Devious Origins

CHAPTER 32

Tilly and I walked together on the sidewalk through the center of the quad while I finished relating my story.

"... and that is why we needed the survey. If we are going to lay a trap for these bastards, we need to know how they operate." I ran out of words at that point. I still wasn't sure how to broach the topic of her own possible encounter with the demons.

We walked a bit longer before Tilly answered. "So... you're sure this isn't something you should just leave to the police?"

"Believe me, I've had that same thought, but I think if the police were going to put this together, they would have done it already."

"You could go to them with what you have."

"Sure, and they won't think we're crazy at all." I immediately regretted the amount of sarcasm I'd imbued that statement with. "But even if they do believe us, it could backfire. We already know they have people in city government. They could have people in the local police. If we go to the cops, it could just tip them off."

"It just seems really dangerous."

"Yes, I know. And trust me, I've tried to talk Dee out of this, but she is going to do it with or without us, so at this point all I can think to do is help her as much as I can. To do everything possible to reduce the risks. I think you can help with that, actually."

"Me? What can I do."

"You might be the most recent person to actually see these... psychopaths... doing their thing. The Brass Rail... that night you first met Dee..."

Tilly stopped walking. She shuddered. "I so don't want to think about how that could have ended."

"And I really didn't want to have to ask you about it. But anything you might remember might be the thing that breaks this open. I remember seeing a guy carrying you out of the Rail, but it was the other side of the room, and I wasn't looking all that close. I couldn't tell you what he looked like. Do you remember?"

"I... I don't remember leaving the Brass Rail. I remember being there. I remember talking to a few different people. I was supposed to meet a couple of friends there, but they didn't show."

"Did anyone buy you a drink? Anyone give you a weird vibe?"

"No, I bought my own, but I wasn't always watching my drink all the time. Anyone could have slipped something in it." She bit her lip. Her brow furrowed. "There was this one guy. Came over and chatted me up. Offered to buy me a drink, but I hadn't finished the one I had. He did some silly magic trick using cocktail napkins and straws. It was actually pretty good. He did give me a bit of a weird vibe though, now that I think of it. Like he was doing this thing, but he didn't really care if he impressed me or not."

"Would you recognize him if you saw him again?"

"Maybe, but I don't expect to. See him again, that is. I can't remember exactly what he said, but he talked like he wasn't from around here and wasn't planning on staying. Something about passing through. Wanted me to show him the sights. It totally sounded like a line, and I wasn't interested. I don't even remember his name. Sorry... I wish I could be more help."

"Don't be sorry. I think you might have just given us a big clue." The wheels in my head were turning. The pieces of the puzzle were in motion again, and I felt like something was about to click into place.

My contemplation was interrupted by the approach of another student. He waved as he bounded up to us, his other hand clutching the strap of a backpack that dangled at his side.