The Evil Next Door, page 16
part #6 of Soul Catcher Series
A pluck of a guitar string blasted through the amplifiers on the stage. The vocalist spoke through the microphone, testing it.
"Are you passing through?" the bartender asked. He placed my change and two glasses on the counter.
"Yeah, something like that." I retrieved a few bills, leaving some for him, then tucked the rest back near my boob.
The drummer started hitting his drums. He gained a few cheers from the crowd. The bass player decided to test his instrument. The deep sound vibrated through the speakers.
"Is it always this busy?" I asked the bartender as he filled my shots.
"Mostly on the weekends." He set the liquor bottle behind the counter.
"Thanks," I said, then downed my first drink.
The band began playing a heavy metal rock tune. It had a good beat. I sucked down my second shot, then felt the warmth of it spread through me. I didn't have much of a buzz, but it definitely made the music sound better.
I twisted around and scanned the room again while I pretended to enjoy the band. Patrons sitting at tables were facing the stage. I didn't see Chaz or his friends. Stepping away from the counter, I checked for a large head or body sitting at the bar I was at. Everyone appeared pretty normal in size. I shifted my gaze across the room. My pulse jumped when I spotted a bulky man with his hair braided. Given his size, I couldn't figure out how I'd missed him earlier.
Chaz was talking to a man next to him. They were both drinking beers. I couldn't be sure if the man he was chatting with was from the photos or not. But there were supposed to be two white men. I waited a few minutes to see if his other friend would show. When he didn't, I decided not to delay my entrance any longer. If I could get two out of three to leave with me, well, it was better than none.
I strolled across the room, between tables, heading for the other bar. I'd thought about ways to get his attention. Although I disliked the idea of touching the big guy, I knew it would get him to notice me. Rubbing my breasts against Jeremy the night before had seemed to work. I hoped it would have the same effect with Chaz.
I walked past him, then paused. The space between Chaz and the person at his side was small. With a deep breath, I wedged myself into the gap and rubbed my chest over his beefy arm.
He slowly turned his gaze my way.
"I'm so sorry," I said loudly, then placed my hand on his shoulder. "It's so crowded in here. I was trying to get a drink at the other end and couldn’t get the bartender's attention."
Chaz's eyes lowered, then came back up. "I can help you." His voice was deep and a bit terrifying. He waved his hand for the bartender.
"Thank you. I really appreciated it." I spoke loud over the music.
"No problem." He lifted his beer toward me.
"Hey, can I buy you a drink?" I asked. "For helping me out."
The bartender arrived.
"Two shots of vodka, please," I said, then looked at Chaz. When he smiled, my level of confidence rose. "Awesome."
I pulled out the cash from my bra and handed it to the server.
"It would be disrespectful to turn down drinks from such a beautiful woman," he said.
"Smart man," I said with a sly grin.
The bartender filled my order. I handed him a tip, but left the rest of the cash on the counter. I knew I'd need it soon. With Chaz's build, it would likely take a lot to get him a good buzz.
I scooted the shot toward him, then took mine. "To smart men," I said, holding my glass.
He tapped it, then we both gulped our drinks.
"Want another?" I asked.
"If you're buying."
I rolled my gaze down his arm and torso, hoping he'd think I was interested in him. "I am."
I turned to the bartender. Fortunately, he hadn't left yet. "Can I get two more, please?" I pushed my money toward him, then he took it.
"So," I said to Chaz. "Corny question, but do you come here often?"
He smiled. "You're not from around here."
"No. I'm visiting some friends. They're having a big party not too far from here."
The server filled the glasses, then set my change on the counter again.
"What's your name?" Chaz asked.
"Anna," I said. It was the first name that came to mind. "What's yours?"
I claimed my shot and he took his.
"Chaz."
"Pleasure to meet you, Chaz." I clanked my glass next to his, then we both downed the liquor.
The alcohol warmed me from the inside out. My head felt a little weightless.
"Anna, I'd like you to meet my friend, Steven." He sat back slightly while Steven leaned over the counter.
