“Well, I should,” Raymond chuckled, “I’ve been handing out punishments and rewards for over seventy years. It’s nice to have a purpose in this world,” he admitted whole-heartedly.
“Seventy years?” Charlie gasped. “You look so young!” he struggled to keep his voice down, aware that other diners could hear their conversation.
“Yes; a gift from Karma. A reward for being such good servants,” his companion grinned. “Me and Myra were born in Mexico. We came to the US illegally to find work, but only found trouble instead.”
“Wow,” the younger man breathed, “So what happened?”
“We worked on farms, moving with the crops for several years. This was back before technology had taken over everything, and a person could hide more easily. Anyways, I got crossways with one of the other migrants who had been traveling with us. I’m not sure how it all came down; Myra and me were killed, only we didn’t stay dead. We met Karma afterwards, and she pulled us out of that life; explained to us why we’re so different from our old selves. She took us to work on her estate, as she called it.”
Intrigued, Charlie had pushed; “So, she always picks up new Forgotten Angels an’ brings them into her clan?”
“No,” Raymond’s eyes narrowed. “Karma only takes in those she has chosen to serve her. Any who don’t meet her standards are destroyed.”
Charlie felt as if he’d been punched in the gut. Destroyed.
Back in the dining room at Purgatory, the ache in his intestines returned, as if he had learned the detail all over again. Glancing at the empty chair next to him, he felt tempted to shift into the magical plane and join her, but instead observed, “I think you guys are jus’ jealous ‘cause my girl’s so unique.”
“She isn’t unique,” Phil countered, “She’s a Summer Angel and doesn’t belong here.”
Karma cleared her throat loudly, joining them at the head of the table. “Not anymore,” she announced to the group. “She has become a part of my house, and you will respect that, Phillip.”
Cutting his eyes over at their leader, he lifted his chin slowly and squared his gaze. “Yes ma’am,” he eventually acquiesced.
Allowing the subject to drop, Karma handed out the day’s assignments. “Charlie, I’ll meet you and Dante downstairs after breakfast. Kari, you will take Lorren back to Houston and deal with that little problem we’ve had brewing there,” she paused as she sipped her coffee. Indicating Phil with an extended finger, her bright red nails shining in the morning light, she purred, “Clarisse will take you to Manchester. The two of you will need to spend a few days there, since I have a list of good hearts to reward in the area.”
“A few days!” Charlie exclaimed, longing to take the girl to their beach, instead.
Glancing at the young man, Karma smiled behind her cup. “Relax, Charlie. She’s yours, but she’s going to earn her way, the same as the rest.”
Glaring at Phil, his chest heaved. Charlie had never liked the other man; not since the first time they had met, when he and his mother had been making the long trek from Texas to California. “Why can’t she take Portia, instead?”
Immediately, the other woman’s honey colored head perked up, “No!” Her hazel eyes darting around, Portia recovered, “I mean, I have my own list of tasks.” She hadn’t said she disliked Clarisse, but her actions spoke for her, leaving everyone aware of the conflict between them.
Karma placed her mug on the table, prepared to speak her mind. “I realize that having Clarisse join us has not been easy. However, she is a part of us now; and we need her. There are things she can do for us that none of the rest of you can accomplish.”
Charlie swallowed hard, wishing more than ever that he had shifted into the other plane. Doing it now wouldn’t look right, he lamented to himself. Grinding his teeth, he waited for the lecture to be completed.
Shaking her auburn locks, Karma smiled, “You will all get used to working with her, I assure you. For now, carry on as you always have.” With that, she dismissed the group with a wave of her hand, then transitioning into the other plane, she left her chair visibly empty. “Clarisse,” she called gently.
“Yes,” the long blond strands hid the girl’s face.
“You needn’t worry about the others,” Karma reassured. “Finish your meal, and Phillip will be ready to leave when you are.”
