(45) When all else is lost the future still remains

“Am I interrupting anything,” Kayne asked as he appeared late that evening in what Addie laughingly called the dining room .

“A fabulous supper of fresh fish, dried fruits, and what I think is supposed to be bread or rolls,” Race told him. “Want some?”

Kayne took one look at their meal and declined. “Surely there are deer and such around that you could kill and eat.” He shot a glace at Shan. “Especially you.”

“What makes you think I haven’t? After all I brought back the fish, which Race insisted we cook for some reason.”

“Sushi is so not me,” Race muttered. “Although, technically, it would be sashimi. The sushi I’ve had isn’t half bad.”

Shan’s eyebrow cocked. “Show off.”

“Be that as it may,” Kayne said as he pulled up the remaining chair, “I need to talk to all of you. Where is Addie?”

“She went for a bit of a walk to visit an old friend but should be back soon.”

“Old friend?”

Shan nodded. “Although he doesn’t know he is of course. He owns a small farm a few miles from here. She used to feed from him in emergencies. I offered to take her to town but she declined, as she did Race’s offer to let her have some of his blood.”

“The latter is just as well. The three of you will need to be in top form.”

Shan’s eyebrow went up yet again. “Then you know who we’re going to be dealing with?”

“I do, but I’d just as soon wait for Addie, so that I can tell all of you at once. That being the case, come boy.” He stood, beckoning Race to follow.

“Do I have to?” Race whispered to Shan.

Without stopping or turning around Kayne growled, “Yes, you do.”

“Why do I have a feeling I’m about to find out if I can pull rabbits out of hats,” Race grumbled as he got up to tag along behind Kayne to Shan’s training room.

(44) When all else is lost the future still remains

Addie glanced up as Race came into the command center. One look at his face and she asked, “Are you all right?”

“Other than my speaking out of turn and pretty much making a fool of myself, sure.”

“Let me guess, you told Shan how you feel about him. Did he reject that out of hand? If so, I’ll have a few words of my own with him.”

“No don’t Addie, please. And…” Race chewed his lip thoughtfully. “He didn’t exactly reject me. He just said now was not the time.”

Looking at him, searching his face, Addie said, “You understand why I hope.”

“Oh yeah, I’m not a total dunce. He’s only just come to terms with losing Lav, and we’re in the middle of who knows what with that thing. So he’s scared, not of what’s going on but because he thinks something is going to happen to me.” Flopping down in one of the swivel chairs Race looked up at her. “The problem is, I’m twice as scared that he’s the one who’s going to get hurt.”

“Did you tell him that?”

“Hell no! He’s this big, strong macho man, a Were and a sorcerer. He’d think I had not faith in his abilities, which isn’t true. I just…I have no concept of what we could be getting into here, Addie, and what if he thinks he has to watch out for me and does something stupid as a result.” He ran a hand distractedly through his hair. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“He’d still watch your back no matter what, to make certain you stay safe. That’s the way he is. And from the sound of it, he’s at least interested in you, if not more so, even if the two of you hadn’t talked about it the feelings that are there. My suggestion is that you say nothing more for right now and see what happens. And don’t be hurt if he acts as if you two never talked. If and when he’s ready, you’ll know it.” Addie chuckled, “In spades. He’s a very sensual male.”

“You know this?” Race felt a real pang of jealousy hit him.

“No, Race,” she replied with a smile. “He’s never made a move on me either, in the past or since everything happened. He’s never even hinted he might have feelings for me, because he doesn’t. He and I are best friends and nothing more.”

Race nodded. “That’s what Kayne said.”

“Oh really? And just how did that come into the conversation? Wait, let me guess. It was when I went after Shan the other day.”

“Um hmm. Kayne said the jealousy showed on my face.” Race looked away in embarrassment.

“Sweetie, there’s not a thing wrong with a touch of jealousy. We all feel it at times. It’s only when you let it rule your life that it becomes dangerous.” A flash of pain crossed her face for a second before she wiped it away. “Anyway, remember what I’m telling you. Take it slow and easy, and I have the feeling things will work out just the way they should for both of you.”

Guardian Angels – An Interesting Life (20)

"All quiet on the western front?" Paddy asked, when he materialized in Vic's office.

"Literary references?" Vic smiled slightly. "If so, how about you pick something a little less war-like. But in answer to your question, yes, so far. The security system is armed and the doors locked. Now we just wait and see what they come up with to grab me, if they do."

"How can they do that with you locked in here like…Repunzel?"

Vic couldn't help laughing. "What the hell is on your bookshelves?"

"Given how long I've been around, there isn't much I haven't read at one time or another."

"How old are you?"

"Technically, no older than I look."

"Which would be around thirty. What about actually?"

