Sally Singletary's Curiosity (The Sally Singletary Book 1)

by J. M. Cataffo

  Ripples and waves moved away from where he’d gone under until the lake returned to a smooth glassy finish. Sally watched, hesitant to believe it was over. She knew better. The way this day had gone, she expected a purple rhino to come sauntering out of the ladies’ locker room.

  A moment later, the water began to ripple and boil. Van der Haak’s top hat broke the surface, followed by the rest of his body as he rose from the water as dry as if he’d never been pushed in.

  The creature appeared again next to the side of the lake. It hissed, poised for another attack. With a start, Sally then recognized what it was, the animal she’d seen on Yasif’s phone.

  She gave Yasif a curious glance. He too had recognized it.

  Van der Haak regarded it a moment and then created several bolts of energy, releasing each in succession, alternating hands. One finally connected with the creature, knocking it away. It rolled several times before coming to a stop in the fallen leaves.

  Van dear Haak smiled, then faced Sally. “Give up, my dear. You cannot defeat me!”

  The teachers at Hidden Lake had always told Sally that she did too much reacting and not enough thinking—but in this instance, what was there to think about? If she rebelled against Van der Haak, she was pretty sure he could kill them all with a single thought. If she gave in, the outcome could be impossibly worse.

  In that moment, she remembered her vision. Daniel had tried to warn her. The path before you is a difficult one, cast upon you by forces beyond your control. You have it within you to make a difference as events unfold, but you must first make a choice.

  Did he really know how difficult things would be? His words seemed to mirror those of Van der Haak, but Daniel believed she had a choice. She couldn’t fathom any choice capable of turning the tides.

  Lani had told her to “stand up for what is right.” But how do you stand up to something like this?

  Van der Haak readied another attack. Sally struggled to her feet with her good arm and made her way toward Yasif. He stood there, staring up at this powerful man with a defiance she’d never before seen in him. He held his ground despite another glowing ball of energy in the man’s hand poised to obliterate them all.

  Sally’s eyes widened. This was the choice. This was what Daniel had meant. She’d had all the tools she needed all along. He wasn’t talking about physical objects. He was talking about her team.

  Sally reached over, and entwined her fingers with Yasif’s nodding for him to do the same with the others. Each in turn took the other’s hand, forming a line of solidarity in the face of Van der Haak’s rage.

  She stood firm, ignoring the pain and squaring her shoulders. “We’re not afraid of you!”

  Lit by the glowing bundle of energy in his palm, Van der Haak’s visage was suffused with light, making him look even more evil and sinister. With a scowl, he lifted the ball of energy and prepared to strike.

  Sally squeezed Yasif’s hand tighter, drawing strength from their bond. Whatever happened, whatever Van der Haak did to them in the next moment, they were together and that was all that mattered.

  Even if they were about to die.

  It happened so fast, Sally remembered only snippets of the next several seconds. Van der Haak attacked. A blinding light. Leaves rustled. A sound like a violent wind through a forest.

  Once she’d come to her senses, she found the five of them on the ground.

  Van der Haak was nearby, picking himself up. He looked dazed and confused.

  Sally wasn’t sure what had happened, but it appeared his attack had backfired. His expression went from anger to what Sally swore was surprise.

  Sally wasn’t sure what to make of this. Clearly they’d done something he hadn’t expected. After a prolonged glance at Sally, he regarded the creature that had saved them with unease. He stood, drawing himself to his full height, straightening his jacket.

  “Unexpected,” he said. “Quite unexpected.”

  Sally didn’t have time to ask what he’d meant and wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to know.

  Van dear Haak held out his hands as though grabbing something in front of him. Leaves rustled behind, the place where Dumaat had landed beginning to stir. The crystal rose off the ground and began to resonate. A moment later, it shattered, releasing the winged creature trapped inside.

  Sally gasped in fear, afraid they’d have to fight again, but to her surprise, the creature limped off into the sky.

  A mist formed where the bear’s body had burned, floating up off the ground like fog on a lake. It coalesced into a ball of energy and floated over to Van der Haak’s waiting hand.

  “We shall meet again,” was all he said.

  With a roaring crack, lightning struck Van der Haak, temporarily blinding them all, leaving Sally’s ears ringing loudly.

  When the light faded, Van der Haak was gone.

  For several minutes, they stared fixedly at the spot where he’d stood, none of them able to speak. It took Sally several minutes to shake herself from her daze.

  The creature that had saved them lay on the ground nearby. It was hurt. Yasif went over and picked it up, cradling it in his arms.

  “What is it?” Stephanie asked, a bruise already forming on her cheek.

  “It’s what saved our lives.” Yasif held the creature as though it were a newborn child.

  The ringing in Sally’s ears increased. Fear ran through her that they’d been damaged beyond repair. It took her a moment to realize the sound was, in fact, coming from her phone.

  “Really? At a time like this?” She glanced down at a number she didn’t recognize. “Hello?”

  On the other end, an impossible voice.

  Sally’s mind froze, her breath catching in her throat, her heart seeming to halt mid-beat. It couldn’t be.