"Hi," Steven said, and gave a wave of his hand.
"Hello," I said.
"Your friends are having a party?" Chaz asked.
"Yeah."
"Is it on the reservation?" Chaz asked.
"No." When he looked away as if he was disappointed, I added, "But my friends are Native American, like me."
Chaz returned his attention to me. "Is your friend from around here?"
"No, but her friend is. We're both visiting," I said.
"Is this party big?" Steven asked. He bounced his gaze between Chaz and me.
I shrugged. "I don't know. My friend went to some other club and I came here. We're hoping to bring a couple people back with us." I licked my lips. "Hey, would you two be interested in coming?" I bit my tongue after I'd said the last word.
Steven lifted his beer. "Buy me a drink and I'll think about it."
I leaned closer to him, pressing my breasts against Chaz's arm. "Honey, I'll buy you two, but not that cheap stuff. Can you handle shots?"
Chaz chuckled. "White men can't drink like we can."
"Fuck you," Steven said, then looked at me. "I'll take the shots."
I waved my hand for the server, then withdrew more money from my bra.
"Do you always hide your cash in there?" Chaz asked.
"Well, it is a safe place," I said. "Two more for you?"
"I won't turn you down," Chaz said.
With a fake smile, I said, "I hope you say that again later."
His gaze lingered down my body as I leaned against the counter. Although I was glad to see him interested, I couldn't help but feel nauseous. The man gave me the creeps. At least the alcohol helped me play my role.
After the bartender arrived, I asked for six shots, two for each of us. I gave him cash and he promptly filled my order.
I lifted my glass. "Ready, white man?"
Steven and Chaz claimed a shot.
"Bottoms up," I said, then poured the liquor into my mouth.
The two men downed their drinks. I picked up my last one before they could.
"Damn, girl," Steven said.
"She drinks like a true native," Chaz said as he took his next shot.
I swallowed my laughter with my drink. Demon blood gave me a high tolerance for liquor, not Native American. But I wasn't going to tell him.
Steven set his glass down hard and gasped. "Damn, that's strong."
"Strong is good," I said as I smiled at both men. My head felt incredibly light thanks to the alcohol. "We women prefer strong…men."
"Where's the party at?" Steven asked, leaning on the counter again.
"I can take you. It's not far from here," I said.
"Do you have room for someone else?" Steven asked.
"Sure." I looked at Chaz. "I hope you're coming."
When he placed his hand on my ass and groped me, I bit my tongue.
"I'd love to come," he said, and I wanted to puke.
"Great. Who else is going?" I asked.
Steven rose from his seat. "I'll get Bob and meet you by the door."
Chaz nodded, then Steven left us. My heart gained extra beats. The Indian next to me made me want to vomit, especially since he'd touched me.
"Are you ready?" I asked him.
"More than ready."
I put my hand on his arm and leaned toward his ear. "Come and show me what you've got."
Saying nothing more, I headed toward the exit. I didn't need to glance over my shoulder to know Chaz was following me. The way he'd been looking at me revealed his appetite. My stomach churned from his touch and from being close to him, but at least my act had worked and I was luring him and his friends out. Now, I just had to get them to the ranch so we could put an end to their evil ways.
Chapter Twenty
A cool wind brushed over me when I left the bar. Unaware I'd been sweating a little, I chilled for a brief moment, but the breeze soothed my upset stomach. Just looking at Chaz disgusted me. I wanted to rip him to shreds. Although I couldn't do that, at least I'd get his soul.
The door opened behind me and Chaz stepped outside. I stood on the sidewalk a few feet from the exit. My eyes widened slightly now that I could see all of him. He was at least twice my size and all muscle. A man of his diameter was impressive and scary.
"We can take my car," he said in his deep voice.
"Let's take mine. I know where I'm going."
Steven and Bob strolled out from the club. Bob was the shortest and thinnest of the three. He had short dark hair and a goatee. A tattoo covered one of his arms up to his sleeve. His pants hung a little low and I almost laughed.