"I died during the Norman invasion of Wexford. That would be in Eire, in case you didn't know—or Ireland, as most people call it today."

"I didn't," Vic said. "I thought the Normans conquered England in… ten sixty-six."

"They did, and then at the behest of the king of Leinster, they invaded Eire in eleven sixty-nine. It was a bloody war and the death of me in… the human sense." Paddy's words took on an Irish lilt as he spoke, his look wistful. Then he smiled. "But enough about me. My question still stands. How can they get to you with you firmly entrenched in here?"

"I'm not staying in here. I only said that to ease Evan's mind. I'd say the man who was following us has had enough time to call his boss. We give it another twenty minutes for them to get their shit together and stake out the place, and then I'm going to leave."

Paddy nodded. "I'll be able to sense when they're in the neighborhood, so their surprise won't really be a surprise. Before you ask, part of keeping you safe is knowing when danger approaches."

"Makes sense to me." Vic chuckled. "A day ago I'd have thought anyone who claimed to be psychic was crazy but given that I believe you are what you are, I guess it comes with the territory."

"That it does." Paddy looked thoughtfully at Vic. "Do you really have no idea who's behind all that's happened?"

"I'm getting closer to narrowing it down, but I won't know for certain until I see where I'm taken and who is there when I'm unceremoniously dumped at his feet, so to speak."

"I thought you said whoever it was would just be another hireling, although higher up the food chain."

"I'm sure he will be. However by seeing him, I'll have a better idea about which of my choices he's working for. People tend to hire people they think they can control—either by threats or by money—to do their dirty work."

"I disagree. I mean, sometimes yes, but other times they pick someone who believes in the same things they do. Right?"

"Right, and that would make it even easier to nail down who the blackmailer is."

"They're after you because…?"

"They want to stop me, obviously. And maybe find out who hired me in the first place."

"What difference would that make?"

"I suspect because it would tell them who else knows about what's going on. Obviously the blackmailer would rather Marshall had kept it to himself."

"They'd have to be stupid to think he hadn't told someone else."

"Look at it this way. He didn't go to the police and, from what I understand it took a lot of cajoling by my client for him to agree to her plan to hire me. My client says other than Marshall and herself, only her husband knows what I'm doing, because she had to bring him in on things to make my being around work."

Paddy shook his head. "In this day and age, what can be so horrible that Marshall would be unwilling to say 'Screw you. Tell all and I'll deal'?"

"Malfeasance in office, for one thing. Something in his past that would alienate at least enough voters to sway the election. I think to force him to step down it must be something that would make a segment of the voting population turn on him, no matter what. Otherwise, he'd take the chance he could successfully deny the allegations and prove that he's innocent of the charges."

"Politics," Paddy muttered. 

"It's a dirty game and when you have a good man running, sometimes it gets even dirtier."

"I wonder…" Paddy looked thoughtful.

"Umm?"

"Nothing, or at least nothing I'm willing to talk about until I get the chance to speak with a friend."

Vic didn't press the issue, since he had the feeling it would do no good.

Paddy stiffened suddenly. "Okay, the game is on, as some Shakespearian character said."

"I think that's 'the game is afoot', but either way, I gather we have company?"  

"We do. They're in the lobby of the building at the moment."

"Then I should go down and welcome them," Vic said. "Or, as before, walk with great surprise right into their arms."

"I'll be behind you all the way," Paddy replied, going invisible.

(43) When all else is lost the future still remains

“Damn, damn, damn, this is fricking freezing,” Race bitched as he stepped closer to the center of the stream.

Shan watched in amusement for a second, until the younger man started to unwrap the towel. Then he turned away, leaning his back against a tree by the edge of the stream as he listened to Race’s steady swearing, and heard the towel hit the grass by the side of the stream. “You’re not going to die,” he called over his shoulder.

“Is this what the shower water’s going to be like?” Race asked as he soaped up and did the best he could to wash off the dirt without turning into a permanent ice cube.

“Nope. I’ll set a bit of magic to warm it.”

“Set a lot, I like hot showers.”

“Don’t push it kid, or you’ll be taking cold ones.” He stared off into the trees, concentrating on the view in front of him to avoid thinking about the one behind him. Therefore he didn’t hear the soft rustling of the grass by the stream until it was too late. Suddenly he found himself flat on his ass in the icy water looking up at an impishly grinning face.

“You little fucker,” Shan growled, grabbing Race’s hand to pull him down into the water as well.

“Told you you needed a bath too,” Race said unrepentantly.

“And you need to learn to respect your elders,” Shan grumbled as he started to get up.

With a tug Race stopped him. “I respect the hell out of you. That’s the problem.” He traced a finger over the line of Shan’s jaw.

Shan shivered, and it wasn’t from the cold. “Don’t, Race.”

