Blue Light by Night

by Gerald Lopez

  “It’s not that funny,” I said.

  “I had no idea you were that refined, Layton,” Anjelica said.

  “I just don’t know how a strong man like you can get enough to eat from those skinny little sandwiches,” Mother Watkins said.

  “Having tea isn’t meant to take the place of a meal. It’s more of an afternoon snack.”

  Mother Watkins looked at Anjelica and they both started laughing again.

  “You two laugh all you want. I bet my little queen would be on my side.”

  “Maybe, but Esther isn’t here,” Mother Watkins said. “She’s at Pastor Joe’s house praying with his wife and some of the other kids.”

  “Does she normally do that outside of church or Sunday school?” I said.

  “That’s not typical, but it’s sweet,” Anjelica said.

  “You know—it’s funny—that child is a real prayer warrior. She just seems to know when prayer is needed,” Mother Watkins said.

  “We may need all the prayer we can get to make it out of this place,” I said.

  “Do you think I need to leave my home, detective,” Mother Watkins said.

  “I don’t know. Do you think the Kennedy sisters would hurt you?”

  “They wouldn’t dare. I’ve known them since they were children. They know better than to come after Mother Watkins.”

  “Has Noelle come by or been in touch?”

  “She called; she’ll be here soon,” Mother Watkins said. “You’re worried, aren’t you, Layton?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. I gotta go. Make sure to lock up behind me and don’t let anyone inside except for Noelle. Anjelica, you know what to do should you see any blue light.”

  “Yeah. Mother Watkins, why don’t we gather up your mirrors while Layton’s enjoying tea?”

  “Don’t be tellin’ me what to do; I just met you, girl.”

  “Now I know you’re related to Miss Lucy,” I said. “And Mother Watkins, listen to Anjelica. You two are a team right now. Watch out for each other until I get back.”

  * * * *

  Life can be beyond strange sometimes. One minute I’m fighting for my life and the next I’m walking into a fancy Victorian tea room. But such is life, and you either learn to roll with it or succumb. I’d seen this building with its multi-columned front porch and it had made an impression. The sign in front of the Shelby Tea Room was engraved on my mind the first time I passed it.

  My mouth automatically formed a smile as I looked toward the back of the dining room and saw Alex. He was at a table in front of a bay window and the sunlight was shining on him… his blond curls literally glowed. My heart skipped a beat when he looked up and smiled at me. It didn’t seem like this could ever get old—my excitement every time I saw him. I felt like laughing at myself for a moment—it was as if I had walked into a romance novel. But what the hell, it felt good; and I was looking forward to tea no matter who thought it was funny.

  The waitress, a friendly blonde woman, came to the table to take our order as soon as I was sitting next to Alex. I was cautious enough to want to be able to see who entered the place so I’d sat where I had a clear view of the front door.

  “Hello, are you two ready to order?”

  “We’ll have the tea for two, but instead of tea bring us both lemonade,” Alex said.

  “Sure thing sweetie,” the waitress said before leaving.

  “You ordered for me again,” I said, “now I know we’re really a couple.”

  Alex laughed; I hated having to get serious, but he needed to know what happened in the library. Just as I’d finished my account the waitress brought our glasses of lemonade.

  “I’ll be right back with the goodies,” she said.

  Alex just sipped his lemonade silently. The waitress returned with a three-tier plate filled with all sort of pastries and tea sandwiches, which she began to point out.

  “On the bottom plate are two scones, on the second there are cucumber, egg, and meat sandwiches, and on the top are the sweet pastries and cake. There’s plenty for both of you, so don’t fight over it,” she giggled and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Enjoy, and if you need anything, my name’s Hilary. Toodles.”

  Once she was gone, I laughed and Alex shot me a confused look. “How can you laugh like that after almost being killed in the library?”

  I laughed again. “‘Killed in the library’, huh, kind of reminds me of that game Clue.”

  “Layton! Be serious.”

