Something Else Wicked

When last we left that unlikely pair of alien slayers, part-Felig Nate Lowe and fully human Tina Cain in The Felig Chronicles, they‟d finally declared their mutual love and lust in spite of the extraterrestrial Felig‟s efforts to kill them and enslave Earth. In The Felig Chronicles 2: Something Else Wicked, in addition to the Felig, why does a human element want them dead, too?

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author‟s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author‟s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Something Else Wicked Copyright © 2011 PJ Dean ISBN: 978-1-55487-971-7 Cover art by Angela Waters All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

Something Else Wicked The Felig Chronicles Two By Pj Dean

For all of those who shaped me

Chapter One

“W

hat the fuck is going on? How is this happening? I should replace all of you!” Nate Lowe stood, shaking his head in disbelief. He simultaneously paced and dressed down his security team in the long driveway leading to his upstate New York farmhouse. Intruders had been entering the property to get a gander at him and his lady, Tina. This last breach had been particularly unsettling. A male and a female intruder had jumped the walls, overpowering a lone security crewmember on his rounds. A tense struggle ensued, which left the male dead and the female in police custody. The poor crewmember was badly shaken in addition to having been beaten pretty badly before he‟d squeezed off a round, killing the male. Needless to say, Nate was beside himself. “Boss, please calm down,” Paul, a green recruit let escape. The heads of all assembled turned in his direction and held their breath. “We caught „em. That‟s what counts. We called the cops. They took them away. Jerry is banged up, but he‟ll be 1

PJ Dean fine.” “Fine? Fine! An assault, an arrest, and a death. A fine mess if you ask me. What‟s your name again?” “It‟s Paul, sir,” the recruit declared loudly and a bit too proudly. Nate‟s brows shot up so fast and so far that he shocked himself and the crew. “Well, you‟ve got balls, kid. Clueless ones, albeit. You‟ll be the CEO of something someday.” “Well thank you, sir,” the kid replied, Nate‟s sarcasm failing to permeate his thick skull. Nate did a double take, then decided to let up on the newbie and address all. “Look, people, harm has been done by the time you catch these nuts. They‟ve already been on the property for who knows how long. Get them at the perimeter, not after they‟ve breached it. I won‟t have this meeting again,” he yelled. “If there is a next time, you can leave with the trespassers. Understand?” “Yes, boss,” they sang. Nate‟s temples throbbed, his body temperature shot up twenty degrees and his shoulder blades ached. He knew what was going to happen next in front of all them if he didn‟t get out of there. He had to cool down. He pulled Avner, his right hand man, aside. “Avner, please brief the guys on the new schedules and procedures. I‟ll be up at the house if you need me. Have to get in touch with 2

Something Else Wicked Jerry‟s family.” “I‟ll do that, Nate. Go take a load off.” “No. The news has to come from me. It‟s only right. You, Iris and Akivah still coming by tonight?” “I understand, man.” He slapped Nate on the arm. “We‟ll be there about seven. Go take care of business.” **** Tina was in the adjacent firing range. She‟d heard Nate‟s distressed tone rushing in through the open window between reloads of her magnum. She spied him heading for the house as she hung up her headset and returned her gun to the shoulder holster that she wore. “Oh Lord, what now?” she asked as she packed up her gear, locked up and headed for the house. “Tina!” yelled Avner and the guys as she passed them. Tina waved back, running by the beginnings of a hole being dug for the pool. Avner ran over to her. “Tina, Nate‟s loaded for bear. Riled up about the people who have gotten on the property lately. He chewed on us a bit. You know what happens when all that stress mounts.” “I sure do. I‟ll intercede for y‟all.” “Thanks, T.” Avner‟s lips formed a smile. “He 3

PJ Dean said dinner was a go.” “No problem. I like havin‟ you come by. Moz and Evie will be there, too. Lata.” Tina dreaded what she‟d encounter upon entering the house. Agitated by the latest events, Nate would corner her and lecture her ad infinitum about the danger of the compromised security, about how she couldn‟t be too careful. She knew his deep concern stemmed from her actually dying once before at the hands of his ex, Karen, who was now Felig. Karen had, then tried to kill Tina again not too long ago. The obsessed creature had kidnapped Tina with the intention of finishing her off. Nate had almost lost his mind when that occurred. Tina in turn worried about him. “Nate? Nate?” she called as she searched throughout the house. She headed for the suite they shared. As she crossed the threshold, she removed her shoulder holster and set it on the dresser. Next, she shrugged out of the bulletproof vest that he made her wear and draped it over the back of a burgundy boudoir chair. A slightly off-key chorus of, I Say A Little Prayer for You, floated on woodsy scented air emanating from the bathroom. Nate was in the shower. Tina eased off her sneakers and stripped to her undies. He must be overheating something fierce, she mused. Nate‟s mid-day shower and the singing always signaled a stressful episode lately. 4

Something Else Wicked “Nate, honey, you well?” Tina hollered into the space the half open door created. Nate turned off the water. “Who‟s there?” “It‟s me. Who else you expectin‟? I‟ll wait.” Tina leaned against the door jamb, arms folded against her. “Nate, we have to talk. I know why you‟re in there. You‟re freaked about the security lapses.” “You got that right!” he shot back. “Babe, it‟s just gawkers. Nuts looking for their fifteen minutes. What gets me is I am not that interesting for folks to be getting crazed about.” “Just be alert, T. We‟ve been through too much already.” “Calm down.” Tina could see in the bathroom mirror that he was in full display, wings kicking up a breeze and knocking shit off the shelves. He had the beginnings of dark under eye circles and bags. No. The beginnings of luggage. Fully packed luggage. “You‟ll spontaneously combust, fool.” She moved closer to the bathroom door. “Oh, by the by, I liked your choice of song. Does it come with its own sexy dance, too?” “You bet it does.” “Well, when the hell can I see it?” “Now!” Nate yanked the door open wide in all his damp, naked glory. Tina squealed as he pulled her into the steamfilled bathroom. 5

PJ Dean

Tina didn‟t know if loving Nate or screwing Nate was the thing that got her off the most. She had to admit that after, their moment, she grinned for hours. It just felt wonderful to love and be loved. Tina slid off the bed and into a satiny robe. She padded into the adjoining study where Nate was blogging away on the computer. “There you are. I was going to get you up. We have dinner guests to cook for before they arrive. Remember?” Nate ran a hand over his grumbling stomach. “I do. Chicken has been marinating in the fridge. We can still grill it outside. The rest will fall into place.” Tina wiggled onto his lap, separating him from his keyboard. She ran a finger along the keys of the computer. “Ewww! Dirty.” She picked up the can of keyboard cleaner and began spraying away. Dislodged debris danced across the keys. Nate stared at the action, mesmerized. “Where‟s that little plastic straw to stick in the nozzle? Did you lose it?” She waved her free hand in front of his face. “Nate? Nate?” “That‟s it! That‟s it!” he screamed, jumping up, toppling Tina from her perch. “What the hell?” “That‟s it.” “Nate, make sense, please and help me up.” 6

Something Else Wicked “You‟ve found the answer to, if not Felig destruction, at least, Felig retreat.” He pointed to the can that she held. “This?” Tina looked with knitted brow at the can, then to Nate, then back at the can. “This! Yes, this.” “You bet that fine ass, babe.” Nate pulled her up from the floor and re-arranged Tina on his lap. “It‟s cheap. It‟s portable. I‟m sure a bigger size can be made. Everyone can carry it. If you feel that heat surge you can spray away. Do you think it could work? It would give a person time to escape. It may not kill a Felig, but it could save a human life.” “But you can‟t see a Felig, Nate, unless they want you to or at that last minute. They still will snatch some people.” “But not without a fight. Most people travel in groups now. Can you imagine if everyone whips their container and let loose? “I‟d like to see that.” “Me, too. A cloud of cold immobilizing a predator. The prey runs away. Beats nothing. It could really save lives.” “Or give false hope.” “T, something has to give hope. Everyone can‟t afford a gun or move to the North Pole or wants to.” “Guns really don‟t help all that much.” 7

PJ Dean “I know, but crime rises every time a food shipment comes into the city. People are using guns on each other.” “I am truly happy about this, hon. Okay. Get on this dirty computer and alert the media! Get the word out. Tell the mayor. Add it to your lectures and blogs. The underground will help spread the word.” Tina leaned in and planted a big, wet one on Nate. “Proud of you. Righting the world‟s wrongs. All before dinner. Dinner that I „m gonna start now. Our friends will be here in two hours.” “Tina, we have to talk.” A dour tone accompanied Nate‟s hangdog look. “Not now. Can‟t we just bask in this discovery?” “No! It‟s serious. It‟s about the folks who have been getting on the property, along the nasty mail we‟ve been getting lately.” “Lata, Nate.” She hopped off his lap. Nate grabbed one of her hands and spun her to face him. “Tina, no can of cold will stop this type of intruder. Take me seriously.” Tina raised her hand and caressed the sandy stubble on his cheek. Nate turned his head into her palm and kissed it, then stared at her. She was all too familiar with that blue laser of a gaze, and how it could override her soft, brown one. “Tina. Talk. After dinner.” “I hear ya.” 8

Something Else Wicked

Chapter Two

“S

o how long has it been for you two?” Moz asked between gulps of beer. “A little over six months,” Nate replied. The two men stood stiffly side by side in the rustic living room of the farmhouse making what passed for polite cocktail conversation. “Truthfully, I didn‟t think y‟all would make it six hours let alone six months if y‟all didn‟t spend it in bed.” “Thanks for that vote of confidence, Moz.” “Well, I figured that you were just another white boy who was curious about what y‟all call, dark meat. Plus your deal was about lust, not love.” “Thanks again, Moz, for making me feel like a throwback to another era.” Nate moved to face him. “Now what was Evie and me supposed to think? Tina comes to you for help and you make her that offer? We thought you were just some pervy white guy!” 9

PJ Dean “Not!” Nate howled a little too loudly. Guests spun to look at him. “I am not the type of person to take advantage of someone. From the moment I met Tina, something clicked. I‟m the happiest I‟ve ever been since I‟ve been with her.” Nate watched Tina work the room, serving, attending, and taking charge. “And her color had nothing to do with it. She‟s my kind.” “Half her kind.” Moz winked and slapped Nate on the back. “Little joke.” “Very little one.” Nate sighed, then sipped. “Okay. I feel ya. Still only a little over six months though. Anything could happen.” “Moz, put a sock in it. Stop calling me a white boy. I am thirty-two years old and I know my ethnicity.” “Thirty-two! I‟m robbing the cradle.” Tina swooped in to refresh their beers. “Don‟t start, T. Age does not matter. We are a fit.” Moz laughed and strutted away. “Oh, I do love stirring the melting pot!” Tina focused on Nate again. “Thirty-two. When did you turn thirty-two?” “Before I met you. And how old are you?” “We‟re not talkin‟ about me.” Hoping no one was looking, she raised the pitcher of beer to her mouth and chugged.

10

Something Else Wicked “Moz is only playing with you, Nate. Don‟t let it get to you.” Tina and Nate were in their bedroom getting ready for bed. Evie and Moz were staying the night in a room down the hall. “I know, T. It felt good to have people over. It felt…human.” “Plus everyone liked our can of cold idea.” Back in her comfy robe, Tina finger combed her brown spirals in the mirror as she sat at a vanity for which Nate had bartered. “Okay, talk time. He took her by the hand, led her to the bed and sat down. He patted a spot next to him. “Park it, babe.” He kept holding her hand as he spoke. “I‟m afraid for you. If something else happened to you…” Nate sighed, then gazed straight ahead. “I don‟t care what happens to me.” “I do.” Tina squeezed his hand. “Look, all the crap that‟s gone down recently … I just feel it‟s leading up to something even more crappy.” “We can handle it whatever it will be. We can‟t lose. Right? I can‟t fuckin‟ believe that I‟m giving the pep talk. Six months ago, the roles were reversed. Nate, you‟re changing me. I don‟t know if that‟s good.” “I‟m not changing you. You‟re tapping into another side of yourself. “ “Don‟t get metaphysical on me.” 11

PJ Dean “We‟re getting off point.” Nate turned to her. “Tina, if anything happens I want you to run. Get out. Don‟t look back.” “I can‟t do that.” “If shit breaks out and I‟m not visible, get out. I‟m part Felig. I should survive. But you… “So what‟s going on? Come on, spit it out.” “I don‟t know! I don‟t know!” He was irritated at not being able to pinpoint the cause for his unease. “That‟s what‟s making me crazy. I just have a feeling and it‟s not a warm, fuzzy one.” “Now I know I won‟t leave you if it gets hairy.” “You have to. Promise me?” “No!” “Tina, promise me!” Nate took her by the shoulders and shook her. “I‟m not kidding. I know how you can be. Get to Moz‟s. Promise me!” **** Tina felt heat pouring out of Nate. His temperature was spiking, evident in the warmth seeping through her robe where he held her. His speech was slow and deliberate and the timbre, deep. This was no joke. “I promise. I promise. Just don‟t cook me. Kiss me instead. Long, hard and wet.” “That sounds very rude. But I like it.” Nate wrapped her in his arms and fulfilled her wish. 12

Something Else Wicked Tina was breathless after the lip lock. “Whoa! What a tongue! To think I hated kissing not all that long ago. By the by…” She disengaged herself, got up, shed her robe to reveal a red bikini underwear set, then draped herself across the bed. Propping herself up on an elbow, she beckoned to him. “Get over here. Protect me.” Nate obliged by embracing her tightly and frenching her slowly again. When they came up for air, Tina squeaked out, “Forty!” “Forty what, T?” Nate asked as he arranged her onto her back. He unhooked the front of her bra, settled over her breasts, and suckled the nipples into firm chocolate points. “I‟ll be forty years old next month. Ah!” Just then, Nate‟s wings unfurled. He beat them softly to cool them both down and inched lower to nuzzle her stomach while his nimble fingers changed places with his tongue on her breasts. “If I make it.” **** “Moz, Evie, would you do that for Tina, for me?” Evie patted his hand. “Of course, Nate. Calm down. We love Tina and you are like family.” “Want some pills to help with that nervousness? I got a few to spare.” She started to dig in her trusty satchel. Moz stayed her search. “Hold off, Evie. On the 13

PJ Dean pills and my feelings, this jury‟s still out.” He, Nate and Evie sat at the breakfast bar around a meal that Nate had prepared. “Regardless of how you feel about me, help Tina.” Nate stared down Moz as he addressed Evie. “By the way, how‟s the breakfast?” “Good. All good. Not a bad cook, you.” “Got the turkey bacon special for you.” “Put a pig to shame. Who‟s your connection? Trying to butter me up? Might work.” Moz reached for another thick strip from the platter in front of him. Evie smacked his hand away. “Slow down. Save some for Tina,” she reminded her spouse. “She‟s not up yet, Bottomless Pit.” “Yeah, she‟s usually an early riser. Working out, running. Did you two indulge too much? I thought I heard early morning boot knockin‟.” “Moz, please!” She turned to Nate. “Excuse him.” Nate sipped his coffee, savoring the rich, full flavor as it rolled over his tongue. “Jealous, Moz? Tina‟s not complaining. Be happy for us in this crazy age.” Tina stood in the kitchen doorway. Scrubbed, radiant and ready to eat. Her dark brown chinlength curls bounced as she strode toward the bar. “Someone mention me? Mornin‟ everyone.” “Speak of the devil,” Nate said as she hopped 14

