Chapter 51
Elisa woke up the next morning hoping the previous night was a nightmare. She groaned in anger as she looked at the dull gray walls trapping her. She rubbed her forehead and felt the burns.
"You're awake," she heard Jon say as he entered the room. He handed her a plate of food. "Eat," he ordered. She looked at with caution. He rolled his eyes. "It's not poisoned."
When she didn't move fast enough, he picked up the fork and nearly shoved the food in her mouth. She grabbed the fork from him and ate. "Good girl," he said. He left her alone for another 30 minutes when he came back with a female.
"She will clean you up," he told her. He turned to the woman. "If she tries anything, don't hesitate to use force."
Elisa was led to a bathroom and got cleaned up. The woman handed her some clothes and waited for her to change. Elisa couldn't help but see the look of disdain on her face.
"What? Am I bothering you?" Elisa asked sarcastically.
"I don't understand how you can be friends with them. I thought all you Canmores were alike," the woman said.
"What's your name?" Elisa asked.
"Katrina," she answered.
"Well Katrina, no we aren't alike. I'm sure you know my husband was a hunter but he changed. They aren't all bad. It's just they happened to come across one who hated humans beyond reproach. The family didn't do themselves any favor by hunting her but that doesn't mean an entire race is horrible."
"Why did you marry your husband then?" Katrina questioned.
"I was in love with him. I knew Jason was done with that life once certain events took place. He was willing to put the past behind him. He wouldn't have wanted his brother to turn out this way."
"What about you? Why did you join with the Quarrymen?" Elisa asked curiously.
"I believe in the cause. I believe they are capable of bringing much destruction to the city and to the world. We can't allow such atrocities to take place," she answered.
Elisa downcast her eyes at how warped Katrina sounded. "How long have you been with this organization?"
"Over a year," she said.
"My advice is to get out while you still can. You don't have to be friends with them or even really like them. For your own safety, get out. If it is between you and Jon, he will not think twice about throwing you to the wolves. You see these burns...this is what your leader is capable of."
Elisa saw a flash of horror in her eyes but it quickly went away. "You need to go back to the room," Katrina said.
"My cage more like it," Elisa thought. Katrina got Elisa to the entrance.
"Did she cause any trouble?" one of the guards asked. Katrina shook her head no. The guard shoved Elisa into the room. He closed the door behind him and stood in a corner.
Elisa sat against the wall and leaned her head back. Her mind wandered to her children and her parents. She was glad at least they were safe. She thought about the last time they were at the ranch and how for a split second everything was normal. She felt tears forming and wiped her eyes.
"What are you crying for?" the guard asked.
"Nothing that concerns you," she snapped. "Just leave me alone."
"I would watch your tone," he warned.
"Excuse me for feeling like a prisoner. Oh wait, I am one," she shot back. "If my tone isn't to your liking, screw you."
She heard him chuckle. "That remark is going to cost you." Elisa flickered her eyes to him.
"You electroshocking me some more. I can handle whatever you throw at me," she argued.
The door opened and Jon entered. "Leave us." Jon waited. "Do you have to cause trouble right now?"
"Sorry. It's in my nature," she said.
"Maybe yours but what about your son and daughter? Have they inherited their mother's penchant for trouble?" he taunted.
"They're safe from you. I made sure of it," Elisa said keeping her voice neutral.
"Is that what you think? I extended the olive branch and you ignored me. You think my influence stops in the States. I have eyes and ears everywhere. You and Robyn should have been better at your deception."
He pulled out pictures out of his back pocket of them in Australia. "Look at how much their having on the beach. All it takes is one phone call from me," he said.
Elisa looked at the pictures. "You wouldn't."
"Wouldn't I?" he asked. "Knowing you, you probably raised them to be gargoyle lovers. You brainwashed them into thinking gargoyles are safe and can be trusted."
"Jon, don't lay a finger on them," she threatened.
"You're in no position to make demands," he said. He got up and said, "Keep the pictures. That's the last time you'll see them. I have phone calls to make."
His words hit her. "Jon, don't." He ignored her pleas and walked out of the room. She banged on the door. "Jon, leave them alone! They have nothing to do with this! Jon!"
