Page 61 of Corrupt Shadows

I grip the sides of the mirror. The plastic shrieks as my claws gouge the plastic deeply. Solomor sprints away from the geriatric female toward the house of the original townsperson he spoke to. He pounds on the door relentlessly until it swings open. His meat suit’s fist hovers inches from the man’s stern face. Solomor lowers her arm and stares at the man.

“What do you want?” he spits.

“I know where your daughter is.”

TWENTY-SIX

Evie

I down my third coffee of the day, sensing no demonic presence or flashes of Lorcan in the mirror. It’s a good thing, I suppose. Hopefully he’s gone off, after our last encounter, and won’t see me packing. I push the second suitcase against my closet and take a step back.

This is for the best. My tattoos tingle as I contemplate running again, but this time I’ll need to cross state lines. Perhaps to Florida? They probably won’t look for me there. Although, the idea of constant sunshine, mosquitos and gators makes me want to vomit. Vermont is nice, but expensive, and I barely have enough to live as it is. I can’t use any ID that’ll be put into an electronic system. I’ll have to stay off the grid as much as possible. Maybe I’ll be able to find work where I’m paid under the table.

My mind numbs as the burden of what I have to do aches through my shoulders. I shake my head, panic coming over me in waves.

I pass through the living room, glancing at Gomez snuggling against a fluffy black pillow on the sofa. My chest tightens, and I walk to the balcony and slide open the door. A gust of icy breath enters as I step out into the night, and a hanging ghoul decoration from the apartments across the street swings in the wind.

Lorcan’s warning hangs in my mind. I light a cigarette and lean over the railing, and my hair falls around my face.

It’s been three days since a demon possessing the woman came into my home, the pastor threatened me, and the actual demon stalking me also threatened me… which sounds like the beginning of a bad joke.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I quickly pull it out. Rosa’s name flashes, along with a preview of her message. I open it and bite the inside of my lip.

How are you feeling? Has dickfuck shown his face again?

I haven’t told her that Lorcan showed up after the other demon visited my apartment. She’s already freaked out enough, especially after Father Thomas figured out what I am.

Nope. Nothing.

I text back, but my stomach knots. It’s been too quiet, and that’s the problem. The pastor hasn’t returned, and Lorcan’s gone dead silent. I glance through the sliding door at the mirror reflecting Gomez on the sofa, then pull in a long drag. I cough when the icy night air mixes with the smoke. Gomez can’t be here, not now that the church is aware of what I am. I’m a sitting duck in this apartment.

I can’t take him with me. It will arouse too much suspicion, and he’s safer here, with Rosa. He’ll have a better life. A tear trickles from the corner of my eye, but I wipe it away with the back of my sleeve before sentiment gets the best of me. Rosa replies.

Do you want to come over here, tonight?

I purse my lips and put out the cigarette on the railing. My fingertips numb as wind howls around my ears, blowing my hair back in all different directions.

No, but can you take Gomez for a few days? Just until things blow over?

I squeeze my eyes shut. I know she’ll take care of him, but I feel bad not telling her I’m leaving. She’s been the best friend I’ve had—and the only one I’ve trusted. Despite finding out I am a killer, she still cares for me.

I hurry back indoors and to my office. My reflection glares back as I stand in front of my family’s heirloom mirror. With any luck, when the landlord realizes I haven’t paid my rent and evicts me, he’ll find this thing and throw it out.

Rosa responds, and I check the message.

Always. Gomez is my baby, he’s always welcome to stay with Auntie Rosa. Want me to come get him tomorrow?

I roll my eyes, a smile playing on my lips.

Thanks and yes, please.

I’m going to miss them both so much. I walk to the kitchen, pop a pill, and climb onto a stool. I look up at my coffee mug collection on display and sigh. There’s no way I can take all of them. I’ll have to leave a note for Rosa to save them before the landlord throws them into a dumpster. I shudder as I imagine them all smashed to pieces.

At least I have twelve-ish hours left to spend with Gomez before I plan on leaving.

Three louds knocks echo through my apartment. I hold my breath, as if it might somehow make me less visible. Slowly, I turn my body so I can see the front door. Three more bangs, this time louder, resonate from the door. It shakes, the doorknob wobbling, and my death magic heats inside me.

My heart palpitates as I watch the knob turn, then the door push open. I slide back, my back hitting the countertop. The chain prevents it from being opened all the way, but a hand slides through the gap, and I remove myself from the visibility of whoever is out there.

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