�Alva, is there anything I can get you before I leave?� Evelyn Santos asked softly as she watched the older man writing furiously on a legal pad. �It�s late, can�t you finish that in the morning?�

�Go home Evelyn, I�m fine.� He looked at her through tired bloodshot eyes and managed a soft smile. �Go. I�ll be heading home soon.� He could see the disbelief in her stance and her eyes. �Promise. Now go.� Finally the young woman, shaking her head sadly, walked away and Alva Keel sighed deeply as he looked at the volumes of books surrounding him. �I can finish this in the morning.� He tried to convince himself that he could just walk away from the mounds of work that had slowly been piling up over the last month. Finally he tossed his pen down and brought his hands to his eyes to try and rub the tiredness away. He knew that Evelyn was right and that he would have to rest soon, or his body would begin to revolt and force him to take time off.

Standing, Alva stretched and looked around the cluttered office. Making his decision, he grabbed his jacket and walked toward the door, careful to turn off lights as he went. With a grimace, he left, locking the door carefully, consoling himself that the work would wait till morning.

As he walked through the dark alleyways, his mind continued to muse on the report he had last received, the very thing that Evelyn had told him to leave till the next day. He was so deep in his thoughts that he failed to notice he did not make the correct turn, and now found himself behind several buildings that he did not recognize. He also suddenly felt that he was no longer alone, but didn�t know if it was real or his tired mind playing a trick on him until he heard the voice.

�Help me.� It was a woman�s voice, full of hurt and fear. �Please.�

�Hello?� As a breeze picked up, Alva couldn�t be sure he was hearing anything at all. �Hello?�

�Help me.� The voice repeated and then began to weep softly.

�Where are you?� Alva felt his skin begin to prickle as he began searching the shadows. �I�ll help you but you�ll have to help me find you.�

�Don�t let him hurt me again.� She cried pitifully.

�Don�t let who hurt you?� Alva suddenly saw something move behind a dumpster and began to move slowly toward it. �Let me help you.�

�If he finds me, he�ll hurt me again.� There she was. A small woman, pale and bruised. Her long dark hair lay matted again her skull and back. She tugged at the ripped pieces of her clothing, trying to cover herself. �Help me.�

�I�ll help you.� Alva soothed as he reached out for her. �Come on, I won�t let him hurt you.� For a moment, he was afraid that the woman would run from him, but smiled softly as she finally began to move from her hiding place. �Here, take this.� He took off his jacket and carefully placed it around her shoulders. �I have a phone, we can call the police.�

�NO!� Her eyes suddenly went wide as she took a step away from Alva. �No police! They wouldn�t understand.�

�Understand what? You�ve been hurt, attacked.� Before he could say anything else, she began to run away from him. �Wait! Don�t run! I won�t call anyone!� She slowed and turned toward him. �Come back, I want to help you. I won�t call the police.�

�No police?� She asked in a childlike voice. �Promise?�

�I promise.� Alva breathed in relief as she started toward him once again. �My name is Alva Keel, what�s yours?�

�Magdalene.� She stopped a few feet from him, carefully looked around.

�Alright Magdalene, do you have a last name?� As she shook her head slowly he moved closer. �Then Magdalene it is.� He held out his hand and waited till she shakily took it in hers. �Now, we need to get you off the street so you can talk to me, yes?� She nodded softly. �Good, that�s a start.� Alva looked around and decided the nearest place was the very office he had been so desperately trying to leave behind. �Come on, let�s get you inside and safe.� He began to steer the woman back the way he had just come, continuing to talk softly to her. �Do you like coffee?� She nodded again, looking at him with huge blue eyes. �Good. I�ll make us some when we get inside.�

�Are you warm enough Magdalene?� Alva asked as he watched the woman sipping slowly. She nodded over the steam. �Good.� Careful not to startle her, he sat next to her on the sofa with a blanket. He placed it over her legs, noticing the scrapes and bruises that discolored her pale skin. He hid the frown that threatened to emerge with a smile. �I want to call a friend of mine.� Her eyes grew frightened and the cup in her hand began to tremble. �It�s all right, she might have something you can wear. That�s all. She�s a good person and won�t let you get hurt.� He watched as she slowly calmed and nodded. �You sit right there and I�ll call now.�

�No police, remember your promise.� The words were whispers.

�I remember. No police.� He lifted the receiver to his ear as he heard the phone ringing. �Evelyn�yes, I�m still at the office.� He waited a moment as Evelyn chided him. �Evelyn, I know I�m not superman. Look, could I get you to do me a favor?� He paused and smiled at the young woman who watched him suspiciously. �Yes, would you come back to the office and bring some clothes with you? Something you wouldn�t mind giving to someone in need.� He nodded as he listened. �Yes, you heard me correctly. Just get here and I will explain everything.� As he hung up, he noticed that Magdalene�s eyes were beginning to flutter closed in exhaustion only to snap open in fear. �It�s all right. You can sleep until Evelyn gets here. You�ll be safe.� He took the cup from her hands and placed it on a side table. When he turned back to the woman, he was taken by surprised as she threw herself in his arms and began to weep uncontrollably. �Shhh.� He found himself stroking her back softly. �Don�t cry, you�re going to be safe now.�

�No I won�t. He�ll find me and he�ll hurt me.� She cried harder. �Then he�ll hurt you.�

�No one is going to hurt me or you.� He found himself wrapping his arms around her small frame and hugging her tightly. �Just close your eyes and rest. For now, you can sleep. For now, you�re safe.� He rocked her body softly, humming in her ear as he felt her relax and slowly fall into a deep slumber. Careful not to disturb her, he gently laid her on the sofa and stood, making sure the blanket covered her slim frame. �He won�t hurt you anymore. I promise.�

�What is going on Alva?� Evelyn handed Alva a handful of clothes then followed him into the office area where he pointed to Magdalene who was still sleeping fitfully. �Who is she? Wha��

�Shhh, you�ll wake her.� Alva led the young woman away from the door, speaking softly to her. �I was on my way home and Magdalene appeared, asking for help.� He looked at the clothes critically. �I think these will fit till we can��

�Did you call the police?� Evelyn stared at the woman then at her friend and employer. His eyes told her no. �Alva?�

�I tried. The minute that I said anything about calling the police she started to run away.� He calmed himself as his voice became louder. �Look, she�s been hurt. I don�t know who she is or where she came from but she needed someone to help her.�

�Who�s that?� Both turned at the sound of the sleepy voice. Magdalene sat, staring at Evelyn over the back of the sofa. �She�s not the police, is she?�

�No, I promised you I wouldn�t call the police, remember?� Alva smiled and took several steps toward Magdalene, with Evelyn in tow.

