The Witch With No Name
Page 46
There was one cot, which Trent was stretched out on with his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. One gray blanket and a thin, sad excuse for a pillow was all they had given us. I didnt mind sharing such a tight space with Trent, but I was beginning to have issues with us being down here at all, even if it was nicer than that damp HAPA cell under the museum, or the soft gray nothing of the demon lockup, or even the rat cage Trent had kept me in for a few days.
Frustrated, I looked at him, his green eyes fixed on nothing as he took slow, careful breaths. He was irritatingly relaxed, with his shoes neatly arranged under the cot and his slim feet in their gray socks just begging for me to come over and run my finger up the arch of his foot to make him jump.
His jaw tightened when I sighed impatiently, and I put my ear to the door, listening. It was soundproof, but I tapped it anyway. I still hadnt seen Jenks. Ivy was down here somewhere, too, and I hit a knuckle again, straining to hear an answering knock.
What are you doing?
I couldnt tell if the irritation in his voice was real or me projecting. If were in a cell block, then maybe Ivys next door.
Well, could you do it a little quieter?
Not believing what had just come out of his mouth, I spun slowly on a heel. He was right where Id left him, eyes closed and his neck muscles tight. You want me to be quiet? I said, and he cracked a single eye. Were locked in a box and you want me to be quiet?
Trents eyes opened all the way, and he looked at his watch. Not bad. Most people would be at my throat in forty minutes. Its been almost three hours.
Well, Im glad youre impressed! Hands on my hips, I watched him swing his feet to the floor and stretch. Landon not only gets control of the dewar but he also gets Lucy. Because of me. Because if not for me, none of this would be happening! Forgive me for being a little upset.
He eyed me as he finished his stretch, elbows on his knees. Why do you think everything is your fault?
Because it usually is. Ticked, I gestured wildly. If not for me you wouldnt be in danger of losing the girls, the dewar would listen to you, and you wouldnt be broke. And Tulpa. My face scrunched up in sudden worry and my anger fell flat. Trent, what if they kill him?
Tulpa will be fine. He shook his wrist to spin the zip strip to a more comfortable spot. Ive had rival stables try to break into the grounds, and you were the only ones to make it.
Still, with one Uzi and a parachute I started, and he held up a hand.
Second, Im not broke. Trent reached for his shoes, wiggling one on, then the other. Third, Landon doesnt understand what makes Lucy important. Having her doesnt ensure a following. Stealing her does. Landon didnt steal Lucy, he used the law, and it wont bring him as much political power as he thinks. He hesitated, bringing a foot up to retie a shoe. And last, if it wasnt for you and Jenks, I never wouldve had Lucy in the first place.
Even so. Somewhat calmer, I came closer, wishing they had a chair in here. Theyd listen to you if it wasnt for me. Because of who I am and who I protect. Glum, I sat beside him as he laced up his shoe. Smiling, he put a hand on my knee. Crap on toast, how does he make everything seem so easy?
Demons? Trent patted my knee. Its admirable. The vampires are simply afraid.
My breath came faster as I flexed my hand. That hadnt been ley line energy that had spooled from me to make that circle in Cormels office, it had been straight from the mystics I had stolen from the Goddess. Theyre right to be afraid, I whispered, uneasy. I dont know why the demons havent started turning the people in front of them at the grocery store inside out. Where do you think they are?
Head cocked, Trent gazed about our small cell. I think theyre sitting on a beach terrorizing sand crabs. Thats where Id be if Id just escaped from prison. Rising, he stretched again. His dress shirt had come untucked, and it pegged my attraction meter.
Wrong time, wrong place, I thought glumly. How long do you think theyre going to make us sit down here?
Trents eyes met mine through the mirror as he finger-combed some continuity into his hair. Oh, sunrise tomorrow, I think, when every vampire who gets his soul tonight suncides. He arched his eyebrows at whoever was behind the glass before he turned to me.
Then you think Landon will get enough support to bring the undead souls back?
Fear will push them into it. He was tucking his shirt in. It looked like he was getting ready for something. It wont be long now, he added as he looked at his watch. Id probably feel the charm down here if I wasnt strapped.
Frustrated, I got up. I flinched. I was so worried about you being hurt that I wasnt paying attention. And then, when I get Cormel where I want him, I chicken out.
Eyes serious, Trent held both my arms to my sides, making me look at him. I like you when youre good.
I pulled away and flopped down on the bed. Great, thats great, I said sourly.
