by Alexie Aaron
“I expected this of Ted, not you,” Burt said.
The sound of a bouncing axe on concrete stopped the partners’ conversation. Murphy manifested. “May I offer you some advice, gentlemen?”
“Go ahead,” Mike said.
“Right this minute, you both are at a crossroads. Mike, I understand your loyalty to Mia, and it pains me to say that I admire you for it. It shows a caliber of which I didn’t think you were capable. Burt, you’re making a big mistake. Pride stops you from running out there and apologizing. Mia loves PEEPs. She looks forward to each adventure. She hates being pulled away. With PEEPs, she feels as close to normal as she can, considering. If she leaves, Ted leaves with Cid. Audrey has a family and a job. She’ll miss this, but she’ll be okay. You’ll have a whole new crew to train. Is this what you want?”
“Mia has been throwing roadblocks on the Sentinel Woods investigation. I feel she’s playing things safe. Part of being a mother, I imagine,” Burt said.
“You weren’t there,” Murphy pointed out. “I was. I’m not happy you want to go in there. I acknowledge the reasons and see your point of view. Mia wasn’t baulking. She’s sat at Lucifer’s table. Imagine that. Eating food with the Devil. There is no braver person. She wanted you all to know that someone will probably die in those woods if we’re not careful. And if you die, the light’s not coming for you. Your soul will exist there and be fed upon by a feral creature. Mia thought it through and gave you the best course of action. Three at a time. No one touching anything. Don’t swat a mosquito because the creature may take offense. If you’re hell-bent on exploring these woods, then Mia and I will do our best to protect you.”
Burt listened to the ghost who had said more today than in all their years together. He pulled his hand through his hair. “How can I have gotten this so wrong?” he asked, not expecting an answer.
“We all have had disagreements with Mia,” Mike said. “Stephen and her fight all the time.”
“We do,” Murphy said. “She’s human. I was human. We make mistakes. We yell, and she punches me.”
“She punches hard,” Mike agreed. “If you honestly feel that you know what you’re doing by letting Mia quit, then you’ll have to live with the consequences. If this is nothing more than a mistake you’re too stubborn to admit to and apologize for, then I can’t support you. Get your ass out there and find her. I’ll entertain the troops.”
Burt sighed and started for the door.
“She’s at the picnic table,” Murphy said.
“Thanks,” he said, slamming the door after him.
Mike turned to Murphy. “You’re a hell of a talker when you choose to be heard.”
“I know,” Murphy said smugly.
“What do you think is going to happen?”
“I don’t know. She was devastated. It broke my heart, and I actually came in here to cleave Burt in two. But Cid just cleaned the concrete.”
“It would make a mess,” Mike said. “What made all those holes?”
“Mia’s armor. She wasn’t high enough when she brought the armor down.”
“Damn, she’s so hot,” Mike said.
Murphy didn’t say anything, but Mike caught the look on his face before he disappeared. Murphy was in total agreement.
Burt walked down the drive to where Mia was sitting on top of the old picnic table. She was staring out towards the hills beyond the guesthouse. She was so deep in thought that she jumped when Burt cleared his voice.
“Wha..” she said, drawing her sword.
“What the fuck is that?” Burt asked.
Mia lowered it. “It’s Altair’s. I’m just holding it for him until he gets bored of being a benevolent being.”
“Where did it come from?” Burt asked.
Mia turned it sideways, and it disappeared. “It’s part of me now, so I’d take care when sneaking up on me or you may lose something valuable.”
“Well, you’ve already taken my balls…”
Mia frowned. “We’re never going to be easy with each other, are we?” Mia asked.
“Probably not,” Burt answered, getting up on the table and sitting next to her. He clasped her hand in his. “Mia, I don’t want you to leave PEEPs.”
“You could have fooled me.”