Something Else Wicked up on the stool next to him. He smiled. She was wearing a color that was not on her regular list. Pink. Hoodie, sweats and white running shoes. It made her look like she was in junior high. But Nate knew that underneath, she was all business—a practical but fashionable duo of racer back bra and boy leg panties. Tina always applied just enough make up to accentuate that face and those features he adored. Silence fell over the scene. Moz and Nate conspicuously started re-arranging cups and cutlery. “Let me fix you a plate, girl.” Evie put bacon, toast, and the last of an omelet, on a plate, and slid it in front of Tina. “Tea or coffee?” Evie asked, half off her stool, hovering. Tina accepted the dish while mulling over what wasn‟t going on around her. “Okay. Okay. Let me hip y‟all to something. I know you were talking about me. Evie, sit down. Enough of the waitress act. What were you saying about me?” More silence. Tina tapped her knuckles on the counter. “Hello? Hello! You two playing Pickup Sticks with the utensils. Stop it. Look at me. What were you talking about?” “Nothing, hon. Just the day ahead. Moz and Evie‟s trip back home.” Nate leaned over to peck her cheek. Tina averted her face. Moz chuckled. Evie punched his forearm and rolled her eyes. 15

PJ Dean Tina used her elbow to push Nate away. He blinked in disbelief. She noted that he was doing what she called his impression of a percolating coffee pot. “Nate, please! Cut the bullshit. Small talk has never been one of your strengths.” She sat up straight, leveled her face with his, and stared directly into his eyes. Through a tightly clenched jaw, which would have made a Main Line matron of old, proud, Tina posed her question again. “What the hell were you all discussing?” “Eat something,” Evie insisted. “No. I can‟t be placated with good food.” She turned to Nate. “Or a good fuck.” “Snap! Put the pot down, Evie. Time to go,” Moz said, sliding off his stool. Even her cat, Tatum, who had been resting on a stool, hopped down and padded out of the kitchen. “Don‟t run,, Nate said. He was a tad bruised by Tina‟s comment. “Let‟s be adults even if she can‟t be, and tell her. Moz and Evie have agreed to take you in if things turn bad here.” “I have my own place. Remember? We‟ve already been up this road, down this road and around this road. It‟s tired news. Oh, and I can‟t be adult? I‟ll remember that next time you come looking for adults-only action.” Tina swiveled in the couple‟s direction. “I appreciate that you would stand in harm‟s way for me.” “You‟re welcome. You done terrorizing every16

Something Else Wicked one now, Miss Cain?” Evie asked. “I am. Sorry everyone.” Tina dug into her meal. “We gonna go pack. See ya in a few,” Moz declared. I got a temp job waitin‟ if my friend can get me in. A few bucks and a few perks. I don‟t even know what it entails. Keep your fingers crossed for me,” Evie said. “And I‟m going to get dressed.” Nate rubbed Tina‟s back. “You‟re tight, babe. I feel it. We have to hit the gym hard today. “He lightly kissed the nape of her neck. “I‟ll be right back.”

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PJ Dean

Chapter Three

N

ate trodded across the bedroom floor, a towel wrapped around his hips. He caught his image in the dresser mirror and thought that he didn‟t look too bad for all that he had endured lately. He had never been the hulking, bruiser type. He had always been lanky muscle. He did his guy thing and flexed his pecs and biceps in the glass. So the lovely lady in the kitchen fancied this with all its secrets and problems. He fancied her with all her secrets and problems, too. “It‟s good.” He bent closer to the mirror. More sleep, less stress would help the dark circles under his eyes. But who could sleep soundly with the madness at his front door? Someone knocked at the bedroom door. “Yes?” “It‟s Paul, sir. I have some news about Jerry.” “Good. Good. I was just about to call his kin. Avner let you up here?” Nate opened the door and let Paul in. As he 18

Something Else Wicked closed the door, in a flash, the newbie attacked him, knocking him around the room. The kid was so forceful and swift that he caught Nate off guard. In the tussle, Paul slammed him into the dresser. Trying to get his balance, Nate dragged the cloth off the dresser and everything with it. Two lamps went crashing to the floor. Nate got a few good punches and kicks to the kid‟s face and middle before the attacker pulled a blackjack from a jacket pocket and popped him a few times on the head. Nate felt himself blacking out. With great effort he yelled, “Help! Help!” “Quiet, fraud!” Paul struck him once more to subdue him. He tossed the blackjack to the floor. Grinning like a wet dream had come true, Paul reached into his waistband and pulled out a hunting knife. “Tina!” Nate mouthed before the world went dark and he felt the knife-edge pierce his neck. **** Avner, his wife Iris and baby Akivah dropped by the main house to thank their employer for the terrific outing last night. Tina opened the front door. “Hey! Come on in.” “Where‟s the main man, T? I got some news he‟d want to hear. Pronto.” 19

PJ Dean Tina buzzed Iris and the baby. “Upstairs dressing. Go on up.” She took Akivah in her arms and he gurgled with glee. “This kid‟s gonna ask me for a date soon. He‟s so big for a baby his age.” She looked to Iris. “A side effect, you think?” The pert redhead shrugged her shoulders and replied, “Your guess is as good as mine.” Loud thumping and yells emanated from upstairs. “Nate!” Avner cried, pulling out his Jericho, racing for the stairs. Tina handed Akivah back to Iris. “What‟s going on?” both women screamed. “Stay here, Iris, out of sight.” Tina followed Avner. They reached the bedroom door at the same time Evie and Moz did. Avner kicked it in and found a naked Nate, lying motionless, on the floor in a pool of blood. “Oh God, no!” Tina screeched, rushing past Avner. She knelt and cradled Nate in her arms, grabbing a stray towel to apply pressure to a wound in his neck. Avner did a sweep of the room by checking closets and under the bed. “Towels! Get towels from the bathroom, somebody!” Tina pleaded. Evie headed for the bathroom, but Moz went instead with his trusty baseball bat. He hurried back with a stack while Tina and his wife worked on Nate. Nate‟s eyes flickered open. “Tina.” “Who did this, baby?” Tina asked through a 20

Something Else Wicked flood of tears. There was so much blood. Tina didn‟t know if she‟d puke, pass out or do both. She had no idea how many punctures riddled him, only that blood was streaming out of a lot of places. “It‟s got to be the new guy. Paul. I was coming to tell Nate that the kid‟s background check didn‟t pass muster,” Avner said. “Excuse me, but this looks sorta serious. Shouldn‟t somebody call, Nine One One?” Moz asked. “No, we can handle this,” Avner replied. “What do you mean?” Tina asked. “Handle it how? We need to get him to a freakin‟ ER. Stat! Oh God. Nate? Nate?” He didn‟t answer and closed his eyes. Tina sobbed loudly as she shook him. “I‟m so sorry about the stuff I said to you in the kitchen. Don‟t you die, you fucker.” “Believe me, T. Just let me alert the crew.” Avner took out his walkie-talkie. “All teams! All teams! Be on the lookout for Paul Justus. He is armed and dangerous. Apprehend if you can. If you cannot apprehend, shoot to kill. Repeat. Try to apprehend. If you cannot apprehend, shoot to kill.” He turned to Moz. “Please go downstairs and assure my wife that we‟ve got everything under control. Stay with her, please. We‟ll yell if we need ya. Thanks so much. Be careful.” “You‟re welcome.” Moz scratched his head. “I 21

PJ Dean guess you know what you‟re doin‟. Tina, we ain‟t leavin‟ this house „til we hear from you. Come on Evie.” Moz collected his wife and bat and went downstairs. Avner came over to kneel by Nate. “Tina, summon Miss Matty. She and I together can heal Nate.” Avner peeled off his shirt. “What?” “Do it. Time‟s slipping away. Don‟t take it personally, but once she‟s here, you‟ll have to go. Call her now!” Tina closed her eyes, and bellowed Mom internally. I‟m here, girl, don‟t worry. Matty materialized. Her wings pumped slowly as she settled next to Nate. Go, Tina. I got him. Matty took him in her embrace. Lord, this man is naked every time I meet him. She glanced at Avner. Now, to heal him, I gotta see your bare ass, too. “That‟s the rule. Anything for Nate. Okay, Tina, we got it. Go downstairs.” “Why?” She kissed Nate on the forehead, then wiped her nose on a sleeve as she rose. Avner walked her to the door. “How will I know everything is right?” “Your mom will call to you.” Avner closed the door. Running back to Nate, he finished stripping and again knelt. He and Matty stuck their fingers into the random holes that littered Nate‟s torso. 22

Something Else Wicked “Ready, Matty? She nodded in the affirmative. Together they sent hot, healing streams of light into the wounds. They switched up and prodded other wounds. Nate squirmed and gasped and then began emitting a steady orange glow. After twenty minutes, Avner was drained. “Matty, can you finish? I‟m fading.” No problem. The restoration is just about done. He‟s lit up like a Christmas tree and has to cool down. You need to go replenish your battery and hug that baby. “I do indeed.” Avner dressed. “Thanks for your help.” **** “I swear I‟ll kill him if I get to him first! Paul Justus, worm.” Tina had fled to her separate bedroom. This was her woman cave where she decompressed. In its bathroom, she cleaned up, balled up her bloodsoaked clothes, and stuffed them into a trash bag. She put on another set of underwear out in the bedroom and then went to the closet to pick out another track suit. The smell of Nate‟s blood hung in her nostrils. It was extremely strong now. She reached in and flinched when something cold poked her in the side. “What the fuck?” Looking down she recog23

PJ Dean nized it to be a Glock 23. She backed up as the weapon advanced and the figure brandishing it emerged. It was Paul in a blood-soaked windbreaker, the source of the stench. Tina‟s eyes widened. “Son of a bitch!” “Don‟t judge. You don‟t even know my mother.” He looked her over. “I want to thank you for the little girlie show. My dick hasn‟t been this hard since…” “Let me guess. Since you stabbed Nate?” He pushed his sparse brown locks from his eyes to inspect her more intently. He was sweating and the perspiration plastered the hair to his head like seaweed to a wet rock. “Shut up, you black hole. Nate does have—oh pardon me, did have, good taste in women, though. You are prime. My dilemma is this…should I kill you first or fuck you first?” “Well, if you shoot me first, brainiac, everybody will hear the shot and come running. No nookie for you. It doesn‟t matter how it plays out. You ain‟t getting any of this while I‟m breathing.” Tina knew her magnum was on the chair behind her, but how to get it was another matter. She only knew one thing—she was not going down without a fight. “Why are you here?” She began moving closer to him. “What do you want?” “Be still or I‟ll—” “Shoot? What a surprise. Hurt me, and you‟ll be 24

Something Else Wicked sorry.” Chucking caution to the wind, Tina rushed Paul. Grabbing the gun, she yanked his arm away and to the side and they danced around, off kilter. They lurched closer to the chair as she had planned, but the magnum was still out of reach. Paul threw his full weight against her and sent them sprawling to the floor. Tina lost her grip on the gun. Paul tossed it aside and wedged himself between her legs. He held her by both wrists with one hand and pawed at her underwear with the other. Tina struggled to shut her legs. Paul backhanded her. “Be still, whore!” “Now who‟s judgin‟? He slapped her once more. “That all you got you worthless shit?” Tina‟s rage overrode her reason. She felt the left side of her face swelling from his blows. “No, it‟s not, actually.” Tina watched the hand that had just slapped her disappear behind his back. Her stomach churned at the sound of metal slithering out of a casing. Paul‟s hand re-appeared grasping a blood covered knife. He brandished it close to her face. “You have lovely eyes. A person only really needs one.” Tina and her mind screamed at the same time. Her sound distracted Paul for a few seconds as he slid back a bit. 25

PJ Dean It was all Tina needed. With all her might, she kicked him in the side with one of her feet. Paul fell over. “Bitch!” She heard the air leave his lungs and saw the knife fly from his hand. In those split seconds, she scrambled for his discarded glock. Drawing on his prone body, Tina aimed at his leg and pulled the trigger. Paul screamed, then settled into whimpering. She staggered up, stood over him, and kicked the blade out of his reach. “Sorry yet?” Nate tore through the door and Matty materialized at the same time.

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Something Else Wicked

Chapter Four

“N

ate!” Tina collapsed in sobs into his arms. “It‟s okay, hon. I‟m good. We‟re good.” Nate glanced at the quivering heap on the floor. “Looks like you kicked major ass.” He kissed her tear-stained face as he gathered her to him and rocked gently in place. Tina broke away. “Where are the wounds?” She could barely breathe. She brushed her hands over his neck and under the robe he‟d donned after the healing session. “Did Mama do this? Heal you?” “Matty and Avner.” His right hand man appeared in the doorway with Moz, Evie, and his wife Iris holding baby Akivah. Loud footfalls out in the hall signaled that a security crew was arriving. Matty dissolved. “Let me get a robe, too, Nate,” Tina said. He surveyed Avner who appeared about to drop. “Iris, make him rest. You know what to do for him.” 27

PJ Dean Iris handed Akivah to Evie, peeled her hubby off the doorjamb, and took him up the hall to an empty bedroom. Nate entered the hall and motioned to some guards to come. Thinking that Nate didn‟t see, Paul inched a hand toward his knife. “Not so fast—or wise, shithead.” Nate ground the heel of his foot into the offending hand. “Get off me!” Paul whimpered. Nate bent down to Paul‟s ear. “Get off you? I‟m two seconds away from filleting your ass with glee while you shriek. Don‟t try me.” Nate kicked the knife away and stood up. “Guys, take this waste of humanity to the garage. Tie him to a chair. I‟ll be there soon.” “Should we call the law, sir?” “No. Not yet, if at all. I want to talk to him.” They hoisted up the attacker by his armpits and dragged him out. “Patch him up. Try to keep him from bleeding all over the damned place.” “Tina came back into Nate‟s embrace. “I thought you were gonna die. I couldn‟t imagine me without—” “Me?” She nodded. Matty re-materialized and hovered near them. She stroked her daughter‟s cheek. I have to go refuel. Mama‟s a little low on pep. Nate‟s a big hunk of burning energy to service. But you know that. Matty 28

Something Else Wicked winked, then turned to Moz and Evie. Hey, how y‟all doing? “Matty, is that you?” The couple would have fainted had they not been so charged up or had not been leaning on each other. Matty waved and vanished. **** “Why are you here?” Nate asked Paul. Tina and a crewmember were in the garage. The gray concrete of the enclosure definitely made it look like a Nazi interrogation scene from a movie set during World War II. Paul even sat on a wood chair under a single bare, bright bulb. “Fuck you. I have to use the bathroom. Bad.” “Go in your pants. No one here is going to hold your dick while you whizz,” Nate returned. Tina whispered to Nate. “Hon, untie his hands and let him use a bottle or something. He‟ll answer our questions then.” Nate looked at her as if she had three heads and two were talking to each other. Nate nodded. “I‟m doing this for you, T.” “Thanks.” He turned back to the captive. “Hey, shithead, one of my crew is going to free your hands, give you something to go in. Fix yourself up when you‟re through. We haven‟t finished here.” 29

