When Night Feasts: Chapter Three

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Last Time on When Night Feasts: Thomas Dover and Cameron Frost investigated a gruesome murder at the hospital. They determined it was the work of a demon. Thomas gathered information at the police station while Cameron offered to help.

Chapter Three

Tom was roused by the blare of a car horn, or was it a truck? Through the haze of sleep, the only thing he could truly be sure of was that he didn't appreciate it in the least. He felt Jess stir in his arms. Reflexively, he pulled her a little closer. He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on his eyelids. A gentle breeze wafted in from the window by his head, and he could almost feel himself start to drift off to sleep again. 

The horn blasted again, this time the driver held the note for what seemed like a small eternity. Tom's eyes snapped open. Truck. It was definitely a truck's horn. Jessica tensed in his arms. He glanced down to see her crack open an eye. 

"Why do they hate us?" She murmured. 

"Who hates us?" he replied, a smile in his voice. 

She gave a sleepy shrug, "God, the universe, whoever 'they' are that people believe watches over them. They hate us and won't let us sleep." 

The horn sounded again, followed by the thud of a door and loud voices. Tom couldn't make out what they were saying, but he doubted it was a friendly exchange. His hand absently stroked Jess' back, her skin soft and warm beneath his touch. 

"I'm not sure we're the ones they hate. Or if they hate us at all, but I'm pretty sure they hate that truck driver more. He sounds… upset," Tom said. 

She shifted, propping herself up on her elbows. She peered out the window, her chestnut hair catching in the light. Her head gently bobbed, "You're right," she said, matter-of-factly. She flopped back down on the bed, "They hate the truck driver way more." She sighed and stretched her arms above her head, "We're just collateral damage," she yawned. She rolled onto her side and draped an arm over him, "How are you this morning?" she asked, holding his gaze. 

He knew what she was really asking. Not how did you sleep, not how do you feel? How were his urges? "I'm good. You?" 

She paused for a moment, "I'm fine." 

There might have been a world where Tom would be in love with Jessica Dixon. Where he'd cherish her soft body in his arms. Where the scent of her hair would be a reminder of tranquility. And there was a world where she loved him too. Where sharing a bed with him was not a necessity but a desire. In that world, perhaps they'd have a family. 

As it was, Tom didn't love Jessica, nor did she love him. At least not like lovers do. As friends? Yes, they loved each other deeply. But there would never be more, there couldn't be. His hand moved up and down her arm gently and reassuringly, not because he wanted to feel her silky skin, but because that's what a good lover would do. And she allowed it, not because part of her wanted his gentle touch, but because she understood the compulsion. 

Compulsion was the cornerstone of their lives, or more accurately, the struggle and balance of compulsion. Tom knew that his relationship with Jess was the epitome of codependency. It was a precarious balance between healthy and toxic that was held in a state of perpetual balance. A balance that if broken, would end what they had. 

"Breakfast?" Tom asked her. 

"Sure," she replied.

They got out of bed and Tom walked into the bathroom. He flicked on the light and twisted the shower knob to hot. As he waited for the water to warm, he brushed his teeth. The bathroom gradually filled with steam, prompting him to dial down the heat before stepping into the shower. He inhaled deeply, the steam filling his lungs and mind. As he washed, he thought about the day ahead and all the tasks it held. Outside, he heard Jessica getting ready. She'd left a few items at his place for her overnight stays. It didn't bother Tom, and it gave Jessica something to hold against her nature.

Tom thought of the balance as he washed. His compulsions urged him to deepen his relationship with Jessica, to make her an honest woman and himself a dutiful man. Maintaining their relationship the way it was fought against that urge. For Jessica, being with one man railed against her nature, which was precisely why she did it. This was one side of the tightrope they walked. The mutual struggle against their natures. But one couldn't simply resist their nature indefinitely, lest it eventually overpower and take control. This is where dependency came into play. Being there for Jessica and helping her manage her urges satisfied some of Tom's innate needs. Similarly, their encounters fulfilled some of Jessica's. The act of indulging wants and needs while simultaneously denying those same needs was what held them in balance. It's what kept them in control of their lives, not their natures. Codependent and unhealthy all around, but necessary.

Tom dried off and shaved. He saw Jessica applying makeup and felt a wave of relief. Over the years, he had learned to read her appearance. Today she'd look the beautiful woman, she was. Men would undoubtedly notice her, and some might even hit on her, but she would resist. Or at least, she was confident that she would. On days when she appeared plain or frumpy, Tom knew her confidence in her own resolve was weak. It meant they'd gone too long since seeing each other. Those days, he would initiate an encounter.

He'd hate himself just a bit afterward. After all, when he did that he was in essence taking advantage of her. Using her urges and nature against her, in those encounters, it truly wasn't Jessica consenting, but her parentage forcing her. But as soon as they were finished, her nature's grip on her would loosen, and she would regain her freedom. Tom knew she was grateful for it. It was their arrangement. It was far better for him to recognize her need and take advantage of it than to let it consume her and make her vulnerable to others. But it didn't feel good.

She did the same for him, of course. Neither enjoyed manipulating the other's nature, even if it was for the other's benefit. So instead, they strived to maintain the balance. They had each other's backs in a way that Tom didn't share with anyone else. Jessica Dixon would never be his wife or his lover, but she was his partner in life, of that there was no doubt.

They would likely maintain this charade as long as they could, growing old and grey together, yet never truly being together. In a way, it was comforting, but in another, it was profoundly sad. Something that gnawed at both of them deep inside. Playing the part of almost being in love. Playing the part of almost being a couple. Pretending to be almost normal. But they weren't normal and never would be. Pretending was the best they could hope for and was better than what many of their kind had.