�Alva says your name is Magdalene?� She was rewarded with a slight nod. �My name is Evelyn, Evelyn Santos. I�m a friend of Alva�s.�

�The one he called?�

�Yes, the one he called. I brought you some things to wear.� She had neared close enough to see the dark marks around the woman�s neck and wrists. Swallowing her shock, she continued. �I can help you clean up and try them on? Would that be all right?�

�Alva?� Magdalene stared in fright at him.

�She�s safe Magdalene. She won�t hurt you.� He nodded softly as Evelyn extended her hand. �Go on, I�ll make more coffee while I wait.� He watched the women disappear into the small bathroom. Once he was finally alone, he let out a deep audible sigh and ran shaking fingers through his dark hair. Feeling his knees weaken, he moved quickly to a chair and lowered his body carefully. �Keel, what is your problem?� He muttered angrily to himself. �Call the police. Let them handle this.� For a second his hand moved toward the phone, but stopped. Shaking his head, he drew his hand back and looked toward where the women had went. �They won�t understand.� He bent forward, resting his elbows on his knees and just held his head, in both confusion and exhaustion.

�Evelyn?� Alva looked up as the woman walked slowly back to him, arms crossed and a stern, worried look on her face. �How is she?�

�She�� Evelyn kept her voice low, �is taking a shower.� Her eyes narrowed in both anger and disgust. �Alva, we need to call the police. She is covered from head to foot with bruises, cuts and God knows what else.�

�No police, I promised her.� Evelyn opened her mouth to protest but seeing Alva glare, decided that nothing she could say would change his mind. �Look, give me some time with her, I�ll try to convince her it would be in her best interest to talk to them. But, I make no promises. If she insists she does not want to talk to the police, I will not force her.�

�I guess that will have to do.� Breathing deeply she glanced toward the bathroom. �Something horrible has happened to her and I don�t know if you or I have the ability to reach her.�

�I for one am going to try.� Alva moved around Evelyn, toward the door that stood open. �I will not fail her Evelyn. Not this time.�

�This time?� Evelyn questioned, causing Alva to swing around stare at her hard. �You said �this time�. What did you mean?�

�Nothing.� Alva shook his head as he looked down. �I can take it from here. Go home Evelyn.�

�But��

�Go home Evelyn.� His voice was hasher than he intended it to be. He tried to smile, but his eyes were still full of anger. �I�ll call you if I need anything else.�

�Be careful Alva.� She placed her hand on his shoulder softly and felt him recoil. �I�ll see you tomorrow.� Feeling suddenly like she didn�t belong, Evelyn slowly left the office, fighting the sudden urge to grab Alva and run.

�Tomorrow.� Alva whispered as he glanced at the women leaving, then toward the small room. �Magdalene? Are you all right in there?� Without thinking, he found himself walking toward the sound of the woman humming to herself.

�Father, it�s time.� Alva looked up and found himself kneeling in a Church. Turning his head, he could see the smiling nun standing with her hands folded demurely over her stomach. �Everything is ready.�

�Everything is ready?� He questioned and received only a nod from the Sister.

�Come, we mustn�t waste a moment. Time is of the utmost importance.� She waited impatiently for Alva to stand, then began to lead the way out of the Church and through a dark hallway. �Father I have a confession.� Her words were short and strained. Alva remained silent, waiting for the woman to continue. �I confess that I still do not think that you are the best person for�.I think you are too emotional to be effective.�

�It isn�t for you to decide who is the best person Reverend Mother.� The words left Alva�s mouth as an admonishment to the woman. He didn�t understand what was happening or why he said those words. �I believe there are those that know better than you or I what is best.�

�You are correct Father.� She sounded completely chided. Finally they stopped in front of an ornately decorated door. �I will leave you Father. Bishop Grace is waiting for you.� She bowed slightly then backed away, leaving Alva alone.

For a moment he simply stood, starting at the door, not recognizing where he was or what he was about to enter. Finally, as though his body was not his own, he reached out and pulled hard, releasing thick sweet smelling incense and a soft light from within.

�Come Father, everything is in order.� The robed man motioned for Alva to near. �You have prayed?� Alva nodded. �Good. We should begin.� With a slight movement of his ringed hand, the Bishop indicated where Alva was to kneel.

The next few minutes were a blur, and Alva felt as though he were more a spectator. The Bishop had waited till he was kneeling, then with great reverence, he placed a white wafer on Alva�s tongue and brought a golden chalice to his lips. As the Host and wine mingled in his mouth, Alva found that he could not concentrate on what was happening around him. He was barely aware when the door behind him opened once again and others entered.

�Is the vessel ready?� Alva could barely hear the Bishop�s words as he became more and more disassociated with his surrounding.

�Yes Bishop, the vessel is ready.� A woman�s voice droned as Alva felt a soft presence kneel next to him. Suddenly his nostrils were filled with the smells of soap and perfume. He glanced just as the Bishop gave a young woman the same communion as he had just swallowed.

He was aware of the Bishop�s hand resting on his head and the man saying words, probably a prayer of some kind, but his body was beginning to react on it�s own. He tried to stand but found his knees would not obey. He was only slightly aware of the woman next to him, grabbing his hand softly and squeezing. After that moment, he blacked out for the first time.

Alva was not sure of the events that followed. Each time he became aware, it was only for a moment. The first time he became observant, he heard screaming and felt the softness of a woman under him. He could feel her struggles and hear her cries, but was unable to stop his assault Thankfully his consciousness left him only seconds later. When it returned, he was laying on his side, curled tightly and could hear soft cries and even softer voices of comfort. What had he done. In anguish he closed his eyes and was enveloped in darkness again. Finally he raised his head only to find himself sitting on the floor, naked, looking across at the woman who was being dressed by a handful of nuns. The woman�s face was vacant, and wet with tears. Alva wanted to reach out to her, but knew he was the cause of her terror. Feeling his own tears, Alva banged his head against the cold wall until it hurt.

Finally he woke and found himself in his apartment, sitting on the sofa where he had fallen asleep. The sheet he had hastily thrown over his body, lay in a tangled mass at this feet. Looking around, he searched for any sign of the nightmare he had just escaped and wondered what it meant. Finally, pushing a strand of sweat drenched hair off his forehead, Alva stood on watery legs and softly walked to the bedroom door, peering in to see if he had disturbed Magdalene.

To his amazement, she lay on her side, deep in slumber. She was so still that he had to watch her carefully to see the even rise and fall of her breasts to be sure se was breathing. His feet slowly and silently began moving toward the bed despite his unwillingness to be near Magdalene so soon after the nightmare. Sensing she was no longer alone, Magdalene opened her eyes suddenly and looked up, terrified at first, but recognizing Alva, smiled softly and sat up, pulling the sheets around her body.

�Is it morning all ready?� She asked, sleep still heavy in her voice as she patted the bed next to her for Alva to sit.

