Seers (32 page)

I could almost feel him squirm more than see it in the window.

“Honestly? Yes. But I mean no offense against you. It’s just that the situation might get out of hand, and Toni and I—”

“So there’s a need for a Seer?” I clarified. “That’s what I thought. You need to know who the Demons are, don’t you?” He flashed me an annoyed look, but turned quickly away when he thought I’d missed it. “If you come, there can be no more disobedience. Do you understand?” I gave him a slightly sour look. “I’ll be a good little dog, I promise.”

He laughed just a little, though there was a hard edge not meant for me. “Yeah, I guess I should have warned you about that.

Most Demons don’t really see Seers as, well, people.”

“I got that vibe.”

“I’m sorry.”

I felt my heart lighten when I realized that he truly was. Not for the first time, I wondered what his aura would look like. He was just such a mystery—it was hard to imagine. I had a feeling, though, that his aura would be the most complex I’d seen yet. But after all, that only made sense—he was the deepest person I knew.

Sometimes so predictable, and yet still so mysterious. It was such an intriguing combination.

But these thoughts turned me toward other thoughts—

thoughts of kissing him—and I knew I needed to stop that train before it reached the station. No matter how much I didn’t want to.

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Twenty-seven

It had taken a long conversation with Lee to persuade her to lie to Aaron. I told more lies of course—lies about going dress shopping, and Wednesday being the only night to do it to effectively surprise my boyfriend. She offered to come along—I had to plead with her to stay, in case he called her house. Aaron had turned into a regular Nazi when it came to me. Since I’d lied once, he thought I was making it my full time occupation these days. Which, truthfully, I guess I sort of was. But still—it was annoying to have him checking on me all the time. It felt wrong to have my boyfriend call my Grandma and ask where I was.

I’m still not sure if Lee actually believed me or not, but she agreed to stay home, and pretend I was with her. When I told her she might have to lie to my Grandma, she started protesting again.

I had to result to some blackmail before she reluctantly agreed to the lies.

“What else are best friends for,” she finally grunted.

I even parked my car at a grocery store so it would be out of the way, unable to mess up the lies I’d so carefully told.

And so Wednesday night found me, Patrick, and Toni in the car, thirty miles southwest of where I was supposed to be.

Approximately.

I knew Patrick wasn’t happy about my presence, but he was trying to make the best of it. I had purposefully promised myself that I would be on good behavior, no matter what Patrick asked

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me to do. Sit in the car? I could live with that. Don’t ask questions?

Not a problem. I was going to prove to him that he hadn’t made a mistake in bringing me along.

Patrick had driven this time, and Toni was in the back, staring in appreciation at the building across the street. “This looks like the kind of club that’s featured in the movies. You know? Pulsing lights, gorgeous women, great music, plenty of drinks . . . I’m psyched.” Patrick and I ignored him. “Kate, in the line—are there any Demons?”

I was already looking at the long line of eager people, hoping to get inside. It snaked back a long way, and at the head was a security guard of some kind, checking IDs.

“I count six,” I said at last—double checking quickly.

Toni whistled lowly. “We’ve got a hot spot, that’s for sure.

Should we call Terrence?”

Patrick debated slowly, deliberately. Finally he spoke. “He’ll tell us to back off. We won’t be able to get to Romero. We’ll call him after the meeting.”

“How are we getting past the guard?” I asked.

“Is he a Demon?” Toni asked.

Patrick answered before I could. “No. He’s going to be a Seer.

He’s watching for Guardians. Romero will leave the instant they see us.”

“So?” Toni asked, getting impatient.

“I’m thinking . . .”

I only waited a second before ending the short silence. “I could go in.”

“That’s out of the question,” Patrick said at the same time Toni slapped his hands together, saying, “Excellent!”

“No.” Patrick reiterated firmly. “We’ll think of something else.”

“Like what?” I asked, trying to hide the small bit of fear I felt at the thought of going in alone. “It’s almost ten—Romero is in there.”

“You don’t even know who to look for,” Patrick protested.

“Maybe I could find a back door or window—let you guys in?” 246 K • • •

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Toni looked impressed. “Not a bad plan, Kate. I like it.”

