CHAPTER 14: GREED

“Where are we going anyway?” Linus asked as he's busy reading information about Joaqin's recent cases. Linus is surprisingly hands-on in studying Joaqin’s cases. Joaqin didn’t expect much from the demon but he’s surprisingly handy.

“Ah, this is so boring.” He commented before Joaqin can answer then took another folder, “This one is kinda interesting, you should prioritize this.”

“I'm going to meet Chris.” Joaqin answered while his eyes are focused in the road.

“Hmm, still don't want to give up?” Joaqin could see in the demon's smirk that he's going to start annoying him. Linus knew how it would irk Joaqin.

“No. I have my insatiable greed, remember?” Linus laughed at Joaqin's clever response.

“You're always quick at things.” the demon commented, “You're starting to get boring.” Linus simply said it to see Joaqin’s reaction. He still sees the human as interesting. Joaqin’s drive to serve justice without anything in return still fascinates him.

It’s fascinating to see how Joaqin makes a fool of himself.

“I didn’t form a contract with you to be your personal clown.” Joaqin scowled.

Linus laughed, “oh well, you’re still interesting.”

“Why are you doing all of these though? Do you think people would love you if you keep doing this?” Linus asked and tossed the folder somewhere.

“I don’t expect people to treat me as a hero. I just want to do my job right and I hate people who play with other people’s lives like it’s their property.”

Linus frowned, “It is fun to play though. It’s fun to see people being miserable while they thought that they still have hope. You should try it sometimes.”

“And that’s why you’re a demon. Besides, wouldn’t our contract lose validity if I suddenly lose care with my greed?” Joaqin retaliated. He thinks that it must be the reason why Linus is exiled from being an angel, because he’s a twisted being.

Linus laughed, “Well Mr. genius, I’m pretty flexible. We can always make changes with the contract and it’ll be much more interesting to see you act that way.”

Joaqin didn’t retaliate anymore. He knows that he will be wasting his energy if he does.

He realized that it’s been 3 years since he met the demon. Joaqin can’t believe that he bore Linus’ loud mouth for 3 whole years.

Joaqin threw a fit right after he went home.

“Innocent? Are they blind?!” he exclaimed before plopping himself on the bed. He feels so useless! After all the efforts and hardships he has gone through to collect evidence, they ruled that case as not guilty? He wanted punch that criminal so bad but he's more annoyed to the judge and the prosecutor of the case.

“You’re really interesting. I have never met a human who has that kind of greed.” He heard a distorted voice. He immediately grew frantic and looked around, but there was no one around.

“Who are you and where are you?” He loudly asked and pulled out his gun.

“That toy won’t hurt me.” The voice answered. Joaqin realized that he’s hearing the voice inside his mind. It scared him, simply because it’s beyond normal.

Is he losing his mind?

The voice only laughed, “You wouldn’t be able to see me that easily, but don’t worry. You’re still perfectly sane.” The voice’s assurance didn’t give him much comfort.

“What are you?” Joaqin answered. The voice sounded amused.

“Hmm…” Joaqin grew more impatient with the voice trying to stall.

“Answer me!” He yelled. He feels like he’s losing his mind every second he talks with that voice.

“Very impatient aren’t we?” the voice continued teasing him, “I’m a demon and I am attracted by your unusual greed.”

Joaqin is very devastated. He was able to detain a powerful politician for his cases of rape but the court suddenly decided that the man is innocent which is very ridiculous. The judges and the prosecutor are obviously paid by that man so he wouldn’t be convicted.

He felt the need to serve rightful justice, he wanted to bring that man back in jail.

“What do you mean?” Joaqin dared to ask.

“You have a strong greed for justice and that is very rare. Most are greedy for money and power, but you, you're different. So I want to propose a contract for you. I would help you satisfy your greed and in exchange, I would feast on your soul.” The demon bluntly offered and he said it like it was the most basic thing in the world.

“Why would I form a contract with you?” Joaqin answered. The demon laughed at his response, the human is very fascinating in his eyes.

“Because I can give you what you wanted.”

Joaqin agreed after the demon accepted his challenge of turning the tables and make that politician rot in jail. He is blinded by his greed.

He felt an intense pain on his neck and stains of blood went on his hand when he tried touching it. He fretted but the demon dismissed his worry, “It is part of the contract that you bear my mark.” The demon’s voice became clearer in his mind. He gasped when a figure emerged from the shadows, his face and body slowly became more and more vivid in his eyes.

“The contract is done!” The demon merrily announced, “My name is Linus.”

--

Chris did his best to be casual with Kurt after his confession and he knows that Kurt is doing the same thing.

“Chris.” Kurt called. They are currently taking their break. Most teachers gave them free time so they could prepare for the school festival.

“Yeah?” He responded before taking a spoonful of food.

“Are you still thinking about what happened yesterday?” Chris choked on his food because of the question. Kurt quickly handed him water which Chris drank in difficulty because his throat still hurts.

He coughed a few more times before recovering.

“Guess you are.” Kurt laughed awkwardly.

