Lauren
After a few hours of driving I finally checked into a local hotel for the night. I was in no condition to drive. I needed rest. I needed time alone. I needed courage to go on. My face looked like I was standing in the rain when there wasn't a cloud in the sky. My mascara had chased every tear I had cried on the way here. I walked over to the window and pulled the curtains open. Sitting down on the bed, I stared into the night. Wondering if I could really do this. These last few trips had culminated into my brain turning to mush. I still had three families to go. I know I would do it. I just couldn't do it right now. Imagine me showing up on someone's doorstep in tears when they have cried too.
I sighed and flopped back onto the bed. Staring at the ceiling. I closed my eyes as I imagined what was the last thing all of my victims were staring at. Were they staring at the ceiling? Were they staring at each other? Were they staring at nothing in particular at all? I closed my eyes again and let the night take me away.
The Dal
Aife had been going up and down the stairs taunting Dyson. She knew he was still alive and had relieved himself more than once. She didn't look directly at him but laughed when he whimpered. Bo was sticking to her word about not letting him out.
Dyson was tired. The Underfae had gotten quite a few digs into him. None were fatal as of yet, but he knew this was going to be a slow death. He had hoped Bo would have seen reason by now but she hadn't been back at all. Every time Aife opened the door, he slowly lifted his head sniffing for the younger Succubus' scent but no. He never found it. Trick had come down to give him some food. He thought for sure the Blood King would let him out given all that he had done for him over the years. He had been a loyal soldier to the Blood Sage. Kept his secrets. Told nobody about his true identity. Personally driven Aife wherever Trick wanted her to go. Got Trick some good deals on his liquor. Delivered his demands to the Light Fae Elders when Trick asked him to.
How could he not help him now? Everything he had sacrificed should not be so easily overlooked or dismissed. Bo was his responsibility ever since Trick ordered him to look after her. What a pretty little job she was. After he had fallen in love with her, he was never going to let her go again. Especially not to a human. Not to Lauren. So what if she loved Bo too. Bo was his prize given directly to him by Trick. Lauren was just a slave to the Fae. Lauren was just a Doctor on their payroll. And their payment was food scraps they usually fed to dogs. His mouth curled in amusement at the many memories of the first Ash making her bow to him.
Then there was the Norn. Had Bo forgotten what he risked for her? She knew now after he admitted his love to her in his..her Dawning. He sacrificed the one thing he needed to keep her his, his love. Kenzi was a dear friend to him for getting it back. Even she didn't think the Doctor was good enough for the Succubus. It was practically written in the stars for them to be together. He knew Bo would never leave him behind. If she had to sacrifice something for him, it was only fair. It was only Lauren.
He was pissed off when the Elders sent him to their dungeons because Lauren was gone. So wha. They had other Doctors. They had other humans. They had other slaves. He was among the Fae elite. Why was he being punished for what he watched them do for thousands of years? Why was he punished because they had one less body to order around. One less woman amongst great men. There was the Morrigan of course but she didn't count. As far as Dyson was concerned she either slept or melted her way to the top. He needed to focus. If he stayed still maybe the Underfae would think he died.
"Mom could you please stop going up and down there. They stink". Bo said.
"I'll say". Kenzi said moving down to the furthest bar stool.
"Well if the daddy of all bastards would install a video camera down there, I could watch from here". Aife laughed.
"I have somewhere to go and remember Trick, I will know if you take him out of there". Bo snapped. Kenzi stood up ready to follow the Succubus.
"I'm going with Bo". Kenzi said downing a shot.
"Mom don't you have to get back to Berlin? Bo asked. It had been days since she had gone home.
"Sweetie I can run my country from the Blood King's toilet". Aife laughed. She had been keeping up with everything that was going on back home. After what she had done with the Succubus' the others were staying out of trouble. They couldn't even go into her castle.
"Bo where are you going? Trick asked tiredly.
"You know where I'm going and don't even think of calling ahead". Bo said pulling her jacket on. She needed answers. No. She wanted answers. This was in no way interfering with Lauren.
"Remember the rules Succubus". Albert said. He wasn't fond of Bo yet as he was of Aife so he had to make sure she remembered the stipulations.
"I remember". Bo said softly. She didn't need to be mean or cocky when it came to Lauren's grandfather. Lauren didn't even know that little morsel yet.
