Willing Heart

Chapter 3: The Masks We Wear

~Ruby's P.O. V~

         I went back home after my meal at Shari's, seems that boy and Katie hit it off pretty well. Love is the only thing that helps me here. Of course, not my own love life, but seeing others loving on children, their soul mates or even just loving life to the fullest. I made sure to give Katie an extra tip just in case she decided to go out with that boy. Yes, I am a cold hearted creature, but these humans have short lives. Unlike us and Vampires, they only live to be close to 100. Give or take a few years, it's all the same to them. But for us immortal beings? A hundred yeas is like a day. One lonely, miserable day. These humans did give this old mare something to look forward to. Seeing them grow as a species, sure their last World War was about 75 years ago, but their ingenuity and tenacity are what make them unique. Even if they did infest the world. You know? I think I'll come back to this place tomorrow, ask how the date went. Seeing that girls aura being a glowing bright orange made me happy. I once said that babies are pure white when I see their auras, but as time continues, they darken. Some have pure black auras, like my clients killer. And some have beautiful bright colors like Katie's. I could tell she has had some heartbreaks in her past and none of them her fault, otherwise the color would be darker. I can spot cheaters from a mile a way. Say you have two people, both having bright colors. The one doing the cheating however, their aura would darken. The one that was cheated on would still retain their bright color, it would just change to a different color depending on how they took the rejection. Katie's being Orange meant that she never got depressed about it. Sure, she probably hurt for a couple of days, but she has a good heart. If hers had been a bright blue, it would mean that she was still hung up on her ex-lover.

"Miss!" Katie ran out before I got out of the parking lot to leave. "Miss! You forgot your wallet!" I slammed on my breaks and patted down my pockets. Sure enough, my wallet wasn't in them. I rolled down the window.

"Thank you so much, Katie."

"You remembered my name?" She asked. Shock written on her face.

"Of course. Now, you take that tip and have yourself a good night out. Maybe even ask that jock to go with you?" I winked. She stared to blush.

"Oh, I couldn't. He's way too out of my league." She was playing with a stand of her hair.

"Sweetheart. Life is too precious to just float down the river. Take the rapid side for once. Be spontaneous. And," I pulled out my calling card. "Call me when you get home, kiddo. I want to know all about it." I handed her my business card. She took it with hesitation.

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much." She ran back inside. I just had to chuckle to myself. She's crushing hard on that boy. He better treat her well. 

    I finally made it home passed 1 pm, it was the same apartment, with the same everything. I need a change of pace, clearly. I opened my phone and clicked on Google. Maybe a night club could help me stave off this boredom. I clicked in Salem, Oregon Night Clubs and quite a few popped up. The internet is amazing. I decided to go to the furthest one this time, since I didn't have any friends. But the club itself doesn't open until 6 pm, so I decided to take a shower, put on a fancy green dress that was short but form fitting with matching stilettoes and put my hair into a pony tail. Then I did my make-up, I kept it natural and light since other colors clashed with my eyes. By the time I was done with it all, it was only about 2:30 pm. There was a park nearby that I could go to and work a little. It was a gorgeous day out after all, so I packed up my laptop and mouse and headed towards this park. When I got there, I took a bench near the water and began working on my clients case against her husbands murderer. Lucas Peterson, age 27, Caucasian decent, black hair and dark brown eyes , approximately 5 foot 10 inches. Offenses listed: Aiding and embedding, robbery, 3 attempted murders, DUII's, several misdemeanors and 7 accounts of auto theft. How has this guy not been in prison? I continued to scroll and it says that he was on house arrest for 5 years, he just got out last month. 

"Oh! Miss. Ruby." I knew that voice very well, it was my client. She was walking her baby boy in his stroller.

"Ah, Mrs. Chavez. What do I owe the pleasure?" I knew this case was going to be hard based on her last name. These judges are all the same. 

"I was just walking with little Dominic here." The baby was asleep in his little stroller. Poor kid, too much excitement for one day I guess. "He misses his father dearly. He didn't even know." Her face said it all, my eyes widened. She was devastated and broken on the inside. Her eyes spelled the words for me. 

"No. You're?" I did the motion of pregnant. She nodded and began to cry, I got up and held her close. That murderer took everything from that poor man. I was going to make sure he was thrown back in jail. This time for good.

"I'll bring him to justice. Mark my words Abigale." She held on to me while she wept for her husband. I was furious, of course, doing it legally meant I could stay off my herds radar, but it didn't mean I couldn't tamper with the minds of the jury. And that's exactly what I planned on doing. I would never use my powers for something that wasn't an emergency, but this single mother needed to find justice. And I was the one to do it. 

        We sat there and talked, apparently, her husband was a chef at a very fine restaurant, he was just walking home when those thugs jumped him. She handed me a review from a food critique. As I read it, I became sad that I wasn't able to taste his fine cuisine.

