Blood & Magick [Ch 18: It’s a Horrible Week to be Shales, or me for That Matter]

Karissa followed Dylan up the stairs, falling behind a bit as he skipped every other step. She had no clue where they were going, and was getting quite tiered. Running five blocks, and up seven flights of stairs is not my idea of fun. She watched as the stopped at the seventh floor door, throwing it open and disappearing. She groaned and threw open the door, her breathing laboured as she watched him run down the hall. Just leave me here why don’t you. She sighed, taking a deep breath, and running after him. 1

She watched him open a door down the hall and walk in. She groaned and picked up her pace, running into his back as she made her way into the door way. She almost fell backwards, rubbing her nose in annoyance. Dylan moved out of the way before she could speak, leaving a good view of the room. Karissa choked on air, her eyes going wide as she took in the scene.2

The walls to the hotel room were plastered with blood; the body slumped in a corner, the upturned crosses and slice mark on his neck telling them just who the killer was. The floor around the body was soaked with blood, while Shales was huddled up in a corner, puddle of bile and puke around her. She was staring at Dylan and me, a knife beside her, also soaked in blood. But so was she. Karissa took a step in, causing both Dylan and Shales to look at her.3

Karissa knelt down in front of Jenn, looking her deep in the eyes.4

“Go a head, say it. I killed them.” Her words were slurred and forced, here eyes blood shot.5

Karissa growled and slapped her, hard. Shales grabbed her cheek, looking up at Karissa, shock present in all her features.6

“You fucking idiot.” Karissa growled, causing Shales to recoil a bit. “You didn’t kill anyone. You were drugged and framed.”7

“That sounds nice.”8

Karissa slapped her once again, harder this time.9

“Snap the fuck out of it!” Karissa screamed. “You’re disoriented, you were throwing up, and your eyes are blood shot. You can barely lift a finger, how could you have killed him?”10

“De-“11

“Oh save the bullshit.” Karissa stood up, grabbing Shales roughly by the arm, yanking her upwards. “Now get up, the police will be here soon.”12

She ignored the way both of them were looking at her. She dragged Shales over to a chair, and shoved her into it roughly, glaring at her. Shales blinked, not used to this treatment. Usually it was her doing this to Karissa, but now it was Karissa’s turn.13

“And what if a blood test shows up negative for drugs?”14

“She will have used untraceable drugs, this killer isn’t stupid. But using you as a frame was perfect. She must know you hate Mages, not hard to figure out, and targeted you just for this.” Karissa pulled a piece of paper and pen from a desk drawer. “Now tell me what you last remember.”15

“Demore, you are not a detective, I’m not answering your questions.”16

Karissa shook her head.17

“I don’t think you get it do you.” She looked at Shales. “There is evidence standing up against you, you are no longer going to be on the case, and you are going to become a suspect.” Karissa went on. “I am probably about the only one who will be able to clear your name, so better start answering my damn questions!”18

“Demore, I have to say, you are actually sounding intimidating, but put more umpft into it, scare me. Hit me even.”19

Karissa stared at her, shaking her head and clenching her free fist, while throwing the notepad at her head. It bounced off, landing on the floor at Shales’ feet as she rubbed her head.20

“SMARTEN UP JENNIFFER!” 21

Shales gawked as Dylan took a stand beside Karissa, his eyes as wide as Shales. 22

“God you piss me off so bad. If I had a gun, I would shoot you in the fucking foot!”23

“What is it with you two and swearing lately?”24

Dylan’s, out-of-the-blue, questions drew them to stare at him.25

“I mean Karissa and you have been swearing left and right lately, is it that time of the month?”26

Karissa shook her head as a single cop made his way in.27

The rest of the time went by fast, questions were asked, Shales was handcuffed and taken away, and her approximate bail amount said. Karissa stood with Dylan as a strong looking Shales walked out the door, but somewhere deep inside Karissa knew she was bleeding. I am human, I feel hatred and pain, I also know right from wrong. I can’t let Shales rot in jail, no matter how much I hate her. Karissa made up her mind, running from the room.28

Karissa ignored her burning calf as she awaited her turn at the ATM machine. The guy in front of her was taking his time, moving slowly, as if to spite her. She sighed and danced on the balls of her feet, needing to keep moving. Her cell went off and she jumped, grabbing it and placing it to her ear.29

“Her bail was set at a thousand dollars; they really want to keep her detained.”30