Lauren
"I will not have that going on in my house. You brought it here, you take it out of here". Margaret said.
"But mom. We have nowhere else to go! I screamed.
"That is none of my concern. You should have thought of that before you brought that filth into my house". Margaret snapped. What would her Bridge club think? This was embarrassing. A daughter of hers. A woman lover.
"Mom! How can you do this? We have been here for months and now you pull this? I asked. We honestly had nowhere to go.
"I want you...the both of you disgusting animals out of my house in one hour". Margaret said sweeping her kitchen. It wasn't even dirty. She just didn't want to look at Lauren.
"An hour? When we have nowhere to go? I asked. What the hell had gotten into her? They were all getting along. They had a daily routine that kept them out of each other's hair. Papers needed to be written. They needed to study for finals. Why now? Nadia and I had kept our affections out of her view out of respect. It appears she had lost all respect for me.
"Albert has agreed to take you in. You can go there. But never come here again unless you change your ways". Margaret snapped.
There was that. I didn't know much about this Albert except that he was always warm with me. Offered me anything I needed. And right now I needed a roof. We needed a roof over our heads. We packed up the most important things. Our laptops, backpacks, clothes and waited on the porch for him to come. It was the dead of winter and there we were waiting in the cold.
Albert arrived and hopped out to help us put our things in his truck. It least it had a lot of room because my heart was cluttered with heartbreak. Mom just snapped. We had been gone all day and came home to nothing but a huge and unprovoked argument. I had no idea where my brother was and he wasn't answering his phone. Maybe mom did the same thing to him and he needed to blow off steam.
"Ladies shall we go? Albert smiled pointing for us to climb in.
"After you Nadia". I said. I wanted to make sure she got in first just in case he suddenly started venting like Mom had been for hours and pulled off without me. Which would be ok. I could always sneak into the garage and sleep.
After about an hour we arrived at his house. I looked the place over. It looked haunted at night. But a light bulb went off in my head.
"You know all this time I've known you, you never once told me how we're related or if we're related and you're just sweet on mom". I said softly.
Albert chuckled shaking his head. "My dear I am your...beep beep beep.
I jumped up in a sweat. My alarm was blaring. Whomever had stayed here before must have set it and forgot to turn it off. It was still early in the morning but what did that matter? I was awake now and that dream had me curious. First thing I will do when I go back home is get my answer from Albert. For now I needed to shower. I should have done so last night but my current sweat would have negated it.
As the water poured all over me so did everything from that dream. Mom had never been so nasty to me. I never thought she was a bigot either. I don't think she was crazy but she snapped out of nowhere for no reason. Nadia and I slept on the third floor of the house. We had a huge bedroom, a private bathroom and kitchen. There was no way she could say we were in her way or messy. Shaking my head I finished my shower and dressed.
I was headed to Boston now. Bean town. Clam chowder heaven. I had gone a few times and vowed to go back but I never thought I would go back for this.
The Prestons were a well to do family. They lost their youngest son at my hand. I had no idea what he would be doing at a pipeline but I guess I was about to find out. They have a nice family estate according to what I could find on Google.
With a renewed energy I checked out and called for a cab to the airport. The rental car company had come for their car at my request. I didn't want to do any unnecessary driving and their motto suggested they would pick up as requested and they did from what the note said that the front desk had handed me.
I should arrive in less than two hours. I had already called and reserved another rental that would be waiting for me at the airport. These trips were becoming emotionally tiring but I want to get them over with. The sooner I do. The sooner I can go home and try and put all of this behind me.
Thank goodness it was a short drive and it was still early in the day. No matter what though. I would go no higher than their first floor. Who was I kidding? I deserve whatever they will throw at me short of being murdered. But wasn't I a murderer too? The flight was much shorter than I thought and the airplane wasn't packed so I was able to get off and get to the baggage carousel with ease.
Bo and Kenzi
"What do you want with Lauren? Bo asked entering the room.
"We didn't call for you Succubus". Blackthorn said.
"Ahhh well I don't care. Now answer my question". Bo said.
"I'm in charge but you have never respected that. Tell me why you're here or get out of my building". Blackthorn snapped. He didn't care who she was related to or about her crazy mother. They weren't Trick. They weren't Aife. They were Fae and order.
