A Hex for Danger

by Esme Addison

  Alex glanced around, making sure no one was in earshot. “Companies are actually researching this?”

  Neve nodded. “And interbreeding with humans caused the fish-human type to almost die out, but the ones that remained were revered as gods and goddesses. Like the Mermaid of Warsaw?” She frowned. “Until they were not. But now the true fish-human hybrids have died out, but some remaining humans still have fish DNA.”

  Alex swallowed the lump in her throat. “Making them genetic mermaids.”

  “Yes!” Neve said excitedly. “Isn’t that amazing?”

  Alex nodded her head slowly, working through what she was hearing. Wondering if it made sense. And could there possibly be an explanation for her and her family’s abilities? “How did you hear this?”

  “ I did a mural for a company that creates medicines based on DNA in RTP.”

  Alex nodded. “I just learned about the Research Triangle Park in the local paper. It’s an area with several universities and high-tech research and development companies, right?”

  “That’s right. And I’ve been lucky enough to find a few art patrons there. One of the geneticists there had a crush on me, and we went out for drinks. Honestly, I was just trying to get him drunk so I could get more information.” Neve laughed lightly. “He was hoping to take me home”—she rolled her eyes—“so he told me things that he shouldn’t have. Namely, that while researching another project, they’d stumbled onto a genetic marker for what they were somewhat humorously calling ‘the mermaid gene.’ After all this time, it’s still around. Can you imagine?”

  The news made Alex feel a little dizzy, but she focused on Neve. “No, I can’t.”

  Neve looked over her shoulder before continuing. “The research, which is ongoing, is of interest to many people. The guy told me they’ve even started a database of people who may have the gene.”

  “A database?”

  “Yes, they’ll eventually want to find the people that have these markers, and probably study them.”

  Alex frowned. “I’m not sure that sounds benevolent. Who have you told?”

  “No one,”

  Yet. Alex thought she heard the unspoken word. And then she understood. “You’re keeping this from someone?”

  Neve grimaced. “When I’m on assignment, sometimes I find things, things of importance, and I share that information with my employers.”

  “Who do you work for? I thought you were an artist?”

  “I am, but …” Alex saw bands of tension tighten Neve’s face and realized she was in serious conflict with herself. “The organization I work for is powerful, and my challenge is to determine who should know what. Who is good, who is bad. How will that knowledge be used.”

  Alex ran a hand through her hair. They were talking about art, right? But it didn’t seem like Neve was talking about murals.

  “It’s a heavy burden at times. Sometimes, I wish I could unknow things.”

  “When you’re traveling around painting these murals, are you always hoping to glean information from your hosts?”

  Neve’s face lit up. “No, not always. Sometimes it’s just about the painting, the artistic expression. And that’s when I’m at my happiest. Take your mermaid festival, for example. I was so honored to be asked to come and create a mural for your town. And to have the opportunity to meet you.”

  Alex wasn’t sure how to take this woman. She was an artist—and what? A fact finder? A researcher? To what end? “As fascinating as this sounds, why are you discussing this with me?”

  “I was able to sneak a peek at the database. It’s still early days, but your aunt was listed. So was your cousin Kamila. I can only assume you and Minka are part of this. You have the gene, don’t you?”

  Eyes wide, Alex looked around the park. No one was within earshot, no one could possibly know what they were discussing, and yet Alex was absolutely terrified.

  Neve reached out and grabbed her hand. “You don’t have to worry! Your secret is safe with me.” A look of admiration filled her eyes. “It is such an honor to meet you, Alex. My life’s work has been about documenting people like you, through art.”

  But Alex did not feel reassured. She gently pulled her hand away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, okay? I’m just a regular person with normal DNA.”

  A mischievous grin played on Neve’s lips. “I get it. You can’t confirm it, right? There’s like a club? With rules?” Alex frowned, rising from her chair. “How does the gene express itself? It has to be more than strong swimming and breathing underwater. Can you do hydrokinesis—influence water with your mind? I’ve heard that might be a possibility.”

