The Skeleton Key Guild: The Doorknob Society Saga, #5

By MJ Fletcher

Her parents dead, her sister missing, and those she loves branded traitors to the Old Kind... Chloe Masters is on the run.
To fulfill a parent’s dying wish she will do anything to save the sister she has never met. Can she learn the secrets of the Artifacts before it’s too late? Surrounded by her friends; Slade, Edgar, Jess, Val and the man she loves James Nightshade, Chloe has never had so much to live for... but will her enemies let her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: MJ FLetcher
• Release date: Feb 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507020586

MJ Fletcher

MJ Fletcher was born in New Jersey and now lives by the beach with his very understanding wife and daughter. He has been writing since he first stapled pages together as a child and called them a book. He finally realized his ambitions when his comic book series Adam Zero The Last Man of Earth was published by Ronin Studios. His other comic book work includes Digital Webbing Presents and The Hero Initiative. His first novel The Doorknob Society released in 2012 was nominated for a Cybil award in the young adult category. He has written the Doorknob Society Saga, The Grimm Chronlcies his rollicking steampunk adventure series as well as working on numerous other projects.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Status: Let’s do this thing!

Nightshade rolled over in bed and slid his arm around my waist yanking me across the sheets to rest against him. His skin felt warm against mine and I snuggled closer, not wanting to move from this spot. His fingers slid over my mechanical hand and our fingers interlaced. I had a full range of sensation with the hand, and it felt almost real except for—you know—being able to punch a hole through stone.

We need to get up, I found myself saying even though I didn’t want to.

It’s not like we got a whole lot of sleep. He laughed.

And whose fault is that? I gave him the evil eye and he leaned in and kissed me as only he could. I’d had boyfriends before but no man ever made me feel the way James Nightshade did. Stop that! We need to get up.

No, thank you. He pulled me even closer to him.

I laughed in spite of myself. You’re incorrigible.

So I’ve been told.

We have things to do, I said punctuating my statement with a poke to his chest.

Fine, if you say so, boss lady. He rolled off of me and stood with his back to me, his scars clearly visible.

I’d gotten to know the curve and thickness of each of them in the last few weeks. I hated that he had them, especially since I was the cause of them. I had also grown used to them. I couldn’t imagine him without them.

Don’t call me boss lady, I huffed and got out of bed, yanking a shirt on and shimmying into a pair of jeans.

Why not, you’re the boss aren’t you? He tugged on a form fitting T-shirt after slipping into jeans. He tossed aside the blankets hanging off the end of the  bed, grabbed his boots, and slipped them on.

A shiver ran up my spine as I sensed a portal open nearby... we weren’t alone. I told you we needed to get going.

Well, if someone hadn’t mentioned they knew this great bed and breakfast in the South of France, we wouldn’t even be here. He smirked as he pulled his Skeleton Key out of his jeans and activated it.

So what, this is my fault now?

Like I said it wasn’t my idea to come here.

Are you kidding me? You’re seriously trying to say this is my fault?

You’re not always right, just admit it. He shrugged.

Me admit it? Excuse me, you’re the one who can never admit you’re wrong.

If you say so, boss lady.

The door to our room exploded inward and a member of the First Kind burst in, a glowing azure axe in his hand. He rushed forward and Nightshade spun around thrusting out his leg, kicking him directly in the stomach and doubling him over.

He grunted and I brought my elbow down on the back of his head, smashing him to the floor. I turned to Nightshade. I told you not to call me that!

Nightshade moved to the door and activated his curved crimson scimitar from his Skeleton Key.

I grabbed my combat boots and pulled them on.

He was already out the door before I had the second one on. I hurried outside to find two First Kind attacking on either side of him. I flicked my wrist and snapped out the energy whip from my Doorknob. I spun it out catching one of his attacker’s legs, yanking it out from under him. His face smacked off the ground with a sickening thud.

And you’re the one who wanted to bring the stupid car. I pointed to his Hudson Hornet sitting a few feet away. If we didn’t have that thing, we could just have opened a portal out of here.

