by Milly Taiden
Ivy’s eyes fell on the small silver frame on the end table behind Gerri’s shoulder. It held a picture of her and Cassie from last New Year’s Eve. It seemed so much longer than just twelve short months ago.
Last year, they were both alone and now her cousin was happy, married…or mated…whatever they called it on Nova Aurora…and now a baby. All their family money couldn’t buy happiness and now Cassie had everything she ever dreamed. Of course, to find that kind of happy she had to leave the solar system. Still, a vague slash of jealousy bit into Ivy’s gut.
“I suppose it’s perfectly normal for you to question this, especially considering the unusual circumstances of Cassandra’s relationship, but I can answer without hesitation that Cassie is both happy and satisfied with everything in her life. Can’t you hear the happiness in her words? She simply wants to share it with you, Ivy. Cass misses you as much as you miss her, but she is happy. That I can assure you. Of course, she gets homesick for Earth, but that’s easy enough to fix.” Gerri paused. “Well, once the baby comes, anyway.”
“Easy? How?”
Gerri lifted her glass again. “Why not come and find out. Who knows? You might find something there that satisfies you as well.” She paused, smirking. “Something that doesn’t require batteries.”
Ivy balked. “Do you always say what you’re thinking?”
The older woman laughed. “I’m too old and too busy to waste time on formalities. Sometimes it takes a brash attitude to find the right ‘something’ for a person.”
“I think you mean right ‘someone.’ Cassie said you liked killing two birds with one stone.”
Gerri laughed. “I appreciate you think me sneaky enough to use your cousin’s pregnancy as some kind of ploy, but that’s simply not the case, although I do have clients on both Nova Aurora and its sister planet Galaxa who come to mind as possibilities. Both places are crawling with shifter men who could melt the crotch out of any girl’s panties. Why not yours?”
“So, you’re not trying to get me to cross the solar system for some elaborate hook up?”
Shrugging, Ms. Wilder sipped her wine. “I plead the fifth, but while we’re on the subject, I’ve got a question for you. When’s the last time you were truly satisfied?”
“Satisfied? In regard to what?”
Gerri eyed her. “You’re a smart girl, Ivy. You know exactly what I’m talking about. When’s the last time you had a toe curling, body shaking orgasm? The kind that comes attached to a thick cock and a skilled tongue?”
Ivy choked on a mouthful of wine.
“Just as I thought.” Gerri handed her a napkin, chuckling. “You’ve been lucky, Ivy. You’ve never had a shortage of men in your life, but they were all little boys playing at being men or men who had no clue what to do with a vibrant, voluptuous woman such as yourself. Your life has been a series of relationships where you give and they get off. Am I right?” She waited for Ivy to answer, but the young woman didn’t reply.
Shrugging, Gerri lifted her wine to her lips again. “Doesn’t matter if you answer or not. I already know. So why not come with me and visit Cassie. See what she’s seen. You never know what the stars have in store for you.”
Stars? The sneaky matchmaker should have said planets, because that’s what she meant. Ivy chewed on the corner of her cheek, the idea of interstellar travel tweaking her inner adventure junkie.
“When?’’ Ivy asked. “How soon could we leave?”
Gerri pursed her lips. “How does tomorrow evening sound?”
Ivy stared at her. “That soon?”
She nodded. “I have a situation with another client I must see to beforehand, but I can meet you at this address at nine p.m. We can set out, then.” Gerri slid a business card with the address information across the granite counter. “Twenty-four hours should give you enough time to get your affairs in order.”
Ivy glanced from the card on the table to the expectant look on Gerri’s face. “My affairs in order? What? Am I dying?”
A soft laugh left Gerri’s mouth. “No, of course not, but the time/space continuum is a little different where we’re headed. What seems like a couple of weeks there, will actually be months in Earth time. You really need to make arrangements accordingly.”
“Months?”
Gerri nodded. “Yes, if not longer.”
“Jesus.” Ivy exhaled, a little thrown.