�No.� He resisted the urge to be that near to her and continued to stand at the edge of the bed. �I just needed to check on you. I wanted to make sure you were okay.�

�To be honest, this is the first time in probably months that I have been able to sleep soundly.� Her eyes sparkled as she spoke. �Please, sit with me for a few moments.� He did, making sure there was ample room between them. �Alva, why did you do it?�

�Do what?� Alva wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch her face, where a dark bruise remained but kept his hands clasped together.

�Why didn�t you call the police? Your friend Evelyn thought it was best. Why didn�t you?� She drew her knees up and hugged them with frail arms. �Why did you bring me here? You don�t know anything about me.�

�I brought you here because I couldn�t think of a safer place for you to be.� He fought the urge to reach out and touch her dark hair. �You asked for help.� He shrugged, indicating that was the only answer he would give.

�Thank you.� Her words were soft as she reached out and touched him ever so slightly on his hand. �I don�t know what I would have done if you hadn�t found me.� Magdalene lowered her head and looked away.

�Well whatever happened is over. You�re safe now.� As he spoke, he watched her shoulders began to heave as she started to cry. �Magdalene, what is wrong?� He found himself moving to her, reaching out to take her rocking body in his arms. �You�re safe here.� He shushed her as he held her tightly, feeling her tears against his chest. �I won�t let anything happen to you.�

�You don�t understand Alva.� She pulled away and angrily wiped her face with her hands. �He�ll find me. It doesn�t matter where I am or who I am with. He will find me and take me back.�

�Who will find you Magdalene?� Alva stared at her terrified eyes. �I can�t help you if I don�t know who is after you.� She only shook her had harder as she began once again to cry. �Please tell me.�

�I can�t.� She sounded sad and resigned. �I just can�t.�

�Shhh.� He continued to hold her tightly as she cried, feeling helpless at not being able to comfort her. �Don�t cry anymore Magdalene.� He finally pulled her away and stroked her hair softly. �We will find a way tomorrow. Just lay back down and try to sleep now.� He guided her back to the pillow and started to stand to leave.

�Don�t.� Her whisper was full of fear as she grabbed his hand and pulled him back next to her. �Don�t leave me alone.�

Despite his reluctance, Alva found himself laying next to Magdalene, watching her body slowly relax as she once more began to fall into a deep slumber. Making sure he was on top of the sheets, he closed his eyes as the exhaustion of the day and evening began to overtake him. He threw a forearm over his eyes as he felt sleep come closer.

As he opened his eyes, his senses were screaming. His first instinct was to roll off the bed and run, but instead, he found himself breathing deeper, studying the woman straddling him.

Magdalene�s eyes were closed and their bodies moved in unison in a slow dance that only lovers know. Her hands slowly guided his over her satin skin. Alva wanted to ask what happened, when it had begun, but his baser nature began to take over and he found that he wanted to feel her more intensely.

Swaying and speaking in a language that was almost primal, their movements increased and became more intense until they exploded as one. Alva held her tightly as they collapsed together in a tangled mass of body parts and sheets. He felt her heart racing against his bare skin, heard her whisper something in his ear as her mouth hungrily covered his in a deep, longing kiss.

Alva felt as though the wind had been knocked out of him as he suddenly sat up. He looked around the room as though it were alien at first. Finally realizing he was in his own bed, he ran shaking fingers through his hair and looked at the woman laying beside him. She was in the same position he watched her fall asleep in. The sheet wrapped tightly around her body.

�What in hell�s name�� he whispered as the last dream began to play over in his mind. Shaking his head, he slowly and carefully got up and moved to the bathroom, careful to close the door after him. He never looked back to see Magdalene laying on her side, her eyes wide open, smiling seductively.

As Magdalene watched Alva sleep soundly on the sofa from the bedroom door, Evelyn was just making the first pot of coffee in the office for the day. She was expecting Paul to call early with his report and when he would be coming back so she had gotten to work an hour sooner than normal. Sometimes, she thought in amusement, the men didn�t seem to remember that there was more than one time zone and was notorious for calling at all hours.

She had just poured herself a cup of the steaming liquid and sat at her desk to go over several new requests for services when there was a knock at the door. Looking at her watch, she cautiously opened the door a crack and found a man standing patiently. He smiled sweetly as she looked suspiciously at him.

�We don�t open for another hour.� She said softly, trying to dissuade the man from wanting entrance. �If you don�t mind coming back��

�I just have a question.� His smile was as infectious as his eyes were dark. �I don�t even need to come in.�

�Okay.� Evelyn said sternly, not relaxing as her senses seemed to become sharper.

�I just need to ask if you have seen this woman?� He produced a picture and with two fingers, passed it through the crack in the door.

�I don�t think so.� Evelyn hoped surprise didn�t fill her voice. It was a picture of Magdalene, smiling with her arms around a dark haired man. �I can keep the picture and ask my colleagues if you want. I�m expecting them any moment.�

�I see.� He sounded disappointed. �This establishment does study the occult and strange occurrences, does it not?�

�We do.� Evelyn was careful not to give out too much information until she could learn more from the man and why he was looking for the battered and bruised woman that Alva had stumbled across the night before.

�Then I will leave the picture. Please, I would like to come back later today.� He added softly. �If that is acceptable with you.�

�Why are you looking for her?� Evelyn asked without thinking.

�She is a danger to anyone she attaches herself too.� His words were even and serious. �She is�.� He paused and thought�� She is not what she seems.�

�How?� She suddenly had the feeling of dread again, the one she had before she had left Alva the night before with Magdalene. �How is she dangerous?�

�Are you sure you haven�t seen her?�

�I�m sure.� Evelyn smiled sweetly. �You just have my curiosity piqued. That�s all.�

�I see.� He took a deep breath and released the picture. �If I may return later today, I can sit down and discuss at length why I am searching for her.�

�Well�� Just as she was about to speak the phone began ringing. �I�m sorry, I need to get that.� She blinked away the hold he had over her. �Look, come back around one this afternoon and we can talk.� The phone rang again. �I am sorry, but that is all I can do for you right now.� Carefully she closed the door and locked it. Walking to the phone she picked up the receiver and held it shakily to her ear. �SQ. how may we help you.� She paused and listened. �Paul, thank God it�s you. Listen I need to know when you are coming back. I think we might have a problem.�

Alva woke to the sound of soft cursing and the horrible smell of something burning. He stood, swaying slightly as he became light headed, then carefully moved to the kitchen. There, Magdalene was holding a blackened pot under running water. She coughed as dark, foul smelling smoke billowed around her face.

