Chapter Twenty-One
When Lassi stepped from the safety of the stone circle, into the undying wind, the clouds appeared to drip with dark blood. This is the ghastliest sunset I have ever seen. She kept a death grip on the flashlight, flicking it on and off with her thumb.
Mary stood, wringing her hands, next to her son. Whistling gusts made her coat flutter like a flag. “He told you the whole story, child?”
“He did,” Lassi said, facing her.
“And you believe him, don’t you?”
“What choice do I have? And, seeing is believing. Unless he carries contact lens movie props to make his eyes turn all...all...” She shuddered, picturing the glowing luminescence she’d seen in his eyes. “Yes, I believe him.”
“Good, good. He needs an ally, not another enemy.”
“Does he have enemies?”
Mary lifted her shoulder and let it fall. “Not in the manner you might think but he’s often regarded with uneasy acceptance.”
Lassi tucked that thought away for later examination.
Inspector Conway leaned toward her, his face lined with worry. “You see that, right?” He lifted his trembling hand to point overhead at the bloody-looking clouds. Even the tree next to the grave looked like it dripped with blood. “The vampire’s left us a sign. There’s going to be a bloodbath.”
His ferret-like face looked drawn and pale. Shadows made his cheeks appear hollow.
“There will be no bloodbath,” Cillian said. He had to turn sideways to slide through the opening. “Not if I can help it. We have Lassi in on the situation now. That will help.”
“How will it help?” She blinked.
He said nothing, his face grim.
She still struggled to process everything she’d been told. And, me, magic? I’m a damn good delivery nurse, but magic? Lassi studied him for a moment. He seemed taller...more confident...far sexier, if such a thing was possible. Maybe now he’s spilled his secret he can breathe...let his true colors fly.
He caught her gaze and smiled, warmly. Then, he turned his attention back to Conway.
Conway literally vibrated. His hands moved in jerky gestures. He took a few steps, then whirled around. Then he took a few more steps, and whirled around again. “I heard you say, ‘follow the stones’. What kind of advice is that?” He swept his arm out. “Ireland is littered with stones. How else could we build all these fecking stone walls?”
“It’s got to be a clue, dear,” Mary said. “If Lassi got the call.”
“Follow the stones,” he muttered, continuing his pacing. “The only solution I can think of is to determine who will be her next victim.”
“It will either be Cillian or Lassi because of breaking priestly vows,” Mary said, in a calm voice.
“What?” Lassi’s legs did another jelly-like surrender. She grabbed for Cillian to steady herself.
“She’s right, love. I’m afraid I’ve put you in harm’s way. Same as I did Rosalie.” He dragged his hand through his hair. “She won’t come after me—I’m too strong. I’m a bloody Leviathan, after all.”
Cold sweat formed on Lassi’s skin. “Oh, God,” she panted. “Oh, God.” She clutched Cillian’s muscled forearm. “I...I...”
I’m not used to losing control. Fecking get it together, Lassi! She forced several slow breaths from her lungs. When she’d managed to create a measure of calm inside, she brought her gaze to him. Then, she cocked her head and studied him. He’s not even listening to me. He’s doing that super-human Levi-O-vision eye glow thing again.
Oddly silent, he squinted and peered around with his eyes lit like chemiluminescence.
“What are you doing?” She shook his arm.
His body remained statue-stiff, in the same way as when she found him all unnaturally solid in the nave of the church. And when I gave him one heck of a guilt-inducing blow-job.
“Cillian?”
Mary took a step toward her and placed her hand on her shoulder. “This is how he gets. He’s sensing things...looking for clues.”
“Okay,” Lassi said. “Okay. This is normal Cillian. Got it.” She scrunched up her face and stared at him. Then, she waved her hand in front of his face.
“I can see perfectly well, Miss Finn,” he said, startling her. “Far better than anyone.”
She took a step backward. “Oh. I’m sorry.”
“No need for sorrow in this moment.” He kept his eyes trained on some distant focal point. “But unless we come up with a plan, there will be plenty of sorrow.”
His words landed hard in her chest. “What are you seeing?”
“Small ocean rocks on the land, some even the size of skipping stones and pebbles.”
“No shite. We’re at the beach. And, like Conway said, Ireland is the land of rocks.”
Cillian afforded her a smirk. His eyes became normal. “No, it’s not that. They’re in... a pattern. Like an aisle leading from the open grave.”
Lassi pictured some bizarre wedding procession leading from the grave. “Well, fecking Christ on a cracker. What does that mean?”