  She’d been through so much. Her mind refused to accept the truth. It took Sally several moments before she could answer.

  “Mom?”

  CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

  SALLY’S STOMACH FELT as though it were engaged in its own personal three-ring circus as she rode toward Atlanta in the back of a Yellow Cab. She wrestled with the relief of having survived, the guilt of having destroyed the gym, and the gut-wrenching fear of what was yet to come. None of that, however, came close to the apprehension of facing her mother.

  Part of Sally was furious at her mother for not telling her she’d left, another part relieved she was still alive. Millions of reasons rolled through Sally’s head, each an attempt to understand why her mother would have done something so sudden. A small part of her retained the fear that despite Lani’s words, this might not be her mother at all.

  She was to meet her mother at a restaurant they used to go to for special occasions. Why her mother wanted to meet there was beyond her. This certainly wasn’t a special occasion.

  By the time the cab reached the restaurant, Sally had come full circle and was angry again. That, however, vanished when found her mother waiting inside.

  She rushed from the cab, pulling her mother into an embrace.

  “I’m so sorry, baby.”

  Tears ran down Sally’s cheeks. She knew without a doubt this was her mother.

  The cab driver cleared his throat.

  “So sorry!” Sally rushed over to hand the man her card.

  He nodded, ran the transaction, and bid her a good day.

  They entered the restaurant and were immediately sat at their preferred table toward the back next to a large tropical tank. Colorful fish drifted back and forth as a waiter took their drink order.

  Now that the emotions were out of the way, Sally couldn’t wait any longer for the truth. “Where have you been?”

  Her mother placed her napkin on her lap and took a deep breath. “I wanted to tell you, Sally. I really did. Last time you were over, I meant to. I’ve been dreading this for a long time and didn’t know how to tell you.”

  The server placed two waters on the table and then retreated back toward the kitchen.

>   “What are you talking about, Mom?” Sally took a sip from her glass.

  “The agreement between your father and me only lasted until you were eighteen. He’ll still give you money until you turn twenty-two, but then you’ll be on your own as well.”

  Tears swam in Sally’s vision. Was that what this was all about? “You should have told me.”

  Her mother glanced at her lap. “I know.”

  Sally glanced away as a blue tang drifted by, its serene form floating carelessly through the water. Sally’s thoughts seemed lost somewhere in the coral—she couldn’t seem to bring herself to face what her mother was telling her. Perhaps it was the exhaustion settling in.

  “Are you going to honor this arrangement?”

  Sally’s mother looked surprised. “What do you suggest I do?”

  Sally eyed her mother. “Go public. Tell the truth.”

  “Do you know what that would do to his career? Besides, we both chose to do what we did.” She reached out and touched Sally’s hand. “And I don’t regret the result for one minute.”

  Sally had the sudden urge to retract her hand, to take away any good feelings her mother had in spite of what she’d done. But reason won out and Sally realized it wasn’t her mother’s fault. It wasn’t even her father’s fault, as much as she wanted to blame him. He’d taken care of them both, as he’d promised.

  It was then Sally noticed her mother had changed. Something was different. Her eyes seemed brighter, her skin more resilient. She was even wearing more makeup, not just the usual bland lipstick and powder.

  “You only took the money for me.”

  Sally’s mother nodded. “I never would have otherwise. I wanted you to have a good life.”

  Sally glanced up. “We could have had a good life without relying on his money.”

  He mother nodded. “We could have had an okay life, but this allowed you to go to that school. Look at what you’ve accomplished. You have enough money to go to whatever college you want. I wanted the best for you.”

  Sally held her mother’s hand. “Knowing you were okay would have been the best for me. You weren’t happy.”

  “I suppose there was a subconscious part of me that always wanted to be out on my own, but now I can do that. Besides, despite everything, your father does love you.”

  Sally raised an eyebrow.

  Her mother smiled excitedly. “He got you a graduation present…”

  Sally crossed her arms. “I don’t want anything else from him.”

  “Honey, he may not have been able to show his feelings for you, but he did have them. That’s why he gave so much to make sure you had everything you needed. He made a choice to make his career a priority. You can’t fault him for that.”

  “Sure I can. He could have chosen us.”

  Her mother frowned. “It was bad enough what we did to his poor wife. I hated for her to find out the way she did. It wasn’t right. But I loved your father, and I can’t change what happened. I can only make sure you’re taken care of.”

  Sally wanted to argue, wanted to tell her mother she was wrong, that things would have been better without her father’s money. Just because she went to Hidden Lake Prep doesn’t mean she couldn’t have done just as well at another school.

  The server returned, and they ordered their meal.

  “Well?” Her mother grinned. “Do you want to know what your graduation gift is?”

  Sally straightened her napkin. “Why don’t we talk about what’s going to happen now? Where are you going to live? What are you going to do?”

  “You’re such a party pooper. You don’t have to worry about me. I’ve used the past few weeks to get settled into a new place and begin a new life. I even have a job.”

  It was hard to argue with her mother’s excitement. It was clear she’d thought this through. How long had she been waiting to be free?