Lifting her eyes to meet the deep brown of Ms. Kapoor’s, Clarisse sighed loudly. “I’ll do my best.” She had grown accustomed to their leader regularly probing her thoughts, and had learned to stem the negative ones, crushing them quickly. At least she talks to me like a person, rather than forcing her words into head. She appreciated the gesture.
A short time later, Clarisse and Phil arrived at a library, safely nestled between tall shelves of books that masked their unusual mode of transportation.
“Thanks,” Phil grinned, whispering to his partner.
“Any time,” Clarisse smiled, even though he could not see her face. They had been out on several missions together, and she sensed that he liked her, despite his grouchy demeanor.
Walking through the rows of books, Phil located his target and sauntered over to the table. Taking a seat, he began to work his magic on the human male before him. An empath, he could tell his subject was receptive to his suggestions and quickly became immersed in his task.
Observing quietly from nearby, the blonde smiled genuinely. This was not the work of a guardian angel, by any means. However, she had come to find her tasks with Phil fulfilling in their own way. The boy had done something positive and would be given a favor that would reinforce the action. I’m still doing good for others, she sighed to herself; that’s all that matters.
While she waited, the temptation became too great. Opening her hand flat before her, she produced her seeker, and peered into it cautiously. She had been surprised to discover that she still possessed the device after being released from Keeper’s prison. She had only been locked away for a few months, but it had seemed like an eternity that she had spent in the small box, surrounded by darkness.
Scrolling through the screens, she could see her clients and observe them from afar. None had been assigned a new guardian, and she felt forlorn that they faced life without the protection of a guiding hand. She longed to whisk herself away to make an adjustment for them from time to time, but knew that doing so would get her into trouble. Karma had not mentioned the seeker, but Clarisse felt certain she knew of its existence. Besides, if I abuse it, Destiny may reclaim it.
The girl might not be able to help her previous charges, but at least being able to observe them brought some sense of peace. The fear of losing the tenuous connection was enough to keep her in line.
Closing her hand when Phil rose from the chair, she said aloud, “Where to next?” Only her partner could hear her voice, and those who sat at the tables and moved silently about the vast room carried on indifferently.
Taking a stroll through the shelves, he located a secluded spot before he replied. “That went well. Next I’d like to visit a couple in Boston.”
Transporting them dutifully, Clarisse played her part, sharing her role in their duo without complaint. The day passed quickly, and by late afternoon, they had accomplished all of the tasks that had been laid before them for the day. “Well, I guess we could slip back to Purgatory for the night.”
“No,” Phil glanced at his watch, then walked casually down the street. To passers-by, he might have appeared to be talking to himself, since his companion remained unseen, but he didn’t care. “We have another task late this evening, and I need to watch for a bit before I decide what to do about it.”
“Ok,” she shrugged, relaxed in his company. “You want to locate something to eat?” They could have gone home to Purgatory, but there would be little point. Charlie would be away on his own missions, and dining in the company of the others held little appeal.
“Sure,” he grinned, wishing he could see the girl who toted him about, having grow
n genuinely fond of Charlie’s mate and her lilting voice. “We need to be discreet, though. Can’t have people watching you eat… just in case.”
Clarisse understood the fear. People weren’t supposed to see magic, and almost none ever did, with Charlie being the exception. However, it felt wise to avoid the risk. Choosing a dark restaurant, where Phil could occupy a table in relative seclusion, the couple went inside.
Ordering two meals, he winked at the waitress before she left them, but he could tell she had been disturbed by his doing so. “My girlfriend is invisible,” he informed her in a teasing manner when she placed both plates before him. Sliding one over to the empty seat next to him, he cooed, “Aren’t you, love?”
Immediately assuming the man needed psychiatric help, the woman grunted and turned away, calling over her shoulder, “Of course. We’re happy you joined us this evening.” Leaving him to his dinners, she didn’t give the freak a second thought.
Folding his hands on the table before him, Phil glanced around at the high-backed, circular booth, which formed a pod around them. The opening only about three feet across, where patrons could slide into the cushioned seats, he observed, “This place is perfect. No one’ll be able to see us except in passing as they walk by.”
