“Okay, maybe not as under control as it could have been,” I concede.
We’re slowly moving through the streets of Dorchester, taking a tangle of backstreets.
“Everything ended up fine,” I continue. “I got out of there with the information I needed and”—I stop myself before I say something about Pete’s passwords—“aaaand everything turned out alright!”
We drive toward the cemetery, the houses now smaller and closer together. CJ still doesn’t say anything, so I count streetlights until I can’t stand the silence anymore.
“Okay, and yes, I absolutely appreciate you coming to save me. Although it wasn’t necessary, it was impeccable timing.”
CJ’s lips thin as they turn onto a gravel driveway, parking the hearse in an empty lot across from the cemetery.
I sigh. “You didn’t have to do that, you know. I can handle myself.”
They lightly drum on the steering wheel, taking a steadyingbreath. Finally, they look at me, their eyes tight, jaw tighter. I wonder if they have one of those retainers that keep you from grinding your teeth at night.
“Look,” I say, “I know after Dante’s…death, I kind of lost it.”
(Personally, I think I had an appropriate reaction, but there’s no use arguing with CJ when they get like this.)
“But I’m doing better now.”Lie.“I’m being more realistic.”Lie.“I’ve accepted Dante’s gone.”
Lie.
I don’t feel bad about lying. It’s a necessary part of the job. But I do get a weird feeling in my chest when I lie to CJ. It’ll go away eventually though, so I ignore it.
“I hate disappointing you,” I mutter.
CJ reaches over me to open the passenger door. “I’m not disappointed,” they say. “Just angry.”
I wince and get out.
As soon as I step out of the car, the empty lot around me transforms into a lush patch of land on which sits a small Tudor-style house.
My house.
Well, the house my parents left me.
I mean, I guess they left it to me. They left. And now I have it.
Okay,disappearedis maybe a better word. To be fair, I don’t know if they left on purpose. One day, a dozen demons showed up at the house, and Mom had us hide in the basement. Then two days later, my parents were gone. No note, just gone, leaving Dante and me on our own.
And sure, it might not sound like the smartest idea to stay in a house that’s caught the attention of demons, but it’s not like I have anywhere else to go. Plus, it’s well protected. Mom paid good money for an illusion that hides the house from everyone except those who know it’s there and mean no harm.
Luckily, the spell doesn’t need any upkeep because I’ve sure been lacking when it comes to maintaining the house. Ivy crawls up the side, and not in a charming way. In a being-reclaimed-by-nature way. The paint is fading, and if CJ looks too closely, they’ll see the east bedroom window smashed out.
That was an accident. Don’t ask.
I don’t invite them in. I can do without the lecture about moving on, and also I don’t want them to see what I’ve done to the place. That the electricity was cut off. That I’ve sold off anything of monetary value and all that’s left are piles of things I can’t sell and Dante’s belongings locked away in his room.
The engine revs behind me, and I turn to see CJ swerve the hearse around, the force of it shutting the passenger door, and with a screech of acceleration, they take off down the street.
“Well, good night to you too!” I call after them, watching the taillights get smaller until they disappear around a corner.
Somewhere, an owl hoots. Wind rustles the trees. I pull my arms around myself, shivering. Fishnets aren’t the most practical option this time of year. I ditched the lab coat in the car, but at least I still have my leather jacket. Fortunately, the house is insulated pretty well, or tonight would be tough.
Dried leaves crunch under my boots as I walk up the steps. I enter my passcode into the smart lock before remembering,oh yeah, no electricity means no security system. I find the key under a dead potted plant, and once I’ve unlocked the door, I wait for a moment, listening for the sound of wings on the wind. When I don’t hear it, I push the door in with my shoulder. It’s dark.
I fumble for the candle I left nearby and spark it to life with my lighter.