"Well, hello," Bob said, his gaze taking in my full length.
"We'll take my car," Chaz said again.
A touch of panic skirted through me. I couldn't get in his car. If I did, he would end up taking me to res and I wouldn't be able to fight off all three of them at once. Somehow, I had to convince them to leave with me.
"But my car is over here. And I know how to get the party," I said.
Chaz walked toward me. "You can tell me directions." He grabbed my arm and nudged me toward his friends.
I took a slow step forward, then another. Gut instinct warned me the man fed on fear. Arguing and fighting with him would only encourage him to get rough. I wouldn't win against him since he had such a dominating attitude. What I needed to do was persuade him without showing fear.
I rushed in front of him, then placed my hand on his chest. "I'm not familiar enough with the roads around here. I don't know the names. I could easily get us lost." It was the best excuse I could come up with.
Steven and Bob had stopped and were waiting for us to catch up with them.
"Tell me where to go and I'll get us there," Chaz said.
"I would if I could, but I don't think I can find it if you're driving." I rolled my tongue between my lips and slid my hand down his large torso. His solid muscles felt like steel. I wondered if he'd taken steroids or something to get so strong. "Let me drive. I promise, I won't take you to the middle of the desert and rape you." I added a smile in support of my stance.
"Are we going or what?" Bob said, approaching us.
I used both hands to grasp hold of Chaz's arm. "Come on, I'll get you boys back later." I tugged him in the opposite direction, toward where the SUV was parked.
After he walked a few steps with me, I slid my hands away. I had the nagging urge to scrub my palms and fingers. The best I could do at the moment was to wipe them on my clothes.
Relief trickled through me with each step. As we passed several cars, I spotted Jeremy strolling between two. Keys hit the pavement with a jingle. He bent to retrieve them. I kept going, ignoring him while we headed to the side of the building. I suspected he'd been watching me with Chaz and was preparing to make a move if the big guy forced me into his car. If Jeremy had done something, we would've lost our chance to get rid of three thugs. We didn't need any attention put on us. Thankfully, I'd prevented Jeremy from creating a scene.
Reaching the pavement, I tugged the car key from the waistband of my tights.
"Where is this party exactly?" Bob asked.
"Up the road a bit. It's a friend of a friend of mine who is throwing the party. Her parents are kind of rich," I said, then hit the button to unlock the doors. The lights flashed.
"Rich is good," Bob said. "Make sure you introduce me to her."
I hopped into the driver's seat while Bob got in the back behind me. Chaz and Steven went to the passenger side. Chaz sat in the front with me. He quickly slid the chair back, leaving little room for Steven's legs.
"Nice car," Steven said.
"Thanks, but it's a rental," I said.
Not wasting any time, I pulled out of the parking spot. After I turned onto the main road, I started to speed, but I held a firm grip on the wheel since I hadn't driven the SUV before. Jeremy or Shawn always drove for me. Now that I was behind the wheel, the road seemed darker and the lines were difficult to see. Countless bugs whizzed in front of the headlights.
"Just how big is this party?" Bob asked.
"I don't know." I shrugged while I glanced in the rearview mirror. "My friend and I were sent to bring a few people back. Her friend's parents own a large property."
Steven leaned between the seats. "Will there be a lot of women and booze?"
"Well, yeah." I snuck a quick look at Chaz. "And you're just the right men to entertain us. Am I right?"
A slight curl of his lips revealed his amusement. But his silence concerned me. The two in the back were chatty.
"Where are you from?" Steven asked.
"Arizona," I said.
"Got a boyfriend at home?" Steven asked.
"Nope. I'm not looking to be tied down." I veered my eyes off the road to Chaz for a brief second. "Not in that sense anyway."
The two in the back howled and laughed.
"So what are you into?" Bob asked.
"I'll try just about anything." My belly protested as I gave them a wide smile.
Steven smacked Chaz's arm. "Good catch, bro."
"What about your friends?" Bob asked.
"You'll have to wait and see," I said.
