Chapter 21
KHLOE GILES
The book dropped from my hand, but I managed to keep it from falling, staring down at the accusation in shock. Betty Evergreen was a witch? And Maxx had killed her? If this book were accurate, she was the first ‘accused,’ but according to what I knew, Betty was one of the first massacred.
I traced the thick pen strokes, wondering over the extensive list of names and information. It felt endless. Page after page of information. Everything from the types of food they liked to the potions they used most. Beside the accuser’s name, I noticed initials that repeat constantly. TC and JL. All of the accusations had been made by one of these two, from the very first to the very last page. Including three very familiar names that sent cold chills through my body. Scotty Wells. Wes Evergreen and Samuel Giles.
Once again, the book slipped from my hand, but I managed to catch it just as footsteps announced Maxx’s return. I slipped the book back under the stack of papers, hoping it looked natural and fell back into my seat as Maxx made his way back into the room.
“My apologies.” Maxx reclaimed his seat, unaware of any change in the room. “Now, where were we?”
“We were discussing how you don’t think I’m qualified to do my job.” A tremor coursed through my body, somehow my voice remained calm.
“Khloe, I know you are very capable of doing this job, my concern is when it becomes a risk. Have you considered our discussion?”
“No.”
“You do realize, I don’t have to ask you?” His eyes bore into mine, challenging. Daring.
“I quit.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them, Maxx’s eyes widen with fake shock.
“Khloe-“
“No. We’re done, I’m done. You told me to choose, I chose.” I stood, not giving Maxx another chance to speak and dashed out the room. Office doors and paintings blurred together as I raced through the halls and back to Scotty’s office.
He’s coming after you.
The voice was rushed, worried. I didn’t have time to respond, I had to get out. I reached Scotty’s office in record time, but when I got there, it’s locked. Frantic, I pounded on the door until it opened, and Scotty glared down at me.
“What?” He snapped before realizing it was me. “Khloe?””
“It’s Maxx.” I pushed past him and into the office before he could speak.
“What’s Maxx?” He asked, closing the door behind me.
“Hades is Maxx. Maxx is Hades.”
Scott’s face contorted into several unreadable expressions.
“Wait a minute. You’re telling me that the man I’ve been working for over ten years is Hades, god of hell?” He asked, voice full of disbelief.
“Yes and I’m also telling you he’s going to arrest you, Wes and my father by the end of the day.”
“Why? Why his own son?”
“Not his own son. Wes is Maxx’s son, not his. And the best I can figure is because we work together.”
“Okay, Khloe. You know how I feel about you, you know I trust you, but you do know how insane all of this sounds, even for you, right? How do you know any of this is real?”
I didn’t blame his skepticism. If I didn’t know all of the details, I was sure I wouldn’t believe it either. “Because I saw the information in a leather-bound book on Hades’ desk right before he threatened to kill me.”
Scotty’s eyes went wide. “He threatened to kill you?”
“In not so many words. Now come on, we have to get out of here. I have to find Wes and my father.” I made my way to the desk, grabbing the few weapons I had stored there, an M-166 and a small pistol. I tucked them both into my uniform as I headed to the door.
“What’s the plan again?” Scotty asked, following me back out into the hallway.
“As of now? Retreat. We need to get underground and figure out our next move. I need you to find Wes, take him to the back of Coco’s Café. I’ll meet you there in fifteen minutes.”
Scotty’s hands gripped my wrist in a tight embrace, forcing me to pause and look up at him. His sea blue eyes were filled with concern, worry. His lips were pressed thin, like he’s biting back an argument. He looked at me, saying nothing as he pulled me into a tight embrace. “Take care of yourself.”
“Promise.” I pulled back, offering him a thin smile that I hope was confident. I stepped out into the cool office and take a breath before breaking into a run through the office, forcing myself not to look back.
A phone call later, my father agreed to meet me for lunch at another entrance to the Underground City. I was already waiting there when his town car arrived. As soon as he’s out, I threw my arms around him.
He laughed and kissed my forehead. “Hello to you to baby girl.”
“C’mon.” I took his hand, tugging him toward the entrance of the Underground.
“Where are we going?” My father protested, unsure.
“It’s a new thing the restaurant is trying.” I ignored his protest, pushing the door open. We were greeted by Shane, who eyes my father.
“Khloe, you know I can’t let him in here.” Shane protested. “The rules, man.”
“What rules? Will someone tell me what’s going on?” My father demanded.
