Tally sighed wearily and the sad sound ached Sam’s heart. “I’ve been sensing his presence more and wondering what to do. Now, I’ve felt him more, I think he is too far gone to come back to this body, even if I left it.”
Sam nodded even though he didn’t fully understand. “We will figure something out,” he said, trying to reassure when in reality they both knew there was nothing Sam could do to help at all. It was far beyond his skills and knowledge.
He did know one thing though, and that was he would not lose Tally. He couldn’t let Tally leave in some noble act with nothing but a vague hope it would work and that Benji would get his body back. He would never let that happen, he would never be parted from him ever again. Sam ashamedly acknowledged that even if Benji getting his body back was a sure thing, Sam would not be able to let Tally do it. He was too selfish. Tally had to stay. Whatever the cost or the price or the dubious morals. Tally was worth it all.
Tally had only just made his way back to him. Sam had only just truly accepted everything. He wasn’t going to lose him now, wasn’t going to let him go for anyone. Benji said he was happy, and as unsettling as the thought that he was caught between worlds and lingering was, it was good enough for Sam. It had to be. The alternative was unbearable.
Chapter 27
Afewdayslater,Sam was restocking the soft drinks fridge behind the bar when he heard the front door open. Startled, he turned around. It was at least ten minutes till opening and he swore no one had unlocked it yet.
Zephaniah strolled in with a wide grin, dressed exactly as he had been last time. The clothes from another century looked even more incongruous in the early evening, in a public place, than they had in Sam’s bedroom in the middle of the night.
Sam’s mind now knew this wasn’t a dream and Sam had finally truly accepted everything. So this time, there was nowhere for his mind to hide. He really was looking at the Prince of Hell.
Sam swallowed nervously, “Tally!” he called, but somehow Tally was already standing beside him, arms crossed, and glaring at the Prince of Hell.
“What do you want, Zeph?” demanded Tally with no hint of fear in his voice.
Zephaniah shook his head sadly, as if he was bearing some great burden. “I said I would leave you alone if you didn’t cause any trouble. Calling forth hellhounds is causing trouble.”
Sam quickly turned and walked away, squeezing Tally’s shoulder as he did so. Sam hoped he had conveyed that he would not be gone for long. He walked over to Deirdre, who was polishing a table.
“Can you take Roger and John upstairs for a bit? There is about to be a family argument,” Sam asked.
Deirdre straightened and looked over at Zephaniah and Tally, curiosity clear on her face. “Oh, but I love drama,” she complained. She looked back at Sam and sighed, “Fine, the things I do for you.”
Sam watched her go for a moment and smiled. She really was a good friend. Protecting her from all this Hell stuff was the right thing to do. She deserved to believe the world was normal.
Sam turned back and took his place by Tally’s side. He was sure he wasn’t going to be much help at all, but he could at least offer moral support. It was better than nothing.
“I’m not going back,” snarled Tally.
“I’m not giving you a choice,” smiled Zephaniah sweetly. A deadly promise in his emerald eyes. He clearly meant business.
Sam’s heart started fluttering crazily, his limbs shaking with adrenaline. This was awful, terrifying, and he was powerless to do anything about it, but he couldn’t just stand by and watch Tally be taken away from him. But he only had one idea.
“Can I go to Hell with him?” he asked and was proud that his voice didn’t shake.
Both Zephaniah and Tally turned to stare at him, both looking astonished that he would say such a thing.
It was Zeph that finally answered. “Humans can’t go to Hell with a body. You would need to die and change your soul so you weren’t reincarnated.”
Sam turned to Tally for confirmation. Tally was staring up at him, eyes wide, clearly thunderstruck by his declaration. Sam reached for his hand and squeezed it. He loved Tally more than anything, he was a little disappointed that Tally didn’t seem to know this. His lover shouldn’t be surprised that he would follow him anywhere, even Hell. As long as they were together, Sam didn’t care where they were.
Tally squeezed his hand in return and nodded sadly, confirming Zeph’s words. Sam sighed, he had played his only card. He had nothing left. No other solution to this problem.
Suddenly Jinx stepped out of a shadow behind Zeph. Sam startled, but managed not to squeal. The incubus came and stood by Sam and Tally, clearly taking their side. Sam noted he was wearing normal clothes this time. Black jeans and a white tee shirt. Sam was very glad to see him. Jinx was someone who might actually be able to help Tally.
Zeph sighed wearily. “This has nothing to do with you, little brother.”
Jinx slowly crossed his arms and, as tiny as he was, he somehow made the gesture look utterly menacing.
“I know if I take Tally back, you will be alone here. But I will come and visit.” promised Zeph.
For an answer, Jinx growled. The sound low and ominous, horrifying coming out of a seemingly human throat.
Sam unashamedly stepped behind Tally. This was as far from his wheelhouse as things could get.