“You couldn’t get in anyway,” Patrick pointed out, sounding a bit too relieved by his own words. “I’m sure you have to be over twenty-one to get in. Besides, a Demon hot bed is probably a pretty exclusive place.”

I hated to admit that he had a point, but he did. I sighed loudly, falling back against my seat. “Then what are we supposed to do? Just go home?”

There was a sudden tapping on the back passenger window, and we all whirled around to face the door. The night was dark, but the few street lights let us know that the new arrival was a man. A man with a silver aura.

“It’s a Guardian,” I whispered, shocked.

Patrick pressed the automatic locks, and then the mystery man opened his door and slipped into the car with us.

He had dirty blond hair, and light green eyes. He was tall, and rugged looking, probably in his mid forties. He was very tan, and had a cocky half grin on his face. “G’day mates—my Seer thought he saw two Guardians over here. Guess he was right.” He had a very strong Australian accent that seemed to fill the entire car, making this moment seem even more unreal.

Patrick regarded the man strangely. “And you are?”

“Oh, of course, sorry about that—I’m Jack Williams. Terence sent me down and out this way, tracking Far Darrig. I’m guessing you’ve heard of him?”

At Toni’s quick nod, Jack Williams continued. “Anyways, my Seer just went inside, and he’ll be getting me in soon enough—

thought you blokes might just like to tag along.” And then he turned to me, seeing me for the first time. His eyes widened a little, and I guess I should have been flattered.

But as his arrogant smile stiffened into place, I fought the urge to frown. “Well ‘ello ‘ello ‘ello. My Seer didn’t mention you. You’re quite the beaut, aren’t ya?”

“Excuse me?” I asked, trying to look more offended and less

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taken aback. I think he enjoyed my reaction, but he was already turning back to Patrick.

“So what you blokes doing here? Hoping for a corker night?” At Patrick’s blank look, Jack tried to explain. “It’s slang for something excellent.” He glanced around at our unsmiling faces, and then shook his head. “For a couple of immortals, you’d think you’d spend a bit of bloody time in the Outback.” Toni cleared his throat, and that brought us back to the issue at hand. “You and your Seer—you tracked Far Darrig to here?” Jack nodded. “Sure thing. Some poor bloke bit it last night, just a few blocks from here—we’re pretty sure it’s that Demon who’s responsible. Then my Seer got a look at this place when we driving by last night and nearly choked.” He looked at Patrick, and leaned forward. “That means he was surprised,” he mock whispered.

“So I imagined,” Patrick said, no inflection in his words.

Jack leaned back against the seat. “So that’s my story—we’re here to scout out the place, see what’s cooking inside. Interested in coming along?”

Toni glanced toward Patrick, and then nodded quickly. “Sure.

Sounds like fun.”

Jack grinned and slapped his palm over Toni’s knee. “That’s the spirit. What about you?” He asked Patrick.

He barely contained a sigh, but he nodded. “I’m in.”

“Me too,” I said.

Jack grinned in my direction, but Patrick was already shaking his head. “You’re staying right here. Where it’s safe. We already have a Seer on the inside. There’s no need for you to come.” Toni waved a quick farewell to me, and then exited the car.

Jack offered me a sympathetic nod. “Maybe next time, love.” And then he was gone too.

Patrick turned toward his door, but before he could pull the handle I was reaching over and grabbing his arm. “Patrick, please,” I begged softly, my fingers flexing around his halted elbow. “I won’t be in the way. I need to go in there.” 248 K • • •

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He glanced at my hand and, though it was too dark to know for sure, his jaw seemed to tighten before his eyes swept back up to my face. “Kate, I need you to stay in the car. I can’t guarantee your safety any other way. There are too many variables.”

“Jack, you mean?” I said wryly.

Patrick nodded once. “He’s a big one. I’m not sure how he deals with Demons, but I have a feeling he doesn’t understand the word ‘inconspicuous’.”

I sighed, releasing his arm and sinking back against my seat, my arms folding tightly under my chest. “Fine,” I grumbled. “I’ll stay.”

“Kate . . .”