"I don't want to be in this funky place longer than I have to be so I will ask again. What do you want with Lauren? Bo snapped.
"We don't make deals for humans assuming that's why you brought one in front of us". Blackthorn snapped pointing at Kenzi.
"I will ask you one more time and then I will pull the answer out of your ass. What do you want with Lauren? Bo asked stepping towards them but pushing Kenzi behind her.
"She is currently Light Fae property. We are simply trying to keep her that way". Blackthorn said.
A question popped into Bo's head so she pulled her phone out. "Put Albert on the phone Trick. Albert tell me I can beat the Elders asses".
"Well yes but you can't kill them. Their fate like Trick's will be up to Lauren once she's finished". Albert explained
"Well damn. Not killing them takes the fun out of it". Bo said dropping Blackthorn on his knees.
"You can't kill them. They think Dyson has gone to get another family. They don't know where he is right now". Albert said.
"I see. I will call you when I'm done here". Bo said hanging up.
"Couldn't help you huh? Blackthorn laughed.
"No he did. But nothing will help you if I have to come back here. And if I do, you will no longer be Blackthorn, you will be a fucked thorn". Bo seethed.
"Get out! Blackthorn screamed.
"We're going. I have all I need from you". Bo smiled.
Bo turned to Kenzi and nodded. Kenzi put Geraldine down. She never trusted the Elders. Hale was a pushover but not these assholes. Not to humans.
"You know Hale could have told us their plan". Kenzi said softly.
"I know. But this was fun and gave me something to do for a moment". Bo said walking towards her Camaro.
When she was inside she called Albert like she said she would.
"Succubus". Albert answered.
"I have an idea. The Elders don't know where Dyson is right? Bo asked.
"No the Blood King told me that in his latest rant". Albert laughed.
"Good. Now have the Blood King go into the cage. Ask Dyson for his shirt. Once he has it, he is to tear it into pieces. Have a piece thrown into the woods. Placed with Bashira. Make sure she puts it behind her counter top. One at every airport. All trains and bus stations. Anywhere he could travel out of town". Bo explained.
"That's brilliant. You want those bastards to think he's gone when he's really not! Albert laughed.
"Tell Trick I want it done before I get there". Bo said.
"I will tell him immediately. This is really good and in no way does it interfere with Lauren". Albert laughed again.
"We'll see you soon". Bo said softly.
"Ok. We'll handle things from our end". Albert laughed hanging up.
"What was that about? Aife asked moving closer to her friend.
"Your daughter is a piece of work". Albert laughed. This was going to be funny watching Trick go into his own dungeon like the slave he turned Lauren into.
"What did she say? Aife asked. She wouldn't need to ask had she eavesdropped.
"It's a great plan and in no way interferes with Lauren". Albert said. He nearly wanted to laugh but he needed to tell Trick what Bo said. More like what she ordered.
"Well enquiring minds want to know". Aife laughed.
"She wants Fitzpatrick to go and get the wolf's shirt, cut it up and place pieces of it all at points of travel". Albert laughed. The image of Trick going in there popped into his head again.
"Ohhhh hell yes! Damn I need a camera". Aife laughed. She just had to get this on film.
"What if he doesn't agree to it though. That would be a problem". Albert said watching Aife walk away for the moment. She had forgotten she had a camera phone and it recorded. All of these new gadgets were coming in handy.
"He'll do it. He can't resist the power of a Succubus". Aife winked. She was so going to enjoy this. She went down into Trick's lair, bringing him up only to take him down the other stairs.
"Aife? What are you doing? Trick mumbled as she manhandled him.
"She's doing what Bo requested". Albert laughed again.
"And that is? Trick snapped. They were treating him like he wasn't the Blood King. Like he wasn't important. Like he was a thug. Like he was a human.
"You are to go in and get the wolf's shirt off of him". Albert said.
"What? Why? Trick asked.
"It is not your place to question why. Just get your ass in there and get it". Aife seethed sending a pulse into him.
"That won't work Aife. You're not powerful enough to pulse me". Trick sighed. He was too busy for such antics.
"Then you won't mind if I try". Bo said standing behind them.
"Isabeau! Good now mama can let go of this chump and tape this". Aife laughed.
