CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

 

 

I was impressed with myself that I did not continually check my phone for missed texts and calls from Jacob all night. I knew my phone was working. The lack of a text or a call by the next morning told me everything I needed to know. Maybe he called yesterday because he was simply a good guy. He wanted to make sure I was okay, but like a police officer checked in on a crime victim. Just doing his job. Not interested in more.

I swallowed past the lump in my throat and headed downstairs to make coffee. It was almost time for Entertainment Daily. I was curious if Jacob updated Liz like he said he would once the murders were solved.

“Good morning in the Valley! Welcome to Entertainment Daily. I’m your host, Elizabeth Addison.” The smile dropped from her airbrushed-to-perfection face. Faux concern replaced it.

Stop it, I chided myself for my uncharitable thoughts. She was not a bad person, just career-driven.

“Many of you have been following the Firecracker Killer case for the past couple of weeks. I promised that I would inform all of you at the conclusion of the case. Well, that time has come. Citizens of the Valley, as well as Los Angeles, can breathe a sigh of relief that the Firecracker Killer is no more. But, let me warn you, this next part may sound outrageous, like a pathetic attempt to boost ratings. Most of you will want to dismiss what I say as pure nonsense. I understand. I felt the same way when I first heard about it.” She paused dramatically and my heart was in my throat because I knew what she was about to say.

“How many of you have watched television and movies about vampires and genies? How many of you have laughed instead of been afraid because you knew it was fake?”

I put my hands over my mouth. She wasn’t going to out us. She couldn’t out us. Then I reminded myself that she said this was her goal. I closed my eyes for a moment, breathed deeply.

“I am here to tell you that it’s real. I know, I know. It can’t possibly be true. Let me tell you a story. You may remember when I exclusively reported I was in possession of a photo of the Firecracker Killer. Many of you tuned in to my Facebook Live where the killer failed to show; not very many of you tuned in for the second attempt. You missed a doozy if that’s the case.” An image of Jena appeared in the corner of the screen. Liz gestured to it. “This individual, Jena Jawahir, appeared. And I mean appeared. She shimmered into being in front of me, those popping sounds we all recognize now, preceding her. I tried to talk to her; I learned her name. And then she vanished just like that.” Liz snapped her fingers; I couldn’t believe she was telling the world, but at least it seemed she wasn’t going to mention me. Yet, anyway.

“She later appeared in a private home, where she admitted, in the presence of law enforcement, that she was the Firecracker Killer. She attacked said law enforcement representative and then a brave citizen, at great risk to herself, killed the killer in self-defense.” Liz paused again. She clearly relished the telling of this story.

“You may be wondering about this creature who could appear and disappear at will. I have come to learn that she is what’s known as a djinn, genie to most of us. But she doesn’t grant wishes.” Liz provided a brief definition and explanation about genies. It seemed mostly taken from Wikipedia but was fairly accurate.

“So, who was Jena Jawahir?” There followed a timeline of Juni’s death in Roger’s car accident, the justice system releasing him, and then Jena’s three murders.

“This genie would not have stopped – she said as much – had she not been killed.” This conclusion seemed directed at me. Did Jacob tell her that I’d been feeling guilty?

“Now the big question. Was she alone? I’m here to inform you that she was not. She was alone in the killing, yes, but there is an entire paranormal underworld existing in Las Vegas. In addition to the genie, we have vampires and beings who can bewitch you with their voices. And that’s just scratching the surface.” Thank goodness for small favors, I guess, that she had not identified my species yet. I refocused as she continued.

“You know I don’t usually track rumors.” I arched an eyebrow. Really? “But, I’ve also heard that there’s a whole agency providing representation for actors of the other-than-human persuasion.” How did she find out about Catherine?!

“It seems as though we have become ground zero for the paranormal. If you’ve had any unexplainable things happen to you, I want to know about them. The paranormal exist – we need to know how far their reach goes!” With that and a self-satisfied smirk, she signed off. I fumed that she would sensationalize our existence, imply that we were somehow a threat. Sure, we had more abilities than humans, but except for the vampire Cleaners, we mostly left humanity alone. Sheesh.

I clicked off the television. A text notification pinged. Hope bloomed. Jacob?