White Witch, Black Curse - Ким Харрисон 2 стр.


He hurt my hand until I dropped my splat gun, I said. I think I ran then.

Afraid, I looked at Ford, seeing his amulet purple with shock. My little red splat gun had never been missing, was never recorded as having been here. All my potions were accounted for. Someone had clearly put the gun back where it belonged. I didnt even remember making the sleepy-time charms, but this was clearly one of mine. Where the other six were was a good question.

In a surge of anger, I kicked the dresser with the ball of my foot. The shock went all the way up my leg, and the furniture thumped into the wall. It was stupid, but it felt good.

Uh, Rachel? Ford said, and I kicked it again, grunting.

Im fine! I shouted, sniffing back the tears. Im freaking fine! But my lip was throbbing where someone had bitten me; my body was trying to get my mind to remember, but I simply wouldnt let it. Had it been Kisten who had bitten me? His attacker? I hadnt been bound, thank God. Ivy said so, and she would know.

Yeah, you look fine, Ford said dryly, and I pulled my coat closed and tugged my shoulder bag up. He was smiling at my lost temper, and it made me even madder.

Stop laughing at me, I said, and he smiled wider, taking off his amulet and tucking it away as if we were finished. And Im not done with those, I added as he gathered the pictures.

Yes, you are, he said, and I frowned at his unusual confidence. Youre angry. Thats better than confused or grieving. I hate using clichés, but we can move forward now.

Psychobabble bull, I scoffed, grabbing the evidence bags before he could take them, too, but he was right. I did feel better. I had remembered something. Maybe human science was as strong as witch magic. Maybe.

Ford took the bags from me. Talk to me, he said, standing in front of me like a rock.

My good mood vanished, replaced by the urge to flee. Grabbing the shirt box from the dresser, I pushed past him. I had to get out. I had to put some distance between me and the scratch marks on the walls. I couldnt wear the teddy Kisten had given me, but I couldnt leave it here either. Ford could gripe all he wanted about removing evidence from the crime scene. Evidence of what? That Kisten had loved me?

Rachel, Ford said as he followed, his steps silent on the carpet in the hall. What do you recall? All I get is emotion. I cant go back and tell Edden you remembered nothing.

Sure you can, I said, my pace fast and my blinders on as we crossed the living room.

No, I cant, he said, catching up with me at the broken door frame. Im a lousy liar.

I shivered as I crossed the threshold, but the cold brightness of late afternoon beckoned, and I lurched for the door. Lying is easy, I said bitterly. Just make something up and pretend its real. I do it all the time.

Rachel.

Ford reached out and drew me to a surprised stop in the cockpit. He was wearing winter gloves and had only touched my coat, but it proved how upset he was. The sun glinted on his black hair and his eyes were squinting from the glare. The cold wind shifted his bangs, and I searched his expression, wanting to find a reason to tell him what I remembered, to let go of the them-versus-us attitude between human and Inderlander and just let him help me. Behind him Cincinnati spread in all her mixed-up, comfortable messiness, the roads too tight and the hills too steep, and I could sense the security that so many lives entangled together engendered.

My eyes fell to my feet and the crushed remains of a leaf the wind had dropped here. Fords shoulders eased as he felt my resolve weaken. I remembered bits and pieces, I said, and his feet shifted against the polished wood. Kistens killer took my hair out of my braid before I kicked the door off the frame. Im the one who made the scratches by the closet, but I only remember making them, not who I was trying toget away from. My hand fisted, and I shoved it in a pocket, leaving the shirt box tucked under an arm.

The splat ball is mine. I remember shooting it, I said, throat tight as I flicked my eyes to his and saw his sympathy. I was aiming at the other vampire, not Kisten. He hasbig hands. A new pulse of fear zinged through me and I nearly lost it when I remembered the soft feel of thick fingers on my jawline.

I want you to come in tomorrow, Ford said, his brow pinched in worry. Now that you have something to work with, I think hypnosis might bring it all together.

