Smoke and Mirrors - 7

“Haven’t seen her Jared, sorry.” The clerk at the front counter of Mordollwen’s antique store frowned. “As a matter of fact she hasn’t even checked in, in the last couple of days, which is not like her.”

“Probably hanging around the local sex shops terrorizing the under two-hundred set by showing them what happens to naughty little boys,” Daniel muttered.

“Shush, she’s not that bad, just a bit…over-sexed at times.”

“A bit?” Daniel shook his head but kept quiet for now.

“If you do hear from her please tell her to get in contact with me,” Jared said to the clerk. “It’s of vital importance that she does. If the damned woman had a phone this would be much easier.”

The clerk nodded in commiseration but refrained from commenting as a customer came up to the counter, asking to see one of the dolls locked in a display case across the main room.

“So where to next, Jared?”

“I suppose back to her house again. At least we’ll know if she got the note I left.”

“We’re breaking in?” Daniel’s face lit up at that thought.

“Easy there. We’re not technically doing a break-in, just a drop in,” —Jared put his arm around Daniel’s waist— “literally.” As he finished the sentence they landed in the living room of Mordollwen’s house.

“Okay,” Daniel said as he looked around. “Either she’s a lousy housekeeper or someone’s been looking for something."

Jared had to agree. Every drawer in the large desk on one wall had been pulled out, the contents emptied onto the floor, the pillows on the two sofas and the chairs were standing on their edges and it was obvious that someone had checked behind the books although they’d been left on the shelves, not tossed onto the floor as well.

“We’d better check the rest of the house,” Jared said angrily.

“She’s not here, dead or alive,” Daniel told him after sniffing the air. He knew Jared was as aware of that as he was, but felt the need to say it anyway.

Guardian Angels – Protection (12)

"I guess that answers that question," Hal said wryly, glancing at Dave, who stood beside him. "Jamie can only see me though, because I'm his guardian angel."

"Without you showing yourself, the way you did with me."

"Exactly. I should have told him not to tell his dad, but it's too late now."

"Timing is everything, and this time Kip came in before you had the chance."

"No kidding," Hal muttered.

* * * *

Mack kneeled down in front of Jamie. "What does this angel look like?"

"He's got long blond hair. Real long. And his eyes are"—Jamie looked at Kip—"What's the color like green and blue mixed?"

"Aqua?"

"Uh-huh. His eyes are aqua."

Glancing at Kip, Mack said, "That doesn't even come close to the bit of a description we have of the guy."

Kip heaved a sigh of relief. "It has to have been his imagination, or he fell asleep and dreamed it."

"I did not!" Jamie protested. "He's here. Right over there." He pointed.

Mack stood, going to where Jamie said he saw the angel, then beckoned for Kip to join him. "Obviously," Mack said, his voice barely above a whisper, "there's no one here. Maybe, because he's frightened about what's going on, he's invented an imaginary friend to protect him?"

"Possible, I suppose," Kip replied equally as softly. "If it makes him feel safer, I guess there's no harm in it. But why an angel?"

"The classic guardian angel story. Could he have heard about them in Sunday school?"

Kip shook his head. "We're not church goers, but maybe Emily's kids said something. Who knows?"

"Dad, you're not supposed to whisper when other people are in the room," Jamie called out.

"You're right. I'm sorry." Kip went back to sit beside him on the bed. "Does your angel make you feel safer? Oh, and how do you know he is an angel if he doesn't have wings?"

"I just know is all." Jamie nodded hard. "He's supposed to watch over me, like in that Christmas movie."

Kip glanced at Mack knowingly. To Jamie, he said, "That's what angels do. Now, how about you finish getting ready for bed and then we'll read a story."

"Narnia?"

"Again?"

"Uh-huh."

"Deal." Kip hugged him and got up. "Holler when you're ready," he said, as he and Mack left the room.

Kip went to the kitchen, poured a cup of coffee then joined Mack in the living room. "I suppose, as we said, if he believes he's got an angel watching over him, he won't be afraid. Although so far, he seems to think this is all a big adventure."

Mack nodded. "I've got two kids of my own. Charlie, the older one, was great at bluffing through it when something frightened him, like it was no big deal. Danny was more ready to admit his fears and talk about them. I guess there's something to be said for both reactions. Right now, in my opinion, this angel is a good thing. With all the stress you're under, you won't have to add to it by lying to Jamie that there's really nothing to worry about. Kids are too good at picking up on that, and he'd be even more afraid. He's created his imaginary angel to make him feel safe, so leave it be."

"I intend to." Kip took a sip of coffee. "Two kids?"

Mack smiled proudly. "Yep. Eleven and twelve. They drive us up the walls sometimes but they're great boys. Full of energy and bright as can be. Like your Jamie."

"He is that. He's also…" Kip added when Jamie hollered "I'm ready, Dad", "very demanding at times."

Chuckling, Mack said, "Go. Read. Do you mind if I watch TV?"

"Not at all." Kip handed him the remote and went to join his son.

Smoke and Mirrors - 6

“A nahual huh? Hate those damned warlock shifters. Does Hugon know anything more than that there’s one in town?”

Jared shook his head. “He only felt its presence, and that it’s a strong one.”

Daniel tied back his hair as he thought about that. “He’s not going to be that easy to find then. Was Hugon dream-walking when he sensed him?”

