Chapter Four
Half of Emesh’s mind focused on the man driving the rig, the other half listened in on Enten’s conversation to Marduk back at the compound. The boss of the gods always needed to be filled in, and Enten brought him up to date.
Yeah, Marduk. Have Shamash look up Trask and see what he can find out. The all-seeing Sham could find anything on his computer. The guy sounds really sketchy, and Douglas is freaked about seeing him again.
Have you been able to tell him yet that you are gods? Marduk didn’t want them to waste time. His take was the quicker their Chosen were given the mind-fuck information, the sooner they could get over it, so the gods would be comfortable using all the powers at their disposal.
Emesh interrupted.
Puh-lease, boss man. This is my future Chosen. Give me a couple of days, at least, Emesh implored. Let’s get Kate back to safety before I figure out how to break the news. Not to bitch, but none of you succeeded in making it look easy.
Emesh detected a long-distance snort. Marduk’s mate, Tess, had to be listening in. She’d been ready to call the men in the little white coats when Marduk decided that popping in and out of invisibility would be the right approach to letting her in on his secret.
Glory had been smacked in the head with Enten’s abilities while in the process of being kidnapped. Neither approach had been ideal. Emesh wanted candlelight and roses to make his big reveal. Not too much to ask.
Okay, Emesh. Just don’t wait too long. I’m happy for you, but you know we’re on a strict timetable, and the sooner you have your relationship with Douglas under control, the happier I’ll be.
That makes two of us, oh mighty ruler, Emesh replied impishly, a rakish smile crossing his lips. He looked at Douglas again. The man regarded him carefully, his eyebrows elevated.
“Something funny?” the truck driver asked.
Emesh blushed. Talking on two plains always proved difficult. He could understand why Marduk didn’t want him to dawdle. Too many things could go wrong.
“No,” Emesh replied sheepishly. “Just thinking of something my boss said.” That’s the closest the summer god could come to not telling a lie.
“Your boss, huh?” Douglas questioned. “Who’s he, and what is it you do?”
Emesh stumbled for something to say. Luckily his brother had his back.
Tell him we’re private investigators who find missing persons. That’s pretty close to what we do, finding our Chosen. The tension leeched out of Emesh. He could run with that.
“We work for a private investigation firm, and we locate people,” Emesh repeated. “Remember how I said some of our guys are federal agents?” He got a quick nod from Douglas and something mumbled that sounded suspiciously like, “investigators without cars” as he worked his way through a left turn at a traffic light.
“Well, we also have several other…foreign and domestic groups working with us.” Emesh thought about―but couldn’t disclose―the six blue Lauernley guys from the Rhine Valley who had recently joined them, and the warlock Dorian with the witches Angie, Addie-May, and Obedience. He wouldn’t even try to prevaricate about the beings from the Underworld and Overworld who frequently popped in and out. TMI even cleaned up.
“So, it was a piece of cake for you to find me,” Douglas sounded annoyed. He’d obviously believed his tracks to be pretty well hidden.
“Tracing Dr. Jacobsen from the hospital didn’t prove difficult, but understand,” Emesh reassured him, “he never would have given us your whereabouts if your mother hadn’t been at risk.” Emesh wouldn’t let him know about compelling people for information. “As soon as he confirmed Enten had married Glory and our intentions were good, he helped us… but not before.” Emesh made sure he sounded definitive on that, and Douglas looked convinced.
“Jacobsen’s been a good friend,” his voice turned gruff. “I don’t know what I would have done without him.” He cleared his throat and threw out a question that clearly bothered him. “So, we confront Trask and ask if he’s seen Mom. If Trask says no, how will we know if he’s telling the truth?”
Douglas’ worries had Emesh scrambling. Again, his mate couldn’t be privy to the fact, yet, that they could suck all the information out of Trask’s brain as needed. Hell. That would make his new human friend freak out. And if they got rough and vacuumed the doctor’s head dry, they’d know everything that had been done to Douglas. Emesh figured that might be a game stopper. Douglas would have to reveal everything in his own way, in his own time. Emesh didn’t want to violate the trust that needed to be built between them. So rather than let on about compelling, Emesh talked smack.
