Spellbound (Otherworld 12)

"Yes, it's harder than escaping from Alcatraz. So I've heard. But it does happen. I've heard that, too."

"True. But Leah O'Donnell, while possessing a great power and a remarkable amount of animal cunning, lacked the intellect necessary to carry out her plan. So why was she able to escape hell when so many of her betters cannot?"

"You have the answer?"

"No. But when Leah was freed, she tormented a necromancer, who may know more. I can give you the name--"

"Got it."

Kimerion hesitated.

"Gary Schmidt," I said.

"Who told you that? Another demon?"

Adam cut in before I could answer. "Not important."

"So it was another demon." Kimerion gripped the chair so hard a finger snapped off. "I do not appreciate competing for the attention of mortals, even Asmondai's son."

"But you would appreciate knowing what Schmidt tells us, right?"

The demi-demon hesitated, then shrugged. "It could help us find out what has become of the witch's powers. So sharing that information would be in your best interests. Otherwise . . ." Another shrug. "It is of no import."

"No? Then we won't trouble you with it."

Kimerion grumbled and shifted and tried again to insist he was only doing us a favor, letting us bring him any information we might learn from Schmidt so he could put it into context for us. Finally, he gave up the pretense and spat, "Asmondai wants to know who freed the Volo."

"Then say so," Adam said. "Don't set us on this trail pretending you're doing us a favor. Who does Asmondai think freed Leah?"

"I am not privy to my master's thoughts."

Kimerion was lying, but when I glanced over, Adam only dipped his chin, telling me he knew Kimerion wasn't telling the truth. He circled the question a few times, before Kimerion said, "I can give you more leads. Not answers, but leads."

"In return for what?"

"A boon. A simple one, which will buy you all the extraneous information uncovered in the course of my investigation."

"What's the boon? I'll tell you right now, we don't do sacrifices. And if it's sex?" I pointed at the bed. "There's the laptop. Knock yourself out."

His lip curled again. "I don't concern myself with petty physical pleasures. The b

oon I ask is far more ephemeral. You know the daughter of Lucifer. I wish an audience with her. A brief audience, arranged at her convenience and with whatever restrictions you deem necessary--blindfolds, bindings, wards."

Kimerion wouldn't tell us why he wanted to speak to Hope, but Adam probed until it was clear this was a political move. Kimerion wanted to open a dialogue with someone who might prove useful. Adam then hammered out every last detail of the proposed meeting. How long would it last? When would it take place? Could others be present? Did he intend to ask her for something? If so, would he agree that her refusal would mark the immediate end of the discussion?

After a solid twenty minutes of negotiation they came to an agreement. For the information Kimerion had now, Adam would convey the request to Hope. He obviously couldn't agree to a meeting for her. If she refused, Kimerion would stop supplying details.

Adam formalized the deal with a brief ritual. It wasn't necessary. In fact, most demons balk at it, the same way shady business partners will balk at putting a contract in writing. Kimerion didn't complain, just sat there, calmly rotting, until it was finished.

"Okay," I said. "Now what's this about Leah's escape?"

"She had help," Kimerion said. "That's clear to anyone with any knowledge of hell dimensions. They cannot escape without outside assistance. I would suggest you ask more questions. How did she get out? More importantly, why would someone help her? No one on our side could have aided her escape. It's not possible."

"You mean a demon didn't do it. So it was another ghost."

"I'd look farther up the food chain. Again, that's only speculation. My suggestion is to ask this necromancer, Schmidt, for more."

That was all Kimerion had. Hardly game-changing information, but it was worth the cost of asking Hope for an audience.