“I don’t care about the rules, I need to speak to Keith now.” I pulled myself up tall, trying to look threatening.
His eyes narrowed. “They won’t like it.”
“I don’t care. I don’t have time to argue with you. My family’s life is in danger. I can’t protect them by myself.” Shane eyed me before nodding. He stepped aside, just as Scotty comes up, lugging a half-conscious Wes with him.
“You said any means necessary,” He said before I could ask. I waved them in to the tunnel, entering last and hurrying them down the stairs and into the bar.
“What is this place?” My father asked. I didn’t have time to answer.
“What the hell are they doing here?” Jen-Someone stepped in our way, her long, bony, perfectly manicured finger waggling in my face. “First you refuse to save one of our own and now you bring government bureaucracy into our safe haven. I’m sick of your blatant disrespect-” My hand wrapped around her neck before I could stop myself.
“What’s your name?”
She gasped, struggling for air around my tight fist, but she managed a response, “What business is it of yours?”
“What is your name, you annoying hag?” My grip tightens, before releasing enough to allow an answer.
“Khloe, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Keith came around from behind the bar, pushing his through the crowd.
“What’s her name?” I demanded, ignoring him.
“Lovitt,” Someone shouted from the crowd. “Jenny Lovitt.” It was all the confirmation I needed. My free hand curled into a ball, connecting with her face. Once, twice before strong arms wrapped around me and pull me back.
“Someone please tell me what in the hell is going on?” My father demanded, pushing me back.
“I’d like to know that myself.” Keith was glaring at me in disbelief, and I almost felt guilty, almost.
“It’s her Keith, she’s our traitor. It makes perfect sense, I should’ve seen it before, but I was too distracted.”
“Wait a second, everyone here is a witch?” The interruption came from Wes.
“Yes.” I snap. “All of us, me, her, even you.”
Scotty raised his hand. “Not a witch. I’m quite human.”
“Why would she betray us? She’s one of us.” Keith asked, uncertain.
“There’s a book in Maxx’s office that has a list of every accused witch, right down to the very first one, Betty Evergreen.” I chanced a look at Wes as murmurs rose from the crowd. His face his was blank, but pale as shock settled in.
“You…My mother was not a witch!”
“Betty Evergreen. Accused of witchcraft by TC, found guilty and sentenced to punishment by Burning.” I quoted the book, word by word. “How did she die Wes?””
I watched as dark clouds of memory washes over him. “She was not a witch,” He repeated.
I decided not to push the subject. I turned my attention to Jen instead. “There are two names listed under the accusers list. JL and TC. Now we know who JL is. Jen Lovvit. Why did you accuse my father and my friends?”
Jen laughed, the dark look still in her eyes. “I don’t have to tell you anything.”
“Khloe, this is insane, we should be arresting these people,” Wes cut in.
“You really want to take that risk?” I demanded, glaring at him. “You’re a witch Wes, your mother was a witch, and she was killed for it. You’re just like here. I know you know it’s true. Own up to it. If you go back to that office today, you will be arrested and Burned.”
“Bull shit.” Wes voice rose above the growing murmurs of the crowd, “This is all bull shit.” He pushed past me, storming for the door. I reached out for him, letting go of Jen as I tried to stop him, but dad lays a hand on my shoulder.
“Let him go.”
“They’ll arrest him!” I protested.
“He’s made his choice, now we have to make ours.” Dad let go of my arm. There was a feeling of dejection. If I wanted anyone to be standing beside me right now, it was Wes, but I also knew that my father is right. The final push had been made. Wes had made his choice. I turned to Jen.
“You’re going to tell me everything you know. Now.”
“Says who?” Jen asked.
“Says me.” Keith was the one who responds. “Shane, find a chair and some rope. We’ll tie her up in the back room.”
The sound that emanated from her lips is inhuman, pure evil. I was reminded of the pups we’d fought mere hours ago and it sent a shiver through me. “You can’t do this to me! I’m one of you!” She tried to struggle against the grasp Keith now had her in, but he was muttering spells under his breath. I watched as her body went rigid under his magic, only her shouts of protest could be heard as Keith held her up, Scotty assisting him.
“You can’t do this!” She cried.
“You want to bet? Trust me sweetheart, what I do to you will make Hades look like a day at the beach. You’re our prisoner now. You’re going to tell us everything you know. Then we’ll figure out what do with you.” Keith and Scotty shoved her in a back room, closing the door.