by K. H. Pope
“Did I? You must be mistaken. You see it’s still standing.”
“I can smell it, too,” I say while crossing my arms.
“Look, Alice, I’m sorry. I had no choice. Pearl and that crazy lady, Evelyn Crowe, were going to kill me. I tried to run. I tried to hide. I tried to beg, but I couldn’t get away.”
“You weren’t trying to hide or beg or run. Pearl made an offer you couldn’t refuse. Keep lying, Tip. You’re only going to piss me off more.”
Tip looks down with a heavy sigh. “Sorry, alright. They really did threaten me.”
I begin to feel sorry for him. Honestly, it’s my fault that he was threatened in the first place. I was the one who asked for his help in finding Lily Fawlke. He was bound to get Evelyn and Pearl’s attention.
I release my powers from him, and he relaxes.
“Tip, I’m sorry that you went through all that.”
“It’s cool, Alice. We good, right?”
“Yes, we are.”
“So, what’s up? Why are you really here?” Tip is still kind of nervous.
“I came back because I need your help…again.”
He shakes his head and says, “I don’t know if I can, not after the last time with Calamous and Lily Fawlke.”
“It has nothing to do with them.” I pull out the picture and show it to him.
Vanessa is looking straight ahead, but her hair covers part of her face.
“Who is this?” Tip asks.
“Her name is Vanessa Brenlich,” I answer.
“This is a dimension trap.” Tip stares at it in amazement. “I didn’t think these things still existed. Where did you get it from?”
“A bellhop in Paris gave it to me.”
“This is cool, Alice. An old wizard told me once that each dimension trap is different. It can be a photograph, a diamond or any kind of stone, a mirror, or a body of water. You have to be very powerful to create one of these, though. Can I keep it?”
“NO!” I snatch it out of his hand and put back in my pocket.
“What are you going to do with it, anyway?”
“Get her out of it, but I have to find the person that put her in there. Can you check the Magi Elite’s database and see who can create dimension traps?”
“That’s going to be tricky,” Tip says. “I don’t think I’ll be able to track anyone down who can do that.”
“Can you look into it for me, anyway?”
“I will, but only if you forgive me.”
“I should be asking you for forgiveness,” I remark.
“You can marry me, and I promise you we’re good then.”
“No,” John quickly answers.
“I wasn’t talking to you,” Tip remarks. “Alice, get rid of John Zipper here, and I’ll do anything you want.”
“Not going anywhere, birdbrain,” John remarks.
“Focus, gentlemen, focus. Tip, there’s more I need for you to do.”
“What else you got?”
“Can you look up Vanessa’s family background? Her father’s name is Peter Brenlich, and the mother is Olivia Brenlich.”
“Anything else?”
“I need the address and real name of a guy living in Cactus, Texas. His name is Timber.”
“There’s actually a place called Cactus, Texas, and a guy name Timber?” Tip is laughing. I’m trying not to.
“Yes,” John solidly answers.
“You got anything else?” Tip asks.
“Nope,” I answer.
Tip leans towards his laptop and starts typing. He discovers that Cactus doesn’t have a police force, but it is patrolled by a county sheriff department. He finds Timber’s record in their database, simply by putting in the alias.
The man’s real name is Theodore Timber. From his mug shot, he appears to be as big and as wide as a door, and his face is decorated with a black eye and a fat lip. Whatever battle Timber was fighting that day, he lost miserably.
“That’s her boyfriend?” John asks as he sits beside Tip. “That guy can scare an ax murderer.”
“Send that to my phone,” I remark.
Tip hits a button, and my phone tings a notification.
“What about Timber’s financial background?” John asks.
Tip is unable to find a credit report or a bank account. There isn’t anything that indicates how Timber makes a living. At least, we have his address. Tip goes on to the next task. Within a few minutes, he has the Brenlichs’ credit report on the laptop screen.
John reads through it quickly and says, “Their finances aren’t too bad. Bank accounts aren’t overdrawn, and there are no huge deposits or withdrawals. Normal use of credit cards, utility payments made on time. Considering how bad things are, they’re doing okay on Olivia’s salary from her job.”
“Maybe, Vanessa is in the trap because of something her boyfriend did,” I comment. “Or he could have put her in there.”
“I don’t think the boyfriend is capable,” John says.
“It could be Vanessa,” Tip adds. “I’ll check her finances, too.”
Once those records are brought up on screen, John and I read through them.
“She has a weekly deposit from her job,” John says. “No more than three hundred points a week. These people are all normal, Alice. I don’t think any one of them are responsible for this dimension trap.”
“Okay, Tip, do me one more favor. I need for you to find a home address for Mia Mews. She works with the mayor of Cactus.”
His fingers are flying across the keyboard, and websites are coming up and disappearing just as fast. Finally, her profile comes up. He sends her home address to my phone.
“Tip, thank you for your help,” I say as I stand.
“No problem. I’m here for you anytime, Alice. You know that.”
“Call me the moment you find out who can make dimension traps.”
“You got it.”
