Sticks and Stones

by Alexie Aaron

  Mia turned and saw long legs and a familiar face. “Hello, Gates!”

  “Hello, Mia. Looks like a great turnout,” she said, eyeing the other dozen women.

  “Not all the regulars have shown up yet. The woman over there wearing the gear and the helmet with Rolling Thunder on it is our connection,” Gates identified.

  “The one hanging all over Cid?” Mia asked.

  “No, that’s Madam Recovery. She’s the medic for today. I didn’t think the PEEPs guys were going to show.”

  “He’s pretending to be my brother,” Mia said. “Ted needed a few of the cameras adjusted, and that was his cover story if someone arrived while he was doing it.”

  “And he got caught,” Gates said.

  “Or lucky, I hear she likes them tall,” Mia said, looking at the dark-haired beauty.

  “Thank God she didn’t see Ted,” Gates said.

  “She wouldn’t know what hit her,” Mia said. “She’d be in recovery alright, and I’d be explaining myself once again to Tom.”

  “Tom?”

  “Tom Braverman, the sheriff. This center is in his department’s patch.”

  “What do you mean again?” Gates asked.

  “Oh, I took a swing, and connected, with a barfly who, after being turned down by a very drunk Cid, said that he didn’t have the equipment to complete the project.”

  Gates laughed. “I never really saw you as that aggressive.”

  Mia restrained from doing a double take. “I’ve been known to have a few control problems. I’m always provoked, so don’t worry, I’m not going to go nuts on you, unless you start it.”

  Gates filed this away. Mike never said much about Mia except she was a camera hog who liked to upstage whoever was with her.

  “Did you get your earcom?” Mia asked.

  “No. I didn’t see the PEEPs truck.”

  “Audrey is at the refreshment stand. Ted and company are in a room behind the stand.”

  Gates got up and walked over.

  A young woman sat down next to Mia. “Hello, I’m Bebe Neckwork. I’m going to be your pro buddy today.”

  “Mia Martin.”

  “I’m going to give you a temporary freshie name. She put a piece of masking tape on Mia’s helmet. “I see you as strong, small, fast, and female. You’re Bull Ette.”

  Mia laughed. “Evidently a big storyteller too.”

  “That woman who was with you looks familiar,” Bebe commented.

  “Does she?”

  “I have an eye for famous people. I’ll let you know when I figure it out.”

  Gates walked back. She looked down at Mia’s helmet and laughed.

  A tall teenager rolled up to Gates. “Hello, I’m Highway Romper. I’m your pro buddy, and you are?”

  “Gates O’Brien.”

  She sized Gates up and smiled. She wrote out a name on the roll of tape, tore it off, and handed it to her. “This weekend you’re High Gate. You look like a blocker or possibly a pivot. Grab your gear and follow me.”

  “How’s it going Bull Ette?” Ted asked in her ear.

  “Well, I’m all alone at the moment,” she said quietly. “Cid’s not going home with me by the looks of things. Dumped at the roller derby, feeling like a fool…”

  A shrill whistle stopped Ted from commenting.

  “Skaters, form up on the line without your skates,” Rolling Thunder called. “We’re going to put you through some strengthening exercises. While you’re sweating, I’m going to make sure we pair you up with a pro buddy. If we see you as a jammer but you’re wanting to try out as a blocker and vice versa, fear not, you’ll get a chance to prove yourself when we’re on wheels.”

  Inside the small backroom, Ted and Burt watched Mia and Gates. They were separated before they put on their skates. Mia moved onto the track with a group of shorter girls. Ted could tell she was holding back. She didn’t want to stand out. She moved her head around so the cameras in her helmet could scan the area.

  Gates had already dominated the group she was in. By the time they started their endurance skate, Gates was on a recruitment list.

  Mia moved easily around the track, moving in and out of the slower skaters. Cid overheard that someone thought she would burn out soon. Mia not only caught up to the lead skaters but lapped Gates.

  “Looks like Bull Ette just woke up,” Psych Clone said to Rolling Thunder.

