by Gerald Lopez
“He was away at a retreat in the mountains, remember?”
“I forgot. Anyway, Charity, must’ve called Linus away to give us a minute to talk.”
“What’s happened now?” Miss Lucy said, as we continued walking.
“Charity’s folks have been urgently called away on organization business,” I said. “That’s why they’re not here today.”
“Hmm, has to be Sandoval,” Miss Lucy said. “The visit you had from Monique, the use of blue light on the boy nun—something’s up. But if Charity’s parents were called on to help, then Leticia’s section isn’t involved… at least not yet.”
“If Leticia’s section were involved that would mean we’d be called in, wouldn’t it?” I said.
“Maybe, maybe not. If Sandoval’s making his move, then anything you’ve dealt with up to this point will seem like child’s play, boy.”
“You sound concerned,” I said.
“That’s because I am, and if they call on you or your team to help, it’ll be as a last resort. Meaning—”
“Meaning that things will be going badly for our side. Does this tie in at all to Leticia’s daughter and her secret location?”
“That’s a good question, but I have no answer for you, and I don’t like that—not at all. For now, boy, enjoy the party, go home, and put your house in order. Rest and prepare yourself and your team as best you can, just in case you’re called on. That’s all we can do for now.”
“Hi, Layton, Miss Lucy,” Buck said, when he walked past us with Clay. He turned back with a smile on his face. “I wonder what the big surprise will be?”
Chapter 46
Pleasant Surprise
THE RIDE ON the tram was pleasant, and when we stopped in front a ruin of a building, people began speaking excitedly amongst themselves. Chip and the kids were in front of the group, with Sassy, Nikki, and Granny. I was by Miss Lucy, my boys—Forrest and Alex, Linus, and Charity next to Braeden, Don, and Pete.
“This is where our club once was,” Braeden said.
“No, babe look to the left,” Pete said. “We’re in front of the empty lot next door, and there’s a big covered sign in front.”
We were all instructed to get closer and gather around, so we could see what was going on. There was a sign like Pete had mentioned, as well as a low temporary fence, and a red ribbon across the entrance. Jorri and his groom were there, as well as an older woman in a suit, an elderly woman in a floral dress, and a man in a Navy uniform.
“Ladies and gentleman, let me introduce myself again—I’m Gary Pryce one of the happy grooms,” Jorri’s new spouse said to the crowd, who cheered him on. “Our mayor Mrs. Lindsay Moore agreed to come here today to help me present Jorri with his wedding gift.”
“And it’s my absolute pleasure to be here,” Lindsay said.
I heard a baby crying, and saw Diesel and Lily May walking to the tram with the baby.
“Today I have the honor of helping unveil something that’s been a long time coming,” Lindsay said. “I’m ashamed to say that it took an outsider new to our city to do this, but I’m glad he has. Jorri, your lovely and handsome spouse thought it would be alright to invite a few others in our community to cut the ribbon on your gift.”
“Well if he says it’s OK, then it’s fine by me,” Jorri said, and everyone laughed.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor of being here to help open this new park and grill,” Lindsay said. “Jorri, come here and pull the cover off the sign.”
Gary walked Jorri over to the sign, then helped him pull the cover off using the ropes below.
“The new veteran’s park and grill, built in honor of all the residents of this town who gave their lives to keep this country safe,” Lindsay said. A hush fell over the crowd. “That includes Mrs. Henderson’s husband—she’s standing up here with her granddaughter. Beside her is Jamie, whose brother gave his life for this country. My older sister also served her country and gave her life. And your son, Jorri. We never forgot that sweet little boy of yours, who grew up to be such a strong and brave soldier.”
Jorri dabbed at his eyes, and he wasn’t the only one. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.
“There’s more to see once these folks cut the ribbon,” Gary said.
Diesel and her family had walked over to us with the now calm baby.
“This is good, what they’re doing,” Diesel said.
