Chapter 5: Similar Features

(partly inspired by Melissa Etheridges song)

December 1995

Corrine looked around the hotel room as she turned away from the balcony and stared at her bags sitting by the door. It was a suite, practically an apartment, because she really thought there was a good chance Demona was back here. She looked back out the glass doors to watch Paris. “You always come back.” Corrine spoke quietly as she watched the city. By the records in the journals she’d read and the research she’d done, Demona should be back soon, but the reports in the papers made her feel pretty sure a gargoyle had just moved in. Hopefully she could find Demona, to warn her. The reports in the paper worried Corrine, because she knew eventually her family would come here.

This place was where it all played out, and Corrine knew her family would be even more vicious if the battle happened in this city.

Corrine sighed and moved to pick up her bags to unpack. She hadn’t seen or heard from Jason or the others since she’d run away from them again; hopefully they were too busy with a false lead right now.

Corrine sat down heavily at the table and pulled out the work she’d have to do before she could even plaster the city with her invitations. She hated that Demona was so good at hiding her day place that she couldn’t just walk up to it and wait, but she was grateful Demona did know caution. It just meant that Corrine would have to litter the city until Demona decided to talk with her.

Corrine’s fist clenched, as the thought Demona might not seek her out hit her. Demona had to, that was all there was to it. Corrine put the pen to the page and started to write a letter, one vague enough only the Demon would understand it all. They had a shared history, and it was their own secret language. By the time she was happy with what she’d written over a dozen first attempts were in the garbage can and she held a brief hand written letter she’d photocopy at least a hundred times.

…………………………….

Corrine sat on a table looking out over the street while sipping at her coffee. It was early, obscenely early and she felt exhausted. For the third night in a row she’d waited near where her father died and Demona didn’t show. She’d stay long past when it was realistic to expect the ancient gargoyle, just sitting there, staring at the ground she knew held Canmore blood. She had no regrets about his death, but she wondered how much more blood this hunt would have.

Corrine stared out the window and she blamed her thoughts and exhaustion when she thought she saw Demona walking out in the sunshine. The way the redhead moved, the way her hair moved with the wind, Corrine found herself staring at the woman. The pale skin and obvious humanity did clash with her sleep depraved mind and Corrine just stared, confused, even as the woman turned and she could see her face. Corrine gasped at the freakish resemblance.

“Demona?” Corrine whispered, before shaking her head. It was crazy, and Corrine started to grin a little imagining Demona’s reaction to seeing a human looking like her. The gargoyle would be far from amused.

Corrine tossed enough to pay for twice as much as she ordered onto the table and got up to leave. Her eyes kept the redhead at least partly under observation as she walked around other early morning patrons and out the door. The redhead was crossing the street, coming Corrine’s way and Corrine watched her move. Corrine shook her head, still amazed at the similarities. As the redhead moved up to her, Corrine could see a searching look in her green eyes as she looked around at the stores. “Lost? Does that mean that since I found you I get to keep you? Finders keepers you know.” Corrine asked with a smile, her voice a hint deeper than normal. She hadn’t even realized she was going to put a move on the redhead until she’d spoken herself, she’d just been too curious to not go get a closer look. Corrine smiled and watched the redhead’s apparent shock at being hit on, because the woman’s eyes widened and her body rocked back a little. Corrine calmed it down, realizing she wasn’t in a bar right after last call was yelled out. Her rather strong line was a bit too much. “But really, what are you after? I used to live around here.”

“I was looking for a place to buy more comfortable shoes.” The woman had a thick French accent. Corrine blinked and her eyes traveled to the woman’s face again. Under that accent, the voice was softer than she expected somehow.

“Well, you found the right tour guide. I know where the good shoes are.” She looked down to see the woman wearing high heels, and in the morning. Not likely to feel good. She grinned back up at the redhead flirtatiously. “I’m Corrine.” She spoke and she really didn’t know why the redhead’s eyes widened again, looking a bit shocked, or why the woman seemed to stare at her face, her nose. Corrine moved a hand to self consciously rub her nose, thinking she must have gotten foam on it. That would just figure, here she was trying to impress and she probably had foam on her nose.