“Look on the bright side. When you eventually return to Earth, you’ll look the same as the day you left. No aging.”
Ivy snorted. “Now that’s a perk worth putting in the brochure. Are you sure I can’t tell anyone about this?”
Gerri shook her head. “Sorry, that’s the deal I strike with every client.” She looked at the younger woman. “So? Are you game?”
Both corners of Ivy’s mouth curved up. “Why not?” She shrugged, topping off her wine. “I’m bored with Wall Street and running Mergers and Acquisitions and planned on giving my notice anyway. It’s not like I need the money, right? The cutthroat world of huge global companies swallowing smaller businesses doesn’t give me the same thrill it used to, so yes! I’m game for something big and new. What have I got to lose?”
“Good.” Gerri pushed herself up from the barstool and gathered her bag and jacket. “I’ll see you tomorrow night. Nine p.m. sharp. Oh, and pack light. The weather is changeable, so keep that in mind. One bag.”
“One bag? You’ve just told me to put my affairs in order, that we’ll most likely be gone how long, yet I get one bag? Fat chance.”
Ivy handed the woman her purse and the moment their fingers touched she saw something spark in Gerri’s eyes, and a slow smile spread across the matchmaker’s face. “Don’t be late, Ivy Grimaldi. Adventure awaits you, but I won’t.”
4
“Ms. Wilder, please. I only want to know if Alivia is safe. Her letter was too cryptic for me to believe. She’d never willingly up and leave her home, her job—her friends!” Riley Parks was near tears as she stood in front of Gerri’s desk. The woman was clearly troubled, but that’s not what drew Gerri’s attention. It was the undercurrent of anger coming off the woman standing beside Riley that occupied her notice.
While Riley was short and slightly curvy with dark springy curls and smooth mocha skin, the woman she introduced as Henley Rourke was the opposite. She was tall and fully fleshed, her sumptuous curves making her statuesque and regal from the top of her high, dark ponytail to the toes of her black knee-length boots. It was clear in the woman’s hazel eyes. She was a fighter looking for a reason to brawl.
Riley introduced Henley as a mutual friend of hers and Alivia. A private investigator, but Gerri’s sixth sense told her otherwise. The woman was an amateur sleuth at best and was only standing in her office because Riley was too intimidated to come alone. Riley’s concern for her friend was genuine. Henley was merely curious.
“Riley’s right, Ms. Wilder. If you know where Alivia Vela is, then you need to tell us or you’ll give me no alternative. I’m going to have to alert the police. I wish you would cooperate. It would go so much easier for you if you do.”
Riley Parks stopped her pacing and stood with her arms tightly crossed. “Liv’s been gone for ages with no word, and you were the last person to have contact with her.”
Gerri took off her reading glasses and put them on her keyboard before swiveling her chair to face both women head on. She laced her fingers together and leaned on her desk pad. “First off, you both need to calm down.” She slid her eyes from one girl to the other. “As for you, Ms. Rourke, calling the police is a ridiculous and unnecessary waste of time and you know it. Liv Vela is a grown woman, and she has made the decision to live how she chooses and where she chooses, regardless of whether or not you agree.”
She turned her scrutiny to Riley, narrowing her eyes as she took in the small woman. “To be honest, Riley, while I understand your concern, there was no need to bring in a private investigator. It’s insulting. Not that your friend would find
anything of value to use against me. I am a matchmaker, my dear, and your friend Alivia was matched to one of my clients and is currently living happily off the grid, so getting her on the phone at a finger snap is a little difficult.”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Wilder, but that’s just not good enough.” Henley Rourke leaned on the matchmaker’s desk, her fingertips pressed into the polished wood, but one pointed look from Gerri’s piercing blue eyes had her stepping back, clearing her throat.
Gerri switched from staring down the tall woman to looking at the other girl. “For what it’s worth, Riley, I agree.”
Riley blinked at the older woman. “Wait. You agree with us?”
Gerri inclined her head. “Yes. I can see how frustrating this is for you, and how hard it is for you to wrap your head around. I may not be able to reach Liv via conventional methods, but I can do one better.”
