Chapter 10: Get Determined

Meanwhile, George was already outside, attempting to get some distance from the shed, the stadium, and the school. After putting on a brave face in front of Lacy, he was mentally tired and stressed and needed a moment to breathe. His mind reeled from the implications of what he’d done, and though he had no regrets, he was still anxious. The Genie appeared beside him and gave George a comforting hug, then fell in step beside him.

“You did great,” said the Genie.

“Yeah,” he chuckled nervously, “not too bad. Better than I hoped.”

“It was great,” she corrected. “You accomplished your goal and bed a sexy wench without having to wish for it. Although I admit, I was skeptical. I thought it was noble of you, but I wasn’t sure we could pull it off. But that’s why you’re the Master, and I am your ever-faithful companion.”

But George wasn’t interested in celebrating just yet. “I need to stay focused on finding Piper. If I stop and think about everything, I’ll just talk myself down.”

The Genie nodded. “I understand. Save maidens now, bed wenches later.”

He realized that trying to get the Genie to focus on anything other than sex would be a challenge unto itself. So, instead, he set off across the fields, past the stadium, and toward the road. Football practice was well underway by then, but luckily, no one seemed to notice him leaving.

George thought aloud as he walked, “Okay, so what have we learned?”

She rejoined him inside his head and replied, “Oh, so much! Let’s see. Veiss’s an asshole who’s been grooming his step-daughter’s best friend to be his fuck doll. Lacy is willing to do almost anything if it means she can get out of this town but draws the line at kidnapping. Bitches ain’t shit. Football is money. Lacy is a switch with a master/slave kink...”

“Genie, that’s not what I meant.”

She scrunched her nose as she thought, then smiled brightly. “Fake boobs are just as nice as real ones!?”

George sighed in resignation.

“What?”

“I meant about Piper.”

She shrugged, “I mean ... I’m sure her boobs are really nice too...”

George facepalmed and groaned, “No, Genie ... What did we learn that will help us find her?”

“Oh! Right, sorry. I gotta be honest with you; I was a bit preoccupied with all the sexy flying around at the time. So I may have some blank spots.”

“Then the recap falls to me, I guess. Let’s see. There’s a convention tomorrow night with all of Veiss’s former players.”

“Yes!” exclaimed the Genie as she finally caught up to the conversation. “She said that they needed a maiden to turn into a princess. So, obviously, Piper is the maiden.”

“I’m so worried, Genie. I keep thinking about that board in the locker room. They called her a princess. Is that what they call their victims for some kind of ... I don’t know, sex trafficking?”

“I dunno. Something tells me it’s not that simple. It’s ... cloudy? If someone was planning on going there to get their freak on, I should be able to tell. But Veiss isn’t, nor that D-Money guy. Connor and the big one ... what’s his name?”

“Tommy,” said George.

“Yeah. They are planning on getting crazy after, but not during.”

“Something tells me if it was a sex thing, Connor would be all over it.” George looked down as he walked, practically oblivious to his surroundings. “But they do know about it. I wonder who else does.”

The Genie spoke as much with her hands as with words. “Like I said, if it was about sex, I should be able to tell, at least for the people I’ve met. Like, I know their kinks, their sex lives, their desires, partners, stuff like that. Even their intentions if they lean toward the erotic. But there is this weird blank spot around the event. I keep trying, but there just isn’t anything there at all. It’s so stupid.”

“Maybe you’re being blocked somehow?”

“That shouldn’t be possible. I’m a freaking Jinniya! I’ve got infinite cosmic power at my fingertips, and sex is my domain!”

They looked at each other, both realizing the problem at the same time.

George offered, “The curse?”

The Genie rolled her eyes and groaned, “Yeah, the stupid curse...”

They both thought to themselves for a moment, and George kept returning to Piper’s picture on Dragon’s Whored. He had avoided making connections to the missing princesses from years ago out of incredulity. The story had the makings of a conspiracy theory, and some people marginalized themselves out of polite conversation by espousing all kinds of silly ideas. Stafford wasn’t the kind of place where violent crime was especially prevalent. There was the occasional story about strange and unexplained occurrences, but a sudden disappearance, seemingly out of thin air, had twice shaken the community to its core. Pouring salt in those wounds by suggesting there was some kind of secret criminal underworld, aliens, or maiden-eating fairy creatures responsible was considered to be in poor taste.

