Page 30 of The Music Demon

After staring at her for a few beats, Rosie said, “I see,” and turned to Shivaun. “So, what’s up, Shy?”

“Well. I’ve discovered, or at least it seems, that I can tell when a body is lyin’.”

Rosie lowered herself to the giant leather, wheeled chair that sat behind her outrageously glitzy, seventeenth century baroque desk. The chair’s color was an unusual cross between deep burgundy and ruby red. Not only did it do marvelous things for her coloring, but when she sat there, it seemed to swell into something grander; throne, seat of universal power, something like that. Or perhaps it was simply in the eye of the beholder.

“You mean you can detect lies?”

“Aye. No’ conclusively so, but seems promisin’. If you’d like to test it.”

Rosie’s mind immediately drifted to a time when she’d been in love with someone with that talent.

Seeing Rosie’s eyes glaze over, the twins shot each other uncomfortable looks and secretly wondered what had triggered that response. They silently agreed to exercise patience and self-discipline, both of which were the O’Malley twins least favorite things, and allow Rosie whatever moment she was having.

With a tiny shake of her head Rosie’s eyes cleared and the expression that was left bordered on a frown. “I cannot do that.”

Again, the twins glanced at each other. That statement had sounded like Rosie was altogether unfamiliar with the concept of not being able to do something.

She looked at Shy. “The Order appreciates each and every tool in the arsenal.” To Sher, she said, “Are you also exhibiting this anomaly?”

“’Tis news to me, this whole thing. Like most Irish, I assume everyone is lyin’ whenever they open their mouths. So. I’ve no need of detection.” Rosie huffed out a half breath, half laugh. “When did you discover this?” Sher said to Shivaun.

“’Twas on a date if ye must know.”

Sher’s eyes widened. “Tell me you did no’ go on a date with that kidnappin’ demon!”

“I told you I would and I did. ‘Twas fun. I like him and I plan on doin’ it again.”

Sher opened her mouth to give her sister a piece of her mind, but Rosie broke in. “Ladies. Finish the spat another time. Let’s get back to…” Brief pause. “Did you say kidnapping demon?”

“Aye,” Sheridan replied. “The very one who took me and held me captive.”

Rosie regarded Shivaun carefully. “I’m not one to inject myself into the personal lives of others, particularly not their love lives, but I’m not sure this is a good idea, love.”

“No’ that it matters ‘cause you’re no’ the boss of me… Well, ye are the boss of me in a sense but ‘tis neither here nor there. But why no’?” Shivaun demanded.

“Because he’s a demon.”

“We’re demons,” the twins said in unison and then looked at each other like each was offended that they’d shared a thought in the middle of a disagreement.

Rosie nodded. “You are. Yes. But there’s a vast difference between being human accidentally turned demon and being born that way. Trust me. I know this firsthand. My grandfather is arealdemon.”

Of course they knew that. Deliverance had more or less become a legend in the annals of The Order.

“Forgive me for sayin’, ma’am,” Shy began. “But sounds like a prejudice to me.”

Rosie nodded again. “Yeah. I agree. It does sound like that.” She studied Shy for a few beats. “Since you’ve invited me to speak freely, more or less, the basis of my concern lies not just in the fact that you’re a brand-new demon, but also in the fact that you aresonew to the world outside the New Forest Preserve.” She looked between the two. “You more or less came to us as innocents.” Sher sniggered. “Ignoring that. You didn’t have sufficient time to fully adjust to modern life before you became a different species.”

“’Tis true,” Shy began carefully. “But the fact remains that I am a different species and can no’ imagine datin’ humans.”

Rosie sighed deeply, realizing that the girl had a point.

“I, for one, would very much like to hear the demon’s idea of a first date. Where did ye go? And what did ye do?” Sher challenged.

“We traveled in time to see bluebonnets at their best bloom in Texas Hill Country and drank beer. Well, I had ale. Then we fed pink cotton candy to baby dragons.” Rosie and Sher both blinked at her. “’Twas great fun.” She grinned. “He’s nice, attentive, romantic, and a great kisser.”

Sher took on a haughty look. “And what would ye have to compare him to. ‘Tis more than foolhardy.”

Shy slowly turned to her twin. “Foolhardy? And look who’s talkin’. You jumped into bed with the first elf who…”