Six-Spot (Afterlife Book 7) Page 7

  Chloe frowned. "Maybe there's nothing to find. Maybe he wished it while blowing out candles. At this point, I don't think we're going to find out. The best we can do is try to nullify the problem. If he doesn't want to win money each week, maybe he should just stop playing."

  "It's not that easy," Sarah said. "He's been going every week for nearly forever. You expect him just to quit?"

  Chloe shrugged.

  "I'm with Sarah," Brittney said. "People don't break their habits that easy, and from what you said, the man's already lost a lot of himself when he lost his wife. Do you really want to take this away from him too?"

  "It's just a game."

  "It's a tradition," Alec said. "It's what keeps a man from going insane. When you've lost everything, your family, your friends... well, sometimes the only thing that gets you going in the morning is knowing what you're going to be doing, and how you're going to be doing it. It might just be a game to you, but to him, it could be everything."

  Harper stared at Alec. "Do you have things like that?" she asked.

  Sometimes it was easy to forget that Alec was almost one hundred and thirty years old. He'd loved and lost people, and he'd been doing that a lot longer than Brian Moser.

  Alec ignored the question, which Harper thought was fair. It had slipped out before she realized how personal it was.

  "Okay," Chloe said. "So he can't stop playing. What if we cast some sort of charm that prevents him from winning?"

  Sarah considered for a moment. "Won't that defeat the point of the game? If you can't win, what's the point? It does the same thing as stopping him from playing."

  Chloe looked frustrated. "Okay then, you come up with a suggestion."

  "I'm trying," Sarah snapped.

  "Okay," Brittney said. "None of you got any sleep. I'd suggest going up to Alec's apartment and getting some rest."

  Alec glanced over at her. "They can go home."

  Brittney shook her head. "Or they go crash in your guest room. Sarah, take the bed. Chloe, you're on the couch. Harper and I will come wake you up in a few hours. By that time, hopefully we'll have some sort of plan in place on what to do next."

  Alec looked like he wanted to argue more, but Harper shot him a look.

  "Good idea," she said. "Then we don't have to split up and get back together later. It'll save us time."

  "Fine," Alec said. "Come on Sarah. Chloe."

  The three of them went upstairs to the apartment.

  "God, they're grouchy when they don't sleep," Brittney said.

  Harper laughed. "Too true. So do you have any ideas?"

  Brittney shook her head. "Not unless you can do something with your Sight."

  "I told you, I can't see anything," Harper said.

  "That's not what I mean," Brittney said. "What if you create some kind of spell that mitigates what's happening to him? Doesn't stop him from winning, just makes it random. I mean, Chloe's right on one point. It doesn't matter how it happened. Chances are, we're not going to find out. We can only help him."

  Harper gave this some thought. "I've never cast a spell before. I'm not sure I could do it."

  "Well, what about Janice?"

  "Janice?"

  "You know, Janice. Conner's ex-girlfriend. She's a witch. And she owes us."

  Harper shook her head. "I don't think Conner would like if we went to her. Especially without consulting him first. I mean, she's got his kid and she doesn't let him see him. Do you really want to open up that can of worms again?"

  Brittney shrugged. "Conner's a big boy. He can accept that we needed help from wherever we can get it. I think it'll be easier if he doesn't come along anyway. He'll scare her off."

  "Think so?"

  "Yeah," she said. "I mean, he's going to want to see James. They'll argue about it. It'll turn into a nightmare, and she won't help us."

  Harper shook her head. "I still don't know how I feel about it. There have to be other witches -- wait! There's Marissa. The wood nymph that helped us with that fresh vampire. Annabelle, or whatever. She can help us."

  Brittney hesitated. "I don't know. If it was a simple matter of involving the fey, we have Chloe."

  "Chloe's not a wood nymph," Harper pointed out. "Her magic is different."

  "Well, it's worth a try," Brittney said. "How do we contact her?"

  "Come on," Harper said. "We just go out to the tree."

