Blood on High

By Jing Otterson and Corinth Panther

It's hard enough making a living as a snow elf in the big city, harder still to do it legally. But a knack with plants give Tony an in with the herbalists around town so that his more lucrative drug business goes mostly unnoticed. That is until people in the slums start dropping like flies and suddenly his safe little life is crawling with city guard, and sheriff which seemed to think Tony could help them, even though he assured him otherwise. Can he keep the guard off his back and out of his business while protecting his family as he gets roped into a serial murder investigation far darker than anticipated.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Corinth Panther
• Release date: Jul 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223316800

Book preview

1

Tony closed the door to his shed behind him, sighing as he rubbed his head. He needed to smoke and soon or he’d be unable to function as the migraine came on. With all the lights on he moved slowly, keeping his eyes closed as much as possible. Not even his mom knew how bad the headaches got. If she did she’d force pills down his throat until he was sick. She believed in prescriptions, not herbs. His dad had been better, though when things at work got bad he’d turned to the drugs as well, or at least that’s what the doctors said. Tony might sell his pot, but only to keep a roof over his head. No one knew what his life was really like. A few glimpsed it but not even the old woman who ran the apothecary he delivered for knew the full extent of what he dealt with things on a daily basis. All she knew was he was young and hard working. Well young wasn’t really a good term. He was practically a baby according to his people but the rest of modern society saw him as an adult.

Maybe I should tell someone. Tony whispered in the stillness of his shed as he lit a joint and took a deep drag. He’d often considered telling someone about what he lived with. The problem was that as much as he liked his clients, which his closest friend was one of, he didn’t really trust them with his personal life. He took another long drag, holding more smoke than most of his die hard pothead friends could. Three hours, then he’d have to go in and see his mother. It’s beyond time to move. He whispered, lifting the joint for another hit.

He wanted out of this shit hole of a town. One of the guys he knew and sold to recently moved out of the area, he could easily follow. The guy bought by the pound. Problem was, he wasn’t sure he wanted to leave what he knew. Sure he’d have one client, but he needed others. At least five, so he could keep his stock useful. He hated meeting new clients, he was never sure if they worked for the cops or were honestly just trying to score some weed.

The last of the joint vanished in a thick cloud of smoke. He leaned back against one of his tables, the sorting table which currently sat clean. The lights didn’t bother him now, nor did the faint hum of the equipment. Lately he’d been smoking more to help him deal with the endless problems he faced with his mother, along with his migraines. They were so far into debt thanks to the endless medical bills he might never see an end to it. She was a hypochondriac, constantly complaining about something. For as long as Tony could recall she’d been ill with something; cancer, ebola, heart disease, rabies. There’d been others; such as hoof and mouth, the bird flu, and swine fever. Even things she couldn’t catch she’d sworn she had. His sister and him, before his sister found a man worth her time and married, moving out of the area for good, used to dream up new illnesses and tell their mother about them. The next day she’d be at the doctors insisting she had whatever made up thing the kids had offered.

If he’d realized what all those visits were doing to the accounts he’d never have played along. Or at least he wouldn’t if he’d known he’d be stuck taking care of it all. Thanks to the many different medications his mother had been on over the years she was finally truly ill, her liver and kidneys were failing all thanks to the endless line of unneeded pharmaceuticals. These days she was totally homebound. Tony suspected she insisted on the bed so she wouldn’t have to work. In truth he couldn’t recall his mother ever working more than a week before she was down with something new.

His dad was also bedridden, but his was from an overdose – according to what the medical field said. The man took a few too many pills one day and ended up in a coma. He could breath on his own, and he was awake sometimes now, but he wasn’t really there. Tony could ask him just about anything and the man would only stare at him. They’d tried to establish communication once he opened his eyes again but Tony doubted his dad could hear them, or if he did he didn’t want to answer. Tony suspected a bit of both. Ever since he’d been around his dad had been battling stress from his work, from the politicians seeking a way out, from the city itself as he worked tirelessly to clean things up. Tony never

would have suspected he’d OD like this. His dad saw what their mother was like. His dad had been the one stable person in the house, at least until he couldn’t take it anymore.