�What in the world are you doing?� Alva�s words caused Magdalene to jump and drop the pot into the sink with a loud clang. �What are you trying to do?�

�I was trying to make breakfast.� She frowned as he joined her at the sink and looked at the blackened contents of the pot. �That was to be porridge. And those�� She pointed to a baking sheet with black rock like objects, �were supposed to be scones.�

�I see.� Alva tried to hide the smirk on his face. �Porridge and scones.�

�I wanted to surprise you with a traditional Scottish breakfast for being so nice to me yesterday.� She crossed her arms and pouted causing Alva to let a small laugh slip through his lips. �I don�t find this funny at all.�

�I�m sorry.� He quickly pretended to look stern. �Well, apparently breakfast is not one of your better accomplishments.� He surveyed the chaos once again then turned to her, smiling broadly. �Tell you what, why don�t I just take you out for breakfast. I hear there is a caf� just down the road that makes a great Southwestern Omelet.�

�You don�t have to do that.� She blushed. �I really don�t want to be any trouble.�

�I think it�s a bit late for that.� He indicated the sink and laughed as she playfully slapped at his arm. �Come on, let�s get dressed. We have just enough time to eat before I am due at the office.� He took her by the elbow and began to lead her out of the kitchen. �You can stay in my office while I work.�

�I don�t want to get in your way.�

�You won�t and besides, you promised me that we would have a long talk today.� He glanced toward her as he felt her stiffen. �I think you owe me at least that much.�

�You�re right Alva. I do owe you some kind of explanation.�

Evelyn stared at the picture the man had left. She had an uneasy feeling she had seen the man�s face before but couldn�t remember where. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties, full shoulder length dark hair fell around his full face and into his dark eyes. Even though there was a broad smile on his lips, something seemed to be odd about the way he held onto Magdalene. Shaking her head she placed the picture on her desk and reached for her coffee.

Paul had said he was wrapping up his investigation and would be flying back within two days. He had told Evelyn that if she thought it was serious, he could be on the next flight. After thinking for only a few seconds, she had told Paul to finish up before heading back. She really didn�t have any proof that anything was wrong except for a gut feeling and she needed more than that.

�She�s not what she appears to be.� The words kept echoing through her head. Evelyn didn�t want to trust the stranger but she also thought that Magdalene actions were not that of a typical abused woman or rape victim. Close but not quite right. If the woman with Alva was dangerous, why had she been so bruised and wounded. Why had she been so terrified to call the police? She had more questions than answers as she heard Alva slip his key into the lock and open the door. Quickly Evelyn scooped up the picture and threw it in a drawer.

�I told you she would already be here.� Alva opened the door and waited till Magdalene passed him before entering. �Good morning Evie.�

�Someone must have had their coffee before coming in.� Evelyn smiled as Magdalene moved closer. �And how are you this morning.�

�I�m good Ms Santos.� Magdalene smiled shyly as she stopped at the desk.

�Evelyn, please. Ms Santos makes me feel a bit old.� Evelyn joked as she handed Alva several pink call back notes. �Alva, Paul called this morning. Said he should be back in two days.�

�Good.� Alva glanced at the notes then at Evelyn. �Look, can you hold my calls, Magdalene and I have a few things we need to discuss.�

�Of course.� Glancing at the woman who now stood next to Alva, Evelyn again felt a sense of dread and had to fight from screaming. �Oh, we had a man come by this morning.�

�What did he want?� Alva asked absently.

�He showed me a picture of someone he was looking for.� She watched Magdalene�s face for any change. �I think it was a picture of you Magdalene.�

�What?� Alva�s eyes narrowed and his face became hardened. �What did he look like?�

�Tall, salt-and-pepper hair, long hair, I would guess about mid back, gray eyes��

�That�s him.� Magdalene whispered in terror as she turned toward Alva. �I told you he would find me.�

�I told him I hadn�t seen her.� Evelyn added quickly, feeling her skin prickle. �He�s coming back at one to talk to you. He didn�t give me a chance to tell him no.�

�Evelyn, call the police and get them here. If he thinks for one minute he is going��

�No, no police.� Magdalene was shaking her head hard. �You promised me, no police.�

�Magdalene, listen to me.� Alva held her arms and forced her to face him. �We can have him arrested, gone, no more threat.�

�As long as he is alive he will get me Alva. Don�t you understand that?� Magdalene began crying. �Nothing is going to stop him.�

�If he is the one that hurt you,� Evelyn spoke evenly, careful not to let her own emotions through, �then he needs to be put away so he can�t do it to you or anyone else again.�

�I have to get out of here.� Magdalene started to move away from Alva but was stopped as he grabbed her tightly. �Let me go Alva. He will hurt or kill anyone he has too. He won�t stop till he has me.�

�No one is going to hurt either of us, and certainly no one is going to get you.� Alva spoke unyieldingly. He looked at Magdalene first then at Evelyn. �When did you say he would be here?�

�One o�clock.�

�Well, we can�t have him roaming around, so Magdalene can stay in my office with the door closed and locked until he leaves.� Alva spoke quietly as he thought. �I�ll try to get as much information as I can from him, then send him on his way.�

�It won�t work. He�ll know I�m here.� Magdalene looked like she was about to collapse with fear. �I have to get out of here.�

�You�re not going anywhere.� Alva growled, causing both women to jump. Closing his eyes for a moment, he took several breaths then forced a smile to his lips. �You�ll be safer here than running around out there.� Taking Magdalene�s hand gently, he turned to Evelyn. �Hold those calls Evie, I want to have a heart to heart with Magdalene before our mystery guest arrives.� With that he led the young woman into the back room and practically slammed the door, leaving Evelyn staring with wide eyes at his behavior.

�Are you trying to tell me that David Foster is the man after you? THE David Foster is the one that did�� Alva trailed off as he pointed to the bruises on Magdalene�s arms. �That he was capable of doing that to you?�

�Alva! I�m telling you the truth.� Magdalene sat across from Alva�s desk as she spoke, never finding the nerve to look up at him. �He blames me for his brother�s death. He said if I hadn�t become involved with Mark, he would still be alive.�

�But to beat you like�� He shook his head, unable to continue.

�I knew you wouldn�t believe me.� She fought tears as she wrung her hands in her lap. �Why should you? I�m a nobody. Just some woman you found on the streets.� Finally letting anger edge into her voice she looked up and into Alva�s eyes. �David Foster is a great parapsychologist, isn�t he? He couldn�t possibly do anything wrong, could he? Well I am sorry to disappoint you Alva, but he kidnapped me, beat and rap�� She couldn�t bring herself to finish her sentence and began to cry, covering her face with her hands. �When I got the chance I escaped from him. I ran as far and as fast as I could. But I knew he would find me again.�

�Magdalene, I am sorry.� Alva rushed to her side and grabbed her hands. �I don�t mean to disbelieve you.� Pulling her gently to her feet, Alva wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. �It�s just hard for me to believe that Foster would be so�� Stroking her hair with one hand, he tried to find the words.. �cruel.�

�He�s crazy!� She swallowed her tears and pulled away enough to look up at his face. �Alva, he just went totally insane when Mark died.�

�Magdalene, I promise you, I won�t let him hurt you again. You�ll be safe in here. I�ll make sure the door is locked when I leave you. Just stay quiet and away from the window. If he can�t see you, he won�t know you are here.� He tried to smile to reassure her. �Evelyn and I won�t let anyone harm you. You believe that, don�t you?�

�She doesn�t trust me Alva. I can feel it.� She spoke in a whisper. �It�s in her eyes.�

�Who, Evelyn?� Alva let out a small laugh. �Magdalene, old habits are hard to break. Evie is an ex-cop, that�s all.�

�A cop?� He saw the fright in her eyes.