  They went out to the front of the club where there were two tall trees. Harper put her hand on one. "Marissa."

  A moment later, an elderly woman appeared. She was beautiful and elegant, and smiled widely when she saw Harper. "It has been a long time," she said.

  "It has," Harper said. "How is Annabelle?"

  "She will never be fey," Marissa said. "But with that in mind, she is wholly one of us. She will never leave our forests. She will never feed. She is protected by us, and we are her family now."

  "Wonderful," Harper said. She pointed at Brittney. "This is my friend. Her name is Brittney."

  "Delighted," Marissa murmured. She turned back to Harper. "But how can I help you today, child? You whispered my name. Do you require aid?"

  Harper nodded. "We hoped you could help us with a spell. There's a man that needs our help and none of us are equipped to deal with the spell he needs."

  Marissa considered for a moment. "I will help you," she said. "Wood nymphs are especially good at creating spell work. This time you will not get my aid for free, however. You have the power of Sight, Harper, do you not?"

  "Yes."

  "In return for my help, I need you to help me," Marissa said.

  "Of course," Harper said. "What do you need help with?"

  "Not now," Marissa said. "Right now, we will focus on your problem. When I require your aid, I will let you know. You must promise to provide aid."

  "I promise," Harper said. She wondered what kind of aid a wood nymph would need from her. She glanced at Brittney, who looked completely taken aback by the woman and the faint glow she emitted. Harper smiled a little, remembering the first time she'd seen her.

  Marissa nodded. "Let us go inside then, somewhere private, and you can tell me of your problem."

  The three of them went back into the back room. Marissa looked around, her face full of wonder. "My people do not typically make use of technology," she said. "We prefer the simplicity of nature and what it can offer us. I do not deny, however, that you have a wonderful setup here."

  "Thanks," Harper and Brittney said together.

  "Can I get you something to drink?" Brittney asked.

  "That will not be necessary," Marissa said. "Though I will not forget your kindness in offering. Please, tell me about your problem."

  Harper nodded. She quickly explained about Brian and his issue with winning at keno every week. She told Marissa about all the leads they'd followed up on, and how none of them had panned out. She finished the conversation by telling her about the spell they wanted to cast.

  Marissa studied her for a long moment after the explanation. Finally she said. "This is highly unusual. I would have believed the fey to be involved but it is as you say that it does not quite fit. I would urge you to continue to seek answers, but I will also help you with your spell. This is something I can do."

  "You can?"

  "Yes," Marissa said. "I will need supplies, of course. I will return tonight with them, and we shall cast the spell. Just remember the promise you made to me, Harper."

  "I will," Harper said.

  Marissa turned to Brittney. "And it would not hurt if your help involved the other members of Afterlife. The problem that I face is quite large. I cannot demand their help, but I can ask for it."

  "We'll help you," Brittney said. "At least I will. But the others will too, I'm sure of it. Especially Chloe. She's one of the fey herself after all."

  "Chloe McAllister has not made the fey her family for many years," Marissa said gently. "She owes us no allegiance. Her help would be appreciated too, however, and I will
leave it to you to speak to her about coming to our assistance, just as I will leave it to you to speak to the rest of them."

  "Sure," Brittney said.

  Marissa stood. "I will return now and gather my supplies. Tonight, I will see you again."

  "Have a good day," Brittney said cheerfully.

  Harper smirked a little, and then smiled at Marissa. "We'll see you tonight. Thanks for your help."

  Marissa bowed her head, turned on the spot, and vanished.

  "What kind of help could they need?" Brittney immediately asked once the woman had gone.

  Harper shrugged. "I don't know," she said. "But we'll find out. After all, we made a promise."

  THIRTEEN

  Conner had started to grow a little tired of his usual activities, but they were all he had really known. He'd approached the new car dealership with his hands stuck in his pockets, dressed in casual clothing, and walking with the ease of a man who knew exactly what he wanted, and and how to could get it.