“’Don’t, Race’, ‘Stop it Race’. Well for your information, you’ll have to send me home if you want that to happen. I’m not a kid, Shan. I knew what I wanted from the first moment I saw you. I’ve done my best to push that away because I knew I was battling a ghost.” He touched Shan’s cheek. “I probably still am, but not so much so, I think. Not now. I’m real sure you’re still not ready yet, but when you are…I’m here.” Putting his hands on Shan’s shoulders he stood, bent to brush a kiss across the shocked man’s lips and then stepped out of the stream. Snagging the towel, he wrapped it around his waist and strode off.

Shan was on his feet seconds later. “Stop right where you are,” he ordered.

“Why? So you can tell me what a fool I just was?” Race continued walking, although not so quickly now.

Catching up with him Shan grabbed his arm, swinging him around to face him. “You weren’t a fool. You have every right to feel the way you do about … everything.”

“But you don’t feel the same, and you probably won’t. So yeah, I was a fool.”

Shan shook his head slowly. “Just what makes you think I don’t find you,” he paused as if searching for an appropriate word, “well, interesting?”

“Interesting? Like a new food you’re not sure if you like or not, or a story someone tells? I’m not certain I want to be ‘interesting’.”

“No. Interesting like I’d like to get to know you better and perhaps see what happens. I’m just not about to rush into anything. Truthfully,” he cupped his hand under Race’s chin, slowly stroking his thumb over his lips, “I’m scared shitless,” he said quietly.

“Do you think you’re the only one who’s scared?” Race replied just a quietly, thrilling at Shan’s touch. He searched Shan’s face. “I know I can never replace him, I would never try. But if I could just be in some small part of your life as…as more than just a friend.” He dropped his gaze, not willing to see rejection if it was there.

“If we…Damn it.” Shan released his hold on Race. “I couldn’t handle loosing someone else.”

“There’s always that danger when you care for someone. You just have to decide if caring is worth the risk.” Race stepped away. “One thing, Shan, I won’t let myself be just a casual fuck for you. So you need to decide, can I be more or should we let this drop right now and pretend nothing was said. Your choice.” With that stated, he continued on to the Compound, disappearing from sight into the tunnel.

(42) When all else is lost the future still remains

“Yes!” Race pumped a fist in the air when he and Shan entered the bathroom and found a pool of water sitting on the shower floor and dripping from the showerhead.

“Don’t cheer too soon,” Shan chuckled. “That’s not nearly as much as we poured into the opening of the pipe.”

“But still some of it made it this far. Maybe the pipe’s got dirt or something in it that soaked up the rest.”

“Only one way to find out,” Shan said.

“Pour more water in and see what comes out. But we gotta get the showerhead off first.” Race reached for it, managing to wrench it loose with Shan’s help. “Fuck,” he shouted as he jumped back. He was drenched in slimy, dirty water.

“Guess you were right.” Shan shook his head. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” He resisted looking at the shorts and shirt now plastered against the younger man’s body, accenting everything in high relief. “Strip,” he ordered, tossing Race a towel. “I’ll get you a clean pair of pants.”

“Then what?”

“Then you get to find out just how cold that stream is below the surface, where the sun doesn’t hit.”

“Oh hell.” Race shivered at the thought. “You know,” he said with a sly grin. “You could use a bath too.”

“Naw, I’ll just shift. That’ll do it.”

“Not fair,” Race grumbled as he pulled off the sodden shirt and worked at untying the strings on the shorts. 

Shan turned away swiftly. He didn’t need to see this. Didn’t want to, he told himself, even though his body was saying otherwise. “I’ll be back in a second,” he almost growled, his voice low and rough.

“I’ll be here.” Race bit his lip as he watched Shan hurry away. At least I know he’s a bit interested. He finished undressing and wrapped the towel around his waist.

(41) When all else is lost the future still remains

“Race.”

The young man felt someone shaking him gently and sprang awake immediately, finding himself staring into dark brown, concerned eyes. “Where…what?” he asked before he realized he’d fallen asleep at the edge of the trees surrounding one side of the Compound.

Shan smiled, sitting back on his heels now. “Bad night?”

“More like morning,” Race admitted. “I couldn’t get to sleep so…” he shrugged.

“So you came out here to commune with nature. I’ve been known to do that a time or three, though usually in my leopard form.” He searched Race’s face. “If you want to go back inside and get some more rest that’s fine, I can handle what I was planning on my own.”

“No. I’m not going to be slacker and I sure don’t want you coddling me.” Race licked his lips, realizing they were dry and he was thirsty. “Just give me a few minutes to go get some water.”

Shan smiled, handing Race a bottle of water that had suddenly appeared in his hand.

“Whoa,” Race whispered, even as he uncapped it and took a long drink.