“We’re not averse to physical persuasion,” he lowered his voice and attempted to look tough. That got an unexpected bark of disbelief.
“You’ve got the build for intimidation,” Douglas agreed, “but you might have to tone down the…”
Emesh could tell that his companion searched for the right word.
“Ah, shit.” His potential mate shook his head. “There’s no use denying it. I have to use some fucked up, pussy-ass terms like ‘radiance’ or ‘blissful’.” Douglas looked damned uncomfortable. “But that’s all I can think of. There’s some freakin’ happy vibes coming off you most of the time. Have you been told that before?”
Use this to your advantage, brother, Enten intervened.
Emesh, unsure what his brother meant, shivered, inordinately pleased that Douglas felt him.
“You shouldn’t take my affectations personally.” Yes, you should, Emesh wanted to shout, instead. “Everyone’s aware of the good-cop, bad-cop routine.” Emesh reached across the seats and laid his hand on Douglas’ shoulder. “Well, I’m the one who does the fluffing, and Enten goes in for the kill.”
“But don’t get my brother wrong,” Enten added from the back, perhaps pleased with Emesh’s description. “He’s no pushover. When it comes to holding his own in a fight, he’s no lightweight.”
Thanks, brother-mine, for covering me, Emesh sent to his twin. I have no clue whether he’ll like my feminine side, my masculine side, or a combination of both.
The asshole better like everything about you, or he’ll answer to me, Enten sent back brusquely. Just be yourself.
“I assumed the muscles weren’t only for show,” Douglas allowed. He didn’t shake Emesh off, perhaps acclimatizing to his touch? Emesh thrilled at the contact. He had all he could do not to turn around and high-five his brother.
Douglas not only tolerated his hand, clearly, the mortal had been checking Emesh out. The god almost screwed up his courage and asked if his luscious mate was currently involved with anybody but bit his tongue. Not only did that sound needy, but the timing remained totally inappropriate. Kate first, lust later. Besides, even if Douglas currently dated someone, Emesh wouldn’t let it stand in his way. If his potential mate had a partner, the man’s bags were as good as packed. Douglas belonged to him. The possessive verb made Emesh worry again about Douglas’ mental well-being while facing Trask.
“Are you sure you want to go in when we get there?” he probed. “Enten and I can more than take care of things.” It would actually be easier for the gods because compelling could then be done without Douglas becoming the wiser. They could always attempt to wipe Douglas’ mind clear afterward, but the gods had found their future mates were often impervious to mind-manipulation.
“No. I’m good. I’ll be fine to go in. You know what they say about facing your demons? This guy has been in my nightmares long enough. It’s time I put him to rest.” Douglas let out a shaky breath. “I haven’t set eyes on the doctor in over eleven years. He has to be near eighty by now.” He attempted a shaky laugh. “I think the three of us should be able to take him.”
Emesh’s chest clenched. Douglas tried like hell to be brave, but the god could tell he remained totally spooked. As far as Emesh figured, the sooner this ended, the better. They couldn’t find Kate quickly enough… and get the hell out.
Douglas drove the truck up in front of a large, decrepit, and extremely creepy looking house nestled behind a dense stand of trees. It belied the calm, pleasant look of the little town center and common they’d just passed and made Emesh wonder why the locals would ever want to step foot in this physician’s office. It screamed “run” even to his uneducated, non-human eye.
“Seriously? This Adam’s Family mausoleum is where Trask practices?” he trilled.
“A bunch of years ago, after the state school closed, he moved some patients and staff here to a private practice,” Douglas confirmed. “Don’t ask me the particulars. I made it a point not to stay in touch.”
At least he made a joke, albeit a weak one. Neither Emesh nor Enten laughed.
Emesh, the first to pluck up the courage, got out of the truck.
“Let’s get this over with. Hopefully, your mother has come and gone.” The summer god turned to his brother. “Maybe you should have a look around out back,” Emesh suggested out loud, but in mind-speak, he gave his actual suggestion. Why don’t you duck around back and become invisible? You can check all the rooms and make sure Trask hasn’t stashed Kate somewhere. While you’re busy, we’ll play the concerned relatives and make nice with the evil doctor.
