by Gerald Lopez
“It’s about Alex. Will anyone try to stop him leaving, and more specifically, his being with me?”
“No. You don’t need to worry about that. Besides, I would certainly hate to see what you’d do to anyone who tried to separate the two of you. I’ve seen you in action, remember?” She waved over my head to someone.
Jerhome appeared with a couple of large white bakery boxes, which he handed to Noelle.
“Thank you, Jerhome. I’ll miss your delightful goods,” Noelle said, kissing his cheek. She then kissed me and then Alex before turning toward Hans. “Good-bye, Hans! Good-bye, Jerhome. I’ll see you and Alex later today, Layton.”
With a spring in her step, she left the bakery.
“That was strange,” Alex said.
“What hasn’t been strange in this place?” I said.
“I didn’t forget about you two,” Jerhome said. “When I saw you speaking to Noelle, I thought it was best not to interrupt.”
“That’s fine,” I said. “But put a rush on it, will ya? I’m starving.”
Our cinnamon rolls and juice were out in no time and we said our heartfelt good-byes to both Jerhome and Hans before leaving. Once we were outside, I nudged Alex.
“Let’s eat and walk.”
We started walking while we ate our sweet, warm rolls.
“What’s on your mind, Layton?”
“First, I owe you an apology. I shouldn’t have tried to exclude you from my conversation with Noelle. You’re absolutely right, there should be no secrets between us.”
“It’s no big deal.”
“Yes, it is, Alex. That’s why I apologized. And I want your thoughts on this meeting with Noelle’s mother, Leticia Carter.”
“It’s nice to hear her name, at least when I walk in I won’t have to say ‘Hello, Noelle’s mom’.”
Alex laughed and so did I, but he was also noticeably thinking hard about my question.
“Do you want to take another job from her, Layton? It might involve another crazy cult.”
“That’s a given. I think, Alex, that maybe they need me for some reason; and it feels good to be needed. If it were just me, I’d be up for the adventure, but it’s not just me anymore.”
“You’d regret not taking another job from her. Who knows, maybe it won’t be as crazy as this one? Do you mind me tagging along and helping you until I can find something of my own to do?”
“I’d love you tagging along. And you have something that’s all your own—me.”
I threw my cinnamon roll bag in a nearby trash can and was surprised to get a hug from behind.
“You’re not a shy or discreet fellow, are you, Alex?”
“When it’s called for, I am, but we’re leaving soon. Besides, you’re all mine, which means I can do what I want with you.”
“Ooo, you are a take charge kind of guy,” I said. “What would you want to do—besides me—and I’m talking career-wise.”
“I’ve had several photography exhibits and they did pretty well, Layton… but I always had my allowance to fall back on. I guess that’ll stop now.”
“Maybe,” I said. “But there’s no reason you couldn’t have another exhibit. Maybe my next job will take us someplace that will be a photographer’s dream.”
“As long as it’s not a nightmare,” Alex said before laughing.
Chapter 36
Toward the Unknown
As I drove toward the old Kennedy estate, I turned to see how Alex was reacting. He just smiled at me and patted my knee.
“I’m fine, at least for now, Layton.”
“Are you gonna be okay going back to the old estate?”
“Yeah, I think so, besides, I’ve got you to lean on—my studly ex-military man detective.”
He kissed my cheek.
“You’ll always have me to lean on,” I said. “Is there anything you need to pick up while we’re at the mansion, Alex? Do you need to go back to the other house for anything?”
“Nope. You said to pack light and I did. Believe it or not, I’ve always been a light packer. There’s a freedom in traveling without many possessions, at least for a photographer. My cameras are in the case back at the motel room. Anything else I might need, I’m sure I can pick up on the road. And the workmen have already begun taking my things to my storage unit. Everything’s in order, no problems.”
“Great, and I completely understand the freedom of traveling light. As you can see, I’m not much of a clotheshorse, except for the fancy duds Leticia bought me for meeting with you fancy Kennedy people.” I laughed and Alex did as well.