Nightshade feigned with his blade and instead brought his fist around connecting with the other assailant’s jaw, knocking him out. You love my car.

He marched to the car yanking the door open and I slid inside as he slid over the hood and dropped into the driver’s seat.

"Nope, you love this car." I crossed my arms over my chest and watched as a new set of portals opened up around us.

He shoved his Skeleton Key into the dashboard and turned it, the engine roared and the car rumbled to life. The portals around us were a cacophony of colors as First Kind poured out ready to fight.

Admit you love the car. Nightshade gave me a sideways glance, his mouth set in a tight grimace.

No. I squeezed my arms as the First Kind hesitated, watching us from only a few feet away and no doubt assuming we were planning something. What they didn’t realize was that we were just fighting, which besides being in love with one another was what Nightshade and I did best.

Do you always have to be so stubborn?

Do you?

Oh fine, be that way! Nightshade grabbed the shifter and threw the car into drive, his foot slammed down on the gas pedal. He jerked the steering wheel and the car shot toward the First Kind, but spun just before hitting them. Rocks shot out from under the tires like mini missiles, and I stifled a laugh as the First Kind tried to dodge the projectiles unsuccessfully and were pelted with debris.

The Skeleton Key in the dashboard glowed bright crimson, the shimmering light engulfing the entire car. Nightshade straightened out the wheel and the car dashed toward the remaining First Kind.

They’re running! One of the men screamed as he jumped forward and landed on the hood of the car. Another joined him, grabbing hold of my door and held on.

The portal Nightshade’s Skeleton Key activated opened and the picturesque background of France disappeared. We were suddenly racing down what looked like a street in London.

The First Kind guy hanging onto my side of the car swung his hand through the window, shattering glass and showering me in shards. Tiny slices stung my arms as I brought them up to cover my face.

He reached in, but didn’t have much room to maneuver his Doorknob. I snatched his wrist with my mechanical hand and squeezed. Skin and bone were little match for the Impossible Engineer created hand, they snapped and ripped quickly.

His mouth fell open as pain overwhelmed him. His eyes bulged and his scream caught in his throat, and when I released his wrist, it dropped limply. His Doorknob slipped from his useless hand and clattered to the floor of the car, rolling around in circles at my feet.

He stared down at his shredded wrist, and then back at me, his eyes locked wide with fear.

Sorry. I shrugged and punched him in the nose. It shattered even though I had tempered the strength of the blow. He somersaulted off the car, and I lost sight of him as we raced away.

The other attacker was kneeling on the hood, his Skeleton Key glowing brightly. He had used his Key to create a thin line of energy that bound him to the car so Nightshade couldn’t shake him loose.

We need to lose chumpy here. Nightshade nodded toward the First Kind guy, and his Key shot up preparing to attack.

Do I have to do everything? I asked with a smile as I grabbed the door handle and swung it open. I placed one foot against the door and grabbed the frame of the car, pulling myself out. I hung above the road as it sped past beneath me. I brought my Doorknob up and swung it quickly, my energy whip snapped out at the First Kind.

He reacted rapidly, diverting his attack to block my whip in an explosion of light and energy. His Key formed into a pole and he spun it above his head, then twirled it back around and aimed it at me. I leaned back and realized too late my mistake.

He switched the blow and brought it down on my hand, the pain stung and I lost my grip on the door. My hand slipped along the frame keeping me from falling onto the ground and being run over. I flipped backward over the car, my body slamming against the metal and my head spinning like a merry-go-round. All I could think was that I needed to grab something.

I flicked out my wrist and my energy whip snaked out and coiled around the door. It pulled taut as I slid down the back of the car. My boots hit the ground and were kicked back up from the force. I slid them onto the bumper and found steady, small footing.

Masters! Nightshade’s voice cut over the roar of the car, the sound of fear and anger almost made me smile.

