Gabriel & The Specter
**This takes place a few days after the end of INK: Fine Lines and before the start of INK: Book 2.**
It’s been days, maybe even weeks since I’ve seen her. It’s so hard to tell. On this beach I’ve watched day and night doing a lovers dance spinning in a never ending exchange for dominance over the sky. I really don’t even like the beach. The sand is gritty and I can’t find peace here since there’s just the droning of the ocean. There’s no comfort for me here without her. I’m just hoping for a glimpse of her pale blue eyes looking deep into mine with admiration, even if it’s only for stolen a moment.
I would go to hell and back for her. A laugh rumbles up from my chest, “And that’s exactly where I must be, Hell.”
There’s been no sign of the Specter for days so the investigation is at a complete standstill. The problem is they both go hand in hand. She’s only here when the Specter is. That doesn’t mean the Specter won’t cast his shadow when she isn’t here. He and I, well we’ve had our run-ins.
If only I could reproduce whatever it was that I did to bring her to me that one day. What did I do? What was special about that day other than her and I being together with no Specter, no blood, no death. It was amazing, but cut way too short. Just us here on the beach and she was full on ready to give herself to me again.
I kick myself every day for ever walking away from her. I never should have let her go. I should have done more to help her. I’m going to bring her back to me for good.
My fingers begin to tremble at the tips and a cold chill runs through my core. It’s happening; I’m going to see her. My entire being is writhing in a dichotomy of emotions. The sickness in the pit of my stomach tells me the Specter will be there, but if that’s the price I have to pay it’ll be worth it. My body slowly disintegrates, the first few times this really disturbed me, but it’s just how I get pulled to her. Now I welcome it.
***
The streets feel dirtier than here. I want desperately to hear her calling out for me. Looking around I only see a cobblestone road and a trolley station. It’s too flat to be San Francisco.
The sign above me reads “El Encanto building” it’s an old fashioned sign. If I didn’t see a few modern cars I’d wonder if I’ve been transported back in time. This place looks like it’s been standing still. The Florida plates on the cars gives me an indication of where I am.
I’m going to follow my instincts, the Specter is on the move again, but somehow my connection to him seems weak, like he’s a on a cell phone that’s out of range.
“Hey handsome.” A cool whisper glides past my ear. My eyes close in the ecstasy as the sound of her voice runs through me. Her fingertips dance across my shoulders grazing bare skin on my neck. It’s electric.
Inhaling a deep breath of relief I turn into her putting my hands on her waist. “Hey.” Is the only word I can push out as lean down into her to kiss her.
She takes a step back cocking her head to the side and waving her finger back and forth “Uh uh uh.” She licks her lips seductively and I can see the sparkle in her blue eyes. “Not so fast. First a little business.”
My hands find her waist again and I tug her in to me. “No, first a kiss. I’ve missed you.”
She backs away from me moving her shoulders side to side so sexy and inviting. I lunge forward to grab her as she disintegrates in a puff of dark smoke. That son of a bitch! His laughter fills the air like a foul stench.
“Oh Gabriel, are we having difficulty with the plight of the muse?” The Specter’s voice rings out.
My fists clench at my side and my jaw pops with tension. His face doesn’t look nearly as putrid as it usually does. It looks like a real face composed only of shadow. “What do you want?”
“I want to entertain you, my dear Gabriel. You see we are both suffering from the same plight.” He circles around me quick and graceful pausing in mid air only for emphasis. He comes to a stop directly in front of me and dons an exaggerated pout “We are both heavy hearted with the absence of Miss Baynes.”
Panic tries to move me, but I won’t budge. I don’t want to show weakness. “Did you do something to her?” My voice reaches a lower register in an effort to remain even-toned.
“No, as much as I miss looking deep into her eyes I prefer them intact.” His face cinches in irritation. “You see Gabriel, right now we are being kept from her.”
“We?” I ask feeling rather dubious. “How?”
“She has a new guardian who is keeping her from dreaming.” He rolls his eyes seeming almost bored. “But, if we join forces there’s a chance we could get her back.”
I find myself contemplating actually teaming up with him for a split second before I shake my head and come to my senses. “Not even for.” I correct myself “Especially not for her, there’s no way I’m going to team up with you.”
Movement across the street draws both our attention. There’s a kid walking down the sidewalk carrying a medical bag. He looks out of place. The Specter and I exchange a look and he smiles. “Sorry sport, have to run. You know busy, busy, busy.”
Reaching to grab for the Specter I’m thrown off balance causing the kid to look in my direction. His eyes widen and he mouths “Gabriel Stokes.” His pace quickens until he disappears into a doorway leading up to second story lofts.
The Specter has disappeared with him. I don’t like this one bit. Something’s not right, but I’m going to get to the bottom of it.
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