Conway responded in the same annoyingly logical manner with which he’d questioned her. “If the stones contain her, then the aisle is meant to contain and lead her somewhere. A certain kind of rock, only found in or near this ocean, can hold her.”
“What? What are you talking about? The Dearg-due? How did you get to be such an expert?”
Conway opened his mouth to respond when his phone buzzed. He reached into his pocket to retrieve it. He tipped his chin down and studied the screen. “It’s Brown.” His eyes scanned. “Fuck.” He gripped the phone so hard his hand shook. “I’m about to get the shite kicked out of me.”
“What’s wrong, dear?” Mary said, placing her hand on his arm.
“She’s fecking furious with me for letting the two ‘suspects’ out. She’s going to have my badge and my balls, but later. Penny called Galbraith to report mysterious noises outside her house. I’ve got to go.” He pivoted to stride away.
“We’re all going. You’re not in this alone, Conway,” Lassi said. She flicked on her flashlight and waved the beam at his face.
He turned to protest, but her fierce determination—plus, the flashlight beam in his eyes—must have shut him up.
The four of them sprinted up the hill, their path dimly lit by the bobbing light beam.
“My patrol vehicle is up here,” Conway said, breathing hard. He pointed toward his SUV parked along the road.
“I knew Penny was next,” Lassi said, wheezing.
“I thought you said Liam was next,” Cillian answered, as composed as if they were on a stroll, even though he was in the lead.
“One of them,” she said, swishing her hand in the air. “Never mind.”
Once they got to the SUV, they all trundled inside. Mary sat in front. Cillian and Lassi sat in the back.
She stayed close to Cillian, drawing strength from his supernatural self or his super-sexy, manly self, she didn’t know which.
His eyes shifted to Leviathan-mode. “This can’t be good.”
“What?” She squeezed his thigh.
“The rocky path leads to Penny’s house.”
Conway floored the gas pedal.
They bumped and jostled up the hill, toward Penny’s.
Once they reached the house, Conway slammed on the brakes, skidding to a stop.
Lassi leaped from the vehicle and took off running.
Cillian met her side in a few short seconds, thanks to his long legs and magical stamina.
“Down here.” He pointed beyond the house to the barn. “Oh, Lord,” he said when the barn came into view.
“Whoa,” Lassi said, her scalp prickling with fear. She eyed the path of rocks leading toward the house. They skirted the dwelling, heading toward the livestock area. When they reached the barn, they branched into a circle, completely enclosing the large structure.
Cillian looked as ill as when he’d told her the story of Rosalie. His stride began to falter.
“Are you all right?” she asked.
“It’s...it’s...it’s exactly like when I found Rosalie.” His voice sounded strangled.
“There was a stone path?”
“Yes. I could have saved her,” he cried.
Her insides boiled with jealousy. He still loves Rosalie. He never got over her. Well, so be it. Do your job, help him out, and get back to Dublin. She straightened her shoulders. Then a jolt of anger shot through her as her compassion weighed in. Damn the fecking Dearg-Due for taking away his love and bringing him endless grief.
“Don’t go in there!” Conway shouted from some ways back. “It could be a crime scene!”
Cillian stopped short. He leaned against the wall, his eyes moist. Another anguished look marred his face once again.
She placed her palms on his shoulders and gripped him fiercely.
His eyes were squeezed shut. Tears streaked his cheeks. He drew his arm over his face.
“Cillian. Look at me.”
“I can’t. It’s like...it’s just like...” His chest shook with unshed grief, held captive all these many years.
She bit back her own tears. She’d dealt with a parent’s grief on many occasions. Babies died. Or, they hung in the balance while their tender bodies healed. But to witness such despair in someone she cared for was cracking her professional resolve. Fecking get it together. She shook her whole body, limbs, and all, like a dog, ridding itself of water. “It’s the past, Cillian. You’re reliving a nightmare. It’s no longer real. Now open your bloody eyes and look at me.”
He righted himself, took a breath, and met her eyes.
Certain his love for Rosalie shone in his luminous, Leviathan gaze, she fought against her jealousy, willing herself to stay cool and composed.
He clutched her upper arms. “I can’t lose you. I refuse.”
She blinked a few times. He’s worried about losing me? “You won’t lose me. Not if I can help it. Don’t forget I’m a nurse. That’s nearly a superhero. And now that I have magic skills, well...I’m beyond super.” She shrugged one shoulder. “Look out, world.”
A keening wail came from the barn.
“What the fecking hell?” Lassi’s hair stood on end.