We were passing in front of Cicero’s restaurant when I saw Anjelica out front. So I made a quick turn into their parking lot.
“I just want to say a quick goodbye, c’mon,” I said to Alex before hopping out of the car and walking toward Anjelica. “Hey, you.”
“Well, hello,” Anjelica said, looking our way. “And how are you two lovebirds today? You both sure do look happy.” She gave both Alex and I a warm hug and a smile.
“We are,” I said. “So what does the future hold for you? Are you staying in Shelby or finding Jimmy.”
“Jimmy needs time to himself. We talked and he and his Italian are doing very well in Florida… they said they’d call you soon. Our new mayor assures me that there will be more than enough new business to keep Cicero’s in operation. With both my mother and sister gone I inherited everything. You two are looking at the new owner and manager of this place.”
“I’m sure you’ll make Cicero’s a bigger success than ever,” Alex said.
“Without a doubt,” I said.
* * * *
We saw a number of people walking around the grounds of the Old Kennedy Estate when we got there. I parked and the two of us headed toward the front door, where a familiar face greeted us on the verandah.
“Hi, Mr. Detective,” Esther said. “Are you going away now?”
“Yes,” I said. “How about a hug before I go?”
Esther hugged me, then turned to Alex and hugged him.
“Grandma is talking to Auntie Lucy on the back patio. I’ll take you to them, come on.”
She led us around the verandah to the back patio where Mother Watkins was speaking to Miss Lucy just like we’d been told. They waved to us and we waved back before walking to them. Both women greeted Alex and me with hugs and kisses.
“How ya doing this morning, boy?” Miss Lucy said.
“Fine, but you ain’t my girlfriend so don’t be calling me boy,” I said with a grin.
Miss Lucy laughed loudly, as did the others.
“I’m gonna go back inside,” Esther said.
“Okay, but don’t get in any trouble,” Mother Watkins said.
“I won’t,” Esther said, skipping away.
“What’s the future hold for Shelby and its citizens?” I said.
“Well, the new mayor will help get the town back in running order,” Miss Lucy said.
“Yes, I will,” Mother Watkins said.
“Good for you!” Alex said, before turning to look at some people who were heading in the direction of the mausoleum, some were wearing priest collars and a couple looked like rabbis. “What exactly is going on with all these people?”
“My guess is that the priests are here to purify the town,” I said. “Am I correct, Miss Lucy?”
“You are correct, detective. They are also here to take notes and do research,” She took a piece of paper out of the bag by her side and handed it to me. “Here are the directions to where Mrs. Carter is waiting to meet with you two. You’ve got time for a bite before you need to leave.”
“Are you anxious to see us leave, Miss Lucy?” I said. “And here I thought you were growing accustomed to my face.”
“No worries, boy, I’ll be seeing your pretty eyes again one day. Now git, before I kick yo asses outta here.” Miss Lucy laughed and pulled us all into a group hug. I congratulated Mother Watkins on her new job as mayor and turned to go.
I put my arm around Alex’s shoulder as we walked back to the car. “How’s about lunch at Cicero’s, on the dock,” I said, as a suggestion.
* * * *
Everyone in the restaurant was still excited about ‘The Great Battle’ that had been won. They’d fought well and the new owner of the place, Anjelica, thought they’d earned a round of drinks on the house to celebrate. We shared a toast with them before ordering and heading outside. I kicked off my flip-flops off and leaned back in my chair with my hands behind my head.
“You look nice and comfy,” Alex said. “Should I leave you alone, so you can take a nap?”
After checking to see if anyone was looking our way, I kissed him.
“Are you sure you won’t miss all this when you hit the road with me, Alex?”
“Fool,” Alex said.
We enjoyed each other’s company and the view until Anjelica arrived with our food and drinks.
“It’s a beautiful day,” Anjelica said. “Things are gonna be quiet around here after last night.”
