“As I said, my leader had instructions to show you around town.”
“If your leader thought I was a vampire, how did you find out about the demon watch? I could have sold anything.”
“My leader had the recordings from the pawnshop pulled right away. The watch is rare. What are the odds you two go in the shop and it appears?”
“So who bought my watch? Was it the demon councilman who arrived for the meeting?”
He hesitated. “No.”
“Would you tell me if it was the councilman?”
“No,” he said in a flat voice.
I let out a deep sigh. Sal’s answers were vague, but they coincided with each other. Clearly, I could continue to ask questions, but he would tap dance around the answers. The demon didn't trust me anymore than I trusted him. For the sake of civility, I decided to back off with my questions for now.
“I appreciate your help, Sal.” I rose from my seat.
“No, thank you,” he said with a devilish grin.
I took two steps to pass him and he reached out, grabbing my forearm. I turned and faced him as intense heat spread up my arm, burning my flesh, yet leaving no physical mark.
“I have a few questions for you,” he said.
I glanced at his hand on my arm and then lifted my gaze to his red ringed eyes. “Remove your hand and I'll answer them.”
Sal dropped his hand, ending the burning the sensation. “What are you doing with Boss? You’re a half-breed demon. Demons typically do not associate with vampires for long. Yet, you’ve been with him for several days now. Why?”
Oh crap. How could I reasonably explain myself? I had to be careful with my answer.
“Boss found me alive at the dump. He offered me shelter and helped me uncover what happened to the people at the dump. Since we are working as a team on the investigation, I find it helpful to stay with him. He has access to various sources of information I doubt I can get from someone such as yourself.”
“I can offer you shelter,” he said with a devious grin.
“No thanks,” I said dryly.
“Once your investigation is over, what do you plan to do?”
Since I hadn't thought that far ahead, I decided to be honest. “I don't know yet. I'll just have to wait and see.”
He sighed. “Should you change your mind or if I can be of any assistance, call me. I will send a car for you.”
If I ever changed my mind, I would definitely not contact him. The way he stared into my eyes made my skin crawl. I wanted to avoid him as much as possible. Faking a grin, I turned and left him.
Heading toward Boss, I was filled with joy. My spirit soared. Shelley Baxter, you did it. Though I didn't have my memories back yet, at least I had a name. One major goal accomplished. Many more to come. And they would come. I knew it.
My plan was simple. I'd get a job working for Galluzzi. I'd find a way to expose her, and collect a paycheck. With a little time, I'd have enough money to afford a place of my own. I appreciated Jonas, Tabby, and Boss's efforts to help, but I needed to break free from their support. I wanted my own life.
I knew my mother was a half-breed angel, but I still didn't know who my father or my mysterious vampire lover was. Not to mention, I wanted to know who the vampire was that stole my memories. By working for Galluzzi, I had a strong feeling I'd find the answers, and so much more. All signs pointed toward her. I'd find my answers no matter what.
I strolled up to Boss with my hand extended. “Shelley Baxter.”
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Kristo Pavlatos. Call me Boss.”
More happiness warmed my soul as he gripped my hand. He shared his given name with me. How trusting. How respectful. A big change from when we first met. I admired him.
Together, Boss and I walked out of the mall. Watch out world, here comes Shelley Baxter, part human, demon, vampire, and angel. Hear me roar.
About Mary Abshire
http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=authors&authors_id=192
Mary Abshire lives with her daughter in Indianapolis, Indiana. She works as a government employee, but her real passion is writing. In her free time, she creates worlds with dark, mysterious, and dangerous creatures. Yes, there are noble and brave ones too.
To learn more about Mary and her books, visit her website.
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