Thankfully he wasn’t doing all the care giving on his own, there were in-home providers who came in thanks to his parents’ insurance. His dad usually remained in the hospital under constant care. Just move her. He muttered as he lit another. In truth he should have done so as soon as his father ended up in a coma. So what if it lasted only two days, he’d still been in a coma and now it appeared he’d never make any sort of recovery. His mother demanded her husband be moved home. For now they were putting her off, but it wouldn’t last. Mr. Icecrest was sent home periodically anyway, just to keep hospital costs down.

People told him, mostly those in the medical profession, that his parents needed to be moved to a full service care center. He knew they were right. He couldn’t do everything he needed to for his mother. Sure he could change bedpans, and sheets, along with cook and clean, but she claimed to need more. She claimed to need help with the bathroom, including wiping her ass. Maybe if he wasn’t there his mom would finally get over herself. He had a very deep suspicion his mom was faking just so he’d stay close at hand. She hadn’t been pleased when his sister left, and as he was the only one home, it made sense she would refuse to allow him a life.

He lifted the next joint as he began searching for a place to live. With one of his main clients gone and his next closest friend talking about moving as well, there was little holding him to the town. Sure he had his other clients but in truth if he moved maybe he could get a real job, make honest money and still deal a bit on the side. It sounded like a plan, if he could find a place and he could access the money his grandparents left him.

Both of his parents had money in an account for him. He should have access to the very large sum in a trust fund his grandparents on both sides set up when he was still a baby. They’d both been very well off. Those on his dad’s side had been richer but hid it well, putting all their excess funds into an account for their kids and later the grandkids. His mother’s side of the family wasn’t as well off but they’d done well and saved all they could.

His mother swore to him the trust would be his when he turned eighteen, then again at twenty-one. He was twenty-three now and still she was battling with him. His sister hadn’t any trouble gaining access to hers, which made him wonder if his own was even still there. As he looked over the listed properties for sale he realized if he was going to make this work he’d need the money from his trust.

He opened a new tab on his phone and searched out the number for the bank.

Hello First Rinkwall Bank, how may I direct your call?

Hi, my name is Tony Icecrest. I’d like to speak to someone about my trust fund.

The woman agreed, transferring him to another line. Within moments he was explaining what he knew. The woman listened agreeing to help, telling him it would take time to sort out what was going on and she’d call him back.

In less than an hour he had his answer. Tony Icecrest? The same woman began, sounding apologetic.

Yup. Let me guess, Mom did steal from me?

I’m sorry to say yes, however each one of the transactions is being canceled out and the money is being put back. Those responsible for the oversight are being dealt with.

In other words someone wasn’t paying enough attention to things. Take her name off of the account. He barked, anger firing through him. His mother had no right to take from him, hell she’d been taking all his life.

I’m sorry to say she’s not on the account, either of them.

Tony blinked. Two accounts. It made sense. Which one was she removing money from?

The woman considered. From the account ending in 5902.

His grandparents on his mother’s side. Of course she was. Was anything removed from the other? The answer was quick, no, nothing had been touched there. Surprising, as that was the larger account, but it was a good sign. When can I access them?

Both are yours once you turn eighteen. She glanced at her notes. Any time you want.

Care to tell me how my mom got access?

The sigh was deeper this time. It appears she forged your name. The money was released in small amounts before someone caught it.

I’ll be in to close it out. Give me a few. He hung up and finished the joint as he got ready for a trip to the bank. At least his headache was gone. Not that it ever really fully vanished, but it was far better than it had been.

By the time he arrived at the bank he was fuming. Not only had the in-home care people been late but his migraine had returned. At least he could still see. He’d smoked on the way to the bank but it hadn’t done enough to stave off the pounding which was to start soon. When he arrived and parked in the lot he locked the door heading inside, the smell of weed clung to him like a second skin. Thankfully it wasn’t very strong so no one busted him for it. He pushed open the door and walked in and right to the woman who’d first taken his call. I called earlier. He began then gave her his name.

Oh yes. I’m sorry but the woman who deals with that sort of thing has stepped out for the day.