PJ Dean “How big of you!” “Let it alone, kid.” Nate‟s mouth was a slash in his face. “Just do as I say.” “Yes, do as he says. Things will go easier,” Tina emphasized. She was dressed in what Nate called her Ninja garb—all black hoodie, sweats and sneakers. Her, beat a butt, clothes. Paul followed the script. “All right, potty break is over. Why are you here?” Paul squinted at Nate and let loose a sharp cackle. “The big, bad Felig slayer. I want a smoke.” Nate drew back a fist to punch him, but Tina caught it. “No, Nate, find him one.” “This man came to kill us and almost succeeded. You want that I play host to him because we survived?” “For a bit.” “Next, I‟ll have to order out because he‟ll want something to eat.” Nate sighed and motioned to the crewmember to set Paul up with a cigarette. Happy with his smoke, Paul wasted no time imposing his will. “Get me a doctor.” He tried to wiggle his shot leg. “Ouch!” “We‟ll drop you off at a hospital or off a cliff depending on how you answer our questions,” Tina said. “You got your ciggy. Talk. Why are you here?” “Because I want to live forever.” 30

Something Else Wicked “And people want to win the lottery.” Nate rubbed his throbbing temples. “Where is this going?” “I was promised it.” “By whom?” “I‟m very friendly with a very rich chick with connections.” “Connections? To whom?” Tina asked. “More like a what. Nate knows.” Tina glanced sideways at Nate. “Stop stalling.” Nate pivoted and addressed his crewmember. “Carlo, hang outside a while. I‟ll yell when I‟m through with Mr. Justus. Stay near.” Carlo left. “Justus, tell me what I know.” “How to live forever.” “Your rich chick lied to you. You rely on her for information? Who is she?” “Adelina Ernesta Devilbiss.” “The Adelina Ernesta Devilbiss? That‟s not rich. That‟s beyond rich.” “Yeah, my Nan.” Paul called his girl by her nickname and puffed with glee. “Who is Adelina Ernesta Devilbiss, Nate?” Tina interrupted. “Sorry for the echo effect.” “She‟s one of the heirs to a fortune made in oil long ago. When money was money. They own other stuff, too.” “Oh, you mean one of those broads with more 31

PJ Dean money and time than common sense? Went to college with a few like that. I‟d watch them from afar. Totally different breed of animal. I gave all of them a wide berth. Their antics made me crazy.” Nate pulled up another chair and placed his foot on the seat. “So, Mister Justus, how was she going to grant this wish? I know she‟s rich, but she‟s not God.” “She‟s the closest thing to it. Or should I say her new friend is.” “Her new friend? How is Miss Nan‟s new friend going to give her eternal life?” “The new friend will give it to her when you two are dead.” “Why didn‟t Miss Nan come here herself?” Tina quizzed. “I wouldn‟t let my Nan be involved in this. She needed a middleman. I volunteered.” “And they say chivalry is dead.” “I offered to off you on the condition that her friend grant me the wish, too.” Nate leaned in. “We‟ve got the, what and where. Now the why, asshole. Get to the why.” “Talk nice to me or—” “Or what?” Tina drew her gun and walked up to Paul. “Enough of this good cop-bad cop shit. I‟ll give you a hole in your shoulder to match the one in your leg. Comprende?” “Alright! Alright!” Surprised, he raised his 32

Something Else Wicked hands to shield his body. “One of those Felig things came for Nan. It was gonna take her, but Nan screamed that she‟d do whatever it wanted if it didn‟t take her. The thing requested you two dead. Nan put an addendum in though. She demanded eternal life for rubbing out yours. She asked me to help. I stated my conditions. She agreed.” He stopped to swallow deeply and ran his tongue around the inside of his mouth. “Could I have some water?” “No.” Tina poked him with the gun. “Finish.” “My plan? I applied here, got a spot on the team and I was in.” Nate rubbed the disappearing scar on his neck. “Avner was coming to tell us that your background check failed. He was about ten minutes too late.” “I‟m good with knives.” Paul grinned extremely proud of his skill. “I sliced through you like Sunday dinner. But you‟re still here. Put that Felig side of you to the test. Showed me a taste of what could be.” Tina poked him again. “Finish.” Paul refocused. “Right. I kill you two. Report back to Nan. Her friend sets me up to live forever.” “Does Nan‟s alien friend have a name?” “The name of Nan‟s alien friend?” Correction. The name of Nan‟s psycho bitch alien friend? Sounds better that way.” His pallid face screwed 33

PJ Dean up trying to recall the moniker. “Cassie? Catherine? Kelsey?” “Karen.” Nate declared flatly.” “That‟s it. How‟d you know?” “Long story.” “You do realize that because I failed in my mission that this is not over. Psycho-bitch alien has a hard on for you two and will keep bringing it until she gets what she wants. Eager beavers will keep climbing your walls.” “How nice of you to give us a heads up, Paul.” “Glad to have been of service.” He smirked, sure that his confession had earned him a reprieve or at the very least, a sandwich. “Could I have a little something to eat?” “Of course. Right after this.” Tina caught him under the chin with a right hook, knocking him out. “Beat on a poor, defenseless woman, will you? Carve up a person and think it‟s funny?” Nate disarmed her and grabbed her by the waist. She kicked at the unconscious man‟s injured leg. “Carlo!” Nate yelled. “Get in here quick.” Carlo busted in. “Hold this.” Nate handed Tina‟s weapon to him. “Get another guy to help you clean him up. Take him to an ER in one of our cars. Dump him.” Carlo pulled up Paul‟s slack head and lifted a closed eyelid to make sure the man wasn‟t dead. “He‟s 34

Something Else Wicked not gone, but I don‟t care what happens to him. Get him out of here.” Tina continued to flail so Nate hoisted her over his shoulder and navigated for the door. “Stop, T. I might drop you. You‟re making me laugh.” He smacked her behind. “Get your hand off my ass!”

35

PJ Dean

Chapter Five

N

ate stood with his arm around Tina‟s shoulder and addressed Evie, Moz, Avner, and Iris who were splayed over different pieces of furniture in the living room. “A whole lot of crap is coming down the pike, boys and girls. Tina and I thought you should know what the Felig have in store for us. Moz, Evie, you should get back home. It‟s bad enough being free range prey. You don‟t need to be at ground zero.” Moz looked around the tense faces assembled. “So, let me get this right. Your ex, who‟s totally Felig now, has put a contract out on you and Tina?” “Yes, Moz. You‟ve nailed it in your usual eloquent fashion.” “Don‟t get smart with me, bug boy. I still got my bat. Your nutty ass ex who is a nutty ass alien ex, dislikes you hooking up with Tina?” “Old news.” Nate tasted blood in his mouth from biting his cheek. 36

Something Else Wicked Moz turned to Evie. “What did I say? What did I say?” He didn‟t wait for Evie to reply. “Didn‟t I tell you that if we if we waited long enough the shit would hit the fan with this fool? That crazy woman has already tried to kill Tina twice.” “Shhh…Moz. I wanna hear more. Go on, Nate. What‟s with this ex of yours?” Tina came to pat Moz on the back, calm him down, and explain. “This filthy rich chick named Adelina Ernesta Devilbiss friended Karen when Karen was gonna absorb her.” “Adelina Ernesta Devilbiss, the grenade. Former grenade. Whoa!” Iris said. “Yep, seems rich bitch struck a deal. Nan promised Karen anything if Karen would spare her. Karen did and persuaded Nan to recruit humans to break in and carry out the deed.” “And what‟s Miss-Got-Rocks gettin‟ out of this? “Moz asked. “Karen‟s going to grant eternal Felig life to her and to whoever carries out the task.” “You kiddin‟ me? I know this life is far from great, but these nuts wanna stay here forever sucking the life out of folks? Yeech!” “Honey, please watch what you say. Think of Matty and Nate.” Avner waved at Moz, smiled meekly and added, “Don‟t forget me. I‟m half bug, too, but Nate and I don‟t suck on people to live. I like a nice 37

PJ Dean steak myself.” “You, too? Lord, my head‟s gonna pop from this mess.” Evie massaged the back of Moz‟s neck. Heat flooded the room, quickly. Everyone went for their can of computer cleaner. “Mom, is that you?” Tina asked into the space. Matty materialized to hover over the mantelpiece. One and only, sweetie. “H-H-hi, Matty.” Evie managed. “You look damned good. Like before—” My illnesses? They are all gone. I feel better than I have ever felt. And no Moz, I don‟t suck on people to live. We all are not like Karen. I use other energy. “I thought human energy was needed.” No, just energy. But later for that, Evie. She pivoted toward Nate and Avner. I need to speak with you. Very important. In an hour here? “Fine with me. You, Nate?” “Fine.” Good. I‟ll see the rest of you again. Bye. Matty, then faded out. Moz and Evie exhaled. “We‟ll go finish packing. Again.” **** Iris and Tina approached Nate and Avner when Moz and Evie went upstairs. “You do realize that 38

Something Else Wicked Tina and I are staying when Matty comes to speak with you?” Iris patted little Akivah‟s back and waited to feel him burp. “Neither you or Mom are gonna make us leave,” Tina added. “Take that up with Matty when she‟s here. I‟m not getting in the middle of that,” Nate said while sifting through a mail pile. “What do you think, Avner?” “I second that motion.” “I‟ll be damned.” “No you won‟t. You might get the silent treatment for a few days, but you wouldn‟t be damned.” “That‟s not what I meant.” “What then?” Nate wagged an envelope at her. “An invitation to a charity event being thrown by none other than our wannabe Felig.” “Miss Devilbiss?” Tina asked. “Yes, I and a guest are invited to speak on Felig matters, raise awareness. The whole spiel.” “When is it, boss ?” “Next Friday evening.” “Short notice.” “I am sure she‟s hoping it will arrive after my and Tina‟s demise. Won‟t she be surprised when I RSVP.” “We‟re going?” “T, you know I love a challenge. Besides when 39

PJ Dean will I ever get a chance to wear a tux and show you off?” “You are absolutely nuts. This is nuts.” Tina paced and mumbled and finally yelled, “We‟ll be walking into the lion‟s den and I don‟t have a fuckin‟ thing to wear!” **** Paul sat in the lavishly tricked out living room of his girl‟s two-story Manhattan condo. Looking like the survivor of a shipwreck, the rumpled, stained man fidgeted and trembled at every sound. “Luis, you may go home now. I won‟t need you for anything tonight.” “Very well. Your guest is in the salon. Buenos noches, Missy Nan.” Nan or Adelina Ernesta Devilbiss. Who was she? She was twenty-four years old, and one of two heirs to Devilbiss Communications and Devilbiss Energy Holdings with her younger brother, Wilford. To the public, she played the role of flighty, vapid, little rich girl, a comfortable, reliable profile for the masses that they were accustomed to and loved to hear her kinds‟ antics dished about on the nightly celebrity gossip shows—unhappy wealthy female lost in drugs, sex, and booze. She did love her vices, but she was far from scatterbrained and dull. If Nan was anything, it was that she was tops 40

Something Else Wicked at molding whatever face she allowed the world to see. She prided herself on being keen and calculating, no one manipulated her. She really didn‟t care about not being a so-called hottie. She could attract anything a supermodel could with the moolah she had and was going to inherit. What truly ticked her off was the public perception that she was slow-witted because of her money. Paul straightened his jacket and finger combed his meager locks at the sound of heels clickclacking on the tiled hallway floor toward him. He shifted in the chair as the sound drew closer. “Well?” Nan asked, training a perturbed eye on him. She was holding her pet pygmy pig, Daphne. “What friggin‟ happened to you? You look like a homeless man, and what‟s with the crutch?” “It didn‟t go as planned, baby.” Paul‟s voice notched up an octave in anguish. “I carved him up good, left him for dead and then went for her. I slapped her around some and was about to finish her when he came to the rescue.” Paul forgot the crutch and tried to get up and fell back into the seat. “Yow! She shot me. Help me up, baby. Get me to the bedroom. Let me stay with you.” “You didn‟t finish them?” A reedy pitch tainted her words. She placed the pig on the carpet. “I just explained. I didn‟t get the chance. Maybe after I heal, I could try again. Take a gang and do a quick run. Take out the whole lot. I know the lay41

PJ Dean out of the place.” “No. They‟ve been alerted now. Did you tell them anything about me?” “Nan. I‟d never rat you out.” He‟s lying. I can tell .What did you tell them? Karen asked as she appeared in all her burning glory and settled next to him. “Nothing. Nothing important. I swear. Keep your gift.” Paul sobbed loudly. “I botched it.” He looked to his girl. “I did it for you, Nan.” “You didn‟t do anything. That‟s the problem.” Nan clucked like a disappointed school marm. “Karen, could you grant him the wish for his trouble. He did get a shot. He‟ll heal faster and—” Done. Paul thought he‟d heard wrong. “Really?” You deserve it. Smiling, Paul adjusted his clothes and closed his eyes. “Let‟s do it.” Karen leaned over his seated body and placed a hand on either side of his head, tenderly. She inclined her head to kiss him. Once contact was made, she parted his lips with her tongue and began sucking with gusto. Paul‟s eyes popped open and he lurched against her. Karen scooped him up and cradled him. Climbing higher, she hovered near the cathedral ceiling. Nan stared, speechless and terrified. Daphne squealed, snorted, and soiled the carpet. 42

Something Else Wicked Paul continued to fight, but hemmed in by her tight hold, he ceased moving and succumbed in silent horror. With each of Karen‟s audible, powerful inhales, his body collapsed in on itself and Karen‟s chest flamed blast furnace orange under her gown. After two minutes, Karen held a bug- eyed, dried carcass of skin and bones. Giddy and sated, she retracted her tongue, breaking loud suction on his papery mouth. She pitched the cold husk at Nan‟s feet. Karen hugged herself and whirled in mid-air, basking in the rush from the fresh kill. Her dance filled the space with piping-hot air. Glancing down at her stupefied hostess, she dabbed at her mouth with a corner of her robe and pledged, Fail me again and that will be you.