“My name is Dominique.” The redhead spoke slowly, and she seemed a tad apprehensive. “And I really don’t need a tour guide. I am capable of shopping on my own.”

“Ah yes, but shopping with someone else is much more fun.” Corrine grinned, and tried to ignore the self consciousness she was starting to feel. Normally she could take or leave a date, but this woman was interesting. The look in Dominique’s eyes was a bit too taken aback. Corrine sighed heavily. “Straight right?” She spoke with a rueful smile on her face. “I was hopeful, but I’m just not going to be on the menu no matter how hard I try, will I?”

“I’m afraid my boyfriend would certainly object.” The soft French accent answered, but there was a small hint of a smile in response as well. “Do you always pursue so,” The words trailed off and Corrine blushed just a little.

“Only when the lady is as beautiful as you.” Corrine spoke as honestly as she could, her voice still conveying interest. “I must say in my defense, I never had a chance of resisting. It is rather unfair.” Dominique smirked at her, seemingly amused. It gave Corrine a spark of hope, which was unusual, because normally she left women with lovers alone. She didn’t feel that spark of honor right now though.

“Corrine, sometimes people hunt for things they shouldn’t. Perhaps you should just go home.” Dominique spoke and her voice was still accented and soft, but Corrine frowned, something bothering her about the words or how they were delivered. She couldn’t narrow it down. It wasn’t as friendly as it sounded.

“I see, wrong tree.” Corrine took a step back and sighed. “I should know better than to pursue a redhead. Never ends well for me.” She muttered with an apologetic smile. She pointed down the street. “One block down and turn right, halfway down that block is a shoe place that actually has comfortable shoes.” She turned to leave before waiting for a thank you.

“Thank you for the information.” Dominique called after her and Corrine waved backward, without really looking. She was very disappointed she didn’t get the date this time. Normally she struck out rarely, but then she normally picked up women in places where it was reasonable to assume they were at least bisexual. A city street had to be harder to charm on.

Corrine finally glanced back to see the redhead still watching her and Corrine’s eyebrows drew together, wondering if the woman had been at least tempted. Why else would she stare? It helped her feel a bit better and Corrine turned to strut just a little, hopefully she’d fuel some fantasies in the poor little straight girl. Corrine smirked at that thought.

Corrine knew her long damned fantasies would have a new outlet. That woman looked just like a human Demona would, exactly.

……………………………….

That night Corrine found herself standing on a rooftop, the rooftop her father had been thrown from if the stories were accurate. Demona never gave her many details, but her brother had filled in a few gaps. Corrine stared up at the sky and the stars with a heavy sigh. “Kitten’s not the one that needs a bell. Where are you?” She asked the air, pretending Demona could hear her. “I really need to talk to you.”

Corrine leaned back against the roof and put her arms up behind her head to cushion it from the cold roof. She could see her breath, but the clothes she had helped to keep her warm, other than her face. “If I knew they’d target you, I might have killed father myself.” Corrine muttered, but she quickly realized she couldn’t have done it at that age. She wasn’t sure she was strong enough even now, if he’d been alive. “I don’t want you hurt for protecting me.” Corrine whispered and sighed heavily. She stared up at the stars and remembered doing that as a child, with Demona. Demona had listened to Corrine playfully rename all the constellations’ with patience. Every other constellation had been Demona.

Maybe Corrine had always had a bit of a crush on the gargoyle, Corrine considered as she stared at the constellation of Demona Diving and then to the left the one of Demona drinking pepsi. Corrine grimaced at remembering her stupid childish names for them all. Demona had been amused when they were named though, which was why so many were named after the gargoyle.

“Why didn’t you kill them? You said you were going to.” Corrine asked the sky. She took a deep breath, the air cold. She was starting to feel the chill from the roof. Corrine sat up, and glanced out where she used to sit and wait for Demona. She’d spent so long in that café that she couldn’t go there again. She was becoming a regular, and she needed people to not notice her. That’s why she sat up here tonight. “Did you keep the dagger?” She asked the air.

