Chapter Twenty-Three
Andrew’s pulse sped as he strode down the sidewalk, heading to the demon’s property. The second he’d spotted the demon walking toward his house, he’d darted behind the SUV. He hadn’t expected the man to return to his home so quickly. The demon often stayed in the garage for at least fifteen minutes, often longer. After Emily had given him a sign, he’d decided to proceed with his plan, but he’d have to hurry and hide behind the garage in case the man returned soon.
He passed the demon’s privacy fence and reached the driveway. Keeping his gaze on the house, he walked close to the fence and away from the sedan as he strode toward the garage. The three-foot wide space between it and the tall barrier would give him enough room to hide and move around. He reached the gap and found gardening tools leaning against the building. Carefully, he stepped around them.
The air felt cooler as he continued along the dark space. He had to lift his feet to step over the tall grass and weeds. The area smelled of mildew. Mold covered several areas along the deteriorating gray fence. It seemed termites had eaten away at most of the wood too. He felt a tickling sensation on his arm and ran his hand down it. He wondered if spiders had found their heaven in the undisturbed small confines. Reaching the back of the garage, he spotted a large web in the corner of the fence. He hoped he wouldn’t run into the creator.
He walked along the backside of the building. The grass seemed taller, so he had to lift his legs higher to avoid making swishing sounds. He still did but one could presume the wind had created the soft noise.
Hearing a click and the jingle of keys, Andrew froze. He stood four feet from the corner of the garage that opened to the back yard. Heart accelerating, he put his hand on the building and steadied his breathing. The vinyl siding felt cool and gritty. He heard footsteps on the driveway. Seconds later, he heard a squeal and then a thud. The wall shook under his touch.
Andrew lowered his arm and waited for more sounds. He took one step forward. A clanging noise inside the garage gave Andrew pause. He guessed the clank belonged to some kind of metal or a pipe. Andrew moved toward slowly and quietly to the end of the building. Rattling from within led him to believe the demon was searching for something. Andrew heard the demon curse and then a loud cling.
The squeal returned and then a loud smack as if a door had been slammed. The building vibrated again. Hearing footsteps, Andrew peeked around the corner. The demon held his key and stopped at the front door to his house. Andrew stepped back and waited for the demon to go inside. When he heard a soft thud, he peered from behind the garage. The demon was gone.
Andrew’s phone twitched in his pocket. He ignored it as he hurried around the structure. Judging from the sounds, the demon seemed irritated and searching for something. He’d left in a rush and if Andrew guessed right, he hadn’t locked the garage door. And if he were on the hunt for something, he’d return soon.
His heart thudded fast. Adrenaline coursed within him. He reached the door and twisted the handle. It turned. Andrew rushed inside and shut the door.
The musty room stunk of some kind of chemical and fertilizer. Long florescent lights lit up the area. Tall wooden tables lined both sides and the back walls. Not far from him, there was a tall tool shelf, two piles of large forty to fifty pound bags, and several twenty-gallon cylindrical tubs. The tables on one side of the room were covered with vests with pipes connected to devices. Tools, pipes, electronics, bowls, paper towels, and a few kitchen items were scattered on the tables on the opposite side. Two of the large bags lay open as well. Black dirt coated the floor in one spot not far from one of the gallon tubs.
Andrew had no idea what the demon was working on, but he figured Emily might know. He dug out his cell from his pocket. He scrubbed his arm over his forehead to clear the perspiration before he tapped the screen. Emily had sent him a message saying the demon had gone into the house. He ignored the text and pressed the icon for the camera. As quick as he could, he took a picture of the supplies beside him. He strode to the table with the vests and snapped shots too. He moved toward the door as he hurried to send the photos to Emily.
Having sent the pictures, he shoved the phone into his back pocket. He surveyed the room, looking for a spot to hide. He couldn’t find any tarps or covers. The four-foot high tool shelf didn’t offer enough width to conceal him.
A thud outside jerked his attention toward the door. Andrew’s heart raced as he suspected the demon was on his way back. With nowhere to hide, he backed up behind the wood door. He shoved his hand into his front pocket for the switchblade. He withdrew it and held the weapon at his side.
Sweat trickled down one side of his face. The demon twisted the handle and then entered the garage. Andrew sucked in a breath as the door came close to him. The demon swung it shut behind him. Carrying a box, he strode toward the tables with the supplies scattered about. The door smacked when it closed.
Andrew released the breath he’d been holding. He had one thought in his head as he took a step forward. Please let this end quickly.
The demon set the box on the table. The cardboard scraped over the surface. Andrew managed another step before the demon turned and saw him. The man’s eyes widened and he froze.
“What do you want?” the demon asked.
“You.” Andrew gripped the weapon in his hand. His thumb searched for the trigger to free the blade.
The demon darted his gaze to the vests.
“Don’t move.” Finding the small button on the switchblade, he pushed it. The sharp blade swished out.
The demon looked at the weapon in his hand. “Do you want money?”
“No. I’m here for you.”
The demon took a step to his right.
“Stop,” Andrew said.
The demon froze again. “Why are you here for me?”
“Because you’re evil. You don’t belong here.”
The demon smirked and took another step to his right. “I’m prepared to die. Are you?”
Andrew moved closer. “I’m glad you’re ready.”
When the man darted for the table, Andrew rushed at him. The demon grabbed the nearest vest and something clicked right before Andrew stabbed the man in his chest. Andrew shoved the man against the table and held his back to it. The demon groaned while he held onto the vest. Andrew yanked the switchblade out and then thrust it into the man’s heart. The demon didn’t fight back, but his hand continued to move. Andrew glanced down and saw a red light on the device attached to the vest.
“You die too,” the demon said.
Andrew’s phone vibrated in his pocket while realization flashed in his mind. He looked down at the demon’s hand. The man held a small object with a button on top. He pressed his thumb on the button.