Trent hesitated for a moment, and then, with an odd, determined pace, he went to the sink. Why dont you take a nap. Just lie there and be quiet for a minute.
My head turned and I stared at him. Quiet? I almost snarled. You want me to take a nap? Ivy is somewhere down here . . . My words faltered as he ran his fingers across the tiny lip over the mirror. And you want me to take a nap, I finished. What are you doing?
Trents shoulders stiffened. As I watched, he turned the water on full force, and steam billowed up, misting the mirror so I couldnt see his face. Washing up. Why dont you just shut up? Your bitching isnt helping anything.
Im bitching? Excuse me? I exclaimed as I sat up. I seem to remember you in Cormels office, too. This was one of the dumbest ideas He wasnt even listening to me, and my eyes narrowed, not in anger, but understanding. He was looking for bugs, the mirror eclipsed by steam. One of the dumbest ideas Ive ever let you talk me into!
He smiled as he shook the water from his hands. Will you shut up and go to sleep?
I hesitated, and he made a motion for me to say something. Go to hell, Trent, I said, then kind of pushed on the bed to make the springs squeak as if I was rolling over.
Trent gave me a thumbs-up, and I carefully sat on the edge of the bed, not moving when he waved for me to stay. Crouching, he reached under the open sink, wedging out a tiny buttonlike object. Saying nothing, he carefully set it on the sink, next to the running water. There was no stopper, and the water continued to flow,filling it halfway up.
Immediately he crossed the room, fingers on his lips as he went right to the back-left corner of the bed and found another stuck to the frame. This one went next to the sink as well, his eyes full of satisfaction. Thats the last of them, he said, his voice hushed.
How did you know where they were?
His shoulders rose and fell. Thats what Ive been doing for the last three hours.
I pressed my lips. Youve just been lying on the cot for three hours.
Ive been listening, trying to find them.
I shifted down a smidgen when he came to sit beside me. You can hear the circuitry? Damn, youve got good ears. I knew that Jenks could hear circuitry, but elves?
Given enough time. He looked at his watch, grimacing. Its more like feeling the waves coming off them, like reverse sonar. I didnt want to move until I found them all. Thanks for being so quiet. You really are something, you know? I was serious when I said most people would react badly. Thanks for that.
Well, its not the first time Ive been in a cage, I said saucily. Got any carrots?
He chuckled at the reminder of his once keeping me in a ferret cage. God, I was stupid, he said, shaking his head, and I touched his face, liking the feel of his bristles.
We both were. Grinning, I leaned in for a kiss, jerking back when the lights went out. Was that you? I said, my flush of good feeling gone.
No. His fingers found mine, and we didnt move. I guess they figured it out. He sighed, and I gave his hand a squeeze.
They wouldnt turn off the lights unless they wanted to get back at us, right?
Trent made a small noise that wasnt agreement or disagreement, and a thin sliver of doubt wedged itself under my short-lived satisfaction. Maybe they turned the lights off not to disorient us, but so they could burst in and do something nasty.
Ah, can you make a light? Trent asked, his voice eerie coming out of the dark.
I froze, my thoughts zinging back to the mystics. He knew I had no contact with the lines down here. It was impossible for me to make a light. No, I said quickly, my fear finding a closer home than vampires possibly attacking us.
Rachel, please, he said, his arm slipping around my back as we sat on the edge of the bed in the dark. I saw what happened upstairs. I know youre not happy about it, but this isnt a bad thing, especially if Landon breaks the lines.
No, I cant! I exclaimed, but he knew I was lying, and he pulled me into him.
Can you hear them? he whispered.
No.
He was silent, then, Are you lying to me?
Cant you tell? I said bitterly.
Not in the dark, he said, a hint of a laugh in his voice. Make a light, and Ill let you know. His arm slowly fell from me, and I felt a moment of loss until he found my hands and cupped them in his. I felt our balance equalize, and then my breath caught when a faint glimmer within our cupped hands grew and blossomed.
Ta na shay, su meera, Trent whispered, and I shivered as I felt him siphon energy from me to him, and then into the charm, using me like a ley line.
How . . . ?, I whispered, and the light became brighter, bright enough to see his expression pinched with worry and pride.
Damn it, I didnt have time to be fighting the Goddess, the demons, and the vampires, not to mention the court battle convincing twelve prejudiced elves that leaving your children in the care of a demon was not child abuse. But what pained me the most was that thisthe mystics making our hands glowwas why Al wouldnt talk to me.
