by Alexie Aaron
“Hold on! One question at a time,” Ed said laughing. “It was an excellent conflict-free adventure. Angelo wasn’t any trouble, although his arrogance puts, as they say, my teeth on edge. Mu is much like Fiji but very developed. Lots of Mayan influences… Or did Mu influence the Mayans? Anyway, it was a busy place. All sorts of people there. I think I spotted some of your ancestors flittering about.”
“We don’t flitter,” Judy said indignantly. “So, mission accomplished.”
Ed lifted his eyebrow, trying to sort out the connotations of the phrase mission accomplished. He decided Judy was speaking plainly and not politically. “Yes, mission accomplished. Angelo now has to sort out his next quest. My part is finished,” Ed said, walking over to the desk. He picked up the paper with his name on it. “I think your handwriting illustrates the phrase bird-scratching.”
“Oh you! I think I liked you better when you just grunted.”
“Me, grunt?”
“Grunt, cave man, grunt.”
He ignored her and narrowed his eyes as he tried to decipher her handwriting. “I can make out the word Mia and travel. Care to enlighten me?”
“I didn’t know when you would be back. Komal received word from Mia. She needs my healing abilities, pronto. She is hiring me.”
“A paying visit? How novel,” Ed said and plopped down on the edge of the massive four poster bed.
“Actually, it’s a favor for a favor payment. More valuable than actual currency.”
“Don’t kid yourself. For Gerald Shem, yes, us no.”
“I’d do it for free, she knows that, but she insists on returning the favor,” Judy argued.
Ed reached for his mate and pulled the strong woman into his lap where he wrapped his strong arms around her. “I’m just being a twenty-first century male. I understand you are a lady of caliber, honorable and kind. Before you seek out Mia, do you have time for me?”
“I always have time for you.”
“Would you like to make a baby with me?”
Judy’s heart quickened. “Yes, I would, my mate, but I have one foot out the door, and my mind is on my journey. Can you wait for me? I should be back in a few hours.”
Ed shifted his body to ease the discomfort of his arousal. “Yes, I will wait. Would you like me to come too?”
Judy’s face broke into a big smile. “Oh yes, I love traveling with you. We could fly to the Martin farm, and Cid will take us to Green Ridge Hospital. He is expecting me. I’ll send a text so that he has clothing for both of us.” Judy moved to stand up.
“No, I think you should do this solo. I can see that it is a professional visit, and if Mia needs your care, she will be in no mood for another visitor. Just promise me to be careful and quick. I ache for you.”
“I can see that,” Judy said standing. She kissed him gently and took a moment to look into his eyes. “I bless the day you came into my life, He-who-walks-through-time.”
Ed smiled. “I too bless that time. Now go.”
Judy got up and took off her clothing. She stood there and stretched with her back to Ed. He watched as the tattooed lines moved on her back, forming feathers, and just as quickly, the feathers became wings. Judy turned around, and as she did, became a large, beautiful gray birdwoman. The only thing consistent with her human form was the mirth in her eyes and her outstretched arms.
Ed handed her the messenger bag. Judy pulled it tight to her chest and wrapped her wings around herself. She disappeared. The only thing left of her was her new scent that Sabine had given her in appreciation for all she had done for Brian. Angel by Thierry Mugler. He wasn’t sure he liked the smell, preferring her natural musk, but he did understand the choice. His Refugia, who’d rather be called Judy, was his angel too.
Cid opened the guestroom window where he had laid out some of Mia’s classier clothing. He thought Judy was taller so he chose a dress instead of pants. The human form the birdwoman had taken was one of a beautiful, small-boned Native American woman from the traveler’s time. Mia told him that Judy’s host had been a princess that had seen her whole family slaughtered by the incoming regime. Her mind broke, leaving only a shell to be cared for. Refugia was presented with her body by the priestess. The former Gray Lady continually worked her healing powers to bring back the mind of the princess, but so far, the creature had refused to acknowledge the safe world she now inhabited.