But the similarities were starting to line up, like how the previous victims were both pretty girls around Piper’s age. George didn’t know any specific details about them, but when Amber Thorne went missing, Coach Veiss called her a lost princess and dedicated the team’s first perfect season to her. Kelly Shoemaker went missing seven years later, and the stadium was finished and named for her a few years after that. George counted on his fingers and realized it had been seven years since then. If there was a pattern, Piper was falling right into it.

George’s companion interrupted his inner conspiracy corkboard session. She said, “Hmm. It’s odd that they need a maiden. How do they even know if she’s a virgin or not? I mean, I would know.” She scoffed and muttered, “If I could fucking find the bitch.”

George added, “Lacy did mention rituals. Maybe they need a virgin sacrifice or something?” The idea would have been something out of an old movie, but if magic existed, why not a virgin sacrifice.

“I thought about that too,” she countered. “The problem is there isn’t anything special about virginity. At least not in a magical sense.”

“That’s ... comforting, I guess. Surprising too. We have all kinds of stuff in folklore about virginity being this sacred thing.”

“Sacred for some, maybe, but it isn’t magic. Sex, though, sex is magic. Every exchange, every act ... it all draws upon and amplifies magic in a small way.”

George mused, “So, no magical good-boy points for celibacy, huh?”

She winced like she was sucking on a lemon. “What? No. Gross. Lacy has way more magical significance than you would if I wasn’t here. No offense.”

“None taken.” He’d never been personally burdened with any stigma toward sexual activity or lack thereof. However, there was something still bothering him about Lacy. “So, that thing with Lacy, her relationship with Veiss ... you knew about that, huh?”

“Of course,” she said proudly.

“You probably know everything she’s done; who she’s done it with?”

“Yup.”

“Pretty much every person I come across, you know every sexual thing about them.”

“Uh-huh.”

“How do you ... How do you do it? Without going crazy, I mean.”

She bobbed cheerfully and explained, “It’s not so bad. Actually, it’s kinda hot. It’s like my own little porn channel just for me. Plus, looking at a guy like your coach, who’s supposed to be intimidating and scary, and knowing he’s a huge cuck and diddles himself just as furiously as everyone else ... It’s comforting. It kinda levels the playing field.”

“Yeah, but what about when it’s something awful? Do you know, like, every detail? Even the darker stuff?”

“I do,” was her quick reply.

“And it doesn’t bother you?”

“Well ... I don’t love it. But as we speak, horrible things are happening everywhere, and you may not know all the details, but you know they happen. Your heart isn’t breaking for every victim.”

“But if I did know all of it...”

“Then your tiny human brain would break under the strain. Don’t forget, I’m not human. I know I look like one, but ... I’m not.” Her voice trailed off as she pondered the implications. George sensed that she needed a moment to process and stayed silent as he walked.

Finally, she spoke. “If you want to know what upsets me more than knowing bad things happen to innocent people, it’s knowing that I’ll never be like you. I’ll never feel things like you do. I think I would be a terrible servant if I did, but still ... we’re different.”

“You’d rather be human?”

“No, that’s not it. I ... I just don’t want you to think less of me because I don’t cry about every terrible situation. I don’t want you to think that I don’t care. I care a lot, actually. But I care about you more than anything. You’re my Master. I ... I don’t know how else to explain it.”

George was getting the impression that this line of questioning was stressing her out. “You don’t need to explain. I was just checking to see if you were okay because I know that if I was cursed with that much knowledge, it would get to me.” He briefly thought about it and added, “I don’t know how you do it. But if you say you’re okay, that’s all I care about.”

“You know what makes me feel better?”

Eager to lighten the mood, George decided to play into her crude sense of humor. “Does it involve my dick?”

“Yes!” she laughed. “Now you’re getting it!”

He smiled. “I had a feeling that would perk you up.”

“Actually, I was gonna say that I’m super excited that we’re doing something to help your friend. I’d be okay if you wanted to let it go, but the fact that you’re so determined is really hot. Lacy thought so, too.”

“Really?” he said with a raised eyebrow. “I got the impression she thought I was naive.”

“She probably does think that. But I think she needs someone in her life who is a little less jaded. It was interesting reading her reactions. You had her the moment you said you’d care if she was taken. Everything after that just confirmed what she already knew.”

“Which was?”

“That you’re someone special. Maybe you’re the one who will make her believe.”

“You’re being very vague.”

She giggled. “I know. But you said you didn’t want to know everything. I agree. I think it’s better to find these things out on your own. But not to worry. I’ll be there to keep you from stepping in emotional dog shit.”

