Page 123 of The Music Demon

“So what are the possibilities? How many places are there like that?”

“Places where demons could go, or be taken, and be, ah, off radar so to speak?”

“I don’t know. I think there could be places like that, but nothing comes to mind.”

Rosie rounded her desk, sat down in her chair and phoned a demonologist friend at Headquarters. After relating the high points, she said, “Gaia, I’m putting you on speaker so Lyric can hear what you have to say.”

“Okay,” Gaia said. “Lyric, is it?”

“Yes,” he said.

“I get the impression you think she’s been taken against her will.”

“That is what I think,” he answered.

“Do you know of anyone, in particular, who might be suspect?”

“No. It could be anybody. Any male demon, I mean.”

“And you’re not aware that she drew the notice of anyone in particular?”

“No.”

Rosie interrupted to say, “Maybe he knows more than he thinks he knows. And maybe we can mine information he doesn’t even know he has. Can demons be hypnotized?”

After a lengthy pause, Gaia said, “I’ve never heard of it.”

“Can you think of any reason why not? In other words, could it do any harm?”

“It’s a guess. I don’t think so. Not if it’s by consent.”

“Thanks, Gaia. I’m ending the call, but would you me a huge favor? Track Roo down and get her to call me.”

“Right now?”

“Yep. Right away.”

“Sure. Are we on for poker Tuesday?”

“Get ready to lose your beer money.”

“Tata.”

Rosie looked at Lyric. “Are you willing? Roo’s pretty good. She might help you find something your brain recorded without you registering it consciously.”

That sounded like mumbo jumbo to Lyric, but he didn’t have any better ideas. He nodded.

“Good,” she said. “Tea?”

He shook his head. “No. You go ahead though.”

The phone rang and Rosie answered with speaker on. She relayed the story, again.

“No idea if it’ll work,” Roo said, “but I couldn’t possibly pass up the chance to put a demon under.”

Lyric wasn’t fond of that terminology. Just as he wasn’t fond of the saying beggars can’t be choosers.

“How long do you need to get ready?” Rosie asked.