The two girls exchanged looks. “Better? How do you mean? Are you saying you know where Liv is?” Henley pressed.
Gerri lifted her hand matter-of-factly. “I’ve always known. That’s why all this posturing,” she spread her hands toward the two girls and their defensive stances, “is completely pointless.”
“If you’ve known all along, why didn’t you say so in the first place?” Henley shot back.
Her patience thin, Gerri stood and both women took a step back. “Alivia’s location isn’t easily explained. I think it is better I take you to see for yourself. That way you’ll understand.”
Riley paled. “She’s not part of some harem or married to the mob, is she?”
“Of course not.” The older woman snapped, but then softened at the pained look on Riley’s face. “Look, I’ve already offered to take you to see Alivia. If you’re serious, then meet me at this address.” Gerri slid a business card with the directions across the desk. “Transportation to Liv’s location is complicated, but I’ve made the arrangements in anticipation of this meeting. To satisfy everyone’s curiosity and suspicion, I suggest you both come. Pack light.”
Riley exchanged another look with Henley before glancing at Ms. Wilder’s waiting stare. “How do we know we can trust you?”
Gerri frowned. “Young woman, so far I’ve been very patient with you and your passive aggressive accusations. I’ve had to delay my work for another client in order to meet with you on such short notice. My hope was to allay your fears. I’ve offered to take you to Alivia at my own expense so you can see for yourself she’s happy and well, but I won’t stand here and let you smear my integrity. If you truly are concerned about your friend, and I believe you are, then stop this nonsense.” She pointed to the card. “Be at that address tomorrow night. Nine p.m. Sharp. The transport won’t wait.”
“Transport?” Henley questioned.
“Yes.” Gerri nodded, slipping her reading glasses onto her nose again before sitting in her chair.
“That’s an unusual way to refer to a mode of transportation.”
Gerri eyed them over the top rim of her glasses. “Well, you’ll have to show up tomorrow night to find out. I sincerely hope you do. This is a trip you won’t soon forget.”
“Ms. Wilder?” Steven opened the cab door and quickly took her bag from the front seat. “I just got your message. Just you tonight?”
She shook her head. “Nope. I’ve got a full house. Three plus me.”
He whistled low. “You’ve been a busy bee, then.”
Grinning, she patted the tall handsome man’s arm. “When am I not?” She gave him a nod and handed him a twenty-dollar bill to pay the driver.
“Do you want me to stow this while you wait for your guests?”
She nodded again and then glanced at her watch. Eight fifty-five p.m. “That would be terrific, Steven. Thanks. They should be getting her any minute. Time and space wait for no one,” she replied with a wink.
He laughed. “I suppose that’s true, but if it were to wait for anyone, it would be you.”
Gerri’s smile broadened at his genuine chuckle. “You’re such a charmer, Steve. One of these days, you are going to let me work my magic for you. Handsome and sweet as you are, you’d be a catch for anyone, and you know I’d make sure she was the right gal.”
Steven bobbed his head. “That’s for sure.” He glanced toward the road at the flicker of approaching headlights. “Do they have any clue where you’re taking them or what’s in store tonight?” He gestured with his head toward the metal gate of the power plant behind them.
“One does, but the other two,” she laughed, “not a chance.”
He winked. “Gotcha. Well, if that’s the case, then I’d better get a move on. See you on the flipside, Ms. Wilder. With four going, I’d better make sure the power grid is intact.”
Watching him walk with her bag toward the back of the nondescript power plant, she turned as one set of headlights pulled into the narrow parking lot, followed by another. The power plant that housed her transport was set between two abandoned warehouses. The perfect cover for her own covert X-files. She’d bet a trip to the moon, all three girls never expected this deserted place as their lift off point.
Both taxis pulled closer, driving right up to the power plant gates and then parked. The girls each got out and looked around, surprise on their faces. Riley and Henley from one cab and Ivy from the other. The two girls each had one roller bag and stood in awkward silence as the cabs pulled away. Ivy had two, and Gerri shook her head.