"If there was ever a time for a 5 star rating in Salem, it would be this restaurant 'La Buena Vista' a fine Mexican restaurant just east of the Capitol building. The Head Chef, Mr. Vincent Chavez, made the most delicious Enchilada's around. I rate his food 5 star, his staff was beyond helpful, his décor made it seem like you were in Mexico itself and the sounds were invigorating. Hot Skillets, big plates and huge appetizes for the masses. I highly recommend this high end cuisine, for you have not tasted better." I read the review over and over again. He had a life and a wonderful family. That insane human will pay for it. 

    We finally said our goodbyes a few hours later, I packed up my laptop and went back home. She really did help me out with the case. With this review, the judge has to see how good of a person he really was and how awful the murder was. Though, I still had my back up plan, make them see the thoughts of Lucas Peterson. Or rather, have the jackass confess under my spell. Then, have the jurors all vote guilty. I even had her print off his last text message from him. 'On my way home. I made something special for our anniversary! You'll love it. Love you, darling. See you in 20 minutes. <3' I cannot wait until the trial next week. 

    Once I got back, I put my laptop in the safe I keep it in, you know, because one can never be too careful, placed the bag in my closet and then headed to that club. I decided to Lyft it since I might be drinking and I didn't want to abandon my car until the morning. I also put myself on a hard stop for 2 am in case I get a little wild there. Though, I doubt I would, but again, one can never be too careful. My Lyft arrived within 5 minutes, he was an older gentleman with graying hair and winkles were seen everywhere on his face. The poor guy looks like he'd keel over any minute. I got in and thanked him for the ride, he only nodded and began driving. We arrived at the club in record time. It was called 'Love Bites' with a set of teeth and fangs. Almost as if they were imitating Dracula. I couldn't help but laugh at their sign, he would be so offended. Thank gods he is in England and not here, he would die from shock alone. Oh, he isn't dead, no, Mina only put him in a heavy trans of sleep. I mean, stabbing him in the heart? It was already dead. He was in a coma from the pain, but humans will be humans, they declared him dead which only made me laugh more. One of his own kin took the wooden piece long ago, but he recently woke back up and is back in England ruling over an island of his own. He refused to fall in love again and refused any human interaction. So, to make them stay away, she put up various barriers, from magical ones to human made ones. That island is untouchable, even by Mythic standards.

I approached the door to a bouncer who stopped me, "Invitation only." He said. I raised my eyebrow and showed him my I.D. The look on his face was priceless. "Excuse me, Miss. Nicholson. Please, come in." Yeah, in a society where one is a well known lawyer, you gain a few allies. I entered the club and was immediately flocked by all of the single men, men with dates and even some who had girlfriends. Damn my hair.

"Don't you look like a lovely piece of ass." Oh, goodie, one of those. I ignored him and went straight to the bar. "Hey. I was talking-" He was interrupted.

"The lady has no interest in you. Back off." And one of those now. Can't I just have a night to be fun and exciting?

"No one asked you, poser!" He started to throw a punch, but was caught by another. This was a bouncer now. 

"If you two cannot play nice, get out. The lady is already taken." The hell I was! Oh, well. I should just enjoy it.

"By who?!" The vulgar one asked.

"By his grace. Mr. Evans." Evens? Like Oliver Evens? The Mafia boss?! The two backed off and went their separate ways. "Mr. Oliver would like you to go to his box, Miss. Nicholson." s**t! I was right. The one man I haven't been able to catch in crime. I am a dead woman. I nodded and got up from my seat and went to where he was. The steps felt like my doom. I knocked on his door.

"Come in, my sweet." Great. He has a nickname for me. How kind of him. I rolled my eyes and opened the door. This was a very well kept booth. The seats are black and red leather, the floor made of oak wood and in an office chair sat my nemesis in the law against crimes. Mr. Oliver Evans. Also known as; Zeus' Bolt. He would come in like lightning, a flash of light, kill who he wanted to kill then vanish just as quickly. "Miss. Ruby Bianca Nicholson."

"Oliver. What do I owe this pleasure?" I say through gritted teeth.

"Not much I am afraid. I just want your company. I miss having you chase me everywhere I went." This was a vile man. Beyond vial. I could smell the alcohol radiating off of him like a perfume.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you. I just have smaller fish to catch before I can get you." I crossed my arms.

"So, feisty. Come, my dear. You must feel something for me other than bloodlust." Who did this guy think he is?

"Mmm... Nope. I just want to catch your sorry excuse for a man and lock you away for the rest of your life." I was getting irritated.

He came closer to me, I tried to back away, but the bouncer closed the door. It was locked from the outside. "Oh, surely you jest, sweetheart?"