Spending all her nights alone was really starting to get to Corrine. She stood up and stretched. “I miss you.” Corrine muttered and turned to head for the roof access. She wasn’t going to see Demona tonight. She might as well leave.

Corrine opened the door and still stood there, not going in. She glanced back up at the stars. “Be safe.” She whispered. The sound of fluttering fabric drew her attention to the side, but all she saw was the French flag shaking and blowing in the wind. Corrine went inside, feeling so very tired and defeated. She didn’t know how long she should look. It was a big city, but Corrine felt like she’d left notes on every possible surface. Still, there was no Demona.

…………………………

It had been a while, but Corrine grinned as she saw Dominique standing in front of a bakery looking in. Corrine moved to stand next to the woman and pretended to stare into the bakery as well. It was a bit crowded inside. “I like it hot.” Corrine muttered and did her best to not grin too obviously as she kept her eyes on the oven being opened and the bread inside it. “How about you?”

“You know I’m not interested, Corrine.” Dominique spoke and Corrine grinned. The redhead remembered her name.

“I’m talking about bread.” Corrine smirked and turned to look at the redhead. The slight irritation in Dominique’s face made her look even more familiar and Corrine smiled a bit more softly at that thought. “What were you thinking I was talking about?” Corrine’s eyes twinkled as Dominique stared at her.

“I was thinking that you must spend far too much time picking up females.” Dominique spoke in a rather disapproving way. “What are you doing in the big city Corrine?”

Corrine studied the woman in front of her. “Tit for Tat my dear, what are you doing here? Live here?”

“Yes, but I’m also getting married.” Dominique spoke and Corrine grimaced. She didn’t like hearing that, and it made her uncomfortable. Her mind went to another redhead. “Your turn.”

“I’m looking for someone I haven’t seen in a long time.” Corrine answered honestly and looked out over the street and away from the bakery. “You kind of remind me of her.” With that bit of honesty Corrine managed to surprise herself, Corrine hadn’t expected to say that, and Corrine looked over at Dominique to see how it was taken. The women didn’t seem surprised at all.

“How long have you been looking?” Dominique asked and Corrine sighed heavily in response.

“Corrine?” Another voice interrupted them and Corrine didn’t disguise her displeasure with Dominique, she rolled her eyes up and grimaced as she heard that voice and knew what was about to happen. “That is you.” The woman spoke and Corrine turned partly to look at the pale skinned woman with dyed red hair. Corrine knew intimately it wasn’t natural. Corrine struggled for a moment, trying to remember this woman’s name.

“Jessica.” She spoke softly and did her best to not show her irritation. She watched Jessica glance at Dominique and then back at Corrine, something darker in her eyes. “Jessica, this is Dominique. Dominique, Jessica.” Corrine introduced the women and watched Dominique study the other woman and just nod at her.

“Already moved on to someone new I see.” Jessica’s voice was irritated and Corrine just sighed. “I guess you really do believe in those disclaimers you spout. I’m surprised you didn’t have me sign that I was only the fuck of the night in triplicate before you touched me.” Jessica spun around and marched off. Corrine didn’t bother following her.

“Women troubles?” Dominique asked, seemingly unfazed.

“She left, therefore there was no trouble.” Corrine responded and glanced at her watch. It had been a bit embarrassing, but hardly the first time that had happened to her. Corrine looked up to see Dominique studying her, but no evidence of her thoughts showed on her face.

“I should really go. I’m meeting my fiancée for lunch.” Dominique spoke and Corrine nodded she understood.

“You’d have more fun with me, but I guess you can’t let him down.” Corrine grinned just a little, trying to get that playful feeling back.

“How long are you going to look for someone that doesn’t want to be found?” Dominique asked.

“The rest of my life.” Corrine answered a little flippantly. It wasn’t this redhead’s business, and Corrine couldn’t answer any questions about this.

