Let's set a bit of plot then shall we?
Part 4
We all sat upstairs, there were still a few hours till sunrise, and the space was more open, I hoped it would be more comfortable for Sookie, as I was about to expose her to three more supes, and I was fairly certain she had no idea that Demons really existed. It wasn't common knowledge, as Vampires were, and as easily as she had taken the news about witches, I had purposely left weres, shifters and Demons out of our brief conversations.
Let me describe the girls, they really did look human, for the most part. Two arms, two legs, all the normal stuff, but just more, 'angular' mostly. They didn't have pointed teeth or ears, but the hint of those things was there if you knew what you were looking at. Their fingers were just a little longer than most, their eyes a little more pinched at the corners, and their bodies taut with muscles. There was nothing really soft and feminine about them, not like Sookie. Their curves were streamlined, their shoulders broad, not that they weren't sexy looking, if you liked that body builder, gymnast sort of look. It wasn't my style, but it certainly had its perks. They were fast on their feet, faster than I. And they were powerful. It took a lot to hurt a demon, even a semi-demon, so they were difficult adversaries; not that I'd ever fought with one.
Their uncle was a slightly different story. He had enough of the same facial features that you could certainly see the relation between them all, but he wasn't as 'sleek' as the girls, having settled into his older years with a bit more weight around his middle and hair that was more salt than pepper; unlike the girls who wore sleek, long black hair. He seemed more relaxed, and as he had a white-collar job as a lawyer, he enjoyed some of the finer things in life. I kept the whiskey around for him. The girls had Coke, and so did Sookie, Diantha found their similar choice amusing and she made a joke about all the ladies in the room. I could see Sookie warming up to her, given time.
"Let the girls tell you what they've uncovered Eric, and then we can discuss what to do from here." Mr. Cataliades tried to reign in the girls' silly laughter, but had minimal success. They loved life, and it was obvious in their expressions and mannerisms. Even their serious words were told with smiles and pride.
"Scents of smoke and strange plants around your house Sookie." Diantha seemed almost unable to keep still as she described the scene. "No people, those scents were very faint, humans, nothing else."
"Witches?" Sookie whispered to me. She had taken a seat beside me on the couch, normally I sat in one of the chairs, but it just seemed like I was supposed to be closer to her just then.
"I imagine." I felt her shaking little hand snake out and wrap itself in mine. Again I had the warm sensation in my chest, I know I smiled just a little for her then as I looked down at my fist, wrapped around hers. It felt good, but I didn't have time to really explore why just then as Diantha continued her story.
"We found ash, in front of all the doors and windows, little lines of it as if it had been poured there. We think it was burned somewhere on the property but we couldn't find traces of it."
"Likely burned in a brazier." Mr. Cataliades offered. I was familiar with the term, and the process. I'd seen healers use them as a boy. A copper or brass pot, though I supposed they could be made out of any non-flammable metal. The herbs or materials to be burned are placed in the bottom, sometimes over charcoal, sometimes set alight on their own. The smoke can be used for scrying, the ash for potions and spells.
Gladiola handed over a small pouch.
"Here is a sample." Her voice was quieter than her sister's, but no less powerful and no less proud. I took the pouch but kept it closed. I wasn't about to take the chance of unleashing something.
"What have you done with the rest of it?" I asked.
The girls smiled at each other, big smiles, full of teeth and I felt Sookie tremble slightly at my side, and draw nearer to me, still clutching my hand.
"We took care of it." They said, almost in unison. I didn't want to ask how they had done that, despite my curiosity.
"And my house?" Sookie asked hesitantly, still a little unsure it seemed about engaging the girls herself.
"All is well there Sookie. It is a very pretty house. No broken doors or windows. Everything still locked. We think it is secure."
She looked up at me. I knew what she was asking.
"I'll check it out myself tomorrow evening, then I can bring you there if you like Sookie." She half smiled at me.
"I'd like to see it, maybe it will spark some kind of memory?"
"Of course." I turned back to Mr. Cataliades, knowing he likely had some plans of his own regarding the matter. It was so nice to have someone like him on retainer. Not only could he move about during the day, to look after my interests, but also he had a network of contacts that could provide very helpful services, a network that might not always response to the requests of a Vampire, even a thousand year old one.
"What do you recommend sir?"
"Well Eric, perhaps having Sookie use her abilities close to her workplace or even around Fangtasia might lead to some clues."
Damn, I had completely forgotten to tell Sookie about her abilities; not that we'd had a tremendous amount of time to talk, alone. The way she looked at me just then expressed her further confusion, and a reliance on me for answers.
