Demon Hunter

Chapter 2

I didn't find a job right away and I didn't want to enroll Gabe or me into school unless I knew for sure we would be staying there. I was on my last year of highschool and Gabe would be in the seventh grade. We'd attended schools here and there, we always had copies of our transcripts just in case we picked up and left. I didn't want to finalize anything until I knew I was making the right decision.

I was leaving a restaurant- I'd dropped my résumé off to the manager- when I got a call. I answered it, even though the number was unknown. I had to remember that I was awaiting calls from several places.

"Hello this is Maggie, I'm the manager over at the Magic book store on Main? I'm calling to speak with Aurora O'Harrin about a job she applied for." I recalled the sweet old lady I'd met a few days ago. She'd been the kindest to me out of all the people I'd met so far. The town was small, and surprisingly tightly woven. I heard many whispers about the "outsiders" who were invaded their land. All I knew was that this was America, and that I can dig my roots into any sandy old little town I wanted.

"This is she. I'm so glad to hear from you." I was. I'd really liked Maggie. She'd taken me out to coffee and we'd had a nice conversation. She was the mother of the man who owned the town and most of the area, woods mostly, surrounding it. Nobody had moved here in years and she apologized for any hostility me or my brother was receiving. She explained that they were simply not used to having new people. I'd politely thanked her and answered all the questions she had about my family. Most of her questions I'd evaded or shamelessly lied. I wasn't willing to have the first person in the God awful place turn on me simply because I told her my family hunted creatures.

"Great!" Maggie chirped. I was energized by her enthusiasm. I walked peacefully down the quiet street. The town was near the coast, the beach practically in our back yard. The air was damp and condensation began to stick to my hair and skin. A breeze coming from the ocean brought cool air into the town.

"I just wanted to inform you that you got the job dear! And I have also made it a full time position!" My spirits quickly deflated. Once school started, I'd have to quit. I was determined to focus on my studies this year. I couldn't accomplish that with a full time job.

"Oh, Maggie. I'm so sorry but I won't be able to take the job. See when school starts-" Maggie happily cut me off.

"Silly me! I honestly forgot how young you were! I'll keep the position part time but pay you for full time work, how's that sound?" I was overjoyed but did not let it show. I knew there was other jobs that could pay me more than a bookstore could. Gabe and I needed all the money we could get.

"That sounds splendid Maggie, really. But I will have to get back to you with my decision. My brother and I are on our own now and I just need to make sure I'm taking the best possible offer." I calmly down played my thoughts. I wanted the job, Maggie was wonderful, but I had to think about Gabe. He'd been desperate to get out of the house, to go to school. He spent most of his time on the beach. I had to drag him home at sundown.

"Well, that's fine sweetheart. You just call me back if you need the job." I told her I would and ended the call. After a few more minutes of walking, I got another call. It was one of the jobs I had applied for telling me the position had been filled. One by one each of the jobs I had applied for called, claiming the same thing. Even the restaurant I had just left called. It made me suspicious of Maggie and her motives, it had to have been her doing, but I sighed and decided I had no other options. I couldn't go around making accusations. We were new around here and Gabe seemed to like it.

I called Henry to get his opinion. He answered on the third ring sounding completely drained.

"What's wrong with you?" I asked, forgetting my troubles.