“Yeah,” Lily May said, then dabbed at the corner of her eye. “I’m not crying—”
“It’s the pollen in the air,” I said, and grinned. “I’m a bit affected by it myself.” I patted the baby’s head.
“He’s a real trooper,” Forrest said, and tickled the baby’s tummy, making him giggle. “It’s hard to believe Chip was ever that small.”
“Well, for a small guy, he can sure fill his diapers,” Diesel said. “That’s why he was crying—he needed to be changed.”
We all walked up with the crowd to take a look around the empty lot. In front was a board showing a drawing of a small bar and grill with a large open patio.
Jorri had run up to us excitedly while we were looking at the board.
“My guy’s smart as well as handsome,” Jorri said. “He figured that we’d keep all this private, so we could maintain it with no hassles. But he also came up with the plan for just a simple bar and grill. Almost like a vet’s hangout, and a place to eat for anyone attending our future club. People will be able to get appetizers and drinks before coming to the show.”
“Brilliant,” I said.
“You’ve got yourself a good man,” Miss Lucy said.
“Oh, you all have to come see the statue,” Jorri said.
A statue to honor the vets had already been put in place, and Champagne was being handed out to everyone. After a short while, we all headed back to the tram, which put a smile on my face because I was getting hungry.
“I know what you’re thinking about, boy,” Miss Lucy said.
“Probably the same thing you are,” I said. “Thick, juicy bacon.”
We both laughed.
The party portion of the festivities got in full swing when we returned to the compound. There were waffle stations set up, featuring whipped cream, strawberries, syrup, and chicken. Miss Lucy made a beeline for the bacon. The kids were hyper, and it took Forrest, Alex, Granny, and me a while to get them settled and sitting down to eat.
“Granny, we won’t recognize you when next we meet, will we?” Alex said, when we were all seated.
“Nope,” Bogie said, answering for his grandparent. “Granny has a whole lot of disguises.”
Nikki got everyone’s attention, so that toasts to the couple could be made. Once that was done, the boy nuns brought out the wedding cake from the kitchen to thunderous applause. The thing was an impressive and beautiful seven tier creation.
“Those boys have no idea what they’re in for,” Miss Lucy said, when she sat down next to Granny.
“After all that happened here, they’ve got at least some idea,” Granny said, then chuckled.
“You are bad,” I said, then laughed.
“Anyway, I have orders to start training that motley crew of boy nuns as soon as possible,” Miss Lucy said.
“Then something big is definitely up,” Granny said. “But not here in the states… at least not yet.”
“What makes you say that?” Forrest said. “We’ve certainly seen a lot of supernatural stuff here at the key.”
“Oh yes,” Granny said. “But nothing all that unusual in our line of work. Mostly there were ghosts at play here. And I include the nuns with blue light in with the ghosts. However, the blue light that affected Sister Joe is an entirely different situation.”
“And one that will have to be dealt with,” Miss Lucy said.
“OK, everybody smile,” Alex said, then took our picture.
After the happy couple cut the wedding cake and did the first dance, people started making their exits.
D
iesel, Lily May, the baby, and Gloria were with Ralph and Timmy, when Alex, Forrest, and I walked up to say bye.
“The baby has done really well with the crowd, considering he’s new to the world,” Alex said.
“He’s gonna find it quiet at home,” Ralph said.
“Quiet isn’t a bad thing for a newborn,” Gloria said.
“It’s been fun, boys,” Lily May said. “But please, no more meeting in gun free zones.”
“I hear ya,” I said.
We had a difficult time parting Chip from his new friends Bogie and Antoinette. While Alex ran around taking last minute pictures and Forrest spoke with Bambi and her husbands, Miss Lucy and I talked in a corner.
“Lots of training of new agents going on, Miss Lucy,” I said. “It’d be nice to have a heads-up as to what’s coming our way.”
“I’ll call you as soon as I know something,” Miss Lucy said. “All in all, it hasn’t been a bad day, has it?”
