“But how did the dirt get in her?” asked Deputy Jim Withers, the young, blond Confluence cop who served as Briar’s second in command.
“There has to be a pump around here.” Another, younger Statie with jet black hair and dimples looked from one side to the other, hunting for traces of whatever machine had done the damage.
As for me, I didn’t bother with that. I knew how possible it was to execute someone in just the same way with no special equipment whatsoever.
“Gaia.” Briar led me away from the huddle around the body. “This is what the note I told you about looked like.” He pulled out his phone and called up a photo for my benefit.
I just stared at it, dumbfounded. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
Mother Earth is coming for the wicked. That was what it said.
“I wouldn’t exactly call Ellie Grenoble wicked,” said Briar. “Would you?”
My heart hammered as I stared at the letter on his screen. “This is so wrong,” I said, keeping my voice low. “Somebody’s trying to frame me.”
Briar spoke softly, too. “But hardly anyone knows who you really are.”
“All it takes is one,” I told him. “There were survivors at Parapets, you know. And Divinities. Some of them know the truth and might have a bone to pick.”
“Still seems pretty extreme.” Briar looked over his shoulder at the cops huddled around the dead body. “Did you detect anything when you were over there?”
I gave him an exasperated look. “I wasn’t exactly probing the crime scene, Dale.”
“Right, I know.” He touched my arm. “But you could.”
“While your guys and the state police watch me do my thing? Sounds like an awesome plan.”
“I’ll move them off, don’t worry,” said Briar. “They still need to go over the house and property. Renee will give you some space if I ask her, no worries.”
I didn’t like the idea. I didn’t want to be anywhere near the spot where someone masquerading as me had murdered an innocent woman.
But I knew, if I wanted to find out who was behind this, I would have to get close. I would have to do everything in my power to find the answers I needed.
“Okay.” I nodded. “Fine.”
“Wait for my signal,” said Briar, and then he marched back over to the huddle. Within moments, the gathered men had walked off to continue their work, leaving Briar and Renee alone with the body.
Briar waved for me to join them, and I did.
“Renee, would it be okay if Gaia took a look at Ellie’s remains?” he asked.
“Sure.” Renee took a sample of hair and dropped it in an evidence baggie. “I forgot one of my test kits in the van, anyway.”
She handed me a pair of plastic gloves from the pocket of her jacket, and I put them on. Then, she got up and walked to the Medical Examiner’s van parked out front, leaving Ellie’s body in our custody for at least a moment or two.
I got down on my knees beside her, took a deep breath, and went to work. Reaching out with my mind, I hunted for traces of the killer—anything that stood out as unusual.
The last flickers of human life were long gone by now, though the chemical reactions that continued in its wake were still in play. I sensed the external and internal bacteria turning against their host, breaking down her cells in one last orgiastic feast.
Moving deeper, I probed the molecular level, seeking anything that seemed out of place. There was nothing beyond the expected natural activity as Ellie’s organic molecules disentangled, reverting to a state of entropy that would allow them to be absorbed and converted by the biosphere.
No clues were detectable in the tissues of Ellie’s corpse—but maybe the non-organic contents of her body would shed a light on things. Renee wasn’t back yet, and no cops other than Briar were around, so I decided to take a chance. Leaning closer, I took off one of the gloves and touched the dirt that had fallen from Ellie’s mouth.
Immediately, I felt a quavering in my fingertips, a fizzing vibration that shot up my arm and into my head and chest. My vision rippled and flashed, and then my surroundings burst into something entirely different.
Suddenly, I was in a vast cavern of some kind, deep in the bowels of the world. Everywhere I looked, I saw roiling, flowing magma, glowing red and orange and yellow. It gave off unbearable heat, enough to burn away human flesh at the slightest touch.
And yet, I could have sworn I saw something moving within it, something slithering through the liquefied rock. It had to be an illusion, a molten vein that only looked like something living. Nothing alive could have possibly survived in that searing, superheated flow.