I tell John to give Tip his number just in case I can’t be reached. Sigurd appears right beside me, right when they finish.
“Hello, Sigurd,” I remark.
John asks curiously, “Who is Sigurd?”
“My guardian angel,” Tip answers as he slumps down farther on the sofa. “My worst nightmare.”
John starts looking for him.
“How are you doing, Alice?” Sigurd kindly asks.
“I’m good.”
“I tried to warn you about Pearl and Evelyn back at Lana’s house, but Tip cut me off. I hope you’re not angry with me.”
“I could never be angry with you,” I remark.
“It’s weird watching her talk to nobody,” John says as he’s trying to figure out where the angel is.
“Tell me about it,” Tip adds.
Sigurd continues, “I’m glad you didn’t hurt him.”
This good hearted guardian angel, he’s always protecting Tip. He reminds me of what it used to be like, to give all of myself. The love for my charges was limitless, despite what they looked like, who they were, or their past.
“I would never hurt him,” I say.
“And I thank you for that.”
“It’s good to see you again, Sigurd.”
The guardian disappears with a slight bow.
“Tip, call me when you finish your search,” I remark while heading to the bedroom.
“Okay,” he yells back.
John and I go back to Cactus, and on to Sunray, Texas, where Mia Mews lives. With the holidays, we’re hoping to catch her at home.
CHAPTER 11
The road to Sunray, Texas, cuts through a never ending flat landscape covered in an ocean of green grass. A freight train is on the rail, but it’s not moving. The sky is bright blue and clear. The view is beautiful, once we get passed the train.
“You want to listen to the radio?” John asks as he points to the dial.
“No, I’m fine.”
“Alice, will you answer a question?”
“Okay.”
“Don’t ta
ke this the wrong way, but how old are you really?”
“Why would I take that the wrong way?”
“Women usually don’t like to be asked their age,” John comments.
“I don’t know my age. When I was an angel, I never thought about it. None of the angels did.”
“So, you guys never celebrated birthdays?”
“Time is irrelevant when you’re an angel. We are created, and we are given a purpose. That’s it.”
“Were you alive before the Pyramids were built?”
“I believe so,” I answer.
“Were you around when the dinosaurs existed?”
I know exactly where John is headed. He reminds me of Father Paul back in Bossier City, Louisiana. Father Paul questioned me about his faith, but I didn’t give him the answer he wanted. I never answer questions when it comes to how man came to be, the validity of science, or the creation of the universe, and I’m not about to reveal the past now.
“Well, were you?” John asks.
“Since the breath of humans, I’ve been here.”
“You know, there is evidence of dinosaurs before human beings.”
“There’s evidence of Bigfoot, but I’m not here to confirm it. Move on, John.”
“Fine,” he says with a sigh. “So, what kind of angels are there? I know there are guardians and archangels.”
“Messengers, healers, teachers, judgements, those that praise. I can go on and on.”
“Have you seen my guardian angel?”
“I have,” I answer.
“What is he like?”
“How do you know your guardian is a he?” I ask.
“I don’t know,” John says. “It’s just a guess.”
“Your guardian is male, but I’ve never talked to him. I’ve seen him only once.”
“It must be a bother to see everyone’s guardian angel.”
“I can’t see all of them,” I answer. “The only reason why I see yours is because you touched me.”
“That’s why you don’t like to shake hands.”
“Exactly,” I answer.
“Why didn’t you stay?”
Why did he have to go there? John is remembering the last time I was in Plain Dealing. I left abruptly. It was time for me to leave, anyway. Lana was safe at home. My job was done. I know he wants to speak about my departure, but I’m not eager to answer him.
He persists, “Were you running from something?”
“There wasn’t anything to run from.”
“You’re a terrible liar, Alice. You were afraid. You might not be entirely human, but you feel just like one.”
This is the one conversation I wanted to avoid.
“Have you had any relationships since you left Plain Dealing?”
“No,” I answer.
“Why not?”
“I don’t want to be disappointed. I don’t want to risk falling in love and not having it work out. Not to mention I’ll live a lot longer than the other person.”
“You of all people should know risk is what makes love much more worthwhile.”
“Love only means something to those that wants to feel it. I don’t. What about you? Anyone able to steal your heart?”
“Nope,” he says.
“Find that hard to believe,” I comment.
“Why?”
“You’re a handsome guy. You’re smart, and you’ve got a lot going for yourself.”
“I’m no better than the next guy. Probably, a lot more boring.”
“So, no girlfriends in the past six months? Nobody that has caught your eye?”
“You act like I’m searching for a woman.”
“You are,” I comment.
“Believe it or not, I’m just living. If there’s a woman I’m supposed to be with, she’ll come along sooner or later, or I’ll eventually run into her.”
Under the surface of our conversation, he wishes for something more between us. Even I know when the spring of love is about to burst, but John deserves a good woman, one without the kind of problems I have. One that can give him children and a different life from what I can offer. I’m not a future, not by any means, for any man. I hope he doesn’t pursue what he feels. It’ll be the kind of let down that can’t be mended by being friends afterwards.
