I hated Earl Grey. The smell of bergamot reminded me of old women and disapproval, but I drank anyway, glad of the warmth. What time is it? I asked, only vaguely interested.
We dont keep track of time here the same way people do in the outside world, Beloch said, settling in the chair opposite me. To my surprise, a cat jumped into his lap and settled there, and he stroked it absently with his strong, gnarled fingers. The cat turned to look at me for a moment, then settled back on its masters lap.
Odd. I loved cats. And yet Id looked at this sepia-toned cat and felt an instant revulsion.
Youre admiring my lovely Lucifer, arent you? he said. Hes quite beautiful, is he not? Such a sleek, lovely coat. His hand stroked the shiny fur.
Hes gorgeous, I said politely, only the truth.
I feed him a diet of raw meat. I find it not only improves his health but it brings him more in tune with his atavistic nature. Of course, it makes him quite savage with other people. I would suggest you dont pat himyou could lose a finger.
I laughed politely, assuming he was kidding. But I looked down into the cats face and wondered.
I thought I might have them make up a room for you here, he continued. I had hoped that Azazel well, he has certain things he needs to work out, but since it appears hes unable to deal with them, you may as well stay here.
That was just what I wanted. So why in the world was I trying to come up with objections? I wanted to be here. At least, I should. I cleared my throat. I dont think Azazel has anything in particular to work out. Apparently he needs to prove that he isnt attracted to me. Hes done that in spades. I dont think he wants me dead anymore. I think he just doesnt care. As for finding me attractive, thats simply ridiculous.
A faint smile curved Belochs mouth. I think you underestimate your charms, my dear.
I smiled back, still feeling vaguely uneasy. Youre very kind, but as far as Azazel is concerned I might just as well be a a Nephilim. I used the word deliberately, wondering if Beloch knew it.
He seemed to. And you hate him as well?
Of course. Hes kidnapped me twice, maybe more, if I could only remember. He tried to have me killed, he keeps me prisoner, and he never answers questions. He wont talk to me at all. The last argument sounded rather lame compared to the others, but in truth it made me crazier than all the other offenses.
Beloch said nothing for a moment, stroking his self-satisfied, finger-eating cat. To give him his due, hes had a sad life. His wives keep dying. I believe hes still mourning his last one to an excessive degree.
I was suddenly very cold. What happened to her?
To Sarah? I believe she was murdered.
Oh, shit. Was Azazel some kind of Bluebeard? He didnt seem like a serial killer, but then, how would I know what a serial killer was like? They could be quite handsome and charming, couldnt they? Azazel fit the formerwhen considered dispassionately, he was absolutely gorgeous. But charming he was not.
Er how many wives has he had?
Youd best ask him. Though he may have lost count.
I no longer bothered to hide my alarm. How could I have been so stupid? Stupid because I had felt his mouth on mine and responded, stupid because for a brief moment I had wanted him, really wanted him.
Maybe Ill skip that.
Beloch chuckled. But why waste our time talking about Azazel? Id rather talk about you, my dear. About your lives and loves, your memories, your dreams.
My lives? Just how much did he know about me and my past? I had the sudden, unbidden suspicion that he knew more than I did. Yet that was impossible.
Then again, no one could know less about my past. Im surprised Azazel didnt tell you. I know almost nothing about my life. Ive got some odd form of amnesia. I didnt tend to use that word for it, but it seemed
like a nice, reasonable explanation for something that felt much more sinister.
Amnesia, Beloch echoed. My poor child. But you know, were quite advanced here in the Dark City. We have very effective ways of helping you to remember almost anything.
I must have looked doubtful, for he laughed. Dont look so worried, my dear. Its simply a form of biofeedback.
For some reason, a shiver ran down my backbone, but I managed a cheerful smile. I think Ill pass. If my past is even close to what Azazel thinks it is, Im better off not knowing.
Dont be ridiculous. You know the old saying: The truth shall set you free.
I blinked. Thats an interesting concept. Ive never heard it before. Who said that?
Someone after your time, child, he said with a soft laugh. Let me order some more tea. Yours must be cold by now.
I glanced down into the tea leaves floating at the bottom of the bergamot-scented sludge. They looked like drowned tree limbs after a hurricane. I looked up and managed a smile. Ive had enough, thank you. Too much tea makes my hands shake. I set the delicate cup carefully on the table beside me.
Beloch simply nodded. Then perhaps Ill introduce you to
The door opened with no warning knock, and Belochs gentle face darkened with displeasure as he surveyed Azazel in the doorway. You finally decided to come after your charge? he said in an icy tone. Youre too late.