Demonicus (Overworld Underground Book 2) by John Corwin Page A

information out of them."
    "At least we can do something about Barboar," I suggested.
    His lips formed a tight line. "We might be able to banish Barboar before he possesses another body, provided I find someone who knows how to do it right."
    Thinking of Barboar and his grenade strengthened my resolve. "Let's stop Barboar first. If he comes back, he'll tell the others where we live."
    Tyler's hand squeezed mine. "Agreed."
    I texted George. Any luck finding an exorcist?
    It was nearly one in the morning, so I didn't expect a response. Perhaps that was why I nearly jumped out of my seat when the phone dinged with a response.
    Exorcist, yes. Abyssal banishment, no. Will let you know more tomorrow.
    It occurred to me that I knew two specialists where banishing demons was concerned. I flicked through my contacts and found the number to a cell phone my father had used only once. After the Exorcists had purged Tyler, my parents revealed to me they'd used a soulstone to keep Tyler's soul from entering the rift to Haedaemos. They'd taken Tyler and me to his condo and left us there, warning me to be careful so as not to draw the attention of the Exorcists.
    I hoped this phone call wouldn't do that very thing.
    The phone rang continuously and never went to voicemail. I redialed, but got the same response. "I guess my father doesn't have his cell phone anymore."
    "Do you really think your parents would help us?"
    I stared forlornly at my phone. "Maybe. At the very least they could point us in the right direction."
    Tyler's hand tightened on my leg. "Don't worry. We'll figure this out."
    I released an exasperated sigh. "I wish I felt as confident as you. Just knowing that one of your former pals could slip into your condo at any moment and kill us all isn't very reassuring."
    He steered around the backside of the Gregorian and toward the parking garage. His gaze flicked to a dark sedan parked near the front of the guest parking lot. I followed his gaze and barely made out a shadowy figure in the car.
    Tyler pulled into the garage and parked. "I'm almost positive that was Detective Long in that car."
    I glanced back though there was no way I could see the guest parking lot. "Why would he be parked out there?"
    "Maybe he's still looking into the gunshots." Tyler shrugged and got out, came around and opened my door for me. "Just what we need—cops and demons spying on us." He blew out a breath. "Maybe we should move temporarily."
    "We could live in my flat," I suggested.
    Tyler chuckled. "Won't it be a bit small with Isabel and Jack there?"
    "I think she's been staying with him a lot." It suddenly occurred to me that Isabel and I might not be flat mates for much longer, provided our relationships went well. It was a bittersweet realization.
    "I'm not certain your apartment is entirely safe either." He shifted the car into park, got out, and walked around to open my door.
    "What do you mean?" I asked when he helped me out. "They don't know where I live."
    "I don't exactly publicize where I live, but Barboar still found me." Tyler led me to the lift and pressed the button. "I'm worried that he and the others might know about you."
    Horror stabbed me in the stomach. "What if they know and went while Isabel was there?" I took out my phone and punched in a quick text to my friend. Don't go back to the apartment. Might be dangerous.
    I received no response, but assumed it was because she and Jack were blissfully asleep.
    "I texted Joe and told him to have the security team watch this place."
    That made me feel marginally better. "I still want to know how Barboar got into your condo."
    Tyler nodded. "I'll have my people look around for clues tomorrow."
    My feet ached from the high heels, and my skin crawled with the imaginary cooties I'd picked up from the sordid places we'd visited tonight. I wanted a hot shower and the warmth of Tyler's body against me as we drifted to sleep.
    I announced my grand plan to him, and he quickly accepted.
     
    Tyler