Sounds good to me, Enten agreed, then added for Douglas’ benefit. “Great idea Emesh. I’ll have a walk around and make sure there are no ghosties and ghoulies wandering the yard.” Although looking at this place, I’m not so sure that’s not entirely possible, he joked, then walked away.
Douglas and Emesh approached the front door. A faded, hand-written sign graced the imposing edifice. “Bell out of order, please knock.”
“The guy can’t be all bad if he quotes The Wizard of Oz,” Emesh smirked. He elbowed Douglas in the ribs, but his companion didn’t crack a smile.
“It’s a complete accident. The old coot isn’t aware there’s even such a thing as movies. Under his watch, we weren’t allowed any outside stimulation.”
A quick shiver slid up Emesh’s spine before he got angry. Who the hell did the old guy think he was, anyway? He’d run with his own rules and made a lot of lives unbearable. The god already hated the asshole.
Emesh raised the devil’s head knocker and let it drop, continuing to rant in his head. Creepy-assed bastard. How dare he scare a young, vulnerable Douglas? Emesh wanted to wring the guy’s neck…or take a hold of his mate’s hand and reassure him. Such conflicting feelings. He drew himself up to full god height. He vowed to protect Douglas with his life. And he never broke a promise.
Minutes passed, and Emesh knocked again. He noticed the camera mounted on the wall and wondered why the doctor would have surveillance. He had no doubt they’d been looked over from top to bottom by this time. Had they passed muster? Would they be allowed in? Footsteps finally sounded on the other side of the door in answer to his question.
The woman who drew open the heavy oak portal stood small and straight-backed. Her gray hair had been scraped and secured into a severe bun, and her skin gleamed pale, nearly translucent. Not exactly a receptionist to inspire confidence in one’s choice of doctor.
“Can I help you?” her voice croaked. Emesh looked at Douglas who appeared tongue-tied and answered for them both.
“Yes. We’d like to see the doctor, please.” It didn’t hurt to be polite, and Emesh turned up his sunny disposition a bit. The woman squinted and held up her hand as if to ward off the glare. Huh. Not used to the sun?
Emesh almost expected to hear “Nobody sees the wizard, not nobody, not no-how” He was pleasantly surprised to get a different answer.
“Whom shall I tell him is calling?”
“You can tell him it’s Douglas Wingfeather and a friend, coming to inquire about Kate Wingfeather.” The god looked for a ‘tell’ from the woman, but her face remained impassive. She stepped back and led them into a hallway that would have spooked the bravest soul. Instead of the subdued lighting and heavily tapestried Victorian interior Emesh expected, the polar opposite smacked him in the head.
No natural light filtered into the hallway, and no ornate chandeliers, decorative or otherwise, graced the area. Stark fluorescent bulbs hung suspended from a pale painted ceiling. The unadorned walls had been covered in white soundproofing material, making footsteps on the dingy tiled floor muffled. Every bit of period character had been stripped from the foyer and the waiting room where they were led. The vast, square space appeared dour. The gray metal folding chairs to which they were pointed, lent the only hint of color to the old, yellowed room.
“This place is gruesome,” Emesh whispered. He’d been around Douglas long enough to be in tune with the human and noted that his partner suddenly lacked the ability to draw in full breaths. His respiration came quickly and sharply. It didn’t bode well for being able to keep his feet under him once old Doctor Nasty made an appearance. Emesh tried one more time to get Douglas to leave.
“Why don’t you wait in the truck?” he suggested. “I’m good here.”
“No,” Douglas clipped. “I’ll be fine.”
Emesh barely held back from rolling his eyes. If Douglas was fine, then flying monkeys should be making an appearance at any moment. Why did his Chosen have to pretend to be so damned strong? On the other hand, maybe this brand of fortitude would serve him well when the time came for Emesh to roll back the curtain on his god genetics. He could only hope.
Muted footsteps sounded in the hall, and the disturbing woman showed up again.