She hit the door one last time before sliding down a wall. She ran her fingers over their faces. She grabbed the necklace and fidgeted with the ring. "God, pleas no. Not them."
On the other side of town, Macbeth was inside Demona's house as they discussed Kevin's plan. "This is going to work."
"How? You turn back into a gargoyle during the night. How are you going to escort Goliath in there? You'll both be tortured," Macbeth argued.
"Kevin, he's right. It has to be me," Demona said. "We all waited for a move and it's been made. He wants me and I'll deliver what he wants."
"You have James. He needs a mother," Kevin argued. "We know Macbeth can't go because he will be recognizable. I'm sure Jon has too many people working to notice a newcomer."
"I get it but clearly I'm the best chance you have. I can be rational about this. All of you are incredibly close to this situation. The minute you set foot on his territory, you will want to rip everything apart. We run the risk of losing her," Kevin continued.
"One problem. Goliath awakens by the time you revert," Macbeth said. "How do you work around that?"
"Fox. I discussed it with her late last night. She can do magic. She will help me stay human until it's complete."
"When was I going to be let in on this?" Demona questioned.
"When it was done," Kevin replied. "I knew you'd disagree."
Macbeth chuckled. "Risking her ire. Brave man." Demona cut her eyes to him. "I'm not going to stop you. Get her out of there."
"I'll call Fox and tell her to prepare," he said and went to the kitchen.
Macbeth rubbed his hand over his face. Demona watched him carefully. He was tired.
"You haven't slept all night,""she observed.
"After hearing her scream. That is all I can think about," he admitted. "I told her I would keep them safe."
"You did your best," she said. He arched an eyebrow.
"Why are you so willing to help?" Macbeth asked.
"No matter what my dislike is, she is still a mother. Besides I have done my fair share of harm. And I owe her because of James. We all remember that little episode."
'Macbeth laughed. "The exchange was pretty funny to hear. Who would have thought the two of us would eventually work together to save a person we once despised?"
"Time and circumstance has changed us both," Demona said. Kevin walked back in.
"It's settled. We will be at the Eyrie an hour before the clan awakes."
Hours later, Kevin was laying on the floor waiting for Fox to perform the spell. Owen was with her as he instructed her. Kevin felt pain rip through him but it was over in a matter of seconds.
"The sun will set soon," Owen said. "I suggest you stay here and wait for the results." He left leaving Fox there.
"Are you sure this is going to work?" Fox asked.
"Delivering Goliath on a silver platter...yes.," he replied. "He's more than willing to do so. You saw how he could barely contain himself after we watched the video."
Fox shook her head sadly. "I noticed."
The sun set and Kevin waited for the normal pain that came with his transformation. None came. "It worked," he said. The door opened and Demona rushed in. She was just as surprised.
"She pulled it off," she said grateful. He nodded in approval.
"Let's go," he said walking toward the door. They walked onto the terrace. "Goliath, we need to go. I'm escorting you personally to the hideout."
Sensing that time wasn't a luxury, he simply nodded. "I'll meet you there." They arrived at the sight and Kevin walked to one of the Quarrymen.
"I caught a gargoyle. He's chained. I think the leader will be pleased," Kevin said. The person quickly hurried and minutes later Jon walked out.
"You've caught a gargoyle. Is it the demon?" Jon asked.
"No but I do have the leader of the clan," his voice taking on a wicked tone.
Jon smiled. "Excellent. Bring him."
Kevin brought out Goliath from the shadows. "Keep your cool," he whispered.
"You subdued him," Jon said. "Excellent work. What's your name?"
"Darnell," he lied.
Kevin dragged Goliath down the hall as he took in the surroundings. "Where could she be?"
"Put him with the other prisoner," Jon ordered. He pointed to the door and walked forward.
"You have a visitor." Jon stepped out of the way and Goliath walked in. Elisa remained silent as she saw him walk in.
Jon kept his eyes on Elisa. "You should be glad to see a familiar face." He walked over to her and pulled out a gun. "Don't do anything prematurely," he said to Goliath.
He had Goliath unchained and left with Kevin. Once the door was closed, Goliath rushed over to Elisa. "Everything is going to be alright."
She had a haunting look in her eyes. "What are you doing here?"
