Blood & Magick {Ch 2: Dylan-The Ten Easy Steps to Piss off Shale’s, All Start with Karissa]-Verson-

Her office was one of the bigger ones, as Jenn was head detective. It held a large oak desk with two plush chairs on one side, a leather reclining chair on the other. There were awards for good service, handy arms work and thank you’s hung on the wall. I knew to meet her here every morning. Jenn had told me starting from day one that I didn’t need to hunt her down; she would always end up in her office.1

I had heard the yelling from Chief Ritlen’s office, something about abusing innocent teens. I chuckled as I watched Jenn storm into the office, her teeth were grinding as she threw herself into her chair, knocking many things over. I took a seat on the edge of her now clear desk. She glared up at my smile, her eyes flashing with anger. Her hair was perfect as always, as that was the only thing she was vain about. It was cute.2

“Apparently I’m not allowed to man handle the stupid brat.” She threw a small glass object against the wall, smashing it. 3

I shook his head, standing up. She’s really a Viper this one. I bent over, picking up the glass shards. Jenn leaned back in her chair, still seething. She really doesn’t like this girl, wonder why? I dumped it into the wastebasket wondering all the different reasons why she could hate this girl so much, none of them seemed possible. I was just going to have to ask, and that was a scary notion.4

“Why do you hate her so much?” I asked, plopping down in one of the comfy chairs. 5

“I hate magic period, and anyone who uses it.” She spat, flipping over some papers, not really reading them.6

“Oh.” That really didn’t answer my questions, but I wasn’t going to push it.7

She could really be over the top with dramatics, but I didn’t mind. It gave her character and made her who she was, even if some times she went over the top with it. I could also understand why Chief Ritlen was hounding her, she couldn’t just go attacking little kids on some wild accusations. It made for a funny sight though because Karissa did seem to fond of backing down. It was a never ending power struggle, who will win? I don’t know.8

Jenn stood up, her dark blue dress pants matching her tie, and over coat, she sported a white blouse as usual, only this one had no buttons.9

I looked down at my black dress pants and dark blue dress shirt. I never liked to wear over coats but the seasons were changing and the air was getting nippy, I’d need to swear one soon. So instead I wore my blazer, preferring kick ass style over proper work wear; that was my way of seeing things. I’d rather get shot and die in a blazer, then some sappy work shirt.10

She didn’t even warn me as she made her way out of her office. This was normal, my third day here and I found out she wasn’t a very verbal partner, she wasn’t used to partners, and not many lasted with her. I wonder why… I followed, knowing she wouldn’t wait up. 11

We walked into the parking lot, making their way towards a blue 69' SS Camaro. I watched as she turned the key, threw the door open roughly and slipped in. I took a gentler approach by opening it just enough for me to slide onto the seat. She started the car, Linkin Park blaring from the speakers. She listens to 78.4 Gorge FM, cute. I grabbed onto the dashboard as she flew from the lot and into morning hour rush. Maybe cute was too strong a word.12

***13

Jenn was quiet the whole way to where ever we were going; which she had failed to tell me, like always. I just watched the city rolled by, it was a small town, but big enough to have traffic jams like the big cities. It was one of the reason’s I didn’t mind being transferred here. It reminded me of home, in some ways I didn’t want to remember home. But that didn’t matter so much, it was in the past.14

“There was another murder, the same as the last.” Jenn finally spoke as we pulled up to a broken down house, much like the one last night. 15

The houses are always broken down, abandoned, need a good fix me up. Could be the killer thinks this is what a Mage stands for. Destruction. I stepped out of the car, and was bombarded my flashing red and blue lights, as forensic Mages ran around collecting evidence. We walked around them and into the house, getting a few waves and nods. Jenn is well known in these parts. I’m happy to be her partner.16