  One of the dealers had approached him as he walked through the lot. His car had finally broken down, just outside of Las Vegas. He'd ditched it, hitch-hiked the rest of the way, and come straight to the dealership.

  "Can I help you?" the woman asked.

  "Yes," Conner said. "I'm looking to buy a new car. Something flashy, I think. Something that says that I know how to have a good time."

  The woman smiled, though he could tell it was forced. She looked over his clothing, considered his age, and then pointed across the street. "Over there, is a used car dealership that will have the perfect thing for you. Just tell them that Erin sent you and they'll make sure to give you a good deal."

  Conner laughed. "That's alright. I'm perfectly happy shopping here."

  "Let me be a little more clear," the saleswoman said. "The cars here are quite expensive. We trade only in high-end, luxury models. Something a little more affordable would likely fit you better. Trust me, you want to save as much money as you can at your age."

  "Oh," Conner said, pretending to catch on. "You're worried that I can't afford it. You think I'm too young, and that I look too poor. You probably saw my sunburn, decided that I come from some place northern and wrote me off."

  The woman shook her head. "I assure you that I am only trying to help. People often don't realize the cost that comes with buying a new car. It can seem like something they can afford. Monthly payments often don't look terrible. But once they're locked into that payment, every month, that's when things start getting rough. They realize their job doesn't pay enough to cover their other expenses as well as their car payment. They start missing due dates, and eventually ruin their credit with a repossession."

  "Maybe I have rich parents," Conner said, his voice a light, mocking tease.

  "And do you?"

  "No," Conner said. "My dad owns a grocery store. Not much money in that. Your judgments about me would probably be true, but you forgot to take one thing into account."

  "And what is that?"

  "I've never had a problem getting what I need," Conner said. He reached out and touched the woman's arm. "Now, are you going to help me?"

  The woman glared at him, her eyes sharp as ever. "Ah. So you're one of those."

  "One of those?"

  "Do you think we've never had incubi in here before?" she asked. "Oh, it's fun to see you try. You look so confused. Your powers don't work on me."

  "No?" He reached out and touched her arm again, employing more of his charm this time. He had never had a problem with it working before -- why weren't her eyes glossing over? Why wasn't she calling him handsome? It made no sense!

  Then, the woman's appearance changed. Long wings protruded from her back, claws descended from her fingernails, and her teeth became wickedly sharp. Her eyes became a dark, inky black.

  He stumbled back, his eyes wide. "Jesus, lady! What are you?"

  The woman stepped close to him. "I'm a harpy," she said. "You've never met a harpy before? Well, you are quite young. What? Did you think you were the only supernatural creature to exist? Oh, little boy, there are more of us in this world than you can ever imagine."

  Conner didn't know what to say.

  "Normally, I'd kill you," she said. "I don't like incubi, and I especially don't like when they try to use their powers on me. I've seen it work on my colleagues; they let hot young things walk out of here without paying a dime in down payment, with interest rates so low it's insane, and no credit checks. You know what happens to those people?"

  Conner shook his head.

  "They get fired," she hissed. "And that's just not fair! They do their jobs, and along comes a demon who decides he wants something fancy, and the next thing they know, they're out on their asses with no explanation as to why. Do you think I wouldn't protect myself?"

  "I'm sorry," Conner said. He didn't really feel sorry, he was just trying to bide time. He needed to transform and kill the harpy before she could kill him. He looked around; there was nobody else there. He quickly transformed into his demon form.

  "Oh, no," she said. "You think you can take on a harpy? When is the last time you actually had to fight -- a real fight -- little boy?"

  Conner said nothing to this; the truth was, he rarely fought. He really didn't have to. People jumped to do his bidding. And the times he did fight, he fought humans, and they were just too easy. He didn't know if he'd be able to hold his own against the saleswoman.

  The harpy grinned. "Don't worry," she said. "It's like I said, I'd normally kill you. But I had a big lunch. You wouldn't taste good after that. Besides, you're young and truly cute. It would be a shame to destroy you before you really had a chance to live."

