Page 45 of The House of Whispers

The sound of the gruesome scene made me sick to think about. No wonder I smelled so much blood outside the room this morning.

“It took me all morning to clean the room and dispose of their bodies. That’s why Chepi had you take the Whisps into town. Not to buy costumes and masks,” he looked at me, his brows furrowed with disdain, “but to prevent them from knowing what really is happening in this house.”

I hugged him, trying to offer comfort as he embraced me. “I’m sorry you had to carry that responsibility alone.”

Chesmu pulled away from me even as he held me. “It’s not that which upsets me.” My brows curled in confusion. “Chepi thinks you had something to do with the murders.”

“Me?” I questioned, pulling back. “Why would she accuse me of such a horrific thing?” Now I was angry.

“I know you didn’t commit such a crime. I told her I was with you last night.” His voice lowered as he continued. “She wants me to stay away from you. But, Casper, I can’t.” I remembered the sound of her slap against Chesmu’s face.

“I don’t want you suffering because of me.”

Chesmu stood, extending his hand to help me to my feet as he smiled. “I think I can handle it.” I slid my hand into his as I rose to my feet and he held me close. “Besides, you’re worth the price.” Chesmu winked as we held hands and exited my room.

The sound of the brothel had increased as Johns began to enter the house and business began for the night. Chesmu kissed me, pushing me against the closed door. “What is that for?” I asked, smiling as he looked at me.

“Because I can.” He grinned. “See you downstairs, hexer,” he teased. Chesmu strode down the hall, his mighty frame confident as he descended the stairs. I remained against my door, blushing and giddy with all that had occurred.

Tick-tock. Jakkal’s voice ruined the moment, pulling me back to reality as I stumbled from the door and straightened my posture as I shuffled down the stairs.

Only a few more days. Then, this madness ends.

The night was more chaotic than usual. The news of Madame Chepi’s upcoming masquerade ball had the Whisps abuzz, vibrating with such excitement resulting in extra-satisfied Johns. Chesmu had been handling the bar most of the night while I proceeded to aggressively handle a few drunken Others. Things were on edge as I kept a keen eye out for Dr. Reynard. The tension of the night was reaching a peak, ready to burst.

I had tied my hair atop my head and pushed up my sleeves as I aimed for the Other swinging his overfilled cup while ranting about the cost of one of the Whisps. He stumbled from the stairs into the parlor, complaining and spewing obscurities about the establishment. I reached the idiotic man, trying to grab his arms as he swung in my direction, only to spill his cup all over himself.

“Back, you wretched witch!” He swung, missing again as I dodged his clumsy arm. “I don’t care for the likes of your kind.” He growled the insults, waddling as he tried to enter the parlor.

I ducked another swing, moving under his arms as I tried to wrap my hands around his waist and pick the fat bastard up. He screamed and hollered, pounding his swollen hands into my back as I proceeded to carry him toward the back door.

“Release me!” He continued to yell, hitting my back and kicking his legs like a child.

“I’ll release you alright,” I groaned, carrying the man to the back door of the house.

Min happened to be walking by when she saw me struggling to hold the wriggling man. She gasped, her eyes meeting mine and registering my movements as she flew quickly to the door, opening it as I approached. I tossed the man out of the house, watching as he rolled down the stone steps onto the cold street below. He fell into a fog that had formed, coughing as his fat body slammed hard onto the pavement.

“There,” I whipped my hands against my leather pants, “I released you.” I bowed sarcastically as the man yelled more derogatory names at me. The words had no meaning, as I’d heard them my whole life. He huffed, struggling to rise to his feet before storming off down a wandering alley. “Prick,” I scoffed, turning to see Min.

She had a worried look in her eyes.

“Min?” I questioned her. She raised her hand and pointed just beyond me out onto the street. I turned, catching the cause of her concern.

Across the street, a gang of men had been smoking, drinking, and laughing as they had apparently observed me tossing the old man out. Part of me knew they were up to no good. I could smell the evil intentions seeping off their dirty, ragged clothes as they tossed their cigarettes aside and walked in our direction, drinking from the glass bottles they held in their grubby hands. Inhaling deeply, I prepared for what was about to occur.

“Min,” I whispered behind me, “fetch Chesmu.”

Min remained firmly planted in the doorway. “I’m not leaving you alone with them. Not after what happened last time.”

“Get. Chesmu. Now!” I growled back to her as I descended the stone stairs.

The men chuckled to themselves as they neared me. I did not have the patience to deal with this tonight. There was too much happening as it was.

“How’s it goin’, hexer?” One spat. The other two laughed, spitting some of their drink into their dirty hands as they stopped not far from me. I too stopped, a few feet away, still close to the house. “You know,” the leader of the idiotic trio began, “I always heard there was a witch here. But,” he took a swig of his bottle, “no one ever told me how pretty you were.” His menacing smile reached across his face.

I pulled my knife from its sheath and toyed with it, my eyes focused on the blade. “I suggest you three carry on somewhere else.” My eyes began to glow. “Wouldn’t want your friends hearing about how a woman kicked your ass now, would we?” I smiled back, the blade playfully between my fingers.

“You threatenin’ us?” The second, shorter man shot back.

---