“From the information the Supe Council gave me, yes he was.”

“That means the nahual was probably in the process of shifting at the time.”

“How do you know?”

Daniel grimaced. “I had a run in with one a long time ago, well before we met. I thought he was just a were-jag at first and that damned near cost me my life. We’re going to need help on this assignment, Jared. Neither of us has the magical skills necessary to counteract a nahual in his warlock form.”

“I know of someone who might be willing, but you’re not going to be too happy about it.”

“Oh no, not her. Come on Jared there have to be a dozen others that would be more than willing.”

“Willing, sure, but able to is another question and you know that. Mor is a bitch, I’ll agree, but she has what we don’t, penultimate sorceress abilities. And she’s in the city.”

Daniel’s glare would have quelled stronger men than Jared but the day-walker knew why his partner was upset and acknowledged it with a wry smile. “I thought if I told you she was in town you’d blow your stack. I haven’t seen her Daniel. I just know from a friend that she appeared about a week ago.”

“Yeah, well she can disappear back to the caves like the rest of her kind.”

“And let the nahual get away with whatever he’s got planned? No. If needs be I’ll deal with her on my own but I am going to approach her and see if she’s willing to help.”

“You’re not going near that bitch without me by your side. End of story.”

Jared grinned, wanting to defuse Daniel’s anger. “Let me get your leash and collar then.”

“Keep it up Bat Boy and we’ll see who’s going to be collared,” Daniel growled before a bit of a smile quirked the corner of his mouth up. “Okay, if we have to deal with Mor then I guess we’d better go find what rock she’s hiding under.”

“That’s my man.” Jared wrapped his arms around Daniel’s waist. “You know you’re the only one for me now, so try to curb the jealousy for my sake?”

“I promise I’ll try.”

“Thank you.” Jared’s lips pressed to Daniel’s for a long, intense kiss before they broke apart. “Now let’s go find my ex-wife and see if we can push or cajole her into working with us.”

Smoke and Mirrors - 5

“And another crisis successfully averted thanks to Batman and Catman.”

Jared snorted. “Isn’t that supposed to be Catwoman?”

“You live your fantasy, I’ll live mine.” Daniel grinned.

“My fantasy involves Catman in some very interesting positions while I…”  Jared didn’t get to finish that sentence as Daniel’s mouth covered his in a hot, demanding kiss. Much later the two Supes were replete and finally sleeping the sleep of the well sated.

It was close to noon when Daniel finally woke to the tantalizing smells of breakfast in the making. Jared might not eat but he loved to cook, which was fine with Daniel. Putting together more than a sandwich was not something Daniel did well.

“So how’s my sexy vamp this morning?” Daniel inquired as he strolled into the kitchen a few minutes later.

“Dressed, which is more than I can say for you,” Jared replied with a chuckle.

“I figured why dress when I’d be undressing as soon as breakfast was over.”

“Not today jag. We have another job.”

Daniel sighed. “Of course we do. What now?”

“It seems our friendly local shaman has sensed the presence of a nahual in the city.”

“Nothing more, only sensed it?” Daniel asked as he speared a couple of sausages off the platter.

“Sit and eat like a proper gentleman,” Jared grumbled. “I’ll fill you in afterward, when you’re dressed.”

“Spoilsport.” Daniel rolled his eyes but sat as ordered and dug into his meal with relish.  When he’d finished and washed up the dishes, he stopped long enough to give Jared a decent good-morning kiss, muttering mild imprecations at his partner when the man refused to be drawn into anything more. “Okay, you win this time,” Daniel said in mock petulance as he went to get dressed.

Smoke and Mirrors - 4

Raising an eyebrow, Jared was about to try to wipe the woman’s memory of what she and her companion had found when he realized that she was more than she appeared. He tapped a finger against his lip, turned his gaze to the man for a moment to make him forget what he’d done and what he might hear, and then said to the woman, “Fairies are off limits to you and yours. You should know that.”

She sneered. “I am a law unto myself.”

“Then why bring him alone with you?” He nodded at the man.

“Cover. He was supposed to keep anyone from interfering since he really is an employee of the museum.”

Daniel, still in jaguar form, slipped silently into the clearing to stand beside Jared. ::Is she what I think?::

::I believe so, beneath her glamour as a human::

::So this could be a territorial war. Unfortunate::

::Agreed:: To the woman Jared said, “We will not allow this. I hope you understand what I’m telling you.”

“’We’ being who? You and the shifter?”

“No, the Council of the Supernaturals which oversees all those who are not human, for whom we are agents.”

“Enforcers more likely. Do you think you can stop this? The fairies have impinged on our territory. It is our right to defend it and now I have,” she glared at him, “I had one of them to question.”

“My friend and I might not be able to stop you, but once the Council finds out what you are planning they will send some who can, if it becomes necessary.” He looked at the fairy behind the glass, which he now decided must be enchanted to keep her contained. “I will take her to them. If you wish you may go with us to present your side of the story.”

The woman thought about that for a long moment and then nodded. “You can guarantee me safe passage?”

“I give you my word no harm will come to either of you at our hands or those of the Council’s. They will render a decision and as long as both sides abide by it that will be the end.”

“I cannot ask for more I suppose.” She looked at the man who was still in Jared’s thrall. “What of him?”

“He will remember nothing other than that he was out here to collect insects for the museum---alone.”

“Very well, take us to the Council.”