EIGHT

Two weeks had passed since Cole had moved into the Strauss home. In that time he had slowly been insinuating himself into their lives. He had deliberately taken some classes that Strauss taught. He found that the man was a very good teacher. And even though this was simply an assignment Cole found himself learning a great deal about the human legal system.

Gretchen Strauss was an excellent cook. Cole spent a lot of time chatting with her as he helped perform chores around the house. The couple was very happy together despite the horrible ordeal they had endured in Germany. Mrs. Strauss even referred to Cole as her American son; one that had replaced the son they had lost during the war.

Cole was carefully formulating his plan to get the book from Strauss. Careful questioning had revealed that Strauss had no desire to sell any of his collection. Cole would occasionally bring the book up in conversation but he was always careful to make it appear to be just that; conversation.

Buying the book was out of the question. So Cole had to come up with another way to get Strauss to give it to him. It was becoming a challenge for him. He could understand why three other demons had failed at this mission. As close as he was growing to the Strauss's, the man still wasn't willing to part with it. It was no wonder strangers had not been able to persuade him to part with it.

Even though his own father was dead Cole constantly referred to him as if he were still alive. He was quickly giving Wilhelm the impression that Cole and his father were very close. It helped to solidify the illusion that he was a loving, caring human son.

One night Cole was sitting in Strauss' study reading a book and casually listening to a radio program. He had a test in Strauss' class the next day and to help perpetuate his cover story as a student he wanted to do well. As he listened to a newscaster he heard a report about a major fire somewhere.

The newscast intrigued him. Apparently a man had rushed into a burning building to pull several people to safety. Unfortunately the man did not survive his last trip inside. A portion of the building collapsed trapping the man and several others inside. Still, it was reported that he had been able to pull three people, including a child, from the burning building.

As distressing as the news of the man's death was it did give Cole an idea. Even demons were grateful when someone saved their lives. It could put a whole new complexion on two people's relationship. And make one more willing to part with a treasured item than they normally would.

It was a brilliant idea. All Cole had to do was arrange to put Strauss and his wife in mortal danger and then save their lives. The idea was good. The implementation would be difficult. The situation had to be severe enough so that they'd be in real danger but still afford Cole the opportunity to save them in time. He was going to need help with this one.

But the Circle had said he couldn't call on other demons for help. He considered hiring a mercenary. Mercenaries would do what they were hired for without asking too many questions. But if word of that got out it might cause problems with the Circle. They might consider it disobeying orders.

But demons weren't the only ones Cole had an acquaintance with. There were other beings that he could call on for help. Beings that weren't technically demons but still would help him. Especially if he compensated them appropriately. And with what he was making on this one job, he could well afford to hire someone to help him.

And he knew just who to ask. Angelique Dupree. Cole had had dealings with her in the past. She was the closest thing to a friend Cole had. More than a friend, actually. But they both had their jobs to do and those responsibilities often conflicted. But they had remained friends. He was sure he could get her to help with a minimum of fuss.

Making sure he was alone Cole shimmered out of the house. He appeared in another house quite a distance away. It was a modest house with all the amenities a young woman would have. Lace curtains, little knick-knacks sitting around the room, lace doilies, even some flowers in a vase on one table. A young woman with long blonde hair sat in one chair looking through a book. She just looked up as Cole shimmered in.

"Hello, Angelique," said Cole. "You're looking good as always."

"Hi, Cole," said Angelique. "What brings you out on a night like this? I hear it's supposed to snow later tonight."

"Not where I'm at," said Cole. "You should really consider moving to California. Beautiful weather year round. You'd love it."

"I kind of like the snow," said Angelique. "It's relaxing."

"You working on anything right now?"

"No. As luck would have it I'm free at the moment. What do you have in mind? Personal or professional?"

"Why not both?" said Cole, smiling a smile that Angelique knew quite well. "I'm working on something right now but if things go as I plan I'll have something to celebrate. But I need to finish my assignment first. In fact, that's why I'm here. I could use your help."

"An assignment? Well, this is something new. What do you have in mind?"

Cole outlined his plan to Angelique. She listened intently to the entire plan.

"So, you don't want either of them killed?" she questioned.

"No," said Cole. "They just need to be in enough danger so that I can save them."

"Interesting," said Angelique. "I don't think I've ever been hired to not kill someone."

"That's because you're usually hired to go after White Lighters."

"That is what Dark Lighters do."

"This is different. I need Strauss to be grateful to me. Grateful enough so that he might be willing to part with something."

"Just what are you after from him?"

"I can't tell you that. That's why I came to you. I need someone who will do this with a minimum of questions. I'll be able to explain later but right now I just have to ask that you do the job without asking anything."

"Well," said Angelique snuggling closer to Cole as she slid a finger along his chest and smiled up at him seductively, "I don't think that should be much of a problem. I'm sure you can make it up to me later."

"I'm sure you're right, said Cole, smiling at her.

He looked at her for a moment and suddenly an idea sprang into his mind.

"You know," said Cole, "you might also be able to help me with something else. Something even more important."

"Well," said Angelique, "you're racking up quite a bill with me. You do realize it's going to cost you more."

Cole kissed her passionately. She welcomed his advances without resistance. As a Dark Lighter most demons considered her just above a warlock. Cole was different. Not only was he suave, handsome, and sophisticated. He was rapidly climbing in the hierarchy of the underworld. And he had always treated her as an equal.

"I think you'll be more than happy with the compensation," said Cole.

"I'm sure I will," said Angelique, "So what is the second favor you want from me?"

"The bolts you use from your crossbow," said Cole. "They're poisoned, aren't they?"

"Yes," said Angelique. "It's what actually kills a White Lighter."

"I need some of that poison," said Cole.

"You want to kill a White Lighter?" Angelique questioned. "Just let me know who it is. I'll be more than glad to take care of them for you. No charge."

"No," said Cole, "this is something I need to take care of myself. Besides, I don't want you directly involved. What about that Dark Lighter you were seeing when we first met? Talent? You still want to get even with him?"

"I'd love to," said Angelique. "But he's too powerful, you know that. You're not thinking about going up against him, are you?"

"Not exactly," said Cole. "But I have an idea that might just help both of us. It will help me finish my assignment and you get revenge on Talent."

"Sounds good to me," said Angelique. "It will take some time to get the poison for you."

"Fine," said Cole. He wrote an address on a piece of paper. "Bring it to me here when you have it. When you do you can help me with my more immediate problem. Right now I need to get back. There are still plans to be made."

Cole shimmered out of the house leaving Angelique alone.