Fallen

Chapter 16

Gavin

"Damn," I cursed, slapping the dash of Toby's mustang as I waited for the too slow humans to make their way to the car. I could have been to The Black Dog, grabbed the files, gone to China to pick up lunch, and have been back in the time it was taking them to get to the parking lot. I should have been a lot more firm in my argument with Eliza, but I guess I was always a sucker for strong women. She'd had a point. If I kept sheltering her, then she wouldn't be able to handle herself if the need ever arose. That, above anything else, was what irritated me the most. The fact that she had been completely, irrefutably, right! As my self-loathing peaked, my three compadres finally decided to come out of the church. Nathan looked positively lost outside the walls of his fortress. This was going to be an interesting trip.

"I took the liberty of calling shotgun," I shouted through the sunroof. "I hope that doesn't bother anyone."

"Nope," Nathan answered with a grin, happy as he could be. I didn't understand why. I guess ignorance really was bliss. I wonder if it was possible to wipe my own memory? I filed that thought away for later. The three of them all climbed into the car, Toby turned the key and we were, slowly, on our way. I zoned out, using the time to seek out anything out of the ordinary. The supernatural radio was still quiet, which was really starting to get on my nerves. I pushed it aside and pushed my senses broader. There were a few minor demons walking the streets, and an angel, but not one of any importance, stalking one of them. He was probably just a foot soldier who probably didn't know anything useful, but if he was still around later, then he and I would be having a chat. I could feel the mass of inhuman energy pulsating from The Black Dog even from this far way. Demons of all manner and Fallen, and several humans on either side were all in there as usual. Going in alone wasn't too dangerous. It was neutral after all, and nobody would dare break that. However, as soon as you stepped out of the door, you weren't under that protection anymore. I could fly away after my business was finished. My friends could not.

"Stop the car Toby," I said gravely when we were about a block away from the tavern. Toby cast me a questioning glance, but he did as I asked, pulling the car off to the side of the road. I took a deliberate breath, preparing myself for whatever might lay ahead. "Listen. I'm going to get out now and head in. Drive there and go to the bar. By the time you get there, I should already be heading up to the room. Don't give any sign that you know me. Don't say my name, don't give your names, and don't flash you badge, Toby. Believe me, all you'll get is a laugh before you die."

"What kind of place is this?" Eliza asked, a trills of fear and excitement mingling in her voice. I turned and looked back at her.

"The dark kind," I answered, looking at each of my friends hard. "Once I get what I need to get, I'll go out the door. Wait a few minutes and then leave. You first Nathan. You'll need to get back to the car and ward it just in case. Toby and Eliza come out together. Don't draw your weapons unless you absolutely have to. Toby, blessed rounds only."

"Already loaded," Toby replied seriously. I nodded. This wasn't his first rodeo after all.

"Remember, we don't want to cause a scene. After we leave the bar, take a roundabout way to the church and we'll meet up there. If something goes bad, don't fight, just run. Nobody bleeds tonight, got it?"

"Got it," Nathan said with a sure smile. Toby nodded. Eliza didn't say anything. Now that she was faced with actual field work it looked like she was feeling her nerves. I couldn't deal with that right now. I had my own part to play. I'd just have to trust that she'd get past it somehow.