I followed Jenn into the house. The walls inside were in better shape, not as much rat droppings, and the threat of it collapsing was much lower. We made our way up some creaky stairs till we reached a small bedroom. It was empty save for an old warn throw rug, decorated with the body of a male. I’m glad I didn’t eat this morning, or I think I would have lost it. 17

I kneeled down; he had the same crosses carved into his skin, his neck sliced open. He wore a black robe with a dark green cloak. The man looked to be around his early thirties with sandy blonde hair and pale blue eyes. He was a little plump, a pentacle on a silver chain around his neck stated he was a Mage. The pentacle is left on the body, the killer wants us to know who he’s killing, he’s proud of it. I fingered the note before opening it.18

“Darkness is not a sin, but a way of life, a way to Lucifer’s right hand is to indulge in that darkness. I am the light, the purifier, bask in my glow as I rescue their souls.”19

“Well, doesn’t he sound, lovely?” Jennifer leaned down, looking over my shoulder. “Not that I’m all torn up over the death of a Mage, but this is the fourth dead body this week.”20

“I don’t think he’s going to stop either.” I rubbed my for head, putting the note in an evidence bag. “We should start looking into the churches.”21

“They never did approve of this being a Mage sanctuary.” Jenn sighed. “I’d hate to lock one of them away though. They are the only sane people left.”22

I shook My head and stood up, Jennifer was a strange girl, she didn’t like Mages, but I knew she wouldn’t let a killer run loose in her town; she had too much pride for that. Even if it meant helping out the Mages. I may be the new guy but even I can see Jenn has a deep dislike for that Karissa girl, and the way she acted was surprising. Her actions last night had troubled me, but not enough for my to open my mouth about it. I valued his life too much.23

***24

I followed Jenn into the coffee shop; it was a small business with the best coffee in town. Inside it was a tan color with a red trimming, there were small square tables with metal chairs scattered with a few booths. I waited as Jenn spoke her order to a plump, aging man. Most of his hair, or what was left of it, was still black, but greys had snuck their way in; his brown eyes were soft and friendly. 25

“A Decaf double double for me, extra large.” I smiled, taking a seat at the booth as Jenn paid. 26

Jenn and I sat in silence, this was normal when Jenn was thinking. I sipped my coffee, leaning back in his chair. These deaths were bothering me, not because it was Mages that were attacked, but because so many were being attacked, and it looked like there might be many more. It feels like a church act, but there’s something about the way the notes are written that bothers me. They never claim to be working for god, only that they are here to purify the world.27

“My sister was killed by a Mage, that’s why I hate magic.” Jenn sipped her coffee, her eyes looking outside as people walked. “They were dating; he was into some bad shit. She found out, she wanted out, he killed her.”28

That hadn’t answered my questions about her hating Karissa, but at least it gave me some insight into her hatred for magic. I chuckled and shook my head. Jenn was different from most girls I met. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and speak her mind she did. She can be one scary chick. Wouldn’t want to meet her in a back ally, or when she’s angry, or has a weapon. The sound of the shop’s doorbell jingling drew me from his thoughts.29

“Ugh Mya. It’s way too early for me to function.” A female voice droned.30

I lifted his head, a smile creeping onto my face. It was the girl from last night. Her hair was bunched up messily, like she was dragged from bed without warning; her clothes though spoke another story. She wore a black shirt with fishnet sleeves, a black rose on the front. Her tight black jeans clung to her lower curves, it suited her well. The black boots added to the whole gothic, punk look.31

“Kari, you’re always sleeping in so late, you have to start going to bed early.” The other girl she was with last night scolded. 32

“Shouldn’t you be in school?” I smiled, drawing Jenn’s attention.33

I watched Karissa stop dead, almost grabbing for the other girl's dark blue halter top, which matched her faded blue jeans. 34

Her eyes locked on Jenn’s, and she took a step back. 35

Jenn’s eyes flashed with hatred, but she couldn’t do anything here, too many witnesses. 36

