The Last Babysitter | Requiem

MIRANDA, Dangerous Liaisons, and Sleep Paralysis

"WAKE UP!"

Pan's voice startled Ella awake.

"Are you okay?" Jerico was standing over Ella, holding her hand.

"Other than the hole in my stomach? Yeah, I think."

"Damn. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to uh..."

"It was a joke, detective."

Odd, Jerico thought. Making jokes after being raped and nearly murdered, but his cellphone interrupted his curiosity.

"I gotta take this." Jerico walked outside the room and wandered down the hall. "What's up, Marie?"

"I got something. Someone says they saw a man over here talking to the Garfield's babysitter and whatever they were saying, it was too low to hear, but it seemed intense. The description fits this guy, Elliot Hennigan. What're you up to right now?"

"Questioning the victim."

"I'm sure you are."

"Something is seriously wrong with you, Marie. She was just crying in my arms, for fuck's sake. How can you make a joke like that right now?"

"Is that what I have to do? Cry in your arms so you'll fuck me again?"

* * * *

The next day, Elliot Hennigan was stuck at another dance recital for his daughter, Georgia. Sitting next to Mr. Hennigan was his wife, Jane, then their neighbors and friends. The auditorium was packed with nearly three hundred people watching from the darkness as their children performed on stage. Local television was even airing the event.

This was a moment planned a year in advance. Thousands of dollars flowed between hands and organizations before the first child ever stepped foot on stage. None of that stopped Mr. Hennigan from wanting to leave early, however.

"Jane." Mr. Hennigan leaned into his wife's ear. "If I have to suffer through one more dance, I'm gonna fucking lose it."

"Keep your dang voice down," she whispered. "It'll be over soon."

"Georgia's done for the night. We don't even know these kids. We could grab her and get home, beating all the traffic."

"You promised Georgia you would stay for the entire show."

The doors of all three auditorium entrances swung open and police officers filed in. Detectives Jerico and Hatcher followed closely behind. All eyes turned to the police. The kids stopped dancing and watched as a wave of uniforms invaded the auditorium.

"Mr. Elliot Hennigan?" the police officer said.

"Yes. Why? What is this?"

"Please stand, sir."

"What?"

The officer grabbed Mr. Hennigan and stood him up and turned him around, handcuffing his hands behind his back. "Mr. Hennigan, you're under arrest."

"Get your God damn hands off me! Under arrest? What in the actual fuck? I work in the mayor's God damn office!"

"Elliot Hennigan." Jerico said. "You're under arrest for the murder of Sam Garfield Junior, and the rape and attempted murder of Ella Croft."

"The fuck did you just say? Get the fuck outta here! I didn't do any of that!"

Detective Jerico continued. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you."

* * * *

"Hey Ella. Wake up."

Ella opened her eyes and saw Pan standing at the foot of the bed. It was late, and the lights were off in the room, yet the demon's sunken, yellow-green eyes seemed to glow.

"Hennigan was arrested. Great job. No one even suspects you. Well, us. It was your hand that held the knife, my hand that guided your hand."

Ella laid there, eyes wide, unable to move a finger. Pan noticed she was panicking and slid on top of her.

"I, can't move. What's wrong with me?"

"Sleep paralysis is a real thing, dearie."

Ella felt Pan's breath on her lips.

"While you're here recovering, I think I might partake. I want to know what all the fuss is about."

Pan slid down and put his head between her legs, sniffed, then said with a gleam in his eye, "don't worry. I'll be gentle."

Ella's mouth fell open. Whatever Pan was doing, it was the most amazing thing she had ever felt in her entire life.