Lone Survivors

XVI (We Each Are Our Own Devil)

She passed out before the plane took off.

The detective made a quick pit stop giving Spencer and Johnny enough time to shower and change into fresh clothes. Kaitlynn fought to keep her eyes open, Spencer noticed everywhere she walked charred footprints followed. She had her head resting on his shoulder, her skin scalding hot to the touch. She was in transition now and he was powerless to stop it.

How is she?

He put an earbud into his ear, glancing over to the aisle seat where Johnny sat staring at the ceiling. He tagged along at his father's request, on the off-chance Paul showed up or the Slayer himself. He turned his attention back to Kaitie, kissing the top of her head massaging small circles into her back.

"She's still burning up. There has to be something we can do. We can renegotiate our deal, can't we?"

I'm sorry Spencer, our deal is not renegotiable. She is strong, her spirit is that of a fighter. I actually have faith she will survive this with her soul intact.

"I think that is the first time I have ever heard you apologize." He smirked.

Don't get used to it. Plane's about to land better wake her up.

"Did you have a nice chat?" Johnny cocked his head to the side.

"You owe me an explanation Keller." Spencer countered.

"Mom got diagnosed with leukemia when I was seven. The treatments weren't working, my dad got a stupid idea. He went to a crossroads like in that one legend with Robert Johnson. He actually found one, buried this little box right smack in the middle. He got himself a demon alright, when they asked what he wanted he gave them his terms. He wanted mom completely cured, wanted her to live a full life and in exchange he would give them his soul. No stupid time frames attached.

They agreed, but you know demons there's always a catch. They kept their word, my mom was cured, and she's been in remission ever since. Instead of taking my old man's soul they took mine." Johnny's eyes went black.

Kaitlynn began stirring her eyes fluttered open. Spencer kissed her forehead; he had a hunch their homecoming would be one they would not forget.

~***~

I'd been in and out of consciousness throughout the flight. I heard Spencer's one-sided conversation, followed by Johnny's tale. My conversation with Detective Christian made a lot more sense. I felt Spencer kiss my forehead his smile made the butterflies in my stomach go crazy once again. His one-sided conversation became easy to figure out. It didn't take a genius to figure out what I was becoming. With Paul out of police custody, the fear of him coming after me is what prompted my fitful sleep.

"How you got any sleep at all eludes me, Kaitie Porter." Johnny gave a small wave. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

"Your dad talked about you quite a bit. He did leave out the part about you being like Spencer." I replied.

"I'm surprised, usually all he talks about is the infamous South Street Slayer." He stood up as the plane landed on the runway. With my overnight bag in one hand and Spencer's arm around my waist we exited the plane walking through the terminal coming face-to-face with Chris Cerulli.

My mind went straight into panic mode. I scanned every seat in plane, even catching a sneak peek into first class after explaining I had severe flying anxiety. The flight attendant offered me a tour of the whole plane, I thanked her for being so kind. Previous flight attendants didn't always offer me the same courtesy. Spencer and Johnny stopped dead in their tracks the temperature already dropping around them.