“Yes,” Clarisse agreed. “I bet she even thinks you are eating my food for me,” she giggled as she cut her steak and took a bite.
“So,” he spoke just above a whisper, “How did you become a Forgotten Angel?”
“Charlie did it,” she blurted, a warm flush spreading over her pale flesh. “I mean, I was a Summer Angel for over a hundred years. Then, when we were married, I became one of Karma’s minions. I didn’t really plan to; it just happened.”
“Yeah,” Phil sighed, “I don’t think any of us ever intend to.” Seeing the waitress passing by for the umpteenth time, he felt uncomfortable, as if she were spying on him. Noticing the dark curtain that hung next to him, he grasped it and flicked it across the narrow break in the seat, further cutting them off from prying eyes.
“That’s better,” she observed. “We’ll have to remember this place and come back here often.”
“Yeah,” he relaxed into the seat, more comfortable with the covering to protect them.
“How did you become a part of Purgatory?” she probed more quietly. “If you don’t mind my asking.”
“I don’t mind,” he nodded, then ate a few bites of his meal. “I’ve never really talked about it before. Maybe it’s time I shared.”
Finishing her food while she listened, Clarisse felt a warm tingle wash over her. Charlie had been the love of her life, the half that made her whole, but something about the man next to her drew her in. She knew he was an empath, which is why he could sense her presence and hear her when she spoke to him. He had an awareness for others that went beyond the physical and the world of the living.
Pushing the thoughts aside, she focused on his warm voice as he described his life; the one he had lived before everything changed, and he became a Forgotten Angel.
In the Shadows
“I’ve only been one of Karma’s minions for a few years,” Phil began quietly. “I’m still in shock, really; at how it all happened.” He pushed his plate back, leaving the remnants of his meal. “My wife and I were on vacation, driving across country. One minute, she was beside me, enjoying our day together, and the next, I was in a hospital bed, staring at the ceiling above me.”
“You had an accident?” Clarisse instantly thought of Charlie.
“Yes,” he shifted anxiously. “Apparently, another car crossed the double yellow line and hit is head on. Martha was killed instantly. They thought I would die, too, but I pulled through.”
“Like Charlie,” she sighed.
His body stiff, Phil ground his teeth. “I don’t like Charlie, much, so please don’t compare us.”
“Why not? Has he done something to you?”
“No,” Phil clipped, his eyes glazed for a moment. “He reminds me of my son.”
“Oh,” Clarisse breathed, not aware that Phil had any family to speak of.
“Yes,” the man continued, “they’re about the same age; well, Tony’s a few years older. He’s always been a good kid, but he made a few poor choices. That’s how Karma got her hooks into me.”
“Why? What did he do?” she inquired gently, seeing that telling his story caused him pain.
“Doesn’t matter,” Phil shook his head slightly. “Martha, my wife was a good woman. Fate took her from me, and drove my son nearly mad in the process. He got his life back on track, but Karma’s keeping the score. If I get out of line, Tony’s the one that will suffer.”
Clarisse stared at his profile, considering his explanation. “You know about Fate?” she eventually demanded.
“Pfft,” Phil spat. “I know a little. I pay attention and gather what I can. But I don’t remember anything from the other side, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Charlie does,” she confessed. “A great deal, in fact.”
“Well, he’s special,” he sighed. “As much as I hate to say so, I’ve known since I first met him that he was trouble.”
“When was this?” she prodded.
“I hitched a ride with them last year,” he grinned deviously. “I was sent to talk to him about his mother. A real nice lady, Bethany is. Reminds me of Martha a bit.”
“Karma sent you?” Clarisse asked in surprise.
“Nope. Someone else; someone I’d rather not mention,” he cut his eyes over at the empty spot next to him. “But I’m sure she knew about it. Nothing gets past Karma.”
“I’ve noticed,” she sighed loudly. “So someone sent you to see him.”