Newland was in full swing as they exited his building. The truck from earlier had moved on. In its place, cars were parked bumper to bumper, stretching in an endless line. He looked up, noting the gray sky filled with clouds that held the threat of rain. Jessica walked close to him as they navigated through men and women heading to work. Occasionally, he would spot a flash of color zipping in the sky as a demon would pass overhead. Around them, none of the people could see the little bastards. This was probably for the best, as not only would people panic, but the little shits could be incredibly distracting. Learning to ignore them while driving was a skill that proved surprisingly challenging to master.

Generally, Tom didn't pay much attention to the demons. Small and harmless, they were hardly worth a second thought. Most would be starved and gone by the end of the day, if they even lasted that long. Most vanished almost as soon as they came into existence. The more dangerous ones were rarer and tended to stay hidden. They entered a diner, the bell above the door chiming as they strode in. Patrons sat in booths or at a counter that overlooked the kitchen. A waitress waved at them, and Jessica and Tom slid into a booth.

The waitress returned with two cups, which she filled with steaming coffee. Tom took a sip of the bitter brew. The day hadn't truly begun until he'd finished at least one cup. 

"What are you up to today?" he asked Jessica.

The waitress returned to take their orders. As she left, Jessica replied, "Just wrapping up some research. How about you?"

He took another sip. "Trying to make sense of my current project," he said vaguely.

Normal people didn't know about demons. Sure, some believed in them, but those beliefs were more along the lines of horned red men with pitchforks, not the remnants of powerful thoughts, sensations, and emotions. Jessica and Tom could talk openly about work without raising alarm. That is, if they wanted to seem like nuts to the people around them. So they kept the shop talk vague or discussed more mundane topics.

Their food arrived after a few minutes, filling their immediate vicinity with the rich aroma that only a diner's breakfast could produce. Tom's plate was laden with eggs, bacon, and hash browns. He dug into his breakfast while Jessica picked at a muffin on her plate. 

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you know," Tom said.

She smirked. "So they say." She nibbled at the muffin. "Never been my thing. If I eat a lot in the morning, I won't get anything done." She smiled at him. 

Her gaze shifted to the window and Tom turned to see what she was looking at. Above the cars, he saw a small blue wisp of smoke bobbing and weaving. Tom focused on the demon and felt a wave of annoyance. As he looked back at Jessica, the annoyance dissipated.

"They shouldn't be so calming to watch," Jessica said.

Tom drained his cup and smiled. "It's just a little one. And there is something soothing about watching them. Though I doubt the annoyed people in those cars would agree with our assessment."

The small demon flitted along the row of cars. Tom left some money on the table and stood up. Jessica did the same. They left the diner and walked to a nearby church. Around back, they opened a door that led to an office area. Churches had proven to be a convenient front for the Sect, Tom had to admit. They helped them track all manner of demons. They ascended a set of stairs to the main office. 

The main office was modest, filled with rows of desks occupied by people. Smoke from cigarettes and pipes hung in the air, mingling with the smell of stale coffee. The sound of clacking typewriters and light conversations filled the room as people worked and chatted. 

Jessica bid Tom goodbye and headed for the filing room. Tom removed his jacket and draped it over the back of his chair. A man with dark skin and a short, stubbly beard greeted him.

“Mornin, Tom," George Firth said warmly.

George was a child of patience and Cam's partner.

“Morin,” Tom replied, "how's the wife and kid?"

George smiled, "They're both well."

George was probably the most normal Cardinal Child that Tom knew. It was comforting to see one of them leading a normal life, even if the rest of them would never share that fate.

"Have you and Cam found anything?" Tom asked.

George shook his head, "Not yet. Something will turn up."

Tom felt the corners of his mouth twitch upwards, "I'm sure Cam shares your optimism."

"Fuck off," Cam said cheerfully as he approached Tom and George. He pointed to an office, "Boss wants to see you."

Tom thanked him and walked over to the office of Alexander Garrard, the head of the Sect for Newland. Tom knocked on the door frame.

"Come in," Alex called.

Alex was of average height, his dark brown hair complementing his athletic build. He was a stern boss, but that never really bothered Tom. His diligent nature made him an exceptional employee, and the most grief Tom had ever received from Alex was about needing to take time off.

Seated in a chair in front of Alex's desk was a blonde woman. She turned in her chair and Tom's eyes lit with recognition.

"This is Ruby Simons," Alex introduced, "you've met before."

"I remember," Tom replied. Ruby, however, looked puzzled. "I was the man from the other night," he clarified.

"Oh..." she murmured, shaking her head slightly as if trying to rid herself of a memory. She stood and extended her hand, "Forgive me. It's a pleasure to meet you." She bit her lip, "And thank you for the other night. I'm sorry I didn't remember you."

Tom shook her hand, "Don't worry about it. It's understandable."

Alex cleared his throat, "Ruby worked at the city and county building. Now that she's started seeing demons, her boss had her sent to us." Ruby looked uncomfortable, but Alex continued, "She's your new partner."

Tom nodded, resigned to the task of training a new person. It wasn't a surprise. This was a role Tom often found himself in. After all, who better than a child of diligence to ensure that new staff members are properly trained? Tom nodded at Ruby, "Sounds good." He turned to Alex, "Anything else?"

Alex shook his head, his gaze returning to his desk. Tom noticed a flicker of uncertainty in Ruby's blue eyes.

"Trust me, working here will help you cope with what you experienced the other night," Tom reassured her, "Let's get you introduced to the team."