43

PJ Dean

Chapter Six

T

ina, Iris, get out of here. I need to talk with Avner and Nate alone. “Mom, if it involves them, it involves us.” Iris nodded in agreement. I should have known. You always had a slightly defiant streak as a kid. “Slightly defiant?” Nate repeated entering the room with Avner. “Talk about understatement.” “I‟ll add that to how I can‟t be adult.” Tina stuck out her tongue at him. “What‟s this about, Matty?” You and your sidekick been feeling uneasy for a while, haven‟t you? A general sense of dread? Both men nodded. “The feeling delivered. Paul Justus showed up.” But he is only the tip of the iceberg. “Oh shit,” Iris uttered. You and Avner wouldn‟t receive the information as I do. I am fully converted, you aren‟t. Only the fully converted sense and tap into group thought if they 44

Something Else Wicked want to or need to. I haven‟t been in this state long and I‟m still getting the hang of it. “Tell us what you do know.” It‟s worse than I expected. Felig and human want you dead. “We know about Karen‟s hit on us, Mom.” It goes much deeper than that. Much deeper. Her part is integral, but minor. Believe me. Avner clapped his hands together.” Get to it, Matty. I‟m tingling with anticipation.” Have you ever wondered how some things still chug along in the face of all the destruction that the Felig have inflicted? Certain industries are going full tilt. There are still utilities, phones and, cars and gas for those cars and TV networks and sporting events and guns and police forces. “Police forces are in place to control crowds when food is distributed. They enforce curfew, too,” Avner added. Right. Notice how other things are scarce. Like jobs and food. And those with jobs in those industries I‟ve mentioned all earn way less since the Felig arrived. More earn their keep from unconventional jobs like you‟ve had Tina. People barter for most goods. In the midst of this affliction, life grinds on. “But the quality sucks, big time,” Tina noted. It does. It does indeed, but frightened people are happy for any life. Remember this…out there, every night, humans are taken. On the same nights, many are not taken. For some folks, that‟s enough. Existing day to 45

PJ Dean day. Being the last one standing. Outwardly, they make all sorts of noise and lament how terrible it was that good neighbor Bill was spirited away last night. All the while, inwardly, they are rejoicing that it was Bill and not them who got snatched up. Not a pretty picture of human nature, but a dependable one. You can control people like that. A grateful, petrified people. Keep them entertained, reasonably fed and paranoid and you‟ve got „em. “Why? Money has no real value. We use vouchers for food and such.” And who owns the such? This madness is keeping a select few in monster cash. Or at the very least, the select few ain‟t losing a thing. I remember what grandma used to say. „Dem dat gots, gits‟. Enter Miss Devilbiss and her peeps. They own communications, utilities, transportation, on and on. “I‟ll be damned. The gravy train never dried up or stopped running for them.” Nate added, “I recall not one month after the Felig landed, a TV announcement aired telling us that the economy had collapsed and that our money was useless. Good for kitty litter. I don‟t think that memo was for Nan and her friends. They‟ve hoarded theirs and are waiting for better times ahead. In the meantime, everything that they own is in place, untouched by Felig devastastion. I‟ve pieced this scenario together. The elite struck a deal with the Felig within that month to let the Felig have unlimited human life in exchange for not upset46

Something Else Wicked ting their apple cart of profit and for not taking any of them. Yes sir, all the free range humans that they could absorb, just let the ruling class alone. In return, the ruling class promised to eradicate anyone plotting to harm the Felig. “That‟s all of us.” Iris embraced Akivah tighter. “That‟s chilling.” “The hit on us is made on behalf of all those titans of industry. Karen, Nan, and whoever she can control are the enforcers. Karen‟s enjoying this. She thinks she gets to kill several birds with one stone. With us gone, industries won‟t worry about collapse. We won‟t be around to show frightened masses how to fight back and not become alien chow, and Karen‟s thirst for revenge will be satisfied.” Tina walked over to Nate and took his hand. “We still goin‟ to that shindig?” “You bet, unless you say, no. I feel like looking into an abyss.” **** “Perhaps this will jog your memory.” Nate handed Tina one of the photos he had fanned out over their bed‟s surface. He disrobed to check his body‟s fading scars. Tina perused the picture. “I remember her now. Seen this face many times on TV. Grenade, first 47

PJ Dean class.” They‟d retired early after biding goodbye to Moz and Evie. In the bedroom, they studied and discussed Adelina Ernesta Devilbiss. Nate donned pajama bottoms and crawled onto the bed. “Calling her that isn‟t nice, Tina. I prefer to call her unfortunate bitch number two.” “She‟s the definition of the word.” Tina inspected the photo even closer. “She‟s lost a lot of weight so she‟d be a landmine now. Same difference.” “Please enlighten me as to why you call her that name.” He lolled against the headboard, one leg bent up, the other outstretched. Tina noted that he still looked a bit green around the gills from Paul‟s attack and the news of the contract on them. He was mending, evident in the manner in which he‟d been packing away copious amounts of food and water. At the moment, he was scarfing down huge scoops of peanut butter from a family size jar and punctuated his conversation with jabs of the spoon. Tina followed the arc of the utensil, waiting for the goo to fall on the bedding. “Yo! Yo! Yo! Don‟t get any of that on the sheets!” Tina shucked her robe because Nate‟s repairing body was emitting considerable heat. “Yes, Miss Cain,” Nate replied in a singsong tone. “Would you prefer I use crackers?” “No. I rather not sleep on crumbs, too. Watch the lid. Where is the lid?” Tina spied it, face down, under his thigh. Snatching it up quickly, she was 48

Something Else Wicked relieved that no food stain marred the sheet. Nate tongued the spoon and eyed her. “What was I talking about? Oh yeah. Miss Nan.” “The moniker. Why that moniker?” Nate placed the spoon inside the jar and set it on the night table. “I like that night dress, T. “He rubbed his unmarred abdomen while he patted a spot next to him. “Bug Boy says come sit by him. He needs to talk to you. Vigorously and repeatedly.” He reached for her. “Down Bug Boy. That sounds like an Olympic event.” Tina backed up, evading his grab for her. She folded herself away on a corner boudoir chair. “Grenade—the one ugly, fat girl in a group of hotties. If no guy gives her attention, no one gets attention.” “Harsh!” “I‟m only repeating how men describe a girl like her. Since she‟s lost weight she qualifies as a landmine. Besides, I could give two shits how harsh it sounds. I got some other choice names for her.” Tina opened a drawer of the dresser next to her and retrieved her jar of the scented body cream that he loved on her. She pointed a leg out and up and began working the fragrant mixture into her skin. “I‟m sure she rules over her crew like the queen she thinks she is. Probably schizzy as hell. Buys friends, then reminds them that they been bought.” Tina shook her head. “What do you 49

PJ Dean think?” “I‟m thinking could I possibly do the other leg?” “Nate, concentrate!” “Must be a pisser to be in her company.” Nate picked a random photo from those on the bed and studied it. The face staring back was rather plain, but expertly made up. She was a pale blonde with the glassy blue eyes of a porcelain doll. This picture showed her swathed in the latest European fashion disaster. Some high-priced designer had probably told her that she looked divine and she bought it—the line and the horrible ensemble. The purchase of that outfit told him that she liked to please, wanted to fit in no matter what, had low self-esteem and was a human ATM. Nate looked to Tina to comment and found her wiping away tears. He discarded the picture and was in front of her in an instant. “Tina, what‟s wrong?” “I‟m so freakin‟ ticked off at this shit jumpin‟ off at this time in my life.” She spoke with a hitch in her voice, the sucking sound punctuating deep sobs. “Look at me! I don‟t cry. But it‟s all I‟ve been doing lately. I‟m afraid that what I‟ve finally found with you may end.” She stood up and embraced Nate for dear life. “You can‟t imagine how I felt when I walked into that room. All that blood. I just knew you were gone.” “Tina, I can imagine. I went through this over 50

Something Else Wicked you a few months ago. I felt the same way you do now.” He grabbed tissues from the box on the night stand, wiped her face and tossed the trash in a can. “Like my world had imploded. Let it out.” “Are we gonna make it through this?” She pulled back hoping to meet a positive answer in his eyes. “I‟m content at last and—” “And we‟re going to continue being that.” He dotted her face with kisses and tickled her sides until she dissolved into giggles. “We have to celebrate living whenever we can.” “You make it sound like the end is near.” She tried to escape his fingers. “We have to celebrate whenever, however.” Nate dipped to pick her up. “Stop crying.” “Nate, put me down. You‟re still mending. You need all your strength.” She felt his back ripple as she held onto him. “I need you. Heal me.” At the last word, the usually concealed slits in his back, gapped and his folded wings tunneled through and unfurled. Nate walked over and deposited her on their bed. Tina pushed the photos of Nan over the side to the floor. She rose up and tugged the lavender night dress up and off. “Nate, that still freaks me out some, but it‟s growing on me.” As he stood admiring her, she reached up and pulled the drawstring on his pajama bottoms. They fell to his ankles and he stepped out of the 51

PJ Dean pool they made on the floor. Nate knelt on the bed over her. “I just want you to feel safe. Lift up,” he recited in that raspy voice she recognized as a prelude to something that was going to be urgent and absolutely excellent. He hooked his thumbs in the band of her bikini undies and teased them down her legs and off. Nate twirled the discarded delicates on an index finger, then tossed them over his shoulder. “Works the same as salt for good luck.” Tina reclined, arms stretched out above her head. “I never tire of this view.” His wings quivered in short, tight bursts. Nate rubbed a torrid path up her body, entwined hands above her head and locked eyes with her. “Focus on us. Can you do that?” “Unequivocally.” Tina kissed him deeply, wrapped her legs around him, and let the healing begin.

52

Something Else Wicked

Chapter Seven

T

ina kissed a snoring Nate on the forehead. She tried to poke the ends of his wing points down into the partially closed furrows on his upper back. No use. They‟d retract completely on their own when ready. They sort of summed up his nature. All things in his time. She rolled to her side and rewound the events of the last two and an half hours as she watched him. His lovemaking had been fervent as though he couldn‟t get enough of her, fast enough. Nate exhibited a countenance in a trance as he took them from zero to one hundred twenty in seconds. She deduced his auto pilot manner and swiftness were part of a healing download when part Felig entities were repairing after injury. She swore that he had burned a faint orange while they‟d gone at it. He hadn‟t been rough. He‟d been insistent, passionate and thorough. No opportunity to give and receive pleasure had been missed. Tina begged time out after their third coupling, but Nate felt driven to continue. 53

PJ Dean She‟d reasoned that possibly a certain number of energy exchanges were required to complete his healing. Ultimately sated and restored, his wings, which had shot out of their hiding place at his first touch of her, immediately retracted at his last orgasm. Nate withdrew from her body and fell onto his stomach on the mattress. He caressed her forearm and mouthed, “Thank you” before passing out. Tina touched a hand to her lips. Their encounters had always been novel. This time, it felt like what she imagined an LSD trip would deliver. Surreal, expansive, mind-blowing. He was a winged, heat-emitting, glowing, alien hybrid for a partner who had the ability to reboot with other aliens‟ aid and by humping her beyond happy. Couldn‟t make up shit like that even if you tried. Tina kissed her life-sized, part human battery on the forehead again and covered him with a blanket. “You‟re welcome.” She eased out of bed, padded into the bathroom and cleaned up. Finished, she wrapped her wet hair in a towel, anointed herself in baby oil, and tugged on an absorbent terry robe. She tiptoed out of the bedroom and retreated to the adjoining study. Tatum meowed when she entered, jumped off the wingback chair and danced around her ankles as she bent to get a ginger ale from the mini-fridge. “Hey, boy! I know what you want.” Tina rum54

Something Else Wicked maged in a drawer and found a bag of treats. She sat in the vacant chair and fed them to him one by one in between pats of his fat, furry head. A lawnmower sounded less powerful than he did. “The men in this house have nothing but love for me tonight.” Tina scooted back gingerly into the chair and folded her legs under her. She pressed the chilled soda can to her temples, wrists and between her breasts. She was spent and rejuvenated. Nate‟s heat had exploded throughout her system, too. She believed if she looked in a mirror she‟d see her skin glowing also. She swigged the bubbly drink. “Maybe it‟s early menopause.” **** Music seeped from behind Nan Devilbiss‟s front door. Loud, pulsing, grating. She was having her very own rave party. The two neighbors on her floor had complained to the co-op board that this woman had to go. They didn‟t care that her family owned the building. Nan had continued to host her raucous parties. She no longer exchanged greetings with her floor mates. When she encountered either one of them in the hall, on the elevator or in the street, she‟d whip off her sunglasses and utter through her forty-thousand dollar ve55

PJ Dean neers…”Fuck you!” At the moment, Nan was on the floor slumped against a hall closet door. Light-headed, euphoric, and clad only in a shearling coat and high heels, she pitched all decorum to the wind as she struggled to right herself. She was glad the electrician could install a permanent strobe light in the living room. With a flick of a switch, she could turn her parlor into party central anytime she wanted. She was not glad that every time she gave one of her invitation only Meet a Felig, Taste Heaven soirees, some possession of hers walked out the door with a guest. She lamented the loss of her custom crystal replica of Daphne. It had been fashioned in Ireland for her. She smacked her dry lips and braced her back against the wall. Pushing upward with her arms and thighs, she stood. Pilates was useful for something, she mused. She pulled herself along a wall and reached her living room, her sizeable floor filled with naked twenty some things in every sexual combination possible. Gazing toward the ceiling, she spied Karen and several other Felig in helicopter mode, fading in and out as they drank in the charged atmosphere. People didn‟t care if the price of attendance was kissing Nan‟s ass, figuratively or literally. It kept the hostess happy, the parties exclusive and the Felig perks coming. This discovery was better than any Chronic, Special K or X. All one needed for 56

Something Else Wicked this latest dangerous high was lineage, bravery, and boredom. Nan‟s special parties brought together rich thrill seekers like herself and Felig. The purpose? Rich kids got a select, tiny view of immortality by letting a Felig embrace them up to the point of almost total absorption. It left them breathless, invigorated, fearless, and extremely strong for a short period of time. Also, it made them beyond horny to the point that they didn‟t mind who or what they got off with. Nan always sent Daphne away when she threw these bashes. When Nan desired some favor from a person, she made sure said person attended her party and lost control. Hidden cameras recorded it all. Nan whipped out the compromising footage later and the target could deny her nothing. And what did the Felig get? The entities who participated got to sample a smorgasbord of elite vibes featuring realistic hopes and fulfilled dreams. Carefree explosions that were refreshing delicacies compared to the steady, plain diet of working class vibes packed with crushing woes, lottery winning dreams and unrelenting fear. Nan had many repeats at her parties. The sexual side effect of that teeny taste of immortality was that guys were rendered indefatigable and girls more receptive. The effect lasted about two weeks. She and her friends were on a non-stop high. Nan perused the writhing mass on her carpet and men57

PJ Dean tally picked out a few robust lads for the week to replace Paul. Paul had not been one of them. He had been a petty drug dealer that she‟d met at a club and had used to her advantage. He would not be missed. Well not completely true. Many girls and a few guys would miss his talents. As for missing his drugs…no. The Felig were a bigger high. To replace him, she searched for a wellendowed, pretty train wreck. A gorgeous, mindless walking set of genitals. She waded through the sea of grunts and groans until she locked on the type of guy who wouldn‟t look at her even if she had thousand dollar bills growing out of her nose. It was St. John Culpepper, the heir to an auto parts fortune. The cute stud was taking a respite. Sort of. An eager Greenfield real estate twin was servicing him as he half reclined on his back. Nan poked the girl in the side with the tip of her shoe. When the action failed to dislodge the ardent female, Nan pushed harder and knocked her over. About to protest, the surprised female bit back curses when she looked up and realized who the upstart was. Nan raised her eyebrows and her foot again. Outranked Miss Greenfield crawled away. St. John guffawed. Nan eyed his flagging erection. “Could I be of assistance?” “You could pick up where Miss Hoover—I mean, Miss Greenfield left off.” “Let‟s go to my room.” 58

Something Else Wicked “No. Here.” He pulled her down to him by her coat hem. **** No, dear, it‟s not menopause. “I‟m burning up, Mom.” Matty appeared in small rush of warmth and settled next to her daughter. You are bonding with Nate more deeply. “That‟s a polite way of saying it.” Tina grinned, then turned serious. “Matty, we‟re going to that event being thrown by Nan Devilbiss. Alone.” I wish you‟d rethink that. “Why? We have to face the enemy.” Not alone. Take some of the crew. “Avner would come, but I don‟t want him there. He has family. I won‟t put Moz in harm‟s way either. The young, single crewmembers? It‟s not fair to them either. It‟s not fair to anyone.” Tina took a long pull from the soda can. Put the matter to them. Tell the whole story. Then ask for volunteers. “Mom, Nate and I have to be strapped when we go to that place.” Guns are useless, Tina. “Against Felig, yes. The firepower is in case the human element shows its ass. I‟m sure their security will search us. Besides, where the hell am I gonna hide a gun in an evening gown? This is a 59