Dont let go, Trent said, his fingers tightening on me so the charm wouldnt break. Oh, Rachel, its going to be okay, he said, pulling me into a one-armed hug. I promise.
My eyes closed. The energy flowing through us somehow felt transparent without the usual taint of ever-after. It occurred to me that if we just left and went to that island in the Pacific no one would care if I had mystics in me or not.
Are they speaking to you? Trent asked, the thread of fear he tried to hide sparking through me, crushing the want for sand and sun and solitude.
I pulled back, feeling his absence keenly. My fear was reflected in his eyes, strengthened by love. No, but they can hear me.
He blinked fast, his hold on my hands tightening. Its okay, he started, and all the fear and anger Id shoved down boiled up.
Its not okay! I shouted, and the light redoubled, making shadows in the small room. Did you see Als face when he saw me? Saw the mystics? I took my hands from his, and the light continued to glow within them. I didnt know what spell it was since it wasnt aura based. I guess when youre line energy, it doesnt matter. Theyre going to kill me.
No one is going to kill you, he insisted. Besides, I like the way your aura looks. I tried to smile as he gave me a kiss, his lips finding mine with determination. And the way you smell with them in your hair, he whispered, fingers firmly at the back of my neck. Why do you even care what they think about you anyway?
My eyes closed, and I breathed him in, wondering how it could be so good and so bad at the same time. Because theyre the only group of people who arent afraid of me.
I wouldnt be so sure of that, a low voice growled.
My eyes shot to the closed door, then the sink. Al! Shit, how long had he been there? I panicked, the light glowing like a neon sign of guilt.
Trent stood, tension pulling him ramrod straight. Where are my girls?
Als features creased as he scowled at Trent. You are late. I told you I had to leave at six P.M. exactly, and its after that now.
Trent took a step forward. Where are Lucy and Ray? he asked again, and Al finally took his eyes off me.
In their beds, he said, thumbnail running under the nail of his index finger.
You left them alone? I blurted out, and Al rolled his eyes.
Nothing will happen in the time it takes to tell you to find someone else to watch them.
I stood, setting the ball of light on the bed. Its not like you went to the bathroom, Al, youre across the city. You cant leave them like that! Even if they are sleeping!
Als face was ugly when he pulled his eyes from the ball of light. Im three seconds away from them, he said with a sneer. It would take me longer to take a piss than to jump back to them. My God, youre covered with elf shit. How can you stand yourself?
Frustrated, I looked at him, his green eyes fixed on nothing as he took slow, careful breaths. He was irritatingly relaxed, with his shoes neatly arranged under the cot and his slim feet in their gray socks just begging for me to come over and run my finger up the arch of his foot to make him jump.
His jaw tightened when I sighed impatiently, and I put my ear to the door, listening. It was soundproof, but I tapped it anyway. I still hadnt seen Jenks. Ivy was down here somewhere, too, and I hit a knuckle again, straining to hear an answering knock.
What are you doing?
I couldnt tell if the irritation in his voice was real or me projecting. If were in a cell block, then maybe Ivys next door.
Well, could you do it a little quieter?
Not believing what had just come out of his mouth, I spun slowly on a heel. He was right where Id left him, eyes closed and his neck muscles tight. You want me to be quiet? I said, and he cracked a single eye. Were locked in a box and you want me to be quiet?
Trents eyes opened all the way, and he looked at his watch. Not bad. Most people would be at my throat in forty minutes. Its been almost three hours.
Well, Im glad youre impressed! Hands on my hips, I watched him swing his feet to the floor and stretch. Landon not only gets control of the dewar but he also gets Lucy. Because of me. Because if not for me, none of this would be happening! Forgive me for being a little upset.
He eyed me as he finished his stretch, elbows on his knees. Why do you think everything is your fault?
Because it usually is. Ticked, I gestured wildly. If not for me you wouldnt be in danger of losing the girls, the dewar would listen to you, and you wouldnt be broke. And Tulpa. My face scrunched up in sudden worry and my anger fell flat. Trent, what if they kill him?
Tulpa will be fine. He shook his wrist to spin the zip strip to a more comfortable spot. Ive had rival stables try to break into the grounds, and you were the only ones to make it.
Still, with one Uzi and a parachute I started, and he held up a hand.