Kari seemed to figure the same thing as she made her way to the counter. 37

Dylan shook his head. This will be interesting.38

“Deceive Shale’s, Myners.” The girl Karissa was with, I think her name was Mya, smiled brightly, sitting down at a table, on the opposite side of the room.39

“Mya, can’t we just order and leave, I prefer not to have to deal with Miss. Bitchy Pants this early in the morning.” Karissa grumbled. 40

I tried to grab Jenn’s arm, but the chair hadn’t even hit the floor before Jenn was halfway to her. Damn she is quick, what is she? Some for of super woman? I stood up, getting ready for a fight. The cashier detected the same thing and went to hide in the back. Smart man. I stood by Karissa’s friend, ready to act if needed; I didn’t need my partner getting suspended.41

“What are you doing here?” Jenn spat, glaring at Kari, who groaned.42

“I came here because Mya likes coffee and I like their hot chocolate.” She seemed fidgety, and tired.43

“You just like pushing my buttons Demore, don’t you?” Jenn sneered.44

“Listen, I’m glad you think the world revolves around you, but I am not in the mood to deal with your crap.” Karissa grabbed Mya by the arm, knocking into Jenn before turning to look back. “Not everyone’s the same, God forbid everyone be like you.” 45

I watched her storm out the door, leaving Jenn standing there, looking like an idiot. I whistled as Jenn screamed and grabbed her coffee, storming from the shop. I followed, jumping into the car before she could take off without me. Well, now she’s in a pissy mood, great. Today is just going to be wondrous. I sighed leaning back in my seat, ready for hells gates and the devil himself to complete the day.46

***47

I opened the door to my snug little one bedroom house. It was brick, with white shutters. It was one floor with a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. I stepped into the living room that was decorated with a black leather couch, love seat and recliner. A small TV stand and boxed TV sat in a corner, a plush black rug on the floor. I sat down on the couch, sprawling out as I flicked through the channels bordly.48

Jenn had let Me go early, she was too steamed to go back to work herself, so she went home, the chief would just think we stayed out too late to pop back in. I shook my head. I didn’t understand why Jenn could hate a girl almost ten years younger than her. From what I saw, she seemed like an alright girl. Anyone who can put up with Jenn and still have the nerve to strike back is ok in my books. Though I guess that was a little unfair, just a little.49

I had just shut my eyes when my phone rang. I groaned and sat up, reaching for it. I fumbled for the buttons; feeling groggier than I had this morning. Thunder was rolling in the distance, which was weird. It had been sunny out before I fell asleep, though I remembered hearing thunder last night, but no storm came. I put the receiver to my ear.50

“Dylan, I am ten minuets away from your house. There was another murder.” Jenn’s voice sounded as shocked as I felt. Two murders in one day…51

“I’ll be outside.” 52

***53

Jenn and I pulled up to the house, the same blue and red flashing lights painting the surroundings in the dark, Mages standing around shocked. The re wasn’t much left of the house; most of it was gone, only a few walls stood, the roof gone. It was a mess to walk around in. I saw the body first. It was a teenaged girl with crimson red hair and dead green eyes. She was wearing nothing but a crimson sheet to cover her naked body. My chest clenched, this was the first child killed. I looked towards Jenn.54

“She looks only fifteen, maybe fourteen.” Jenn picked up the note, her eyes cold. “A delicate flower, shrivelled by hate, I saved her soul, before it was too late.”55

“He chose to rhyme this time.” I wasn’t impressed.56

“She wrote poems. That’s why.” The girl Karissa was with walked up, Karissa at her heels.57

I wondered how she had gotten across the police tape, then again this girl seemed cunning enough to get pasted anything, her being an earth Guardian probably helped. It still left me wondering, that was until she spoke.58

“Oh, My, God…Lynda…”59

I watched Karissa’s eyes then froze as they went blank, tears welling up in there depths. 60

Oh crap I hate it when girls cry…61