“It must be in the blood.” Dominique seemed to mutter as she walked away and Corrine shook her head, sure she’d misheard it. Her mind tried to fill in whatever else it could have been, but she gave up and turned back to the bakery. They had the best bread and she needed some groceries.

…………………..

Corrine grimaced as she stared at the book Scottie had mailed her, still wrapped. It felt dishonest to resort to this, but it had been a month and if Demona was in town she wasn’t going to come to Corrine. Corrine had put over a thousand notes on the top of buildings and Demona wasn’t ever at the meeting site. Corrine put the book down on her bed and sighed. There were still reports that sounded like a gargoyle in the paper, but she hadn’t searched for evidence for where Demona was the normal way. It had seemed wrong to hunt her so actively, with the tricks taught her. Corrine couldn’t use Canmore tricks against Demona, even for her own good. Corrine just couldn’t make herself do it.

Corrine caressed the spell book she’d been sent, not knowing if she or Scottie would be in trouble for this. It had the locator spell in it.

Corrine opened the box and stared down at the old, fragile looking book. It had a preservation spell on it, so it wasn’t really as fragile as it seemed, but still Corrine felt some guilt as she anticipated the scolding she’d get. Her hand reached into the box to pull out a much smaller box. She searched the edges, looking for a sign that it had been opened, but she couldn’t see one. Her hands shook just a little as she opened up the box and stared down at the token she’d saved from one of her happiest memories.

Corrine had been ten at the time and she’d spent a lot of time watching her mother put on makeup and do up her hair for work each night. It was there special time together, and Corrine missed that, but it was those moments that inspired the child she’d been to ask what she did that night.

Demona had slipped into Corrine’s room two hours after Corrine’s mother had left, to find Corrine with lipstick that just wasn’t sitting right on her lips, eyelids nearly the color of night, and rosy cheeks that looked more like a clown than a woman. Corrine still remembered watching the ancient gargoyle do her best to smother a laugh, and Corrine smiled fondly at that memory.

Corrine’s hand wrapped around the brush in the box and slowly pulled it out. It was a snoopy brush, a child’s brush for dolls really. Corrine pulled up to her eyes and looked at the few long red hairs still in the bristles. Long before Corrine understood the importance of such a treasure, the magic possible in it, she’d saved this. This was from the one night Demona had let Corrine brush her hair and put barrettes in it. If Corrine had been allowed, or able to take a picture she was sure it would have been much less perfect a hairstyling job than her memory supplied. Still Demona had let her do that, and Corrine had always been touched she’d been allowed such a liberty.

Demona really should have known better than to leave hair behind, Corrine thought, now that she understood magic. Now Corrine wondered if Demona ever thought about their time together as she carefully pulled one red hair out of the brush. She placed it carefully in the pages of the spell book, while leaving the other hairs in the brush. She didn’t want to lose them all to this longshot of a spell.

Corrine carefully put the book on the floor and sat back on her feet, kneeling in front of it. “She has to know.” She muttered, trying to push her own guilt at this action away. Corrine wanted to warn Demona about Jason and the others, and she wanted to give Demona anything she’d need to protect her daytime retreats. Corrine would hand over every last dollar of her share of the Canmore fortune to protect that gargoyle, and she just needed to let Demona know that.

After an hour Corrine turned away from the map she’d been using in tandem with the spell. Her stomach was in knots as she glared down at the words of the spell she thought for sure she’d be able to cast. She’d never done it before, but it was a simple spell. Still she turned to see the two halves of the piece of hair she’d used swirling over two different parts of the map. One circle of hair slowly moved along the water and the other moved more quickly through the middle of the city. There shouldn’t be two, and it was the middle of the day. Demona wouldn’t be moving anywhere. Corrine felt helpless as she stared at the results of her work, of her magic. How did she screw that up? It was gargoyle hair! The spell was supposed to be tied to Demona’s DNA. These results shouldn’t be possible.

Corrine was going to have to resort to Canmore ways to find the gargoyle she knew was in the city. She really hadn’t wanted to do that, not with Demona. It was too close to hunting her for Corrine’s peace of mind.

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