"You can let him go and Trick you can go willingly unless you want me to pulse you so hard that I will have you scratching your ass for years". Bo said slowly. Kenzi was standing behind her making her own video. After seeing how Bo brought Dyson back surely Trick wouldn't test the powerful Fae.
Trick couldn't do anything. He knew Bo meant it. He hadn't even gotten the image of her Succubus out of his head. It was something he had never seen before. Not with his wife Isabeau or Aife.
The group watched him go in after Bo unlocked the cage. He didn't even have a light but Albert gladly held up a flashlight. Just to make sure he got Dyson's shirt and not the Underfae's.
Aife laughed the whole time taunting him. It was a rarity to see the Blood King do as commanded. Normally he was commanding someone to do his bidding. His bullshit.
"Hurry up. I do have a beer or two to drink". Bo snapped. Trick was taking his slow ass time going in. A cowardly King. She didn't care if he died but knew he needed to stay alive for Lauren's wrath.
"Trick? What are you doing here? Dyson whispered and shuddered when he heard the Underfae groan.
"I need your shirt". Trick said.
"What? You need my what? Dyson asked. How was Trick even in there with him and better yet still alive?
"I need your shirt son". Trick said.
"Yeah he wishes he was your son. But he has always been your little bastard". Aife laughed.
"Aife please". Trick said over his shoulder.
"You have one minute or I will lock you in there too". Bo said softly.
"Dyson give me your shirt". Trick said quickly hearing Bo dangling the keys.
"Trick he will kill me. You will leave me exposed to more wounds than I already have". Dyson said angrily.
"I will torture you if you don't give him your shirt". Bo snapped. Dyson was stalling.
"Just give me your shirt. I will check on you as often as I can". Trick said.
"Fine but if I die, it will be on you". Dyson said.
"Silly dog this is bigger than you. But hopefully you won't die". Allbert laughed. This was too good.
Trick couldn't think of anything to help his old friend. Short of building a wall to separate them but Bo had the only set of keys to the cage and she wasn't about to hand them over.
"Five seconds". Bo said watching Trick pop the buttons from Dyson's shirt and turning to run out.
Bo smiled as she slammed the cage shut. She didn't trust Trick to lock it back. But it didn't matter. Trick knew what would happen if Dyson got out.
"Bo! Bo! Stop it and let me go". Trick screamed as Bo dragged him up into the Dal. Once they were there she did drop him on the floor.
"Now cut that shirt up. Send your goons out and put pieces of that shirt at all points of transportation". Bo said sternly.
"What? What will that solve? Trick asked.
"It will have the Elders thinking Dyson has gone after Lauren again. They always send shifters, you know that and when they don't hear from him, they will think he's gone". Bo explained. That's all the Fae knew how to do. Some of them could travel as easily as the wind but always sent shifters to find someone. This time they would smell Dyson and think he really was on the case again.
"That won't work Bo". Trick sighed. Bo meant well but she didn't use her brain on this one.
"Oh it will work. Who's gonna tell them? You? You won't even tell half the Fae that you're the Blood King". Bo laughed.
"I don't have enough men to do this". Trick said.
"Then find some and get them here within the hour. If not then you won't have to worry about Dyson's scent. I will shove your nose up his ass and you can smell it personally". Bo said. Trick shook his head and went to his phone behind the Bar.
"Oh and Trick? Tell them it's like how you taught Dyson, it's not their secret to tell". Bo said.
Bo half smiled. If she couldn't kill the Elders at least she would have a little fun watching them chase their own tails in circle after circle looking for their top dog.
"Bo what about the Fae that put him in there? What if they tell? Kenzi asked.
"You're right. I will take care of them right now". Bo said walking towards the door where the guards were standing. It was funny though. Trick's the Blood King and he needs guards for his bar.
Lauren
I arrived at my next hotel and immediately checked in. Somehow Albert had snagged Trick's credit card and I hadn't maxed it out yet. I wondered if it even had a max. I didn't care. I was owed these nice beds and first class flights. It was the least Trick could do after all the years he mistreated me.
I rented nothing but Mustang Convertibles. I am sure Bo would appreciate the latest one. It was a bolder yellow than her Camaro. But that's not the reason I chose it. I didn't have a choice since it was the only one available.