“Faster than your way.” Standing, Shan held out a hand, pulling Race to his feet when he took it. For a long minute they stood there looking at each other. Then, with a shake of his head Shan turned away. “We have work to do even if some of it can be accomplished using my magic.”

With a soft, frustrated sigh, Race followed as Shan started up a narrow path between the trees. Soon he heard the gurgle of water and then saw a small stream. “This is going to be our water?” he asked.

“Once we divert part of it, yes. Before I woke you, I did a bit of searching and found one of the pipes leading into the Compound. As far as I can tell it seems, somewhat miraculously, to have survived the explosion undamaged, though we won’t know for certain until we get water running through it.”

“It leads to the lowest level?”

“Another thing we’ll need to determine. So…” with a flick of his fingers two buckets appeared. “We pour some water into it and see what happens. If we’re really lucky we’ll find a puddle of it somewhere in the bathroom.”

“If not?”

“Then we punt.”

Guardian Angels – An Interesting Life (19)

"Oh no, you don't," Evan growled. "You're not setting yourself up to be grabbed again."

Vic smiled wickedly. "Why not? Paddy's got my back now. They get me, take me to their boss, and…"

"It could work," Paddy agreed, almost gleefully.

Evan looked at Vic in dismay before returning his attention to driving, muttering, "You're crazy."

"I have to stop the blackmailer before he forces Frank Marshall to pull out of the primary race and like I said, I only have a couple more days to do that. So unless you have a better idea…"

Evan sighed. "I don't."

"Then drop me off back at my office. That's where they got me last time."

Dom, who had been fairly quiet during most of the discussion, spoke up now. "Unless I'm mistaken, someone's following us."  

"For how long?" Vic asked, glancing in the sideview mirror. "What's he driving?"

"A green car. I don't know what kind. It's"—Dom turned slightly to look out the rear window—"four behind us right now. I noticed him when we turned. He sped up to make the light. Maybe I'm being paranoid but…"

"Easy enough to find out. Evan, turn right at the next corner." Evan did and Vic told him, "Now a left onto Elm and another left onto Franklin."

"He's still behind us," Dom said a couple of minutes later.

"Yeah, I see." Vic chuckled. "He's an amateur at this."

"Should I lose him?" Evan asked.

"No. Do like I said, drop me off at my office building."

"What about Paddy?"

"He can… come with me, but only as far as the entrance. Then he'll take off in the other direction, do his thing, and meet me inside."

"I don't like this, but I suspect I'm out-voted," Evan grumbled.

Vic reached over to pat Evan's leg. "You are, but it's really the only way to do it."

Before Vic could move his hand, Evan took it, holding it tightly for a moment. "Just be damned careful. Okay? And Paddy"—he looked at him in the rearview mirror—"if anything happens to him…"

"It won't," Paddy replied firmly. "Believe it or not, I've been watching over my various charges for more years than I like to think about and I haven't lost one yet."

"Good." Evan released his grip on Vic's hand. "Maybe Dom should go with you too."

"I already told you. I have to stick with you," Dom said. "I wouldn't be here if there wasn't the possibility that you're in danger as well, which we know you were, at least for a while. I seriously doubt that's changed."

Evan blew out a long breath. "I suppose not." He veered off the street into a vacant spot in front of Vic's building.

Vic and Paddy got out, but not before Vic said quietly, "I have plans for taking you out for dinner when this is over."

"Then catch the bastard, without getting the shit beaten out of you again." Evan's lips turned up in a weak grin. "I gave up being a medic years ago… well, until I met you. I really don't want patching you up to become a habit if we can help it."

"I'm not too fond of that idea myself." Vic leaned closer momentarily as if he was going to whisper something, shook his head, and he and Paddy got out of the car. 

Evan watched them play out their roles, talking briefly before Paddy walked away and Vic went inside. "Just…stay safe," Evan said under his breath. "I want that dinner you promised me."

As he pulled the car back out onto the street, Dom said, "You'll get it. And by the way, our follower was watching from across the street, so with luck, this might be over soon."

"Your words to God's ears," Evan said in reply.

Dom laughed. "That happens. Rarely, but sometimes."

Release day for 'Bill and Erik'!

Bill and Erik

https://www.jms-books.com/romance-c-29_105/bill-and-erik-p-2213.html

 

Bill Hawkins owns a bed-and-breakfast in the small mountain town of Middleton. He loves his life, his family, and his friends. The only thing missing is someone to call his own. A man he can love who will love him in return.

Erik King takes off when he catches his boyfriend in bed with another man. He's looking for somewhere away from that city. Perhaps a small town where life is less hectic and the people are friendly. What he is not looking for is a new man in his life.