“Yes. And while we were talking, he mentioned being on a first name basis with Keeper.”
“Oh my,” she breathed, aware of the implication. “What do you really think is going on?”
“Plenty,” a voice interrupted before Phil could reply. His eyes darting around anxiously, the man searched the booth he alone occupied.
“Gous!” Clarisse squealed, “What are you doing here?”
“Call it a friendly visit,” the interloper hissed. “The two of you seem quite cozy. Where’s your mate?”
“My mate is none of your business,” she shrieked. “Phil and I are on a mission, and we have nothing to say to the likes of you.”
“Easy, Clarisse,” Phillip warned, having gathered that the male visitor occupied her world and not his.
“Yes,” Gous implored, “relax and hear me out before you become excited.”
Clarisse despised his turn of phrase. “You will never excite me,” she bit back angrily. “But please, have your say and be gone.”
A low laugh filled the small space. “My my, how easily riled,” Gous gloated. “I’ve only come to share a bit of news. It seems that all is not well in the realm of Destiny and Fate, and a bit of a tiff seems to be brewing.”
“What are you talking about, minion,” she replied curtly, aware that he served the Darkness. “You do Fate’s bidding. I’m sure that you would be pleased to find that he had taken the upper hand.” She shuddered as the words fell from her lips, wondering how Keeper could allow such a thing.
“It’s not Fate I speak of, for his followers are equally at risk,” Gous replied in a gravely tone.
“Karma,” Phil declared firmly. “She’s up to something.”
“Yes,” Gous agreed, “but there in lies an opportunity. I have made an offer to a few of your kind; one that could usher in a new era on this planet. I’m here to include you in our plans.”
“We have no plans,” Clarisse informed him flatly. “You have dreams that will remain unfulfilled. Now, away with you before Karma overhears this and mistakes us as traitors.”
Phil’s eyes glistened, the idea of getting the better of their mistress more appealing than he could put into words. “Go on, Dark Angel,” he whispered. “Don’t upset our young friend here any further. Save your schemes for an
other day,” he hinted.
“My schemes?” Gous replied, grinning at the pair across from him. “Then I shall count you in with us, and will look for another time to share the details, where we will not be disturbed.”
“Yes,” Phil agreed, ready to leave the shadows of the private booth, “some other time.”
Only to Serve
Clarisse transported Phil back to Purgatory three full days after they had departed. Each night they had dined at the same restaurant, drawing the curtain so she could eat in peace, safe from discovery. Every time, she had expected to be interrupted by their dark visitor, but he had not presented himself again.
No sooner had they arrived in the dining room, when Karma appeared. “So, Gous is after you,” she asked Clarisse directly, as if she could see her.
“Gous has been after me for many years,” the girl sighed, moving away from the shorter woman. Staring out of the glass next to the potted cacti, she sighed, “It’s not anything new.”
“But now you are part of my house,” the group’s leader cajoled. “You have nothing to say?” she addressed her companion instead.
“He’s a sniveling punk,” Phil informed her, turning to the kitchen in search of food. “He thinks he can recruit us; he wants to lead a rebellion against you, or the twins…. Or someone. I’m not even sure he knows who he wants to fight.”
“Yes,” Karma nodded, “and you have plans to join him?”
“I live only to serve the dispenser of justice,” he replied without looking at her. He knew she could read his thoughts and his desire to be free of her was common knowledge. Locating a few steaks in the fridge, he pulled them out to fry.
“Why do you not ask me for a meal?” Karma suggested more quietly. “You know that I can provide you with whatever you desire.”
“Because I don’t want anything from you,” Phil’s angry tone escalated, taken by a wave of rage. “I eat your food, and my gut aches when I’m done!” he screamed.
Stepping back in surprise, Clarisse glanced between the two of them. In her private plane, she could observe their argument further, but chose to excuse herself. Turning to the stairs, she darted down them to search for Charlie, her long white gown flowing behind her as she moved.
The Karma Set - Summer Spirit Novellas 4 - 6 Page 12
