Page 19 of Dead End

“I quit my job. The hours were brutal, and the benefits were lacking.”

The birds cawed a response as they perched on nearby tree branches.

“I’m sorry I went away without telling you. It wasn’t by choice.” The crows had only recently lost Birdie and then immediately attached to me. My sudden absence must’ve given them whiplash.

The crows ruffled their feathers, seeming agitated. A warning sound erupted from them in unison, prompting my arms to break out in goosebumps. I felt a presence behind me. Slowly I turned to see an unfamiliar figure poised between two birch trees. Iridescent skin. Sinewy muscle. Eyes that reflected the abyss. A demon of some kind, I wasn’t sure which.

“Hello, sweetness,” the creature drawled. “Heading to your grandmother’s house? It’s nippy outside. You really should’ve worn your red cloak.”

“It can’t be lower than seventy degrees,” I said.

“Ah, that’s a cold snap where I’m from, you see. It’s all about perspective.” He sauntered closer, as bold as you please. “I’m a Dev.”

“A developer? Like software?”

Fire burned in his coal-like eyes. “A Dev demon. Surely, you’ve heard of us.”

“Sorry. I haven’t.”

“Well, we’re very dangerous, in case you were curious.”

“Congratulations. Listen, I’m on my way home after some time away. Maybe you and I could continue this conversation over coffee later. I know a place with great pastries.”

He tsked. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

I ran through my options. I had no weapons and no desire to touch this demon, even for the sake of a nightmare. In the end, the crows chose for me. They launched themselves at the demon from the treetops, poking and clawing until he was facedown on the ground, sprawled like a starfish. I sprinted toward the Castle without a backward glance.

I didn’t pass another living creature all the way to the Castle. My flesh crawled at the realization that my demon encounter was unlikely an isolated incident. I was beginning to get the sense that Kane wasn’t the only one in a dire situation.

There were no cars on the main road. No joggers. From my vantage point near the top of the hill, the town appeared eerily calm. Zombie apocalypse quiet.

I didn’t relish the thought.

My pace quickened as the Castle came into view. The mass of blue stones was still in one piece. Thank the gods for small favors.

It was only when I reached the pavement that fronted the iron fence that I noticed the unusual figure loitering outside my house. Same iridescent skin. Another Dev.

Terrific.

I observed the demon from behind a telephone pole. He seemed less muscled than the first one and certainly lessaware. He was too busy sharpening his knife on the fence post to notice me.

I drew a deep breath and sauntered forward. “Can I help you?” I asked in my sunniest voice, the one I reserved for lost children and Josie when I was trying to annoy her.

The demon swiveled to face me, still gripping the knife. “Aren’t you a brave one?” His voice sounded like the gentle hiss of a snake.

“Any particular reason you’re hanging out in front of my house?”

He cast a dramatic glance over his shoulder, as if he’d only just this very moment realized there was a large house behind him. “This place belongs to you?”

“For better or worse. I’m not known for my wise decisions.”

A set of sharp teeth gleamed in the demon’s square mouth. “I can see that. You should’ve stayed home like everybody else.”

Well, that explained the apocalyptic vibe.

“Listen, friend. It’s been a rough couple of weeks and all I want is to be home right now.”

“Same. I miss the smell of Sulphur. This town reeks of flowers and freshly cut grass.” He spat on the sidewalk. “It’s disgusting.” His saliva sizzled on the pavement. Noted.

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