�An ex-cop. She left the police force some time ago.� Pulling Magdalene closer he continued. �She is naturally suspicious and very protective of those she cares for. Give her time.� Not knowing why, he suddenly desired nothing more than to press his lips against hers. Fighting that urge, he pulled away and smiled. �Its almost one now. I am going to join Evelyn and I want you to lock this door the moment I am out. Do not open it for anyone. Do you understand me?� Magdalene nodded. �Good. I will get rid of Foster then we will get you out of here safely.�

�Alva?� She whispered as Alva reached the door. �Be careful. He is going to try to convince you I�m evil.�

�Just keep the door locked Magdalene.� Alva warned once more before leaving the woman behind. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he heard the locking being put into place. �You�ll be safe Magdalene, I promise.� He whispered as he turned and entered the main office.

�Alva, are you sure you know�� Evelyn started but stopped as she saw the warning in Alva�s eyes. Shaking her head sadly, she slowly reached into the desk and pulled out the picture David Foster had given her earlier. �It is Magdalene, isn�t it Alva.� She handed him the picture and waited.

�Where did you get this?� There was suspicion in his voice as he stared at the two faces.

�The man who showed up this morning.�

�David Foster.� Alva said absently as he stared at Magdalene�s image. �He�s the one that��

�David Foster?� Evelyn looked at Alva in shock. �Look, there is no way that David Foster would have done those things to Magdalene.�

�Magdalene says he did.� Alva snarled as he tossed the picture back onto Evelyn�s desk. �I believe her Evelyn. Why can�t you?�

�I just�� She began but stopped as a knock came from the door. �That must be Mr. Foster.� Standing she started for the door, but was stopped by Alva.

�I�ll let him in. You just sit there and stay quiet.� It was a warning tone Evelyn was totally unfamiliar with. �You can do that, can�t you?�

�Alva?�

�Just do it Evelyn.� He didn�t wait for her to respond. Opening the door, he found himself staring at the man that had spoken with Evelyn before. �Yes?�

�Alva Keel?� His voice was smooth. �David Foster.�

�Yes I know who you are.� Alva stood with the door open but didn�t move to let the man in. �What can I do for you?�

�Well, your coworker there said that I could come by and talk to you about a woman I was looking for.� He tried to look past Alva at Evelyn but was blocked. �I left a picture.�

�Yes, well, I looked at the picture. I haven�t seen her around here.� His words were sharp. �Will there be anything else?�

�Aren�t you the least bit curious about why I am looking for her?�

�Can�t say that I am.� Alva moved slightly. �Now if that is all�� He started to close the door but Foster�s hand stopped it. �Excuse me, I do have work��

�Keel, listen to me. This�woman.� Foster choked on the word. �This woman is dangerous. She isn�t what she seems. She is��

�A lot of people are not what they seem.� Alva spit angrily. �Now, I must insist that you leave. I have work to do.� He crossed his arms. �Do you need the picture back?�

�No, keep it.� Foster could see Evelyn�s shocked face over Alva�s shoulder. �If you see her, please give me a call. It is vitally important that I find her, before she can hurt anyone else.� He handed Alva a card, then turned and disappeared. Alva practically slammed the door as he fingered the card.

�Alva? What was that��

�Evie, don�t worry about it.� Alva tore the card in half and tossed it into the wastepaper basket as he passed her desk, heading back to his office. �Why don�t you take the rest of the day off Evie.� He stopped and forced a smile. �I�ll be escorting Magdalene back to my apartment where she will be safe, and there really isn�t anything pressing.�

�Really Alva, I don�t mind staying.�

�Go home Evelyn.� Again she noticed an unfamiliar tone to Alva�s voice.

�Give me a few minutes to wrap up these reports.� She tried to relax as she spoke. �Ten or fifteen minutes I�ll be out of here.� Alva nodded and disappeared into his office. Evelyn stared after him as though she had never met the man then looked into the trash and saw the card halves. Glancing back at the office once more and not seeing Alva, she reached down and snatched the two pieces up, sticking them in her pocket. She carefully turned off her computer and placed several files in her drawer. Standing she made her way to Alva�s office and knocked before opening the door. �Alva, I�ll be leaving now.� She hoped the shock of seeing Magdalene�s arms wrapped around Alva didn�t show in her face. �I�ll forward the phones to my cell so you won�t be disturbed.�

�Good idea.� Alva said, preoccupied with stroking Magdalene�s hair. �Good night Evie. Do take care.�

Evelyn stared at the couple for a moment. She felt her heart about to burst as Magdalene looked her in the eyes. Evelyn felt a chill as a cold smile formed on those full lips and she wanted to scream as Magdalene looked into Alva�s face and kissed him hard.

Closing the door, and practically running from the office, Evelyn fought to keep the scream from her lips and the tears from her eyes. Once outside, she let the cool breeze calm her. Shakily, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the two pieces of the card Alva had heatedly thrown away. Looking back only once, she slowly pulled her phone out and began dialing.

�Forgive me Alva.� She took a deep breath and waited for someone to answer. When the smooth voice finally did say something she almost disconnected but the sight of Magdalene clinging to Alva appeared before her eyes once again. �Mr. Foster, this is Evelyn Santos. I think I know where that woman is, and I am scared to death she is going to kill my employer Alva Keel.�

�She hates me.� Magdalene fumed as she paced in front of Alva. �She hates me. Did you see the way she glared at me back at the office?�

�Magdalene. Please sit down. You are going to wear a hole in the carpet.� Alva reached out and caught her hand, pulling her to the seat next to him. �I told you already. Evelyn is just naturally suspicious of anyone that she meets. She is like a mother hen, thinking that she has to take care of Paul and myself.�

�It�s more that that, Alva.� She snuggled closer, pulling his arms around her. �She�s jealous. She doesn�t want you to love anyone.�

�Love?� Alva pulled away and turned Magdalene around so that she could face him. �Magdalene, we just met, I can�t say that I love you.�

�I know that, Alva. But I tell you, she is afraid that I will get too close to you. She�ll try to keep us apart. I just know it.�

�If I want to be with you, Evelyn will have no say so over it.� He released her and felt her body back into his again, fitting against his torso like a lost puzzle piece. �She knows her place, Magdalene.� He kissed the top of her head lightly then rested his head on hers. �She knows what is good for her.�

�Evelyn Santos?� Evelyn looked up from her coffee at her name. The man who had come to the office stood next to the table. �May I?� He asked pointing to a chair. She nodded and waited till he sat and the waitress took his order. �So, you know where Magdalene is.�

�Yes.� She stared into her coffee, unable to look into the man�s eyes.