When a winter snowstorm lands Erik at Bill's B&B, he finds the younger man too interesting, and goes on the run, again. The question becomes, will he realize he can't run from his feelings and return in time to celebrate Thanksgiving—and admit to Bill that he cares for him -- giving them both a reason to be thankful?

EXCERPT:

When Erik woke Thursday morning, it took him a few seconds to figure out where he was. Then it all came back to him. If I never see the bastard again, it'll be too soon.

He dressed in a fresh pair of jeans and a heavy sweatshirt, once he'd checked the weather, which predicted the high would be in the mid-fifties, with possible rain. He wasn't all that surprised, considering the time of year. He topped everything off with his leather chaps and jacket, packed up, and headed down to check out. By then, it was just after ten.

He got back on Sixth, heading west, looking for a fast food place where he could get something to eat. He ended up at a subway shop. After ordering a chicken and bacon melt and coffee, he found a table away from a family with three noisy kids. As he ate, he contemplated what to do next.

Go back and find a new apartment? I've got a job, which is a plus. The minus is, the bastard knows where I work. If he shows up there, trying to apologize, I might knock his ass into next week. End of job, and probably an assault charge on top of that. Head back home? That idea held no appeal at all. He'd left years ago to get away from his smothering parents.

Keep on moving west. Who knows what's out there? Maybe I'll find a vacant mountain cabin and settle in to live off the land. Uh-huh. More like starve to death, if I didn't freeze to death first. Winter is a coming in.

Still, the idea of the mountains appealed to him at the moment. Something very different from what he was used to. Taking out his phone to check what there was in the way of small towns, the first thing he saw was that he had four voicemails -- all of them from his ex. He deleted them without listening to whatever the SOB had to say. Then, because he knew it was something he should do, he called work.

"Pat, it's Erik," he said when the day manager answered the phone. "I hate to do this on such short notice, but I got a call from my mother. My dad's real sick and I've got to go back home." He listened and a moment later said, "No, I don't know when I'll be back, or if I will." He nodded. "Yeah. Thanks. I hope so too."

After the call ended, he brought up a map of the mountains to the west of Golden and planned his route. He figured he could check out a couple of the towns along the way and make a decision once he'd seen them and what they had to offer.

Probably not much in the way of jobs, this time of year, unless they cater to skiers. Not sure I'm up for dealing with them, since himself spent half the winter on the slopes.

He finished eating, got a fresh coffee which he poured into his travel mug when he got back to his bike, and took off.

* * * *

"The weatherman loves us," Mrs. Greene said, as she and her husband checked into the White River B&B Thursday afternoon.

"Yep," Bill agreed. "Maybe we should keep you around all winter to make the snow stays away."

She laughed. "If only it was that easy."

Since they were a pair of his favorite guests, Bill personally escorted them to their room. He smiled when, as soon as they entered, Mrs. Greene gasped in surprise. A large vase of flowers sat on the dresser. Next to it was an ice bucket holding a bottle of champagne. A banner hanging over the dresser proclaimed, Happy Anniversary.

"Oh, Bill, you shouldn't have," Mrs. Greene said, hugging him.

"It wasn't me. It was the winter elves," he replied with a grin.

"Whoever it was, thank you," Mr. Greene said. "This added to the celebration."

"I presume you're having dinner at the Dusty Rose."

"Of course," Mr. Greene replied. "I called to make reservations a week ago. You're invited, if you want."

"Thank you, but this is your special day. Candlelit dinner, a romantic walk along the river afterward…"

"Freezing our asses off," Mr. Greene said. "Maybe there's no snow, but it's colder than sin out there."

Bill chuckled. "I noticed. Anyway, happy anniversary. If you need anything, anything at all, let me, Mattie, or Roger know."

"We will. Not that we ever do. It's one reason we like coming up here. You anticipate everything and there's never a problem."

With a slight bow, Bill thanked him and left, going back to the foyer.

* * * *

Bill sighed as he watched from the front window of his house while snow began to drift down, just after dinner. "Let's hope it stays light," he said to War. The dog didn't seem to agree. Instead, he pranced to the door, looking back at his owner. "Right. Now you want a walk. An hour ago, I had to drag you outside."

 

(40) When all else is lost the future still remains

The ‘high-class sleeping arrangements’ as Addie had called them turned out to be three small connecting rooms that she told Race had been used for counseling when the fighters at the Compound got overly stressed. She’d pushed the desks in each one to the side walls to serve as dressers, and then swept them out and put down the workout pads, topped with sheets and blankets.

Now, Race lay on his ‘bed’ staring up at the ceiling. Not that he could actually see it as it was pitch dark, but he knew it was there, looming over him, the weight of the destroyed Compound just above. And it felt like a weight—not in reality but the history behind it that had shaped the lives of Addie, Shan, and so many others who had once lived there.