  Her mother squeezed Sally’s hand. “Don’t be upset for me. This is a good thing.”

  “I know, Mom. I mean, I realize that now. I just never…” She took a breath to compose herself. “Where are you living?”

  Her mother sat up. “It’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to go. I know it’s far, but—”

  “Where, Mom?” Sally insisted.

  “Colorado Springs.”

  “Colorado Springs!” Sally had said it louder than she’d meant to. A couple at a nearby table glanced over. Sally lowered her voice. “Why so far?”

  “It’s just where I wanted to go. I’ll pay for a plane ticket any time you want to come visit.”

  “I’m sure I can manage, Mom. It’s just a lot to take in.” Especially with everything else that’s happened, she wanted to add. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I just couldn’t bring myself to face the truth of it until it happened. It’s a big change. I wanted to tell you, but I just couldn’t do it. I tried to call, but each time I picked up the phone I felt like I was facing all the bad things I’d done. I didn’t know how you’d react.”

  Sally nodded. “I guess as long as you’re happy. I just thought… I assumed such awful things.”

  “I’m sorry honey, I really am. It was just one of those moments that when it came, I had to deal with it in my own way.” She looked down at her empty plate.

  The waiter came and brought their plates. They ate, her mother filling her in on all the exciting opportunities she was looking forward to in her new place. When they’d finished, her mother pressed her again.

  “Are you ready now for your father’s present?”

  Sally could tell her mom was excited. “Okay, Mom. What is it?”

  Her mother smiled and produced a small purple box with a white ribbon tied around it. Sally gave it a cautious look, expecting some expensive jewelry inside. She’d already decided she wouldn’t take it.

  Sally pulled on the ribbon and untied it. When she opened the box, inside she found a key fob with a BMW logo on it.

  She stared wide-eyed at her mother. “Are you serious?”

  Her mother put her hands on her mouth and smiled. “My baby’s all grown up.”

  “I can’t take this, Mom,” she said finally.

  “Nonsense! You’ve earned it! You’re one of the hardest working and dedicated teenagers I’ve ever known.”

  A tear slipped from Sally’s eye as she stared at her mother. Sally had never seen her this happy in all the years they had lived in the city.

  “Thank you, Mom.”

  “Don’t thank me. Thank your father.”

  CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN

  SALLY KISSED HER MOTHER GOODBYE and then closed the door to the cab. She’d offered to take her to the airport, but her mother insisted she needed to see a few friends before she left.

  Sally watched the cab pull away, then turned toward the parking garage where her mother had left the car. She’d taken only a single step when she noticed Agent Dawkins standing nearby.

  “What do you want? I sent you everything in the email.”

  He smiled. “Yes, Miss Singletary. It was quite thorough, very impressive work. Actually, I’m here for another reason.”

  “No, no… I’ve done my part. I’m done with you people.”

  “Hear me out, okay?”

  She crossed her arms.

  “I’m here to offer you a job.”

  Her mouth literally fell open. “I’m sorry…you what?”

  “A job.” He seemed quite serious. “The division was impressed. We could use a good agent like you—someone on the inside.”

  “You must be out of your mind!”

  “It wouldn’t pay much at first, and it wouldn’t interfere with your education. We’d give you assignments as needed. Granted, you’d have to keep your work a secret. You couldn’t tell anyone.”

  “I’m sorry, what part of ‘this is crazy’ did you not understand?”

  He took off his glasses. It was the first time she’d seen his piercing blue eyes. If it were any other man, she’d actually have found him attr
active.

  “You’re passing up a substantial opportunity here, Miss Singletary. Think of all the insider information you’d have access to. All your questions answered—a smart girl like you? I think you’d figure out how to fit it into your life, somehow.”

  He handed her a card. On the back was written the terms of the arrangement. She blinked to make sure the number wasn’t her imagination. “You’d pay me this much to work for you part time?”

  “Look at it as an incentive to build a career with the division.”

  She rolled her eyes and handed back the card. “Thanks, but no thanks.”

  “Keep it. Just in case you change your mind.” He smiled. “And you will change your mind… in time.” He turned and walked away.

  “Doubt it!” she shouted after him.

  Was he crazy? She stared at the card in disbelief.

  On her way to the car, she passed a trashcan, ready to discard it. Something inside her, however, made her place it into her pocket instead. Perhaps Agent Dawkins would come in handy, even if she’d drop dead before working for him.

  A short time later, Sally’s auburn hair blew in the wind as she cruised down the highway with the top down and music blaring in her red BMW 3 Series convertible. As much as she hadn’t wanted to accept the gift, it didn’t stop her from enjoying it now.

  She’d called Yasif from the Bluetooth connected car phone to let him know things were okay and explained what had happened with her mother. He was just as surprised as she’d been by the news. She told them to use the passage in Idric’s closet and she would meet them at the switching station.

  She pulled her car around back and set the alarm, expecting the others to be celebrating, talking about the events that had taken place. When she walked in, however, she found the others crowded around the monitor in the computer room.