Bring it all together? Does he have any idea what in hell he is asking? The blood drained from my face, and I pulled out of his reach. No. If Ford put me under, I had no idea what might come out.

Fleeing, I dipped under the railing and swung my weight out and onto the ladder. Marshal waited in his big-ass SUV below, and I wanted to be in it with the heater going to try to drive away the chill Fords words had started. I hesitated, wondering if I should drop the shirt box or keep it tucked under an arm.

Rachel, wait.

There was the rattle of the lock being replaced, and leaving the box under my arm, I started down, watching the side of the boat as I descended. I toyed with the idea of taking the ladder away to leave him stranded, but he would probably put it in his report. Besides, he did have his cell phone.

Finally I reached the ground. Head down, I placed my boots carefully in the slush, aiming for Marshals car, parked behind Fords in the maze of impounded boats. Marshal had offered to bring me out after Id complained during a hockey game that my little red car would get stuck in the ruts and ice out here, and since my car wasnt made for the snow, Id said yes.

Guilt tugged at me for avoiding Fords help. I wanted to find out whod killed Kisten and tried to make me their shadow, but there were other things I wanted to keep to myself, like why Id survived a common but lethal blood disease that was also responsible for my being able to kindle demon magic, or what my dad had done in his spare time, or why my mother had nearly gone off her rocker to keep me from knowing my birth father wasnt the man whod raised me.

Marshals eyes showed his concern when I got in his SUV and slammed the door. Two months ago, the man had shown up on my doorstep, back in Cincinnati after the Mackinaw Weres had burned his garage down. Fortunately hed saved both the house and the boat that had been his livelihoodnow sold to pay for getting his masters at Cincys university. Wed met last spring when I was up north rescuing Jenkss eldest son and Nick, my old boyfriend.

Despite my better judgment, wed been out more than a few times, realizing we had enough in common to probably make a good go of itif it werent for my habit of getting everyone close to me killed. Not to mention that he was coming off a psycho girlfriend and wasnt looking for anything serious. The problem was, we both liked to relax doing athletic stuff, ranging from running at the zoo to ice-skating at Fountain Square. Wed kept it friendly but platonic for two months now, shocking the hell out of my roommates. The lack of stress from not wondering will-we, wont-we was a blessing. Curbing my natural tendencies and instead keeping our relationship casual had been easy. I couldnt bear it if he got hurt. Kisten had cured me of foolish dreams. Dreams could kill people. At least, mine could. And did.

You okay? Marshal asked, his low voice with his up north accent heavy with worry.

Peachy, I muttered as I tossed the box with the teddy onto the backseat and wiped a cold finger against the underside of my eye. When I didnt say anything more, he sighed, rolling his window down to talk to Ford. The FIB officer was making his way to us. I had half a mind to accuse Ford of asking Marshal to drive me here and back, knowing Id probably need a shoulder to cry on, and though he wasnt my boyfriend, Marshal was a hundred percent better than taking my raw turmoil back to Ivy.

Ford looked up as he angled to my door, not Marshals, and the tall man behind the wheel silently pressed a button to roll my window down. I tried to roll it back up, but he locked the controls and I gave him a dirty look.

Rachel, Ford said as soon as he closed the distance between us. You wont be out of control for even an instant. Thats how it works.

Damn it, he had guessed why I was afraid, and embarrassed that he was bringing this up in front of Marshal, I frowned. We dont have to do it at my office if youre uncomfortable, he added, squinting from the bright December sun. No one needs to know.

I didnt care if the FIB knew I was seeing their psychiatrist. Hell, if anyone needed counseling, it was me. But stillIm not crazy, I muttered as I angled the blowing vents to me and my hair flew up from under my hat.

Ford put a hand on the open window in a show of support. Youre probably the sanest person I know. You only look crazy because youve got a lot of weird stuff to deal with. If you want, while youre relaxed, I can give you a way to keep your mouth shut about anything you want under just about any circumstance. Completely confidential, between you and your subconscious. Surprised, I stared at him, and he finished, I dont even have to know what youre keeping to yourself.