Despite what the others had said, he didn’t belong here and he knew it. In case of trouble, and he had no doubt that before this was over that would happen, he’d be more of a hindrance than a help. If he were anywhere else but here he’d leave, but he didn’t even know where ‘here’ was. Restless, unable to sleep despite the fact that he was bone tired, he got up, lighting the stub of the candle he’d used earlier before inching his way to the door. He opened it as quietly as possible and slipped into the hallway.

From there he made his way to the first tunnel and started up the incline. When he reached the top, he carefully slipped through the brush he and Shan had put at the entrance to hide it and stepped out into the early morning light. Shivering as a chill breeze hit him, he realized that the clothes he’d taken from Shan’s island home were no proof against the high mountain temperatures at this hour of the day, even though it was summer. Wrapping his arms around himself he moved to the closest tree and settled against its leeward side, out of the wind’s path.

He had to admit that it was beautiful up here. Even the ruins had a sort of strange grandeur, covered as they were with new growth and trailing vines. He wouldn’t really mind being here if he could be more than the stray kid Shan had taken under his wing. And therein lay the main problem, as far as he was concerned. He didn’t know how he would deal with living here for however long it took, knowing that all Shan saw him as was a kid, and a possible student if he really did have the magic potential Kayne though he had.

As the sun rose, beginning to warm him finally, his thoughts went around and around with not resolution. Finally exhaustion took over and he slept.

(39) When all else is lost the future still remains

“Come on Race, we’ve got shopping to do.”

Race looked at Shan, then Addie, then Shan again. “We’re not leaving her here by herself are we?”

“Why not, I’m quite capable of taking care of myself? Vampire here, Race, an old one, and if you’re worried because I’m female, don’t be.”

“But…” One scathing look from Addie and Race shut up, turning to Shan. “They have a WalMart somewhere around here?”

Shan burst into laughter. “Not quite, but there’s a small shop we used to use in emergencies. Well stocked with local fare and a few basic necessities of life. You ready?”

A few seconds later they were standing in a narrow alley between several small stone buildings. “We’re definitely not in New Orleans any more,” Race muttered.

“Or in Kansas,” Shan replied, chuckling as he opened the wooden door in front of them.

As soon as they were inside, a portly middle-aged man greeted Shan with a wide smile, rattling off something in what Race could only presume was the native language. Shan responded in kind, accepting a hug before apparently telling the man what they needed. Then Shan handed Race a basket, picked one up himself, and with the man’s assistance they were soon full of tins, plus dried meats, fish and fruits. Shan stopped at one shelf, taking down two cases of bottled water to add to their purchases. Race saw a shelf of soaps, toothbrushes and toothpaste and added some to his basket. Satisfied they had what they needed for the time being, Shan paid the man and then started setting the bags and cases of water outside the shop in the alley. After bidding the man good-bye and closing the shop door behind them, Shan piled Race’s arms high with bags, grabbed the rest, plus the handles on the cases of water, and moments later they were back at the Compound.

Addie greeted them with a smile and led the way to one of the rooms along the hall. It was apparent when the men stepped inside that she’d been busy while they were gone. It had been cleaned up and a table with three mismatched chairs stood in the center. There were shelves along one wall that they proceeded to fill with their purchases.

Race suddenly realized that the light in the room came from candles stuck in several holders instead from Shan’s magic. “Very romantic,” he commented with a laugh. “Now all we need is a good wine to go with this.”

“Unfortunately, I didn’t find any down here. Maybe we should send Shan back for some.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t,” Shan told her. “I’m exhausted and you two should be as well. We have a lot to do tomorrow to make this place a bit more habitable, so I suggest we get some sleep.”

“I did find some sheets and blankets in one of the storerooms, no mattresses though, but the workout pads in the practice room should do us. As for a bathroom, with no running water I guess we’ll have to suffer.”

“That’s one of the things Race and I will deal with tomorrow afternoon, when we get up. Now we eat. Addie, are you okay for the time being?”

“I’m good for another couple of days. You eat; I’ll finish with our high-class sleeping arrangements.”

(38) When all else is lost the future still remains

“How long will we be here?” Race asked as he continued following Addie down the hall.

“I suspect that will depend on what we can find out about the being in the Messenger’s body, and then decide how to deal with them.”

“I will make it my job to see what I can determine about him. I have some sources that might have ideas about that.” Kayne said. “I would have done it earlier but there were things on the other plane that needed my attention. Things I preferred to handle myself rather than leave them in Shelagh’s hands.”

Addie cocked an eyebrow. “I hope for the sake of your relationship you didn’t tell her that.”

Kayne chuckled. “I may be male, but I am not that stupid.”

“Then there’s hope for you yet.” She grinned at him before opening the wide double doors at the end of the hall.