The pair chatted some more as George walked, doing their best to brainstorm ideas about what to do next. He didn’t have a specific destination in mind; he just needed to walk and talk. But after a few minutes, it became clear that neither knew what to do next. So George pulled out his phone.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

George opened his browser and began typing out a query. “I’m looking for something about filmore. It doesn’t mean anything to me, but it means something to them.” He scrolled through the search results, but nothing helpful stood out. Most of them were about some country singer.

“Maybe they hired some entertainment?” remarked the Genie.

“Unlikely. Country music isn’t that popular around here. Though it would make sense to hire Manticore if there was a high-profile music talent.” But he grimaced after he said it. “No, it has to be something else. They wouldn’t talk around something like that. It would be obvious. And why would a famous country singer take a gig like this?” He shook his head and closed the browser. “This isn’t helping,” he sighed.

Just as he put the phone back in his pocket, it chirped to signify a message had come through. He pulled it back out to check, and it was from Lizzie. “U learn anything???” it read.

“Hmm,” he thought. “She knows Piper better. Maybe they talked about it.”

“Worth a shot,” she said.

George typed a response, “Maybe. Does the word filmore mean anything?”

A message came back quickly. “Just got home. Sec.”

George waited, expecting to receive another message, but to his surprise, Lizzie called him instead.

Genie dived back into her hiding spot and commented, “She’s eager.”

He answered right away. “Hello?”

Lizzie responded, “Hi, is this George?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“Okay. You sound different on the phone. Anyway, I just talked with Piper’s mom. The police finally agreed to open an investigation. Took ‘em long enough.”

“Okay, that’s a start.”

But Lizzie didn’t sound optimistic. “I don’t know. Her mom is ... hard to read, but she wasn’t relieved. It is what it is, I guess. How did your super secret meeting go?” she added sarcastically.

“Better than I expected. And just so you know, I’m not keeping you in the dark because I don’t trust you. I’ve learned a lot of stuff today that ... I’m not sure how much is safe to tell you. For you, I mean.”

Lizzie huffed and replied, “Look, dude, it’s fine. With some other things, she’s told me, and now with her missing ... I get it. So what did you find out?”

“A few things, but there is something I could use your help with. Are you at a computer?”

“Hmph. You could say that.”

“Uh, alright. Have you or Piper heard the word filmore recently?”

“Right, I started working on that already from your message. Lots of stuff about a country singer I’ve never heard of. Hmm. Did they say anything else?

“Just that there is a big secret event happening this weekend. I think Piper might have been taken for some kind of ritual or something. The word filmore keeps coming up, according to my source.”

“Weird,” Lizzie said, distracted. George could hear her tapping on a noisy keyboard. I have a few things I want to try. Can I call you back in a bit?”

“Ooh, What kind of things?” he asked more excitedly than he meant to, but he was happy to have help.

“Nuh-uh, Georgie, you have your secrets, and I have mine.”

“Fair enough. You can call me anytime. And thank you.”

“No problem,” she chirped. “And, uh ... likewise.”

He was still new to having positive exchanges with people, and the novelty made him smile. “Later.”

“Later.”

As the call ended, his companion bounced in his head and said, “Ooh, Master, we have to find Piper now. So much is at stake. You could be close to her and Lizzie at the same time. Two for one, Master! Two for one!”

But George was distracted from his partner’s silly excitement when something caught his attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something big swaying with the wind up in a tree. He looked closer and saw Piper’s open umbrella, like a giant orange dangling from a high branch. Then he realized where he was. It was the spot they parted ways on that rainy Wednesday afternoon. The place where she was possibly abducted.

“This is the place, Genie,” he said, speaking to himself just as much as her. “I was in pain. She was trying to help me, and I ... I lashed out. Told her to leave me alone.”

“It’s not your fault, Master. You were cursed. You were just trying to survive.”

He lowered his head in shame. Survival was the last thing on his mind at the time. “She was pleading with me to ... see her. I couldn’t understand what she wanted, and it just made me feel worse. And the harder she tried, the more I lashed out. You don’t know...” But he regretted it as soon as he said it. “That isn’t true. You experienced that when you tried to banish the curse.”

“It just tightened its grip on you. If I destroyed the curse, I would have destroyed you.”

“It’s so strange. I vividly remember yesterday, but it feels like it happened to someone else. Like, I just watched it on TV. I can’t imagine saying those things to her now. I can’t imagine feeling so bad I’d need to end it all.”

“Who are you talking to?” came a young girl’s voice several paces away.