Im not afraid of you, I said, but my knees felt funny. What has he figured out about me that he isnt saying?

Shifting his feet in the slush, Ford shrugged. Yes, you are. I think its cute. He glanced at Marshal and smiled. Big bad runner who can take down black witches and vampires afraid of little helpless me.

I am not afraid of you. And youre not helpless! I exclaimed as Marshal chuckled.

Then youll do it, Ford said confidently, and I made a noise of frustration.

Yeah, whatever, I muttered, then fiddled with the vent again. I wanted to get out of here before he really figured out what was going on in my headand then told me.

I have to tell Edden about the sticky silk, Ford said, but Ill wait until tomorrow.

My eyes flicked to the ladder, still propped against the boats side. Thanks, I said, and he nodded, responding to the heavy emotion of gratitude I knew I must be throwing off. My roommate would have time to come out with the Jr. Detective Kit she probably had stashed in her label strewn closet and take whatever prints she wanted. Not to mention sniffing the carpet.

Ford smiled at a private thought. Since you wont come in, how about me coming over tonight aboutsix? Somewhere after my dinner and before your lunch?

I stared at him for his brazenness. Im busy. How about next month?

He ducked his head as if embarrassed, but he was still smiling when he met my gaze. I want to talk to you before I talk to Edden. Tomorrow. Three oclock.

Im picking my brother up at the airport at three, I said quickly. Ill be with him and my mother the rest of the day. Sorry.

Ill see you at six, he said firmly. By then, youll be home trying to get away from your brother and your mom, ready for some relaxation. I can teach you a trick for that, too.

God! I hate it when you do that! I said, messing with my seat belt so he would take the hint and go away. I was more embarrassed than angry that hed caught me trying to evade him. Hey! I leaned out the window as he turned to go. Dont tell anyone I had my face on the floor, okay?

From beside me, Marshal made a wondering sound, and I turned to him. You either.

No problem, he said, thunking the SUV into gear and moving forward a few feet. My window went up, and I loosened my scarf as the vehicle warmed. Ford slowly managed the slushy ruts back to his car, pulling his phone from his pocket as he went. Remembering my own phone, on vibrate, I dug my cell out of my bag. Scrolling through the menu to put it on ring, I wondered how I was going to tell Ivy what I remembered without both of us flaking out.

With a small noise of concern, Marshal put his SUV back into park, and my head came up. Ford was standing beside his open door with his phone stuck to his ear. A bad feeling began to trickle through me when he started back to us. It grew worse when Marshal put his window down and Ford stopped beside it. The psychiatrists eyes carried a heavy worry.

That was Edden, Ford said as he closed his phone and returned it to his belt case. Glenns been hurt.

Glenn! I leaned over the center console toward him, getting a good whiff of the scent of redwood coming off Marshal. The FIB detective was Eddens son and one of my favorite people. And now he was hurt. Because of me? Is he okay?

Marshal stiffened, and I leaned back. Ford was shaking his head and looking at the nearby river. He was off duty investigating something he probably shouldnt have. They found him unconscious. Im going to the hospital to see how much damage hes suffered to his head.

His head. Ford meant his brain. Someone had beat him up. Im coming, too, I said, reaching for my seat belt.

I can drive you out, Marshal offered, but I was winding my scarf back up and grabbing my bag.

No, but thanks, Marshal, I said, my pulse fast as I gave his shoulder a quick touch. Fords going out there. Ill, ah, call you later, okay?

Marshals brown eyes were worried, and his black hair, tight to his skull, hardly shifted as he nodded. It had been growing in for only a few months, but at least he had eyebrows now. Okay, he echoed, not giving me any grief for ditching him. Take care of yourself.

I exhaled, glancing once at Ford, waiting impatiently for me, then back to Marshal. Thanks, I said softly, and gave him an impulsive kiss on the cheek. Youre a great guy.