PJ Dean mess.” You could hide it in your hair. Matty kidded, trying to inject levity into a sad situation. Tina thought her mom had truly lost it. “Please no bad jokes. This ain‟t Attica or the seventies. And no matter what people think, I ain‟t Foxy Brown by a longshot. I have to convince Nate not to RSVP. I‟d rather not take this fight off home turf.” You may not have a choice. “Ma, you know something else we don‟t?” Just get your party clothes out and get ready to rock and roll. **** Devilbiss Place was the family‟s ancestral home. It was a five-story limestone townhouse on Manhattan‟s Upper East Side. The neo-Italian Renaissance mansion was built almost a century ago and housed a garden level, gigantic rooms, a receiving hall, skylights and on and on. In describing the mansion, it would be easier to list what it did not have. It had a bare-bones staff to maintain it. The elder Devilbiss only kept a cook, a maid to do the dusting of what was visible to the naked eye by a visitor and a driver for emergencies. Extra needs— heavy duty cleaning, gardening, and so on, were filled by an as needed basis. 60

Something Else Wicked Nan‟s long, loud yawn indicated how much she hated the monthly visit to see her dying father. She and Wilford, or Wiley D, as her aspiring rapper brother wanted to be called, stood by their emphysema-stricken father‟s bedside. Wilford still lived there. Not one, but two nurses flitted about the room. Nan thought it ridiculous that so much time, energy and money was being expended on the wheezing, wasted skeleton propped against countless pillows in the huge bed. The formerly dashing, eternally suntanned, blond yachtsman was a sliver of his prior self. This master of the sail was now a shell of a man after thirty-five years of a smoking habit. Athletic prowess long gone, the only thing he wielded now with precision was his sharp tongue. Both Nan and her brother couldn‟t wait for Hayden Roy Devilbiss to croak. They worshipped the ground, or urn, that awaited him. They would be the sole heirs to all the family businesses and assets. Their mother had died long ago. She had been an Italian Olympic swimmer who had met Hayden while vacationing on the French Riviera. First smitten by his good looks, then blinded by his wealth, the attractive brunette had overlooked his philandering ways. As years passed, unable to find a way to live with his affairs or walk away, she declined into a harpy whose primary love became her children. Children who were rarely 61

PJ Dean scolded and over indulged. Her second love was making life as miserable for her selfish husband as he had made it for her. This task manifested itself with her screwing the houseboy of the month and gobbling pills of many colors washed down by copious Rob Roys. She died at fifty-one years of age. The siblings believed Daddy hung on to spoil their happiness and to spite them in general. If he lived past Nan‟s twenty-fifth birthday, she‟d only get ten million to blow and would have to wait another five years for more. Same for twenty-year old Wilford. When he reached twenty-one, he‟d receive a sizeable chunk of dough, then would have to wait until twenty-five for more. These hefty chunks of money would be more than enough for most people, but not for Nan and her brother. She had extravagant tastes and living forever wasn‟t going to be cheap. Wilford‟s attempt at taking the world of rap by storm was going to cost the talentless tool tons of money. Daddy Devilbiss stood in the way of their wants. “Daddy? Daddy?” Nan shook her father‟s arm to rouse him. “Less energetic, daughter dear. Are you trying to wake me or break my arm?” He peered at her through bleary eyes and scrutinized her from head to toe. “It must have been to wake me because if you break my arm, how could I sign checks to 62

Something Else Wicked cover your bad decisions? Or have you learned how to forge my name? Speaking of bad decisions, how much did you spend on that monstrosity of a getup, Nan?” Wilford laughed. “Dad, you‟re too funny.” “And too alive. Ingrates! You think that I am a fool. You think that I don‟t know what disgusting activities go on in that abode of yours, Nan. You are mistaken. I am well informed. What do you want?” “We came to see you.” “Came to see if I was breathing, yet. I am. To your chagrin. You must want something. It‟s the sole occasion you appear before me.” He fought to pull himself up in the four-poster bed. Wilford leaned in to help. “Don‟t touch me.” His son retreated. The man motioned to the nurses. “Come assist me.” A nurse rushed over and re-arranged him comfortably. “Thank you, um, um… I‟ve forgotten. What is your name again? “I am Missus Wilson. Missus Evie Wilson,” the nurse replied.

63

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Chapter Eight

T

he haphazardly flung open closet doors in the master suite blocked the entrance to the bathroom. Tina was deep inside, searching through the tracksuits and pantsuits that she had brought from home. She eased down the row. Nate‟s uniform of jeans, T-shirts, flak jackets and leather jackets swayed on the rack, too. Not a dress in sight let alone a gown. “A-a-rrgh! Can‟t believe I don‟t own a skirt, not even a pair of palazzo pants.” She kept pushing the hangers back and forth. “This is beyond tragic.” She stood back with hands on hips. “Grown woman without one formal outfit. My life has been seriously lacking.” She kicked a sneaker out of her path, pulled the closet light chain to extinguish it, and stepped out into the bedroom. White boxes tied with black ribbon were heaped on the bed. One was huge, the others were in assorted sizes. “What the hell?” she mouthed. Tina walked over and saw all the boxes were 64

Something Else Wicked for her. She picked up the large one and shook it. No sound. She did the same to a few of the others. No sound either. She inched off the black ribbon on the biggest one and carefully scraped away the tape holding the white wrapping paper. For long as she could remember, she‟d found it difficult to tear up perfectly good paper. She folded it and set it aside, then sat on the bed with the big box on her lap. Shimmying off the lid, a cloud of tissue paper popped out at her. Glimpses of peach colored material peeked through the folds. She stood up and let the box tumble to the carpet as she lifted out its contents. She held a sheath gown of peach chiffon. The skirt hung straight from its haltered empire bodice that was embroidered with cream-colored beads. The left side of the skirt had a slit which started mid-thigh and ended at the ankle. Tina spied a matching, beaded chiffon stole languishing in the bottom of the box. She rushed to the mirror, raised the dress in front of her and smiled. “Nate Lowe. Nate Lowe. Nate Lowe.” “Somebody call me?” Nate leaned against the doorjamb, cupping a hand to his ear. “Somebody sure did. How‟d you know what color to get? How did you get it? How‟d you get my size?” Nate resembled a fish out of water. His mouth kept opening and closing trying to answer, but Tina interrupted, chattering on and on. She whirled 65

PJ Dean and twirled before the mirror. Nate entered the room. He dropped a garment bag on a chair, then joined her at the mirror. He pulled her in front of him. “How did I guess your size? T! How many times have I touched you, held you, seen you in all stages of dress and undress? I know every centimeter of you.” “Gone metric on me?” “In this case, size does matter.” “I love it when you talk dirty.” He turned her to face him. “There is no room to stash a gun in this dress.” “Nate, I am not comfortable with that. I need my piece.” “Babe, we have to come up clean if searched.” “We shouldn‟t go.” Tina folded up the dress. “Yes we should.” Nate took the dress from her hands and held it up to her again. “We can. Moz, of all people, called. He and Evie need to speak with us. They want to help.” “What‟s Evie got to do with this?” “I don‟t know.” “I don‟t want them to get involved.” “They‟re calling tonight. I‟ve asked Avner to come, too. Have a conference.” “This sounds like some black tie dangerous 007 shit.” Nate sidestepped the issue. “Open the rest, please. Rip off the paper this time. Live a little.” 66

Something Else Wicked Tina acquiesced and under a sea of tissue paper discovered muted gold leather, strappy, sandals, matching wristlet bag and all the delicates to go under the gown. “Oh my freakin‟ God!” She balanced against Nate, one hand pressed to his chest. She slipped on the sandals. “Not too low, not too high. Goldilocks shoes! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” She modeled them, pulling the edge of her robe away to reveal some leg. “I know a chick helped you pick these out. I‟ve never had anything like these. They‟re gorgeous.” She leaned nearer to run her hand under his half open shirt. She watched him from under her lashes. “You realize, if we don‟t go to the event, I can always dress up for a private dinner here.” “You know…” he grabbed her around the waist, “…the freak in me was thinking about that anyway. We could use the formal dining room. Me. You in just the shoes. I wouldn‟t want anything to happen to the dress.” He nuzzled her neck and inhaled her scent. “Nate? Nate?” She stood on tiptoe to peer over his shoulder at the garment bag tossed on the boudoir chair. “Yes?” “Is that your tux on the chair?” “Yep.” “Shirt, bow tie, the works?” “Yep.” 67

PJ Dean “Well at our private dinner…” she circled her arms around his shoulders, “…the freak in me wants you to wear the bow tie only. But not around your neck.” **** Still very in touch with her human side, Karen pursed her lips at being chastised by Lord Advisor Leltin, a high ranking pure Felig. You will cease this fraternizing with full humans. We did not come here to make them friends or pets. They are for consumption. Also, cease promising that I will grant a full Felig existence to any human. A robust creature that morphed to appear as a Caucasian male of about fifty sat at the center of a row of other officials in seats carved into the lair‟s stone wall. Pardon me, but I was born human. I didn‟t come from some dying world. I was here already. And I knew how to survive long before you invaded and made me fully Felig. This terse exchange was taking place in one of the thousands of underground lairs that served as abodes for Felig and as repositories for crates of Esorbs, the luminous spheres filled with the nourishing energy of any human that was not consumed on the spot. These Esorbs were the equivalent of Felig fast food. When Felig returned to these lairs after a period of reaping human essences, 68

Something Else Wicked they deposited leftover energy into the orbs and stored them in cushioned crates for later use. Crates of filled Esorbs lined every chamber of this lair. Felig never stopped harvesting. Excess supply had to be on hand for continued nourishment and for healing. The need for more Esorbs had increased due to Nate‟s and Tina‟s recent idea on how to fight off Felig. Numerous entities returned to the lairs injured and in need of Esorbs to repair. It had become an endless circle. The more the Felig took, the greater their risk of being wounded while taking. In turn to heal, more humans had to be siphoned, and so on. The Lord Advisor was not happy with this unexpected stumbling block in the path of total Earth domination. Lord Advisor Leltin looked down at the lesser creature before him. Karen? This is how you are called? It pained him to speak with the converted. He disregarded and disliked them. She unsettled him. Contact with these humans was leaving imprints on his race. He and others like him were experiencing the foreign concept of emotions a disturbing human way of displaying the mental landscape. He disliked converted because when they were granted powers and fed in the true Felig manner, they believed themselves to be such. Unfortunate. This Karen was trouble. Converted like her were impatient upstarts seeking a higher rank in the true Felig hierarchy. As long as he ruled, no 69

PJ Dean “converted” would ever reach a level of importance. Yes. Karen tossed her hair over a shoulder. It is. Lord Advisor, if you are referring to the arrangement made with the ruling humans, let me say it is working. Felig are feasting as never before. She pointed at both a US map and a world map, affixed to the ceiling. Burn marks indicated areas of the greatest human decimation and ice crystal icons dotted the maps where Felig were taking hard hits. Reports from those regions told of humans engulfing Felig with huge clouds of cold air shot from hand-held canisters. Feasting as never before, indeed! Sounds like a line from a commercial. Lord Leltin covered his mouth with a hand. Another alien gesture. Where did that come from? Those are not my words. He turned and apologized to each elder. Another alien gesture. His expression changed from perplexed to knowing. I have tracked internally the source of that observation. I recently absorbed what you call an advertising executive. We are being wounded as never before and tainted! This pact made with the elite is sorely lacking. I must rethink it or dissolve it completely. We agreed to let them maintain their existence, unchanged, if we were allowed to maintain ours. They are getting what they want. We are losing. The ice crystal icons on the maps are almost equal to the burn marks. Are you blind? Lord Advisor, if you need more Felig,” she touched his arm to drive her point, “make more Felig. 70

Something Else Wicked From humans? He recoiled. No. A converted human is simply that. You may believe that you are true Felig, but you are not. He buzzed in a circle around and just above her. The tips of his agitated wings smacked her in the face as he flew. You have never seen our homeland, walked the scorching plains of Solicia or luxuriated in its four Suns. And you haven‟t either lately. You‟re here because your friggin‟ planet is dying. It does not matter! he yelled. Your forefathers are not Felig. You, my dear, and those like you, are deficient substitutions. Karen bristled, dodged his wings, and restrained herself. She vowed to rip them off if she ever got the chance. For the moment, she took no action. She wasn‟t going to jeopardize her plan to climb higher. Instead, she bowed deeply to him and poured it on thick. I only seek to better the Felig lot. Permit me to pursue my chosen manner. Leltin soared back to his seat, smirking all the while at his humbling of the converted one. You may continue until I say you may not. Work your convoluted plan so that it ends in the demise of this Lowe man and his consort. If we do not see results soon, Felig will bring forth the desired outcome without the elite‟s aid or yours. I believe it‟s called „open season‟ in human parlance. We are finished here. Leave us. He waved her away.

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Chapter Nine

N

an and her brother rode the elevator to her condo in silence. They were returning with Daphne from the kennel that had boarded the pig while Nan‟s party had erupted. Wilford held Daphne while Nan shuffled through a stack of mail with freshly massaged and manicured hands. “Well, well, well.” Nan expressed as she ripped open an envelope and read. It was an RSVP from Nate Lowe. He‟d be attending her function plus one. “What up, sis?” Wilford asked. He placed Daphne on the elevator floor. “It‟s the RSVP from Nate Lowe.” “Really? I hope he brings his squeeze. Heard she‟s fappable. Always wanted to see her up close.” Nan looked sideways at him. “What are you talking about? Are you practicing how to talk to her?” “Don‟t be a bigot, Nan. Or condescending.” The elevator doors opened and Daphne trotted out 72

Something Else Wicked ahead of them. Wilford scurried after her. Head down while she fished in her handbag for keys, Nan bumped into the son of one of her neighbors. Before she could utter her regular foul greeting, the junior Mister Callan beat her to it. “Go to hell, Devilbiss, and all your family, too,” he said as he charged past her and onto the elevator. Nan turned to face him. Reveling in ridicule, she hollered at him as the doors closed. “Make sure you don‟t end up there. We own that, too!” Once inside familiar surroundings, Daphne raced for a litter pan in the guest bathroom and Wilford raided the fridge in the all blindingly white kitchen. “Where the hell is the food, Nan? You on another diet?” He dived for what was left of her party punch—one third of a pitcher of that crowd pleaser, “Purple Pantie Pulldowns.” He grabbed a tumbler from the counter and poured. After a generous swig, he asked, “So, sis, did you get Daddy‟s permission to throw this charity thing at the old home stead?” “No. He doesn‟t need to be asked and he doesn‟t need to know. Let him stay in bed and wheeze to the orchestra.” “You are a bitch. Hey, my boys could play. Whaddya say?” “Thank you, but no thank you. I want people to donate not run.” 73

PJ Dean “Funny. When are you gonna invite me to one of your rendezboozes?” “Never.” “Come on. A guy needs to get it wet every now and then.” “Wilford, excuse me, Wiley D, I‟m sure someone‟s getting you wet even if it‟s only you. Besides, no hoochies allowed at my place.” “Please! That whole crew of females you hang with are just hoochies with major paper.” “Societal commentary from you? I‟ve underestimated you, dear brother.” “If you don‟t let me come to one, I‟ll tell Daddy about the big charity thing. Come on, I wanna see those head cases you call friends. I won‟t watch you banging the head on crash of the week. I swear. Sneak a peek, maybe, to see if you got any rhythm.” “Black mail? You‟re disgusting. The charity event is at the family home at the end of next week. I convinced daddy‟s lawyers to get him to sign off on stuff for it. He trusts them and barely reads the crap they put in front of him. Deliveries will be coming. Dump the gangsta gear. Find a tux.” “You should talk. What rip off artist has convinced you to wear his fugly shit this time?” “None of your business. Find a tux. Lose half of the jewelry. You want to try to impress that Cain woman, right?” 74