George was startled out of his internal conversation and quickly sought out the source of the voice. Down the sidewalk was a pre-teen girl standing next to an old purple bicycle with a basket full of papers on the front. She had pale, freckly skin and bright red and gold hair, similar to Piper’s, in long pig-tails. Even without Piper there to compare, the resemblance was so uncanny that they were obviously related. She wore a puzzled expression and kept her distance.

“Careful, Master. There is something odd about this one,” came his companion.

“She’s odd? How?” he asked.

“Odd?” asked the girl. “You’re the one talking to yourself, weirdo.”

“Yeah, that. I can’t hide you from her, and I don’t know why. Pretend I’m not here.”

George was now in the awkward position of being intimidated by a twelve-year-old and composed himself before addressing her. “Sorry. I do that when I’m working through something. I didn’t think anyone would hear me.”

She regarded him suspiciously for a moment and then seemed to relax. She shrugged, “Nah, it’s fine. I do that, too, sometimes. What’s bothering you?”

George found himself intensely curious about the young girl and asked the obvious question first. “You wouldn’t happen to be related to Piper Rosewood, would you?” He asked.

The girl nodded. “She’s my sister. Do you know her?”

“A little. You look just like her.”

“Wrong. We look like our mom. It’s the hair,” she said as she flipped one of her pig-tails over her shoulder.

“Oooh, I love her! She’s so small and sassy I just want to hug her!” pined the Genie.

“Right,” George chuckled. “I’m George. I was just...”

Her eyes went wide, “Wait. George? The George? As in, George Everhart?”

Taken aback, George stammered, “Um ... yeah. How do you...”

“Oh my god, Piper never stops talking about you. You’re the sad boy that everybody picks on. I thought you’d be bigger.”

“Um, thanks. I guess. What does she say about me?”

“She...” but the girl stopped abruptly, realizing she’d said too much. “N-Nothing. Anyway, She didn’t come home last night, so I’m going around the neighborhood putting up posters. Here.” She walked her bike over to George and handed him one of the flyers she had printed out. On it were two pictures. One of Piper’s most recent yearbook photos where she had dolled herself up more than usual, and a second of her in sweats with her hair up and reading from her tablet. Below was some identifying information, a number to call, and a QR code. “I made these up today. If you scan the code, it will take you to a chat board with more information.”

“Is that her? She’s ... beautiful,” said the Genie.

George examined the pictures more closely and couldn’t believe what he saw. Piper wasn’t just beautiful. She bore a striking resemblance to the Genie. Of course, there were subtle differences, such as Piper’s freckles and the Genie’s softer chin; their hair was a different color, and Piper was less curvy. But their eyes held the same shape, the same shade of blue, the same spirit. They could have easily passed for sisters. And the girl before him was just a younger version, with the same upturned eyes as her older sibling and his companion.

The girl noticed his reaction and asked, “Are you okay? You look like you’re gonna vom.”

“I’m okay,” he breathed. “I, um ... I talked to Lizzie a little while ago, and she told me all about it. So, I’m looking for her, too.”

Her bright blue eyes lit up. “Oh really! That’s cool. Normally, I wouldn’t worry about it. Sis is super smart, and she can do anything, but Mom is worried so...”

It was clear to George that the girl was wearing a brave face, but she was remarkably good at it. She was old enough to understand how dire the situation might be but young enough to believe that she could make a difference. Then there was the fact that she’d gone to all the trouble of printing out a bunch of full-color posters to canvas the neighborhood. He found himself liking her instantly.

But then, there was the nagging feeling that there was more. Piper was so familiar. But every time he’d latch on to some vague recollection, it would slip away. He found it maddening.

He needed to move on, so he asked the girl, “What’s your name?”

She beamed at him, her smile bright and genuine. “I’m Persie! It’s short for Persephone,” she said and extended her hand for a shake.

“Nice to meet you,” said George, gingerly taking her hand. He pointed at the umbrella in the tree and said, “I think that’s your sister’s.”

Persie’s cute, girlish face scrunched up in frustration. “No, that’s mine! Urg, why does she always take my stuff?”

“Wait here. I’ll get it down.” George examined the old oak tree, looking for the easiest way to climb it. The lowest hanging branch was somewhere around ten feet up, and there wasn’t anything nearby that would support his weight. But he was feeling spry, so he jumped straight up to see how far he could get. George had never been known for his vertical leap, so it was a big surprise when he jumped high enough to grab the branch above the one he aimed for. Caught off guard, his hand slipped, but he managed to hold on to the lower branch with one arm.