“Just enough, thanks bye.”31

She hung up before Dylan could ask any questions, because honestly, she couldn’t answer them. I’ve lost it, I have gone insane. I swear, asked me if I would be standing here two weeks ago, I would have laughed in your face. Shows how much I’ve grown. She smiled as the man left and made her way up to the ATM. She punched in some numbers, licking her savings account, taking a deep breath and clicking the withdraw button. That’s it, it’s done. Karissa collected the money, shoving it down her bra. Saves it from being stolen.32

She then turned and took off towards the police station, her legs threatening to murder at the amount of running she was doing.33

Karissa handed off the money, making her way down to the cells, accompanied by shocked officers. They knew Shales and Karissa hated each other, they thought she would be flaunting her happiness, not bailing Shales out. Glad to see people think so low of me. She saw Shales laying down, her arm, covered in blood, covering her face. Why didn’t she take a shower? She sat up, looking at Karissa questionably.34

“Come on Jenn, Demore here bailed you out.”35

“She did WHAT?”36

Karissa ignored her comment, walking into the cell, grabbing Shale’s upper arm, using her shock to her advantage, dragging her out of the cell. Shales regained her composer and pulled on Karissa, causing them to halt in mid step.37

“Wait one minuet, what the hell is going on? How did you get the money?”38

“Why didn’t you shower?”39

“Have you seen the showers here, and don’t change the subject.”40

“My life savings, happy?” Karissa let go of Shales arm. “Your house is being searched, Dylan doesn’t have room for us both; you can stay at my place.”41

“Demore, shut up and stop for a second.” Jenn looked at her with lifeless eyes. “Why are you doing this?”42

“Shales, just take it ok. Take what ever someone gives you in life.” Karissa turned away. “Because you might regret not taking it later.”43

Karissa just walked off, walking past Dylan. She stopped once outside, looking back as Shales followed her. Stupid idiot.44

“I don’t have a car, so unfortunately, we are walking.”45

My legs really hate me. 46

Dylan had come with them, Karissa hadn’t said a word, just unlocked her door, pushing it open with her hip, and threw the keys onto the counter. At least the people upstairs aren’t having sex ag- Screaming moans started to sound, with a mixture of a squeaking bed frame. I spoke too soon, I swear, they wait until I come home too do it. She looked at Jenn and Dylan’s horrified faces and shrugged. I guess I got used to it.47

She walked into the living room, throwing her arms out in a jester for them to sit, and then made her way into the bathroom. She ran what was left of the hot water, grabbing a clean bar of soap and a face cloth, waiting for the tub to finish filling. She shut it off, hoping the water wasn’t too high and poked her head the door.48

“Shales, come here.”49

“You’re not naked are you?”50

“The bath is for you.”51

“Oh…”52

Shales stood up, looking back at Dylan before walking into the small bathroom, Karissa closed the door behind her. Shales looked at the water, feeling it with her hand. Its cold, she isn’t saying anything because I’m acting weird. I guess I really don’t feel myself; it’s almost as if she a replacement…No.53

“I don’t own a shower and most of the hot water is taken by Princess Water Snob on the ground floor” Karissa sat on the toilet, which was conveniently placed by the tub. “We are both females, so don’t be shy.”54

“Uh, Demore I don’t think-“55

“Please, don’t argue with me.” Karissa looked up with sad eyes.56

Shales sighed and started to strip, placing her clothes on the counter neatly. She stepped into the tub gasping at it’s coldness but closing her eyes. Just this once, after this I won’t ever do this again. Mya, I’m sorry. I miss you so much, I just need something, some sort of fantasy to grasp onto, I’m falling a part, after this I will be strong, I promise.57

Karissa wet down the washcloth in the already bloody water, lathering it up with soap, and washing down Shales back. Shales was stiff as Karissa pressed her fingers into the knots in her back, massaging away the dried blood. Shales relaxed into the movements. I wonder what she is thinking. I wonder why I am doing this, it’s strange; all I want to do is prove her not the killer. That’s only because I want the real killer caught. 58

“Why do you hate me?”59

Shales opened her eyes looking at Karissa, clearly startled at the comment.60

“What did I do that made you hate me so much?”61

She never stopped massaging the knots, washing away the already cleared dried blood. Shales had gone stiff again, all motion in her body stopped, Karissa was pretty sure she wasn’t breathing either.62

“You know my sister was killed by a Mage right?”63

“What Mage doesn’t know, I was young then, but yeah, I remember.”64

Karissa stopped, letting the washcloth fall into the tub, no longer visible with all the blood.65