Something Else Wicked “That‟s the second time you‟ve mentioned her. Whaddya have against her? Is it „cuz she‟s a dime piece and is kickin‟ it with a man you couldn‟t get on your best day?” “Will, I‟m going to forgive what you said because you know jack shit about what‟s going on. When things change, remember I‟m your loving sister and that I made it all possible.” “Uh? Made what possible?” “I need a drink.” She took the tumbler from him, sipped, and grimaced. “This needs ice.” **** Everybody gathered in the farmhouse‟s living room. They sprawled over chairs and couches trying their best to exhibit nonchalance, but it wasn‟t working. Nate tapped a pen on rim of the desk at which he sat. Draped over a tufted chair, Tina wiggled a foot. Over on the sofa, Avner rubbed Iris‟s neck and she kept reaching over to pat a gurgling Akivah. The ringing phone jarred everyone. Nate dropped the pen. Avner clutched the back of Iris‟s neck. Iris jumped and Tina hopped up and shook out her legs. Nate answered the call. “Hello?” “Moz here.” “Wait. Let me put you on speaker.” Nate 75

PJ Dean pressed the button. “Hey, Moz,” the rest chimed in. “Go ahead.” “Nate, my winged friend, you and Tina still going to that snooty shindig?” “We are,” Tina broke in before Nate could reply. Strutting to the desk, she leaned against it. “Is Evie there?” “I am.” “Evie, girl. You should see the dress Nate got me.” “That‟s why we called.” “To come over and see my dress?” Tina scratched her head as did the others present. “That‟s some real interest.” “No. She‟ll see it the night y‟all go,” Moz interrupted. “What the hell are you talking about, man? Nate asked. “Don‟t drag this out.” “I‟ll let Evie tell ya.” The mirth in Moz‟s voice carried across the wire. “Go on, baby.” “Moz told me that you felt uneasy about going to that event without your protection.” “You got that right. How is this your concern, Evie?” “Remember a while ago, I said I had a good temp job lined up? Well, my friend got me in.” “Congrats.” “And guess where it is?” “It can‟t be. Don‟t tell us it‟s Devilbiss Place?” 76

Something Else Wicked “I shit you not.” “Get out of town!” Avner yelled. “Yep. Old man Devilbiss is dying and needs care 24-7. I stay on the weekends. Actually, Friday night „til Monday morning. My friend has it during the week.” Moz took the phone from her. Evie grappled with him for a bit, then released it. “What are you doin‟? Rude behind.” “I take her and pick her up. A little under a two hour ride. I don‟t like that she stays, but she‟s in a safer space than me. You know with that arrangement, the rich folk got with them aliens. She does bring home some good perks, though. All kinds of foods, medicines, brandy, on and on.” “Good. So how do you play into this, Evie?” Evie pried the receiver from Moz‟s hand. “You two will pass security with flying colors. Their security will search everyone that night. It‟s a big event with rich folks and their checkbooks. They ain‟t taking no chances.” “You are never searched?” Iris asked. “Not now. Moz neither. I‟m a regular and just the help.” “You‟re a professional. You went to school for training, Evie.” “I‟m professional help then, dearie.” “Can you get up here one day before next Friday to discuss it?” “Yep. Some of the old crew here are gonna be 77

PJ Dean around that night, Tina.” “You mean Teddy and the gang?” “He‟s grown up a lot. Some are gonna be servers and do line prep. Some are gonna set up tables.” “These guys are gonna come all the way from Philly?” “Evie got them in. They need the money.” “I‟m in,” Avner said. “I wouldn‟t miss this for the world.” „Oh yes you are, husband and new daddy dearest,” Iris reminded. “Honey, I can take care of me.” He patted her thigh. “Avner, please, don‟t let our mess make a mess of you and Iris,” Nate advised. “Stay here that night. Lock this place down until we get back.” “Please, hon.” Iris grasped his hand. His wish vetoed, Avner acquiesced. “This time you win, Iris. We‟ll talk about my job later, in private.” A very warm burst of air spread through the room. “Matty,” Nate declared before Tina could speak. “Mama!” Tina perched on the desk edge. Matty appeared. “Hi people. She gazed at her kid. Tina didn‟t I say not to give up? “You did.” Tina reached a hand over to one of Nate‟s. She entwined fingers with his. “Yo Matty!” Moz and Evie said as one. Matty 78

Something Else Wicked started chatting like her old self. Evie, g-g-gurl, I have seen the dress. This man got good taste and knows how to accessorize. Makes me wish I was alive. Nate laughed out loud. “How she look in it?” That, I ain‟t seen yet, but it‟s peach colored chiffon with a halter type empire bodice. She has just enough boobies to— “I can hear you! I‟m sittin‟ right here.” Tina felt heat rush to her face. “Stop talkin‟ about my parts.” Nate rushed back in to save the day. “First, let me add, I do have good taste evidenced in my choice of house, friends and mate.” He rose, rounded the desk to kiss Tina on the forehead. “You‟re blushing,” he whispered into her ear. She gave him the STFU look. “How can you tell?” “T, never forget I am the man who knows, intimately, how you tick.” Nate‟s voice was low and unhurried. Tina shook a little. “I know when you‟ve been reduced to a receptive bundle of nerve endings.” “Awww! Ain‟t that sweet,” mocked Moz. “I can hear you, too. „Bout to barf.” “Moz! Put a sock in it,” Evie demanded. “Focus people,” Moz bellowed popping their love bubble. “We may get our asses burnt that night. I‟d like to remind you that with the exception of a few present, the rest of us ain‟t owners of 79

PJ Dean asbestos-coated butts. So bring yo‟ A game. We‟ll see ya next Thursday. Signing off.” “Peace and blessings,” Evie hollered. “Be safe.” “He‟s right, Nate. This is real.” Tina extended an arm and pulled him closer. “I‟m your mate?” “I believe so. You‟re living in my house, sleeping in my bed and love me, right?” “Tatum, my cat, does that also.” A slightly confused cast fell over her features. “Why don‟t you toss in a litter pan, too?” “Don‟t start.” “Don‟t start what?” Nate was not surprised by her reaction to his question. He was used to her brusque mood when serious stuff was about to happen. He understood it was fear. Fear of them never having peace. He didn‟t like how it seized her and took over no matter how much he reassured her. He thought that she‟d stamped it out completely with the payback showdown with Karen. This “hit” on them had reawakened Tina‟s memory of being hurt and killed. Not once, but twice. Yes, he understood, but didn‟t like being on the receiving end of her reaction to fear. He wanted to help and keep her safe even though it didn‟t sound like that now. “Stop with the drama, T.” He rubbed his hands over his closely shaved head. His blond hair was so short it looked like an artist had stippled it on. Tina called it his, battle cut. He sighed. “Tina, we 80

Something Else Wicked don‟t need this extra turmoil at this time.” “I apologize. I didn‟t think I was turmoil. I thought you saw me as the quiet spot in the storm. The safe place with a nice view in a shitty location.” She slipped from him and walked away. “T, Come on. Not now. You know I‟m right.” Nate lobbed a container of pens at a wall. “We‟re all on edge. We need to save our energy for what‟s coming down the pike. Damn!” Bye all. Matty dissolved. Avner collected Iris and Akivah. “We‟re going. See you love birds in a bit. Yo, bud, whatever it takes, get it back on track.” “Avner, that‟s all I do.” “Keep on doing it. We need to show the crazies a united front. We need you and Tina. Period.”

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Chapter Ten

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ina changed into black yoga pants and a black camisole, secured her hair with a wide headband and then hit the gym. She‟d gone through her Pilates workout again and was beginning her Qi gong sequence in front of the mirror when Nate walked into the studio. “I thought I‟d find you here.” He waited, gauging her response through her body language. “Are you working out or working off something?” “Both,” Tina said, not looking up or ceasing her movement. Nate removed his sweatshirt, shucked his footwear and got down to workout pants. He did leg stretches and lunges. Tina watched him in the mirror. She saw the tension vacate his limbs while he moved deeper into his routine. The serenity influenced her form and she ended her set in a peaceful state. “Nate, you do know this could go bad. Real bad.” She patted her damp brow and cleavage with a towel. “I do.” He finished his stretches. 82

Something Else Wicked “Well?” Tina draped the towel around her neck and took a seat on the end of a weight bench. Nate approached a tall pole with a bell attached to a chain hanging from a metal arm that stuck out a few inches. He bounced from one foot to the other, building momentum. Lightening quick, Nate spun to his right, released his wings, lifted off the floor and shot out his right leg as high and as far as it could go. His big toe tapped the bell and exacted a low tinkle from it. Tina watched with admiration. Like a giddy teenager, she was impressed every time he did his version of a spinning back kick and he knew it. He could make the bell ring loudly, he could make it ring barely or he could demolish it. Today, she strained to hear it. He nailed the bell four more times in various sound ranges. The bastard was maddening at times, Tina thought to herself. For exertions that were performed with what seemed like very little effort, Nate was awash in sweat. His face, torso, back and forearms gleamed under the lights. His built-in air-conditioning system beat ferociously. “Well, what? We can only do our best. There‟s nothing better than that. You can get out of this mess. Go back home. If you‟re staying I have to know that you‟re in it for the long haul.” He held out a hand to her.” Are you?” Nate sucked in a single long, hopeful breath and waited. 83

PJ Dean “I knew what I signed up for when I agreed to be with you, Mr. Lowe. I am home, but that doesn‟t mean I can‟t be a handful from time to time.” Tina spoke with a firm resolve just short of a neck wiggle and a finger wag. She took his hand and stood up. “I‟m in, baby. All the way in.” She whipped off her towel and patted his torso as he exhaled. “Excellent!” Nate roared, causing Tina to drop the towel. He grabbed her and wrapped her in his wings. Tilting her head up with a free hand, he bent his head and clamped his open mouth over her surprised one. He slipped his tongue between her lips and softly assaulted her senses. Amping up the kiss, Nate dropped his hands to explore her body while his wings kept Tina pinioned to him. She moaned into his mouth and surrendered by raising her hands to hold his face steadily. Nate abruptly broke off contact as swiftly as he had made it. He caught the towel, which had been sandwiched between them before it hit the floor. “Here. Here.” He turned about, arms raised, instructing her where to rub. “You missed some spots.” “Here what?” Tina re-entered Earth‟s atmosphere five seconds later and ducked his flapping appendages as he turned. “Oh, I was drying you off, wasn‟t I?” Nate thrust the towel at her. Disoriented, she resumed patting his body. “Actually, 84

Something Else Wicked you need a shower. You are frying me with the waves of heat rolling off of you. Plus your pits reek.” “It was a strenuous workout. I‟m uber manly.” He lowered his arms and pulled in his wings. “Is that what that smell is?” she teased. “Hygiene can wait. We‟re not finished, T. We have to work on that Krav Maga sequence. You‟re still a little weak on the control step of the redirectattack-control sequence concerning firearms. It‟s gotta become second nature to you. Let‟s eat and then we‟ll come back and practice.” He collected his sweatshirt. They headed for the studio exit, hand in hand. “I‟m sorry, Nate, about—” “Let‟s not revisit that scene. We‟re all works in progress.” He stopped in the open doorway, lowlight from the hallway illuminating his compact, athletic frame. A smile broke across Nate‟s face. “Admit it. I impressed ya. That back kick does it every time.” He reached over, swung her about to face him. He eased off her headband and pulled corkscrews of hair back into place around her face. Nate stepped close and peered into her eyes. “Admit it.” Tina presented her best earnest face. “Shut up, show off.” **** 85

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Saturday before the charity event… Four trucks marked Prime Market jockeyed for space to park and deliver their loads to Devilbiss Place. Finding parking on a Saturday on this NYC block was no easy feat. Two drivers gave up and double-parked, prepared to be ticketed. Delivery men piled hand carts to capacity with boxes of meat and poultry. This haul joined the mountains of exotic cheese wheels and caviar tins in crates stacked on the endless stainless steel countertops in the long unused commercial kitchen in the basement. Fresh produce was expected the following Tuesday along with additional workers needed to prep the food. For the time being, no matter how long it took, the cook, maid, and the driver could put the items away. The party would be a headache to orchestrate, but Nan wasn‟t going to allow anything to mar her moment. Metro Liquor arrived just before noon. It was the last drop off for the day. Wilford watched men wheel in crates of Macallan, and Clos des Papes vintages. His mouth watered at the sight of the JMXO vodka crates. Oh, the Pulldowns he could concoct from that, he thought, then sighed and decided. He rummaged in a pantry and found something to pry open the crates. Using the handle of a ladle, he worked an edge on a vodka crate until it gave. He freed a bottle and wiped it off with his sweatshirt 86

Something Else Wicked sleeve. The seal fluttered to the floor when he broke open the drink. Taking a seat on a stool, he closed his eyes, tilted his head back, and swigged. “Heaven,” he declared. One of the liquor delivery men hurried back into the kitchen and shoved a clipboard at Wilford. “I need you to sign for this load.” “Can‟t help you man. My sister can sign. I‟m not old enough.” Wilford took another deep swig. **** “What are those sounds I keep hearing? Hayden Devilbiss removed his oxygen mask so he could be heard clearly. “And why do you insist on disappearing very fifteen minutes?” Casting a wary eye at her father, Nan sat dutifully by his bedside. She kept disappearing to check on the status of the party deliveries. Visiting him was the ruse she used to make an excuse for her presence. “What‟s that, Daddy? What did they sound like?” Nan hopped up and tittered on python pumps with five-inch heels toward the bed to stack pillows behind his head. Except for the shoes, Nan‟s ensemble was subdued for her. She wore a simple black knit mini dress, which had been covered by a vintage mink that her mother owned. “Mr. Devilbiss, would you like anything before 87

PJ Dean I take lunch,” asked Evie from across the room. “No, Missus Wilson.” H.D. smiled at her with some effort. “Go enjoy your meal. Nan will get whatever I need. Thank you.” “You can go, Evie. If daddy needs something, I‟ll get it.” Nan checked her watch. It was noon. “Take a long lunch. I‟ll see you back here at 1:30 p.m. Bye.” “Thank you. Put that mask back on Mister D.” Evie waited until he did, then exited the bedroom. “Are you going to answer me now that you‟ve sent Missus Wilson away?” “Daddy, I didn‟t send her away. I gave the poor woman a much needed break. You don‟t realize it, but you are quite draining.” “Do not divert and evade.” Hayden removed the mask again and waved it at Nan to press his point. “Do not insult me with your pseudo concern for Missus Wilson. What are those noises I hear? Are you sneaking those useless friends of yours into this house? I told you not to bring any of those cretins here. If I had my druthers, I‟d eliminate all of them. Also, if anything goes missing—” “You wouldn‟t know! You‟ve got so much garbage crammed into this space, it‟d take a lifetime to go through it to see if anything was missing.” Nan stared at him sending less than loving vibes. “You don‟t have that kind of time, H. D.” 88

Something Else Wicked “You are a disgrace.” “I‟m your disgrace.” “You‟ve never spoken truer words. Are you ever going to answer me about those noises?” Nan remained mum and continued to stare. It unnerved H. D. and he started to cough. His frail frame heaved and shook so much that he toppled sideways off the stack of pillows. He lay on his side gasping for air between violent hacks, his weak arms caught in layers of covers. “Air! Need air!” The mask was only inches from his fingers on the bed. “Evie can get it for you when she gets back. Whenever that will be.” Nan rose and stood over her father‟s crabbed form. “The noises you‟ve been hearing are delivery people bringing goodies for a party!” H. D. grappled with the covers to get some purchase and to pull the oxygen mask toward him. “A few old friends of yours and a ton of mine are going to be walking through your house. Touching your possessions. Possibly stealing them. Hell, I‟ll give shit away. They‟re going to be eating a lot of food and knocking back a lot of liquor.” Nan leaned closer. “They‟ll be making an expensive mess of Devilbiss Place.” H. D. wheezed louder. He strained one last time to reach the mask and retrieved it. “You can‟t have that yet. I‟m not finished.” Nan 89

PJ Dean pulled the mask from his fingers and noted the tears about to spill from the inner corners of his eyes. “Nan. Nan.” Her father whispered. “Please.” Nan cupped a hand around an ear. “Can‟t hear you.” “Nan? Nan?” Wilford said bursting into the bedroom. “I need you to sign for—” Wilford stood stock still blinking, not sure what he was seeing. Not ten seconds later, Evie rushed past him into the room. “I left my watch of all things. Must have taken it off to wash my hands.” She took in the scene and instantly and knew what was going on. Her client‟s wheezing spurred her to action. “Oh my Lord, Mister D, where‟s your mask?” She rushed to pull the man upright in bed. “Here it is, Evie. I was just about to put it on him when you came in,” Nan recited like a robot. Evie pried it from the girl‟s hand and placed it on a shaken H. D. “A deliveryman is downstairs like Mister Wilford said. He‟s waitin‟ on you.” “Yeah, Nan.” Wilford yanked his sister along. “You‟re needed.”