Second, Im not broke. Trent reached for his shoes, wiggling one on, then the other. Third, Landon doesnt understand what makes Lucy important. Having her doesnt ensure a following. Stealing her does. Landon didnt steal Lucy, he used the law, and it wont bring him as much political power as he thinks. He hesitated, bringing a foot up to retie a shoe. And last, if it wasnt for you and Jenks, I never wouldve had Lucy in the first place.
Even so. Somewhat calmer, I came closer, wishing they had a chair in here. Theyd listen to you if it wasnt for me. Because of who I am and who I protect. Glum, I sat beside him as he laced up his shoe. Smiling, he put a hand on my knee. Crap on toast, how does he make everything seem so easy?
Demons? Trent patted my knee. Its admirable. The vampires are simply afraid.
My breath came faster as I flexed my hand. That hadnt been ley line energy that had spooled from me to make that circle in Cormels office, it had been straight from the mystics I had stolen from the Goddess. Theyre right to be afraid, I whispered, uneasy. I dont know why the demons havent started turning the people in front of them at the grocery store inside out. Where do you think they are?
Head cocked, Trent gazed about our small cell. I think theyre sitting on a beach terrorizing sand crabs. Thats where Id be if Id just escaped from prison. Rising, he stretched again. His dress shirt had come untucked, and it pegged my attraction meter.
Wrong time, wrong place, I thought glumly. How long do you think theyre going to make us sit down here?
Trents eyes met mine through the mirror as he finger-combed some continuity into his hair. Oh, sunrise tomorrow, I think, when every vampire who gets his soul tonight suncides. He arched his eyebrows at whoever was behind the glass before he turned to me.
Then you think Landon will get enough support to bring the undead souls back?
Fear will push them into it. He was tucking his shirt in. It looked like he was getting ready for something. It wont be long now, he added as he looked at his watch. Id probably feel the charm down here if I wasnt strapped.
Frustrated, I got up. I flinched. I was so worried about you being hurt that I wasnt paying attention. And then, when I get Cormel where I want him, I chicken out.
Eyes serious, Trent held both my arms to my sides, making me look at him. I like you when youre good.
I pulled away and flopped down on the bed. Great, thats great, I said sourly.
Trent hesitated for a moment, and then, with an odd, determined pace, he went to the sink. Why dont you take a nap. Just lie there and be quiet for a minute.
My head turned and I stared at him. Quiet? I almost snarled. You want me to take a nap? Ivy is somewhere down here . . . My words faltered as he ran his fingers across the tiny lip over the mirror. And you want me to take a nap, I finished. What are you doing?
Trents shoulders stiffened. As I watched, he turned the water on full force, and steam billowed up, misting the mirror so I couldnt see his face. Washing up. Why dont you just shut up? Your bitching isnt helping anything.
Im bitching? Excuse me? I exclaimed as I sat up. I seem to remember you in Cormels office, too. This was one of the dumbest ideas He wasnt even listening to me, and my eyes narrowed, not in anger, but understanding. He was looking for bugs, the mirror eclipsed by steam. One of the dumbest ideas Ive ever let you talk me into!
He smiled as he shook the water from his hands. Will you shut up and go to sleep?
I hesitated, and he made a motion for me to say something. Go to hell, Trent, I said, then kind of pushed on the bed to make the springs squeak as if I was rolling over.
Trent gave me a thumbs-up, and I carefully sat on the edge of the bed, not moving when he waved for me to stay. Crouching, he reached under the open sink, wedging out a tiny buttonlike object. Saying nothing, he carefully set it on the sink, next to the running water. There was no stopper, and the water continued to flow,filling it halfway up.
Immediately he crossed the room, fingers on his lips as he went right to the back-left corner of the bed and found another stuck to the frame. This one went next to the sink as well, his eyes full of satisfaction. Thats the last of them, he said, his voice hushed.
How did you know where they were?
His shoulders rose and fell. Thats what Ive been doing for the last three hours.
I pressed my lips. Youve just been lying on the cot for three hours.
Ive been listening, trying to find them.
I shifted down a smidgen when he came to sit beside me. You can hear the circuitry? Damn, youve got good ears. I knew that Jenks could hear circuitry, but elves?
Given enough time. He looked at his watch, grimacing. Its more like feeling the waves coming off them, like reverse sonar. I didnt want to move until I found them all. Thanks for being so quiet. You really are something, you know? I was serious when I said most people would react badly. Thanks for that.
Well, its not the first time Ive been in a cage, I said saucily. Got any carrots?
He chuckled at the reminder of his once keeping me in a ferret cage. God, I was stupid, he said, shaking his head, and I touched his face, liking the feel of his bristles.