I got out, and, pace fast, followed Ford to his car, my thoughts and stomach churning at what we might find at the hospital. Someone had hurt Glenn. Sure, he was a FIB officer and ran the risk of injury all the time, but I had a feeling this involved me. It had to. I was an albatross.

Just ask Kisten.

Two

Well take the next elevator, the tidy woman said with an overly bright smile as she pulled her confused friend back into the hall and the silver doors slid shut before Ford and me.

Wondering, I glanced at the huge lift. The thing was big enough for a gurney. Ford and I were the only two people in here. But then the womans harsh whisper of Black witch came in just before the doors met, telling me all I needed to know.

The Turn take it, I muttered, tugging my bag back up on my shoulder.

Beside me, Ford edged away, not enjoying my angry emotions as I fumed. I wasnt a black witch. Okay, so my aura was covered with demon smut. And yeah, Id been filmed last year being dragged down the street on my ass by a demon. It probably didnt help that the entire universe knew Id summoned one into an I.S. courtroom to testify against Piscary, Cincinnatis top vampire and my roommates former master. But I was a white witch. Wasnt I?

Depressed, I stared at the dull silver panels of the hospital elevator. Ford was a dark blur beside me, his head bowed as I stewed. I wasnt a demon to be pulled back to the ever-after when the sun rose, but my children would bethanks to the illegal genetic tinkering of the now-dead Senior Kalamack. He had unknowingly broken the checks and balances that elves magicked into the demons genome thousands of years ago, effectively allowing only magically stunted demon children to survive. The elves named the new species witches, telling us lies and convincing us to fight demons in their war. When we found out the truth, we abandoned the elves and demons both, migrating out of the ever-after and doing our best to forget our origins. Which we did admirably, to the point where I was the only witch to know the truth.

Ceri had filled in the gaps of Mr. Hastons sixth-grade history class, having been a demons familiar before I rescued her. Shed read up on it between twisting curses and planning orgies.

No one knew the truth but me and my partners. And Al, the demon I had a standing teaching date with every Saturday. And Newt, the ever-afters most powerful demon. There was Als parole officer, Dali. Mustnt forget Trent and whoever hed told, but that was likely going to be no one, seeing that his dads breaking of the genetic roadblock had been a stupid thing to do. No wonder theyd killed all the geneticists at the Turn. Too bad theyd missed Trents dad.

Ford jiggled on his feet, then, looking embarrassed, he pulled a black metal flask from a coat pocket, twisted off the top, tilted his head to the ceiling, and took a swig.

Watching his Adams apple move, I gave him a questioning look.

Its medicinal, he said, a charming shade of red as he fumbled recapping it.

Well, we are in a hospital, I said dryly, then snatched it. Ford protested as I took a sniff, then touched it to my lips. My eyes widened. Vodka?

Looking even more embarrassed, the slight man took it from my unresisting fingers, capped it, and tucked it away. The elevator chimed and the panels slid apart. Before us was a hallway like any other in the building, with its low-mat carpet, white walls, and banister.

My worry for Glenn came rushing back, and I lurched forward. Ford and I bumped as we got out, and I felt a wash of chagrin. I knew he didnt like to touch anyone. Can I steady myself on your elbow? he asked, and I glanced at the pocket he had dropped the flask into.

Lightweight, I said, reaching out for him, careful to touch him only through his coat.

Im not drunk, he said sourly, linking his arm in mine in a motion that held absolutely no romance, but rather, desperation. The emotions are sharp in here. The alcohol helps. Im in overload, and Id rather feel your emotions than everyone elses.

Oh. Feeling honored, I strode forward with him and past the two orderlies pushing a hamper. My good mood soured when one of them whispered, Should we call security?

Fords grip tightened when I spun to give them my opinion, and the two skittered away like I was the boogeyman. Theyre just afraid, Ford said, his fingers tightening on me.

We continued down the hall, and I wondered if they could kick me out. The beginnings of a headache pulsed. Im a white witch, damn it, I said to no one, and the guy in a lab coat coming toward us gave us a cursory glance.