�She�s with Keel, isn�t she?� Foster�s voice was soft yet filled with warning. Evelyn found she couldn�t answer but instead, started to cry softly. �I thought I could smell her.�

�I�m sorry.� She finally stopped the tears. �I don�t normally break down like this.�

�It�s all right, Ms. Santos.� Foster reached across the table and touched her hand lightly.

�It�s my fault she is even free.�

�What did you do to her?� Suddenly Evelyn�s eyes narrowed in anger. �Did you beat her, rape her?�

�NO!� His voice echoed through the shop, causing people to stare at him. Looking around he calmed himself. �No, I did not. How could you ask such a thing?�

�Oh, I don�t know.� She was sarcastic. �It�s just with all the bruises and the fear I saw in her eyes, I just assumed that she had been abused.�

�She didn�t have a mark on her.� He lowered his head as his drink was brought to the table. �It�s all part of her illusion to get a man to take her into his confidence.�

�Who is this?� Evelyn pushed the picture across the table slowly. �Why are you looking for her?�

�That is�was my brother. His name was Mark.� Foster picked up the picture carefully and looked at the faces. �He found Magdalene walking along the beach one day. She looked like someone had really done a number on her.� Leaning back, he tossed the picture back onto the table and sighed deeply. �He brought her home with him and that is when it started happening.�

�What started happening?� Evelyn stared at Foster, trying to understand.

�She began taking over his life. Sucking his soul from his body.�

�I don�t understand.� Evelyn felt confusion. �How can a woman��

�She�s not a woman!� Foster growled. �She�s a demon. You do know what a demon is, don�t you?� His words were harsh.

�A demon.� Evelyn thought for a moment. �That is part of my job, Mr. Foster, you know that.�

�Yes, well, Magdalene is a demon, you can be sure of that. She is one of the most vile creatures that exists.�

�A succubus?� Abruptly Evelyn�s mind began to work. �She�s a succubus, isn�t she.�

�Yes. That is correct.� Foster smiled for the first time, a smile that made Evelyn�s skin crawl. �A demon whose whole survival depends on having sex with the unsuspecting man.�

�Oh, my God.� Evelyn shook her head. �You have to be mistaken. Alva wouldn�t just��

�Ms. Santos, listen to me. It doesn�t have to be physical sex. It can happen in dreams. That is the way it began with Mark. He told me at the beginning of the dreams that seemed to haunt him. For a while, he honestly thought he was going mad.� He took a deep breath and looked at his hands. �By the time he would believe me, it was too late. Magdalene already had him completely under her control.� Evelyn could see he was fighting to keep his emotions under control. �She made sure that he no longer trusted me. Magdalene made sure that she was the only one Mark would turn too.�

�I�m sorry�.�

�Don�t be. I just want to stop her from doing it to someone else. I don�t know how many other men have died because of her, but I will be damned if I let your friend be another unlucky statistic.� Foster became quiet, looking over his drink and staring at the picture. �I have to stop her, Ms. Santos.�

�Evelyn, please.� She tried but failed to hide the quiver in her voice. �Mr. Foster, there is another person, Paul Callan, that might be able to help us. He�s out of town at the moment, but said if I needed him, he could be here in a very short time.� She paused as she thought of Paul. �I don�t know if we need to bring him here or not.�

�Why?�

�Alva always seems to be afraid for him to be around�� She paused for a moment, thinking of the right words to use�� He�s afraid Paul is too open and that if he is anywhere near darkness, he might be��

�Tainted? Contaminated?� Foster waited. �Something like that?� Evelyn nodded. �I understand, but how do you feel about it? Do you think this Paul is strong enough to resist the darkness?�

�I think so. Yes, I believe he is.� Evelyn smiled softly. �Besides, whether either of them want to admit it, they care deeply for each other. If Paul thought he could do something to help Alva out, he wouldn�t hesitate.�

�Then I say call him. Tell him to come as soon as he can.� Foster leaned back in his chair. �To be honest, I think we are going to need all the help we can get.�

Alva watched as Magdalene moved around the apartment, gently touching the spines of the numerous books that lined the walls. He smiled, as she would pick one up, thumb through the pages, and then set it back down carefully.

�So many.� She whispered in awe. �I don�t think I have ever known anyone who had so many books on so many different subjects.�

�I have a ferocious appetite for knowledge.� Alva stood and joined her. �There�s something about books, especially old books that call out to me, try to seduce me.� He smiled softly as his hand touched hers.

�Seem to seduce you, huh?� Her eye twinkled as she pulled her hand away slowly, letting it touch his shoulder briefly. �What else seduces you, Alva Keel?� She turned to face him, placing both hands softly on his chest and looked into his face.

�Hmmm,� he sighed as he brushed her hair with his fingertips. �What else seduces me? Let�s see� beautiful things, summer storms��

�Summer storms? Really?� Her face lit up as she smiled broadly. �I never thought of a storm as seductive.�

�Oh yes, it�s intensity� very seductive.� Without thinking he wrapped his arms around her waist. �See, the intensity is frightening, yet seductive.�

�By intensity you mean power.� He nodded as he felt her move closer into his embrace. �So Alva Keel can be seduced by power?�

�Maybe.� He gave her a crooked grin as he held her tighter. �Depends on the power.� His hands moved to the small of her back. �I�m sure there are many things that can seduce Alva Keel.� He began to slowly sway, leading her in a soft gentle dance. �What about you? What seduces Magdalene?�

�Gentleness.� She laid her head on his chest as they moved to silent music. �A caring heart and warmth.� She sighed deeply as she smiled to herself. �Sounds silly, doesn�t it? I guess I�m just a romantic at heart.�

�Nothing wrong with that.� He felt himself begin to hunger for her touch, remember bits of the dream he experienced the night before. Romance is almost a lost art in these times.� He inhaled the scent of her hair deeply. Magdalene, I have a confession��

�Shhh, Alva.� She whispered as she looked into his dark eyes. �Don�t talk. Not just yet.�

�No, really�I had�� He stumbled as he tried to speak, his mouth suddenly becoming dry. �Magdalene�I.�

�Shut up, Keel.� She playfully chastised him. �Can�t you tell I�m being seduced?� She giggled and let her hands softly glide over his body. �Do something useful with those lips of yours.� She grinned at the surprise in his face. �Use them to kiss me.�

It was an invitation that he could not resist. Lowering his head, he pressed his lips firmly against hers. He could feel her desire and kissed harder, opening his mouth slightly, only to feel her tongue brush against his teeth. Holding her face with one hand, he traced the outline of her jaw as their lips locked tighter together. Finally he pulled away, strangely pleased at the moan of disappointment that escaped from Magdalene.