Conway and Mary finally drew up close to them. Conway bent, placing his hands on his knees, and gasped for breath. “Need to...work out more. Penny’s...in the house...I checked.”
Horrible clawing sounds emerged from inside the barn, accompanied by ragged panting.
“Shite. So... what’s in there, then?” Lassi hissed. Sheer, unbridled terror filled her insides. Her skin grew clammy yet her mouth was dry as a bone.
More footsteps lumbered toward them from the rear.
Lassi whirled around, clutching the flashlight like a weapon.
Galbraith and Brown stormed toward them.
“Back away from the crime scene,” Galbraith said, in a wheezing voice.
Brown immediately took command. “Conway! You head for the house. Mrs. O’Donnell’s up there. Take your mother, and stay the fuck there. Do not, under any circumstance, come back down here.”
“Are you kidding me? You have no idea what’s in there,” Conway blurted.
Mary gave him a stern gaze, accompanied by a subtle shake of her head.
Brown skewered him with a steely expression. “I’ve dealt with serial killers, Conway. What can be deadlier?”
His mouth opened and closed. “Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry, ma’am.”
“Now, go! We’ll deal with this situation. You take care of Mrs. O’Donnell.” She pointed toward the house.
He started to turn to go, but stopped, staring at Cillian.
Cillian turned to face Brown. His presence seemed to grow as he towered over her, but it could have been a trick of the light. “You and Galbraith need to go, too.”
Brown puffed out her chest. “Who’s in charge here, Father, you or me? You’re a suspect.”
“I’m not the one to worry about, Inspector. I’m your best chance at catching the killer.” His eyes glowed softly for a second.
Inspector Brown blinked a few times. “Right,” she said. “Galbraith, let’s go help Conway with Penny.”
“But,” Galbraith said. His gaze pinged between Cillian, Lassi, and Conway.
“Do as he says, man,” Conway added. “He’s right.”
“But,” Galbraith repeated stupidly.
“Let’s go,” Brown commanded.
As they tromped up the hill, Lassi asked, “What did you do?”
Cillian shrugged. “Magic has its advantages. I made a strong suggestion.”
“Huh. So…you didn’t trick me into…” She waggled her finger between them.
He scoffed. “You’d know. Your magic is stronger than you realize. You’ll see soon enough. I’m going to need you to try something.”
More scratching sounds raked against the inside of the barn. A loud, hollow panting came next. Then, piercing squeaks, like someone was pulling hinges from the door.
Lassi rubbed her arms. “Cillian. What the fuck are we going to do? I’m newbie-magic. This, all this, is untested land.” She waved her arms up and down her body. “All I’ve managed to do is shock myself silly.”
A loud, ear-splitting shriek—like someone took the howling wind and amplified it—filled the air.
Lassi pressed her palms against her ears. It didn’t help. The shriek seemed plugged into her blood stream, as if her arteries were conduits.
“Oh, God, Cillian. Make it stop!” she cried, squeezing her eyes tightly. She crouched and rocked side to side, desperate to get away from the scream.
“Lassi.” Cillian’s words snaked through the screams as his hands wrapped around her wrists. “Look at me.”
She allowed one eye to open. The screeching in her head increased.
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Can’t you hear that sound?” Tears pricked at her eyes. She kept up the rocking, side to side.
“What sound?”
“The shrieks. The screams. The horrible bawling.” She put more muscle into her hands and rolled her palms around and around her ears.
“Lasairfhíona, look at me.”
She managed to get both eyes open. “Help me, Cillian, help me. This is awful.”
“I think she knows you’re here. You’re to be her next victim. I think the reason you can hear her and I can’t, means she’s trying to communicate with you and tell you her intentions.”
“Her communication style is fucked.” Lassi let out a wail. “I’m not ready to die.” Her lungs shuddered as she struggled for breath. “I’m so not ready. Why did I come to this fecking village?” She shoved Cillian’s hands away, shot to her feet, and began to run away from him.
Cillian easily caught her. He enveloped her in his embrace. “Nothing’s going to happen to you. I’ve got you. But...” He released her, turned her to face him, and tipped up her chin. His palms landed alongside her face, holding her steady. He regarded her with his freaky Leviathan eyes. “I want to try something. Can you trust me?”
“What is it?” she whispered. She grasped his wrists, holding on for life.
“We need to use you as bait. You’re going to marshal your magic as incredible strength.”
Shivers lanced her spine. “What? Fuck that.” She tried to pull away, forgetting Cillian possessed superhuman strength.
His hands flew to her shoulders, pinning her in place against the side of the barn.
