Thanks to my
fantastic beta!
Nathaniel looked from Jean Claude to me and dropped the whip.
“What is wrong? Have you forgotten how to use the lash? But I
forgot… you have not used one before. Let me show you.” The Master of the City
picked up the whip and slapped it across my side. “See how simple it is?”
He offered the whip back to Nathaniel, but the leopard backed
away. Of course the audience thought it was part of the show. When Nathaniel
refused to take the whip, Jean Claude turned to me, his eyes dark. The guy
really did not like me. He brought the whip down a couple of more times.
He had his arm drawn back for another blow when Mist interrupted.
“Stop!” Jean Claude turned toward her as she continued. “How dare you strike
one of us!” She stomped up the steps to the stage.
I couldn’t help thinking, 'Where were you when Richard was having
his fun?'
Jean Claude looked to Asher who was standing on the floor. “Who is
this woman? Another of your interests, Mon Ami?”
He shrugged. “She is... a Goddess. Her name is Mist.”
With a snap of her fingers, I was freed. The crowd went silent.
Mist was ticked off. Why I wasn't sure, but I was grateful to have someone who
actually cared, if she honestly did. Nathaniel had picked up my shirt and
started dabbing at the wounds.
The Master fumed. “He is the one who has invaded my territory…
Turned my second into a love sick puppy.”
I saw Asher's hands flex into fists. I had done nothing but cause
problems. Nathaniel started to say something but I shook my head.
“Acheron was right. This was a mistake.” The goddess said, disgust
clear in her tone.
Jean Claude moved toward her. “It does not change the fact that
you are here uninvited. I am within my rights to punish you.”
I stepped between them. “Not a good idea.”
As if for emphasis, we were suddenly flanked by five Greek
soldiers. The crowd applauded. They thought it was all a part of the show.
I turned to Mist. “I think we should go.”
She nodded. “I will have you back with us soon.”
I sighed. “Just go. Before Zeus sends the whole army.”
She caressed my cheek then sent Jean Claude a glare before she and
the Greeks vanished. The crowd of course loved the whole thing.
Jean Claude turned to Nathaniel. “You have a show to finish.”
Turning to me, he added, “If you ever come here again, I will personally rip
out your heart.”
The music started and he left the stage.
Nathaniel gave me an apologetic look. “I'm sorry. I just wanted to
play.”
“You'll need to come and get your fish.” I told him.
I left the stage, walked past Asher and through the crowd as some
of the women reached out to grab me. Buzz was at the door. He handed me a tee
shirt. He was staring at my eyes.
I just didn't feel like explaining. “Enjoy the show?”
He shook his head. “Not really. Be careful.”
I nodded, pulled the shirt over my head and left the club. I winced
as my back hit the seat of the car. Damn it. When would I learn? I wish I could
have believed Mist.
I drove home and showered. The water stung the lashes but I knew I
would heal. My recuperative powers were
improving. My eyes were still hazel… most of the time. I watched TV for a
while. I was afraid to sleep. I didn't know what or who would be in my dreams.
Just before sunrise, I drove down to the food mart and picked up a
Sunday paper. I was going to look for a new apartment. By eight I had a few prospects
circled. One was only two blocks from the station. It was a little spendy but
what else did I have to spend my money on. One thing was sure. I wasn't telling
anyone where my new place was. I was finished with it all.
I finally fell asleep around noon and to my surprise, I didn't
dream, not one little wisp. That was all right by me. I slept through until
nine p.m. It was the first time in years that I hadn't gone to light a candle.
I'd light two next Sunday.
I went into the station around midnight. I was going to cover for
Douglas. The Sunday overnight DJ was a woman named Callie. She was 22 with red
hair and stood a good five seven. She was a metal head. We had really only
talked a couple of times. She was also into motorcycles. The thing that intrigued
me most about her was the rose tattoo she wore on both wrists.
