The Returned

by Bishop O'Connell

  She swallowed. “You said ‘was’ as in past tense. What happened to him?”

  Caitlin let out a sigh, like she was fighting back tears. “He died. Sacrificed himself so Fiona and I could escape. I wish I could’ve thanked him.”

  Wraith opened her mouth, then closed it. She wanted to tell Caitlin everything, to bring her to Brendan, but somehow she knew it wasn’t her secret to tell.

  “Just something to think about,” Caitlin said, then nodded at Siobhan. “Get her to Brigid. I’m going to check on my little girl and try to enjoy the rest of this trip.”

  “May I suggest whiskey?” Siobhan said. “In large amounts.”

  “You kinky minx,” Wraith said.

  Siobhan muttered something Wraith didn’t understand, but she could guess at its meaning.

  Caitlin just rolled her eyes. Then she and Edward left the building.

  “I really hope they get to enjoy the rest of their honeymoon,” Wraith said.

  “Aye, me as well,” Siobhan said. “Now, if you don’t mind, me fecking arm is killing me.”

  “Fine, you wuss,” Wraith said as she stepped close and drew up the entropic equation.

  They stepped together through the universal junction point and out in Brigid’s house. The magister’s healers took Siobhan off to see to her injuries, and Wraith followed Brigid back to her office. A tall, well-dressed elf with short pale blond hair and luminescent green eyes was waiting for them both. Wraith nodded to Dante and collapsed into a chair before recounting the events of the last couple of days and everything she learned. She did not mention Brendan or the Dusk Lands.

  When she finished, Brigid and Dante exchanged a look.

  “So not entirely malevolent it seems,” Brigid said. “Maybe there’s some good to them after all.”

  “We both know there are very few mortals who are entirely malicious,” Dante said. “Or entirely benevolent for that matter. They are, and always have been, a spectrum of gray hues.” He smiled at Wraith. “Though some most assuredly are a lighter shade than others.”

  “You realize you just said I’m not as evil as most other people,” Wraith said. “That’s not exactly a real compliment.”

  “Well, I happen to think you have quite a bit less evil in you than most mortals,” Brigid said through a smile.

  “You’re not helping,” Wraith said. “Don’t make me have Con set the place on fire. Again.”

  “It still makes me nervous,” Dante said, ignoring Wraith’s comment and Brigid’s unamused look back. “Even if One and his team are operating with the best of intentions, they’re not the whole of the government.”

  “We dealt with governments that knew about us before,” Brigid said.

  “And it rarely ended well,” Dante said. “But that’s not entirely it. I looked over those files with Faolan. This was the first anyone has heard of this group or what they’re doing. Mortals are notoriously bad at keeping secrets; governments and bureaucracies even more so. Someone is doing an amazing—neigh, miraculous—job keeping a lid on this.”

  “Maybe it’s just a few people who know,” Wraith said. “The best way to keep a secret is not to tell anyone.”

  “That’s just it,” Dante said and shook his head. “It isn’t a small group.” He grabbed a tablet off Brigid’s desk and flipped through some of the scanned documents. “It looks as if they’ve actually outsourced these experiments. All the reports mention some group called RA-1.”

  “Maybe he was telling the truth after all,” Wraith said, more to herself.

  “Who?” Dante asked.

  “One,” Wraith said. “When I confronted him, he said he’d just learned of the experiments and that if he’d known, he wouldn’t have approved them.”

  “It wasn’t smart to confront him,” Dante said. “But what’s done is done. If he was being sincere—”

  “He might prove to be a future ally,” Brigid said.

  Dante nodded.

  “Who is Sylex?” Wraith asked as she glanced over the document on the tablet. “I saw that mentioned somewhere else. Is it a code name?”

  Dante shook his head. “No, it’s a company. Sylex Industries.”

  “I’ve never heard of them,” Brigid said.

  “That’s because it’s a shell company,” Dante said. “And a really good one. You have to dig deep to find that their assets, and even most of the board members, are fictional.”

