ILSA
Did the underworld of crime get more complicated because of the involvement of demons, or was it just as dangerous as it always was? I couldn’t decide. It seemed fitting if demons were to come to Earth, most of them would choose that path. As Ray so eloquently pointed out, they could release their need for sex and violence in a relatively consequence-free environment.
Free of consequences most of them wouldn’t give a damn about anyway. They would be protected by the very organizations they helped serve.
Although, if the bloggers were to be believed, some demons were living it up in legitimate high-end corporations, residing in penthouse apartments, and rubbing shoulders with the cream of society.
Somehow, that seemed even more fitting.
Ray hadn’t let go of my hand as we made our way to Urban, and I had considered asking her if she wanted to catch a cab. The club wasn’t exactly close. But as much as the long walk would be a strain on my leg, I’d ignore it because walking and holding her hand, I could almost pretend we were normal.
That this was normal.
Despite being far from it.
We didn’t speak along the way. We didn’t need to, and there was something nice about that.
Rounding the final corner, the music from the club was audible, thumping its way down the block. Large spotlights swung lazily back and forth, stationed atop the three-story building, and the purple of the internal neon lights spilled out from the windows onto the pathway, stretching out the shadows of those waiting to get inside.
“They’re going to frisk us again,” Ray said.
I nodded, but I hated the idea of going in unarmed, even more than last time. Because now we knew, for whatever reason, that Emrick had set us up. Whether he was hoping we’d kill Earl and take him out of the picture, or Earl would kill us, I wasn’t sure which.
It hardly mattered.
“I don’t think he’ll do anything while the club is full.”
Ray scoffed. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that.”
We stared at each other. “I guess we’ve come this far.”
“Wanna go out in a blaze of glory?” Her eyes twinkled, lips twitching with the hint of a grin.
I laughed. “I’d rather not.” The smile dropped from my face.
That’s what I used to think would be the best ending, what I’d had drilled into me. The only respectful way to go.
But not so much anymore. There was a life to live here, people who needed protection, a growing world of underground crime snaking its way further and further into the city.
My city.
Demons.
I might not be able to protect everyone, but I also couldn’t stand by and let everything go to shit either.
All I needed now was a mask and cape.
“I’ll protect you,” Ray said. She said it with such sincerity, squeezing my hands in hers, I had to chuckle. This woman, this demon, Christ, she really cared.
I didn’t know why, but she did.
Nodding, we ducked into an alley and relieved ourselves of our weapons, stashing them under a garbage bag. Hopefully, they’d still be there when we got back.
Hopefully, we’d come back.
Striding up to the bodyguard, I straightened my posture, crossing my arms over my chest and keeping my feet slightly apart. Power pose. It wasn’t accidental. It was a move that showed the definition of my arms, hid my chest, and also hid the limp.
The don’t-fuck-with-me expression was purely default at this point in my life.
“We need to see Emrick,” Ray demanded of him, and several people nearby stopped chatting and turned to us, not even trying to pretend they weren’t listening. The bodyguard eyed us before nodding, unlatched the rope, and let us through. I wasn’t sure if it was a good or bad sign.
“You know the way,” he grunted.
Things shouldn’t be this easy, and if they were, something’s wrong.
This thought rightly put me on edge.
But what option did we have?
We’d come this far and needed to see this through. Short of leaving the city and simply hoping we weren’t followed, we had no choice.
Ascending the stairs, Ray tried to shove her way past me so she could be in front, but the spiraling case was narrow, and I stood firm. It was a sweet gesture from her but unnecessary. I didn’t need her to protect me all the time. Elbowing Ray in ribs as she tried to get past again, we tussled as we made our way up the stairs.
“Stop it, Ray. I can look after mysel—”
“I’m just trying to help—”
“That’s very sweet, but let me lead for onc—”
“Let me pas—”
“No!”
“You’re so stubborn—”
“You can talk—”