Cid thought he heard a flutter of wings, so he exited the room quickly. He was raised a gentleman, and a gentleman didn’t peep at transforming birdwomen. He walked downstairs and started a fresh pot of coffee.
Judy smoothed down the cotton frock, pleased with the bright floral pattern. She felt so pretty. She glanced around the bedroom, taking in the décor. It was a mishmash of furniture, but somehow this made it seem more comfortable. There was a little writing desk in the corner. She could see herself penning a postcard to her sisters of the wing there. Hanging on the back of the desk chair was a sweater. Cid thought of everything. She picked up the melon colored cardigan and draped it over her shoulders as she left the room.
Cid had just placed a plate of hot scones on the table when Judy walked into the room. She smiled at him. “Thank you for the clothes. I could have landed at Sabine’s, but then I would have the long drive out here, and I got the idea that our Mia is in some considerable pain.”
“That she is. Poor kid got pulled through the ground by some angry entity who was convinced she knew where his loot was.”
“Explain loot, please? I don’t know this word,” Judy asked.
“It’s slang for plunder, ah, stolen money, things taken in a robbery.”
Judy nodded. “I imagine that hurt, but surely your hospital has the ability to treat her injuries.”
Cid sat down across from Judy. “They can, and are doing their best, but Mia’s pregnant, so that means no x-rays, no heavy drugs, and she’s very uncomfortable.”
“Mia’s pregnant! How wonderful. Sabine will be delighted. Now the triplets will have a cousin to play with. I couldn’t be more happy for her. When is she due?”
Cid colored and stammered, “Nine, nine months from last night.”
“Is she sure?” Judy asked. “I doubt that it’s possible to know that early. I don’t think there are tests around that will tell you that. The hormones wouldn’t…”
“Judge Roumain told her in a dream,” Cid blurted out.
“That rascal could have been messing with her.” Judy took a sip of the coffee and smiled. “But I’ll be able to tell for sure when I see her. It’s amazing what changes the female body goes through right from the very seating of the egg in the lining… Oh, I’m sorry, are you ill?” she asked, viewing the greenish tinge to Cid’s complexion.
“No, it’s just, I prefer the stork version, personally,” he admitted.
“So vaginal talk is your kryptonite, Superman?” Judy teased.
“Ah, damn!” Cid got up and ran to the bathroom.
Judy chuckled, thinking how the strong handsome man was really a child when it came to females. She took another bite of the hot scone and sipped her coffee, enjoying the peace and quiet.
She felt a presence behind her, and she turned around to see Murphy standing there staring at her.
“Come on, sit down. You’re making me nervous. What’s got you all glum?”
Murphy did as he was told. He put his hat next to his axe on the table.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you’re suffering from a guilty conscience,” she observed. “Come on, spit it out. It can’t be that bad.”
Murphy just put his head down on his arms and kept silent.
Cid, feeling better after losing his lunch, came back into the kitchen. “I heard you talking. I’m sorry, but if you were talking to me, I couldn’t hear you. There’s a fan in the bathroom and…”
“Murphy, he’s got his head down on the table and seems a bit out of sorts,” she described. “Any clue why?”
Cid set his jaw before he spoke. �
��Probably feeling a bit bad about skipping out on Mia. If he hadn’t taken off without telling anybody, we would have had a person with her. No one investigates alone is our rule. Mia assumed he was around. Had her back,” Cid said with disgust that was aimed at the ghost.
“Oh, I see. If Stephen left, he must have had his reasons.”
Murphy raised his head and shook it and put it back down.
“He’s beating himself up over it,” Judy told Cid. “Tell me what happened.”
“She was pulled…”
“No, start earlier,” Judy instructed.
“Ted, being Ted, blurted out that Mia was pregnant, and she was pissed about it, and…” Cid filled Judy in on as much as he knew and had gathered afterwards talking to Audrey. “The poor sap was standing there watching Mia and Ted profess their love for each other. That had to be a major kick in the balls, spectral or not, testicles is testicles,” he said.