She walked into the lounge where I was having a sandwich and
reading a copy of Spin. I was about to take a bite from said sandwich when it
was taken from my hand. Callie sat down beside me and was happily munching on
my ham and cheese on rye.
I watched her. “Ya like that?”
“Yeah thanks. I was starved.” She winked. “So you're gonna pull
Dougie's shift?”
“Yeah. I told Mitch I would.” I started to take a drink of my
coke, but she snatched that too. “Want anything else of mine?”
“I could think of a few things if you were interested.”
“I don't even know where you've been.”
“I've had my shots.” She laughed and I couldn't help but join her.
“I have pizza in the control room. Chips and dip too. Wanna join me?”
I nodded. “Let me go get a couple of cokes.”
“Meet ya there.”
We talked about books, movies and oddly enough music. She was
going to the local college on a sports scholarship and worked at the station
for kicks.
“So where are you from? Where were you born?” She asked.
“Washington State.”
“College?”
I shook my head. “Military. Have my A.A. though.”
“Political science?”
“Police Administration.”
“Get out! For real?” I nodded. “So why aren't you a cop?”
“Because I'm a D J.” I shrugged.
We had gone through the pizza and ordered another one by the time
her shift was over. She started to open the blinds to let the light in. The
view was great at night but the sun was not my friend.
“Leave the blinds closed.” I told her.
“Why? It's a nice morning.” She started to twist the lever.
“Callie please.”
“What?”
“Don't open the blinds.” She frowned but moved away from the
window. “Thanks.”
“Sheesh. What are you a vampire or something?”
“Or something.” I replied under my breath.
“What?”
“Keeps the room cooler. Besides I'm a night guy. I like it dark.”
“I bet you do.” She shrugged.
“Well thanks for sharing the night.”
“Sure. Sleep well.”
She nodded and left. Mitch came in at ten to check on me. I told
him I was looking for a new apartment.
“Do you know who my lease is with?” I asked.
“I can handle it. Have a place picked out?”
“There's one a couple of blocks over.” I nodded.
“Do you want me to check it out for you?”
“Do you mind?”
He gave me a questioning look. “Why do you want to move?”
“So nobody knows where I am. None of the locals.”
“Give me the address. If it's suitable I'll have a lease drawn up
and your stuff moved.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
He nodded. “Oh and how did Mist like Guilty Pleasures?” I stared
at him. “You don't do anything without me knowing about it.”
“She wanted to meet Asher. She wasn't happy with Jean Claude.”
“You know the Council could have you hunted down.” He gave me a
serious look.
“I was doing what I was asked. You don't say no to the Pantheon.”
“Will you ever learn?”
“I doubt it.”
He sighed in frustration. “Address.” I showed him the paper where
I had circled the apartment. “I'll give them a call and check it out. No more
visits to the District.”
“Not on my own accord. Thanks Mitch.”
He left and I went back on the air. I was going to be dead by the
end of my shift. I was finished with Douglas' shift at ten. That's when Ellen
came in. She would go until two. Myra's shift was until seven. I had the
longest shift. I think Mitch thought it would keep me out of trouble. Right.
I talked to Ellen for a bit before going into the break room and
lying down. I didn't sleep very well. It had nothing to do with dreams. Those
were relatively pleasant. It was people coming in and out of the break room.
I knew that there was an empty office down from the one that Mitch
used. So I grabbed one of the sofa's cushions for my head and walked down
there. I opened the door slowly to make sure it hadn't been occupied and went
in. The sun blasted me like a furnace. I raised the cushion to cover my face
and quickly closed the blinds. Damn that hurt.
Checking myself out I could tell that it was no worse than a
sunburn, better than deep-fried. I laid down on the floor and put the cushion
under my head. After a few minutes of tossing and turning, I finally was
comfortable enough to close my eyes.
The next thing I knew someone was shaking me. I looked up to see
Myra.
“Are you pulling your shift?” She asked.
“Yeah. Why?”
“You owe me an hour of overtime.”
“Huh?” I looked at my watch. “Oh crap!” It was eight. “Sorry.”