  A stone rolled out onto the track.

  Mia did a knee drop and picked it up. “Stone,” Mia uttered. She rounded the track for her 20th lap and dropped the stone into Rolling Thunder’s hand.

  “Imagine what would have happened if that rolled into the pack,” Psych Clone said.

  The toilets began to flush. The pounding of the flushers and the swirl of water mixed with the sound of wheels on the track.

  Mia was waved in after lap 26. She accepted high fives from the veterans as she headed into the bathroom.

  “No water on the floor,” she reported. “Just a lot of filling tanks. The lights, however, are flashing on and off. You know how I feel about disco.”

  “You hate disco,” Ted said.

  “Exactly,” Mia countered.

  She rolled out and skated on the outside of the track to cool down. A stick fell in front of her. She jumped, turned, and retrieved the maple twig. She began looking for the entry point for the items that were being chucked at the track. She reentered the track and dove, scooping up a towel that appeared out of thin air, and got back on her feet.

  “It’s starting again,” Psych Clone whined. “Bull Ette is amazing. Is she a ringer?”

  Rolling Thunder, still thinking she could keep Mia’s participation secret, said, “Former military. She’s got five kids at home.”

  “There’s no effin’ way she’s had five kids,” Psych Clone said.

  “Four are hers, one adopted.” Rolling Thunder looked at the time and blew the whistle. “Freshies, thank you. For those who didn’t finish, you can retake the endurance test again, just see your pro buddy. I’d like to see Bull Ette and High Gate. The rest of you, soak what hurts, and I’ll see you all tomorrow. Crystal Creepers, fall in for some drills. Mind the track.”

  Mia rolled up with Gates behind her. “What’s with the obstacle course?” Mia asked.

  Rolling Thunder sighed. “We’ve had a little problem with items being left on the floor. I assure you that isn’t normal.”

  “Lately it is,” Psych Clone said.

  “Bull Ette, I’d like you to join the team on the track. You need to fall in line. The last person rolls in and out of the line. When she reaches the front, she becomes the lead skater. Go!”

  Mia entered the track and caught up to the last skater just as the previous one reached the front.

  Gates watched Mia weave in and out of the line with ease.

  “She’s a good skater, but is she a jammer?” Psych Clone asked Rolling Thunder.

  “Go and divide the girls up into packs. Have Elle Logical work with Bull Ette and see what she’s got.”

  Psych Clone skated off.

  “It’s starting. A stone and towel tossed on the track, a stick in front of Bull Ette, and the toilets have been flushing on and off,” Rolling Thunder said to Gates.

  “How many teens do you have on Crystal Creepers?”

  “Four. They are on the feeder team. We’ve had a few injuries, so we brought up a few from the Crystal Coasters. Highway Romper is one of them.”

  “How many have been around when the activity started?”

  “Highway Romper and Bakers Dosing.”

  “Point out Bakers Dosing to me,” Gates asked.

  “She’s the kid with the star on her helmet.”

  “So, how’d you lose one of your jammers?” Gates asked.

  “Eliza Breeze caught a stone. She tried to recover but crashed into the bleachers.”

  “Was Bakers Dosing or Highway Romper in the building?”<
br />
  “Both. We share the track with the Coasters on Thursday nights. You don’t think that one of the girls is sabotaging us?”

  “I don’t know. Talk to Burt Hicks about the nature of poltergeists. There is a theory that… Wait, he’s coming out to tell you himself,” Gates said.

  “Why don’t you join the others on the track,” Burt said to Gates as he passed her.

  Gates felt a subtle putting her into her place vibe. She’d worked with enough directors to know when not to question the boss.

  Mia followed Elle Logical’s coaching and was soon in a jam trying to break through a wall of women. She felt something wet. Mia looked up, and the sprinkling system was on.

  “Heads up, Teddy Bear. Protect your computer.”

  “Thank God for banquet tables,” Ted said. Most of our gear is dry.”