“I’m an immature man who needs to be in charge. You can so easily change that. You’ve proven yourself. You’ve become a force of nature…”
“Not by choice,” Mia reminded him. “Burt, we’re going to fight. I’m stubborn, and Murphy will tell you that, when I feel strongly that I’m right, I don’t back down. But when we fight, it seems that you’re not fighting over a policy; it seems like you’re determined to hurt me.”
“It’s the baggage. You hurt me.”
“You dumped me first,” Mia reminded him.
“You moved on first.”
“Ah, it’s the male pride thingy. Funny thing is that it doesn’t change despite what species you are. Angel, birdman, or human… Alive and dead, you’re all bastards.”
Burt chuckled. “We are, aren’t we?”
“I’m just trying to live this complicated life, balancing the worlds which I’m pulled into, many times against my will. I do understand about not being available to you, but you have to let me know. Otherwise, I’m going to continue to stumble in and out being me.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever gotten over your choice of Ted.”
“He’s the best choice. I’m lucky to have him in my life.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but love is blind.”
“Ouch. Careful, I can draw my sword with either hand,” Mia pointed out.
Burt still hung on to her hand. “Mia, I want to tell you something, and I want you to listen.”
“K,” Mia said, worried.
“Let’s go for a walk. Out of Cid’s hearing range.”
Mia nodded, still trying to get Burt to release her hand.
“I’m not letting go, so stop squirming.”
“K.”
They walked down the drive and then walked down the road. Mia closed her eyes and sent out a thought to Murphy, “Please give us space. I’m not in danger.”
Burt stopped by the old bridge. They navigated it carefully, and once on the other side, he turned and looked down at Mia and released her hand. “I’m a foolish man. I gave up on something that was precious to me. Whether it was flitch-incited or pride, I was wrong to let you go. We had moved too fast, and I was afraid of caring too deep. Mia, you have a way of capturing hearts. I’m not the type of man to live in your shadow, so I wasn’t wrong that we weren’t a good fit. You and Whit, a worse fit. When you moved on so quickly to Ted, I feared you were working your way through my team. Mike would be next, and then you’d leave us high and dry.”
“You really misread me, but I can understand your reasoning. You see, a lot of people thought I was bed hopping. Victor recently reminded me of my nature. He said to not lead with my heart, that my sword was better. I just traveled where my heart led me. I was agog that I was desirable after being shunned most of my life. I had this demon slowly taking over inside of me, but I admit, I indulged in a lot of bad behavior on my own. You and I have had a lot of conflicts. I’m not going to say I’ve been right on all of them. Hell, I think part of me enjoyed torturing you for a while.”
“I’m not exactly blameless in that department.”
“Burt, what we do with PEEPs is so important. We are the first line of defense for frightened homeowners and lost souls. I believe what I do under your banner is every bit as important as healing angels.”
“You do?”
“Yes. All that is political. Superior beings playing dangerous games that I really don’t comprehend. But I do understand a confused ghost, a frightened lonely child, and a man who wants to help both of them.”
“Why did you let me break up with you?” he asked. “You fought so hard for Ted, but not for me.”
“Gee, I thought we talked about this before.”
“So I’m not the only one with memory problems. Here is the best explanation I can give you: when we were rocky, something happened that I didn’t ask for. Murphy, for the first time in our friendship, found himself tangible in our physical world, and he kissed me. It wasn’t the kiss that I felt guilty for, but the way the kiss made me feel. Some say it was the Cooper curse, but I’ll never be sure. I may have not initiated it, but I cheated on you, Burt. I no longer thought that I was worthy of your love.”
“It was just a kiss.”
“It was some kiss,” Mia said, putting her fingers on her mouth as if she still felt it.
“I would have understood.”
“I didn’t understand. I still don’t.”
“We weren’t exactly in a committed relationship,” Burt said.
Mia looked at him. “Seems to me, you’re giving me a major out.”
“I’ve had a lot of time to think this over. I’m living in my ex’s house rent free, for the most part. You’ve saved me from the flitch and made excuses for my bad behavior. I can’t see you punishing yourself for something that impulsively happened, unless…”
Mia’s stare didn’t waver.