“I’m glad you all made it,” Gerri said, greeting them with a quick smile. “Since I’m your common denominator tonight, I’ll do the honors. Riley, Henley—this is Ivy Grimaldi. Ivy, this is Riley Parks and Henley Rourke. They are traveling with us to visit their friend Alivia. She lives not too far from Cassandra.”
“Wait,” Riley said, looking from one to the other. “I thought you said Alivia lived off the grid?”
“And?” Gerri questioned back.
“And? I can’t believe you just asked that.” Henley frowned. “If Ivy’s friend Cassandra lives close enough for us to travel together, then it can’t be as far off the mainstream as you led us to believe.”
Ivy laughed at that. “Oh, honey, it’s about as far off the grid from here as you can get. Just you wait and see.”
“Are we ready to roll, Ms. Wilder?” Steven asked, coming from the back of the power plant with a small hand truck for the rest of the luggage.
She looked from him to the girls and nodded. “I think so. Girls, give your bags to Steven so he can secure them and we can get going. Ivy, you have to leave one behind. You know why.”
Ivy opened her mouth to argue but one look from Gerri left her reshuffling items from one bag into the other as best she could. They all followed Steven as he led them around the far corner to the back end of the building. With a quick press of a button, a door opened from a characterless wall. Steven waited for the four women to file through before he wheeled their luggage in as well, pressing an inside button to close the door behind him.
“You take the main elevator, Ms. Wilder. I’ll meet you below as soon as I stow these.” He gestured to the bags.
She nodded, watching as he slipped through a side door before she turned to swipe a key card through an almost invisible slot. Another concealed door slid open and Gerri waited for the girls to step into the secret elevator before she did the same.
“Authorize,” a voice prompted and Gerri placed her hand on a smooth panel where the floor buttons would be. “Accepted.”
The elevator door slid shut, and in seconds, their car plunged at high speed, the lights flickering as they dropped.
“Oh my God, I’m going to be sick.” Henley leaned on the polished wall but then jerked back when the lighting changed to a soft, dim pink. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”
Gerri lifted her hand. “It’s okay, honey. Do you suffer badly from vertigo?”
She shook her head. “Not usually, no. Why do you ask?”
Ms. Wilder didn’t answer as the elevator slowed to a smooth stop
. The doors slid open and Steven met them at the end of a long, narrow hallway. They followed him to a door marked with Gerri’s name and waited for her to press her hand to the smooth metal surface once again.
“Biometrics. Interesting,” Henley remarked.
“Trust me, love. That’s nothing,” Steven replied with a snort.
The young woman frowned at the handsome attendant and Gerri chuckled as the portal room door snicked open.
“I’ll say my goodbyes now, Ms. Wilder. Have a safe trip. I’ll catch you on the way back.” He waited for them to walk inside the sleek, James Bond style room before nodding once and closing the door behind them.
The sound of a bolt shooting its lock made Riley jump, and Gerri gave her a soft smile. “There’s nothing to worry about, sweetheart. Trust me. I’ve done this more times than I can count. The only thing required at this moment is an open mind.”
The older woman moved them into a circle with Ivy positioned between each of the girls. Riley exchanged a worried glance with Henley. “Open mind? How do you mean? For what?” she asked.
Gerri patted her arm, but didn’t answer. Instead, she reached into her jacket pocket for what looked like a polished chrome egg.
“Uhm, Ms. Wilder—” Riley began, her voice cracking slightly with alarm. “What are you doing?”
“Are you a sci-fi fan, Riley?” she asked.
“I like Dr. Who. Why?”
Gerri grinned. “Good. Think Tardis. Now everyone take a hand.”
“Wait,” Henley balked. “Why? What’s going to happen?”
Gerri’s smile broadened and she whispered words in a strange language into the silver egg. The oval shimmered, its polished surface glowing blue. She let it go and the gleaming egg hung suspended in the air between them, its sapphire radiance spreading like a shallow pool on the floor.
