Fake: Book One of the Crossroads Series

by Lori Saltis

  Brother Ash, the Beggar Chief, swaggers down the corridor, his long staff thudding the ground before him. He wears a frayed orange tank top over a bright yellow one, both tucked into a pair of baggy, stained pants bound at the waist with colorful, ragged strips of cloth. His flip-flops reveal dirty feet beneath the tattered cuffs of his pants. His thick black hair lay atop his head in an untidy pile with uneven strands coiling past his shoulders. A sparse mustache and beard surround his mouth, and between his lips is clenched an unlit, half-smoked cigar.

  He comes to a halt in front of Dad. A tense silence fills the room, all eyes on his staff, the symbol of a Beggar Chief’s authority. If he raises it above his head, he will be challenging Dad. They would then head out to the courtyard where they would fight, not just for victory over each other, but also for the supremacy of one clan over the other.

  Dad and Brother Ash stare at each other without blinking. I hold my breath. The Beggar Chief lifts his staff, taking the other end in his hand. He holds it before him with outstretched arms and bows.

  I exhale. Then I crane my neck to examine the staff. It looks old and worn, though the carving of a man wrestling a giant snake is still visible. It must be a worthy weapon. How many Beggar Chiefs have held it before him?

  Brother Ash lowers the staff and leans against it at a relaxed angle. He removes his cigar and grins, smoothing the deep lines between his eyes. “Walk in peace, Dragon Son.”

  “Walk in peace, Beggar Chief,” Dad replies.

  “Dragon Son, it seems the wealthy dislike the stench of the poor.”

  At the other end of the corridor, the Iron Fan Sisterhood’s Chief stands with her arms folded tight and her glare fixed onto the back of the Beggar Chief.

  Dad’s lips twitch, but he doesn’t smile. “Beggar Chief, you are mistaken. Sister 17 objected to the stench of your cigar. The other clan leaders complained as well.”

  “Ah, they misunderstood. The cigar was meant as a courtesy, to cover the stench of my poverty.”

  “Perhaps you’ll allow me to give you a more expensive cigar next time.”

  Brother Ash sniffs his cigar and a look of disgust twists his face. “You’re right. This one stinks worse than poverty.” He shoves it into his pocket.

  I grin. Brother Ash winks at me. He’s cool, like John Walks Long, the Beggar Chief of San Francisco.

  “Beggar Chief,” calls out Head Elder, always the party pooper. “The other clans are waiting.”

  Brother Ash smirks over his shoulder. “Forgive me. Beggars have no refinement.” He cups his right fist with his left palm and bows. “Dragon Son, the Beggar Clan of Hong Kong offers the Two Dragon Clan their fealty for the coming year. A thousand years of prosperity to you.”

  Dad returns his salute. “Our two paths shall be as one.”

  The Beggar Chief strides back down the aisle. Sister 17 ignores him as they pass each other. She wears a white silk uniform with billowing sleeves and a dark red sash. I know from her name that she’s the seventeenth chief of the local Iron Fan Sisterhood, with a direct lineage of leadership passed down from sifu to disciple. I can tell from her no-nonsense expression there will be no hijinks.

  Sister 17 halts in front of Dad and bows, covering her right fist with her left palm. “Dragon Son, the Iron Fan Sisterhood of Hong Kong offers the Two Dragon Clan their fealty for the coming year. A thousand years of prosperity to you.”

  So it goes, through at least ten clans and maybe more. I lose count. I’d be bored if I wasn’t so aware of Head Elder standing a few feet away.

  After the last clan makes their oath, Dad and I, along Mom and Tony, salute the crowd and bow. Dad speaks in a confident tone. “The descendants of Jade Dragon are honored by your presence. Although a Dragon Son has never been successfully challenged, we don’t doubt the prowess of the Crossroads clans. We are determined to be worthy of the honor of leading those who walk the Glory Road for another year.” He gestures toward the front entrance. “We invite you to join us now for a banquet to honor our commitment to one another.”