�You�re not very shy, are you?� He grinned as he felt her hands begin to roam his body frantically.

�Not when I want something.� Her voice was husky with desire. �I�m used to getting exactly what I want.�

�And what is it you want, Magdalene?� He grabbed her hands tightly as they reached his belt. �Tell me what you want.�

�You know what I want, Alva.� Her eyes burned deep into his.

�Tell me.� Keel couldn�t believe the words coming from his lips or the feeling that seemed to overwhelm him. When she didn�t answer, he tightened his grip on her wrists, bringing a squeal to her lips. �Tell me what you want, Magdalene,� he demanded in a guttural whisper. �Tell me exactly what you want.�

�I want you, Alva.� Her eyes glazed over with lust as she moved into his body. �I want you completely.�

�What do you want me to do?� He felt a rush of power envelope him as he grabbed a handful of her hair and forced her head back roughly. �What do you want me to do?�

�Use me.� It was a whisper. �Anyway you want.� She tiptoed and found his lips again, feeling him hungrily feed from her mouth. �I�m yours.� She mumbled as she pulled away for a moment.

�You�re damn right you�re mine.� He picked her up suddenly and headed for the bedroom. �All mine.�

Alva couldn�t believe what had come over him and the way he used and treated Magdalene. His mind wandered through the hours of lovemaking they experienced and found himself sick at the images. There was nothing the woman lying next to him didn�t do for him. Magdalene had obeyed every command that had flowed from Alva�s lips.

Every command. Alva cringed at the thought. He had always thought of himself as a gentleman, always careful to see to his lover�s needs. He couldn�t remember a time where he had been as overbearing and demanding as he had this night. He didn�t even recognize the voice that came from his mouth. It was like he had been possessed by something perverse.

He turned carefully and watched Magdalene sleep, wondering if he would be able to face the woman when she woke. Reaching out softly, Alva ran his fingers through her dark hair. For the first time in his life, Alva Keel was afraid he might have lost control. He could feel his eyes fill with tears of sorrow and shame as she turned toward him, her lashes feathering over the top of her cheeks. He wanted to get up and move as far away from this delicate creature as he could.

Even as his mind thought of leaving, his eyes began to grow heavy with sleep. No matter how hard he tried to stay awake, he soon found himself closing his eyes, unable to open them till finally, he drifted away and began to dream.

�Father, I can�t let you go in there.� Sister Margaret stood in front of the door with her arms crossed sternly.

�Sister.� Alva heard his voice: it was strained and angry. �I�m going in there. I have every right to see the child.�

�No, Father. You do not.� Sister Margaret was firm. �I have sent for the Bishop. You need to leave here now.�

�I don�t want to hurt you, Sister�� He could hear voices coming close from behind. �Sister, get out of the way. Now.�

�Father, you�� Sister Margaret yelped as Alva forcefully pushed her away from the door and entered. �You can�t go in there,� she screamed as Alva disappeared into the makeshift nursery.

�I�m sorry, Sister, you left me no choice.� Closing the door, Alva found a chair and jammed it against the knob. �I have to see the child.�

Leaning against the wall, Alva looked around the room. He saw the small crib next to the window and began moving toward it. With each step he became more anxious, asking himself questions that he had no answers for. Why had it been so important for him to father this child? Why had he and the woman been drugged? What good could come from the child born of a rape? For the first time, he actually thought the word, �rape.�

�What is it that is so important, little one?� Alva stood next to the crib and looked at the child. �Why did you have to be brought into this cruel world in the way you were?� Tiny hands reached up, bringing a sad smile to Alva�s lips. �So precious and innocent.�

There were suddenly voices at the door as someone tried to get in. He looked down at the baby once again and found he couldn�t tear his eyes away from the child�s. �You know something, don�t you?�

�Father! Open this door immediately!� Alva recognized the sound of the Bishop�s voice. Without thinking, Alva scooped the small bundle out of the crib and searched for an alternate way out. He could hear banging on the door and the angry voices demanding him to come out.

�I have to get you out of here.� He looked at the window next to the crib. Lying the baby back down, he immediately and carefully moved the small bed from the wall and looked for something to break the glass. Pulling a large heavy crucifix from the wall, he turned his head and swung with all his might. He heard shattering and could feel the shards flying harmlessly past his head. �Come on, little one.� Carefully, he picked up the small bundle and held the baby tightly in his arms as he crawled through the opening.

�Father! Don�t!� Alva heard the command as he sat on the ledge of the window, holding the child and looked down at the long fall. �You can�t survive. Just turn around and come back in.� Alva looked at the man nearing him. The Bishop never looked at him, only at the child in his arms. �Give me the child, Father.�

�Why?� Alva felt the tears of anger flow down his cheeks. �Why did it have to happen?�

�Father, there are things you can�t begin to understand. That child had to be born in the manner it was.� The Bishop took another step near. �This child, or a child of this child, will have to face the powers of Darkness.�

�I can�t let you destroy this child�s life.� Alva shook his head and started at the clear, brown eyes staring up from his arms. �Just look at him.� A smile formed on Alva�s lips. �He knows something. He already knows what is to happen. I can feel it.� Suddenly the bundle was snatched out of his hands, and he was pushed hard. He could hear himself screaming as his body began to plummet toward the hard ground below.

�Alva! Wake up!� Magdalene shook him hard. �You�re having a nightmare. Please wake up, Alva.� Suddenly she was looking into his terrified eyes.

�What?� He looked around the room, finding himself not broken from the fall, but safe in his own bed. �Magdalene�� He fell into her arms, crying. �It was so real.�

�Shhh. I know.� She held him against her body and stroked his hair and back. �Nightmares often seem to be real.�

She could feel him stirring in her grasp. �Lay back down, Alva. Let me take care of you.� Her mouth found his and softly kissed him. �I can make all the bad things go away, Alva. Just ask me to.� She straddled his body as she spoke. �Just ask me and I�ll make everything beautiful and peaceful for you.�

�But the baby� I was trying�� His stammering was cut short by another kiss and her soft hands roaming his body. �God, it was so real.�

�It was a nightmare, Alva. Just a bad dream.� She smiled as he hardened under her ministrations. �Just ask me, Alva. I can give you anything you want. I can make all the bad dreams leave you forever.� She bent so that their faces were just inches apart. �I can fill your dreams with only your desires.�

�Magdalene, I�� His words were silenced as she again pressed her lips to his.

�Just ask me, Alva.� The huskiness in her voice and the touch of her hands sent chills through his body. �Do you want me to take it all away?�

�Yesss...� He growled through gritted teeth as waves of pleasure began to course throughout his being. �Take it all away.�

�Very well.� Smiling seductively, she lowered herself, bringing a gasp of bliss from Alva�s lips.

