CHAPTER 22


 

 

 

LONNIE HAD BEEN informed earlier in the day that her patient would be transferred to a charter flight and flown to Moldova. She wasn't sure it was in Sasha's best interest to move her so soon without an attending physician on board the plane.

"I really don't recommend moving her yet," objected Lonnie. "The flight is going to be long and she still needs medical attention."

"We'll arrange for everything she needs," replied the dark haired woman, her voice warm and silky.

"Well, I still don't like it. She's my patient and I know more about her problems than a stranger. I also have Sasha's mental state to consider. Having a stranger near her right now might add to her trauma. She's still confused about everything and hasn't faced her demons yet."

The smaller blonde coughed.

"Pardon me, doc, but maybe yah could be a makin the trip with the youngin."

Lonnie was momentarily speechless.

Good grief, she thought. Either this one is schizo or... or what? She asked herself.

Yemaya chuckled, her pale blue eyes twinkling.

"My partner can be very 'country' but she's working on it."

Dakota slapped her arm and grinned.

"Behave now. I be... I mean I ... well, dang... so I be country. Ain't no law agin it," she huffed.

Yemaya and Lonnie couldn't help but laugh.

"No, there ain't," Lonnie replied. "I'd love to accompany Sasha but I have obligations to my other patients; plus I'd have to check my passport, make arrangements for a visa. Two days really isn't enough time to do much of anything."

"Normally, that's true. However, since you would be a guest in my country, the visa isn't a problem. My business manager has talked with your government officials and they've agreed to expedite any paperwork they require. I've talked with your administrator, and have assured him that your position will be filled by a competent doctor. Everyone would be well compensated for covering your absence not to mention a rather generous donation on your behalf, I really don't think there's too much else that we can't deal with if you agree to go."

Lonnie frowned. Apparently, there was more to this woman than just wealth.

"Seems you've removed about all of my objections or obstacles."

"We've tried. I would be very grateful if you did this."

"I appreciate that, but my main concern here is Sasha. I'll need some equipment and supplies if I decide to do this."

"Yah names it and it be yours."

"Yes, if you give my manager a call, he'll provide you with anything you need," agreed Yemaya, handing the doctor a business card.

"Well, guess I don't have any choice.  I'll make sure everything here is taken care of and I'll see you two on the flight."

"Unless something comes up, we'll be there."

"Yah kin bet yoh booties, Doc."

*  *  *

Intunecat knew instantly the moment Lilith entered his dark world and marveled at her ability to negotiate the impenetrable blackness. Only a handful of spirits was able to find the path to his inner sanctum without his assistance.

"I'm impressed," he said, his voice deep, but nothing like that of her ex, Dis.

"Why is that?"

"Few are able to find their way through the darkness. You seem comfortable in it."

Laughing, Lilith walked over to a large fluffy chair and sat down.

"I'm used to it. The Underworld is more than fire and brimstone."

"True. But even its darkest corners are not completely devoid of light."

"I don't need light to find my way around your world, Intunecat. We both know the eyes see nothing here. It's the mind that sees all."

"Only a few minds."

"Perhaps, or perhaps you've lived here too long. The worlds are evolving. There are things out there we would never have imagined a few thousand years ago."

"I’m aware of the new darkness, my dear. Unlike the Twins, I haven't abandoned the mortal world."

At the mention of the Twins, Lilith frowned.

"Yes, I know the truth about them," He continued. "My world still remembers the last great battle. We didn't appreciate it when it spilled over into our world."

"I can appreciate that. Hopefully, it was the last."

"I see you are a reasonable person. That's good."

Lilith smiled at the compliment but didn't respond to it. Handing her a glass of wine, the dark spirit sat down across from her.

"Do you really believe they are the original creators?"

"Surely you don't claim the honor?" demanded Lilith.

"No, but neither will I credit them with it either. I remember a time when there was nothing but me... and for that reason alone, have my doubts about them."

"Interesting. The Twins talk about a time when only they existed," countered Lilith.

"It would seem we are one for one then," He chuckled. "I like it... not knowing for sure. It means there is still a great mystery to be solved."

"So it would seem. But enough of this! Cammie said you may know something about the missing whores."

"I know of one named Sasha, if she is one of yours."

"She is! Where is she?"

"I'll show you."

From the blackness a vision of the young woman in the hospital appeared. Beside her stood the two women she had met in her nightclub.

"What have Yemaya and Dakota to do with her?" asked Lilith, standing to move closer to the images.