I was here for Parker Preston. To talk to his family and make sure they know how sorry I am about what happened. I couldn't find much about him online except that he came from money. That was likely a privacy issue keeping leeches from visiting. I hope they didn't think I was one. I dressed casually in white tennis shoes, blue jeans and a white button up shirt. I topped that with sunglasses and a black leather jacket.
Jumped in the Mustang and I was off. I let the top down to get some fresh air. I needed it to clear my head. I needed to let go of the moments I shared with the other families. I couldn't expect them all to go so smoothly and they shouldn't. None of this should be easy. It wouldn't be for them and it shouldn't be for me. This was my deal. This was my problem. This was my mess that I left them mourning in without any justice or apology. Just my face plastered all over the city on flyers or gigantic most wanted posters.
I would play some music. But that would make this sound like a vacation. Like I was out on a joy ride or date. No. Lauren Lewis hadn't dated in awhile. Lauren Lewis was unattached and that's just how I needed it to be right now. Unattached to everything I left behind me. They couldn't help me now and they wouldn't if they could. But they wouldn't hesitate to ask me for help. Or shall I say demand that I help with some case any fool should be able to solve on his own. If he didn't have his trusty sidekick Succubus at his beck and call.
I finally arrived at my destination after an hour and a half. It was still early and that worked for me as I saw a couple of cars in the driveway. It made me nervous. How many people was I about to crush? Were there really two of them or just two cars for one person?
Either way I was ready. I was starting to sweat from nervousness so I pulled my jacket off setting it on the passengers side.
With every step I took up the long walk way the more my nerves grew. The only solace I could muster was that I only had two of these trips left to go.
Don't be a coward Lewis, just do it. I stepped onto the porch and rang the doorbell. I tapped my feet until someone finally came to the door. A butler.
"Preston residence. How can I help you? He asked.
"Karen Beattie here to see any member of the Preston family". I said.
"Do any of them know you? He asked.
"No I am here to talk about Parker". I said.
I watched him nod. He held his hand out for me to come in. Once I was in the foyer and settled on a nice lounge chair he walked back towards what I assumed was the sitting room. This place was magnificent. Not a speck of dust to be seen anywhere. I was quite comfortable. After a few minutes he came back with a dark haired gentleman with him.
"Ms. Beattie? I'm Parker Preston".
I nearly wet myself. Parker Preston was one of the casualties. I was sure of it. This couldn't be him.
"The Parker Preston that died in the pipeline explosion? I asked standing to my feet.
"No ma'am I did not die because I didn't go in that day". Parker said.
"What? Then why did they have you listed among the dead? I asked.
"Because ma'am. I did it for the insurance money. Dad cut me out of his will when he found out I had a gambling problem. I took out two life insurance policies. Then I picked out a random body from a local funeral home. Once I paid the family to let me use his body, I had it tagged with my name and. The Medical Examiner was paid handsomely too for using my dental records that my dentist, Simpson here provided. As you can see. I am very well off". Parker explained.
"You're a fraud! I screamed.
"No bigger fraud than you Lauren Lewis". Parker winked.
"How do you know about that? I asked. Shocked that he knew about my new name.
"Let's just say a dog found you for me". Parker said.
"Who? I squinted. If I was about to be screwed over I wanted to know by who and by name. Although I already had my suspicions.
"Dyson I believe his name is. He called and my butler answered. Said he'd be stopping by and that he had some news I would be interested in. I hope he does come, I haven't been hunting in awhile. He also faxed me a picture of you. You're quite hot as a blonde". Parker laughed.
"Let me guess. You're gonna kill him if he comes so he can't prove your alive? I asked.
"That's correct now if you want me to report you too, you will leave my house at once. Don't look so sad sweetie. I wouldn't have any of this without your help". Parker smirked.
I hated it but he had me. If I stayed I was busted. I didn't much trust him or his swindler tactics but I liked breathing and I had other families to see.
"No I will be going". I said.
"Simpson please show her out". Parker said.
I followed the butler back to the door. He opened it frowning at me. He must be miserable here and or being blackmailed to work there. I almost felt sorry for Dyson but if he wanted to expose my life, he deserved to have his ass beat or his head taken off. The other families were also the reason I wanted to leave. For those families that have forgiven me, those that haven't and those I haven't seen in person yet. Putting me back in the news would be putting them in the spotlight again too.
Stupid dog. "Come fetch".
TBC