Crossroads

by Alexie Aaron [Aaron, Alexie]

  “Thank you for explaining the situation. I haven’t seen any difference in Murphy’s behavior apart from eavesdropping.”

  “He’s not shy in telling me off. I expect he’s waiting until after the christening.”

  “Shall we continue with the voice-overs?”

  “May as well.”

  Burt arrived an hour later. He was shocked to see Mia sitting there. He looked around and didn’t see Ted, nor Cid for that matter.

  Mia looked up from the editing console and waved him over. “Are you sure you want to show the goofball antics?”

  “Are you doing voice-overs?” Burt asked, amazed.

  “As requested,” Mia said. She tapped a piece of paper. “I think you may need to blur the family photos. I’ve noted the cells.”

  Burt looked at the pages of notes and sat down. “Mia, would I be insulting if I asked if you were feeling well?”

  “No. I admit I’m not very good at doing my work on time,” Mia said. “I thought I’d put in the extra effort since both Mike and Audrey are out of the picture this summer.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Before I forget, guess who pedaled into our lives this morning?”

  “Who do I know that rides a bike?” Burt asked, tapping his chin.

  “Stephanie Gilbert.”

  “That’s right, we have her gear.”

  “She was heading back up to the southern edge of the eagle preserve. I sent Enos with her, after a lecture about the dangers of being up there alone.”

  “Dangers?”

  “There are a lot of open wells you can get sucked into if you’re not careful. Only people who work there or the old-timers know where they are. I stayed out of the preserve because it’s majorly haunted.”

  “Why am I just hearing about it now?” Burt asked.

  “I thought we had enough local haunts with the hollow,” Mia said. “I didn’t really remember the place until Murphy mentioned the bridge. There is a personal account of a group of campers and the terror of being up there in the library’s historical room. If you want, I could pick it up tomorrow?”

  “Why not today? The library does have Sunday hours.”

  “Lisa Lane-Cordoba volunteers there on Sunday. It’s part of her community service for being arrested on a drunk-and-disorderly at the Big Bear Lake high school’s baseball game.”

  “I imagine there is a story there.”

  “I wasn’t there. She did it all on her own.”

  “I could go.”

  “You may want to take Brian or Varden.”

  “Why?”

  “You’re going to have to ask the resident ghost for help in finding it.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Old Man Taylor.”

  Burt smiled. “Wouldn’t Mr. Taylor be more appropriate?”

  Mia blushed. “Sorry, old habits die hard.”

  “Just to satisfy my curiosity, how many haunted places are there in Big Bear Lake?”

  Mia closed her eyes and counted out on her fingers. She stopped and asked, “Within the village limits or…”

  “The county.”

  “Sixteen, maybe more. I used to have a book where I kept track…”

  “Did Ted burn it with all your other stuff?” Burt asked.

  “No. I think it may be in the garage at the peninsula house.”

  “Maybe it would be better placed in the aerie or in my collection,” Burt hinted.

  “You’re not wrong… Although, it may have some personal stuff in it. I’ll retrieve it next time I’m there. What do you have in mind?”

  “We could do some local investigations when we have downtime.”

  “I really don’t want to put a spotlight on Big Bear Lake.”

  “Why?”

  Mia told him about Whit’s suppositions and explained why it was dangerous to have ghost-hunter hobbyists traipsing around Big Bear Lake.

  Burt nodded. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think beyond my own greed.”

  “You’ve never been interested in money before. What’s going on?” Mia asked.

  Burt looked over at Mia and worried how she was going to react.

  “Are you thinking about settling down?” Mia asked.

  “Are you reading my mind, Cooper?”

  “No. I just think, perhaps, a former Miss New Jersey has caught your eye.”

  “I do like her. I’m not sure she’s ready for anything more than friendship. But having her there on the peninsula sparked thoughts that it would be nice to have a wife and children. I look at all Ted and you have with envy.”

  “It is nice to have someone to come home to,” Mia said softly. “We couldn’t live this way if not for Ted and Cid’s inventions.”

  “And that pirate loot,” Burt reminded her.

  Mia stood up. “I almost forgot.” Mia stepped away from the console and opened her wings. She drew out a pouch and set it on the table.

  “Wait,” Burt said. “Your wings are different.”

  Mia grinned. “Less menacing?”

  “Yes.”

  “I assure you, they are still the same wings, just a more acceptable color.”

  Burt walked over and did see the same razor-sharp edges. “I see you haven’t put your warrior days behind you.”

  “I’m at a crossroads. I’m not sure if the world will let me settle into the role of counselor just yet. I’m needed to heal the angels. Raphael can’t be everywhere.”

  “I do owe him my life.”

  “No, you owe Mia your life,” Ted reminded him from the doorway. “Mia, the Bravermans are getting ready to leave. I thought you may want to approach Paula and see if she would like to move her and Noah into the guestroom.”

  “Yes, I would. Thanks for reminding me. Excuse me, gentlemen. Jake put a pin in where I have to resume.” She took two steps and then moved back to the table and picked up the pouch she had extracted from her wing and left.