  “You think some dark and shadowy corporation is doing this?” Wraith asked.

  “It wouldn’t be the first time,” Brigid said.

  “Think of the potential for the person who figures out what gives mortals magical talent,” Dante said. “You could develop defenses. Maybe even replicate it or, worse still, weaponize it.”

  He didn’t elaborate. He didn’t have to.

  “Mortals have tried that before too,” Brigid said. “History is full of those attempts.”

  “But they never had genetic science like they do know,” Dante said. “Or an understanding of the more obscure sciences.” He set the tablet aside. “I’m not saying I’m right or, even if I am, that they’ve figured anything out. Or even if it’s possible.”

  “But you’re not saying you’re wrong either,” Wraith said.

  “I’m saying we need to be mindful,” Dante said. “We need to be careful, more careful than we’ve ever been. And we need to pass word along to the other houses of the Cruinnigh.”

  Wraith started piecing together things in her mind. “I have an idea,” she said. “It’s something I started thinking about when I saw they had my and the other slingers’ DNA on file.”

  “I’m all ears,” Dante said.

  “Wraith!” Sprout shouted and ran at her.

  “Hey there, little sister,” Wraith said and hugged the girl tight. It was amazing how fast she was growing.

  Sprout beamed, just like she did whenever Wraith called her that. “Wanna play? Or do you have to go?”

  “I’ve got some time,” Wraith said. “Especially if you’re talking about that new Lego set Brigid said you got.”

  “I don’t usually share,” Sprout said. “But I’ll make an exception for you.”

  “Thanks,” Wraith said. “I promise not to tell.”

  Sprout took her hand, and they made their way through the halls to the room Sprout shared with four other fifties, all of them under twelve. Wraith helped pull the plastic tub of pieces out of the trunk next to Sprout’s bed.

  “Hey, ya,” Con said from the doorway, Geek standing behind him. “You all right?”

  “I told you,” Sprout said, “you can’t play with these anymore until you promise to stop trying to hide Lego Jar-Jar.”

  “For the sake of humanity,” Geek said, “I can’t make that promise.”

  “You start without me,” Wraith said. “I’m going to get rid of the boys.”

  Sprout smiled at Wraith, then scowled at Geek and Con. “That’s right, no boys allowed!”

  Wraith stepped around the corner, and Geek and Con followed her.

  “I know that look,” Geek said.

  “And it’s usually followed by you knocking down a bloody building,” Con said.

  “One time,” Wraith said.

  “Three,” Con and Geek said together.

  Wraith blinked. “Really?”

  Con held up three fingers and opened his mouth.

  “Okay, fine,” she said. “But no buildings are coming down this time.” She considered for a moment. “Not yet, anyway.”

  “Ah, that’s a relief,” Con said. “I was beginning to worry.”

  Wraith ignored him and filled them both in on everything, including Four and the Legion. Neither of them could remember him as Ovation—he’d left some kind of mental time bomb in Geek, Con, and even Sprout so they’d forget him—but they did all know there was a huge gap in their memories, which Wraith had filled in as best she could. She didn’t enjoy it this time either, but she knew in their position, she’d want to know.


  “Wish I could remember what the bastard looked like,” Con said. “Then I’d know to set his arse on fire next time I see him.”

  “I’ll point him out to you,” Wraith said.

  “Ta,” Con said and nodded. “I hope you busted his bollocks with that kick.”

  “You can’t tell Sprout about this,” Wraith said. “I don’t like keeping things from her, but she was really fond of him when he was messing with your heads. I don’t want to confuse her.”

  The boys nodded.

  “We’re pretty well buggered,” Con said. “But she might have a shot at growing up to be normal.”

  “More normal anyway,” Geek agreed.

  “We also need to be careful,” Wraith said. “They’re out there, watching. Spread the word and get it out on the street. Maybe we can turn the tables and start tracking them.”

  “You should’ve tagged them,” Geek said.

  “I did,” Wraith said. “But they found it and killed it.”

