Page 15 of Demon's Prey
He probably thought there was something wrong with her and there kind of was.
What was wrong with her was that she was trying to investigate city hall on her own time, and now out of the clear blue sky, had to take care of a literal demon from hell? A demon who also happened to believe that she was his mate.
Faith rolled her eyes at the thought. Even men from hell think they can own women at any given opportunity.
She would be late getting home to Kurse, but she’d received information from her informant while on her lunch break. He wanted to meet in a small park just outside downtown after 5. He claimed to have vital information that was relevant to her investigation.
These were the stories that got her blood pumping. She wanted to talk and write about stories that made a difference in the world. Faith gripped the steering wheel, wishing she could make her way out of traffic.
It took her about twenty minutes more to reach the meeting area. A man in a black hoodie was sitting on the bench. He had an orange handkerchief peeking out of one pocket. This was her informant's signal that she could approach him.
Faith planted herself on the bench and waited for him to speak. His tone was low but decisive.
“I assume you know who John Savage is?” The informant muttered.
Faith nodded, “Head of zoning. He’s always seemed a little off to me.”
“He’s more than a little off. Someone above me has informed me that he’s using his influence in the name of Gideon’s Torch.”
Faith’s heart was pounding fast. She wanted to turn to face him but knew that this would break one of his rules—no eye contact.
She remained still with eyes blazing.
“Gideon’s Torch? Is he the one driving up property taxes?”
The informant nodded. “Have you seen the places on Cherry Street? The owners couldn’t afford it six months ago, so they shipped out. Only a few months later, there was a bar and meeting place installed in their place.”
Faith was making notes in her mind. That was another one of his rules, no note taking.
“Do you know this for sure? Those places look like legitimate businesses to me.”
“That’s how they hide Faith, in plain sight. They want to be in the thick of it before shit goes down.”
Faith’s stomach turned. She knew that Gideon’s Torch had a problem with all non-human entities. They had been responsible for many violent atrocities. The fact that any of that could happen again terrified her.
She swallowed before speaking, “Do you have anything I can use concretely?”
He shook his head, “Not yet, but I’m working on it. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”
Faith wanted to place her hand on his. Whoever he was, he was probably risking his life. But instead, she offered him a few warm words.
“Be careful out there.”
The man nodded... Then, just like that, without a word, the thin man stood up and rushed away, disappearing behind a few bushes.
Faith whipped out her notebook and hurriedly scribbled her notes. She didn’t want to forget anything he had said or any follow-up questions she would have in the future.
It was scraps, but it was something. Scraps were what usually made the story in these cases. She was getting back into her car when the phone rang. It was another unknown number, but she answered anyway.
A hushed woman’s voice creeped over the phone. “Hi there, is this Faith Rogers?”
What did he do now?
“Yes, this is Faith speaking.”
“Um, I have your friend here. You're really tall, friend—”
Oh Christ, what now.