Ford was looking pale, and I tried to calm myself before they admitted him. I should step up my efforts to find a muffler for himother than alcohol, that is.

Thanks, he whispered as he picked up on my concern, then, voice stronger, he added, Rachel, you summon demons. Youre good at it. Get over it, then find a way to make it work for you. Its not going to go away.

I huffed, ready to tell him he had no right to sound so high and mighty, but turning a liability into an asset was exactly what he had done with his gift. I gave his arm a squeeze, then started when I saw Ivy, my roommate, bending over the nurses desk, not caring that a male orderly had just walked into a wall watching her. Her black jeans were low and tight, but she had the body of a model and could get away with it. The matching cotton pullover was cut high to give a glimpse of her lower back as she craned to see what was on the computer. In deference to the cold, her long leather coat was draped over the counter. Ivy was a living vampire, and she looked it: svelte, dark, and broody. It made it hard to live with her, but I was no picnic either, and we knew each others quirks.

Ivy! I called, and her head turned, her short, enviably straight hair with the gold tips swinging as she came up. How did you find out about Glenn?

Fords shoulders slumped, all his tension slipping from him as he held my arm. He looked happy. But he would, seeing that he was picking up my emotions and I was happy to see Ivy. Perhaps I might invest in a little talk time about Ivy when Ford and I got together again. I could use his insight into our uneasy relationship.

I wasnt Ivys blood shadow, but her friend. That a vampire could be friends with anyone without sharing blood was unusual, but we had an additional complication. Ivy liked both boys and girls, mixing blood and sex into one and the same. Shed been clear that she wanted me, too, in any capacity, but I was straight, apart from a confusing year of trying to separate blood lust from gender preference. That shed bitten me more than once hadnt helped. It had seemed like a good idea at the time. The rush from a vampire bite was too close to sexual ecstasy to dismiss, and it had taken me thinking Id been bound to Kistens killer to wake me up. The risk of becoming a shadow was too great. I trusted Ivy. It was her blood lust I was worried about.

So we lived together in the church that was also our runner business, sleeping across the hall from each other and doing our best to not push each others buttons. One might think Ivy would be ticked off after wasting a year chasing me, but she had a blissful happiness that vampires didnt often find. Apparently my telling her I wasnt ever going to let her sink her teeth into me again was the only way shed believe I liked her for her and not the way she could make me feel. I just admired the hell out of anyone who could be that hard on herself and still be so incredibly strong. And I loved her. I didnt want to sleep with her, but I did love her.

Ivy came to meet us, her small lips closed and her slim boots silent on the carpet. She moved with a memorable grace, and there was a slight grimace on her usually placid face. Her features held a slight Asian cast, having an oval face, a small nose, and a heart-shaped mouth. It was seldom she smiled, afraid the emotion would break her self-control. I think that was one of the reasons we were friendsI laughed enough for both of us. That, and the fact that she thought I could find a way to save her soul when she died and became an undead. Right now, I was just looking to find the rent money. Id get to my roommates soul later.

Edden called the church first, she said by way of greeting, her thin eyebrows high as she spotted Fords arm linked in mine. Hi, Ford.

The man reddened at the lilt shed put in her last words, but I wouldnt let him take his arm back. I liked being needed. Hes having trouble with the background emotion, I said.

And hed rather be abused by yours?

Nice. Do you know what room Glenn is in? I said as Fords arm slipped away.

She nodded, her dark eyes not missing a thing. This way. Hes still not conscious. Ivy headed down the hallway with us in tow, but when we passed the desk, one of the nurses stood, determination on her no-nonsense face. Im sorry. No visitors except family.

A pang of fear went through me, not because I might not see Glenn, but that his condition was so serious they wouldnt let anyone in. Ivy didnt slow down, though, and neither did I.

The nurse started after us. My pulse quickened, but another waved us on, then turned to the first nurse. Its Ivy, the second nurse said, as if that meant something.

You mean the vampire whos the first nurse said, but she was pulled back to the desk before I heard the rest. I turned to Ivy, seeing that her pale complexion had shifted to pink.