Tony would have sworn if his head wasn’t about to start really pounding. Is there anyone I can talk to? The sooner he closed out the account or moved it the better. He had to lock his mother out before she had a chance to steal any more from him. He should have done this years ago but he’d trusted his mother. He didn’t know why, she lied all the fucking time.

The woman made a face then sighed. Well there is a teller you could talk to. She nodded at the woman before the counter. She might be able to close things out.

That was good enough for Tony. He moved to the empty area and wished he could smoke. When a migraine came on like this he had two choices, pass out in his pitch black room or smoke. He preferred to smoke. Sure, laying in his room helped. He had it painted black, with thick black curtains which were triple layered to keep the light out, and all the possible items of light covered with another thick black cloth or turned so they didn’t face him, but he grew bored if he wasn’t tired and often made the headache worse. At least when he smoked he could do something. Today though he might have to take to his room.

There was only one place besides his car he could smoke, and that was his shed. The rest of the house, even his bedroom was off limits. Not only were there strangers in and out of the house but his mother would call the cops if she smelled it. As far as she was concerned smoking pot was as bad as coke, maybe worse. Tony rubbed the back of his neck as he walked forward. He’d been young when they’d set in, he’d blamed his mother’s high pitched voice. When they didn’t ease no matter how still or quiet things were he’d gone with her to a doctor’s appointment. As his mother sat in the car dying he’d asked for the nurse to run some tests. If there’s nothing there, fine. He’d agreed. It was easy enough to believe the medical people when he saw the truth with his own eyes.

After several tests they’d determined he did in fact have a problem. He had a prescription for a low dose pain medication which he almost never took. Partly because it didn’t do anything and partly because it left him feeling so out of sorts it wasn’t worth taking. Every few years he’d go back to see if things improved. They hadn’t, in fact his last appointment made it sound as though things had gotten worse.

His mind snapped back to the present as he was called. The friendly woman behind the counter took his information and told him that she couldn’t close the account because there were still transactions pending. How many?

Three outgoing. She informed him.

Any others? When she shook her head he nodded. Cancel them and close it out.

The woman blinked. But?

Tony’s temper rose. I didn’t authorize anything to be removed. Cancel them out.

The poor woman called her superior over and the man read through the account. Then Tony was taken to another office where he explained what he learned on the phone. Within moments all the missing funds were replaced and the account closed. His mother would be pissed her slush fund was gone but at least he’d have the money to use for himself now. As soon as the cash was counted out he asked for the other to be closed as well.

With both accounts closed and more money in his hand than he ever thought possible, he thanked them. Cash from the one and a check from the other as it was far too much money for him to want to carry, even a short ways to the new bank.

Once in his car he locked the doors and carefully started the engine trying not to look like he was a prime target to be mugged. He’d never had anything more than four grand on his person at one time. What he currently carried could have bought a house in the best neighborhood and still had some left over. He pulled out a joint and lit the end, taking a deep drag before he backed out of his spot. The smoke rolled inside the car, adding to its effect. Thankfully he only had one stop to make, a bank he used for his drug money and one he trusted not to ask too many questions, such as where did all the cash come from.

Within an hour he was done. He had another account set up, with no minimum fees, and a good interest rate. Another plus, his head was feeling better. He pulled out his phone, tempted to tell his friend the news, when the ringer went off. There were four people who called him, those who he dealt to and they weren’t due for another order for at least a week. He took in the number, not one he knew. Of course he didn’t know all of the home care providers so they might be calling him. Hello?

Tony? Came a familiar female voice, one he hadn’t heard in a good year. It’s Jazlyn.

What do you want? They hadn’t parted on the best of terms. Hell if he was honest she’d broken his heart, ripped it out, and threw it in the street to be run over before a pack of dogs set upon it. She’d claimed it was over because he smoked but he knew the truth, he was a snow elf while she was a high elf. Snow elves, like their black skinned cousins, were hated by the high elves.

I, the girl on the other line faltered. I just wanted to see how you were. She said softly. I didn’t even know if this was still your number. I, she took a deep breath. I moved out from my parents last week. I’ve been staying down in Lowtown, I thought, maybe we could catch up or something. If you wanted.

