Page 31 of The House of Whispers

Nathair looked back at me as we reached the back door of the brothel. “Who?”

“Chesmu.”

Nathair’s head twisted, confused. “The new bouncer? The same man who hurt you? Who helped give you that?” He pointed to my new brand. I nodded. “Why would he want to help us? Why should we trust him?”

“Trustme.”

Nathair gave me another annoyed look. “Asking for my trust is asking for a lot right now, Casper.” I glared at him. “Fine.” He reluctantly agreed, opening the back door. “But Min stays with me tonight. And every night until we stop this killer. Understood?”

I reluctantly agreed with him. “I’ll speak to Madame Chepi about it.”

“I already have.” His voice fell flat. “I…paid her in advance, for Min’s time.” Nathair’s head fell as he looked sick at the thought of paying for Min. The idea sickened me as well.

“Don’t tell her.” His face remained low, pained at what he had done. “I just want her safe.”

“As do I.”

Nathair and I nodded, adding yet another secret to our never-ending pile of dark truths. He wasn’t wrong, I did need to tell Min the truth. About everything. Just, not yet. Right now, I need to find Chemsu. I needed to know how it was possible that he could deflect my magik. He could very well be the key to stopping Jakkal.

Tick-tock.Jakkal’s voice taunted me.

Fear crept back as the feeling of being watched returned.

Tick-tock.

I needed to be smart. Jakkal already knew too much. He was always watching. If we truly wanted to set him up, then I needed to plan out each step and remain as though nothing out of the ordinary was happening. I needed to prepare for the final game ahead.

Chesmu had moved behind the bar as our shifts continued, serving drinks to customers as well as the Whisps. I needed to catch him alone and speak with him about many things, but he was busy as the bar had become increasingly packed as the night continued. I remained in my dark corner, watching him as time crept on. The way he moved, his muscles flexing as he reached for the colorful glass bottles and made a variety of drinks, it all enticed me. His toffee-colored skin seemed to glow in the candle light as his pitch black hair remained tied atop his head. The beaded necklaces danced along his chiseled chest, matching the inked designs that covered his skin. He was mesmerizing. Chesmu caught my gaze and winked, catching me off guard. I stumbled, blinking as I cleared my throat and focused back to the parlor filled with Johns and Whisps.

Two giggling Whisps swirled by, dancing toward the bar, and took seats across from Chesmu. They smiled and laughed, obviously flirting, as they twirled their hair and fluttered their delicate wings at him. He seemed to be flirting right back, serving them fruity little drinks with a smile. Annoyed and flustered, I pushed from the corner and circled the room.

As I watched the over-crowded parlor, searching for any trouble, ridiculously forced giggles snapped my attention back to the bar. The two lightweight Whisps were completely wasted, touching Chesmu ever so lightly, toying with the beaded necklaces around his neck. He politely removed their hands and poured them more of the pink, fruity drinks he was serving them. Jealousy consumed me as my eyes remained locked on the three of them while I walked around the room. I must’ve miscalculated where I was going as I entered the hallway, because I slammed into someone, their arms catching me.

“Forgive me, I—” My entire being froze at the sheer sight of him. Dr. Reynard had my arms in his hands as his dual-colored eyes stared back at me, his rust-colored hair resembling fire in the flickering candlelight.

“You really must become more observant, dear Casper.” He smiled, tilting his head lightly. “Who knows what might be happening right under your nose.” Dr. Reynard released me, stepping aside as he began to walk toward the parlor.

“How did you survive?” I frantically demanded, turning toward him. Dr. Reynard turned back, observing me. “How did you survive what I did to you?” He stepped closer, his frame similar in height to Jakkal.

Is it you? Are you him?

“I’m afraid I still have no idea what you speak of.” He tucked his hands into his tailored pockets. “Curious, have you been taking White Rabbit without me?” The color drained from my face. “Oh, Casper.” He stepped closer. “You know what that drug does to you—to your mind.”

“I’m not taking anything.” I snapped.

“Then tell me,” he stroked his handlebar mustache, “where are these fanatic nightmares of yours coming from? Because I am right here, alive and well.” My fists squeezed into a ball as I struggled to remain calm. “Besides, we had a deal. If you are indeed taking that stash of my little white pill,you owe me.”

The sound of the last bit of his words clicked in my brain. I stepped back a moment, slightly fearful. “I owe you nothing.”

Dr. Reynard smiled. “We’ll see about that.” He then stepped into the crowded parlor, quickly fading from view.

There was no way Dr. Reynard could be Jakkal… Jakkal had murdered multiple people just days after I killed Reynard. Even if he had somehow survived, he would be weak, crippled. It wasn’t possible. Was it?

“Everything alright?” Chesmu’s presence startled me as he stepped from the overflowing parlor.

Jealousy and annoyance returned as I noticed pink and red lipstick stains across his neck and face. “Everything is fine.” I growled. “My shift is almost over, I should return before Madame Chepi notices my absence.”

I pushed past him, purposely slamming into his arm as I moved. His body was so firm, it almost hurt to do so. Chesmu caught my hand, turning me back toward him. “What’s with the little attitude?” He seemed to be playfully asking, but I wasn’t in the mood.

---