Page 13 of Investigation of a Quest

“I’m not denying the result,” Bel said. “It’s the thought process that freaked me out because what if it happens again? What if I’m on another case, and the urge to kill returns? What if I start justifying my reasoning for lesser infractions?”

“You wouldn’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do.” Eamon laughed. “Isobel, you forget I’m evil reincarnated. I recognize darkness when I see it. You had righteous anger, and that’s different.”

“Yeah, but…”

“You can’t believe me because killing people comes naturally to me?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to believe you. I love you. It’s just that you would bend over backward to justify anything I do. In your book, I could never be the bad guy.”

“So you need someone of the highest moral standing to absolve you?”

“I don’t know.” Bel shrugged. “Maybe.”

“Like a priest? You could try going to confession.”

“In this small town? Hero detective confesses to being a murderer,” she said in a newscaster voice. “That wouldn’t go over well.”

“There must be someone you can talk to. Your dad?”

“He would probably justify my actions too. I’m his baby. It would take a lot more for him to turn on me.”

“We’ll figure it out.” Eamon handed her the cooled tea before wrapping his arms around her. “I’m here every step of the way, whether you want it or not.”

“I know.” Bel smirked. “You’re in my house—again— yet you still don’t have a key.”

“Lord Hades!” Bel gushed as she exited the bathroom, and Eamon glared at her.

“Could you have picked a sluttier outfit for me?” he asked, gesturing to the black toga draped across his powerful form to complete his Greek God persona.

“Yup.” She winked. “Don’t complain, or I’ll trim the bottom to show more thigh.”

“Speaking of thighs.” Eamon’s fingers found the slit in her white toga’s skirt.

“You like?” Bel spun for his benefit, even though she didn’t need to ask. Obsession was written all over his face.

“I can see why I started family drama by stealing you to the Underworld.” He adjusted her floral crown.

“And I can see why I ate those pomegranate seeds to tie me to the Underworld.” She trailed her finger over his exposed chest. “I can also see that we’ll be late if we keep this up.”

“I’m ready,” Eamon said. “I’m just waiting on the star of the show.”

“Are you sure you’re ready?” she asked, and when he nodded, she opened the bathroom door to release the hellhound. Cerberus pranced into Bel’s living room with his three heads held high, and Eamon burst into laughter.

“Stop. He looks so cute.” He bent to kiss the dog’s real head. “Where did you find a Cerberus costume that matches his features exactly?”

“Don’t be mad.” Bel blushed. “I found a local seamstress who does custom work and ordered this. She used photos of him to make the two fake heads, and the price tag was proof how exact her replicas would be.”

“Why would I be mad?”

“Because I put it on your credit card. I know you added my name for emergencies, but this was an emergency. I needed him to have this costume, but with my new salary, I couldn’t afford it.”

“This is probably the best money I’ve ever spent,” Eamon said, and by his grin, he meant it. “Everyone’s going to flip out when they see him. We’ll definitely get nominated for the best group costume, and hopefully everyone will be looking at how cute he is and ignore my pecs hanging out in the cold… or your legs. You are very lucky I know how to fight.”

“So do I.” Bel winked. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t let you around other women looking like that.”