CHAPTER 18


 

 

 

KALI STOOD polishing the glasses as she stared at the silver haired woman sitting at a corner table. She had known Cammie for a long time but intentionally kept her distance, knowing the Cambion would be uncomfortable if she knew how the bartender felt. Kali was aware that her feelings went beyond the superficial attraction Cammie instilled in those around her. Had the succubus shown even the slightest interest in her, the demoness would have taken a chance at a relationship.

"When are you going to do something about this?" asked Agra, walking up to stand behind her.

"About what?"

"About her and don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean?"

"There’s nothing to do," Kali mumbled, glancing up at her friend. "She has no interest in me."

"How would you know? You deliberately avoid her."

"I know. Just leave it at that."

"Not this time. You’ve been lusting after her for a thousand years. Isn’t it about time you found out how she feels?"

"If she was interested in me, she’d have given me a sign a long time ago. Now, would you just drop it, Agra?"

Taking Kali by the shoulders, Agra turned her around to face her, but Kali failed to look up.

"Look at me, Kali."

Slowly, Kali raised her head.

"Now listen. Cammie is a lost soul. We both know that. She has spent her whole life avoiding relationships because she was afraid they would be superficial. She carries a lot of baggage with her but mostly the belief that no one could love her for herself. Why should she believe you’re different?"

"Because I am! I’m a demon not some weak mortal," Kali retaliated, angrily.

"True but how many minions and demons have fallen for her, already? Why do you think she spends so much time here? It’s because she feels safe here. She knows she can pick up a few women who are looking for a night or two of fun. If they get serious and want something more, she can hide behind us knowing we'll protect her privacy."

"Isn’t that the point? If I even thought she’d look at me, what happens if it didn’t work out? One of us would have to leave and it wouldn’t be me."

"I doubt if it would come to that, Kali. Both of you are too old and too experienced to let a failed relationship escalate. Besides, Lilith and I would intervene long before that. Worse case scenario, you would go back to your old reclusive ways and she’d pretend nothing happened. Cammie’s good at that."

"Yeah, I guess. I’ll think about it," murmured Kali, glancing longlingly at the Cambion.

"Good. Now, while you’re thinking, how about take her this drink? She’s been waiting quite awhile."

Placing the glass in her friend's hand, Agra walked away leaving Kali with no choice. Slowly she walked over to Cammie and handed her the drink.

"I’m sorry I took so long," She said, nervously.

"Oh, it’s okay. Thanks. I’m in no hurry."

"Ummm... you waiting for someone?"

"Not really. Just passing the time. You know how it is." Cammie said, glancing at the shy bartender, who happened to look up at the same time. It was the first time they had ever made eye contact. For several seconds, neither spoke. Finally, Kali looked away, blushing faintly, afraid Cammie may have sensed her feelings.

"Well... look... if you need anything else... umm... just call me."

"Thanks... Ummm... seems kind of slow here, at the moment."

"Yeah! Some of the customers offered to ask around about our girls. Lilith promised free drinks for a month to anyone who could come up with any substantial information their whereabouts. I imagine, the bar will start filling up once the sun sets."

"So, they're still missing? Has anyone checked with Dis or the rest of our people?"

"Lilith just returned. She said he doesn’t know anything and doesn’t really care. As always, he's more interested in his libido than this world."

"Some things never change. Look, if you don’t have much to do, how about keeping me company for a while. It’s not a lot of fun sitting here staring at the walls and I don’t want to live in my mind for the next few hours, if you know what I mean."

Taken aback, Kali hesitated. Looking toward Agra, she saw her friend give a nod and slight smile before going back to her own work.

"Sure. There’s nothing pressing at the moment and I do know what you mean."

"Thanks." Cammie grinned, her cheeks crinkling with dimples. "So, where do you go from here if nothing turns up on the whores?"

"I’m not sure. Agra is talking about going to the Twin. I don’t think that’s a good move."

"Neither do I. Dis would be pissed if one of his most powerful demons sought help from his brother. There would be Hell to pay... literally. Perhaps if you tell me what you know, I can check around also. I have many resources, some not even available to you or the others," Cammie said, mysteriously.

"Really? Now you have me curious? Who else besides the humans could you talk to?"

Laughing, Cammie gave Kali a broad Cheshire grin.

"You would be surprised. Let’s just say I have friends in high places. So, how about filling me in on the details?"

Shrugging, Kali told her about Jenny, Sasha and Belinda. After listening to the bartender’s story, she stood up.

"Okay. What time do you get off?"

"About four. Why?"

"Well, I thought maybe we could have a drink or something once you’re off duty... that is if you want."

"Ummm... sounds good."

Cammie nodded and then left, leaving Kali behind smiling sheepishly.

"I’d say you have a date." Agra teased from across the room.

Blushing, Kali gave her the finger and then laughed. Agra smirked but decided to save the teasing for later. It was a first step for her friend and she didn’t want to embarrass her too much.