"Sasha is one of Yemaya's people. These two women, however, are not who you think they are." Intunecat said.

"Don't play games with me, Intunecat. I met them a few nights ago in my bar."

"I doubt it.  The tall one is Mari. The other is her partner, Maopa. They are the ancestors of Yemaya and Dakota."

"Mari? Since when did the Earth Mother renew her interest in humanity?"

"Lilith, you surprise me. Even you noticed the likeness between Mari and her mortal offspring. How could she not? Besides, you've met Yemaya. Is she not different?"

Lilith had to agree. She was unique and had sensed it the moment the woman walked into her bar.

"Yes," continued Intunecat. "You too feel the lust she instills in those around her... much like your young Cambion. Only Yemaya is an innocent. She knows nothing about this attraction."

"And her companion? Is she a victim of Yemaya's power?"

"Unfortunately, no. If she were, the human would be mine by now."

"You lust after a mortal?" Lilith asked, surprised.

The Dark One shook his head and laughed.

"No. It's only her darkness that interests me. I'm afraid even she would be no match for my appetites."

"I wouldn't have taken you for a sexual creature."

"I said appetites, my dear. I'm interested in many things. Unlike your ex, I find knowledge more satisfying than sexual gratification... although I find the thought of the latter... pleasing."

Lilith turned to stare at the spirit, aware of the curious phrasing of his comments. Even in the darkness, his beauty was unmistakable. Few males were actually beautiful. She couldn't help but compare it to Adam's boyishly handsome face. Pale, with long golden locks of hair and azure blue eyes, Adam glowed with innocence and purity. Staying with him had eventually become too much of a burden. She didn't have the heart to corrupt the child in him... not to mention his reluctance to defy the Twin's ban on the forbidden fruit of knowledge had irritated her. Spending eternity with him would have bored her. When Dis entered her life, she thought he was a better match for her wildness. He seduced her with knowledge, showing her things she could never imagine. Indeed they explored their sexuality from every conceivable angle. For thousands of years they enjoyed their affair and the battle of wills for dominance. Sexually, neither could best the other. In time, however, Lilith grew bored with their stagnating relationship. Dis lost interest in anything but sexual gratification and left the mortal world to his demons and minions. Occasionally, he would make an appearance or create some mischief just to appease the denizons of the Underworld and then disappear back into his castle to continue the orgies with his favorite sycophants. Eventually Lilith ended the relationship and moved into the world of humans, finding them and their evolution more interesting. Agra who had gained the rights to the whores, joined Lilith and was soon followed by Kali, who had also grown bored with her life.

For ten thousand years, the three had been friends. At first, they indulged in all of the debauchery and sexual depravities imaginable, and some unimaginable, but in time their lust cooled and their desires waned. Their friendship remained.

Now before her stood someone who intrigued her... intelligent, courtly, beautiful, dark and mysterious, and much to her surprise, she suspected he was a virgin.

"Was it something I said?" asked Intunecat, interrupting her thoughts.

"No. Not really," she lied. "I was just remembering a time, long ago. Forgive my rudeness."

"There is nothing to forgive, my dear. We all take those trips. I hate to distract you from yours but if your demonesses are anything like the spirits of my world, they are growing impatient. Even time cannot always teach patience."

"You're right of course. I must get back. Thank you for the information, Intunecat."

"It was my pleasure, Lilith. I hope you will come again. I get few visitors."

"I think I would like that." Moving into the shadows of the darkness, Lilith disappeared, leaving the Dark One feeling more lonely than he had ever felt in his entire existence, and more alive.

*  *  *

Catrina took a sip of coffee as she read the morning paper. A small article on the fifth page referred to a young Jane Doe discovered outside the local hospital. Other than referencing her as an assault victim, it said very little.

"Probably some asshole beating up on his girlfriend," she muttered disgustedly throwing the paper in the trash and turning toward Ivan. "Has last night’s business been taken care of?"

"Yeah, Breshni's cleaned up everything and disposed of it. There's nothing to connect her with you," replied Ivan, his eyes glancing at the discarded paper. "Anything of interest in the paper?"

"Nothing new. The president and Congress are spending money like it's their own personal bankroll. Iraq is still the big issue. These Americans can be so stupid, sometimes. Thankfully, they have a lot of money to spend."

"Well, if it weren't for their stupidity and greed we'd be out of business," observed Ivan. "In fact, I'd say our own people aren't much better. Look how easy it was to bribe our president's brother to look the other way in this venture."

