Page 17 of Fallen

Nathan patted him on the shoulder. “I’m proud of you for telling me this, Alex. I know it isn’t easy to talk about these things.”

“I’d rather talk to you than Hawley or Maxwell,” he said with a shrug. “I know a priest or a doctor might be the smarter choice and it’s not your job, but you know me better.”

Nathan waved a dismissive hand. “You can come to me about this stuff any time, Alex. I understand. Maxwell and Hawley are both good at what they do, but—” he winced, “—physical ailments are Maxwell’s wheelhouse, in my experience. His therapy leaves something to be desired. And Hawley, he’ll just have you do some Hail Marys and send you on your way. It has its place, but not so much with things like this.”

Alex mustered a weak grin. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks so.” He bit his lip, longing to ask and knowing he shouldn’t. “Do you know anything about the investigation? Has Michael’s squad found anything?”

Nathan nodded to himself, like he’d been expecting Alex to ask. “Unfortunately, no, and don’t worry, Iwouldtell you if I knew anything. They know from past documentation that the demon strikes multiple times in the same area, but there are weeks between each kill. It may be some time yet before they have anything to go on.”

That was good, at least. It meant Alex wasn’t falling behind.

The radio on their belts crackled to life. “This is Team B, we need assistance at the bridge, over!”

The bridge in this sector was visible in the distance, beyond the fence that circled the cemetery, and he and Nathan raced toward it. The sounds of a fight drew them to the underside, where the shadows were thick and the water lapped quietly against the concrete.

William flew to the ground at Alex’s feet, blood on his elbows and a snarl on his face.

“What is it?” Alex asked breathlessly, helping him up.

“Don’t know,” he said gruffly. “Aidan!”

“Over here!”

The darkness moved like a solid thing, blocking their view of the other side. Aidan was beyond the cloying darkness, alone.

Alex fumbled for the light on his belt as the others did. Their flashlights arced across something with ink-black skin and sharp teeth that dripped with thick saliva. Alex swung on instinct. The darkness swirled around them, dodging holy blades and light beams alike.

“Converge the lights!” Nathan ordered.

That was hard to do when they were all flailing about, dodging teeth and claws.

“I’m coming over!” Aidan called. “I’m coming to help!”

But the shadows were still between him and the rest of them. Alex opened his mouth to tell him to wait when the darkness shifted abruptly, whirling and pouncing. Aidan’s shout rung out.

Nathan dropped his flashlight, rushing forward and running his sword through the black as Alex and William’s flashlights found it again, giving it a solid shape around Nathan’s blade. It shrieked, arching. Aidan scrambled away from its swiping claws as it fell, and then Alex rushed forward, bringing his sword down through whatever the monster had in place of a heart.

Nathan abandoned his sword as the demon’s body broke down and decayed in front of them, stooping down to help Aidan up.

“Are you okay? Did it get you?”

Aidan patted himself down. “No, no, I’m fine. Whew, close one.”

Alex grabbed Nathan’s sword before it could fall. Black blood dried and flaked from their blades as the monster’s body began to decay before their eyes. There would be no trace of it soon.

Nathan grinned, ruffling Aidan’s strawberry blond curls. “Good deal. Let’s get back to it then, huh?”

That was the only excitement of the night, and those invasive thoughts took hold once more. The clawing urge to text Talon, if only to make sure the demon hadn’t forgotten about their deal. The need for action. When they got back in the SUVs to head back to HQ, he finally gave in, pulled his phone from his pocket, and stared down at the screen, debating.

When it chimed, he nearly dropped it in his lap.

I haven’t heard from you in a while, little bird. I hope you haven’t given up on your quest for revenge.

Alex blinked at the screen.

I don’t give up. You said you’d contact me when you had information.

There’s no information to be had yet. I just wanted to make sure you hadn’t forgotten me.

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