  The crowd begins filing out, quietly murmuring among themselves. They’ll head for the pavilion in the central courtyard. All week, while training in the caverns, I’d looked forward to finally being able to attend the grand feast at the end of the Summoning Ceremony. Now, all I want is to go home and go to bed. Well, maybe take a shower first, and if Mom has some leftover vegetable dumplings in the fridge, that would be great, too.

  Head Elder approaches us. The tight stretch of his lips could be mistaken for a smile if it weren’t for the hatred in his eyes. He leans forward and whispers as if conferring with Dad. “You think you can hide your transgression. No matter what you do, it remains. If your family knew, they would despise and reject you.”

  Mom gazes on her father with cold eyes. “That’s not true.”

  Head Elder looks her up and down. “You are a weak woman who gave birth to a weak son. You have chosen to stay at the side of a weak man. You are worthless. From this time forward, you are no longer my daughter.”

  All color drains from Mom’s face. Her eyelids flutter. She swallows hard and takes a deep breath before saying, “So be it.” Then she turns and, head held high, strides down the corridor.

  Dad glares at him. “You are a power hungry fool. You’ll die alone.”

  Head Elder’s left cheek ticks.

  Dad turns and follows Mom, Tony on his heels.

  I don’t budge. Head Elder knows Mom has a bad heart. Why is he messing with her like that? Someone needs to mess back. “What transgression?”

  Head Elder sneers, “I’m not going to compound your father’s cowardice by telling you.”

  Frustration boils my blood. He caused all this trouble for what, some evil lie or half-truth blown out of proportion? “Jade Dragon knows you and the other elders are plotting against my father. He ordered me to kill you, but I refused because you’re my grandfather. I guess that doesn’t count anymore.”

  Now he’s the one who turns pale. Satisfaction spreads through my chest as that lizard gaze becomes fearful. “Your father told you to say that.”

  I shrug. “You’ll never know.”

  “Little Brother,” Tony calls out from front entrance.

  I stroll past Head Elder like I’m a boss and he’s bullshit.

  Tony frowns as I approach him. “What did he say to you?”

  I bite my lip. Maybe I shouldn’t have told Head Elder about Jade Dragon. Tension balls up in my stomach. “Um, he said Dad’s a coward.”

  “Don’t listen to him.”

  “Of course not.”

  My feet falter as I follow Tony into Second Elder’s office. Mom sits backwards on a chair, her head resting on her folded arms. Dad stands behind her, his hands pressed into her back. I want to go to them, but Fourth Elder grabs hold of my arm. “Your mother is ill. Your father is healing her.”

  My nails bite into my palms. So, Head Elder managed to get to Mom after all. Is that why he said all those terrible things, to make her sick? My regret over what I said to him vanishes. I wish I’d said worse.

  Mom lifts her head. Color has returned to her cheeks. She takes a deep breath and nods her head.

  Dad’s hands slip away. He looks drained after expending his chi on healing. His eyes close and he rubs his forehead.

  I tug away from Fourth Elder and hurry to my mother’s side. “Are you okay, Mom?”

  She manages a smile. “I’m fine. It was nothing. Your father took care of it.”

  I turn to my father. “Dad?”

  His eyes open. He gives his head a shake. Then he beckons me to follow him to the far corner of the room. Despite the distance from the others, he uses the Silent Speech. What did Jade Dragon say to you?

  I duck my head as I repeat Jade Dragon’s words. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, confess. After you and Mom left, Head Elder called you a coward. I got mad. I told him what Jade Dragon said.

  Dad sucks in his breath. I knew I blew it. His reply
is like a soft whisper. It’s all right. It’s probably for the best. He won’t dare try to seize the Yang Pearl now.

  I exhale with relief. Then I look up. Dad doesn’t seem angry, more like determined and something else. He seems sad. My stomach clenches again. I hesitate, not wanting to make things worse, but I need to know. Why did Jade Dragon want us to kill Head Elder? Why didn’t he do it himself?

  Dad’s gaze becomes distant. He’s a dragon. He no longer lives in the Earthly realm. We either do as he bids or live with the consequences. Jade Dragon won’t do our work for us.

  But will he help us if we’re in trouble?

  Dad shrugs. Dragons are capricious beings. It’s impossible to predict their actions. We can’t expect Jade Dragon’s aid. It’s likely he’s already gone.