“No. I mean- of course I do. It’s not something that is easily forgotten.” Chris is obviously flustered.

Kurt laughed, out of Chris’ flustered face this time, “well at least now I could freely express my feelings for you.”

Chris felt his ears getting hot in embarrassment, “W-what is that supposed to mean?”

“I mean, now I can express my feelings for you without the fear of you misunderstanding.” Kurt answered with a grin.

Is Kurt really this straightforward?

Chris shook his head and laughed, “You’re just teasing me, no?” Kurt’s grin grew wider.

“Maybe I am. You’re very cute when you’re flustered, don’t you know that?”

“Ahhh, stop that!” They laughed at how silly they sound. This is enough for Kurt, he didn’t expect Chris to like him back anyway. He’s simply contented that Chris didn’t hate him for his confession.

Chris felt his phone vibrated, he checked his messages and saw that it was Joaqin. The officer is asking if they could meet after his class and it’s an important matter.

Kurt could see how Chris’ face turned serious.

Chris immediately replied said that they meet with him in the nearby café right after class ends.

“Chris, is everything okay?” Kurt asked.

Chris looked at Kurt and wondered if he should let him know this much, “it’s the officer that is handling the case of my parents. He’s the one who messaged me.”

“I see. So there must be an important news?” Kurt asked.

Chris nodded, “It seems so. We’re going to meet later after class.”

“Right…” Chris mumbled, “I won’t be able to help later.” He’s talking about the preparation for the school festival. They are supposed to help in starting the banner they will use as well as other stuff.

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll explain to them, and they will surely understand.”

“Thank you.” Chris answered.

He couldn’t concentrate on helping as Chris is thinking about what Joaqin would say. Did they find the suspect? Did Joaqin discover Fantasia’s real business?

Chris has so many things on his mind to think about their school event.

“Chris.” One of his classmates called but he’s too pre-occupied to even hear. Kurt immediately stood and took the paintbrush that their classmate is supposed to ask from Chris.

“Thanks.” His classmate reluctantly answered, “Is Chris alright?”

Kurt nodded, “He’s just pre-occupied. I’m sure you know why.” Kurt dismissed the topic.

--

Chris walked fast, almost running towards the café where he and Joaqin are supposed to meet.

“Why are you meeting?” Damien appeared on his side, walking fast with him.

“He said he has an important thing to say.” The demon simply grinned and didn’t answer.

They entered the café and saw Joaqin and Linus are already inside. He immediately approached their table and meekly sat.

“I already ordered for you, I hope you don’t mind” Joaqin said.

“Thank you,” he responded, but he’s not here to drink coffee with Joaqin and demons, “What is it about my parents’ case?”

“They already closed the case of your parents.” Joaqin started. Chris felt like he’s been submerged to water full of ice. Of course, this will eventually happen. Fantasia’s connection is huge and they will surely make sure that his parents’ trace will be erased.

He’s angry but he kept it in.

“My superior said that it’s ‘family members’ decision. I know that it’s impossible to happen.” Joaqin added, “I already have a list of possible suspects and I will make sure to make a way to continue the investigation.”

“It’s true.” Joaqin blinked fast for a second, surprised with Chris’s remark, “I decided to give it a rest. You don’t have to care for me anymore. Thank you for your kindness.” Linus snorted.

“Damien, teach your human to lie properly. It’s so obvious that he’s lying.” Linus laughed. Chris always feels a sudden comfort that it’s Damien every time he sees Linus. They are both demons, but Linus’ attitude is off the roof.

Damien simply shrugged. He simply didn’t care how Chris would handle this situation, “What makes you think that he’s lying?” Damien answered with a twisted smile.

Linus pursed his lips, “It’s so obvious that this kid is hiding something and why would you guys come here if he really asked to close the case?” Linus pointed out.

“To annoy him,” Damien pointed Joaqin, “look at his face, he’s very dumbfounded.”

Linus sighed, “I could never win against you.”

“You still have miles to achieve my bare minimum.” Damien boasted.

Joaqin and Chris felt out of place again.

Linus grabbed the coffee Joaqin have ordered for Chris, “Won’t you drink this? Then I will.” Joaqin sighed. He’s so ashamed with Linus’ attitude.

Damien snorted, “You really are a glutton.” He commented. Linus didn’t answer as he’s busy gulping the coffee even though it was supposed to be hot.

“Chris, I don’t know what is stopping you from telling the truth but I promise that I will help you if you just tell me.” Joaqin is determined to help Chris, even if he’s risking his own job.

Chris knew how huge Fantasia’s scale is. Joaqin wouldn’t be able to do anything even if Chris tells him what he knew.

“I really appreciate your help but I wish you would never contact me again. My parents’ case is already close so we don’t have any connections now. Thank you for the effort of coming all the way to tell me the news.” Chris stood and walked away.

Damien shrugged and followed Chris outside.

Linus snorted. Joaqin’s dumbfounded face is priceless for him, “Looks like they don’t need your superhero service.” Linus continued chuckling as he continues to drink the coffee he stole from Chris.

“Shut up.”