I banged my elbow against the car and glanced over my shoulder. I caught sight of Nightshade looking at me in the rearview window, and he smiled. I took a deep breath and looked behind me.

Damn it. Two cars were zooming straight for us, giving off energy signatures. No wonder Nightshade didn’t want to stop. We were better off running than staying and fighting. That seemed to be what we did best lately... run.

The crack of glass made me turn as the guy on the hood shattered the windshield. He reared back bringing his key up to deliver a killing blow to Nightshade. I grabbed the edge of the hood and leapt off the bumper sliding over the top of the car. I swung my energy whip around and snapped it out cracking him in the chest.

He cried out in pain, his Skeleton Key falling from his hand only to bounce off the hood and disappear along the road. The energy ribbon holding him to the hood shimmered but held steady. He glanced at his empty hands and then back at me.

I’m unarmed, he said, shocked to realize it.

My eyes shifted to the hood where his Key had fallen. A small dent was evident in the metal. I raised an eyebrow and looked back at him. You dented my boyfriend’s car.

I’m sorry, he said, as if begging for mercy.

 I shrugged and brought my whip down in a swift motion and snapped the energy band holding him to the hood. It splintered and he stumbled on the car. I leaned back and my mechanical hand gripped the edge of the car.

Bye. I smiled and Nightshade spun the wheel. The car ripped into a turn and the First Kind guy flew off the hood and through what looked like the front of a pastry shop. I turned and slid through the broken windshield into the front seat.

Nightshade smiled at me and I brushed away broken glass from the seat as I sat down.

What?

I knew you loved this car, he smirked.

Just shut up and drive.

You got it, boss.

Chapter Two

Status: Time to kick ass and take names.

Nightshade jumped through two more portals. The first was somewhere in the Middle East and the next brought us to where it was still night. The cars continued to follow behind us, but with each jump it was taking them longer to track.

Persistent aren’t they? Nightshade chuckled as we saw the headlights of the two cars exit portals.

Can you lose them or do we need to fight?

Don’t insult me. He turned the Skeleton Key once more and the car shimmered as we portaled once more. The car skidded sideways as we found ourselves in a rainstorm. We hydroplaned for a second before Nightshade regained control of the car.

He punched the gas and we roared away. I looked out the back window and waited. A few moments passed before one of the cars jumped through the portal. They didn’t expect the rain and must have had a less experienced driver. The car spun sideways and slammed into a tree with a resounding thwack. The tree shuddered and the crack traveled upwards as the large oak began to dip toward the road.

The other car exited a portal and the driver reacted quickly trying to adjust his vehicle to the weather conditions. He did a better job than the first one, but was still traveling sideways when the tree finally gave way. It smashed into the road directly in front of the second car. The vehicle hit with such force that it flipped over the fallen tree and landed on its roof skidding along the highway.

Told you I had it covered. Nightshade turned a cocky grin on me.

Don’t even try to act like you planned that, it was dumb luck.

The tree maybe, but I damn well knew it was raining here. He winked and with a quick swipe of his hand wiped the water from my cheek.

Speaking of rain, can we get out of here? The windshield being shattered didn’t exactly make it easy to enjoy our victory with rain pelting us in the face.

You got it, boss. Nightshade turned the key and the car shimmered crimson as we disappeared through another portal.

The rumble of the engine echoed around the garage as we pulled to a stop. I opened the door getting out and ran my hand through my now very wet hair. Nightshade swung his door closed as he looked over the damage to his car.

Damn it. He pushed out a breath and ran his fingers over all the small dents and knicks left on the hood.

You think we’re safe here? I looked around Nightshade’s garage. I’d first been in this garage a few years back when I had just met him. It was a pocket dimension attached to his family home in Cape May, a converted Church on Franklin Street.

The locks on this dimension are old and done by three generations of my family. If they can get through that we’ve got bigger problems.

Okay, I’m going to check in with the others, I said over my shoulder as I stepped away from him, pulling my phone out and tapping the screen. I scrolled through my numbers and hit my cousin Jess’ name.