  Hydrokinesis: so that’s what it was called, Alex thought to herself. “Neve, I appreciate your enthusiasm for the mural, but it ends there. Neither me nor anyone in my family is who you think we are, and I would appreciate it if you would keep this information to yourself.”

  A dark look crossed the woman’s face. “You don’t get it, do you? We need to help each other. The best way to keep your family safe is if it’s not a secret.” She waved her hand around the park. “Isn’t that what you’re doing now—hiding in plain sight?”

  “I really don’t think making this information public would help anyone. And even if the mermaid gene is real—and I’m not saying I believe that’s true—where would the danger come from?” She couldn’t know about witch hunters, could she? “And why is there a database?”

  Neve’s eyes stretched wide with disbelief. “Governments, militaries, pharmaceutical companies—they’d all love to map a genetic mermaid’s genome and understand how they can monetize it. They’d take something beautiful and destroy it if they could.”

  Alex stared at the woman.

  Neve leaned forward. “If people found out that mermaids were, in fact, not a fairy tale, and that someone like the Mermaid Of Warsaw had been real, there would be people who would want to worship them like the goddesses of yore, but there would also be people that would try to find her descendants and prevent them from—” She paused as Alex greeted two women who stopped by the table and browsed through a group of bath salts, then left. “The Mermaid of Warsaw had a sword and shield for a reason.”

  Alex nodded, impatient for her to continue. “Okay?”

  “I believe the Mermaid of Warsaw was an amazing human hybrid, one of a group of similar mythological beings that helped protect our world. And because of her genetic gifts, she was meant to help protect the seas and the coast—that was her domain after all—and any and everything that came from it.”

  “You’ve lost me,” Alex said, frustrated.

  “Don’t you understand? You’re in danger. Your family is in danger. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually. In my own way, I’m trying to help you.”

  “How? What are you doing?”

  “I have two choices. I can tell everyone what I know. Or no one. Right now, I’m keeping what I know to myself, and it’s harder than you’d think.”

  Alex shrank back from her intensity, both fascinated and horrified by what she was hearing. “You fear for your life too, don’t you?”

  Neve’s smile belied the warning in her eyes. “People who know things always do. Such research may begin with the best of intentions, but somehow bad people get a hold of it, and the next thing you know, it’s a weapon to deter and suppress.” She shuddered. “But it’s not too late. We can fight this. You can fight this, but I need your help.”

  “Me? How can I possibly help you?” Alex looked over Neve’s shoulder and saw her aunt fast approaching. Neve followed her gaze and stopped talking.

  “Hot one today,” Aunt Lidia said as she joined Alex behind the table. Lidia smiled at the woman. “Welcome to our little tent. You’re the artist, yes?”

  Neve stood up straighter, her smile bright. “I am. And I was just asking about the best product to try.”

  “Hmm …” Lidia nodded, giving the woman an assessing gaze, then smiled. “I have just the thing for you.
” She ducked under the table and retrieved a canister of tea, handing it to Neve. “On the house. For your beautiful painting. My friend and I were just looking at it.”

  “Thank you.” Neve took the gift and inspected the label. “Very sweet of you.”

  Lidia patted her arm gently. “One to two cups daily for the foreseeable future. If you need more, you can order online.” She handed Neve a business card from her apron pocket. “Here—our website is on it.”

  “I can’t wait to try it.” Then Neve glanced at the delicate watch on her wrist. “I have to go. Another meeting. But I’ll be at the museum’s reception tonight. You’ll both be there?”

  “I have another engagement.” Lidia said.

  “But I’ll be there.” Alex nodded. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  Neve reached out and took Alex’s hand in her own. “Find me later on in the evening, and we’ll talk more. I have so much more to tell you.”

  * * *

  Jack wouldn’t be able to attend the reception.

  At least not on time. But he promised to swing by after his shift ended. Alex was disappointed, but she understood. Her father had often called her to say he couldn’t make the dinner she’d prepared for him because of work. She got it. Police work never ended. And what he was doing was important, but still … She hoped he could make it before the event ended. She’d just spend the time with friends and family. She turned to Minka, who sat in the driver’s seat of her car and smiled. “Ready?”