“Whoa,” Race muttered when Kayne produced more light so that the room was fully illuminated. It was huge. At the far end he could see a firing range, at one side hung heavy and speed bags, and other workout equipment stood close by. Across from that were cabinets, as well as a full range of larger weapons in standing racks.

“This was a fully equipped paramilitary compound, Race,” Addie explained. “We didn’t always use magic in our battles; in fact that was a rarity.” When he asked she gave him a brief run-down of what the group had done and why.

After she’d finished Race asked tentatively, “Will someone ever start it up again? It sounds like you were doing a great deal of good.”

“I seriously doubt it, but there are other ones like ours waging the same battles.”

Race nodded as he wandered over to check out the weapons.

Kayne came to stand beside Addie. “Are you certain?”

“About?” She looked at him in question.

“Anything,” he replied with a chuckle, “but right now, that you and Shan might not form another group like Lorcan’s.”

“If we do anything with this place,” Shan said as he strolled in to join them, “it would be what you suggested, as a school for battle-mages on this plane.”

“So you’re actually considering that?” Addie asked, a bit surprised though she suspected she shouldn’t have been.

Shan shrugged. “They’re needed. It’s not as if there was an over abundance of them. And it might give me some sense of real purpose, something I’ve been lacking recently.”

Addie nodded. “What about Race?”

“That is something I’ll have to find out. Having potential and learning how to use it can be two very different things. First and foremost he has to want to.”

“It will be interesting to see if he does, once you’ve dealt with this personage who is after Addison,” Kayne said. “This reminds me, I should leave the three of you. If I am going to find out anything about him, I can not do it here. Is there anything more you need of me before I go?”

Shan shook his head. “Other than some basic supplies, we should be good for a while and those I can get in the nearest town.”

Race came over in time to hear the last of the conversation. “But if you teleport can’t that thing track you?”

“He has to know where I am in order to do that, and thanks to Kayne that’s virtually impossible.”

Kayne cocked an eyebrow. “Totally impossible.” He hugged Addie, wished them well while promising to be in contact as soon as he had any information, and then vanished.

Guardian Angels – An Interesting Life (18)

As soon as Vic and Evan were in the car and driving away with their invisible passengers in the backseat, Vic asked, "You're sure that mechanic is the same guy you interrogated, Paddy?"

"Definitely. The question is, why was Peake's phone stolen?"

"For the phone numbers. He said he had ones on it for his mechanics. The description Mrs Peake gave us of the guy? If he'd been there before but without the glasses, the mustache, and the graying hair…"

"He cased the place," Paddy said. "Maybe did the same thing then, posed as a potential customer, talked to the mechanics, and figured one of them might be up for some fast cash. He sees the guy's name on his coveralls but has no logical reason to ask for his phone number so… Yeah, he figures Peake would have the guy's number on his phone, comes back in disguise, hoping he can get his hands on the phone, and gets lucky." 

Dom laughed. "You're getting a kick out of this detective work, aren't you Paddy?"

"Yeah, I am. I finally got put with someone who leads an interesting life. The last assignment I had with Hal and Dave, all I got to do was hang around guarding a woman with two kids. Bo-oring."

"It's usually not this interesting," Vic said. "Mostly leg-work and computer searches."

Evan arched an eyebrow. "You implied at one point this wasn't the first time you've been beaten up."

"Yeah, but the couple of other times it happened, it was someone who resented my digging into their less than legit business. I told you that—a punch thrown when I caught them, or a couple. Never did anything more than leave me with a sore jaw or bruised ribs, if they got lucky."

"Why the hell did Samuel wait until now to put me with him?" Paddy asked Dom mind to mind, so that the other two couldn't hear.

"Because until now, his life wasn't in danger?"

"Yeah, probably. Would have been fun, though, following him around, learning the business from the inside out."

Dom just shook his head.

"We need a plan of action," Evan told the others.

"Using the mechanic who tried to break into your house?" Paddy said.

"You're certain it was him?" Evan used the rearview mirror to look back at where Paddy's voice had come from. "And can you two materialize? It's disconcerting talking to thin air."

"Yes, Evan, I'm certain," Paddy replied with a bit of asperity, becoming visible again.

Evan tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. "What if we followed him when he left work? Find out where he lives…"

"What if we follow him." Paddy pointed to himself and Dom. "He won't know we're there, since we'll be invisible."

"Just one of us," Dom said. "We can't leave these two unprotected, even if we can sense if they're in danger from a distance. It's not worth taking the chance that we wouldn't get to them in time."

            "No," Vic said after a moment's thought. "That won't lead us to whoever hired him because the only contact they have is by phone." He rapped a knuckle on his lips. "There's one way to find our man, because he's not going to stop until he gets his hands on me."