“It’s been a pretty darn good one,” I said.
“You’re gonna have a full house when you get home,” Miss Lucy said.
“Indeed, but we’ll manage. How do you see Linus fitting in?”
“He seems just as crazy as the rest of you all,” Miss Lucy said.
I left her, gave both the grooms a hug and my congratulations, then caught up with Forrest, who was talking to Braeden, Pete, and Don.
“If you ever feel like a day out come visit us,” I said.
“We’ll do that,” Braeden said.
“You guys will be busy setting up house,” Pete said.
“See that was part of my evil plan,” I said. “First, I invite you over, then I put you to work.”
“I believe it,” Don said. “Free labor.” He laughed.
We all laughed when we turned to see Bambi posing for Alex. Before we moved on, Bambi gave, Forrest, Alex, and me hugs.
Sister Vaughn grabbed me and Alex then pulled us onto the dance floor. We were soon joined by the others. Before we left for home, the boy nuns surrounded us and pulled us into a group hug. The grooms each tossed an armband into the crowd. Buck managed to catch one, and Clay the other.
“Big surprise,” Sassy said to us. “As if we didn’t already see that future union coming.” She ran up and gave Buck and Clay hugs and kisses before coming back to us.
“Ready to go home?” Alex said to Forrest and me.
“Oh yeah,” I said.
“You betcha,” Forrest said. “Let’s go find the kiddo and separate him from his new pals again.”
On our way out, Nikki and Julio ran up to us with a big tray.
“Some munchies for the trip and later,” Nikki said.
“I hope there’s some more of that great almond wedding cake in there,” I said.
“You know my Nikki’s got you guys covered, have no fear,” Julio said.
“All of you here at the compound are welcome at our place any time,” Forrest said.
“Thank you,” Nikki said. “I’ve always wanted to see Carson Court.”
“Well, that was an open invitation for any time,” Alex said.
I gave Julio then Nikki hugs, and took the tray from Nikki. “It’s been fun,” I said.
“Sassy, make sure they don’t get too crazy,” Nikki said.
“I’ll try,” Sassy said.
“Bye, you little cutie pie,” Nikki said to Chip, before hugging and kissing him.
Everyone exchanged hugs, then we headed to The Beast. Linus and Charity would be following behind in Charity’s car.
Chip fell asleep almost instantly when he got in The Beast. I was second to knock off. But my dreams were not peaceful or sweet.
Chapter 47
Home Sweet Home
MONIQUE APPEARED to me in my dreams, warning of something that was coming, but there were no details forthcoming. She was interrupted by a flash of blue light, followed by dead birds falling from the sky all around me.
“Wake up,” Alex said. “We’re home.”
I sat up then looked around. “Where’s Sassy?”
“We dropped her off at her car,” Alex said. “She’ll be spending the night at our place.”
“Good,” I said. “I dreamed of Monique and the blue light.”
When we got home, we shared the details of my dream with the others, including Shannon who’d been asked by Leticia to stay a while. While our rooms were being readied for bed, I went out to the porch and sat on one of the rockers. I kicked off my flip-flops, stretched my feet, and leaned back in the rocker. I closed my eyes, then heard the front door open, and the sound of small feet padding my way.
“Daddy, will you read to me?” Chip said.
“Sure, pal,” I said, then picked him up and sat him in my lap. He noticed my bare feet and kicked off his flip-flops.
“Chip, do you like the idea of living at the court?” I said.
“Y’up,” Chip said. I’m gonna be in the room next to you and my other daddies. If you get scared you can come to my room and I’ll protect you, Daddy.”
“Wow,” I said. “Let me see your muscles.” He made muscles with his skinny arms and I smiled. “You’re gonna have big muscles like your Daddy Forrest. And you’re a cutie like Daddy Alex.”
“And I’m barefoot like you,” Chip said.
“Like father like son, huh?” I said, then opened his storybook to read, while I had my free arm around him.
