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19: Dirty Jobs For A Dirty...
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Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 20: It's Kinda My Job
ASHTONThere’s a twinge of loathing as I look upon the mansion-like house. Clearly this man isn’t a sore loser and he’s not paying because he doesn’t have it. He’s not paying because he doesn’t want to.Carden hops out first and opens my door, he lingers next to it waiting for me to exit. I don’t budge. He wastes no time with making demands, showing me who’s in charge. “Let's go.” It isn’t me.My feet drag as the three of us walk up to the front door. Oliver is the one who knocks once we reach the door. Each crack vibrates through my body. Carden steps closer to me sensing my twitchy behavior. Does he think I’m going to run? It’s not that I don’t want to, but I won’t make it far.It takes several long moments before this so-called criminal answers the door. I’m just about ready to suggest that they may not be home when the door creaks open. Idiot.There’s a tangible change in Carden as his stare shifts from me to the stranger. His voice is monotone and emotionless as he becomes a sold
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 21: Parker St.
ASHTONCarden and Oliver block me in between them. Always present, always aware. But they’re not the only ones. These streets demand your full attention.The last time I walked these sidewalks, I was scoping out potential clients. People desperate enough to summon a demon, stupid enough more like it. West River was never the wealthiest and not all crime here is supernaturally induced. Some of these people are just cruel.I’ve had my run ins and I would prefer not to have more. My mother had me set up these people for failure and then she conned them out of nearly everything they had. Am I the reason there are so many demons here? Or was my mother drawn here because it was already infested?Carden guides us down the streets and I trust his judgment as best I can, but when we reach the seven hundred block of Parker St. the line is drawn. My feet come to a halt. Are they trying to kill me the first time out? Oliver notices my indiscretion first. “Tired already?” He asks.“I’m not going
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 22: Moo
ASHTONThere’s a small sliver of ease when I see the shabby pub come into view. It isn’t safety, but it’s better than being out in the open. It doesn’t mean that people in here adore me anymore than those out there either. The door creaks as I pull it open, but no one meets my eyes as I walk in. A run down bar in the bad part of town only means that not so pleasant people come here, people you don’t want to look in the eye. I take the barstool right in front of the bartender, so he can’t miss me or ignore me. And to my surprise he doesn’t try like he’s done so many times in the past. “Roy.” I say to his stone cold face. “I can see you're thrilled to see me again.” “Of course. It’s always great to see the girl that scares my customers. I won’t hide the fact that I enjoyed the time you’ve been gone.” “So heartfelt. I’ve missed you too.” “So, what will it be today, Ashton?” I’m surprised he’s remembered my name after all this time. I must’ve left a lasting impression. “Oh, I’m not
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 23.0: She's Not So Sweet And Innocent After All
CARDENAt Zayne’s request, I bring her to the seven hundred block of Parker St. Her old stomping ground. This was the block that gave us our first lead. The basement that was full of dead bodies is only four houses down. Three blocks over is where the lady was distraught over her dead husband.When she comes to a halt, refusing to step onto this block in particular, I too come to a stop. Oliver plays the good guy, joking with her, taking her feelings into consideration. Maybe because he’s still crushing on her friend? Or Oliver has always been more approachable.I’m seconds away from ignoring Zayne’s demand of bringing her here when a shrill scream fills the streets. There’s no thought for either Oliver or myself as we take off in the direction of trouble. It’s what we do, what we’re here for. Almost instantly people flock to the corner, but no one steps onto the cursed block. All eager to see the horrors of Parker St. What mayhem is brewing next? But not a single one brave enough to
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 24: How Much Am I Worth?
ASHTONThere’s a painful silence between the three of us, our feet slow as we make eye contact with the girl. Carden and Oliver are quick to run to her distress, but I stay back. This doesn’t feel right. She doesn’t feel right.Her hands grope at them as she collapses into their arms. Bloody streaks stain their uniforms. I can hear her mumbles from all the way back here. “Help me, please...please help me.”The boys instantly heed to her beck and call, fawning over her and her injuries.Carden’s head whips back as he hollers my name. I don’t come. He says it once more, more aggressive this time. His deep voice echoes down the street. If no one realized I was back in town, they do now.Oliver slips away from the girl. His shirt front is streaked with blood. Stopping a few feet away, he looks at me. “Nineteen, we need your help.” He’s trying to be charming by calling me Nineteen. “You’re a soldier and a bullheaded girl that doesn’t shy away from a fight, so let’s go get the creep that di
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 25: I Am Slightly Delusional
ASHTONIt doesn’t take long for the two of them to catch up to me. I hear them behind me talking to someone. Each other? Zayne? I can’t quite seem to get my brain to work, my feet to walk in a straight line.“Here.” Carden approaches my side and throws something at me that I barely manage to catch. “You’re leaving a trail of blood.”I bite my tongue, but it’s useless. The words flow freely from my mouth. “Thanks for noticing Captain Obvious. Yet no one seems to be running to my rescue.” My words are a bit spiteful, but I can’t help it.He stumbles over words that never exit his mouth. Ignoring his narrowed gaze, I knot the fabric he tossed in my face around my thigh. It quickly soaks up the blood. This may be a stitches kinda moment.We’re all a mess and no doubt hurting by the time we reach the car...or at least I am. That’s more action I’ve had in years and I would prefer not to have such an eventful day ever again.“Did I tell you I told you so?” I mutter as I slide into the backse
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 26.0: I Crossed A Line I Shouldn't Have
CARDENShe’s weightless in my arms as I carry her through the halls with Oliver trailing behind me. I should’ve brought her straight to the doc instead of forcing her to bleed out while we spoke with Zayne. She didn’t need to be there. Maybe Zayne isn’t used to mortality, weakness after dealing with us for so long. Or maybe he just doesn’t care and if that’s the case, why do I?My feet come to an aggressive halt as I come face to face with the doc in the hall. “I was made aware that my assistance is needed.” He looks at her blank face, limp limbs. “Let’s get her to her room.”I follow dazed and confused, guilt ridden and sick. This is my fault. The seconds tick by slowly as we navigate the halls to her room. The doc leads the way, not stopping until he’s in her bedroom. Following his unsaid command, I place her on the bed. Blood quickly stains her sheets.Oliver and I stand there, silent as the doc pokes and prods at her leg before searching for the wound on her arm. “We need to get
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 27: Had To Meet The Nightmare Girl
ASHTONHours go by, days, I can’t be sure how long I was out, but what I do know is that I’m feeling much better...like I knew I would. That cocky attitude quickly dissolves when I catch bright white gauze wrapping my arm again. So...I had a little help, but I’m not bound to say thank you to anyone.I’m torn between being thankful and disappointed in not seeing the doctor again. There’s so many questions to ask that he’ll refuse to answer. As I swing my legs out of bed, a sharp sting shoots through my injured limb. The twist of my abdomen has my ribs searing. It doesn’t take much to know that I probably have bruises all over me. I might have the opportunity to see the doctor again.It takes a great amount of effort, more effort than I’m willing to give to stand up on my own two feet and slip something on. After several agonizing minutes, fully clothed, I flop down on the bed exhausted and ready to sleep another day away.Perfect timing isn’t something I believe in. The door creaking o
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Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 25: I Am Slightly Delusional
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Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 22: Moo
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 21: Parker St.