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Chapter Eleven

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an signed off on the liquor delivery and sent all the help and her brother away for a few hours. She demanded that Evie order in, then remain in H. D.‟s room to eat it. She‟d had enough of humans, Felig, and empty promises. Sprawled across one of what she called her father‟s torture racks, she dragged a prong of her ring along the back of the antique piece that had been handed down through several Devilbiss generations. She nursed her third, Purple Pantie Pulldown, on an empty stomach, while Daphne chased James, her father‟s corgie. Nan knew the havoc she wreaked with her ring would send H. D. into a conniption if found out. The visual warmed her heart—or had her beverage done that? She felt overheated, then sensed the source of the excess warmth. Karen floated toward her from the room‟s rafters. Tipsy Nan jumped to her shoeless stocking feet. She spilled her drink just missing the Colonial settle. “Oh shit. Karen! This is so unexpected.” 91

PJ Dean Nan! Karen mocked. I can see that. She noticed the woman‟s drunken manner. What do you have to report? “Lowe RSVP‟d. He and that Cain woman are coming here.” Perfect. Karen clapped her hands together and spun around. Are you prepared to deal with them? “Not really.” Nan faltered, struggling to ease her heels on. “But I‟ve drafted someone who will help me detain them until you arrive.” Until I arrive and do what, Nan? My participation was not part of the plan. You were to get rid of them. The moment I show up, the reason will be clear as to why they were invited. “The friend to whom I‟ve promised the gift won‟t fail me. He is as hungry as I am for that perk.” Make sure he stays hungry. Nate‟s no fool. And his squeeze is very resilient. Step on her and she bounces back. Like a cockroach. Karen navigated nearer. You won‟t disappoint, will you? She flapped her wings, the strong breeze making Nan shiver and the pets vacate the space. The combination of heat and cool was disorienting to the heiress. “No, I won‟t. I want…need the gift too much.” Accomplish what we planned and I may attain status regardless of my beginnings. There may even be a place of honor for you amongst some Felig. “Not all? Only some?” Baby steps. Baby steps. All in due time. Karen 92

Something Else Wicked smiled at her own words knowing that due time was way past time in her book. She wondered if it were possible to sidestep bestowing the gift on this silly girl. Really, what use would she be after Nate and Tina were out of the picture? “I want to fly, not take baby steps. Yeah, I want wings. I‟ve had enough of this.” Nan made a wide arc with her arm. Soused, she grabbed the high back of the settle to keep from falling. “Once my friend‟s here, it‟ll be a piece of cake.” I hear you know about cake.” Nan frowned. Karen sized up her creature‟s newly thinner frame and corrected herself. Or rather knew about cake. Creaking noises reverberated around the cavernous room. What is that? Karen asked. Daphne and James raced back into the room over squeaky floor boards. They careened into an end table, then scooted behind a sofa. Nan relaxed and exhaled. “Slippery animal feet on old wood floors. No carpet. Only area rugs here. Pardon me. Precious floor tapestries as my father calls them. I call „em trash.” Nan drained her tumbler. They were mistaken about the source of the creaking noise. Evie had heard all, had seen all, and was in need of an underwear change. Well not really. She had left the elder Devilbiss‟s room to use the hall bathroom. On the way back she hunted down voices and, drawn to the banister, witnessed true horror. Sound spiraling up from the 93

PJ Dean gigantic living room carried confirmation of the ugly plot. She saw with her own eyes the hovering horror, which was Nate‟s ex. Her old friend Matty looked the same, but did not make her blood run cold. Terrified, Evie eased out of her shoes, retrieved them, and tipped backward to H. D.‟s room, unfortunately hitting a bunch of creaky floor boards. Once inside the suite, she leaned against the closed door, eyes shut tightly, mouthing a prayer. Hayden Devilbiss, whom she had permitted to spend some time in a comfy chair in the sitting area, and to sneak a smoke and a glazed doughnut, noted her drastically changed attitude. “Missus Wilson!” He took a drag on his ciggy and then placed it in an ashtray. “What is the matter?” **** Karen felt empowered by her intimidation of Nan. The heiress had fallen over pets and into furniture after their exchange to get away from Karen. The waves of fear, which had emanated from the girl still roared through her system and caused her to quiver. Emboldened by the rush, Karen decided to look in on Nate and that woman one last time before their demise. In the midst of dematerializing, Matty appeared suddenly and grabbed Karen by the collar of her gown. 94

Something Else Wicked I know where you think you goin‟, heifer. Don‟t. Ugh! You again. Get your hands off me, Mommie Dearest, or I‟ll— Or you‟ll what? I‟ve got enough power now to wipe you out. The two tussled in mid-flight, wings and robes churning charged, heated air. Go away, lady. Karen twisted out of Matty‟s considerable grip. How many times you gotta be told to leave my girl and her man be? Your girl? She‟s forty fuckin‟ years old! Time to cut the cord, Mama Cain. You kiddin‟ me, right? You wanna talk cord cuttin‟? Who is a dead shrew of a cow still carrying a torch as big as the one the Statue of Liberty is holdin‟ for her live ex who was done with her ass before she croaked? Please! I scored one for the home team last time we danced. I can do it again. Let „em alone. I will for the moment.” Karen flitted backward and away. Wait and wonder and see, Miss Matty. I‟ll be around. **** Wednesday before the charity event… Moz and Evie were driving up ahead of schedule to meet with Nate and Tina. Evie had recounted all she‟d seen and heard to Moz with the expected result. “Evie, I love Tina like she was my own, but I‟m calling this mess off. I won‟t chance 95

PJ Dean getting you hurt, or worse.” Moz had followed Evie all around since she had called him to pick her up last Saturday. She made her excuses to her employer and asked her friend, Gwen, to cover for her. “No way. No way.” He drove with one hand and held onto one of Evie‟s with the other. “Creepy, buggy, bird things.” “Moz, why are we driving all the way up to their place? To tell „em that? You coulda done that on the phone. I love you and I know you. You‟d never leave anyone in a lurch. You just like Nate. That‟s why you two butt heads.” “I ain‟t nothing like Bug Boy.” Moz swerved to avoid hitting a rabbit. “Yeah, right.” Evie howled with laughter. “The only difference is skin color and wings. Tina told me them things pop out when any deep emotion hits him. Can you imagine that?” “I‟m gonna puke.” Moz turned onto the farmhouse‟s private road. “What‟s it gonna be, hon? Evie asked. “We‟re here.” “I‟m gonna do the right thing.” As they passed a checkpoint and continued up the drive, Evie squeezed Moz‟s hand. Once parked, she tugged on his sleeve to catch him before he got out of the car. “Watch the material, woman!” “Hush up!” Evie put her index finger to his lips. She undid her seatbelt, threw her arms around 96

Something Else Wicked him in the front seat, and kissed him like the teenagers they were when they‟d first met. **** Tina opened the front door and immediately pulled Evie into her arms. Nate walked up behind them. “Hi, guys. Come in. Come in.” He waved the couple inside. “Hi, back at ya.” “Take a load off,” Tina urged. “Gimme those coats. They shucked their outerwear, handing the items over to Tina. She turned and gave them to Nate to hang up. Tina led them into the living room where Avner was talking with Iris on his cell. They took seats on the couch in front of the stoked fireplace. She took a spot next to Evie and patted one of her shaking hands. “What the hell happened? You were crazed on the phone. Scared actually. Tell us everything.” “Hold up.” Moz scooted to the edge of cushion. “Before we break into Kumbaya, I gotta confess. I was drivin‟ up here to say it was off. Once Evie ran down the Sci-Fi shit she‟d seen, I wanted no part of this. Didn‟t want my wife caught up in this. Then she made me see that breathing, hell just being, was enough to get a person caught up in 97

PJ Dean this….invasion. She convinced me, not five minutes ago, to see this mess through. I love this gal.” Moz gazed at Evie bleary-eyed and coughed trying to disguise the breaks in his voice. “Could I have somethin‟ to drink?” “Hot or strong?” Nate asked. “Both, please.” Evie said. “I‟ll pour the strong.” Nate manned the bar and held up a bottle. “Whiskey?” “Make „em doubles.” Avner added. “I‟ll rustle up the hot.” Tina headed for the kitchen to make coffee. “Don‟t start until I get back.” Nate poured and served. Tina returned in a flash. “Okay, shoot.” She took her vodka and tonic from Nate. They sat down and let the Wilsons rip. They sipped, listened, and planned with the aid of the hot and the strong. “Will this work?” Moz wondered. “It has to. There‟s no plan B.” Nate emptied his coffee cup. “We don‟t have a choice.” “Everybody knows their part?” Tina slid in. “Yep.” “I guess that‟s it. I still wish I could go.” Avner said. “Av, I need you to hold things together here. There is no one better.” Nate emphasized. “One last thing.” Nate sat on the coffee table‟s edge. “Moz, we can‟t be linked together in any way. We 98

Something Else Wicked can‟t be seen together. You and Evie have to arrive as if it‟s a regular work night for her. Tina and I will be there an hour later. After you drop her off, you have to go wait for our call at that coffee shop we picked.” “What if the call don‟t come?” “Then you‟ll know we‟re dead.” Nate said flatly clutching Tina‟s hand. “Evie will call you if we can‟t. She‟ll be safe. She‟ll just come across as a nurse who was on duty when Lowe and his woman went down in flames.” “Everybody up. Come to me.” Tina hugged each person with all her might. “I, we appreciate this. You don‟t know how much.” “I second that.” Nate approached Moz. “A handshake will do, man.” Moz shoved his hand at Nate. Nate took it and pulled him into a hug anyway. Evie, Avner, and Tina cracked up at the awkward expression on Moz‟s face and the stiff pose of his body caught in Nate‟s bear hug. “Where‟s a camera when you need one?” Evie wiped tears of laughter from her cheeks. Moz slipped out of the clumsy hold. “You know, man, a verse of Kumbaya woulda done it for me.”

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Chapter Twelve

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ina ached all over after another day of overthe-top workouts with Nate. Selfish, she‟d banished him from their nightly shower ritual. She wanted to luxuriate in the warm water all by herself. It was Thursday night and while she exfoliated, her mind raced with thoughts of what scenarios she and Nate might encounter at Devilbiss Place. She stopped thinking about it. It hurt to think. Her muscles screamed with each footstep as she exited the bath wrapped in a giant, fluffy towel. Nate sat at the end of the bed they shared. “Well, if it ain‟t Grandma.” “Shut up, asshat. Don‟t make me laugh. It hurts to laugh.” She noticed that he was freshly showered and clad in black pajama bottoms. He must have used the bath in her room. “If you used my bathroom, you better had cleaned up after yourself. No scum in the shower. No toilet seat left up.” “If I did, what are you going to do about it in your condition?” 100

Something Else Wicked “Smart ass.” Tina gingerly took a seat at her vanity table and unfurled the bath turban protecting her hair. She shook out her hair, finger combing the spirals. Nate watched her pop the cap on a bottle of lotion. Pouring some into her palm, she rubbed it on a shoulder. “Ouch!” “Hurt?” “Of course I hurt.” She talked to him through his image in the mirror. “You put me through some rough moves today, Lowe.” “It was worth it. You nailed the sequence, T.” “I hope so. I practiced until I thought I‟d drop.” “I‟m proud.” “Oh really?” She swiveled to face him. “You‟re still an ass.” “Okay. Okay. That‟s three times. Enough. Gimme the bottle. Get over here. I‟ll give you a massage.” “You‟ll have to come get me. I refuse to move.” Tina flexed her sore knees and winced. “I can‟t move.” Nate got up, scooped her off the stool, and placed her face down in the middle of the bed. “Take it easy, please,” Tina said over a shoulder before closing her eyes. Straddling her, he laughed as he rolled the towel down to her hips from the top and up to her butt from the bottom. He poured a generous 101

PJ Dean amount of lotion on her back, closed his eyes, and focused on his hands. In seconds, his palms turned a soft orange hue and radiated a low heat. Dipping fingers into the fragrant pool, Nate slowly worked the lotion into her skin and kneaded her muscles from shoulder blades to finger tips. “That is so delicious,” mumbled Tina. Nate manipulated her spine from the base of her skull to the tailbone. He paused to give resistant areas extra attention. He massaged her buttocks, then dropped to her hamstrings and calves. “Sweet Lord!” Tina cried. The warmth whipped through her system, eradicating all pain. She tested her return to normal and rolled over without effort. Nate hid his hands behind him until the glow ebbed and sat back on his heels. “Where‟s the ache on this side, T? Neck? Collar bone?” She sat up. “Several places.” “Where, specifically, pinhead?” Serious, Nate was on a healing mission. “Don‟t call me pinhead or the last sex we may ever have is off the menu for tonight.” “I didn‟t know it was on the menu. I thought you hurt too much. His brow furrowed involuntarily. “Menu? The sex we have is on a menu now?” “I don‟t hurt now. You fixed me.” She circled his neck with her arms and drew him down to her. “Now finish me.” Nate buried his face between 102

Something Else Wicked those nut-brown breasts he‟d come to know so well and then pulled back. “Where you goin‟?” “You sure?” “Am I sure? Nate, you‟re Jewish, white, and half-alien! If I‟ve never declined making love with you on those grounds, why would I decline now? Get your ass back here.” “Let me get properly dressed.” He took off his pajama bottoms and fished a condom out of the night table drawer. Unrolling the thin latex over his blossoming erection, he proclaimed, “One total treatment coming up.” “Something new?” “Trust me. Stretch out. Close your eyes.” Nate climbed back on the bed and stretched out over Tina. Forehead to forehead, hand to hand, toe to toe. He went soft orange again and pulsated. “Open your eyes,” Nate whispered. Tina‟s eyes flickered open and shut just as quickly. She wanted to yell and run. Nate sensed her apprehension. “Don‟t be afraid. It‟s me. You got over the wings. You can get over this. Please open your eyes.” Tina did as instructed. “First, the wings. Now you glow and pulsate. Full of surprises. You‟re a human electric blanket.” “Or the world‟s largest adult toy.” He pressed 103