"True. A shame the President himself isn't as greedy. With his help, we could send our product through Moldova instead of having to go around it. We might even be able to acquire a few Carpis, although after last night I don't see anything special about them. My maid was a better lay. Still, it's amazing how a reputation can increase profit margins."

Ivan nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, let's just hope it is just a reputation. I'll be flying to Charleston tomorrow. I hear Lysanne is going to put on another show there. I might be able to figure out our next move if she is. Hopefully, all of this will go away soon once they are out of the picture."

"Good. In the meantime, I'm going to shut down the overseas market until we know what's going to happen. There's no reason to jeopardize the slave trade part of the business. It's too profitable. I'll fill the last order and tell everyone to scatter until we contact them."

"What about the shipment of prostitutes we just sent to Saudi? It'll take two weeks for the freighter to get there."

"Contact the captain and tell him to ditch the cargo. He'll know what to do."

"As you wish," said Ivan, reluctantly.

Looking up from her writing, Catrina sensed his hesitation.

"Something you don't approve of?"

"No. I just think that's a little extreme. They are in international waters now. Once they reach their destination, no one is going to care?"

"That's not the point. I'm not taking any chances. But since you seem to be developing a conscience, get Breshni in here. He can make the call."

Deciding it was better not to say anything, Ivan left. Once he was gone, Catrina picked up the phone and quickly dialed a number before leaning back in her chair.

"Rubinsky speaking," a gruff voice answered.

"Leonid, this is Catrina Drenkova."

"Good evening or should I say good morning, Ms. Drenkova. What can I do for you?"

"Well, first you can send a half dozen more girls to my client in Bosnia free of charge," Catrina stated coldly.

"Free? Now why would I do that? Didn't they get the last shipment in tact?"

"Intact? They were old women. He specifically said no older than eighteen, Rubinsky. The ones you sent gave him a lot of trouble and he's pissed off. They had to kill one girl as an example to the rest."

"Perhaps if they treated their merchandise a little better, they'd last longer," Rubinsky replied calmly.

"Listen you asshole, if you can’t fill an order, I'll get someone who can. I deal in quality, and we don't make mistakes like this. Now, do I get those replacements or do I let my buyers know who their procuring agent is and tell them you won't compensate them for the mistake."

"Satisfaction has always been my motto, Ms. Drenkova. Of course I'll send the replacements. I must insist, however, that you pay for the handling and shipping. After all, I have a large overhead, if you know what I mean."

"Yes, Yes. Just send the girls and your bill. Now, one more thing. Someone in Moldova has been asking questions about our little enterprise. My sources believe the Lysannes are behind it. Have you heard anything from any of your people?"

"Rumors. We're trying to find out how much of it's true. One thing I know, though. We need to make sure we stay away from that family. There's something unnatural about them. No one is willing to cross them. You'd think they were gods."

"Not gods, Rubinsky, just rich and powerful. But not for long if I have my way. I'm working on eliminating this problem. Ms. Lysanne escaped one accident. She won't be so lucky the next time. We kill her, we destroy her brother too. They're almost attached at the hip from what I hear."

"Good... good. You take care of the sister and I will deal with the brother. The president's brother has assured me we'll be well protected as long as he continues getting compensated."

Catrina laughed.

"He'll be compensated, Rubinsky. Just not in the way he thinks. The man's weak and a threat to our business. The first time someone pressures him, he'd betray his mother to save his scrawny ass."

"You are too much, Ms. Drenkova, but I must say, I like the way you think. The fewer who know of our little venture, the better, eh?" commented Rubinsky laughing also.

"And the more we both make. Now I have to get some work done. I expect delivery in two weeks. Oh, and, Rubinsky, just to be on the safe side, let the others know we'll be putting a temporary hold on things until this little matter is settled. Tell them to destroy any records they have that can compromise the business."

"What about the merchandise we presently have in storage?"

"How many are we talking about and where is this merchandise at now?" asked Catrina, tapping her pencil on the arm of her chair.

"Somewhere between fifty and seventy I think. Most are spread out across Europe and a few Arab countries. I think there are nine in the States. Not counting the six you just ordered. Are you sure you still want them delivered?"

"Yes, but get rid of the others. No witnesses, no bodies, Rubinsky. Make them go away as if they never existed, understand? Now, I need to finalize the arrangements to pick up your shipment. I'll talk with you in a few days. Keep me informed," Catrina ordered, hanging up without waiting for a reply. Spinning her chair around, she looked out the window at the loading dock.

"Looks like I'm going to have to find my entertainment another way," she grumbled. "Guess that's why I have so many maids." She smirked.