“Quiet is good,” I said.
“Yes, it is,” Anjelica said. “If I may ask, where are you two headed when you leave here?”
“I’d gladly tell you,” I said, “but I have no idea. We’re meeting with the client that sent me here and then after that, it’s anyone’s guess where we’ll end up.”
“Well, it does keep life interesting,” Anjelica said. “At least the two of you will be together, and that’ll be nice. Take good care of one another.”
“We’ll take care of one another,” Alex said. “You take care too.”
* * * *
After finishing lunch, Alex and I headed back to the motel and packed. We got in the Jag, picked up some drinks at the convenience store, and then headed out of town.
“You all set to leave, Shelby, Alex?”
“Yeah, Layton.”
“Do you have any idea about where we’re headed from looking at the map Miss Lucy gave us?”
“I can get us there; I’m just not sure what we’ll find at the end of the road.”
I kissed Alex and then raised my drink cup and made a toast.
“Here’s to heading toward the unknown.”
Chapter 37
Revelations
I’d been driving a while and Alex was doing a good of job playing navigator. The clear blue sky had turned dark and moody… thunder rumbled above and the threat of rain was looming.
“We’re almost there, Layton, turn left up ahead and our destination is at the end of the street.”
I looked out the window at our surroundings. There was nothing but untamed land on either side of the road—no stores or homes. I turned onto a dark road and thought I saw a stone tower in the distance above the tree line ahead of us.
Alex put his hand on my shoulder. “Do you see that tower ahead, just above the trees, Layton?”
“Yeah,” I said. “Kind of reminds me of Frankenstein’s castle. In which case, this weather is perfect. All we need now is rain.”
It was as if I’d just said the magic words—the sky opened up and loud hard rain started pouring down. I put the windshield wipers on just in time to see an imposing gate and guard shack to the left just a few feet ahead of us. When we got to it, a guard exited the shack and I rolled down my window.
“Layton Shayne and Alex Kennedy here to see Mrs. Leticia Carter.”
The guard checked his clipboard. “Ok, let me get you a parking pass, Mr. Shayne.” He went inside and came back with a large square paper with Parking Pass printed on it.
I took the pass and thanked the guard.
“Just follow the road to the end,” the guard said. “Someone will be waiting for you by the entrance to take you to Mrs. Carter’s office. Enjoy your visit, gentlemen.”
The gate ahead of us opened and I drove through. We’d gone only a little way down the road when Alex pointed to a large sign on the right side in the middle of a flower garden. Through the rain I could see the name of our destination on the sign. We’d arrived at the Convent of the Sacred Heart.
“I’d have never guessed we’d be meeting Mrs. Carter in a convent,” Alex said.
“The convent must be some sort of cover,” I said.
I kept driving until there was a large and foreboding stone building that looked like a fortress with a tall tower in front of us. A guard standing outside by the entry motioned us to drive up to the front. I did and the guard walked over to my side of the car.
“You can leave the car here and I’ll see that it’s properly parked,” the guard said. “Sister Marie is waiting just inside to take you to Mrs. Carter.”
I reached back and got my jacket. Alex and I were both dressed in jeans, deck shoes, and short-sleeved pullover shirts. He got his jacket from the back seat and put it on as I put mine on.
“I like you better in shorts and flip-flops,” I said in a low voice to Alex.
“I like you better naked,” Alex said. “But I’m glad we dressed to suit the meeting.”
“Well, I’ll be happy to oblige you by undressing later,” I said.
We walked under the portico and opened the immense, wooden double doors. We walked into a wide entry way with stone floors and a tiled barrel ceiling. It took me a moment before I recognized the tall, slim figure dressed in a nun’s habit and head covering. I walked up to greet her.
“Sister Marie… or should I say Noelle?” I said.
“It’s Sister Marie-Noelle. It’s nice to see you both again.”
“Are you really a nun?” Alex said.