“The doctor says he will see you.” She looked directly at Douglas, and when Emesh stepped forward too, she held out a hand. “Not you. The doctor requests only Mr. Wingfeather.”
Emesh scoffed. “Not on your life Mrs. Danvers,” he referenced, eliciting a strangled snort from Douglas. Ooh. Nice to know his future mate enjoyed classic macabre flicks. “It’s both of us or nobody at all.” When Douglas attempted to speak, Emesh held out a stop-sign hand and shook his head vehemently. “Don’t even go there,” he warned. “I’m not letting you face nightmare man by yourself.”
Douglas backed down quicker than Emesh would have bet. That’s how trashed the poor guy’s psyche had become. The god could tell the gate-keeper opened her mouth to protest but got cut off by a voice, strong and clear, that wafted down the hallway, leaving no doubt as to whom it belonged.
“Show them both in, Belinda,” the command descended. The woman tipped her white head in acquiescence and turned on her heel. She didn’t seem happy, but neither was Emesh. Now they had no choice but to follow.
One look at Douglas as they stepped toward an open doorway down the hall and Emesh’s squeamishness got replaced by an ire that inched up. His companion appeared nearly as pale as the walls. What horrible things would send a strong, virile, take-charge man like Douglas dissolving into this puddle of fear? Emesh couldn’t wait to meet the asshole in charge. He’d bring some nasty ass god shit to the good doctor given the slightest provocation. Wait and see if he didn’t…right after they found out if Kate had been here.
Emesh hadn’t heard from his twin since they parted company and attempted a connection before the big meeting. Enten, are you finding anything?
More than you can imagine. This place is insane. Douglas may be more fucked up than we thought. Keep me in your head during your meeting with Doctor Gruesome, and I’ll come down to find you after I scope out the rest of the third floor.
Gotcha, brother.
They slunk from the stark white hallway into an inky black hole of darkness in seconds. No light penetrated the lair of the head-honcho. A few, low incandescent bulbs in sconces threw the barest hint of illumination. Emesh had the almost uncontrollable urge to light the place up but tamped down his instincts. It wouldn’t do to show off. His eyes took precious seconds to adjust, but before they did, his nostrils picked up a tang that seemed oddly familiar. Something he should know remained just out of reach. What the hell could it be?
As the god became accustomed to the darkness, the man with his back to them across the room came slowly into focus. Not what Emesh expected. The back of the nearly eighty-year-old guy’s head sported a full mane of salt and pepper hair that would have looked more natural for a fifty-something human.
“Just for Men, Gel?” he snickered out loud and got no response.
If the hair color hadn’t made Emesh ponder, the doctor’s face, when he finally turned, seriously gave pause. It might have been a trick of the low light, but Emesh didn’t think so. Not a single age line marred the man’s visage.
“Douglas Wingfeather,” the doctor’s voice emerged dark and smarmy, the guys’ focus all on Emesh’s partner. The look in his eyes made the god’s skin crawl. “People led me to believe that you were dead.”
Douglas stood tongue-tied, clearly without words.
“That’s none of your concern, Dr. Phibes,” Emesh spat back, hoping Douglas would get the second horror reference and loosen up. “Right now, the question of the hour involves the whereabouts of Kate Wingfeather.”
“Kate. A lovely woman,” the icky, nauseating voice continued. The doctor spared a quick glance to Emesh before he turned back to Douglas again and…what?…licked his thin-assed lips? “Douglas, my boy, you’ve misplaced your mother?”
The doctor stepped out of the shadows, and Emesh got his first good look at the physician. His body stood long and lanky, his eyes black and penetrating. Emesh’s grew wide with trepidation as he inhaled a deep, disturbing breath. Shit.
Enten? He called to his brother.
Yeah, Emesh?
We have a serious problem, Emesh returned.
You’re telling me. Wait ‘til you hear what I’ve found.
No. You wait…and whatever you do, don’t come down here invisible. At the silence that met this statement, Emesh sucked in a shallow gulp, trying to filter out the smell that now filled his head to the point of retching, and continued. The doctor…he choked out. His brother remained patient…waiting. Emesh started again and forced the words through his strangled brain. The doctor isn’t human.