“I know. I understand. Really, I do.” He watched me for a moment, and I think he was going to say something, but then Jack pounded the hood of the car. “It’s time!” He said, a bit too loudly in my opinion. Then he looked more closely at the hood, appearing sheepish. His voice was quieter, and more muffled. “Sorry mate—I think I dented your bonnet.” Patrick sighed, opened his door, then cast a last look at me before getting out. “Please, Kate—I’m trusting you to stay in the car. Lock the doors. If we’re not back in a half hour, or if anyone tries to get in the car, drive away. Toni and I can find another way home.”

“All right,” I promised reluctantly. He started to slide out, and my next words came out fast. “Please be careful Patrick.” He tossed a glance over his shoulder, his leg stopped swinging out, and he smiled just a little. “I will.” He swallowed, then tossed me a nod. “Lock the doors,” he reminded me briefly.

And then he was shutting his door, crossing the street with Toni and the weird Guardian named Jack.

I locked the doors, wondering if all Guardians were as strange and diverse as the ones I’d already met. I watched the three Guardians move to the back of the line, and then slip casually into a side ally that ran along the right side of the popular building.

I settled back in my seat, not looking forward to the wait.

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Twenty-eight

Ten minutes had passed. From my perspective, nothing had changed. There was still a long line waiting to get inside the club, and I could still barely hear the sound of thudding bass. I’d never been in a night club before, but I’d seen enough movies to imagine Patrick and the others wandering around a dimly lit room, flashing lights almost blinding them.

They were outnumbered. That was abundantly clear. And so what if they couldn’t die? They could be kidnapped, or held hos-tage. Though I’d been feeling pretty brave with them in the car with me, I was beginning to worry that coming here had been a mistake. We didn’t know enough about Romero—but at the same time, we knew far too much. He was a ruthless killer—a heartless Demon.

I was dying to know what was happening inside the club. Had they found him yet? Would Toni recognize him? Would Patrick watch him, or approach him? Would Jack ruin the whole thing?

I was so concentrated on my thoughts and watching the front of the building that I didn’t hear the light tapping on my window right away. Once the sound registered I whipped around, cringing back instinctively—and with due cause.

It was the Demon from the mall.

I bit back a scream, but only barely. I crawled away from the window, into the driver’s seat. I hadn’t consciously made the choice to drive away yet, but the Demon must of thought I had.

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He was suddenly waving his hands, pantomiming for me to stop.

He pointed to the window, asking me with his eyes to roll it down.

I shook my head firmly.

He sighed, and for the first time I noticed how dirty and rumpled his clothes were. He mouthed a single word—please.

Again, I shook my head.

He glanced up and down the street, making sure we were alone, and then he put his face closer to the window, speaking just loud enough for me to hear him. “I need your help,” he said. “I think Romero just tried to have me killed.” His eyes were bulging, and I could sense his fear.

I swallowed hard, and again shook my head. He wasn’t coming in here. No matter how well he acted the part of a desperate man.

He was growing frustrated—agitated. “I won’t hurt you,” he said through the glass. “Please—I promise.” His harried face brightened with sudden hope. “I can show you,” he said, and then suddenly I could see his aura.

It wasn’t what I would have expected from a Demon. But I guess, in a weird way, it was exactly right. Mixes of gray depression, and brown pain and regret. There was a streak of purple jealousy, but it seemed out of place in his otherwise dark emotions.

There was no blue. No white. Not the slightest hint of yellow. I’d never seen more sadness and pain.

“See?” He nearly begged. “I mean you no harm. Surely you can see that.”

I just shook my head. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, and I realized I was sorry. No one should have to feel like he did.

He read my lips, and his face crumpled. He leaned against the car, palms on the window. “So am I,” he said. He straightened just a little, though his hands remained in place. “Your sisters,” he said.

“They’re in danger.”

My breath caught, and I leaned forward. “What’s going to happen?” I asked a bit too loudly, desperate for answers.

His eyes scanned my face, and the fight left his body. “Romero

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plans to use them against you. It’s all going to unfold sooner than you could know. You must run, Kate. Leave all of this behind. The Demons, the Guardians—you want no part of this life. Take it from one who had no choice.”