  “Let’s go!”

  They stepped out of the car, linked arms, and headed for the museum. A medium-sized brick building that used to be a train depot for a now defunct train line, it was picturesque with its peaked green roof and black wrought iron fencing.

  With her normally wavy hair flat-ironed for the night, smoky eyes, glossy nude lips, and her favorite little black dress, paired with sparkly silver heels, Alex felt desirable. It had been a while since she’d really dressed up.

  * * *

  The museum, usually staid and austere, was filled with patrons chatting, holding glasses of wine, and eating heavy hors d’oeuvres. A tuxedo-wearing trio played soft jazz from a corner, and the lights were dimmed for the night. Shimmery silver and pale blue balloons filled with metallic confetti floated in the air, creating an ethereal ambience.

  Alex had only been to the museum once, she was embarrassed to say, and that was only to drop off brochures for the shop.

  Now, as she walked around the main hall of the museum, she saw that there were many interesting exhibits on the history of her adopted home. Some featured the Algonquians, the Native American tribe who had lived in the area first; they had been followed by English colonists, then immigrants from other countries, the enslaved community, and the prominent industries of naval supplies and fishing. There were pictorials of Bellamy Bay during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, Reconstruction, both World Wars, and more.

  Minka tapped her on the shoulder. “There’s so much stuff here. It’s been a while since I’ve visited. Looks like Celeste’s boyfriend has really expanded the exhibits.”

  “What was here before?”

  “Mostly shipping history, pirate stuff—which was cool—and all of the military history.”

  “What military history?”

  “Oh, um … the U.S. Navy took over the city after World War II and used it for missile testing and stuff.” She pulled a blasé expression. “Boring.” She moved to another exhibit. “Ooh, look. Sea turtles.”

  Alex glanced at the exhibit, which showcased the areas of the island marked as a nature preserve, as well as a timeline for when preservation efforts by the Wesley family began on the island.

  Minka waved at a group across the room and turned to Alex. “I see some of my friends from the Preservation Society. I want to say hi.” Minka shimmied her shoulders. “Be right back.”

  Alex shooed her way with a smile, then looked toward the source of a melodious laugh in the room. It was Neve, surrounded by a group of men in suits, all rapt with interest.

  And why not? Neve was stunning in a silky white sheath that revealed one shoulder and highlighted her voluptuous figure. And Dylan was at her side. Solicitous. Fawning.

  Alex grabbed a glass of white wine from a passing waiter. But also with Neve were Jasper, Mayor Bellamy, and two other men. Alex recognized one, the other festival sponsor. He appeared to be in his early fifties. He was taller and broader than either Jack or Dylan, with a powerful frame dressed casually in a silk shirt, linen pants, and loafers with no socks. What was his name? Montgomery Blue.

  He caught her looking at him and grinned. Alex took in his intelligent dark eyes, olive complexion, and thick dark hair full of gray streaks. She smiled back, wondering why a chill had just traveled up her spine. She looked away quickly to Neve, who was directly beside him.

  Neve wiggled her fingers at her in greeting. Alex waved back, eager to finish their discussion. She searched the room, wondering where Celeste was, then spotted her in a small group, talking to—Tegan. Alex hesitated, not wanting to join that group, but also wanting to be social. She was aware that she was standing alone at a party. Tegan and Celeste were joined by Tobias Winston, her aunt Lidia’s friend and attorney, and Pepper. She moved through the room to join the group.

  Celeste smiled at her when she arrived, and the small circle widened to include her. “Having fun?”

  Alex nodded.

  Celeste looked festive, wearing a party dress in deep violet, with a sequined tank top bodice and a tulle mini dress that fell mid-thigh. A large tote, silver and sparkly, hung on her shoulder.

  What’s in the bag? Alex telepathed to Celeste with a curious grin.