I slowed the car as I prepared to turn onto the road leading to the gate. The boys in the back settled down, no doubt curious about where I was taking them. I pulled up to the box, then entered the security code.
"The party is here?" Steven asked.
"No. I thought I'd drive out to someone's private property and have my way with you," I snickered. If only they knew.
"Relax," Chaz said.
The one word kicked my anxiety up a notch. It was as if he suspected something fishy, but he showed no fear. Why would he? I was one woman. What could I do? Maybe I was paranoid, but if he hadn't deduced something was wrong, he would soon. I hoped he was dumb and hadn't noticed I'd only taken one road to get to our destination. What were my odds he lacked brains? I hated to guess.
I sped down the dirt road. The security lights lit up the house. Even from a distance, I could make out the frame.
"Is that it?" Bob asked as we approached the house.
"The party is actually on another piece of property. That's where her parents live," I said.
"This land used to be reservation land," Chaz said.
I delayed my response. "It did?"
"It was sold a few years ago," he said as I passed the house.
I slowed the car as I turned around the back of the home. I passed the detached garage and continued toward the barn. The lights were on inside. Shawn had said he'd turn them on to let me know he would be waiting. I parked behind the barn, then cut the engine.
"Where are the cars?" Steven asked.
"In the back probably. I don't know." I pushed open my door. "Are you coming or not?"
I left the car with the key in hand and strode toward the barn's entrance. Behind me, I heard the vehicle's doors shutting.
"Slow down," Steven said.
"Where's the music? Where are the people?" Bob asked. "I don't hear anyone."
Eager to get the night over with, I hurried to the barn doors with an elevated heartbeat. Grabbing a handle, I pulled the door back and it glided with ease, leaving a wide entrance. Inside, the horses made sounds from their stables. I didn't see Shawn.
I glanced outside and saw Chaz lingering by the vehicle. Bob and Steven strolled toward me.
"Do you guys smoke weed?" I asked.
"You got weed?" Bob asked.
"Yep." I waved them toward me. When they picked up their pace, I entered the barn. "Hey, Steph, I brought some guys from the bar." I made up a story on the fly, hoping to entice them to come inside.
I stopped about ten feet from the door and waited for them to enter. Back facing the entrance, I heard their voices as they strode inside.
"What the…" Steven said.
"Steph?" I took one step forward, looking for Shawn. I couldn't keep my act up for too much longer.
"Where's everyone at?" Bob asked.
I spun around and tossed up my hands. "She told me she'd be here."
Bob quickly surveyed the barn before he approached me. "Did you fucking lie to us, bitch?"
"Why would I do that?" I asked in an innocent tone.
Chaz walked inside and looked around. "I'd like to know why she brought us here." He withdrew something from his back pocket. In one click, a silver blade flew out.
"Look, I'm sure she's here. Just calm down," I said while my heart thudded.
Bob moved closer. He had a feral look in his eyes. "You better start explaining, bitch."
"Step away from her," Shawn said as he strode into the barn.
Chaz twisted and raised his weapon toward Shawn. Bob and Steven turned to face him too.
"Who are you?" Chaz asked.
"I'm here to help her," Shawn said with a tilt of his head.
Chaz chuckled. "And what do you think you're going to do?"
"I'm going to kill you, then let her send your soul to Hell," Shawn said.
"What the fuck?" Bob looked at me.
"He's telling the truth. We're demons, you see, and we have these…gifts. Mine is the ability to send evil souls to the Hell," I said.
"Yeah, right," Bob sneered. "You're fucking crazy."
"Say what you want, but the devil has plans for the three of you. The abuse, rape, and murdering of women ends," I said.
"I say we just leave," Steven said, standing between Bob and Chaz. "Leave the bitch."
"Fuck that," Bob said.
He twisted, then through a punch at me. I saw his fist coming toward my face and ducked. He swung too hard and spun. I shoved him and he stumbled away from me. Jeremy had taught me how to fight years ago in preparation of meeting the VETOV. I wasn't some girl these humans could push around.