“Go get ready. I've got a block on and some ads.”
I stood and gave her a hug. “Thanks Myra. I'll give ya double.”
She kissed me and walked out. I dropped the cushion off in the
break room, went to the bathroom and grabbed a snack. I made it to the control
room just in time.
I put on my headphones and pulled down the mike. “This is KNSX
93X. You're adult alternative station. Let me know what you want to hear. I'll
be here all night. Let's start off with Trapt. This is Headstrong.”
I pulled the headphones down around my neck and started taking
calls. I couldn't believe I slept so long. It didn't feel like I had slept at all.
Oh well, Mitch could have fired me… Or worse.
“I was hoping for worse.” I turned and there was Acheron in all
his glory. “Do you have any idea what kind of mess you've caused? Mist wants
the Master's head.”
“What did you want me to do?
Tell her no?”
“Yes!” He roared.
“You don't say no to a member of the Pantheon and not regret it.”
I defended myself.
“You are enough to try the patience...” He sighed.
“Don't even go there. I'm tired of you guys yankin' my chain.
Don't do this. Don't do that. Don't go here. Don't go there. Give me a fuckin'
guide book or leave me alone. Better still, point me in the direction of my
savior. I'll get my freakin' soul back and then I can walk in front of a bus!”
“Are you finished?” I growled in frustration as he told me, “You
brought all of this on yourself. You were told to stay away from the District.
You went back twice and then let Mist talk you into going again. I wonder if you are a glutton for pain.”
“I need to get back to work. So if you don't mind.” I turned
toward the board and started taking calls. If he left I didn't notice or care.
By the end of the shift I had decided to just keep to myself, do
my job and go home. Sundays I would go out in the evening for a while. Recluses
are us.
I drove home and hit the sack. My dreams alternated between sunny
beaches and dark forests. It was just nuts but no nightmares. The Skoti must be
saving up for a party.
Pounding on the front door awakened me around three-thirty. I got
up, pulled on a pair of jeans and went out to the front to answer the knock. I
opened it a crack to see Nathaniel and the blond from stripper. What was his
name? Oh yeah… Jason. I moved back from the door and they came in closing it
behind them.
“What's up?” I asked.
“You said I had to come and get my fish.” Nathaniel sounded a bit
sullen.
“Oh yeah. Put the fish in a baggie of water and drain the tank.
It's easier that way. I got some more food. It's by the tank. Let yourselves
out.” I told them then went back to bed. The bedroom door opened.
I looked up to see Jason. “Why are you mad at him? He hasn't done
anything to you.”
I sighed. “I didn't say he had. His being here could get him into
trouble. He knows that.”
The stripper shook his head. “You're supposed to be his friend.
Somebody outside the District he can talk to.”
“He can call me but we can't hang out anymore. It's too dangerous
for him. Marshal Blake and the Master have both told me to stay away from their
people. My people are tired of me causing trouble and quite frankly, I'm tired
of getting hurt.”
“You don't know what hurt is.” He turned and walked out.
“God if you only knew.”
I waited for them to leave before I got up to shower and eat.
Cowardly? Maybe but I had decided to make a clean break. Now they just had to
play along.
The rest of the month seemed to fly by. Maybe it was because I
kept myself busy, purposely trying not to think or care about anything but
doing my job and staying out of trouble. Dreams were interesting. Mist kept
popping up. The woman was going to get me killed then I could actually rest…
the big sleep. Why did I want that so much?
Mitch asked me to pull Ellen's shift one day. It was the end of
the month, Monday, Memorial Day. It was too much to handle if I was on my own
so I pulled Ellen's shift. I made sure to thank all the veterans and the troops
for their service and said a little prayer for the families.
Mitch came in around noon and informed me that I had a new
apartment. He said that my lease was signed and my stuff was being moved as we spoke.
To say I was a bit floored was an understatement. There was a new tenant
waiting to move in to my old place. Mitch worked in mysterious ways.