At least that’s what I thought until a bubble came to the surface of the red-orange pool, then rose further slowly, revealing an unexpected form. As I watched, it became clear the rounded shape was no bubble at all, but the top of what looked like a human head. Up it slid, and I saw what seemed to be long, straight hair and a neck and shoulders, all of it made of the same crimson magma.
Then, suddenly, the head turned, and a glowing golden eye gazed at me from the steaming side of an all-too-feminine face. A face with a truly wicked expression etched into it, one that made my blood turn to ice.
Instinctively, I pulled away from Ellie...and the world around me changed back. The magma and woman were gone; I was out of the blistering cavern and back in the grass of a suburban backyard.
And Briar’s hands were on my shoulders. “Are you all right? You cried out!”
“Yeah.” I shook my head to clear it and got to my feet. “I’m fine.”
“What did you see? A clue to the killer’s identity?”
“I don’t know,” I told him, frowning. “I don’t know what the hell I saw.”
8
The pizza guy came around six o’clock that evening, bringing a large veggie pie to the offices of Cruel World Travel/Charmer Investigations. As upset as I was, I still had to eat, and Ashanti and Luna were hungry, too. Only Duke the golem had no appetite, since as a creature of animated dirt and rock, he didn’t need to eat.
But Duke did look forward to playing his usual trick, trying to pay for the food with actual gold doubloon coins. It was a skill of his, drawing gold through his earthen substance from the depths of the world, and he loved using it to mess with people’s expectations.
“My good man,” he told the scrawny blond twentysomething pizza guy. “I assure you, these are actual gold doubloons from a treasure chest buried deep on an island off the coast of Yucatan, Mexico.”
“I can only take cash,” said the pizza guy.
“And that is exactly what these are,” said Duke. “They are most assuredly legal tender of the Spanish Empire!”
“Cash only. American cash.” The pizza guy hiked a thumb at his car idling on the street. “And I’m on the clock, know what I mean?”
Duke dropped a hand on the guy’s shoulder and held up the three gold coins so the light glinted on them. “My friend, the market value of the gold alone is astronomical. The historical value is even greater. These fine coins, I daresay, are priceless.”
“That’s what I thought. They aren’t worth anything.” The pizza guy broke away and stepped around Duke. “Could somebody please pay me in something other than play money?”
Duke sighed. “Have it your way, son. Luna, please provide him with the appropriate funds as requested.”
Luna had already raided petty cash and handed over the money to the pizza guy. “Sorry about that,” she told him. “There’s a nice tip in there to make up for it.”
The guy grinned at Luna. “No problem. Enjoy your dinner.”
Then he left, shut the door, and all of us except Duke went to work on the pizza.
“Do you know how many times that young man has turned down my offer of an actual fortune?” Duke laughed. “I’d be willing to wager he’d do the very same thing if I tried to hand him a gold ingot.”
“That bit is getting old, Duke,” I told him as I reached f
or a slice from the box.
“Strangely, I never tire of it.” Duke chuckled and waved out the window as the pizza guy drove away. “I only regret that it didn’t cheer you up a little, Earth Angel.”
I took a bite of the pizza and chewed solemnly. I doubted there was anything that could cheer me up.
Could you blame me? Someone was out there, killing in my name, and they were still at large. So was whoever or whatever had tried to kill Ashanti and me at Smoke Ring Lake.
Talk about “one of those days.” The mood I knew as “Sinking Fast” was at the controls and not going anywhere anytime soon.
“Miss Glow.” Ashanti had a slice of pizza in her hand but wasn’t eating it. “I understand if you can’t take my case right now. You have a lot on your plate.”
I didn’t answer her at first. Handling her case while tracking down the Mother Earth killer might not be smart. But there was one possibility that kept me from bailing out on her.
“The cases might be connected,” I said.
“They might?” asked Ashanti.