  That isn’t the answer I want. I trail behind my father as we rejoin the others.

  “This cannot continue,” says Second Elder. “The power struggle between you and Head Elder will tear our clan apart.”

  “I agree,” Dad says. “I must confront Head Elder, but not while my family is here. He’ll continue using them as weapons against me. That’s why I want you,” he glances at Tony, “all of you, to return to San Francisco immediately. You’ll fly home tomorrow.”

  My insides go hollow. I feel like I’m back in the cavern, hiding in the crevice, helpless. Mom and Tony’s voices sound like static as they attempt to reason with Dad. I remain silent. I know that look on his face.

  Dad waits until they’re finished. He turns to Tony first. “I am the Dragon Son. You will obey me.”

  Tony’s resolute expression becomes unsure. He bows his head. “Yes, Uncle.”

  Dad and Mom withdraw to the back of the room. They stand with their heads tilted close, almost touching. Neither speaks aloud. Mom’s arms are folded tight, but after a few minutes, the tense expression on her face softens and she wraps her arms around his neck.

  I turn away and head for the door.

  “Where are you going?” asks Tony.

  Big Brother is not going to stop me. “I want to see Jade Dragon one more time before we go.”

  “I’ll come with you.”

  “Fine.” Whatever. I scratch my tattoo. I hate being treated like a kid.

  The Ancestral Hall is darker now with the candles burning low. No one else seems to be around, but Tony checks around to be sure. I stand before Jade Dragon’s tablet. The embedded pearl gleams in the candlelight, but holds none of its previous supernatural glow. Still, Jade Dragon can’t be too far away.

  I reach out using the Silent Speech. Ancestor.

  Waves crash and foam boils on the surface of the South China Sea as Jade Dragon swims toward a forest of kelp.

  I shiver as a chill washes over my flesh. Ancestor, please protect your son, my father.

  Green and brown fronds sway with the current, like thick, hairy arms beckoning Jade Dragon into their depths. He doesn’t look back.

  Chapter 8

  Penny

  “Is she doing her homework?” As usual, Bill talks like I’m not sitting right there. He’s on his way to work and acting almighty in his fine business suit, like he’s the Man and we’re his worthless dependents.

  Bridie looks up from the sink where she’s washing his breakfast dishes. “Of course, darling. Every night, I check and make sure it’s done.”

  I share a quick smirk across the kitchen table with Kai. Bridie doesn’t check shite. Our homework is beyond her ken.

  “This is her last day of suspension. I want her to be prepared to go back to school.” He spares me a glare. “Are you?”

  I take a bite of toast and chew as I answer, “Yeah.”

  “No more brawling. No more cutting class. On Monday, there better be a much better attitude.”

  I drop my toast. “He told the whole school I gave him a blow job. Wouldn’t you have punched him, too?”

  His face reddens and he won’t look me in the eye. “I know that boy insulted you, but hitting him wasn’t the answer. Besides, his parents could have sued us if you’d hurt him.”

  All about money. All the time. And, of course, my reputation isn’t worth a brass farthing.

  “He’s been warned to stay away from you. If he gives you any more trouble, you’re to go to a teacher and ask for help.”

  Not a single bloody clue. Most of the teachers at Parkside Academy think Kevin walks on water. The only reason he got in trouble this time is because a teacher’s assistant saw the whole thing and told Vice Principal Ikeda. Even so, Kevin only got suspended for two days, while I got a whole week. He probably spent the time stealing liquor from his parents and slagging me off online, him and the Daisy Chain. Too bad for them I don’t give a tinker’s damn about social media.

  Bill turns to Bridie. “I’ll look at her homework tonight.”

  She flutters her lashes. “Please do, darling. I’m afraid it’s a bit complicated for me.”

  Bill sighs and pats Bridie on the bum before heading out the kitchen door to the garage.

  My throat burns. I want to vomit. “You can’t keep him Charmed forever.”

  Bridie glances nervously at the closed door before hissing, “Shush.”

  I whisper loudly, “Charms fade.”