  Celeste smiled. Oh, this and that.

  Greeting everyone before turning to Dylan’s mother, Alex couldn’t quite make her mouth form a smile. So she said hello and quickly brought her glass of wine to her mouth.

  Tegan’s icy-blue eyes glittered, but she didn’t smile either, though her lips twitched in response. “Aleksandra.” She inclined her head. “Where’s Lidia?” This time her red lips split into a hard, expectant smile. “I thought she’d be here.”

  Alex assessed the woman and almost laughed. Like Tegan actually hoped to see her aunt. Coldly beautiful, Tegan had pale bloodless skin, sharp features, and sleek dark hair styled into a bob that grazed her shoulders. She wore a royal blue pantsuit and heels that made her tower over Alex by several inches. A necklace of blood-red jewels clung to her throat.

  Alex wouldn’t tell her the truth: that she’d asked her aunt to attend, and Lidia had stated rather passionately that she wouldn’t go anywhere “that woman”—Tegan—was. She smiled at Dylan’s mother. “She’s busy.”

  Tegan sniffed in response before turning to Tobias. “As I was saying, I couldn’t be prouder of my boy. He’s taking Wesley Inc. to new places.”

  Tobias, a short man with glasses and a round face, grinned. “Dylan’s always been a smart one. I’m not surprised.”

  Alex glanced at Celeste and then Tegan with interest. “What has Dylan done?”

  “Only closed the biggest deal in our company’s history.” She exchanged glances with Celeste. “Isn’t that right, dear?”

  Celeste preened under Tegan’s gaze. “That’s right, Mrs. Wesley.”

  Alex shot her friend an amused glance, wondering how she’d gotten on the right side of Tegan.

  Pepper perked up and leaned in. “Any details you can share?

  Celeste opened her mouth to speak, but Tegan beat her to the point. “No.” Her voice was firm. “Certainly not for you.”

  “Oh.” Pepper laughed, though it was a bit forced. “Okay.” She looked around the room, and Alex followed her gaze, seeing Cressida, Josephine, and Yuko huddled in a corner, probably discussing the festival.

  “Well,” Pepper said, “I’ve got to mingle and get a few comments for the paper.”

  When Alex turned back to Tegan and Celeste, she was surprised to see Dylan standing there. He s
melled spicy and sweet, of tobacco and leather. A heady mix. A strange mix. But it was intoxicating, and she had to stop herself from closing her eyes, leaning toward him, and inhaling. Instead, she cursed Jack for the millionth time for not being with her when she needed him.

  Where is he anyway?

  Dylan was handsome, as usual, in a white blazer, crisp white shirt with blue pin stripes, and blue dress pants. He looked like he was about to go yachting. He smiled at the group. “What did I miss?”

  Celeste grinned. “Your mother was just singing your praises.”

  “Oh, that?” He shrugged nonchalantly. “Just another acquisition.”

  Tegan patted her son on his cheek and smiled indulgently. “If you say so, dear.” She took Tobias’s arm. “Montgomery looks bored talking to the mayor. Let’s save him, shall we?”

  Alex turned once again to look at the man who was cosponsoring the festival. He was watching her, or at least it seemed that way to her. He inclined his head, and Alex felt strongly that he wanted to speak to her. But about what? She had no business with him.

  Tobias bowed toward Alex. “Tell your aunt she was missed tonight.”

  Tegan rolled her eyes and placed her arm through his, leading him away.

  Dylan filled the silence with a laugh. “My mother.”

  “So, your big deal?” Alex prodded.

  He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Can’t say much until it’s publicly announced.” He noticed Alex’s glass was empty and took it from her, placing it on a passing waiter’s tray. “Another?”

  Alex shook her head. “No, thank you.” She needed to keep her wits about her. She would talk with Neve later, and she wanted—needed—to be clearheaded. She turned to Celeste. “This super-secret, hush-hush big deal … you’re working on it too?”

  Celeste nodded with a grin.

  Dylan chuckled. “All I can tell you is that it will take our company to the next level.”