voice.
The receptionist cocks her head and steps closer to the desk as well.
“It’s very important that she receive this personally. I need you to put this into her hands.”
She frowns. “I may not leave this desk. It’s…” she looks at the clock on the wall behind her, “two hours before my next break. We have a delivery service. I can assure you that the guest would receive her mail within the next ten minutes.”
I shake my head. “I know that Miss Hunter would be pleased if you honor my request. The fewer hands…” I lower my voice even more, “this passes through,” I wink at her, “the better. It’ll be safer that way. The information inside here,” I tap the envelope, “is strictly confidential.”
Lord of Life (The Dragon Demigods Book 4) Page 4