Judy turned to Murphy. “I’m sorry. I had no idea that you felt that way. It’s unusual, but not impossible, for an entity to attach themselves to a flesh-and-blood human romantically.” She turned to Cid. “Mia and Stephen have gone through a lot together. For whatever reason, Mia decided against a physical relationship with our ghost friend here. I don’t blame her. It could hardly be satisfying.”
Murphy raised his head and glared at Judy.
“No issue could come out of your relationship. You’re a ghost, Stephen. You’re dead. Rotting in the ground, dead,” she said cruelly. “Plus, poor Mia, if she did have the same feelings about you, we Gray Ladies wiped them from her mind when we healed the damage the burst aneurism caused.”
“What?” Cid asked, appalled.
“Angelo requested it be done. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. You could say it was the deciding factor in me leaving the Order.”
“Explain it to me, please?” Cid asked.
“We were instructed to eradicate the emotional memory of Burt Hicks, Whitney Martin and Stephen Murphy. Angelo didn’t want Mia to feel any more hurt from Burt and Whitney, and he wanted to sever her attachment with you, Stephen. He didn’t like you much. I think he was jealous at the time. I see now that he regrets his actions.”
“Holy shit,” Cid said. “Does Ted know this?”
“Yes,” Murphy answered for Judy.
Cid couldn’t believe his ears. Judy stared at Murphy, urging him to continue.
“He’s unsure about Mia’s love because of it,” Murphy said with a modicum of sadness.
“I would be, but I’m an insecure guy. He’ll never be sure that he is truly the love of her life, or death, in your case, Murph.”
“Nonsense!” Judy disagreed. “I’m sorry, Stephen, but the facts are thus: Mia loves Ted romantically as a woman loves a man. If she truly loved Burt and this Whitney, she would have regained this attraction by and by. Have either of you seen her looking at Burt this way?”
“No,” Cid answered for both of them.
“How about Whitney?”
“He left,” Cid said. “And I don’t think she was sad he did, do you, Murph?”
“Goodbye, Whitney Pee Pants,” Murphy said, a wry grin filling his face.
“Stephen, Mia loves you, everyone can see that, but it’s not romantic. If it was before, you don’t have to say. It’s none of our business,” Judy said, looking sternly at Cid. “You and she share something special. Will she have less time for you once the children start coming? Yes. But this doesn’t mean she has rejected you. It means the girl’s up to her neck in dirty diapers, report cards and soccer mom activities.”
Judy downed the last of her now cold coffee and brushed the crumbs off her outfit. “What I’m trying to tell you is to suck it up, bud. Don’t let your jealousy of the living cloud your mind. Let go of whatever fantasy you have regarding Mia. It’s not going to happen. I’ve seen her and Ted. You’re out, he’s in. Move on if you have to, and if you can’t, be kind. She never wanted to hurt you. There, end of lecture. Cid, I need a ride to the hospital. Mia’s in pain, and here we are jibber-jabbering.”
“Wait. I have one more question. I think Murphy needs to hear it too,” Cid said. “Please be honest with us.”
Judy turned around and nodded. “One more question.”
“Why did Angelo do it? Save her life, clear her emotional memory… Was it just because he wanted a super warrior as he claims?”
“No. He thinks that, but I think you both know, as does Ted, why he did it,” Judy said and waited.
Murphy spoke evenly, “It’s because he loves her.”
“Damn straight he does. But he’ll never acknowledge it,” Judy said.
“What happens if he does acknowledge it?” Cid asked her.
“Ed will kill him,” she said and picked up her messenger bag.
“That seems kind of harsh. I mean, we all love Mia,” Cid said.
Murphy nodded.
“Gentlemen, I know that. But you both don’t have the power of a thousand birdmen at your beck and call. Not to mention a pipeline into six realms. He could take her and disappear forever. He almost succeeded, but the judge put a stop to all that. Ted protects her now, and Angelo has formed an attachment to you PEEPs, so I don’t see it ever happening. I wish that I knew what little Mia has and bottle it. I’d make a fortune.”
“Why would Ed do this? Not just because you ask him to?” Cid inquired as he held the door open for her.
