Page 25 of The Shadows of Excess

Brody frowned. “Where’s he going?”

I crossed my arms and stared at the ceiling. “To get salt and phoenix grass shells and a couple of rifles out of the Fairlane’s trunk.”

Scott looked at me curiously. “Phoenix grass? What is that?”

I regarded him wearily. “It’s a grass with fiery red and orange hues, resembling the feathers of a phoenix. When a demon touches it, they burst into flames.”

Damon burst back into the room, a security guard grasping his arm in an attempt to restrain him. With a swift, defiant move, Damon broke his arm free. “Let go of me, Barney Fife,” he snapped.

The guard scowled at Damon, then looked at us. “I’m sorry. You can’t go out. The police are here and have reported that no one can leave until they conduct their investigation.”

“Have more people been taken?” I blurted.

“I’m sorry. I can’t say, miss.” The guard looked at us. “Please, everyone, stay here and remain calm. You’re safe.”

Damon flashed him an exaggerated grin. “I feel safe now with you here.”

I glared. “Damon.”

He leaned against the wall but kept his mouth shut.

As the security guard left, Justice eased toward the door. “I can get everything we need from the trunk.” He held out a hand. “If you’ll give me the keys.”

Damon reluctantly handed them over. “There’s a green duffle bag, and it’s packed with the shells and two rifles. Just grab the bag.”

I thought of what happened to Justice earlier. “Be careful.”

Moving with supernatural vampire speed, Justice whisked through the door in a blur, vanishing from sight before anyone could react.

The guard peered into the room with a look of bewilderment. “Wasn’t there another guy in here just now?”

Damon played it cool, gave a casual shrug, and nodded toward the bathroom. “He’s in there,” he replied.

The guard stared at the bathroom door, then retreated to the hallway.

A few minutes later, Justice re-entered the room with an air of urgency, carrying the duffle bag. A hint of concern replaced his usual composed demeanor.

Damon immediately sensed the change. “Any problems?” he asked, eyeing Justice closely.

“No. The alarm went off, but I’m too fast for the naked eye, so the security guard didn’t know what happened.” Justice set the duffle bag on my hospital bed, his gaze intense and focused. “It’s not only the cops out there. I overheard something...unsettling. There’s talk among the staff about shadows moving on their own and whispers in the corridors that no one can explain. It’s like whatever took the doctor and nurse left something dark behind.”

Damon’s expression turned grim. “Shadows and whispers? Do you think the demons are looking to snatch more victims?”

“Yes.” Justice nodded, a serious look in his eyes. “We need to be extra vigilant. Whatever’s happening here, it’s bigger and more dangerous than we thought.”

My heart rate soared. “You mean those demons are still here?”

Justice glanced over his shoulder at the hallway. “Yes.”

The monitor beside my bed beeped rapidly, each ding a sharp reminder of my anxiety. The screen displayed the quickening rhythm of my heart, a visual echo of the fear and adrenaline pulsing in my veins.

Damon’s attention was immediately drawn to the increasing numbers on the monitor. He moved closer with concern and brotherly protectiveness. He took my hand in his and winked. “Hey, take it easy, kiddo. Your heart’s going like you ran a marathon. Breathe, all right? We’ve been through worse.”

Stay-cool-stay-cool-stay-cool.

I took several deep breaths, trying to remain calm. I was a hunter and a Grant. My heart rate lowered, but I couldn’t calm the fear in my gut.

After a few minutes, an officer entered the room. “Hello, I’m Detective Harris. And you are?”

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