Raven, Red

by Connie Suttle

  Claudio drew in a breath as a light kindled in his own palm—and that of First Scholar, too. In seconds, the entire basement glowed from the lights in many palms.

  "Mom?" Val walked into his mother's sitting room. The television was on, but she wasn't watching it. Instead, her arms were crossed, her hands tucked tightly against her ribs. "Is something wrong?" he asked right away.

  "Val, I," she began.

  "Show me," he said gently.

  Unfolding her arms, she held her left palm out for Val to see.

  Val held out his left hand. Both bore matching scallop shell imprints. "What does this mean?" Janie breathed.

  "It means we're among those the Custodian trusts."

  What if I'm a little afraid?

  "Did you want me to hear that?" Val asked, taking his mother's hand in his own and squeezing it carefully.

  "I wasn't sure it would work."

  "Mom, I think we're all afraid—some of us more than a little. We have to stand up for what's right, or division and chaos will take this country down."

  "I'm not so young anymore," she revealed her biggest worry.

  "That doesn't mean you can't make your presence known," Val smiled. "I love you, Mom. More than anything. Come on, dinner's ready."

  "Well, you said we'd need a ton of tamales," Ari nodded at Nico when seventeen vampires followed their noses into the kitchen.

  "Erly, let's take 'em to the big table," Hunter bumped his friend's shoulder with his own. "Follow me," he invited Claudio and the others. "We'll bring the food to you. You're gonna love this."

  "I think I can make tamales in my sleep, now," Mary Kate laughed. "Come on, let's get the food on the table."

  Lance, sitting on his favorite sofa in the game room, studied the imprint in his palm. Mona, Laronda and Del all had one just like it. One minute, his hand was normal. The next, it bore the imprint. He hadn't felt it; it merely was.

  He'd discovered that Janie, Val, Erly, Hunter and two of Val's wolves, Henry and Kev, also had an imprint, in addition to seventeen vampires, who'd devoured tamales for dinner as if they were the best thing ever.

  Maybe tamales are the best, he thought.

  "Tamales were outstanding," Mona agreed. She sat on the opposite end of the sofa he occupied, waiting for Nico and Ari to take them to Austin to visit Esther Johnson.

  "If we survive all this, do you think we can ever go back to Dallas PD—with what we are and what we know, now?" Lance asked her.

  "Probably not. We haven't talked to Belwether in days and he hasn't called us; I doubt it will be a painful break if we don't go back."

  "You'll have a place within the Department if you want it," Laronda said. She and Del walked into the game room to join them. Laronda's hearing had caught the conversation long before she reached the doorway.

  "Something to consider—thank you," Lance grinned.

  "Yeah—normal stuff just feels so—mundane, if you know what I mean," Mona said.

  "Ready?" Mac arrived not far behind Laronda and Del.

  "Yep," Lance heaved himself off the sofa.

  "Ari and Nico are downstairs, waiting," Mac said. "Shall we?"

  "Coffee is quite delightful," Claudio sipped with obvious enjoyment. Esther had offered her guests coffee, cookies and small slices of cake upon their arrival.

  "I haven't been able to taste anything in so long," Second Scholar sighed after finishing a chocolate chip cookie.

  Ari, Nico and Mac, all having coffee, watched the vampire Scholars with barely hidden smiles.

  "You're here to discuss the funeral, aren't you?" Esther turned her gaze toward Del.

  "Yes. We want to provide protection. Nico suggests that Val and Janie be with you, in addition to one other guard, at the very least."

  "I can take up to four guests," Esther replied.

  "Then Erly or Hunter would be good choices," Nico said.

  "Hunter may be the better choice," Mac coughed.

  "Yeah. Sticking a black man smack in the middle of a bunch of white folks makes him stand out like a peacock in a hen house," Erly agreed. "We don't need anybody paying closer attention than they ought to, especially in that crowd."

  Laronda dipped her head in a slight nod of agreement with Erly.

  "We can put you somewhere in the middle section, though," Del said. "If needed, you can get through a crowd fast, I think."