  “I’m sporting quite a wet T-shirt. I feel it’s mild compared to Madam Recovery’s black bralette. I do believe Cid is sporting a…” Mia stopped as some of the team approached her.

  “Bull Ette, we’re going out for a beer. Wanna come?”

  “I’d love to, but the babysitter’s on overtime, and my ride is here. Next time for sure,” Mia said.

  Practice was over. Rolling Thunder had to wait for the fire department to check things out. The other girls left. Cid helped Madam Recovery dry and carry her equipment to her van. He returned quite flushed.

  Mia met him at the door. “Dude, you have to turn off your earcom if you’re going to be making out with clients. Especially since we were on all-com.”

  Cid paled.

  “Gotcha. Ted already had the system down. But you have to think ahead.”

  Cid looked sheepishly at Mia.

  “I’m making no judgements, just trying to be a friend. Burt’s distracted. Otherwise, he would be all over you. I hope you got her phone number.”

  “I don’t normally behave like…”

  “Mike?”

  “Yes. But ever since I had that dream.”

  “The one with the Countess of Michigan Avenue.”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell you what, I take it you got information out of her…” Mia led.

  “Just her phone number and that she expects a dude to come prepared.”

  “Oh my,” Mia said fanning herself. “Was there any small talk that had to do with the other girls?”

  “Yes. I asked why there were a few underage girls here. She misunderstood and asked me if I liked them young. I told her I liked women my age and then…”

  “Go no further. If Burt gets on your case, you were furthering your backstory, and there is an opportunity for you to get more information outside the center. I’ve got to find something dry. I’m getting cold.”

  “PEEPs gear in the back of your truck,” he called.

  “Thanks,” Mia said and headed for the parking lot.

  “Where did Mia go?” Burt asked.

  “To get some dry clothes. The poor little thing was shivering.”

  “She did really well today. I noticed you were having a discussion with the medic. Did you get any viable information?”

  “Just that they had four teenagers from their feeder team, the Crystal Coasters, here today to help out. I did get her phone number. I got the idea she really didn’t want to talk about the team here.”

  “Good thinking. Any idea how the sprinklers got triggered here? It’s a good thing this place is connected to the auditorium, offices, and pool by a breezeway and all the utilities are on a separate circuit.”

  “I should go out and find out where the pumps are located,” Cid said. “And to see if human hands could have been at work.”

  “Have you seen Murphy?”

  “No. Mia says he’s traveling in a different veil just in case it’s a ghost, like over at Ms. Carter’s, causing the problems.”

  “Why don’t I know this?” Burt asked.

  “Bring it up with Murphy. Remember, he’s Mia’s boss and not the other way around.”

  Burt nodded. “Just like I took Ted to task for you making out with Madam Recovery in the parking lot.”

  “But how?”

  “The outside security cameras, you dolt. Cid, if that’s a tree you want to climb, do it away from the investigation site,” Burt advised. “You’re an adult and she’s not our client, but if Rolling Thunder finds out that you’re making time with her staff while you were supposed to be watching out for paranormal problems, then our reputation is screwed,” Burt said. “Mike kept it in his pants until after hours. He’s a lousy role model, but he does know how to be discreet.”

  “I didn’t make the advances,” Cid said.

  “I’m sure you didn’t, or I’d be putting you on the bench. I can’t afford to have another Mike on our team. I thought he was over his woman-an-investigation shit when he fixated on Mia. But…”

  “But he’s with Gates now, and she’s a wonderful person,” Cid said.

  “So was the accountant. What was her name?”

  “Meg Armstrong. And as I remember, she wasn’t a PEEPs pickup,” Cid said.

  “Yes, but she wasn’t interested in staying young and beautiful, and she had a hard time with his quest for fame.”

  “Gates understands Hollywood types. I’m rooting for her,” Cid said.

  “I know Mike. But if you like Gates, maybe you shouldn’t be hoping they stay together,” Burt said. “Help Ted with the equipment. I’m going to talk to Mia.”

  Cid and Burt left.