  “Okay, calm down, Alex. What am I supposed to do, sit here and cry or lock myself in a dark room somewhere and be all scared? If I did either of those things they might as well have killed me. I wanted to have tea with you and that’s what I’m doing.”

  I looked around and noticed no one was watching, so I held his hand for a second.

  “Let’s just tackle things as they come, Alex. We can’t let these things keep us from living.”

  “They’re not gonna let me go without a fight, are they?”

  “No,” I said, getting a scone and putting it on my plate. I used my knife and fork to cut a piece, spread some cream and strawberry jam on it, and took a bite… going out of my way to savor and enjoy it.

  Alex grudgingly took his scone and ate some. I closed my eyes and moaned low as I chewed on another bite of scone, then rubbed my stomach until I finally heard Alex laugh.

  “I give, Layton, I give. You’re embarrassing me now.”

  Opening my eyes I smiled at him. “I was fixing to go into my orgasmic groan… this scone is that good.”

  “I don’t doubt that you would’ve done an orgasmic groan. You’re just about crazy enough to do anything, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, and it was worth it to see you smile. If I have to die, your smile is the last thing I’d want to see.”

  Alex took my hand for a moment, he seemed more relaxed. Then the front door opened and a familiar person walked in, although she looked very different. Margo walked in wearing a short, white halter-top dress and wedge sandals. Her hair was in a ponytail and she wore make-up that made her look younger. The mask was off and she was being her true self. She saw us and I waved her over.

  “Am I interrupting?” Margo said.

  “Please join us,” I said, standing and grabbing a chair from another table for her.

  “Oh, thank you, Layton.”

  She greeted her brother as I flagged Hilary down.

  “Yes, Sir,” Hilary said.

  “Could you bring our new guest a plate, tea, and goodies for one?” I said, taking my seat.

  “I think I’d prefer lemonade like the gentlemen are having.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” Hilary said, then left.

  “Alex, I know you’re not wild about the cucumber sandwiches,” Margo said. “How about I trade you for my egg ones when I get them.”

  “Ooo, I’ll take that trade too,” I said. “I love egg sandwiches.”

  “Alright, then,” she said.

  “I’d say it’s a happy coincidence your running into us here, Margo,” I said, “but it’s not, is it?”

  “It’s a little obvious I know,” but I do love having tea; all the different little sandwiches to choose from. I’m afraid I’m a bit of a picker.”

  “One wouldn’t know it by looking at you,” I said, taking a quick look at Alex, who seemed to be getting aggravated.”

  “Thank you, how nice of you to say so, Layton. I decided to pull my hair back and freshen my make-up. No reason to pretend around you, is there?”

  “No, and I think you look fantastic.”

  Hilary came by and quietly put Margo’s glass of lemonade in front of her.

  “Thank you, Hilary,” Margo said as Hilary was leaving. “Layton, I’m very curious how you got into high tea. Was it your mother that first introduced you to the custom?”

  “No. When I was in England, several of the men and I were treated to tea at the Dorchester in London by a kind general’s wife. After that, I was hooked, as were several of my buddies.
I don’t understand why more people don’t do it.”

  “I agree, and how nice of the general’s wife,” Margo said.

  “Enough!” Alex said, how can you two just sit here and talk like that?

  Hilary showed up and quickly put a smaller tiered plate on the table, then looked my way.

  “Just put it all on my tab, please,” I said. “And that’ll be it for now, thank you.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Thank you, Layton.” Margo said. “You know, I think my brother would prefer to see us at each other’s throats.”

  “This is much nicer I think,” I said, “Besides, you don’t hate me, do you Margo?”

  “Why, not at all. I think very highly of you, Layton.”

  “As I do of you, Margo.”

  “I don’t get this at all,” Alex said. “People are dying and they just tried to kill Layton.”

  I put my hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Poor guy, you really don’t get it, do you? It’s like in war or in a battle. You soon realize that it’s not about individuals. It’s all about the goal, or the prize, or what have you. I’ve killed people because I had to, but it doesn’t mean I hated them or they hated me. Life is too short for hate or unnecessary ugliness.”

