Sleeping

"I have something for you, Detective Knight."

Drayce snapped out of his trance and turned his head to find Penny standing next to his desk. Her attire had gotten increasingly provocative since she lost her virginity. Today she wore a short black skirt and a deep V-neck top. The late Frank sure knew his stuff about virgins.

Why did everything have to remind him of that motherfucker today?

"What is it?" Drayce asked, reaching for the unmarked manila envelope.

"How should I know? A dark haired woman dropped it off at the front desk. She asked that I hand it to you personally."

Dark haired? Could it...?

Drayce shredded the envelope like it came with a prize. Unfolding the letter inside, he read it to himself.

Willis Tower. Tonight at midnight. Don't be late. You know I hate waiting. -F

His heart skipped a beat with the knowledge that Fiona was still in Chicago. The cryptic nature of the letter was a bit disconcerting though.

"Well, what is it?" Penny asked.

"Oh! Um. I've been assigned to work her case. Her... uh... husband went missing."

"I see. Well, I need to get back to the front desk."

Drayce nodded. "I need to get going too. This letter just gave me a lead."

They walked toward the elevator. Once inside, Drayce hit the button for the first floor then stood opposite of Penny.

"What do you think happened to Frank? Not that I miss him."

"I have no idea," Drayce said. "Clair said he was associated with the sex trade along with the other cops we arrested. He probably skipped town, but we'll find him."

The elevator door opened and Drayce rushed past Penny toward the exit. He wanted to avoid that awkward conversation entirely. "I'll catch you later," Drayce said over his shoulder.

*****

Willis Tower. The tallest building in Chicago. Drayce always marveled at how someone could build such a monstrosity of a building.

Drayce did not want to be late for this appointment; he made sure to arrive early. He walked impatiently around the base of the building. Even this late at night, Chicago's downtown was so lively, full of passing cars and pedestrians.

Why did Fiona want to meet here?

Like that time in Grant Park, the suspense was killing him. He decided to stop his nervous pacing and plant himself at the main entrance. He looked at his watch; it was almost midnight.

Drayce 's eyes locked onto a woman in a long white gown striding along the sidewalk. The stunning woman had clearly dressed to impress. He realized who she was when she turned up the steps toward him.

She looked absolutely perfect. Her long white dress, with slits in the sides to mid-thigh, reached down to her six inch heels. The bust of her dress cupped her supple breasts to a proud display. Her long dark hair blew gently in the subtle breeze, her bangs occasionally brushing across her sparkling eyes.

"Hello, Drayce ," Fiona said with an inviting smile.

It took a moment for his brain to register her words.

"Uh. Hi! You look terrific!"

"Thank you."

"So why are we here? I didn't know I was supposed to dress up."

Fiona stepped in close, putting her arms around his waist. "You'll see. You aren't afraid of heights are you?"

"No," he replied. "Why?"

Holding him tightly, she expanded her wings and launched into the air at terrific speed.

"Oh shi-i-it!" Drayce yelled as he was jerked off his feet. The higher they flew, the more the cars on the roads below looked like glowing ants. "Don't look down, don't look down..." he repeated in his head.

He chose to look at Fiona instead. Her beautiful face almost diverted his mind enough to forget he was several hundred feet off the ground. She smiled at him, squeezing him in a tighter hug as they continued their ascent.

They reached the top of the skyscraper in mere seconds. She flapped her wings and gently landed on the roof. Drayce 's knees buckled a bit as his feet touched the solid surface.

"That was... fun as hell!" Drayce praised, catching his breath.

Without a word, Fiona 's heels clicked against the concrete, walking to the edge. Drayce joined her at her side.

"I always liked this spot. It reminds me of home."

Drayce took in the impressive view. They stood silently, enjoying being together.

"So where have you been?" Drayce asked, breaking the silence.

"Sleeping."

"Sleeping? For three weeks? Your 'naps' are getting longer and longer."

"Between the ritual, torturing Frank, and the memory transfer, I was sapped of most of my magical power."

He had not thought about that. Magic is not free and easy. It cannot work without a price, even for a demon.

"About the that night -- I'm sorry for what I said to you. I didn't-"

"There's no need to apologize," she interrupted, putting her index finger to his lips. "How could you have possibly known? You were hurting so bad inside -- I wanted to help as best I could. I wanted to show you, convince you, that you were not the only one who has loved and lost, or to be betrayed."

Drayce did not know what to say. She poured her heart out and revealed all her secrets just to try to make him feel better.

"I knew you still had some good in you," he joked, nudging her ribs.

Fiona laughed. "Maybe. But don't go pushing your luck."

They smiled at each other. Drayce held her hand in his. They gazed at the city below. Street lights illuminated the night sky and hid secrets in shadows.

"Tell me something Fiona -- why did you lie to me about me being immune if I kept my soul pure?"

"I didn't lie to you. 'Can't' or 'won't' yield the same result, do they not? I couldn't harm another innocent person, not after what Asmodeus put me through. For that choice, I'm slowly dying."

"What?! You're dying?!"

☆