“He killed my sister because she found out he was trafficking drugs. She wasn’t happy with it and wanted out; he killed her because of it. Funny thing was, we found out he was married.”66

“Wow, I’m sorry.”67

Shales nodded.68

“Karissa, the reason I hate you, is because he was your uncle.”69

Karissa choked on air, turning towards her.70

“I don’t have an uncle!”71

“You’re aunt never told you, because he was a nasty man, but when I saw you, all happy go lucky after everything that happened to you, after what your uncle did, you could live happily, well. I hated it.”72

“So, you hate me because of my uncle?” Karissa looked at the ground, feeling anger rise up like bile, setting her body on fire. “And uncle I never met?”73

“Look Demore, I’m a ha-“74

“No, don’t even say it.” Karissa stood up, her body shaking with rage. “You, are so fucked up, it’s not even funny! You can not hate someone because of thee family, and family they are not like or even knew!”75

“Demore…”76

“I have to get changed, I have a date.”77

“What?” it was Dylan’s voice.78

She threw open the bathroom door, walking into her bedroom as she threw on a long black skirt and purple blouse. She flew from the bedroom, pulling out her cell phone. Shales was out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her. She was standing next to Dylan, her eyebrows raised.79

“Who is this date with?”80

“Victor.”81

Shales busted out laughing, while Dylan choked on air. Karissa grabbed her keys, ignoring Dylan’s hurt looks, and Shales taunting ones. Everything’s back to normal and I actually want to go on this date, well fuck.82

“I wont be home early, Shales you can have the bed, night, see you later.”83

With that she shut the door. Here goes nothing. She pulled out her cell phone, making her way down the stairs. She dialled the number he had given her, and cursed the ringing. He better answer, it was his blackmailing that got this stupid date.84

“Ello?”85

Karissa couldn’t talk; she couldn’t force the words out.86

“Meet me outside my apartment; we are having this thing now.”87

“Someone’s impatient.”88

“Just get your ass down here!” 89

Karissa slammed her cell phone closed muttering under her breath. She kicked open the door to the ally exist. She sighed and pressed her back against the wall, running a hand through her hair. I should have let her to in that damned jail cell! Her breathing was harsh as she fought back the anger. Hot tears of anger ran down her cheeks, falling onto her blouse in droplets.90

She stood there, letting her body shake with anger she never knew she had. I never truly hated Shales, I disliked how she treated me, but I respected her as a detective, now, now she’s just a worthless human. Karissa slammed her fist against the wall, as the sound of a car horn made its way to her ears. She looked up, seeing Victor standing there, in a pair of black dress pants, a white dress shirt and a leather jacket.91

“You look cold; you should have grabbed a jacket.”92

He removed his, placing it across her shoulders, guiding her towards the car.93

Karissa let him, ignoring the want to flee, to run away from him and never stop. Even creeps can be gentlemen it seems. Karissa leaned back in the seat, staring out the window as she watched everything fly by, ignoring Victors attempt at conversation. Figures, I’d have to deal with his blabbering. Where did he learn to speak, the cliché academy? A flash of Mya in her window froze her blood. She pressed her hand against the place where her face had just been.94

I’m going insane. She closed her eyes, tears welling up, but she forced them back. Victor didn’t seem to notice, so she just sat there as he drove towards, where ever they were going. It better not be a bar…95

It turned out Victor was being very gentleman like, and had taken her to a restaurant, a very expensive restaurant. It was called Jo, Kour, Dove, meaning The Laughing Dove. It was said to hold the best food in town, and the best service as well, there wasn’t a thing you could order, that they couldn’t make. At least I’ll have something good to eat, better then most of my meals. Victor opened her door, taking her hand in his and leading her to the door.96

She let him, taking in the bright lights and candles on the table, there was a small bar, and about fifty chairs and tables, a small dance floor to there right and a balcony to dine on as well. She was impressed, and shocked when he took her towards the balcony. It was small, but was made like one you would find back in the older days, with white pillars, vines and flowers intertwining the railings, and a view to die for.97

Color me impressed, I can not believe it. She sat down, after Victor pulled out her chair.98

“I’m sorry I had to blackmail you Kari, but it seemed the only way to get you to go on a date, and see the real me.”99

Karissa eyed him warily, He looked intent and true to his statement, but Karissa hasn’t lasted this long being trusting. He’s hiding something, it always seem like it. There is more to him then meets the eye, and its nothing good. But what, I don’t know. Karissa picked up her menu as a female in black and white corresponding clothes made her way over, a towel draped over her arm. Must be our server. 100