  Margo handed me her two egg sandwiches and took my two cucumber ones.

  “Well put, Layton. Alex has led a bit of a sheltered life, but as I’ve said before he’s a good man and smart. He doesn’t understand that just because we’re at odds, we don’t have to hate one another.”

  “I, for one, like the civility. Monique was very civil while she was trying to kill me,” I said.

  “I’m glad to hear that,” Margo said. “They train us from a very early age to have grace and manners. She was one of our best. There was almost a regal quality to her at times, wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Definitely, but not everyone is chosen to be a priestess. Anjelica wasn’t for example,” I said.

  “No, poor thing. But I didn’t have a say in that. It was decided by our parents and their parents.” She began eating her sandwich.

  “Are you and Jessica really priestesses in this cult?” Alex said.

  “Yes,” Margo said before trading his cucumber sandwiches for her egg ones. “Well, we’re actually royal priestesses and you’re a crown prince. Our family is descended from one of the two oldest families in our religion.”

  “But why does it even exist? Why all of it?” Alex said.

  “I learned not to ask why a long time ago, Alex. We were conceived for this life to continue our faith. Nobody ever asked what we wanted and there was no way to escape our fate. This conversation is getting rather dreary for tea time.”

  “I agree… no offense, Alex,” I said. “Margo, I’m intrigued. I’ve always been a bit of a history buff and would love to hear more about your ancestry.”

  “Sure,” she said.

  Alex and I continued eating as she spoke.

  “Jessica was never very interested in history, but I loved it. Our ancestors were former Roman legionnaires who’d made their way into Germany. They brought with them some of their ancient religion, which I believe had ties to the cult of Dionysus.”

  “Interesting. Is that where the sexual aspects come in?” I said.

  “I’ve always thought so,” Margo said. “But of course in the cult of Dionysus they actually engaged in full-on orgies, which sometimes ended in one or several participants being torn to pieces at climax. In my opinion, it was all that built up energy fueled by lust and liquor. In the end, physical release didn’t seem to be enough. Once they were in Germany it turned into a wholly different religion with just trace elements of its original source.”

  “Absolutely fascinating,” I said. “At some point your ancestors were able to harness that energy and turn it into a physical manifestation—the blue light.”

  “Exactly, Layton. The secrets of accessing the light lay with the priestesses. There was always a king, but he was never privy to the ways of the blue light. His job was to provide the next high priestess. Over time, it became preferable that the king didn’t even know about the priestesses.”

  “Which is why Alex was kept in the dark,” I said. “But why then did your parents have all the wills?”

  “Our religion doesn’t believe in one person inheriting all. The number three is very important to us. I believe it’s an important number in numerous religions. Going back to our situation. Three inherit—one is king, one is royal high priestess and one is royal priestess historian. There are always groups of three serving as lower caste priestess units.”

  “Monique, Sophia, and someone else I haven’t met?” I said.

  “Actually, you’ve met all three, but I don’t like to talk about the third one, she’s a big disappointment to me.”

  “Sorry about that,” I said, trying one of the pastries on the top plate. “Mmm… pineapple filling—wasn’t expecting that.”

  “You really should try that tea house in Montbelle, Florida,” Margo said.

  “Provided he makes it out of Shelby alive,” Alex said.

  Margo smiled, but said nothing.

  “You know, I do have a question, Margo, if you don’t think I’m prying too much,” I said.

  “Please go on, Layton, now I’m intrigued.”

  “Well, when things went down in the club with Monique and friends, the blue light faltered. That’s how we were able to get out. But the club was still surrounded by blue light. I know the bones were disturbed and that caused the light to flicker, but why was there still so much of it over the club. I figured that the priestesses are accessing the energy through the bones, but I’m not sure of the connection.”