  Gates walked out of the locker room where she had been trapped during their conversation. Mike had been honest with her about his hound dog past. She really didn’t have a leg to stand on when it came to romantic liaisons on movie sets. But two things bothered her. Mike hadn’t mentioned Meg Armstrong or that he was fixated on Mia. She was under the misunderstanding that Mia was just a pain in the ass.

  Mia walked in wearing oversized PEEPs sweats. She saw Gates and waved.

  “Well, pain in the ass, let’s see what info I can get out of you,” Gates thought and waved back, putting on her best Hollywood smile.

  Mia walked over. “These are new. Ted keeps a few of them on hand. They should fit. You’re tall but fit. I have to roll and cuff the pants.”

  “Thanks. Would you help me out? I really don’t want to put my stuff on that wet floor.”

  Mia followed her into the locker room. It smelled like a locker room. Lord knows what was on the benches and floor. “I rolled into here just after the toilets flushed, but I didn’t catch anyone in the act.”

  “They are the new wave-your-hand-in-front-of-them type. Maybe a pressure change could do it?”

  “Whoa, I had no idea. Maybe we had a saboteur hanging out in the utility room?” Mia questioned.

  “Then you’re looking for a person?”

  “I’m not ruling anything out at this point,” Mia said. “I’m not convinced there are poltergeists.”

  “That’s a big admission coming from you.”

  Mia frowned. “I sense a tone. Mind explaining yourself?”

  “Mike says that you know everything about the paranormal world, or at least you think you do.”

  “Ouch. Let me correct you. If I know something, I don’t sit back and play dumb so I’m liked. I tell them. Egos have to take second place in an investigation.”

  “Are you saying I’m playing dumb?”

  “Excuse me. If you want to have a real conversation - one in which you’re not already loaded for bear and sitting on your high horse called Mike’s Opinion - then call me.” Mia set the sweats on a dry spot and walked out.

  Murphy saw Mia storm out of the locker room. He followed her outside where she took off running. She ran until she got her temper under control. He appeared in front of her when she had stopped to catch her breath.

  “Hey, Murph, I think Burt’s looking for you.”

  “Are you alright?”

  “Just tired of pe
ople who present themselves as something other than they are. Baxter says I should make casual acquaintances, but it’s hard when…”

  “You look like you do,” Murphy filled in.

  Mia looked at him.

  “I have eyes. I’d rather have you covered up more, but I understand in sports, you have to be free to maneuver. Still, look around you.”

  “I don’t see… Oh. I have Dr. Frankenstein, Idra, and Michael to thank for this body. Normal women don’t look like this. They are beautiful no matter the size. It’s what’s inside that’s important.”

  “But when presented with the Ice Queen…”

  “They shouldn’t judge me unfairly because I’ve had work done,” Mia said. “I do understand what you’re trying to tell me. But Gates is a beautiful, strong, confident woman, why would she have a problem with me?”

  “She must really like Mike. Gates isn’t a stupid woman. She came into PEEPs when Mike had decided to tar and feather you out of his life. She’s his girlfriend. She’s going to believe everything he says about you. And Mike lies.”

  Mia nodded. “Maybe I’ll steer clear of that broad. It’s a shame because it’s hard to find women who understand the paranormal world I have to exist in.”

  “Ms. Carter, Bea White, Susan Braverman, Nanny, Judy, and Audrey,” Murphy listed. “I don’t think you need to go too far to find a female who would love to spend time with you.”

  Mia couldn’t find anything wrong with his argument. “You’re right. And I suppose I should pick up the phone and call Sabine too.”

  “My mother was a disappointed woman, but she gave me good advice from time to time. She said, ‘Stephen, you have to be a friend to make a friend.’”

  “She’s right,” Mia said. “So, friend, mind showing me the way back to the community center?”

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  Mike watched the firemen mill around while waiting for Gates. Burt said he wanted to have a mini meeting tomorrow before the second day of the Fresh Meat weekend tryouts. Burt had thought that maybe Mike could be recognized, so he had asked him to sit this part of the investigation out.