  "Sure can, even if I have to claw my way over wooden pews."

  "Well, these pews are padded, but we get the idea," Laronda smiled.

  "Haven't you ever wanted to claw the stuffing out of seat cushions?" Erly teased. "If you haven't, you may have to turn in your shifter card."

  "I may or may not have allegedly chewed a few in my younger days, but there's no real evidence left behind."

  "Statute of limitations has set in," Val opined.

  "What is the statute of limitations on cushion destruction? Asking for a friend," Ari said, holding up a hand to fend off accusations.

  "I'd say two years—it's fairly standard," Esther laughed.

  "We'll have others from the Department outside, watching the overflow crowd," Del broke in, bringing the conversation back to the subject at hand. "More than half won't need to carry a weapon, because they are the weapon."

  "Just be careful—you know what those conspiracy websites will make of that if it comes down to it," Lance cautioned.

  "Yes, but if the choice is hold back or save lives," Nico countered.

  "Saving lives is what we're there for—along with hunting the Adversary," Ari said. "Maybe we ought to start hunting down those websites, too."

  "We have people on that," Del said. "But if one gets shut down, there's nothing to stop it from popping up elsewhere."

  "Then the people behind those websites may have to be stopped," Mona suggested. "I can help with that, if you want."

  "Turn in your notice to Dallas PD, and we'll put you on the payroll permanently," Del told her.

  "I'll let you know after this is over."

  "Fair enough. Now, let's get down to business—on what our plan is when and if something goes wrong, and then speculate what that something could be."

  "It could be anything from an attack of demons to an attack of fake witches," Mac huffed.

  "Or a regiment of conspiracy nuts descending on the place with enough rifles and ammunition to kill everybody several times over," Laronda pointed out.

  "I'm worried it'll be something we didn't consider," Ari sighed. "Something that will take us all by surprise and paralyze us just long enough to do major harm."

  "You mean like the minister and the choir turning into monsters?"

  Nico turned toward Hunter, who'd made the suggestion. "Something like that, yeah," he agreed. "Something or somebody we're not looking at too closely, who can transform the whole thing into a killing ground."

  "Perhaps we should study the list of attendees—from the minister on down," Esther said. "And consider what damage they can do if they suddenly go nuts."

  "Nobody inside should be armed except Secret Service, not with the President there," Del began ticking items off his list. "That leaves physical ability and enhanced physical ability."

  "Humans, shifters and vampires," Claudio agreed. "It is a terrible thought that any of the latter could have joined the Adversary, but it's possible, I suppose."

  "That's terrifying and against their own self-interest, but that doesn't mean it doesn't or won't happen—we see it all the time," Renault surmised.

  "True enough," Esther agreed. "You have no idea how many politicians I've seen get in bed with the enemy just to put themselves ahead, somehow."

  "That sort of thing happens everywhere," Mac said. "And throughout time, too. It's nothing new and there's not much you can do about it."

  "Will you be recovered well enough to fight if it's required?" Esther asked Mac.

  "Yes. I already feel fit and should be at a hundred percent by Monday."

  "I never thought I'd see anyone fig
hting with a sword outside the movies," Esther told him. "I'm not sure they know what they're doing."

  "I'm pretty sure most of them don't know what they're doing," he chuckled. "They've never been in a real sword battle for their lives; I'd bet on it. Originally, I fought with a two-handed long sword, but I learned how to fight with two slightly shorter, double-edged blades. I make do with either, but the double-edge lops off heads easier—from a personal standpoint, of course, because just stabbing this enemy won't make him dead. It will only make him angry."

  "Like the zombies," Lance nodded.

  "Because the zombies are the first stage of demons," Nico agreed. "If they're given safe ground and a food source, they'll become demons. And later, they can pupate again, to become larger, more dangerous demons. What we've seen so far are the ones that Mac can kill with his blades. Bigger, stronger ones?" Nico shrugged.

  You're having nightmares again? Mac silently asked Nico.