When Cammie returned to her condo, she lay down on her bed, closed her eyes and slipped into a dreamstate. Colors flickered in front of her closed eyes and the faint smell of flowers drifted in and out. An image wavered in front of her and then solidified. Stepping into another world, she stood beside a small lake.

"It's been a long time, Cammie."

Turning toward the voice, the demoness smiled.

"Arbora! You’re as beautiful as ever."

"As are you." The vibrant, purple-haired spirit grinned impishly.. "What brings you here? I haven't had the pleasure of your company in over a thousand years."

"I seriously don’t think Ursa would appreciate my presence now that you two have joined," teased Cammie. "She doesn’t have quite the sense of humor you and I do."

"True. It could prove awkward, but we could spice up her life a little, don’t you think? We haven't officially joined you know."

"Well, I'll still take a raincheck. Official or not, she'd hunt me down and rip the essence from my body if she thought I was with you."

"She's not that bad... more gruff than bite. Once you get to know her, she actually has a great sense of humor... in a bearish sort of way."

"I'll take your word for it?"

Arbora's laughter was like a warm breeze.

"Come!" Arbora ordered, patting a place on the ground next to her. "Sit and tell me what’s so important you would risk Ursa’s wrath to visit me."

Cammie settled on the soft green grass and gazed out over the azure blue lake.

"You’re lucky," She said, relaxing back on her elbows. "My land is filled with only a few colors, mostly reds, oranges and black not that it isn’t beautiful but it’s very stark compared to this."

"Each place holds its own beauty, but I can’t imagine a world void of every color. So, what’s up?"

"Well, some friends of mine need help."

"I take it these friends aren’t mortal."

"No, they're more like me, but different if you know what I mean."

"I do. No one is like you. But why me? You have plenty of minions at your disposal."

"You would think. Unfortunately, they have no interest in anything beyond their own gratification. I only need some information and thought maybe the spirits might have heard some rumors."

"Tell me what you need, and I’ll see what I can find out."

Cammie gave Arbora a quick outline of her friends, Kali and Agra, and the disappearance of the whores.

"So you see, this could escalate if they go to the Twin. It could bring about another battle."

"All of this over a couple of prostitutes? I'm surprised. It seems a little extreme don’t you think?"

"I agree, but Agra is fond of her whores, like a mother for her children. I think she’s beyond reason now."

"Sounds like it. Sit and relax for a few minutes. I’ll see what Intunecat has to say. If anyone knows about events on the dark side, it’s him."

"Thanks."

*  *  *

Seconds later, a shadowy figure in a black cape and hood appeared next to them. Red eyes glowed brilliantly.

"I hope this is important." He grumbled, unhappy about the summons. "The whole spirit world heard your bellow."

"Oh stop exaggerating, Tuney. You know you’re the only one who heard me." Smirked Arbora, enjoying his grumpiness.

Shaking his head in disgust at the nickname, the Dark One knew he could do nothing to intimidate the spirit. As the proverbial child of life, she rarely took anything too seriously.

"What do you want?"

"Information! Do you know anything about missing whores?"

"You called me here to ask about whores?" he boomed. "I have nothing to do with them and you know it."

"Geez, Tuney, lighten up. I just want to know if you’ve heard anything unusual going on in the land of mortals, not if you're fornicating with them."

"Don't be ridiculous. As if I ever would," He grumbled, indignantly. "Perhaps you should be talking to Mari."

"What would the Earth Mother know about whores?"

"Well, apparently, they are the hot topic at the moment. She and Maopa are checking into the abduction and torture of one of Yemaya’s people, a young woman named Sasha."

"Sasha?" interrupted Cammie.

"Yes. You know this mortal?"

"Not personally, but she's one of the whores my friends are searching for."

"And what is your role in all of this?" Arbora asked Intunecat.

"A messenger, nothing more."

"A messenger who knows more than he tells, I think."

The dark spirit laughed but didn’t reply.

 

"This is serious, Intunecat. If Cammie’s friends don’t find these women, it could ignite an old feud between the Twins." Arbora said, seriously.

The change in the woodland spirits demeanor surprised Intunecat. Rarely, did she give up her optimistic, carefree attitude.

"Then by all means, I’ll do what I can to help. Ask your friends to meet me shortly. In the meantime, I’ll see what else I can find out."

"I think it would be better if you met with Lilith, instead. She is less hotheaded and more reasonable," Cammie suggested. "Name the time and place."

"Time means nothing to me. I'll be waiting in my realm. I've heard of her. If she's as powerful as some say, she'll find the way."

Before either could respond, he vanished.

"He’s impressive," Cammie said.

"He can be," Arbora agreed. "He likes to act the bad ass but he has a soft spot for Mari and a few humans. I’ve never known him to get so personally involved with them before this."

"Interesting. Well, I’d better find Lilith. Thanks for all of your help, Arbora, and tell Ursa I said hello."

"I think I’ll just keep this little meeting confidential for now. She still thinks you and I had a thing going," laughed the spirit.

"She’s very intuitive, isn’t she?" The demoness grinned and then vanished.