“You’re not sleeping with Murphy?”
“Oh my god, no. But he is still in my life.”
“He’s dead. I know your feelings about dead things,” Burt said, pulling her in for a hug. “Mia, I may be a bastard, but I have eyes. I don’t want to be in your shadow. You don’t want me to get any of us killed. I’m the dad and you’re the mom of this group. We may be divorced, but we’re still parenting this group of misfits. We’re going to fight.”
“Then fight me. Argue with me. Don’t plan my exit when it’s not going to happen,” Mia pleaded. “As long as PEEPs’ goals are the same, I’ll be part of it. When I’m dead, replace me.”
“Same here,” Burt said. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry too. Also, I can’t guarantee I’ll behave at meetings in the future. Mike brings out the asshole in me.”
“He does in all of us,” Burt said. “You know we have to go back and face the stares of the others.”
“Would you rather go for a flight?” Mia offered.
“As long as it ends up in Hawaii. I’ve never been there.”
Mia transformed quickly and scooped Burt up before he could back out.
“I hope for our sakes your navigation is better than mine. Every island looks the same to me. We could end up in Iceland,” Mia warned.
Murphy watched them fly out of sight. He should have been ashamed that he followed them and listened in on their private conversation. But if he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have seen how much his kiss still affected Mia.
Chapter Twenty-six
After the Blair blitz at the library, Ethan didn’t venture out except to go to work and to the Family Friendly grocery store. He still looked over his shoulder and moved quickly down the aisle.
Ethan was waiting for his number to be called at the deli counter when a large hand clasped him on the shoulder. He spun around, his hands formed into fists.
“Ethan, it’s me Tub.”
“I’m sorry, Tub. I’ve been feeling hunted lately.”
“Charlie mentioned that you had an altercation at the library.”
“It wasn’t an altercation. It was just me telling a psychopath I used to hang with to ef off.”
“Psychopath?”
“Maybe you should warn Charlie to watch his back for a while. Blair Summerfield is a dangerous person. He holds grudges.”
“Good to know. But Charlie can take care of himself. It’s you I’m worried about. You’re six shades of jumpy.”
“Old habits from the inside,” Ethan said.
“How did you end up inside?” Tub asked.
Ethan looked at the number being served and the number he held and resigned himself to a quick explanation. “I was part of a group of six guys who kidnapped another boy and hunted him in the woods with our paintball guns. I went to juvie and paid my debt. I was the only one the judge made an example of. I’m just trying to start over. I’m stuck in Big Bear Lake because of my parole. Otherwise, I’d be hiding somewhere Blair couldn’t get to me.”
“You really do want to start over.”
“Yes, I do. I’m not the same kid. I did my time and want to move on. I’m studying for the GED and hope to go on to college. Deputy Braverman has been mentoring me, and Mark Leighton has been helping me study. I feel like a phony. They shouldn’t be wasting their time on me.”
“I don’t know much about you, except that you’re a hard worker. Mark is a good kid, a bit odd, but he’s had a shit life.”
“He’s driven,” Ethan said. “I think, unless the bullies get a piece of him, he’ll be quite a positive force in his generation.”
“I’m not trying to bust your chops, but you’re barely out of diapers yourself. You and Mark are in the same generation,” Tub pointed out.
Ethan looked at him with world-weary eyes. “I don’t feel like it. I’m tired and scared and…”
“You need to talk to one of the shrinks. Ms. Stapleton may be a good choice.”
“I don’t know…”
“Ethan, it’s free. And it’s one of the conditions of your employment. Me and Staples have a great time. The hour flies by.” Tub turned around, tapping Ethan on the arm. “Heads up, looker at the package cheeses.”
Ethan turned and looked. He smiled, seeing Mia. “Tub, she’s married with children. That’s Mia Martin.”
“Damn, does she have an available sister?”