  “Figures,” Con said.

  “It’s time we got serious about training too,” Wraith said. “Dante said once we get the Forgotten Circle into something serious, he and the First House are willing to petition for our joining the Cruinnigh.”

  “Brilliant!” Con said.

  “Cool!” Geek said.

  “The good pieces are going fast,” Sprout shouted from her room.

  “I’m coming,” Wraith said back, then lowered her voice again. “I’ve got some ideas I want to bounce off you later.”

  “To be continued, then,” Con said.

  The boys turned and left as Wraith went to play with some Legos.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  “So there you have it,” Edward said at the end of his story. He glanced around the corner to the table where Caitlin and Hannah were waiting for them.

  “Is the girl going to be okay?” Henry asked.

  Edward nodded. “I reached out to Joe through Wraith,” he said. “He said the burn was just superficial. Even the scar should fade in time.”

  “That’s a blessing at least.”

  Edward nodded. “I think the emotional scars will last a lot longer though.”

  “Does she remember anything?” Henry asked.

  “Just pieces for now,” Edward said. “But it’s only been three days. It might come back later. She seems to be in good hands. I hope so. Wraith has promised to check in on her and help if she can.”

  Henry looked at him curiously.

  “She went through some pretty dark and terrible stuff too,” Edward said. “I hope she follows through. I think it would be good for both of them.”

  “How’s Caitlin doing?” Henry asked.

  Edward shrugged. “Anxious to get home. She’s not thrilled that she hurt a kid, but she knows what the alternative was. For my part, I’ve just been trying to give her the honeymoon I promised.”

  Henry shook his head. “Damn, I’m sorry I pulled you into this mess.”

  Edward opened his mouth to protest.

  “But I’m glad you were here,” Henry added. “I don’t want to think about what would’ve come of that girl if you and Caitlin hadn’t been here.”

  “Let’s not waste any time thinking about that,” Edward said. “When are you going to tell Hannah everything?”

  “After you’re home,” Henry said. “I’m still coming to terms with it all.”

  Edward glanced over and saw Caitlin eyeing him rather impatiently. “I think it’s time we headed back.”

  The two returned to their table and took their seats.

  “And here I thought it was just women who went to the bathroom in pairs,” Hannah said.

  “I waited outside and went in when he was done,” Edward said. “So we didn’t violate any man-codes.”

  Hannah furrowed her brow.

  “He’s joking, dear,” Henry said.

  “I’m getting him a better sense of humor for Christmas,” Caitlin said.

  “There’s nothing wrong with my sense of humor!”

  “All evidence to the contrary,” Henry said.

  The waiter came over with the bottle of wine they’d ordered and filled their glasses.

  Henry lifted his glass. “A toast, to life and love,” he said.

  “And to good friends,” Caitlin added.

  “Here, here,” Hannah said.

  They clinked glasses and drank, then Edward picked up the menu. He noticed no one else had. “You already know what you’re getting?”

  “You were gone a long time,” Caitlin said and bumped his arm with hers. “I ordered a salad for you.”

  “And we’ve got the menu memorized,” Hannah said, then turned to Henry. “I ordered you your favorite and some grilled oysters to start.”

  The waiter returned with the oysters, took their orders, then vanished. They all sank into easy conversation and finished the first bottle of wine rather quickly. The second was even better.

  “So,” Hannah said through a wicked smile. “Have you two had a chance to see any of the city yet? Or have you just been enjoying your hotel room?”

  Henry nearly did a spit take.

  Edward and Caitlin turned a matching shade of pink.

  “Hannah!” Henry said.

  Hannah just laughed and winked. “Well, you really need to get out and see the city before you leave. It’s a magical place.”

  “We’ve heard that,” Edward said as Caitlin slipped her hand into his under the table.

  “Welcome back,” Mallory said and stepped back so Caitlin and Edward could come in. “Did you have a good trip?”

  “It was a nice little getaway,” Caitlin said, smiling inwardly when Edward squeezed her hand.