The vampire whos what? I asked, remembering her stint here as a candy striper.

Ivys jaw tightened. Glenns room is down here, she said, avoiding my question. Whatever.

An unexpected sense of panic hit me when Ivy made a sharp left into a room and vanished behind the oversize door. I stared at it, hearing the soft sounds of delicate machinery. Memories of sitting with my dad as he took his last, struggling breaths swam up, then more recent, of watching Quen fight for his life. I froze, unable to move. Behind me, Ford stumbled, as if I had slapped him.

Crap. I flushed, embarrassed that he was feeling my misery. Im sorry, I gushed as he stood in the hallway and held up a hand to tell me he was all right. I thanked God Ivy had already gone in and wasnt seeing what Id done to him.

Its okay. His eyes were weary as he came close again, hesitant until he knew I had the old pain safely tucked away. Can I ask who?

I swallowed hard. My dad.

Eyes down, he guided me to the door. You were about twelve?

Thirteen. And then we were inside, and I could see that it wasnt the same room at all.

Slowly my shoulders eased. My dad had died with nothing to save him. As a law enforcer, Glenn was getting the best of everything. His father was in the rocker pulled up to his bedside, ramrod straight. Glenn was being taken care of. Edden was the one in pain.

The small, stocky man tried to smile, but he couldnt do it. In the few hours since learning about his sons attack, his pale face had acquired wrinkles Id only seen hints of before. In his grip was a winter hat, his short fingers working the rim around and around. He stood, and my heart went out to him when he exhaled, the sound carrying all his fear and worry.

Edden was the captain of the FIBs Cincinnati division, the ex-military man bringing to the office the hard, succeed-against-all-odds determination hed gained in the service. Seeing him down to the bare bones of himself was hard. The fingering questions in the FIB as to my convenient amnesia concerning Kistens death had never occurred to Edden. He trusted me, and because of that, he was one of the few humans I absolutely trusted in return. His son, unconscious on the bed, was another.

Thank you for coming, he said automatically, his gravelly voice cracking, and I worked to keep from crying when he ran a blunt hand over his short-cropped, graying hair in a recognizable sign of stress. I came close to give him a hug, and the familiar scent of old coffee hit me.

You know we wouldnt let you do this alone, Ivy said from her corner where shed folded herself stiffly into a padded chair, quietly giving support the only way she could.

How is he? I asked as I turned to Glenn.

They wont give me a straight answer, he said, his voice higher than usual. Hes been beaten up pretty bad. Head trauma His voice broke, and he went silent.

I looked at Glenn on the bed, his very dark skin standing out starkly against the sheets. There was a white bandage around his head, and they had shaved a swath of his tightly curling black hair. Bruises marked his face, and he had a split lip. A nasty swath of bruised skin ran from his shoulder to under the sheets, and his fingers resting on the blanket were swollen.

Edden sank into his chair and looked at his sons damaged hand. They wouldnt let me in, he said softly. They didnt believe I was his father. Bigoted bastards. Slowly his hand went out, and he cradled Glenns hand as if it were a baby bird.

I swallowed hard at the love. Edden had adopted Glenn when he married his mothermust have been at least twenty years agoand though they looked nothing like each other, they were exactly alike where it counted, both strong in their convictions and consistently putting their lives in danger to fight injustice. Im sorry, I almost croaked, feeling his pain.

In the threshold, Ford closed his eyes, clenched his jaw, and leaned against the frame.

Grabbing a chair, I dragged it across the linoleum to where I could see Edden and Glenn both. My bag went on the floor and my hand on the FIB captains shoulder. Who did this?

Edden took a slow breath. In her corner, Ivy sat up. He was working on something on his own, the man said, after hours, in case what surfaced would be better left off the record. One of our officers died last week after a long wasting illness. He was a friend of Glenns, and Glenn found out hed been cheating on his wife. Edden glanced up. Keep that to yourselves.

Ivy got to her feet, interested. She poisoned her husband?

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