Page 14 of Infernal Hearts

I lean against the wall, wondering if my houseguest might have anything to do with this. The timing seems suspicious, but the chain of events seems totally separate. “I doubt it. A creature showed up in the middle of the night. He was hurt, so I helped him.”

“Of course you did. And here I thought you got rid of all your supplies.”

I feign apathy, hiding my hypocritical guilt. “Never know when they’ll come in handy. You know, in case you might get hurt or something.”

“Do you even know what kind of creature it was? Why didn’t you call me?”

“Does it matter?” Maybe I should have called her, because now I find myself pulling at my collar as my ears get hotter by the second. I hope she doesn’t notice.

She laughs. “Well, since it’s demon blood, I’d sure as hell think so.”

My voice morphs into a harsh whisper. “Will you keep it down? Andrew might hear you.”

She shakes her head with a smirk. “You know Andrew can’t hear a damn thing while we’re back here.”

Her previous words sink in, and I freeze. “What do you mean bydemon?”

Valerie rolls her eyes and waves her hand dismissively. “It was black blood. What did you think it was? A fuckin’ unicorn?”

She has me there. I should have known better, but for as many creatures as I’ve treated, I’ve never seen a demon—they’re just so rare. I should have trusted my gut instinct that he was dangerous. I couldn’t let him die, though, could I? “I dunno. He looked more like a human.”

She squeezes my shoulder, a small, knowing smile on her face. “Most of us look human. I look human. That doesn’t mean anything.”

A low grumble comes from my throat. “I know. You don’t need to remind me.”

“Magic isn’t always flashy, y’know. So you fixed him up? Sent him on his way?”

I cringe. “More or less.” I never have been a good liar.

She purses her lips. “I’m getting the feeling it’s more.”

“He…might be out back recovering.”

“Oh lord, you’re just like your father.” She raises a hand, stopping me before I have the chance to interrupt. “In a good way.” In whatever way, I hate being compared to him.

I fold my arms across my chest. “Gee, thanks.”

“Do us both a favor.” Her words grow sharp. “Get him healed and get him out of here. Demons are no good.”

I nod, trying to placate her. “Yeah, and fairies only sound whimsical. I’m aware.”

She lets out a single laugh. “I’m proud of you for saving a life. But my two cents? If you want to stay away from magic, don’t make a habit of treating supernaturals.”

“I hear you. And thank you for looking out for me.”

Once she leaves, I pull out my phone and click on my dad’s contact. Maybe he just needed a break from everything. Maybe this is all a misunderstanding and he’ll answer if he sees it’s me.

The phone rings for a while as I tap my foot, breathing shallow breaths in the hopes that maybe he’ll pick up if he sees that it’s me calling. And just when my hope hits its high, it goes to voicemail.

“Goddamn it.” After a quick Google search, I dial the number for the town’s non-emergency line.

A perky woman answers. “Windy Peak Police. How may I direct your call?”

Strange that someone so upbeat would be working the phones at such a severe office, but at least she sounds helpful. “I need to file a missing person’s report.”

“I’ll connect you to a detective.” With a quick beep, I’m stuck listening to elevator music. I pace back and forth, those thousand possibilities running like a super reel in my mind. At last, someone picks up.

“This is Detective Rhodes.”

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