“The stud would do anything for me, but he has taken a look at you lot and decided that he may be needed to protect his newfound friend.”
“Well, gee, you’re full of compliments today,” Cid winced.
“Remember, you asked me to be honest,” Judy reminded him, situating herself in his car.
Cid closed the door, walked around and stopped before opening up the driver’s door. “Murphy, you can come if you want to.”
“I’ll stay here and mind Maggie.”
“Suit yourself,” Cid said and got in the car.
Murphy watched Cid’s car move out of the PEEPs compound and disappear down the road. He walked over to the picnic table and sat down. He needed to digest what Judy had talked about. He had a lot of thinking to do.
Chapter Fifteen
Bev moved steadily up the stairs. Burt kept her in focus as she climbed. Both of them could hear the pacing when they entered the quiet house. Audrey was manning the console in the absence of Cid and Ted. Glenda was acting as dogsbody, fetching equipment and being the second set of eyes for this investigation. The tri-monitor system was set up for the Malone house. Burt set up an independent screen so Audrey could also view his camera feed.
“All of this could turn a girl cross-eyed,” Glenda complained. “Why don’t you leave the Malone house to me, and you concentrate on your boyfriend’s place?”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Audrey said.
“Not yet, but he’s interested. He’s just waiting until he knows you’re interested.”
It was Audrey’s turn to complain, “I hate this game playing. I’m sick and tired of it. Why can’t people just be upfront? Hello, I find you interesting, and I’d like to go out on a date with you, to get to know you better. What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing, but it does sound a little lame.”
“I give up,” Audrey said.
“Hang in there. He’s been swimming around your bait. You just have to wiggle your ass, and he’ll bite.”
“Glenda!” Audrey said outraged.
“You should hear the stuff my son says to women, and they still date him.”
“Mike’s different. He gives off the air that he isn’t interested in a relationship. He wants to have fun and not be tied down. His honestly is refreshing.”
“Really? Hell, girl, he’s my son, and I find his flirting repulsive,” Glenda said.
Audrey laughed. “He is rather rude,” she commented as she watched as Bev and Burt walked up the stairs to the third story.
“Mia’s cuffed him a ti
me or two. Since it’s just the two of us, I have a confession to make.”
“Go on,” Audrey urged.
“I was hoping that he’d land Mia. She’d make a dandy daughter in-law. Their children would be beautiful. How did that stick figure in a ball cap end up married to her?”
“I think Ted’s handsome.”
“Bullshit.”
“I do. Ted wore Mia down, plain and simple. He was himself, interested and never let her think he wasn’t. And when she started to look his way, he sat her down and told her that he wasn’t just going to be the man of the investigation. He was hers, but he was hers only if it was forever.”
“Well damn, and that worked?”
“You’ve seen the proof. Excuse me…” Audrey clicked the mic on. “Burt, either something is manifesting between you and Bev or the camera is losing focus, over.”
“Bev,” Burt called. “Behind you.”
Bev turned around to see an old man in his seventies leaning on a cane. He looked her in the eye and asked, “Have you come for me?”
“Pardon?” she asked, confused.
“I’ve been waiting for the light for a long time. I figured that you must be an angel.”
“That’s some line. You practice it?” Bev teased. “I take it you’re Simon Bainbridge.”
“That I am.”
“Your great grandnephew is concerned about you. Says you’ve been pacing up a storm.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean to disturb the boy. Matt’s had a bad run of it. Married the wrong woman. She had no sense of humor.”
Bev smiled. It had been quite some time since she gossiped with a ghost. “Forgive me for changing the subject, I’d love to hear about Matt another time, but there is a situation going on down the street which I sense you’ve had a hand in.”
“It was an accident. I didn’t mean to kill them.”
“You killed them?” Bev asked. “It didn’t look like a murder scene to me.”
“You’ve seen them. Oh my lord in heaven, I can’t get those clowns out of my mind.”
“Why don’t you tell me and Burt - he’s the guy with the camera - all about it,” Bev prodded.