“Yes, I am. Mother’s waiting, I’ll explain as we walk.”
“That explains how you know Latin,” I said. That is what you were speaking while levitating during the battle.”
“Yes,” Noelle said.
“Do you mind illuminating us on what you said since at least I don’t know Latin.”
We were following her up a set of stone stairs.
“Something along the lines of ‘Holy shit, I’m levitating,” she said.
Noelle looked at our faces and what had to be a look of surprise on them and then she laughed.
“Don’t tell on me, nuns aren’t supposed to curse, but I couldn’t resist. “Loosely translated what I said was ‘My God will be victorious, bitch!’. I really didn’t care for Jessica very much.”
The sound of thunder filled the air and Noelle jumped.
“After all we’ve been through, thunder makes you jump,” I said.
“Yes… it’s silly I know. Anyway, this place really is a convent and I really am a nun. My mother’s a lay person working with the church.
We stepped into the walkway which overlooked a hall below. Looking over the railings I saw what looked like Buddhist monks and Jewish rabbis, along with others dressed in a variety of religious vestments.
“This place isn’t exclusively for nuns I see,” I said to Noelle.
“No, not exactly,” Noelle said, opening a door at the end of the hall.
Walking in after her, we found ourselves in a warm, carpeted reception area. The walls had rich, dark wood paneling, and against the far wall was a large wood desk with a friendly looking, older nun sitting behind it.
“Welcome to the Convent of the Sacred Heart, I’m Sister Marie Therese. Mrs. Carter is waiting for you.”
Noelle opened a door to the left and ushered us into her mother’s office.
“Layton, it’s good to see you again,” Leticia said. “Hello, Mr. Kennedy, please sit down, gentlemen.”
Alex and I sat down in two black leather chairs in front of her brown wood desk and I looked around her office. The walls were lined in bookshelves with a few photographs of family members amongst the books. Other than that, the room was sparsely decorated. On Leticia’s desk was a laptop and a bowl of small dinner mints, which I helped myself to, after giving Alex a couple.
“How do you like our setup, Layton?” Leticia said.
“Nice. Did you arrange for the weather to
o?”
“No, I’m not that well connected, but it does help set a mood, doesn’t it. Tell me, was my daughter a help on this case? She’s usually more on the research end of things, but I decided it was time to put her in the field.”
“She did an excellent job, Leticia. I have absolutely no complaints.”
“You may leave us now Sister Marie-Noelle,” Leticia said.
Noelle excused herself and left the room.
“Layton, it was very gentlemanly of you not to mention Sister Marie’s nude dance with you in the rain,” Leticia said. “I’m not sure her Mother Superior would approve.”
“I didn’t mention the dance, because it never happened. Sister Marie and I have just recently become acquainted. Any dancing I may have done in the rain would’ve been with Agent Noelle Carter.”
Touché, Layton, I do love the way you think,” Leticia said. “I also like the way you performed in general on this case and would like to put you on retainer with our organization.”
“For me to accept your offer, I’m going to need more information about your organization.”
“Fair enough,” Leticia said. “By now, you’ve probably guessed that we’re a watchdog group. And I’m sure you’ve noticed members of various faiths walking around the premises. We are exactly what it looks like we are, Layton. I’m one of the heads of this organization, which is comprised of representatives from all the mainstream faiths, including members of the Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and even Islamic faiths. All of these faiths have come to realize that the world is filled with desperate people, and desperate people are easily influenced.”
“And desperate people turn to cults or offshoot churches of dubious intentions, am I correct?” I said.
“You are indeed, Layton. The problem is that some of these groups use their power over others in ways most people could never imagine. There have always been cults and the like, but the power of some has grown to the point that their members and/or leaders are able to manifest supernatural powers. Our organization aims to keep a delicate balance in this world. There’s no need to go after every little cult—only those that threaten the balance. The group you faced in Shelby grew too powerful, and our members decided the time had come to do something about it.”