  Bridie turns from the sink, soapsuds flying as her hands go to her hips. Still, she waits for the sound of his car rolling down the driveway before she speaks. “I’m not Charming Bill. Not anymore.”

  Kai gives a little snort. I cross my arms and meet her gaze without blinking.

  Bridie looks down. “Well, maybe just a little. Just enough to, you know, keep him hooked. You’re right. Charms fade. They’re only meant for short term deals.” Her green eyes flash as she looks up. “But this isn’t short term. I want my marriage to work and I’m willing to do what it takes.”

  “Do you even like him?”

  “He’s not bad. There’s worse out there than Bill.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  She picks up her coffee mug and leans against the counter. “Look, we could have a nice ride here if you,” she looks from me to Kai, “both of you, would cooperate.”

  Why should I cooperate if she won’t answer my question? Not that she needs to. The answer is obvious. I want her to face it, face what we gave up to be here. “Do you think Gerry and Matthew would have told me to have a better attitude,” my fingers to make quotation marks, “after being scumbered by some knob? No. They’d have expected me to thrash him.”

  “And then they would have hunted him down and given him a basting.” Kai punches the air.

  Bridie looks into her cup. “That’s over with now.”

  I hate it when she acts defeated, as if Gerry and Matthew’s deaths had killed her spirit. It still has to be in there somewhere. I pound the table. “It’s not over with. Not for me or Kai, or for you. We’re Strowlers, Bridie. We weren’t born for this.” I gesture widely with my hands. “Staying in one place, pretending to be normal. We’re not normal. We’re not Bleaters.”

  “We are now.” Bridie takes a grim sip of coffee before turning to Kai. “Are you ready for school?”

  “No.” Kai drops his spoon. Milk splashes out of his cereal bowl. “Penny’s right. I hate this. I want to go home.”

  “This is our home.”

  “No, it’s not. The road is our home.” His hazel eyes storm over and his voice rises with accusation. “It was our home, until you sold our caravan.”

  My heart lifts at finally getting some backup from my quiet brother. I know he feels the same way I do, but he’s never been one to speak until necessary. Our definition of “necessary” is pretty different. Sometimes I think I should be like him, but I’m not. There’s too much of Gerry in me.

  Bridie gives a tight shrug. “I had to. We can’t eat air.”

  “Let’s go back to London and buy a new one.”

  “We can’t afford one. Caravans don’t grow on trees.”

  “Let’s go back to Ireland,” I say. �
�We don’t have to stay at the Nest. We can live in Dublin.”

  Bridie shakes her head. She grips her coffee mug with both hands. “I can’t go back.”

  I take a hesitant breath. “Don’t you want to see where Gerry’s buried?”

  “No.” The cup slams down on the counter. Coffee sloshes over the rim. “Not Gerry, not Matthew. I wasn’t invited to their funerals. I’m not going to their graves.”

  None of us were invited to either funeral as punishment for walking the Wayward Way. Their families turned our family into something shady with Bridie a trull and Kai a merry-begotten. I want to go to their graves, openly and proudly. I’m their daughter. It’s my right.

  Kai shoves back his chair. “What about us? What about what we want?”

  “I’m doing this for you. You think I wanted to marry Bill? You think I want to be his little wife? That I want to spend all my time and energy keeping him happy? I did it to give you children a better life, a life away from the Crossroads.”

  I hate it when she uses us as her excuse. “We belong on the Crossroads and so do you.”

  “Really? You want to give up this rum house with all its riggings.” Bridie starts counting off each item on her fingers. “Good food, proper medical care, proper schooling, nice clothes, new computers, your own rooms – all to go back on the road and live in a trailer.”

  “Yes.”

  Kai nods vigorously.

  Bridie purses her lips. After a few moments, she gives a resolute nod. “Right. You want to be Sharpers and live by your wits, so let’s do it.”

  I don’t trust this obvious change of tactics. I meet her mocking gaze. “Do what?”

  “Be Strowlers. Go busk for spare change on Market Street and see how far it gets us.”

  “You’re serious?”

  “Of course.”

  “Today? Right now?”

  Bridie nods.

  “Ah, yeah.” Kai gives a fist pump before jumping out of his chair and launching himself upstairs.