Alan Baxter - Anubis Key

Grange Field High School, London

Jake Crowley looked out over his class and saw the usual spread of expressions, from attention to disinterest. Some students would always be keen to learn, others simply eager to leave. It had always been that way. As the gathered young people settled and sorted out their notebooks, tablets, laptops, Crowley checked over his notes about the Black Dog. A rueful smile twisted one corner of his mouth.

Hed had his own black dog lately, the infamous hound of depression. He wasnt actually prone to melancholy, so it was probably unfair to categorize his feelings that way, but he was blue, as he hadnt seen Rose Black for several weeks. A beautiful and mysterious woman, Rose had cut off contact, ghosted him, after the two of them had shared in a dangerous adventure. Hed reached out to her, but she had rebuffed his advances and wouldnt tell him why. Hed thought maybe they really had something. In fact, she had even suggested as much at one time, but then nothing. Was he being needy? He liked her a lot and wanted to at least stay friends. And hell, hed saved the womans life. That ought to count for something.

Uh, sir?

Crowley realized, to his embarrassment, that dozens of pairs of expectant eyes were on him. He smiled. Okay, folks. Following on from yesterday, I told you all that we would start today talking about the legends of the black dog.

You sad, Sir? a smart aleck piped up from the back of the class. Sniggers rippled around the classroom.

Crowley shook his head. High schoolers, always thinking they were so funny. But it stung a little given his previous train of thought. He chose to ignore the interruption. Within British folklore, a black dog is predominantly a nocturnal apparition, usually associated with the Devil in some way. Often its referred to as a hellhound. In most cases, its appearance was a portent of death.

In that case, Im surprised there isnt one outside this classroom, Sir. That same class clown.

One more word from you and its a quick trip to the headmasters office. The student bristled slightly, then quickly settled. Crowley went on. Larger than a normal dog, with glowing eyes, or fire where its eyes should be, the black dog is to be found at crossroads, sites of execution, and ancient pathways. It enjoys electrical storms, or perhaps its presence triggers them. Regardless, these dogs are always associated with death and are in some form or another associated with the underworld, usually as guardians. Perhaps one of the most famous is Cerberus, a legend well look at in more detail shortly. Black dogs are Movement at the door caught Crowleys eye and he glanced over.

Through the glass top half of the door he saw a woman glance nervously in. Black hair in a tidy bob, beautiful, soft Asian features. His heart skipped. Rose Black, as if summoned by his thoughts like the black dog itself. Her eyebrows rose as their eyes met, imploring him. She mouthed the word, Sorr y! and gestured for him to come over.

Excuse me one moment, class.

Heads craned and several students made Oooh! noises and wolf-whistles.

Crowley turned back. Pipe down! His voice was a whip-crack that silenced the room. Read chapter eleven of the textbook and well talk more in a moment.

A chorus of groans rose from the class as students took out their books.

Crowley stepped out into the hall and closed the door behind him. Its good to see you. You havent returned my calls or messages.

Rose shuffled awkwardly and looked down at the floor. Im sorry, Jake. Really I am. But I need your help. My sister is missing.

Crowley frowned, unhappy with the turn of events. She only came because she needed his help, not because she wanted to see him? Where have you been, Rose?

Jake, its complicated. I

Annoyance rose in Crowleys chest. Why have you been avoiding me? He kept his voice calm and soft, but his frustration came through nonetheless.

Rose put one warm palm briefly against his cheek. I cant explain right now.

Her touch put a little thrill through him despite the discomfort that hung between them like fog. But you show up wanting my help?

Roses expression twisted in pain. Theres no one else.

Her obvious internal agony put Crowley on the back foot. Something was clearly very wrong. And shed said her sister was missing. It was harsh of him to have ignored that for his own feelings. He remembered all that time ago in her apartment where hed seen photos of Rose, with her parents, and just one with another young girl who, by the similarity of her looks, had to be Roses sister. That had been the only photo of the other girl on display, and in it they had been in their mid-teens at most. Crowley had wondered at the time why there werent other photos and in all the time they had spent together, Rose hadnt mentioned a sister.

Okay, he said. Im sorry. He took her hand, squeezed it gently. Lets talk, but not now. I have a class on.

Of course. When do you finish?

After lunch. Im supposed to spend the afternoon marking and prepping for tomorrow, but I can come to see you instead. You know the Victorian Bath House bar in Bishopsgate, just by Liverpool Street?

Yes, I know it. Never been though. Isnt it a private hire place?

Jake smiled. I know a guy.

Old Army buddy like before?

Yep. How about we meet there at two?

Rose smiled, relief softening her features. Thank you. Ill see you there.

He watched her turn and head back toward the front entrance of the school. Perhaps suggesting the Bath House bar was a bit ostentatious. A bit too try-hard, like he wanted to impress her all over again, but it was too late now. When she turned the corner out of sight he shook his head and went back into the classroom. This is going to be nothing but trouble, he muttered.