  “What was that?” Burt asked.

  “Pirate loot,” Murphy said, manifesting.

  Burt looked at Ted and then at Murphy. “Are you two taking turns watching Mia?”

  “Not me,” Ted said.

  “She’s been acting odd,” Murphy said. “I’m keeping an eye on her for her own good.”

  “Do you want to tell me, her husband, your concerns?” Ted asked.

  Burt looked at the two. He wasn’t sure what he was witnessing. Ted wasn’t being cowed by the ghost, and the ghost wasn’t acting guilty.

  “She pays too much reverence to the demons she’s had to interact with. Mother Nature says that Hell has a way of changing a person. There are a whole different set of rules of behavior down there.”

  “Which Mia uses to her advantage,” Ted said. “Stephen, I can see that you’re concerned. Maybe you should approach Mia with your worries so the two of you can talk them out. Sneaking around will piss her off. She does know you’re there. No matter what veil you’re in, Mia has always been able to know when you’re near. You have this bond that, no matter what changes she goes through or even when you changed in the GSD, hasn’t broken. You may not feel it, but Mia does. It’s all part of being a sensitive, I believe.”

  “So, she knows that…”

  “You’ve been lurking,” Jake responded. “So do I.”

  Murphy pushed his hat back on his head. “I feel like a naughty schoolboy.”

  Ted laughed. “Speaking from the position of a person with EES, extreme eavesdropper’s syndrome, I totally understand. The hardest thing is to not listen in.”

  Burt felt the tension lift. He was amazed at the difference in Ted since the purge of Beth’s false memories. He regretted that Ted had to go through that in the first place. Imagine the man he would be now if he hadn’t had to deal with the constant chatter of falsehoods in his head about his wife for years. But then again, he hung in there. He stayed with her no matter his doubts. Was this what being married was al
l about? The highs and the lows, giving the other room to grow but being there to guide them back when they stray too far. Was he ready to do that?

  ~

  Mia rolled the stroller up to the aerie and into the building. She was grateful for the birdman-size doors. She was able to roll the stroller right into the library. There, she found her friend Altair reading.

  He turned his head and took in the woman before him. “Mia, you’re a breathtaking vision, dotted with baby puke and milk stains.”

  “You always know the right thing to say,” Mia said. “Are you up for a game of chess? The girls promise to behave themselves.”

  “But do you?”

  “Probably not,” Mia said, leaning in and kissing the archangel on the cheek.

  “Then this shall be an interesting game. Today, you’re black.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  The two played for a while in silence. Altair took Mia’s rook and smiled. “You did very well in dealing with Udo.”

  “I wasn’t sure Takemi was picking up on the operation.”

  “He’s quick enough, but he is unused to charity.”

  “I hope he didn’t think I was giving him anything he didn’t deserve.”

  “The bow was an interesting touch.”

  “Just me screwing with Murphy.”

  “I see you’re not surprised that I was there.”

  “You’re my guardian angel. I prayed you were there. I’m going to miss it when you leave. Sariel doesn’t understand me like you do.”

  “He’s never had to deal with Lucifer like we have. He did almost die for you though. I’m not sure I would have been strong enough to save you.”

  “You underestimate your abilities.” Mia took his bishop with her queen. “But you don’t see everything.”

  “Ouch,” he said and concentrated on his game. “Let’s talk about Roumain.”

  “Let’s not.”

  “Baxter then.”

  “Ugh.”

  “Your bishops are pulling you this way and that.”

  “I’ll admit to being soft on Roumain. I know I shouldn’t because he’s the most dangerous.”

  “It’s all that sex appeal.”

  “Maybe.”

  “If you’re holding on to him because he can protect you from Lucifer, you’re wrong. The only creature strong enough is Michael. Maybe Gabriel, but Gabe doesn’t like you.”

  “Why is that?”

  “You give too much reverence to the old gods. Dis Pater comes to mind. Why hasn’t Dis Pater left with the others?”

  “He believes in his mission. He will continue to protect the paupers’ graves until they stop burying them.”

  “That’s admirable. Which brings us to Baxter.”

  “What about him?”

  “Are you still going to let him counsel you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m a constant work in progress.”

  “What are his motivations?”

  “He takes his occupation very seriously. I’m one of his patients.”

  “He’s evil, Mia.”

  “No one is totally evil. As no one is totally good.”

  “He used to eat virgins.”

  Mia’s face gave her away.

  “I thought you’d figured it out by now,” Altair said, taking her queen. “You’re not safe if he loses his focus.”

  Mia got up and brought all the shades down and locked the doors. She turned around, took off her top, and extended her wings fully.

  Altair got up and saw the brand.

  “It’s for my protection. He doesn’t know I know it’s there.”

  “Then he’s worried too,” Altair said quietly. He walked around Mia and examined every inch of her that he could see. He saw other markings she couldn’t see. Michael had marked her neck. He pushed down the back of her shorts and saw Roumain’s claim in the hollow of her back.

  “Um, what’s going on?” Mia asked.

  “You read like an urban wall. Everyone who is anybody has claimed you. You can’t see what I can see.”