  “Why’d you come back two days early, then?” Mallory asked.

  “Mother,” Edward said.

  “We just missed Fiona,” Caitlin said. “I had a harder time being away from her than I thought. Thank you again for watching her.”

  “It was our pleasure,” Mallory said. “She’s upstairs with Daniel getting her things together.” She stepped closer and paused as if considering her words. “Thank you. She’s a delightful child and brought a new life into this old house.”

  Caitlin fought back a huge smile when she glanced at Edward, keeping it at just a slight grin.

  “Thank you, Mother,” Edward said.

  Mallory rolled her eyes. “Darling, it’s different when it’s a grandchild. And a girl.” She winked at Caitlin. “I always wanted a daughter.”

  “I’m standing right here,” Edward said.

  “Of course you are, dear,” Mallory said.

  “Mommy! Daddy!” Fiona yelled as she barreled down the stairs.

  Daniel came more slowly behind, carrying her suitcase.

  Caitlin was going to tell her not to run, but before she could, she’d knelt down and wrapped her little girl in her arms. Fiona hugged her tight and kissed her cheek.

  “I missed you,” Fiona said.

  “Oh, we missed you too,” Caitlin said.

  Edward hugged them both.

  “What did you bring me?” Fiona asked.

  Everyone laughed.

  “I see where we stand in the grand scheme of things,” Caitlin said.

  “Well, you did promise,” Fiona said.

  “Yes, we did,” Caitlin agreed.

  “It’s waiting in the car, honey. Come on,” Edward said and led Fiona by the hand toward the door.

  “Thank you, Nana and Taid,” Fiona said. “It was really fun!”

  “You’re welcome back anytime, dear,” Mallory said. When Fiona and Edward were gone, she stepped closer to Caitlin. “I’m sorry for judging you so unfairly.”

  Caitlin opened her mouth but couldn’t find the words.

  “You proved yourself the better person,” Mallory continued. “I’m proud to call you my daughter and Fiona my granddaughter. Thank you for bringing her into our lives.”

  “Yes, thank you,” Daniel said and put his arm around Mal
lory.

  “Of course,” Caitlin said and hugged Mallory.

  The small woman hugged back and even kissed Caitlin’s cheek. Then Caitlin turned and headed for the door.

  “You okay?” Edward asked when Caitlin reached the car.

  “Your mother hugged me and apologized for judging me harshly,” Caitlin said and walked around the car.

  Edward shook his head. “That wasn’t my mother. Clearly she’s been killed and a bad imposter put in her place.”

  “You’re just jealous,” Caitlin said as she got in.

  “That’s true,” Edward said and got behind the wheel. “But also irrelevant.”

  “Can I open it now?” Fiona said from the backseat. “You said I could open it when Mommy came out.”

  “Go ahead, honey,” Caitlin said and turned to watch.

  Fiona tore the wrapping paper off faster than Caitlin could see and pulled out a large bag of multicolored beads.

  “These are pretty!” Fiona said.

  “There’s more,” Caitlin said.

  Fiona pulled out some shirts, one of pirates, the other with a fleur-de-lis, and lastly a plush alligator. She dropped the shirts and hugged the alligator tight.

  “What’s his name?” Fiona asked.

  “I don’t know,” Caitlin said. “Why don’t you ask him?”

  Fiona did, then put the gator’s jaws to her ear and listened intently before nodding and looking up. “He says it’s Otto.”

  “Otto the alligator?” Caitlin asked. “Not Al?”

  Fiona rolled her eyes. “No, it’s Otto. He knows his own name.”

  “Of course. I’m sorry, Otto,” she said, then turned back around. She took Edward’s hand and squeezed it tight, then closed her eyes and smiled. “It’s so good to be home.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  “Hey there, darling!” Joker said and almost tackled Wraith in a hug. “Here I thought maybe you done forgot about us!”

  “Not a chance,” Wraith said and hugged back. “Just had some things to settle.”