Our trip continues in a much needed silence.
CHAPTER 12
The lovely little house that Mia Mews lives in reminds me of a cottage one finds in fairytales. A white picket fence surrounds the one story pastel yellow stucco structure. The front yard has green grass. The sidewalk is cracked and raised in the middle, but that’s the only thing that seems to be out of whack. The front porch is a wide space that spans the length of the front of the house. I knock on the door frame, and we step back.
Mia Mews appears from a side room. She’s a woman probably in her late sixties with platinum hair, wearing a light blue dress and white orthopedic shoes. Her blue eyes are covered with glittery framed spectacles.
“Yes,” she says as she comes out onto the porch.
“Ms. Mews, my name is Alice, and this is John. We’re here to speak to you about Vanessa Brenlich.”
She pulls her glasses off and says, “She’s still missing, isn’t she?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I answer.
“I knew it. That detective is about as incompetent as my hemorrhoids.” That garners a frown from me and John. “He should be fired. Please, come on in.”
The little living room is quite homely with floral fabric furniture and decor. There isn’t a thing in the living room that’s up to date. She doesn’t have a video game, a flat glass television, or one of those music devices that has the capability of receiving and playing music. This woman spends her time crocheting blankets, reading dated magazines, and doing crossword puzzles. The evidence is all around the living room.
“Please, have a seat. Would you two care for anything to drink? I have warm coffee and tea.”
John asks for coffee, light cream, and I decline the offer entirely. She disappears into the kitchen, and I decide to take that free moment to look at the family pictures on the mantle.
Ms. Mews have grown kids and grandchildren. From the evergreens in the background of the photos, they probably don’t live in Texas. She’s probably living alone, working, and staying busy with crafts and hobbies in her free time.
“Here you are,” she says as she hands John a cup.
“This is your family?” I ask.
Ms. Mews comes to my side and slides her glasses back onto her head. “My two sons and their wives. I have a total of six grandchildren. All of them come from my oldest son.” She shakes her head and laughs.
“Your youngest son doesn’t want children?” I ask.
“I think he doesn’t want to admit it to me, but I think he’s having problems.” She leans closer and whispers, “Man problems.”
She’s hilarious.
I ask, “Where is your husband?”
“I’ve never been married, dear, but the father of my sons is dead.”
“I’m sorry,” I remark.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. He was a grumpy old bastard. I pity the devil that has to deal with him now. I’ve had my thirty years fill.” Ms. Mews goes over to the sofa and sits down next to John. “How’s the coffee?”
“It’s perfect.” John beams at her. “You should open a coffee shop.”
She accepts his flirts with a giggle and a pat on his leg. He better watch himself. I believe she can handle him.
“How can I help you two?” she says as she looks up at me.
I sit down in the deceivingly comfortable arm chair and ask, “On December 12th, what time did Vanessa get to work?”
“I don’t remember. I can only assume she was on time.”
“Was she preoccupied when she got there? Anything on her mind?”
“She was excited about the celebration being held in March. She had some new event ideas. That’s about it.”
“
Did she go anywhere while she was at work?”
Ms. Mews thinks for a short moment and then says, “She went to see Allison Landon first thing that morning.”
“Who is that?” I ask.
“Allison is vice chair on the committee for Texas Founder’s Day Celebration, and she’s in charge of public affairs for the mayor’s office. I’m sure those titles are meaningless to you, but they mean the world to her.”
“Did Vanessa come back after she went to see Ms. Landon?”
“Yes, and she was not happy. Allison shot down her ideas. Said they were too expensive.”
“Personal dislikes or was it professional?”
“Both,” Ms. Mews answers.
“Why doesn’t she like Vanessa?”
“Well, Vanessa is a high school graduate with no experience, and Allison thinks the mayor hired her because he was friendly with Vanessa’s mother at one time.”
Rumors fueled by jealousy. Most of the time they’re lies. I ask, “Is that true or gossip?”
“I’m not sure, and I never asked.”
“How closely does Vanessa work with the mayor?”
“Not very. She actually works for me.”
“Any problems out of her?”
“No, Vanessa is a wonderful girl. She’s a tremendous help to me in the office, and I’m glad to have her there. She has taken a huge load off my shoulders.”
“So, after she came back from her meeting with Allison Landon, what else happened? Did she leave at any point?”
“From what I can remember, she stayed in the office with me until lunch. Then she left for a couple of hours.”
“Where did she go?” I ask.
“Probably went to see the bear.”
“The bear,” I say with confusion.
“That boyfriend of hers. Bear is what I call him. She tells me he’s a friend, but he wants to be more. He loves that girl. I can tell how he looks at her.”
“You’ve met Theodore Timber?” I ask.
“Oh yes,” she says with a chuckle. “He was a pleasant young man, but I can tell, he can be a handful.”
“What do you mean? Has he hit her?”
“He adored Vanessa. I don’t think he would lay a hand on her. I think he’s just very overprotective.”