Tony rolled his eyes. Jazz, it’s been a year. You didn’t exactly leave any doubt in my mind what you thought of me. He took a slow hit as the smoke worked through him. What the hell would we have to talk about?

The girl sighed. I dunno...I just. Wanted to see you again. It wasn’t, I didn’t... She coughed lightly. I didn’t really want to end things...I’m sorry for all of it.

Tony sighed, rubbing his eyes as the headache eased. You know if you had just told me the truth, that your parents hated my guts, I’d have gotten it. But you had to make up this big lie. You had to tell me it was because of my smoking, because of my lack of work, anything but the truth.

I’m sorry, she repeated, tearfully it seemed. I don’t know why I didn’t tell you. Dad was so angry, threatened to hurt you even. I guess I just didn’t want to risk you coming around and I thought...I don’t know. I was scared. She sighed again. Look I understand if you don’t want to see me, but if you do want to catch up, maybe we can grab a drink or something down at Abby’s? I’m there most every night now, trying to convince them to hire me on. She gave a halfhearted chuckle. What do ya say?

Sure. I’ll be there. What time? He knew he was going to regret this but he hadn’t stopped liking Jazz, even when he knew he shouldn’t.

You will? Thank you, she gushed for a moment. How about tonight, maybe around seven? I don’t care if you smoke either. She added. You still get those bad headaches huh? She asked, her voice sympathetic.

She might be the only person who knew. Yeah. God how much had they shared? How many times had they slipped out of the house to fuck in a car, to get a cheap motel room for the night? Seven works. She didn’t know about his parents. Maybe if they’d lasted six more months. She also didn’t know about the trust fund so she wasn’t after money. Just to talk, Jazz. Got it? He didn’t want her getting the wrong impression.

Of course. She agreed, in her usual upbeat tone. I’ll see you in a few hours then. Can’t wait. He could practically hear her smile.

Sure. So why didn’t he feel good about this meeting? It felt more like he was about to go to his own funeral. Of course with Jazz either things were perfect or they were hell. She had a way of being both angle and demon at the same time. See you then. He hung up and grabbed his sunglasses before taking another deep hit. Guess I need to get rid of this fast. Which meant, three pills and a pound of weed.

2

The headache hadn’t vanished, thought it hadn’t gotten any worse. He took that as a good sign as he pulled up in front of the bar. The outside looked as it always did: dim, an old brick face and a parking lot which appeared to belong to an abandoned building – full of grass and a small tree. However the lot was full, cars packed the spaces as people wandered about outside. He checked to make sure he had more than enough joints. At least the place would be so smoke filled, no one would notice what he smoked. With luck no one would notice his presence at all.

He opened the door and was hit with a wall of sound. The place wasn’t just packed it was two deep at the bar. He scanned the crowd knowing he stuck out. His pale white skin nearly glowed in the lights. He took a deep breath fanning his white hair back from his head making it stick up in places.

The bouncer took him in with a nod. Seen Jazz? He yelled to be heard.

The man shook his head, tagged his hand then waved him in. If she was staking the place out for a job then the bouncer should know her. At least he hoped so.

The interior hadn’t changed in the slightest. The bar was still a dark wood, the walls still made of brick while the dance floor remained way too small. The biggest difference he could see was there were more tables and more people eating. He swallowed as more eyes focused on him. This was an Elven hang out. His kind wasn’t welcome. He could see a small group of Dark Elves. His own people were so few there wouldn’t be a group of them.

Tony didn’t bother nodding at the Elves. They would rather throw him out then acknowledge him. Instead he walked to a table near the back and took a seat. If he got service he’d be shocked.

He waited for nearly ten minutes before a waitress arrived with a pad and pen in hand. What can I get ya? She asked, not even looking at the young snow elf.

Tony glanced at her, another high elf, he should have figured. Micheals on tap. He told her glancing at the menu. It had been a long time since he’d been out. And an order of onion rings. He hoped at least those hadn’t changed.

He didn’t know why he’d been hoping for a different reaction but he shouldn’t have. Trust Jazz to ask him to one of the biggest hotbeds of hate. The waitress nodded,