  “It’s somewhat complex. The bones of our ancestors have traditionally been used to house the energy we get from bodies, so we can access it later. Priestesses and their select followers are able to access it as needed. The bones Monique was accessing energy from must’ve been displaced.”

  “But she was also getting energy out of our bodies at the same time,” I said.

  “That’s often times not enough,” she said. “The bones amplify the energy. I wish I knew why or how they do it. All I do know is that the bones are of former royal families.”

  “And the legionnaires’ bones, are they here?”

  Margo laughed. “No. They are back in the homeland of Germany.”

  “Hold on,” I said. “You didn’t answer why the blue light was so strong over the club, but fizzled out for Monique.”

  “Isn’t it obvious?” She said, “This has been our town for a very long time.”

  “Multiple power sources,” I said. “Why have just one altar of bones when you’re surrounded by wealthy members of the same religion who have the money to build altars on their properties. Ingenious! You’re right, that was obvious, now I feel stupid.”

  “No, don’t feel stupid, Layton,” Margo said. “I’d ask you to join our religion if I thought there was a chance you’d say yes.”

  “Any chance I could convince you to come with us. You’re such an intelligent woman, it’d be a shame—” I stopped myself from uttering my last thought.

  “If you had to kill me,” Margo said. “Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you.”

  We both laughed and Alex banged his fist on the table.

  “Are you two nuts? I love you both, and the two of you are sitting here talking about killing one another and laughing!”

  “Alex, they’re not gonna let the two of us out of here together. Am I right, Margo?”

  “That would be correct. It’s my job to make sure the crown prince is around to do his duty and provide a new priestess, hopefully at least two.”

  “I’m assuming the birth mother or egg donor has already been selected. So, is it necessary for him to be present to do the deed, or is what Monique told me true—Can he make a deposit at a sperm bank?”

  “Yes, there’s a princess in Germany that’s waiting. In my opinion, the energy is higher and can
be harnessed for the baby if the crown prince actually physically engages in the sex act.”

  “Wait a minute. Do you think the blue light energy can be absorbed by the embryo?” I said, horrified at the thought.

  “It’s just a theory of mine but really I’ve no idea. Jessica doesn’t care one way or another though, and she’s in charge.”

  “What’s gonna happen to me?” Alex said.

  “You’ll either stay with us and become king with your heirs inheriting all that our religion offers, or you choose a new life with Layton.”

  “But you and the others won’t let me leave, will you, Sis?”

  “No.”

  “If I stay, can Layton live?”

  “If he were to truly convert, then yes, but I don’t think he will.”

  “Do you have converts to your religion?” I said. “What exactly would that entail?”

  “We do have converts and it would entail freely giving us a predetermined amount of your blue light energy.”

  “Wouldn’t that kill me?”

  “No, not necessarily. When we train as priestesses we have willing participants who allow us to drain them of their light energy. We learn how to control how much we take so as not to kill them. But some do die if their heart gives out or due to a priestess’s carelessness.”

  “Do they know they’re risking their lives when they volunteer?” I said.

  “They’re believers and are honored to take the risk. For those that decide to give the ultimate sacrifice of their lives they have what I like to call the ultimate fuck beforehand.”

  “Margo!” Alex said. “I’m shocked; I’ve never heard you curse that way.”

  “It’s not a curse—merely an accurate word,” Margo said. “Their every sexual fantasy is fulfilled by women whose task it is to do exactly that, you should see the large amount of blue light we are able to gather from those men at the moment right before they are about to release.”

  “Wow,” I said. “But I still don’t think I’ll be converting anytime soon.”

  “You’re my sister,” Alex said. “I know that we’re not really Kennedys, but we are really related, aren’t we.”

  “Yes,” Margo said. “But you have to understand that you’re my king before you’re my brother. And I have a duty as princess and priestess.” She turned to me now. “Layton, you were very clever to figure out the eye connection. Ross called and told me what you were up to. He had a hidden microphone turned on downstairs and was able to listen in on you and Anjelica, that’s when we sent Sophia to handle things.”