Chapter 20 - There should be one line at every store for people who have their shit together.

[Traci (Mad Hatter Reads)]

We finally found out which “friend” was in danger. Had you already figured out who it was? Were you surprised that she wasn’t the only hostage?

[Mel]

I was shocked to find out who was being held hostage with the "friend". I lost my stomach when he was pushed off the top of the building. I guess everyone has vulnerabilities...

[Angie]

I knew the mob kidnapped Jessica before her friends realized she'd been missing. She served know purpose but to wreck havoc on Charley's day. I hate mean spirited people and she had to go. But I'm afraid she'll cause Charley more problems dead because she won't cross. I can see her forming a I Hate Charley Davidson Mean Girl Club. I wish she'd trip, fall into Charley, and cross by accident Grr!!!

[Mel]

Angie wrote: "I knew the mob kidnapped Jessica before her friends realized she'd been missing. She served know purpose but to wreck havoc on Charley's day. I hate mean spirited people and she had to go. But I'm ..."

I know you are probably right, but I really hope not Angie. She has already caused Charley so much trouble in her youth.

[Danielle]

I knew pretty early on that Jessica was the "friend" I was completely shocked that they got Reyes too.

[Suzan]

I didn't realise it was her till it was revealed, I thought the mob would have been smarter then to really thing that nasty individual was Charley's friend! I had a heart attack when Reyes went over! I actually hope she does try to cause trouble for Charley cause then she'll be treated to a whole other side of Reyes that will put her firmly in her place! Charley needs to set Reyes on her and not be a softie where she's concerned!

[Kyra]

While it sucks to be Jessica, I have a more important question. I'm going by memory here but when Reyes' demon was going after Charley and she used the knife to cut him and bring Reyes back, did she kill his inner demon or just put him back in his box, so to speak? Does that make sense?

[Suzan]

Kyra wrote: "While it sucks to be Jessica, I have a more important question. I'm going by memory here but when Reyes' demon was going after Charley and she used the knife to cut him and bring Reyes back, did sh..."

Personally I'd like to think she killed his inner demon but I don't honestly know if it has destroyed the demon in him or just lessened it's power over Reyes.

[Mel]

Kyra wrote: "While it sucks to be Jessica, I have a more important question. I'm going by memory here but when Reyes' demon was going after Charley and she used the knife to cut him and bring Reyes back, did sh..."

Kyra, I have no idea really but I believe she brought forth the Reyes we love and "calmed" his inner demon so to speak. The cut helped him to remember who he was now and who Charley was to him, but I could be way off the mark. Reyes is one of the most powerful beings of Hell. I would think it would take more than a prick of the knife to destroy that part of him completely. I could be way off the mark with this one.

[Candie]

Crazy, crazy chapter!!!!

[Kyra]

Mel wrote: "Kyra wrote: "While it sucks to be Jessica, I have a more important question. I'm going by memory here but when Reyes' demon was going after Charley and she used the knife to cut him and bring Reyes..."

I hope it didn't kill the inner demon because I'm pretty sure he will be useful in the final battle. Plus, it adds to Reyes mystique. :-)

[Mel]

Kyra wrote: "Mel wrote: "Kyra wrote: "While it sucks to be Jessica, I have a more important question. I'm going by memory here but when Reyes' demon was going after Charley and she used the knife to cut him and..."

You are right, Kyra. His inner demon will be a great help.

[Mel]

Possibly this will lead to another one of Charley's powers; after all, Reyes will not tell her everything she can do, only that she is more powerful.

[Margaret]

I was not surprised about Jessica. I knew when Charley noticed her missing from the bar.

I had kind of convinced myself that Charley would have to pull a Buffy and stab her boyfriend to save the world. I'm glad it didn't happen like that, though I guess there's still time. We'll have to see if killing or banishing his demon weakens him in the future.

[Nika ♥Marie♥]

I wasn't thinking Jessica either. More like someone she really considered a friend.

That scene with Reyes scared the beejeezus out of me.

I really think this should be an aisle at the grocery store.

[Vicki]

I wasn't thinking Jessica at all, because she simply IS NOT a friend of Charley's. But I was stunned that Reyes was captured.

[Mel]

Vicki wrote: "I wasn't thinking Jessica at all, because she simply IS NOT a friend of Charley's. But I was stunned that Reyes was captured."

Me too, Vicki! Elephant tranqs, who would have thought!

[Vicki]

Mel wrote: "Vicki wrote: "I wasn't thinking Jessica at all, because she simply IS NOT a friend of Charley's. But I was stunned that Reyes was captured."

Me too, Vicki! Elephant tranqs, who would have thought!"

Now I know how to catch me a Reyes! ;) LOL

[Dawn]

I knew it was Jessica, but I would have thought it was impossible to get to Reyes. I am so glad Darynda described how it happened. Always impresses me with the story twists!! :)

[Mel]

Vicki wrote: "Mel wrote: "Vicki wrote: "I wasn't thinking Jessica at all, because she simply IS NOT a friend of Charley's. But I was stunned that Reyes was captured."

Me too, Vicki! Elephant tranqs, who would ..."

LOL, Vicki. I love it!!!

[Ines]

I knew it was Jessica as soon as she went missing, so the big shock was to realise Reyes was taken hostage too. I do not think his inner demon was killed because I am pretty sure Reyes would have died as well. He needs to balance both "forces", but I do not think he would survive with just one of them.

Regarding Jessica, I am not sure she will be a pain to Charley. I hope she is because it would probably give us some hilarious moments as no one else would be able to see her, but now she will have to believe Charley was telling the truth all along. Maybe she will soften up a little... eventually. I wonder if she will pop up in Reyes bedroom... lol

[Kyra]

Ines wrote: "I knew it was Jessica as soon as she went missing, so the big shock was to realise Reyes was taken hostage too. I do not think his inner demon was killed because I am pretty sure Reyes would have d..."

I'm sure she will do everything in her power to try and make Charley's life miserable. Reyes can see ghosts too, right? Maybe she will be too intimidated and not bother them.

[Ines]

Kyra wrote: "Ines wrote: "I knew it was Jessica as soon as she went missing, so the big shock was to realise Reyes was taken hostage too. I do not think his inner demon was killed because I am pretty sure Reyes..."

Yes, you're probably right. The most reasonable thing is for her to act as a spoiled brat/ghost even though she no longer has a reason for it. Reyes can see them, and it seems ghosts can see each other as well. Then there's all the other humans with "special powers", but for those it won't be as entertaining as they won't see Charley get frustrated and argue with air! hehe

[Dana, Founder]

Cra, cra! Never saw it coming. A Darynda Jones specialty served on a platter.

[Lea (Between fantasy and reality)]

I suspected it was Jessica since all of her real friends were counted for but In never saw Reyes coming. My heart stopped.

[Angel]

Margaret wrote: "I was not surprised about Jessica. I knew when Charley noticed her missing from the bar.

I had kind of convinced myself that Charley would have to pull a Buffy and stab her boyfriend to save the w..."
I agree that the story was definitely leading to some sort of situation like that happening. Unlike Buffy though, I don't think she could ever permanently destroy him. They are like Yin to Yang for each other, regardless of their destinies (at least I hope).

[Angie]

@Mel, I just read 7th Grave book description on Amazon and it's just what I thought. Jessica is haunting Charley. I truly hate this person.