You guys okay? She didn’t even bother with pleasantries.

Yeah, we’re fine, how did you know?

We got word of a big fight in your last location. Slade and I were going to head there if we didn’t hear from you soon.

We’re fine. They gave chase, but we lost them.

Good, so did the lead pan out?

The entire reason Nightshade and I had gone there in the first place was to hunt down the location of Miranda, the head of the HVO, and to gather every piece of intelligence we could on one of the remaining leaders of the First Kind. We’d done some real damage a few months ago when we had imprisoned a large portion of the group and taken out some of its leadership, including Caleb Darker and my mother.

She may have been there at one point, but not recently.

Are you headed back to the Reliquary?

We need to get cleaned up and take care of a few things first, I replied unzipping my drenched hoodie and pulling it off.

Right, take care of things. I heard the slight laugh as she replied. She knew we wanted some time to ourselves.

We’ll be back soon, I assured her.

Good, we need to figure out our next move.

Her voice sounded weary, much too heavily burdened. The constant battles were starting to affect everyone. Jess and all my friends had been through a lot and it was weighing on us. We’d scored a major victory over the First Kind. But since then they had been coming after us even harder. Not to mention that the Old Kind and the Council were doing the same. We truly were on our own.

We will, Cuz. Talk soon.

We both hung up and I put the phone down and ran my hands through my still wet hair pulling it tight, and then rang it out. I didn’t mind all of us being on our own. The people I was working with now were the only ones I truly trusted anyway. My friends and family were all that mattered to me. Family— like Mom and Dad— both of whom I’d lost because of the First Kind. It still made my stomach turn to think of how they had used my mother all these years. It was bad enough they had turned her against the Old Kind, but to turn her against her own family—forcing her to kill Dad—was unconscionable.

At the end she had broken their control, at least enough to tell me the truth, and protected me at the cost of her own life. But Mom’s last words were the ones that kept playing over and over in my head...  I had a sister.

I’d been thinking about it since that day, trying to figure out how it was possible.  I had realized that I had met her once in London when I had run into Mom. I had no idea who she was. I had thought she was Miranda’s daughter. She looked about twelve or so, which meant Mom was pregnant when they took her from us. Who knows what lies this girl had grown up with and what she even knew about me or our family.

Mom’s last words were to protect her and save me. Now my sister was the only immediate family I had left. I was going to find her and get her the hell away from the First Kind, even if I had to drag her kicking and screaming to do it

The only clue I had was a small box my mother had given me or I should say I had taken. I flexed my metal hand thinking of the searing heat that had destroyed it as I snatched the box. I’d hoped it would lead to my sister, but so far all it had done was frustrate me to no end. I’d stopped trying to open it at this point, though I had no intentions of giving up.

Everything okay? Nightshade was standing in front of me shirtless and dripping wet. I smiled and grabbed the waist of his jeans and pulled him against me, thoughts of my long lost sister and locked boxes drifting away.

No, but as long as you’re around I’ll be just fine. I kissed him, wrapping my arms around his neck. He slid his own around my back and lifted me off the ground. You think we have enough time? I grinned between kisses.

Who the hell cares about time, he growled and kissed me again.

Chapter Three

Status: What the hell are you talking about?

I nearly dropped the bottle of orange juice when the knock sounded at the door. I took a breath, placed the bottle back in the fridge and began walking through the living room of Nightshade’s house to the ornate front door. My hand slipped into my pocket finding my Doorknob. No one knew we were here, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from being cautious.

I swung the door open and found Gavin Brimstone standing in front of me.

He tilted his head and looked me up and down with a critical eye. Did I wake you?

No, I said. He strode past me into the house. I closed the door and followed after him knowing my period of rest—if you could call it that—was over.

Where’s Nightshade?

In the garage. I hiked my thumb over my shoulder toward the hallway leading to the garage entrance.

I got word on your grandmother.

Is she alright? Gran had gone missing a few months ago when the Council had turned against us. I had hoped she was simply in hiding waiting for a good time to contact us.