  They don't disturb me like they did before if you and Ari are close by. It's like your strength combines with mine to provide a separation, so I see and hear but they don't threaten me like before.

  Good to know, Mac said.

  "Does anyone need a fresh drink or cup of coffee?" Esther asked.

  "I'll take more coffee," Ari said. Several others asked for the same.

  "Let's get down to business and lay out this plan of ours, so we'll know what to do and where to go," Del said as two of Esther's guards went to the kitchen for refills.

  "Let's look at the layout of the church again, and pinpoint our positions," Lance suggested. "Then map escape routes and anything else we may need."

  "That sounds good to me," Erly said. "I need to count how many people and pews are in the way if Esther's guards need help."

  "I wish to know where we can direct the crowd if they're attacked," Claudio said. "First says we should be on the perimeter and ready to do battle if necessary."

  "Fourth and Fifth will develop a plan to drive the crowd to safety, but we need a safe place for them."

  "There's a storm shelter in the basement of the church, but that's not safe if the building is already compromised," Del replied.

  "The nearest building where they can take refuge is a quarter mile away," Laronda pointed out. "It's a bank building, so it might not be the best choice."

  "There's a parking lot here," Ari pointed out an area west of the church. "It could serve as a gathering place, if something like that is needed."

  "If the crowd panics, it will be pandemonium," Fourth Scholar spoke. "I believe if that happens, the best option will be to fight the attackers and hope the majority of the crowd can get themselves far enough away to save their own lives."

  "That's terrifying. Will there be a police presence for the overflow?"

  "Yes, and that could prove dangerous to any of ours outside," Del pointed out. "We may have to work around the police firing at demons if they attack the crowd."

  "This could turn into a right mess," Erly observed.

  "You're right," Esther nodded. "It could become a bloodbath, actually."

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  "Two days," Ari hunched her shoulders. She'd slept badly after returning from Esther's safe house the night before. Mac, buried in her fur, had croaked sleepily twice as she twitched in restless, nightmarish dreams.

  "We don't know for sure that anything will happen," Janie patted her hand. Both women sat at the kitchen island drinking coffee while Mary Kate put a breakfast casserole together.

  "Nico, Mac and I have a bad feeling about it."

  "Then let's hope it's not too bad. Burke is on his way; he'll be here for breakfast. He says he has a question for you and Nico."

  "Probably about what to do with my gallery, and Nico's parents' will," Ari sighed. "I can't keep the gallery; I know that, now. As for Nico's stuff—I don't know what he wants to do with all that."

  "I want to keep the property—for now," Nico said as he and Mac shuffled into the kitchen. "Maybe someday, I'll know what to do with it. For now, I have other problems to deal with."

  "You okay?" Mac asked Ari, his hands gripping her shoulders and massaging tense muscles.

  "Yeah, just stressed," she told him. That feels wonderful, she informed him privately.

  I wish we had time for more, he replied. I'd do your entire back.

  I know about men and back rubs, she snipped.

  Good. You know how I feel, then, he teased.

  Horny?

  I hate that word. I am—justifiably aroused.

  Justifiably?

  Just watching your muscles ripple in the morning when you slip off the bed, he began. Your ear furnishings turn me on in ways I cannot describe. Your whiskers are any raven's dream. The way your tail curls lazily at the end when you're pleased, or twitches when you're angry is like ambrosia for my soul, he added.

  You're horny—just admit it.

  That takes the art of lovemaking and turns it into crassness.

  But what about those times when the need is so overwhelming that the faster you get to it, the better off you are? Ari asked.

  Ah—the rush of mutual, undeniable desire. Oftentimes the unplanned act adds to the pleasure, no?

  You're trying to stir me up, aren't you?

  Is it working?

  Mac dropped his hands and ended the conversation when Burke entered the kitchen. He'd been so engrossed in his mental discussion with Ari that he failed to hear the doorbell.

  "Arianne," Burke held an open palm in front of her. "Can you explain this?"

  "If you wouldn't mind staying here while we go to the funeral," Val told his uncle. "I mean, you're the one who'll have to take care of all this if the worst happens."