“I agree,” said Duke, who was back in full-on serious mode. “It does seem like an awfully big coincidence that you and Ashanti were attacked by a murderous cloud on the same day that a local woman ended up murdered by someone using the ‘Mother Earth’ sobriquet.”
“Or maybe they aren’t connected at all,” said Luna. “Maybe it’s all a big coincidence.”
I gave her a look, surprised she’d jumped in like that on day one of her job as an office assistant...but then I let go of the shock. Duke trusted her, and I trusted Duke without hesitation or limit. If he thought it was fine to bring Luna into our circle of trust, it was fine with me.
“I’m not dropping your case,” I told Ashanti. “I can walk and chew gum at the same time,” I told Duke.
“But can you catch a killer while another killer’s trying to murder you and/or your client?” Duke shrugged. “You’re pretty tough, Earth Angel, but can you honestly handle all that?”
I leaned on the edge of my desk and chewed another bite of pizza. Since discovering I was the planet Earth in human form, I thought I should be able to do pretty much anything. I ought to be able to tap into the power and wisdom of the entire world, after all, and use it to accomplish any task. I should finally be the master of my own self and life, discarding any limits that kept me from reaching my full potential.
Except that wasn’t how it had worked out. I still seemed driven by the same weaknesses and insecurities as before. I still had the same problems I’d always had. It wasn’t like someone had flipped a big switch and turned me into a new person overnight.
So no, I wasn’t honestly sure I could handle both cases without failing. But likewise, I knew in my heart that I couldn’t and shouldn’t give up on Ashanti in spite of the possible danger and distraction.
“I’ve handled worse than this,” I reminded Duke.
“I can’t argue with that,” said Duke.
“Then don’t. I’ve got it under control.”
“Allow me to offer one last illustration, at least,” said Duke. “I’ve had the pleasure of playing with some truly magnificent musicians in my time. Some, I considered gods among men, for all practical purposes. Yet even they on occasion let out a sour note. Even they had awful shows when everything went wrong. And you, my Earth Angel...” His smile this time was wise, not mischievous. “...are one magnificent talent.”
Just as he finished, the door swung open, and “Caravan” played on the chime.
“Evening.” Sheriff Briar looked grim. “Are you having a meeting or something? I can come back later...”
“You’re fine.” I gestured at the remaining food on Luna’s desk. “Help yourself to some pizza while you’re here.”
“No thanks.” He shook his head. “I just thought I’d update you on Ellie.”
My appetite was instantly gone. I dropped the half slice of pizza I had left in the trash can by my desk. “What did you find?”
“More dirt, all through the house,” said Briar. “But scattered, not tracked. Just clumps of it all over the place...even the beds.”
“The same kind of dirt that killed her?” I asked.
“Looks the same,” said Briar. “But we won’t know for sure until the lab compares the samples.”
I nodded. “What else?”
“Not much,” said Briar. “No visible footprints or other trace evidence, though our team isn’t done going over the place yet. Whoever was there...it’s like they weren’t there at all.”
“Any trace on the letter?” I asked.
“The lab hasn’t found anything yet, but they’re going over it again,” said Briar. “No trace on the body either...except the dirt, of course.”
“Perhaps things will take a positive turn in the hours to come,” said Duke. “The key evidence might yet reveal itself, Sheriff.”
“I hope you’re right.” Briar cast a look at the pizza, then shook his head and turned away. “But we’re not having much luck with the attack at the lake, either. Whatever shot fire at you, all that’s left of it is ash.”
“Is there anything in the lake?” I asked.
“We sent divers into the area where the explosion occurred, but they didn’t find anything unusual,” said Briar. “Maybe we’ll send them back in tomorrow, but it doesn’t seem promising.”
“Has the ash been analyzed?” asked Duke.
“Lab’s working on it.” Briar turned and grabbed a slice of pizza after all. He must have been ravenous, because he bit off almost half the slice at once.
“Any hits on the missing persons network?” I asked.