  Mia pulled off the rest of her clothing and pleaded, “Tell me his claim isn’t here.”

  Altair looked at Mia clinically. He saw a shimmer around her ankle that seemed to be more of a gift than a claim. He didn’t see Lucifer anywhere on her body.

  “He’s not claimed you. It would be out of character, but I looked anyway.”

  Mia pulled her clothes on quickly. “Thank you.” She sat down.

  “You’re not going to ask who claimed you?”

  “No. I don’t think it would do me any good.”

  “Probably not. You kicked up such a fuss when you were tattooed.”

  “Turns out, ink just isn’t my thing,” Mia said, pushing her pawn into place. “I want my queen back, and checkmate.”

  “Distract me with your body and I lose the game,” Altair grumbled. “I wonder who you learned that from?”

  “Roumain. He does it to me every time.”

  Altair laughed. “What other weaknesses do you have?”

  “I love the fallen’s orange demon eyes. They are different than normal demon eyes. I suspect Takemi is a fallen.”

  “Not archangel fallen but, yes, fallen,” Altair acknowledged.

  There was a burble, and then Maeve opened her eyes and looked around. Mia gently lifted her up. “She looks so much like Ted.”

  “And Genevieve like Angelo.”

  “That’s not possible.”

  “Victor?”

  “No. My father says Genevieve looks like I did when I was born. Before my mother tried to kill me and Abigor opened my eyes.”

  Altair picked up the infant. She still slept. He put his forehead to Genevieve’s for a minute. “She’s yours. No one exchanged her in the womb.”

  “Can that happen?” Mia asked.

  “Yes. But it’s very hard to do. To try to do it to a sensitive is probably impossible, but I had to check.”

  “I’m not going to have any more children.”

  “Not with Ted,” Altair said.

  “No more children,” Mia said firmly.

  “You may change your mind in a hundred years. Your lineage is too valuable.”

  “It’s Ted’s lineage that gave me these babies. After all, I’m a machine constructed by evil people.”

  “Stop thinking that way. Would it help if you knew what happened when you died, when your mother tried to kill you?”

  “I’m not sure? Maybe she sensed the evil inside.”

  “Would you mind if I asked Azrael?”

  “If you think it’s important, I have no objections.”

  “Mia, you trust me too much.”

  “If I can’t trust you, then I can trust no one,” Mia said.

  “I’m a drunk.”

  “It doesn’t change who you are.”

  “I was kicked out of Heaven.”

  “So?”

  “I have failed you.”

  “I have failed you. But it wasn’t on purpose. I shouldn’t have interfered and dragged you back to Heaven with my death wish.”

  “I was happy for a time,” he argued.

  “I hope you will be happy again,” Mia said.

  “It seems both of us are at a crossroads.”

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  “I don’t approve of the government giving lumber companies free rein in our preserves and state parks, but I do have to admit, there is a lot of dead wood here that could be dangerous in a dry season,” Stephanie told Enos.

  They were walking in from where she had originally parked her bike.

  “The tree where the nest was in is gone,” Stephanie pointed out.

  “Do you think that whoever attacked you was from this place?” Enos asked.

  “I don’t think he was from the lumber company. He moved like he was from the circus. He leapt off that moving truck to the rail,
pushed me off, and I assume, he got back on the truck. I didn’t see it happen. I was too busy looking at the water.”

  The area smelled of freshly sawn wood. Enos didn’t know anything about the right way to thin a forest, so he was clueless to whether the lumber company was taking advantage of the lack of supervision or not. He would ask Murphy’s opinion when he returned.

  “Mia said there was an old settlement up here,” Enos said. “I think the forest has obliterated the buildings, and all that is left are the wells.”

  “Wells?”

  “Water is most important. It is the giver of life.” He pointed to a rise where large roots ran in and out of the remaining soil around the rocks. “See how deep the roots of the trees are? They drink from water that runs under this land.”

  Stephanie turned and looked at the man from Denmark.

  “Listen and you’ll hear the water running,” Enos said.

  Stephanie did, and she did hear water. But where was it coming from? She walked slowly towards the sound. A strong hand caught her before she took a step that would have ended her life.

  “Look down,” he said.

  Stephanie saw a dark hole. The grasses had overgrown the opening, which was much larger than she was comfortable with.

  “The settlers lined their excavations with stone, and when they struck water, they covered the openings with rough-hewn wood. But over the years, the wood rotted away leaving the wells open and dangerous. Watch,” Enos said, striking a wooden match and dropping it before her. It fell a long way before the darkness ate the light.

  Next, Enos dropped a sizable rock. It took a while before she heard the splash. Stephanie stepped back. “I believe this is the second time you’ve saved my life.”

  “I can’t take credit for the first time. I was just a tool in your recovery.”

  “Who was it then?”

  “Off the record?” Enos asked.

  Stephanie raised both eyebrows. “Of course.”

  “How much do you know about spøgelse… ghosts… spirits?”

  “I know the Gifford house in town has a resident ghost. I haven’t seen him, but he put a bunch of strawberries in my bike basket when I was eight.”