“I don’t know?” Ethan said honestly.
“Number eighty-four!” one of the clerks announced.
“That’s me,” Ethan said. He went on to give his order. When he was through and collected his cold cuts and cheeses, he looked around and was disappointed to see that Tub had moved on. A wave of loneliness washed over him.
“What’s the matter?” Mia asked.
He looked over at her and smiled. “Oh, I was talking to my supervisor before I ordered, and I was going to see if he wanted to go for a burger…”
“I could eat,” Mia said. “There’s a reasonable place by the old movie theater.”
Ethan was adding up his purchases in his head.
“Unless, you’re afraid of eating with Crazy Cooper?” Mia asked.
“No, it’s…” Ethan leaned in. “I’m not sure I can afford a date.”
Mia coughed. “Ethan, I can pay for myself. Why don’t you let me treat?”
“Okay, burgers it is,” Ethan said.
“How’s the jeep running?” Mia asked as they walked to the cashier stands.
“It’s running a little rough, but it’s a jeep.”
“Ahem!” Tub said from behind them.
“Tub! I thought you left. Mia and I are going for burgers.”
“I see how it is. You tell me this lady is married with kids so you can date her,” Tub teased.
Mia smiled, enjoying Ethan’s discomfiture.
“I swear she is…”
“Hello, I take it your name is Tub,” Mia said, holding out a gloved hand.
Tub grasped it tenderly. “Yes, like Rub-a-dub-dub.”
Mia blushed.
Ethan frowned. “She’s married.”
“Yes, I am,” Mia said. “With a teenager, a three-year-old, and a baby.”
“You must have had the teen when you were a child,” Tub said.
“No, he’s adopted. Tub, I think we’re making Ethan uncomfortable. Why don’t the three of us continue this conversation over burgers? I’m buying.”
“I could eat.”
Ethan stopped sweating. He wasn’t sure what just happened. All he knew was, somehow, he found himself with a proprietary feeling over the woman who sent him to juvie.
Mia apologized for making the men wait, “I had to call home. I didn’t want anyone to worry.”
“We’re in line for a t
able,” Ethan informed her.
“There’s a table for four over there and only one man at it. Why not join him?” Mia asked, walking into the restaurant. She tapped the man on the shoulder. “Would you mind if I and my two companions joined you?” she asked.
Charlie looked up at Mia and then over to where Tub and Ethan were standing. “It would be a pleasure. Tub! Good to see you,” Charlie said, waving them over.
“We were just talking about you,” Tub said, sitting down.
“I’m flattered.”
“This is Mia Martin. She’s married with children, so you’re going to have to reel it in, man,” Tub said. “I think you know Ethan?”
“We’ve passed each other at Leighton’s,” Charlie said. “Martin… Are you one of the Martins who Lazar Popov works for?” Charlie asked.
“Yes, he’s our asylum keeper,” Mia said, perusing the menu. “I’m going to have a double bacon burger. I’m starving.”
Ethan noticed that Mia looked at Charlie directly when she talked. The scars on his face didn’t appear to bother her at all. He had a bit of trouble with them himself and chose to sit beside the man on his good side for that very reason.
“I’m curious. Why don’t you tell me why I was being discussed?” Charlie asked.
“Ethan was warning me about that rude boy you escorted from the library the other day,” Tub said.
“He was a loud bastard. I noticed him skulking around, following Ethan. I thought maybe they were friends, but no, the guy’s an asshole.”
Mia lifted her head from the menu and listened in, interested.
“Blair will probably retaliate,” Ethan said. “I don’t know how or when, but he will get his own back.”
“Blair’s here in Big Bear Lake?” Mia asked, concerned.
“His family still owns that yellow mansion. I expect he’s hanging out there,” Ethan said.
“Does Tom know?” she asked.
“I haven’t seen him since it happened. We’re on different shifts,” Ethan explained.
“Would you mind if I told him?” Mia asked.
