A Touch of Darkness

Chapter 18

Damien munched on the food that sat in front of him.  The restaurant was buzzing with patrons, far too many people for Claude to come in and make a scene.

Pushing around the disgusting mush with my fork. Too focused on keeping watch and smelling the air for any trace of Claude to even try to pretend to like the substance.

I could feel Damien staring at me, trying to read my expression but I refused to meet his eyes.  They'd only fill me with more guilt.  Me putting him in this situation, dragging him across the state, across borders.  Away from his one family member that he cared for dearly.

"How does the mind control thing work?" Damien whispered leaning forward suddenly.

Glancing back to see his face filled with sincere curiosity.

"Took a lot of practice, but now it's as easy as breathing" Smirking at the unintended pun.

"Show me" Leaning back in his chair taking another bite filling his cheeks.

As if on cue the waiter came to our table with a polite smile.

"Our you guys finished? Is there anything I can get you two? Refills?"

Clasping his hand quickly, his eyes startled at first but settled on mine as I felt the pull of his subconscious.  Pulling him down to my level.

"Actually, our food will be free.   And I'd like a slice of pie for my friend to go.  Right away please" Grinning brightly as he nodded.

Letting go of the confused man's hand, he spun on his heal.

"Did it work?" Damien's voice slightly doubtful.

"Do you doubt me?" Raising brow.

But within minutes the waiter returned, seeming to be fighting internally as he brought a to-go container with a slice of pie.  "We'll be covering your bill tonight.  You two have a nice evening"

The man nodded once before turning his back, scratching the balding top of his head.  A tall angry man scolding him, making me feel a twinge of guilt.  But it was worth it seeing Damien's expression.

Standing to my feet.  "Shall we go?" Giving him a cocky smile, handing Damien the to-go container.

"Uh yeah"  Damien looked nervously around as he shrugged on his jacket quickly.  Looking like a kid getting caught with hands in the cookie jar.  It was priceless.  Fumbling with his backpack as he tried to seem inconspicuous. 

We exited into the brisk air as Damien began shoveling the pie as we walked.

"You're telling me we could have been getting free food this whole time"  Shaking his head, his mouth covered in crumbs.  "You've been holding out"

Shrugging as I felt my guilt settling once again.  I needed a better plan than this.  Hopefully Margaret survived Claude's arrival.  She'd know what I should next.

"There's a small hotel not to far from here.  We'll settle there until we need to move again"

"Why are you so down? We just got a free meal and pie!" Licking his fingers of the cherry filling.  

Smiling softly before shoving my hands in my back jean pockets.  Staying quiet until we reached the hotel.  

The man at the desk only greeted me, causing Damien to grip my small hand.  He handed the key card once giving him a false name, his eyes looking me up and down far too long for my liking.  Raising a brow, unable to hide the scoff.