Demonicus (Overworld Underground Book 2) by John Corwin Read Free Book Online

apparently work for Darkwater Consulting."
    "I'm not familiar with that company." He examined the search results. "It's probably a front for the brotherhood."
    We continued searching for more information, but couldn't find anything else pinning a location to either of the suspects.
    George flew me in his car back to Tyler's place. Rather than drop me out front, he parked with the passenger door just above the balcony railing.
    "Would you like to join us again tomorrow?" he asked.
    "Unfortunately, I have my day job to attend."
    "After your performance with Franco, I'm convinced you could join the Custodians full time."
    "Full time?" I wasn't sure I wanted to hunt supernatural criminals all the time. "I might have a useful talent, but I can't fight, and I'm not nearly as strong as you or Mr. Sticks."
    "We are not born preternaturally strong. It is a blessing given to us by the Templar Divinity."
    My interest piqued. "There's a divine being who rules the Templars?"
    "Perhaps." He looked toward the setting sun. "The Synod—the leading council—are the only Templars who are allowed to personally meet her. She may be myth, but the enhanced abilities are very real."
    "No wonder the Templars are so efficient. A goddess looks over them." I smiled. "Perhaps that's why I sense a brilliant white ember burning at the center of most Templars. Only the wizards are different. They possess the brilliance, but it's different somehow."
    "Can you touch this ember as you do with the vampires?"
    I shrugged. "Perhaps. I haven't tried."
    George pursed his lips. "I think we should test the extent of your abilities. I've never encountered anything like them."
    "I suppose I could be a lab rat, just don't poke me with needles."
    He flashed a smile. "Think about my offer to join the Custodians. The hours are long, but the pay and benefits are quite decent."
    "Would I get supernatural strength?"
    "Perhaps. I'd want to be sure it wouldn't interfere with your innate ability." He pressed a button. My door opened and a ramp extended over the railing to the balcony. "Have a pleasant evening, Miss Glass."
    Once I was safely deposited, the door closed, leaving only a faint blur in my vision due to the car's camouflage. I entered the unlocked balcony door and froze in shock.
    A strange man sitting on the couch in the den smirked back at me.
     

Chapter 5
     
    "Tyler?" I called out his name, praying he was here.
    The man stood. "He's not in. Do you know where he is?"
    I reached into my purse for the phone. "Who are you and what are you doing in Tyler's condo?"
    "I'm an old friend of… Tyler's ." He ran a hand through thinning brown hair with a lanky arm. I wondered if he might be someone Hugo knew before he died and Tyler possessed his body. Even so, that didn't explain one thing. "How did you get in here?"
    "You ask a lot of questions." He stepped forward. "Who are you and how did you get in here?" He looked toward the balcony. "I looked out there earlier and nobody was there."
    Keeping my phone out of sight behind the counter, I sent Tyler a text. Help! Stranger danger in your condo!
    His response came almost immediately. Joe is dropping me off now. Be right up .
    I only had to delay this man for a moment longer.
    "I know why Tyler keeps you around." He stared at me and licked his lips. "You look delicious."
    "Sadly, I can't say the same about you." I eased open a drawer in the kitchen island and removed a gun Tyler kept there, careful to keep it hidden behind the backsplash. I flicked off the safety and took a deep breath to steady my nerves. "Once again, who are you and what do you want?"
    A feral smile curled his lips and he walked toward me. "Perhaps Tyler wouldn't mind me snacking on you while I wait."
    "He most definitely would." I raised the gun and aimed it at his chest. "And so would I."
    He glanced at the gun as if it were a mere inconvenience. "Oh, you enjoy playing rough, do you, Emily?"
    The revelation that he knew my name shook me. I gripped the