"What abilities Eric?"
I sighed, "You're a telepath Sookie. I'm sorry I didn't mention it before. You can't read me, or any Vampire so I never really thought about it."
"You're a telepath?" Diantha practically screamed it, "Oh, what am I thinking of right now?" She looked as though she was going to begin hopping up and down with glee.
Sookie's confused look in my direction continued, those eyes were still wide and pleading. I tried to make it better, but I only made it worse.
"I don't think she'll be able to read you Diantha, she really only has good readings from other humans." It was barely out of my mouth when I realized how stupid I had been.
"What do you mean other humans Eric?" Sookie's voice sounded a little shrill, with a hint of the terror rising in it again. "You aren't human Diantha?"
She grinned her big toothy grin that exposed a mouthful of teeth that definitely changed her countenance to something more akin to her true nature.
"I am part human." Diantha offered, "but mostly demon." She added. "Can you read Weres?" I would have liked to have thrown something at the girl just then, but I restrained myself.
"Weres? As in Werewolves?" Sookie asked in return, shock seemed to be setting in.
"Werewolves and werefoxes and werebears, and shifters, they can turn into lots of things." Diantha practically gleamed with happiness as she spoke.
"Vampires, and witches, and demons, and werewolves, and telepaths? Could this day honestly get any worse?" Sookie almost sounded like herself with her half exasperated half frightened utterance.
"But what am I thinking?" Diantha kept trying to encourage her, and to give her credit Sookie actually stared at the girl and seemed like she was trying to focus. She wrinkled her forehead.
"Steak?" She offered.
"Close, I was thinking about a hamburger, but I like your idea better Sookie. Do you have anything to eat around here Mr. Northman?"
"I'm sorry, I don't."
"Well how exactly is Sookie supposed to eat if she's staying here? She is human you know?"
I didn't appreciate the sarcasm, or the fact that she pointed out yet another thing I'd forgotten about.
"Glad and I are going to run to the store then, we'll get everything you need. Do you want to come Sookie?"
"I think it would be best if she stayed here girls, we don't know yet who has tried to harm her." I spoke for Sookie, hoping that I hadn't offended her by doing so.
"We wouldn't let anyone hurt her, they'd never get through us." The grin was back.
"Of that I have no doubt, but still." I left it at that.
"Okay then, we'll be back right away." The two of them took off, giggling to each other.
Sookie excused herself, saying she was tired, which I didn't doubt, but I truly believe that she was still quite unnerved by everything. I gave her the time by herself, not wanting to hover, and not wanting to force her to have to think about the supernatural by having me to stare at; even if it was just for a few minutes. Mr. Cataliades and I took the opportunity to speak alone.
"The girls have given me a sample of the ash as well, and I will make some inquiries on Miss Stackhouse's behalf. I will also see if there has been any new chatter about yourself or movements in the Witch community." Indeed, those were things I wouldn't have been able to accomplish on my own. Funnily enough, most Witches didn't like me much just then. The feeling was mutual so I didn't care. For my part I knew of those in the Voodoo world in Louisiana who distanced themselves from the coven witches, who I could call on.
"What do you believe the motive behind this attack on Miss Stackhouse was Eric?"
"I don't know, and I know I am going to lose many hours of sleep trying to figure it out sir."
"If you were to guess?"
"Revenge of some sort, or a threat from someone remaining of Hallow's coven."
"A reasonable assumption, and a good place to begin an investigation. And what will you do with Miss Stackhouse?"
"I have to protect her, and I have to help her get her memories back. It is my fault that she is involved."
Mr. Cataliades simply nodded, though I got the impression that he had more he wanted to ask me.
The girls returned shortly after that with armfuls of bags, filled with fruit and vegetables, cookies and cheeses. And another one full of girly soaps and lotions and makeup, all other things I would have completely forgotten, including a toothbrush. I repaid the girls for all their trouble, and did thank them for pointing out my omissions, and for everything they had done out in Bon Temps. I was certain they would continue to be useful and it seemed that Diantha had taken a liking to Sookie, which also could not be a bad thing. Diantha would protect her if I couldn't always be there.
When I ventured back down the stairs I saw Sookie, curled up on one the chairs, staring at the fire, but not really seeing it. The tracks of the tears on her cheeks were obvious, as were the ragged little breaths rising from her lips. I felt a terrible hollowness in my chest just then, and went to her.
Romance to come, part 5, it will be worth the wait.
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