  Burke turned toward Nico and Mac; Nico nodded his agreement with Val's words. "We need you standing behind us for now," he said aloud. "When the time comes, you'll step into the open with the rest of us."

  "I'll make sure that Mary Kate and Francine have a safe place to go on their days off, and guards if they want to shop or go out. The same goes for anyone else," Burke offered.

  "You may get some takers," Val said. "Lance and Mona want to check on their houses and pick up clothes. Besides, nobody with that imprint on their hands has had a day off in a while."

  "Your staff is welcome here—for the same reason," Janie told Burke. "Can't be too careful right now."

  "Perhaps we should meet your staff," Nico said, causing Burke momentary concern. "Renault can come with us," he added. Burke breathed a relieved sigh. Compulsion could be placed so secrets would remain secrets—if it were necessary.

  "Renault wants to try Chinese food," Mac grinned. "Maybe all the vamps will want to come along."

  "What about you and Janie?" Burke asked Val.

  "We're moving cattle to the south pasture. Erly and Hunter really want to help, so I'll stay here," Val replied.

  "If Ari goes, I will, too," Janie said. "She can get me back home fast if it's necessary."

  "You think Ari wants Chinese food?" Nico turned to Mac.

  "Does she like Chinese?"

  "She loves the steak and broccoli from Sang's in Deep Ellum."

  "They make steak and broccoli?"

  "Yeah. It's sliced thin and stir-fried in Sang's special sauce with the broccoli and vegetables. It's so good," Nico replied. "Everything they make is amazing, but the steak and broccoli is Ari's and my favorite."

  "I've been to Sang's," Burke grinned. "I'm up for eating out tonight."

  "I think we need to visit Deep Ellum, then," Mac told Burke.

  "I feel like we've been let out of prison," Ari told Mac. She and most of the crew from the ranch were now lying on lounges around Burke's pool, having a light lunch and drinks.

  Burke lived in the Dallas suburb of Highland Park, where his three-story, native rock mansion was surrounded by high walls, lush, green lawns, carefully trimmed trees and shrubs, and flower beds displaying a predominance of burnt orange and white—the colors of the Texas Lon
ghorns football team.

  The pool was Olympic-size and the surrounding area was built for entertaining, with many carefully placed shady spots. Padded, comfortable furniture was tastefully scattered about a custom-designed, flagstone patio.

  "Burke's wolf likes to swim, so the pool had to be big," Janie explained. "And he usually throws an Independence Day party and barbeque, where people can swim, eat and drink all afternoon—unless it falls on a full moon, of course. Then, he tends to host another party—for OU-Texas weekend."

  "OU-Texas?" Mac asked.

  "It's when two entire states kinda go rabid," Ari explained. "Some of us prefer to hunker down and hide."

  "Ari goes to Palo Duro Canyon around that time every year, so she has an excuse to close her gallery," Nico grinned at her.

  "Did you just rat me out?" She leaned around her chair to pretend-glare at Nico.

  "Who wants to know?" Nico teased.

  "I find the information useful," Janie said. "It's good to know where your friends will be in case they need you, or you need them."

  "Gotta admit, it makes sense," Mac agreed, giving Ari a sardonic smile.

  "We're back," Mona and Lance, accompanied by Del and Laronda, walked out of the house to join them. They'd stopped in the kitchen to grab drinks and a snack, first.

  "Get everything you need?" Janie asked.

  "Yeah. Place smells musty since it's been shut up all this time," Mona replied.

  "Mine, too. Forgot I had towels in the washer," Lance admitted.

  "Bet those were nice and mildewy," Ari said.

  "They were—and frozen into a donut shape at the bottom. I just pulled 'em out and chucked 'em in a garbage bag."

  "I hope those weren't your good towels," Janie admonished.

  "They weren't. I don't think I have any good towels."

  "Lancelot Avery Elliott," Janie, sounding scandalized, shook her head. "I'll get you some new towels for your birthday."

  "Thanks, Aunt Janie," Lance grinned.