�Just a minute!� Evelyn called as she wrapped a robe around herself and rushed out of the bedroom, sleep still heavy in her eyes. She looked through the eyehole then quickly opened the door. �Paul, come in.�

�I didn�t mean to wake you, Evie, but you sounded so worried over the phone.� Paul Calhan moved past Evelyn and waited as she closed and locked the door. �What�s happening to Keel?�

�I don�t even know where to begin.� She sat on a sofa and indicated for Paul to sit next to her. �Everything has been so strange the last couple of days.�

�Try starting at the beginning.� He smiled softly and touched her hand lightly. �It always helps.� She nodded and lowered her head, looking at her hands.

�Evie, you�re shaking.� Paul moved closer to her and touched her shoulder, watching a lone tear slide down her cheek. �Evie, come here.� He reached out and embraced her tightly. �My God, Evie, what�s wrong?�

�Just give me a minute.� She pulled away and wiped her face angrily. �Would you mind getting me a glass of water?�

�Not at all.� Paul stood and made his way to the kitchen as Evelyn grabbed a Kleenex and dabbed at her eyes. Within a minute, he was back, handing her a glass, which she took gratefully and sipped slowly. �Now, try again, start at the beginning, Evie.�

�It all started a couple of nights ago. I had convinced Alva to go home, you know how hard-headed he can be.� She smiled as she thought. �Well, I left with his promise that he wouldn�t work late.� She carefully placed the glass on a side table. �I got a call about an hour after I left. It was Alva. He asked if I could come back to the office and bring some old clothes I wouldn�t mind giving away.�

�Some of your old clothes? What, is he cross-dressing in secret?� Paul looked confused; bringing a smile to Evelyn�s lips.

�No.� She shook her head lightly. �When I got there, there was a woman asleep. That�s who Alva wanted the clothes for. He said that he had found her on his way home.� She paused as she remembered seeing Magdalene for the first time. �I went to the bathroom to help her clean up and get dressed. Paul, she had been beaten. There were cuts and bruises all over her body. It was horrible.�

�Did you call the police?� Paul only had to look into her eyes to know she hadn�t. �Evie, if she had been��

�That�s what I told Alva, but he said the woman made him promise not to call the police. She almost bolted when she saw me come into the office.�

�Okay, so what happened next?� Paul urged her to go on.

�That�s when he started changing.� She looked away, knowing she didn�t make sense.

�What do you mean changing?�

�I mean, he has never spoken to me the way he did that night. And the next morning� Paul, he was a totally different man. I have never seen him be so�so�� She searched for words. �So angry.�

�Keel�s always angry, Evie.�

�Not this way, Paul.� She looked back at him. �There�s more. Earlier that morning, before Alva came in with Magdalene, someone came to the office. I was by myself, so I didn�t let him in.�

�What did he want?�

�He was looking for someone and left a picture.� She stood and went to her coat, searching the pockets and pulling out the picture. �This picture. He said he was looking for the woman in that photograph and that she was dangerous.� She handed the image to Paul who looked at it then back at Evelyn. �That is Magdalene. The woman Alva found.�

She sat back down, pulling her feet under her body. �When I showed Alva the picture and told him the man was coming back, he hit the roof. I have never seen him get so mad. It was like� I don�t know.�

�Did the man come back?�

�Yes, he did. And you would not have recognized Alva.� She took a deep breath. �Paul, when Alva went to the door, he wouldn�t even let him in. Alva lied to David.�

�David?�

�Yeah, David Foster, the man looking for Magdalene.� Evelyn sighed deeply. �I mean��

�Wait a minute, THE David Foster?� Paul looked at her in surprise.

�That is exactly the David Foster I mean. Paul, he said Magdalene was the reason his brother died. He said�� She shook her head and then looked away.

�What did he say, Evie?�

�He said that Magdalene was a demon, a succubus.� She saw the immediate suspicion in Paul�s eyes. �Look, I know it sounds crazy, but remember what we do? We investigate and��

�I know, Evie.� He ran fingers through his hair and looked around the room. �Okay, let�s back up just a bit. When did Foster tell you this Magdalene was a demon?�

�When�after�� Evelyn hugged herself tightly as she looked away from Paul. �David gave Alva a card before he left. Alva threw it away.� Shrugging, she glanced at the man sitting next to her. �After David left, Alva went back into his office with Magdalene. I took the card and called David after Alva practically threw me out.�

�Evie, are you sure that you are just not overreacting?� Paul asked carefully, not wanting to upset her any more than she was. �I mean, could you have misinterpreted what was going on?�

�Paul, you know me better than that.� Evelyn stared hard at Paul. �After Alva slammed the door in David�s face, he told me to go home before he went back into the office. I told him I didn�t mind staying, that there was a few things I wanted to finish up, but he ordered me to leave. Ordered me, Paul.� Feeling overwhelmed, she stood up and paced in front of Paul. �I have known Alva for a few years now. I have never seen him act this way. It scares me, Paul.�

�Does he know you called me?�

�No.� She sat back down, averting her eyes from Paul. �I knew if I had said anything about calling you, he would say no.�

�Evie�� He paused, rubbing his palms together. �Evie, I know this must have been hard for you. We just need to be certain there is really something going on.� Paul chose his words carefully. �All we have is the word from this man, and reaction that you say is unusual from Keel.�

�Not just unusual, Paul. It�s totally alien. The man in that office today was not the Alva I know.� She laughed uncomfortably to herself. �If I didn�t know any better, I�d say it was the attack of the pod people.� She looked into Paul�s unchanged face. �It was a joke, you aren�t laughing.�

�Do you think it is a joke, Evie?� Paul spoke evenly.

�No.� Again she fought back the tears that so recently had become too easily formed. �Something is terribly wrong with Alva. If that woman isn�t doing it too him��

�Are you due into the office today?�

�Of course I am.� Evelyn sniffed. �I go in at my regular time.�

�Good. I�ll be in later, but first I believe I want to drop by Keel�s and check up on him.�

�Paul, I don�t think he will like that.�

�He�ll get over it.� Paul tried to smile. �Eventually.�

Magdalene watched Alva sleep fitfully. After several more hours of lovemaking she finally had her fill of his life force and moved from the bed, as her mortal lover feel into the deep grasps of a nightmarish slumber.

�How long do you plan on playing with this one?� The deep voice echoed softly through the room. Magdalene looked around as a sensual smile played on her lips.

�I don�t know. He is one of the more enjoyable ones.� Her eyes played over Alva�s form. �He is quite delicious. I think I will keep him for a while.�

�You know his companions will be suspicious. You must take care. They are not like others.� The warning seemed not to matter as Magdalene sat on the edge of the bed and began to stroke Alva�s back. �They are all well aware of��

�Don�t you think I know that?� She spoke sharply. �Now go away before you wake my toy.