She was hiding in the Dying Star Markets. DeAndre Morgan is in contact with her. Gavin sat on one of the stools at the kitchen island, ran his hand through his hair, and sighed.

Gavin had been my mentor ever since I learned I was a Polymorph. I could tell when something was bothering him. What is it?

There is more going on here than you know, Chloe. I need to bring you up to speed on some things and not all of it is pleasant.

At this point, I am used to the strange. I crossed over to the kitchen counter and yanked the coffee pot out, shaking it toward Gavin. He nodded and I began brewing a pot Tell me.

It involves Nightshade, he said.

What involves me? Nightshade walked into the room. He was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt that had grease marks across it, and his hands were dirty from working on the car.

It’s time we told Chloe about your friend, Gavin said.

The comment stopped Nightshade for a moment, and then he proceeded to the sink. He turned on the faucet and quickly washed his hands. He scrubbed them determinedly as if getting rid of more than the dirt. Finishing up, he grabbed a dish rag and dried them as he turned back to face us. Why?

 We found her grandmother, Gavin said.

Nightshade’s brow creased and his shoulders sagged. Okay. Mind telling me what the hell is going on? I threw my hands up annoyed that I was being intentionally kept out of the loop.

When you escaped from Storm Reach a few months back—

By the skin of our teeth you mean, I said interrupting him.

Regardless, you made it out alive, —Gavin looked back and forth between me and Nightshade— and you weren’t alone.

What? I shook my head. What was he talking about? Of course I wasn’t alone, my friends made it out with me.

The prisoner that Nightshade helped to escape, Gavin reminded.

I’d nearly forgotten about the strange man with the golden eyes. He’d been locked up in a special cell, and we’d blasted a hole through the wall and used it as part of our escape route.

There had been something about the man, something I couldn’t put my finger on at the time. I remembered thinking it was odd that Nightshade had wanted to bring him along with us. But the prisoner had made a point of saying he wouldn’t help the First Kind.

What about him? I asked.

Did I ever tell you the story of how my father died? Nightshade’s voice was low and steady.

I shook my head again. What did his father have to do with this? I repeated what I recalled him telling me. He died fighting some Skeleton Key Guild splinter group.

"My dad commanded a group inside the Guild called the League of Skull & Bones that was responsible for covert action. A husband and wife had gone missing and my father’s team tracked the people who had done it.

"When they got there the woman was already dead and the husband was still locked in combat with them. But he was out of control, his power wild and off the charts. He severely injured my father’s team along with the men who had kidnapped him.

My dad was able to subdue him, but with the remainder of his team in trouble, he had to make a choice. He ordered his men to take the man, who’d been kidnapped, along with the injured members, back through the portal while he held off the attack. It was brutal. And even though he made it back, the injuries he had sustained were too great. He succumbed to them soon after. Nightshade shook his head and I slid my hand over his arm and down around his palm, clasping it. He glanced at me and smiled sadly.

You okay? I asked, all too familiar with what it felt like to lose your dad.

I’m fine. He nodded.

But what does that have to do with the prisoner? I asked more curious than ever.

That prisoner,—Gavin leaned forward—was the kidnapped victim.

I couldn’t hide my surprise. Why the hell was he in prison?

That’s where things get complicated. Gavin shrugged and nodded in Nightshade’s direction.

When I saw the prisoner and the familiar way he had been manacled, I thought it might be the man my dad had rescued. After he was brought back, the Guild tried to help him, but his power remained out of control. Something had been done to him; energy was continuously emanating from him. They couldn’t figure out how to stop it. Basically, it was slowly killing him.

That’s terrible, I said wondering how he hadn’t gone mad or had he?

Yes, it was. Gavin shook his head. And so was how they decided to deal with it. He was declared dead and shipped off to Storm Reach and locked in a Time Lock prison cell. That way the power didn’t kill him, and they could try and study him and see what had been done to him.