She writhed against his unyielding grip. When that didn’t work, she kicked him in the chin with her boot.
He didn’t even flinch—just kept the freaky stare pointed at her.
Her eyes stretched wide. A stream of babble pushed its way out her lips. “Come on, Cillian. Stop fucking around. Me, as bait? You want to toss me to the demon like chum? I get this is a crisis. It’s a real heroic opportunity here, I get that. It might even get a write-up in the local newspaper how you dangled me in front of the killer. We tried and failed and wasn’t she brave and all that. Let’s lift a pint to her short life, the nurse who came and screwed things up.”
The shrieks amplified until she was immersed in them. Through gritted teeth she managed to say, “Oh, God, this is awful!”
“It’s the only way, love. But, I think your magic is strong enough we can get her back in her place of rest.”
“You think? You think? I’m to trust you, the guy who’s kept enough secrets to fill the Taj Mahal, because you think my magic is strong enough?” Another piercing scream crippled her. It would have sent her to her knees had Cillian’s grip not been so fierce on her shoulders. “All right, all right, all right. If it makes this noise stop, one way or the other, I’m in, although I’m clueless what I can do with it.”
“Good girl.” He brought his lips to hers and gave her a quick kiss. “Let’s go.” He grabbed her hand, pivoted, and headed toward the barn.
She stumbled alongside him, next to the path that led to the barn. “So, what’s the plan? Do we have a plan? Have we managed that much?” The shrieking in her head began to abate. Relief poured through her body.
He stopped abruptly. “Watch where you’re going, love. Once you step inside the stones, you’re hers for the taking.”
She looked down. One of her feet was poised to step across the stones. She quickly withdrew it. “But the noise inside my head was lessening.”
Cillian snapped his fingers as if a lightbulb had gone off. “Exactly. She’s devious. Of course you’d seek relief. Then, once you crossed over the stones, the noise would stop and you’d be a fly inside her web, unable to get out. Why didn’t I think of this? She seduced Rosalie into her web.” His jaw became rigid.
That same sense of jealous frustration washed through Lassi. “I see. We’re doing this all for Rosalie’s memory. I get it. Use the nurse to draw the demon out so you can feel better about yourself and seek revenge. Nice try, Cillian. We’re done here. I’m going back to Dublin right now. Feck Barbados and my stupid plans.”
Cillian did one of those clutch and kiss maneuvers he did to shut her up. He ground his lips to hers in a punishing, searing lip-lock. When he pulled away, he said, “We’re doing this for you. I love you, Lassi Finn. I’ll do anything to protect your precious life.”
Her whole being seemed to fill with airy, angel-winged hope. Her chest expanded like a big, bright red balloon. “You love me?”
A huge, stupid grin spread across her face.
“Yes, Lassi. I do. That’s what I’ve been fighting with since you arrived. The minute I laid eyes on you, I knew my heart was in trouble.”
She started to say something like, “I love you, too,” even though she hadn’t thought about it too much, when the shrieks exploded in her head. Her hands flew to her ears, bearing down. “Good Christ, I can’t stand this. Tell me. Tell me what to do.”
“We need to get to the doors of the barn. You’ll draw her out and lead her toward the grave.” He seized her hand again and hustled toward the structure.
“Uh, how, exactly?” She jogged to keep up with his stride.
“I’m still thinking. We’re making this up on the fly.”
“That’s such a comfort,” she said, adding an eye roll.
“Stop here.”
She stopped.
They stood a foot or so outside the stones encircling the barn.
A long, loud scratching noise came from inside.
“Shite. Fuck. Bloody hell.”
Cillian placed one hand against the red painted wood, leaned across the stones, and reached for the barn door handle. “Lord, I’m afraid I can’t reach it.”
“Here. I’ll steady you.” She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. Right. Like I’m strong enough to hold him. Stirrings of electricity coiled through her limbs. Whoa. What’s this? Is this my magic? Is this what he asked me to manifest?
“Good girl. That’s what I was talking about. You’ve got incredible strength inside.” He stretched forward once more, straining to grasp the door handle. His fingers coiled around it.
The magic in her limbs sputtered and disappeared. She nearly dropped him.
He caught himself, falling forward, still clutching the door handle.
Lassi rallied, reaching deep within to source her power. When stirrings of electricity shot through her limbs, she increased her grip on his body, yanking him away from the stone path.
The door flew open, crashing against the barn.
Lassi let out a scream. Her hands flew to her face, pressing against her mouth.
There, as real as real could get, stood the Dearg-Due.