We both were. Grinning, I leaned in for a kiss, jerking back when the lights went out. Was that you? I said, my flush of good feeling gone.
No. His fingers found mine, and we didnt move. I guess they figured it out. He sighed, and I gave his hand a squeeze.
They wouldnt turn off the lights unless they wanted to get back at us, right?
Trent made a small noise that wasnt agreement or disagreement, and a thin sliver of doubt wedged itself under my short-lived satisfaction. Maybe they turned the lights off not to disorient us, but so they could burst in and do something nasty.
Ah, can you make a light? Trent asked, his voice eerie coming out of the dark.
I froze, my thoughts zinging back to the mystics. He knew I had no contact with the lines down here. It was impossible for me to make a light. No, I said quickly, my fear finding a closer home than vampires possibly attacking us.
Rachel, please, he said, his arm slipping around my back as we sat on the edge of the bed in the dark. I saw what happened upstairs. I know youre not happy about it, but this isnt a bad thing, especially if Landon breaks the lines.
No, I cant! I exclaimed, but he knew I was lying, and he pulled me into him.
Can you hear them? he whispered.
No.
He was silent, then, Are you lying to me?
Cant you tell? I said bitterly.
Not in the dark, he said, a hint of a laugh in his voice. Make a light, and Ill let you know. His arm slowly fell from me, and I felt a moment of loss until he found my hands and cupped them in his. I felt our balance equalize, and then my breath caught when a faint glimmer within our cupped hands grew and blossomed.
Ta na shay, su meera, Trent whispered, and I shivered as I felt him siphon energy from me to him, and then into the charm, using me like a ley line.
How . . . ?, I whispered, and the light became brighter, bright enough to see his expression pinched with worry and pride.
Damn it, I didnt have time to be fighting the Goddess, the demons, and the vampires, not to mention the court battle convincing twelve prejudiced elves that leaving your children in the care of a demon was not child abuse. But what pained me the most was that thisthe mystics making our hands glowwas why Al wouldnt talk to me.
Dont let go, Trent said, his fingers tightening on me so the charm wouldnt break. Oh, Rachel, its going to be okay, he said, pulling me into a one-armed hug. I promise.
My eyes closed. The energy flowing through us somehow felt transparent without the usual taint of ever-after. It occurred to me that if we just left and went to that island in the Pacific no one would care if I had mystics in me or not.
Are they speaking to you? Trent asked, the thread of fear he tried to hide sparking through me, crushing the want for sand and sun and solitude.
I pulled back, feeling his absence keenly. My fear was reflected in his eyes, strengthened by love. No, but they can hear me.
He blinked fast, his hold on my hands tightening. Its okay, he started, and all the fear and anger Id shoved down boiled up.
Its not okay! I shouted, and the light redoubled, making shadows in the small room. Did you see Als face when he saw me? Saw the mystics? I took my hands from his, and the light continued to glow within them. I didnt know what spell it was since it wasnt aura based. I guess when youre line energy, it doesnt matter. Theyre going to kill me.
No one is going to kill you, he insisted. Besides, I like the way your aura looks. I tried to smile as he gave me a kiss, his lips finding mine with determination. And the way you smell with them in your hair, he whispered, fingers firmly at the back of my neck. Why do you even care what they think about you anyway?
My eyes closed, and I breathed him in, wondering how it could be so good and so bad at the same time. Because theyre the only group of people who arent afraid of me.
I wouldnt be so sure of that, a low voice growled.
My eyes shot to the closed door, then the sink. Al! Shit, how long had he been there? I panicked, the light glowing like a neon sign of guilt.
Trent stood, tension pulling him ramrod straight. Where are my girls?
Als features creased as he scowled at Trent. You are late. I told you I had to leave at six P.M. exactly, and its after that now.
Trent took a step forward. Where are Lucy and Ray? he asked again, and Al finally took his eyes off me.
In their beds, he said, thumbnail running under the nail of his index finger.
You left them alone? I blurted out, and Al rolled his eyes.
Nothing will happen in the time it takes to tell you to find someone else to watch them.
I stood, setting the ball of light on the bed. Its not like you went to the bathroom, Al, youre across the city. You cant leave them like that! Even if they are sleeping!
Als face was ugly when he pulled his eyes from the ball of light. Im three seconds away from them, he said with a sneer. It would take me longer to take a piss than to jump back to them. My God, youre covered with elf shit. How can you stand yourself?