  Conner shook his head. "I can fight," he said.

  "No, you can't," she told him. "And you're not going to. What's your name again? Did you give it?"

  "Conner," he whispered.

  "Conner," she repeated. "Lovely name. Listen, this city is protected against people like you. Did you really believe otherwise? I'm going to give you a chance. You're going to pack your bags, and you're going to get out of here. Leave Vegas alone, or I'm going to have to make a few calls and have you taken care of permanently."

  "I'm not leaving!" Conner said. "You have no idea what it took for me to get here!"

  "Oh, I'm sure you had to seduce a lot of pretty women to get here," she said. "Get free food, more money, free gas... I'm sure it was hard for you."

  "I had to leave home," Conner said. "I had to abandon my family."

  The harpy laughed. "Which I'm certain you hated so much."

  Conner didn't reply to this. The truth was, he missed his parents. He'd never admit it to anyone; he could barely admit to himself, but he missed them. He missed his father trying to teach him how to take apart an engine, and he missed his mom's home-cooked meals. He hadn't found something that could rival her meatloaf yet. He even missed the lectures, the glares, the tears.

  "I'll let you stay," the harpy finally relented. "But I'm going to keep an eye on you. If you do anything, anything at all that I don't approve of... if you try to steal, or lie, or kill... especially if you kill... you're going to regret it for the rest of your very short life. Do you understand?"

  "Screw you," Conner said.

  The harpy lunged at him. He swung at her, but she batted his fist away as though it were nothing more than air. He realized how weak he was. She knocked him to the ground and positioned herself over him.

  "You have a chance," she'd said. "Are you going to take it?"

  Conner had known if he said the wrong thing, she'd kill him. So he'd said the only thing he could, and it mattered little that there was nothing genuine about his words.

  "Yes. Yes, I'll take it."

  FOURTEEN

  Brittney went for a run by herself. Normally she went with Chloe, but Chloe was sleeping, and she wanted to make sure she didn't fall behind on her exercises.

  She'd let Sarah set it up for her. The other woman was obsessed with fitness, w
hich made her the perfect mentor to someone who had previously been out of shape. Brittney had never been overweight or anything, but after she left high school, she'd stopped exercising and had gotten lazy.

  Since Brittney didn't have any special powers like the others and she knew the importance of being in shape. She had to train harder than the others. It didn't bother her, though. She loved what she was doing with Afterlife. She just wished she could tell her parents about it so they'd stop lecturing her about being a waitress.

  Afterlife was the first real job she'd had, and she knew it was where she belonged. Just like she knew she belonged with Chloe. There was something so special about the other woman. When Brittney saw her, it was like her heart pounded faster and stopped, both at once.

  She had tried to convince Harper to come out for a run with her, but her best friend wasn't the sort who enjoyed exercise. Instead she'd stayed at Afterlife to try and work on her Sight and get more out of it. She'd been practicing all the different nuances of it since they'd left Phoenix. Though Harper hadn't said anything, Brittney knew something had happened that made Harper want to train harder. Something the others hadn't experienced.

  Brittney turned down an alleyway, thinking about all these things. She thought of Harper, and her Sight. She thought of Chloe and her personality, and she thought of Afterlife and how she needed to be there with them forever.

  Then her phone rang. She stopped, breathing heavily, and dug it out of her pocket. She glanced at the number. It was her brother, Peter. Brittney considered sending him to voicemail, but answered instead.

  "Hey little brother."

  "Hey Brittney."

  "What's up? I was in the middle of a run."

  Peter cleared his throat on the other end of the phone. "The police came by to question me."

  "What? About what?" Immediately Brittney worried about the loan sharks. Peter had been a prime suspect in that case until the investigating officers had decided he had been too beat up at the time to kill two men. Still, she worried.

  "They asked about you," Peter said.

  She almost dropped the phone. She fumbled it back to her ear. "What? What did they want?"