Briar shook his head as he chewed and swallowed. “Nothing yet, but it takes time for a bulletin to circulate.”
“So we’ve got nothing,” I said, disappointed.
“Diddly doodly squat,” added Duke.
Briar wolfed down another huge bite. “Meaning you’re not having any luck either, I take it?”
“Not yet,” I told him. “But Ashanti and I are going to see some friends of mine tomorrow. I’m hoping they can help.”
“I wish I had friends like yours,” said Briar. “While you’re at it, ask if they could solve Ellie’s murder, too, would you?”
“I’ll see what I can do,” I said.
“Keep me in the loop. I’ll do the same.” Briar finished off the crust of his slice and dusted off his hands. “Where are you two planning to stay tonight?” He nodded in Ashanti’s direction.
“My place, probably,” I said, though we hadn’t discussed it.
“Wish I could offer you protection, but I can’t spare anyone for the full detail,” said Briar. “Best I can do is a periodic drive-by.”
“We’ll be fine,” I said.
“With Earth Angel and Power Woman over there, I’d be more worried about anyone who’s dumb enough to take them both on,” said Duke.
Briar smiled. “I’m inclined to agree.” He reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. “But you call if you need me anyway.” Leaning in, he snatched a kiss.
Then he spun, pulled on his hat, and headed for the door. “Good night, everyone.” He opened the door to the sound of “Caravan” and gave us all a wave. “Let’s get some rest and go at this fresh in the morning.”
“Words of wisdom.” Duke got up from his desk. “I suggest we all abide by them.”
He was right and I knew it. If tomorrow was anything like today had been, I was going to need to be at the top of my game.
And yes, I was starting to feel tired. I was still rattled and wired about the attack at the lake and Ellie’s murder by someone claiming to be me, but a deep weariness was settling into my core.
Time for rest, whether I liked it or not.
“Ashanti?” I said. “Are you okay with staying at my apartment? It’s nothing special, but there’s a guest room.”
“Are you sure I won’t be putting you out?” said Ashanti. “I could pull out a diamond and get a motel room or s
omething.”
“No worries,” I told her. “Let’s call it a wrap for tonight, everyone.”
“I’ll just stay and clean up,” said Luna.
“You should get some rest,” said Duke. “It’s almost midnight.”
“I don’t mind if you don’t.” Luna grinned. “I’m a total night owl, you guys. I don’t feel the slightest bit sleepy.”
It was then Duke did something that surprised me.
“All right then, my dear Luna,” he said. “We shall leave you to it.”
I knew I was frowning, but I couldn’t help it. Duke, who trusted no one but himself to watch over the office, was cavalierly turning it over to someone who was practically a stranger? It didn’t add up.
“Remember to lock the door behind us when we leave,” he told her. “And lock the place up tight when you go home.”
“Don’t worry about a thing,” she said. “I’ve got it under control.”
I stood there for just a moment, wondering if I should intervene. Did I trust Luna as much Duke did? Even if I did, was it smart to leave her there alone if someone was gunning for Ashanti and someone else had committed murder in my name?
Duke was the one who finally settled it for me. “Earth Angel.” He winked and nodded for me to join him at the door. “Our new office manager can handle things just fine here.”
“Office manager? I thought she was the receptionist.”
“She’s been promoted.” Grinning, Duke nodded for me again. “No time like the present to start getting our money’s worth out of her.”
I sighed and headed for the door, waving for Ashanti to follow. Duke could get me to give in like nobody else. The friendship between us was the strongest I’d ever known.
As the three of us left, Luna shut and locked the door behind us. Smiling, she waved goodbye, then tugged down the blind behind the window. The blinds on the other windows along the front of the place were already down.
“Good night, Earth Angel,” said Duke. “Good night, Ashanti.”
“Good night, Duke,” I said, and then I headed for the Highlander with Ashanti in tow, feeling a little like I’d just been turned out of my own place and no longer belonged there for reasons I couldn’t fathom.
Earthbreaker Page 4
