The Edge Of The Cemetery by Margaret Millmore Page B

asked.
    “ʼCause, they told me to find you….”
    I asked, “Who told you?”
    He didn't answer. Instead, he began to sway back and forth at a mild pace and his complexion turned waxen. He looked completely exhausted, and I thought he was going to faint.
    Billy asked, “Calvin, when was the last time you slept?”
    He shrugged. “'Dunno. A few days, I guess.”
    So he was exhausted and on the verge of collapse.
Great
, I thought…we weren't going to get much out of him tonight. I excused myself and left the table, pulling my cell phone out of my pocket as I headed toward the restrooms.
    Aris answered on the second ring. “Aris, Calvin Brelong is with Billy and me. He's a wreck, but I think he'll cooperate if we can get him some rest and make him feel safe. There's no sign of the demon so far.” I finished up by briefly explaining how we came together and where we were.
    I wasn't really that concerned about the musketeer demon showing up while the kid was with us. It had to know who we were by now, and I didn't think it would risk materializing in our presence since we'd happily relieve it of its current existence.
    There was an interminable silence, and finally I said, “You still there?”
    “Yes, I am. Will he come away with you?”
    “I think so. I mean, he came to us in the first place, so I'm guessing he wants our help.”
    “Good. Bring him to Lincoln Way as soon as possible. We will be able to protect him there.”
    I disconnected the call and went back to the table. The food had arrived and Calvin was digging into it like a starved animal.
    Billy looked at me curiously, and I said, “Calvin, we're going to take you to a safe place for the night. Is that okay?”
    He glanced up at me. His eyes were green, much like Billy's, but the fiery intelligent passion that often weaponized her eyes wasn't there…his were blank and lost. It seemed to confirm what I'd sensed in Marin—this kid wasn't dealing with a full deck.
    “Don't worry, Calvin. You'll be safe, I promise.” Billy's tone was soothing, almost motherly. I'd ask her where that came from later—it was so counterintuitive to her normal demeanor, and it was freaking me out a little.

Chapter 17
    I took Lombard west toward Golden Gate Bridge, then cut through the Presidio, the Richmond District, and Golden Gate Park until I reached Lincoln Way, from there it was just a few blocks further. The drive took twenty minutes, but Calvin was clearly exhausted and had dozed off minutes after we got in the car.
    As I pulled into the driveway, the garage door opened—obviously Eric was on watch, yet again, for our arrival. I drove into the deep cavernous space and parked. Eric's bright smile caught the meager light as Billy and Calvin came around from the passenger side. He shot his hand out in greeting. Calvin stepped back, but then timidly reached out and limply shook his hand.
    Eric said, “Listen kid, I hear you need some down time. I've got a room all set for you…clean sheets and towels and a TV with three-hundred channels of nothing but crap to watch.” He winked at Calvin and his smile broadened. Calvin smiled back,
sort of
, but he did relax, and that was the important part.
    Eric led us up a narrow stairwell that opened into a large hallway; from there we walked to the front of the house, where the main staircase was located. He waved his hand upwards. “Your room is the first door on the left…there's a bathroom right next to it. You hungry or thirsty or anything? I can make something up for you.”
    Calvin shook his head and Billy said, “Thanks Eric, we just ate. But if you've got any bottled water he can take up with him….”
    “You bet, be right back. Go on up and make yourself at home, Calvin.” He headed to the kitchen and Billy took Calvin by the arm and steered him up the staircase while I waited for Eric. He returned a minute later and glanced up the stairs, quietly saying, “So that's the killer kid? He doesn't look like he's got