Karissa had decided on a steak and mashed potatoes with gravy on the side, a Pina Colada to drink and a ceaser salad, extra crotons and dressing. Victor had ordered sliced turkey, sweat potatoes with gravy and peas, with a garden salad on the side, and a glass of coke. 101

“Well now, isn’t this nice.”102

His smile came naturally, with the edges teasing a smirk, almost a triumphant look. It made Karissa’s blood boil to think he though she didn’t know, it also made her brain hurt. Seriously, he makes me feel like such an idiot, when I could run around his brain with my brain in circles. Karissa sighed and waited as her food arrived, ignoring his comment.103

“You know, you look really pretty.”104

Karissa choked on her ceaser salad, grabbing her drink and downing half its contents. She welcomed the air into her lungs. 105

“I’m NOT having sex with you.”106

“I was never implying it.”107

They fell into silence once more, as the main course arrived. 108

After they were finished, Victor ordered desert and leaned back in his chair.109

“Can I at least get a dance?”110

Karissa looked at him, the song was nice and it wouldn’t harm anything. I hope.111

“Fine, One dance.”112

Victor took her hand, leading her towards the dance floor, pulling her in close; one hand had his fingers intertwining g with hers, the other placed on the small of her back. Karissa gasped, putting her hand on his shoulder. He smiled and started to move in time with the music. It’s like we are just sweeping across the dance floor, like two birds in dance, I didn’t think he had it in him. He picked up the pace, twirling and spinning in beat.113

“You move perfectly.” 114

He smiled, twirling her by herself; bring her into a dip, then bringing her back up.115

“You’re not so bad yourself, for a guy.”116

Victor shook his head, sweeping her once more across the dance floor, there bodies close, but far enough apart she could breathe. Instead of a witty come back, he just looked her deep in the eyes, those hypnotizing eyes. Karissa found herself falling again, being drawn in by those icy blue pits, like a moth to light. Why dose this always happen when I look at him? He’s not that good looking, and he’s a creep, good dancer or not.117

He smiled, his eyes sparking with power as he drew her in closer, twisting her thoughts until they spread out before her like a book, letter, and words, danced across her vision. She tried to pull away, feeling her barriers go down, but he kept a tight hold on her. She felt herself become sleepy; the only thing holding her up was his arms, as they danced away. He’s in my thoughts…Why can’t I push him away?118

She moved her hands from his shoulder, onto his chest. He responded by grabbing it with his own, whisking her back towards the balcony. She couldn’t fight him, something was wrong.119

“Let the bodies hit the floor, let the bodies hit the floor…”120

Karissa snapped out of her trance, as Victor searched for his cell phone. Karissa pulled away from him quickly, spinning around and pulling it from her own pocket. He looked at her, shocked to see it in her grasp. She waited for reality to catch up with her before smirking.121

“I snagged this while you were guiding me into the car.” 122

Karissa flipped it open; moving to the Photo’s app.123

“I took the liberty of deleting them for you.” 124

Karissa tossed it at his head, and smiled at it hit him dead on.125

“Thanks for the food, see you later. Creep.”126

Karissa turned to walk away, but he grabbed her wrist, forcing her to turn back towards him.127

“If you stay on this case, everything you have will die, just like Mya.”128

Karissa cringed at his words, Mya’s dead body flashing in her mind. 129

“Mya’s dead, yes. But I will find her killer, what else do I have to loose, I have nothing.”130

She pulled her wrist from his grip.131

“I lost everything when she died.”132

She turned and walked away, leaving Victor standing there, shaking his head in despair. 133

Karissa threw open her door, surprised to see Shales sitting on the couch, cuddled up under a blanket, her eyes were half closed, half watching the advertisements. Karissa threw her keys onto the counter, drawing Shales attention. She sat up yawning.134

“How was your date?”135

“Enlightening.”136

Karissa sighed and moved towards her bedroom to get changed. Shales stood up, the sound of the couple upstairs having sex overly loud.137

“Do they ever shut up?”138

“I think they are attached at the sex tools.” 139

Karissa made it to her door, and was about to walk in.140

“Why?”141

Karissa turned around.142

“Why what?”143

“Why did you bale me out?”144

Karissa blinked and shrugged, stepping into her bedroom.145

“I know the difference between right and wrong. You going to jail is wrong, you didn’t do it. And weather you’d like to emit it or not, I am human Shales.” She started to close her door. “Goodnight Shales.”146

She closed the door leaving Shales standing there, shell shocked.147