(37) When all else is lost the future still remains

“You look, you will pardon the expression, like hell,” Kayne said when Shan reappeared in the command center, with Race following closely behind.

“I’d say I feel like it too, but surprisingly I don’t. The kid there could use some cleaning up though.”

“Both of you are bleeding whether you realize it or not,” Addie pronounced as she went to one of the closets to dig out a med kit.

“She didn’t even see me, barely,” Race whispered to Shan.

“Vampire here, Race. I could smell it.” She returned with the kit and told him to sit so she could take care of his arm. “And you, mister, off with those jeans so I can deal with your knees,” she ordered Shan.

“Excuse me,” he grumbled, “but I’m not…well…”

She laughed. “Do you ever wear underwear? Okay, Mr. Modesty, find a towel and then take them off.” As she started to work on Race she shook her head. “Kayne, a bit of your magic here please, this antiseptic is way past its sell date.” While Kayne obliged, he pointed out she could have healed the wound just as easily.

She disagreed. “Somehow I doubt Race would feel comfortable with my licking him, even if it is just his arm.”

“At this point I doubt it would have bothered me much,” Race told her, more than a bit stunned as he watched the deep gash slowly knit together.

“Now you.” She turned to Shan and shook her head in amusement when she saw him standing there in leopard form. “Guess that’ll work just as well.” ::Coward,:: she added in his mind.

::Didn’t want to embarrass Race.::

Addie’s eyebrow shot up. ::Somehow I doubt that embarrassed is what he would have been feeling.::

::There was that, too.::

::Such a sensitive little leopard.:: When he chuffed in annoyance she scratched behind his ears before telling the others, “Let’s run a check down here to see what’s left that could come in useful, while Shan finishes his healing.”

“What else was down here?” Race asked as he trailed after her.

“At the far end of the hall is the weapons and practice room. That,” she pointed to one door as they walked past it, “leads to Shan’s training room. It’s very well reinforced and was warded, though I doubt they’re standing anymore.”

Kayne stopped for a moment, pressing his hand against the door. “Amazingly, there are a few wards still, although far from what’s needed.”

“Training for sorcerers?” Race asked.

“Battle mages,” Addie told him. “Although if we stay here long enough he might just use it to work with you, I suppose.”

(36) When all else is lost the future still remains

“I can’t.”

“You can," Race replied. "You must. Listen to your heart. It knows. Now is the time. Go.”

Tears slid slowly down Shan’s cheeks as he stumbled blindly down the hall. As if guided by an unseen hand, he safely traversed the rubble-strewn floor to the room. His hand gripped the handle and he hesitated.

At the far end of the hall Race watched, his nails digging into the palms of his hands as he resisted the urge to go to him; to give him the strength to take the last step into the room. Please.  He looked up, closing his eyes. Please help him.

Shan pushed the door open. The room was in shambles, furniture crushed under fallen bricks and plaster. What was left of the walls shattered, destroyed. Just as he was. 

Wiping a hand across his tear-streaked face, Shan’s gaze searched for anything that said this was the room that had once been filled with love and happiness. Bits and pieces of his life with Lav lay strewn around. Clothing spilled from the broken dresser, now moss and mildew covered, almost unrecognizable for what it had been as was the rest of the destroyed furniture. The bed where they had loved each other, slowly or passionately as the spirit had moved them, was now in shattered pieces. He crossed to it with hesitant steps, stood looking down at what remained, remembering, tears coursing down his cheeks.

“I loved you, damn it. Why did you have to die? Why you?” Dropping to his knees, heedless of the sharp shards of brick that tore into them, he wrapped his arms around himself, rocking back and forth as sobs wracked his frame. “I miss you so much, my love. It’s hard, so hard, so lonely, so empty without you.”

Eventually the sobs lessened, the tears stopped. He was drained, empty. He lifted his head, staring sightlessly ahead. Then a faint sound, as if something small had been dropped, hitting the floor with a soft, bright clink, brought him back to reality. He looked, trying to find what it was. In the thick dust beside the dresser he saw something glimmering in the faint light.

Standing, he inched his way across the room and knelt, picking up the small silver object. His heart beat faster as he stared at it. It was the pendant Lav had given him their last Christmas together. A simple circle, a leopard’s head etched on one side, a panther’s on the other, with the words ‘I will love you’ under the panther, and under the leopard, ‘forever’. The chain had broken the morning of the explosion, he remembered. So he’d set the pendant on the dresser, vowing to get a new chain after he’d completed his day of training with the Master.

Now he clutched it, bringing it to his lips. “And I will love you forever,” he murmured. Then he lifted his gaze, staring up at the thin shaft of moonlight slipping through the shattered ceiling of the room. “I will, forever, but now…” One last tear rolled slowly down his cheek. “Now, I think I can move on.”