Are you serious? It disgusted me to think that anyone could do that to another person, let alone someone who had already been traumatized.

Absolutely. Tower had just become one of the leaders of the Guild and he had a hand in the decision. I wonder now why he wanted him locked away.

Gavin was right. Tower wouldn’t keep the man around without a good reason. Somehow he was important, the only question was how important?

Have you talked to him? Where is he? I asked anxious to know more.

He’s being held at the Diesel Factories, in a secure location, Gavin said. I have Henna watching him. After the rescue, he wasn’t very forthcoming. But that’s changed as of late.

Why’s that?

He’s been asking for someone, Nightshade said and gave my hand a squeeze.

His reassuring squeeze had me even more curious and also concerned. Who?

Your grandmother.

I shook my head. No.

He’s been asking for her for a few days now, Nightshade confirmed.

And I’m just hearing about this now! I shouted yanking my hand out of Nightshade’s and standing to glare between the two men.

We didn’t know where she was, Gavin explained. And you already had enough going on.

 I was on him quickly, my finger jabbing at his chest repeatedly. Not your damn decision Gavin. I whirled on Nightshade, my hair whipping around and catching me in the chin. And you knew about this?

I did.

And you kept it from me? I replied.

You’re mad—I get that—but I’m not sorry for trying to help you stay focused on finding your sister. Without knowing where your grandmother was, it didn’t matter anyway.

Well, you two seem to have this all worked out. Maybe I should let you run things.

It’s not like that, Masters. Nightshade reached out to take my arm.

I pulled back, walked across the room, and snatched my hoodie off the back of the sofa. Let’s go.

Where? Gavin asked.

You’re taking me to see him right now.

Chloe?

It wasn’t a request, Gavin.

Chapter Four

Status: What a twisted tale I live.

It was midafternoon and the streets of the Diesel Factories were barren. We walked down the main avenue and all around us were stores locked up and an occasional person walking alone. However, as soon as someone saw us they would turn and head in the opposite direction. The massive smoke stacks that hovered above still billowed, though not all of them were active, and the constant hum of portal energy was lower than I had ever felt.

It feels dead. It was the best way to describe the feeling of what was once such a vibrant place.

The Council has enacted emergency measures—curfews and patrols—looking for traitors.... namely you. That is why this is such an enormously bad idea.

Gavin had been saying that repeatedly for the last several minutes, but I didn’t care. I wanted to meet this prisoner who was of so much interest to Mr. Tower and for some reason wanted to meet with my grandmother.

We’ll be quick, Nightshade said.

I was still annoyed with him. But I also couldn’t judge him too harshly. This prisoner had been, in part, the reason Nightshade’s father died. I knew from personal experience what that can do to someone. I wanted to tell him we were going to be fine but not now, not here. It could wait until later when we had time to talk.  I wanted us to be at a place where we had no secrets, where it was just us... together and happy.

It’s this way. Gavin gave a nod.

He took us down a series of alleyways that lead us deep into the bowels of the Factories. I’d been coming here for years, thought I knew the place, but the massiveness of it surprised me. It appeared as if new buildings were popping up every day, while other structures would disappear only to show up someplace else months later. The Factories are an intersection of time and space, and that means more than a few crazy things happen here.

We stopped in the middle of an alleyway, high brick walls on both sides of us. Right next to me a set of wooden planks leaned precariously against the wall, looking as if they might fall on my head at any moment.

Gavin stretched out his arm and tapped one of the boards. It shuddered, and then did what I figured it would... it fell straight at me. Instead of cracking my skull each falling board disappeared in a storm of dust before reaching me, revealing a metal door in the wall.

Gavin placed his hand on the door and closed his eyes. His power flowed out from him, pouring over the door until it completely covered it. I could sense every movement he made. There was a complex lock placed over the entrance and I could only imagine what terrible things awaited those who couldn’t unlock it properly.

The familiar click of the lock popping echoed throughout the alley and the door swung slowly inward.

Stop right there, the powerful female voice