Life was good right now—very good. And I was determined to enjoy it to the fullest until whatever Monique was trying to warn us about arrived.
Contact the Author
Thank you for reading this book. If you liked it, please consider leaving a review on the website of one of your favorite retailers. Check out Gerald’s new blog devoted to Layton Shayne at
https://homeofthelaytonshaynemysteries.blogspot.com/
Gerald loves to hear from his readers, and may be contacted by e-mail at
[email protected]
Gerald and fellow author Etienne have started to issue a regular newsletter, which will keep readers and fans updated as to forthcoming books and events. The newsletter is published on a monthly basis. If you would like to receive the newsletter, send your e-mail address to [email protected] and ask to be included on the list.
About Gerald Lopez
Gerald was called to write at various times in his life. When he was young, the writing consisted of plays and short stories. Then he explored the fine arts and literature, earning a bachelor’s degree in the latter while minoring in art history. In his studies he was fascinated by and enjoyed analyzing characters, their personalities and motivations. To him it’s always been the characters who make a story special. Once again writing has taken hold of him. In the past it was just an amusement, but now—for him—writing is a passion to live, eat, and breathe.
Other Books by Gerald Lopez
Dueling Divas (an Avondale Story)
Murder, mayhem, and love all find their way into The Next Club Superstar singing contest.
Dead Men Tell Tales (a New Eden Tale)
A contemporary tale of murder, ghosts, and romance set out West.
Blue Light By Night (a Layton Shayne Mystery)
A supernatural mystery set in a small town in Louisiana. Also, first book in a series.
For Love Of: Tangi
A heartwarming and often funny story of a young man’s coming-out and finding true love.
Green Eyes Cry, You Die (a Layton Shayne Mystery)
More supernatural suspense. This time, Layton Shayne must locate a green-eyed statue that has the power to create zombies.
Miss Lucy and the Pussy Brigade (Miss Lucy Case Files #1)
First spin-off from the Layton Shayne Mysteries. Hilarious read involving the supernatural, crazy agents, and a bunch of cats.
All Queers Must Die
In a world where no one is who they seem to be and everybody has secrets… how do you find the truth? Bart Farrow is a man determined to get to the truth
of what is going on in Maynard Shores.
Lost Bitches: an Abel Kane Mystery
Private detective Abel Kane is on the case. And he is willing and able to do what it takes to get the job done. What starts off as a seemingly simple dognapping case turns into much more when the mob, a pretty female call girl, and several hunky men get involved.
For Love of: Colt
Colt and Tangi are in love and they’ve survived being crowned homecoming kings. But if they’re expecting the craziness in their lives to settle down—they couldn’t be more wrong. Even though members of Colt’s football team, the cheerleaders, and the entire high school become involved in the couple’s romance, Tangi and Colt persevere. And Tangi stands strong when the time is called for him to do so. All… for love of Colt.
Black Hearts Dance (a Layton Shayne Mystery)
Detective Layton Shayne and his partner Alex are back, and working on a new case. While out with friends, the two catch the eye of a mysterious older woman who hires Layton to investigate the hauntings on her estate, Carson Court. Not only is Layton intrigued… he also feels compelled to take the job. New surprises greet him and Alex at every corner as they meet the hunks and mysterious citizens living in and around Carson Court. Layton knows to listen to his instincts, but this time could that lead to trouble of a supernatural nature in a house with a dark past and secrets desperate to come out?
Gray Days, Wicked Ways (a Layton Shayne Mystery)
They were supposed to be on vacation but how could Layton not take the case—it was to help a Marine’s kid. But the case gets complicated. Someone is out for blood and no one is safe. Things hit home further when fellow Marines get involved and old familiar faces turn up with hidden agendas. When Forrest Hanson pays a visit things heat up in an all together different way for Alex and Layton. And what would Layton’s life be without some supernatural elements thrown in for fun.