PJ Dean his open mouth to hers while he rubbed his pulsating body against her. The charged atmosphere had them panting in no time. “Stop!” Nate gasped. He pried Tina‟s mouth and fingers from him. He didn‟t want to come yet. Tina‟s frown disappeared when he pushed her onto her back and kissed down her body leaving a trail of hot hand prints. Parting her firm thighs, he zeroed in on that sweet spot, teasing her to climax. “Oh! Oh! Oh yes!” Tina pulled at his head and shoulders as she tensed and released. Nate smiled against her inner thigh. He captured her hands, rose up, and wedged himself between her legs. “No breather?” a euphoric Tina asked. “We don‟t have time to waste.” He relinquished her hands and instead gripped her hips. “Look at me.” A little later, a gasping Tina watched as Nate entered her. At contact, his wings launched from the usually hidden slits on his back. Awash in perspiration, they slipped and slid against each other. One fire, one catching fire. He gripped her tighter, rushed and retreated faster and deeper. Tina looked up into eyes that reflected the tenderness and fervor in her own. She scooted lower to wrap her limbs around his back and completely give herself over to the moment. The move elicited a husky “Yes” from Nate. The orange glow vanished when he watched Tina finger her nipples, 104

Something Else Wicked then run her hands over his heaving chest, then continue down to where they joined. It took all his concentration not to come yet. That move almost undid him. Nate fanned his wings in order to keep the bed from catching fire. The wet, the warmth, the woman. “Keep doing that, Tina, and I‟ll be way past gone.” He struggled to sound coherent. She trailed her hand over his jerking stomach. Staring him down, she murmured, “Then go.” Tina‟s trust and surrender combined with permission tipped him over the edge. “Tina! Tina!” Nate lost rhythm and careened into her. A second sweet explosion blindsided Tina and pulled her along. Suspended between now and nothingness, they held onto one another. “We‟re good together, T.” “That we are, hon,” Tina said. “That we are.” Nate planted an innocent kiss on her forehead. He rested his head on her chest and they fell asleep under the shelter of his outstretched wings. **** “Wilford, did you get a tux like I told you?” Nan stood in front of a full length mirror in her suite, taking in the sight of how her gold taffeta gown looked. She was pleased and decided that the matching tulle stole was a no go. She wanted noth105

PJ Dean ing to obscure the low neckline of the dress. She draped it over an arm. She assessed that her behind was her best feature. “Yes, it is. Muah!” She made a fish mouth gesture in the glass. “Done. Don‟t get your thong stuck too far in your crack, sis.” Wilford stood in the doorway to her bedroom. He was tired of her condescension. “Excuse me!” She pivoted to face him. “This is my big moment. Everything has to go smoothly.” “I said I got it. I‟m just not modeling it for you. Did you CC this memo to those choes of yours and your car crash of the moment?” Wilford hunkered down in the open space. “Nan, what were you doing to H. D. when I walked in his room the other day?” “Don‟t worry your challenged, little head. It would have been to our advantage if you and Nurse Evie hadn‟t charged in.” Nan arranged the gown‟s snug skirt under her rump. “How does this look?” “Not too bad. Your diet worked. You should ask St. John. Back on topic. Charged in? I think whatever you were doing, or were gonna do, would get you twenty five to life.” “Not for a Devilbiss, darling.” She turned back to the glass and caught her hair up away from her shoulders. “That‟s if I were planning to carry out what you‟ve cooked up in that Chronic baked brain of yours.” 106

Something Else Wicked “Nan, H. D. is not the perfect father. Never was. I don‟t know him. I don‟t like him. I barely even love him, but he‟s going through some heavy payback in the karma department. It will be over soon. Chillax.” “Whatever are you talking about, Wilford?” “I don‟t want any part of it.” He stood up to exit. “Go to bed.” Nan smoothed the taffeta over her hips. “It‟s late. We‟ve got a big, long day tomorrow.” **** “They want me dead! I feel it. I know it.” Alone and marooned in his bed because Gwen, his weekday nurse, had gone down the hall to a small upstairs kitchen, H. D. spoke his fears into the darkness. He twisted portions of the comforter in spots leaving damp, winkled cloth behind. His frail body quivered. “My own daughter stood by and watched me nearly suffocate a few days ago. You must help me. Deliver me from the end that she has mapped out for me. In return, I will grant you what you require.” I believe we can reach a mutually satisfying agreement. **** 107

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A hearty breakfast and lunch was had by all at Nate‟s compound. The day passed quickly, but was full of repetition and instruction. The hour to leave for the charity event was drawing near. Nate was still in casual attire and still handing out orders. “Avner, the team has been instructed thoroughly?” “Yes, boss. They know the drill backward and forward and in their sleep. Relax. Please.” Avner sighed. “I wish I were going. I feel like a third wheel.” “Not true. You are extremely important. Nothing third about you.” “Thanks, Nate. Go get ready. Time‟s flying.” Tina entered the kitchen. “Thought I‟d find you two in here. I‟m gonna get dressed now. Iris and Evie are helping me. I‟ll be AWOL for a couple of hours. I‟m getting ready in my room so the suite is all yours, babe. See ya.” “I‟ll walk you up.” Nate nodded to Avner and left. The couple met Iris, Evie, and Moz in the main hall. Moz remained downstairs as the girls and Nate took the stairs. They paused at the door to Tina‟s room. Nate grabbed her hand before she vanished behind the portal. “This is something a tad shiny.” Nate shoved a purple velvet case into her grip. “Open it when 108

Something Else Wicked you‟re all dressed. Not a moment before.” Tina flashed him her signature WTF look, opened her mouth to comment, but closed it. She pecked him on the cheek, replied, “Thank you” and entered her room. She handed the case to Iris for safekeeping. Once in the bathroom, she stripped and climbed into the bubble filled, warm bath. She stretched out, held her breath, and fully submerged herself. Breaking the surface, she splashed like a carefree kid. Ablutions done, she cocooned in a terry robe and sat cross-legged on the rug. Tina went into her zone. She was so grateful that Nate had showed her how to be still and empty her mind. She took deep, long breaths to unwind. Finally, her breathing slowed and she relaxed. Calm down, sweetie. By the way, you‟re gonna look good. “Thanks, Mom.” Peace engulfed Tina. After twenty minutes, she opened her eyes, got up and prepped for whatever the night held and went out into the bedroom. “Ladies, start your engines!”

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Chapter Thirteen

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ate needed half the time Tina required to get ready. His thoughts ran to her and the possible scenario that was in store for them at Devilbiss Place. The not knowing was driving him nuts. He was a got-to-be-in-the-know kind of guy, or as Tina had put it, got-to-be-in-control kind of guy. Whichever one he was, was going crazy at the moment. He was so thankful for finding a woman who loved all of him for him and vice versa. He disrobed and entered the bathroom. **** “We‟ll catch you downstairs, Miz Thang,” Iris quipped as she and Evie left Tina‟s room. Downstairs in the foyer they encountered a resplendent Nate in a huddle with Moz and Avner. Evie circled him, picking up one of the vents on his tux jacket. “Look at Mister Man. You clean up good. Tina just may be a lucky girl.” 110

Something Else Wicked “I just may be,” Tina replied, slowly navigating the steps. Nate met her at the bottom. “You are gorgeous.” A smile lit up his face. “You don‟t look like a Grandma now.” “It depends on who your Grandma is. You ain‟t too shabby yourself.” Nate wore a black, doublebreasted, peaked lapel tux. The breast pocket of the side-vented jacket held a white handkerchief. Under it were the white shirt and black cummerbund. The style displayed his slim frame at its best. He donned thin-soled, black leather slip-on shoes and black socks. Tina straightened his bow tie. “Thank you.” “You look quite the gentleman.” “To the bitter end. Would you model for me?” Nate committed to memory how the peach chiffon halter dress fit her. The beaded empire bodice held and hugged her breasts as well as his palms did. The multi-layered skirt hung straight from under the chest to the tops of her golden sandals. The slashed left side of the skirt revealed a well exercised leg from mid-thigh to ankle. Tina had tossed the matching wrapper around her shoulders and let the ends swing free. Iris had done her makeup (smokey eye, wet lip, et al) and Evie had secured her spirals into an upsweep with ornate combs. “Do you like the shiny stuff?” Nate propped an elbow against the wall, slightly surrounding her. “Like? Are you kidding? I love it.” She touched 111

PJ Dean her throat. Nate presented her with a suite of South Seas pearl jewelry. All in a dark golden, opalescent hue, the suite comprised a necklace, a ring and drop earrings. “Did you barter for all of this too?” “No. They are my mother‟s.” “I must thank her for the loan.” “They aren‟t a loan. They‟re yours.” “I‟m speechless.” “A first.” He looked her over once more. “Are we dressed to kill or what?” “I wish we were going out under different circumstances. I am truly afraid. Tina yanked on his lapel. “I got a gift for you.” “What is it? Don‟t keep me in suspense.” Tina fished a chain out from the bodice of her halter gown. The 24k gold chain held a gold mezuzah. She slipped it over his battle cut. Nate lifted it from his chest and tested the weight. “It‟s still warm.” “Perv.” “And it‟s a beauty, T. Much appreciated. When the hell did you go shopping?” “Iris has a wonderful stash.” Nate kissed the mezuzah, then tucked the pendant down his shirt collar. He caught her around the waist. “Remember what I told you. If shit goes down, and I‟m nowhere in sight. Get out. Leave. Understand?” 112

Something Else Wicked “I can handle myself.” He twirled her around. “I know you can, but I know that if you stick around to fight, blood may flow. I know how you feel about blood. Remember Avikvah‟s birth?” “I got through it and I got through finding you cut up.” “Barely. I‟m worried that you‟ll freak out and then be totally off your game and be easy prey. As I told you before, if I go down, get out.” “I hear ya.” “Yeah, right. I might as well be talking to this damned wall I‟m leaning on.” “Let‟s change the subject.” Tina fingered the necklace and then asked in a guarded tone, “If I suddenly become incapacitated, is this something those society bitches would roll me for?” “Tina! Only you.” The question did haunt Nate. “I hope not.” “Time!” Moz yelled. “Evie and me gots to hit the road.” He helped his wife into her coat, then shrugged into his. Iris tucked a huge thermos and a bulging brown lunch bag into Evie‟s tote bag. “You‟ve got everything?” Nate asked. “Yeah, man. For the umpteenth time. Yeah! We are leaving. Bye.” Moz hurried Evie out the door before Nate could hug him again. Nate gathered Tina to him. “Let‟s settle our nerves in the kitchen.” He waved Iris and Avner 113

PJ Dean along as he checked his watch. “We‟ve got time to spare.” **** “Boss, you‟re taking the corners too fast.” Avner was in the rear of the SUV. He had convinced Iris to let him accompany Nate and Tina to New York City. He‟d promised her that he‟d come right back. He had given control to the next in command at the compound until he returned. Nate navigated the Highlander down the slippery street and stopped at the barrier erected by the security for the Devilbiss Place event. “Thank you, backseat driver.” Nate reached over and patted Tina‟s hand. “Here we go. Remember, I-l—” She turned to him. “You don‟t have to say it. I know and I do, too. Besides, saying it sounds fatalistic.” Valets opened their doors and they got out. Avner got into the driver‟s seat. “I‟ll take over from here. See you guys later.” He gunned the engine and took off. Nate held Tina by the elbow, steering her past a bunch of picture snapping reporters. “Aren‟t you guys allowed in?” he asked. “Not this time, Mister Lowe.” An eager snapper jumped in front of Tina. “Look this way. You are Tina, right?” “Get that camera outta my face.” Tina raised 114

Something Else Wicked her arm to block the man. “You don‟t know me well enough to call me by my first name.” “Come on, Miss Cain. You‟re news.” “Must be a slow day.” Nate and Tina picked their way along the small gauntlet to the front steps. Light snow had fallen covering a layer of black ice. “Tina, if Miss Devilbiss really wants to get rid of us, she has made it known. By not cleaning off the sidewalk, we could fall and break our necks.” “How cheap can a person be? If I fall and survive, I‟mma sue her frugal ass.” “We‟ve bigger fish to fry.” Once inside the spacious foyer, Nate took off his coat and a rented servant helped Tina out of hers. “Hey, Miss Thang.” She pivoted to the familiar voice. It was Teddy dressed in the requisite white shirt, black trousers uniform of the help. He gave her the once over. “Slammin‟!” “Thank you, Teddy.” “I mean it. You are one fine sistah. “If you evah get tired of Snowflake here, I‟m—” “No, Teddy.” “No what? No, you‟ll never get tired?” “No. Period.” Nate had watched and heard, and had to comment. “Teddy, I like you, but listen up. Your wait is going to be a long one. Snowflake isn‟t going anywhere.” He piled his coat into Teddy‟s arms. 115

PJ Dean “Good to see you.” Without missing a beat, security came over to pat them down and check their coats. The search over, security gave the items back to Teddy who strode away mumbling. Arm in arm, Nate and Tina entered the cavernous reception hall. An orchestra that looked like their last gig had been a New Year‟s Eve with Guy Lombardo played a swing tune. Nate took in the landscape of the room. It had an odd mix of twenty-some things, sixty year and seventy year olds. The assembled big spenders were from every race and industry, each group having its fair share of grenades and landmines. Old money and new money mingled with two things in common— their wealth and unwavering drive for selfpreservation. Nate really didn‟t mind that the group had wealth and wanted to survive. He didn‟t like that their survival was at the expense of everyone who was not in their sphere. The music continued, but all eyes fell on them. Whispers rolled through the room like waves crashing on a shore. “Mister Nathaniel Lowe!” The affected tone belonged to Miss Adelina Ernesta Devilbiss. She emerged from a throng of juiced cronies, dragging her date. Swathed in gold taffeta and diamonds, she chirped, “My friend, St. John Culpepper, and I welcome you.” She turned to Tina. “I suppose that you are Miss Cain?” 116

Something Else Wicked “You suppose correctly.” Tina kept her cool, ignored her, and locked on the escort. “Culpepper? Of Culpepper Auto Parts?” “Yes.” Oh Lord, they do travel in packs, Tina mused. “A friend of mine bought sparkplugs from one of your establishments. They were defective. Pure crap. He wants a refund. All he has gotten is lip service for months.” “That‟s not my line of work.” “Right, but it is your line of income.” “Money is of little use at this juncture in time. Also there is a complaint department for such situations, Miss… .” “Cain. Tina Cain. But you knew that already. I thought I‟d cut through the red tape and get to the source. And since when is money of little use?” “Direct, aren‟t you?” “It‟s the only way to be.” “How provincial,” Nan interjected smiling her pasted on cheer. “Champaign everyone?” Nan called a server over. They sipped in silence and civility. “Circulate a little, Mister Lowe. One hour until your talk.” She glanced at Tina. “It‟s been novel meeting you, Miss Cain.” Nan and St. John rejoined the juiced. Nate slyly restrained Tina by looping an arm around her neck. Tina made a mental note to reward him with a nice back rub, for he had sensed 117

PJ Dean that she wanted to launch herself at the bitch. Tina squinted at her hostess. Nan was far from clueless. She was positively twisted. She was as bitchy as a wet cat and potentially as lethal as a heart attack. Prep school snarkiness aside, full on confrontation with this chick would not be pretty. “Is it hot in here, or is it just me, Nate?” “I feel it, too. They‟re here. Watching. Plus did you notice the bulge in young Culpepper‟s left breast pocket?” “I did indeed.” Nate inclined his head to Tina‟s ear. “Breathe deeply. Circulate. Take that bathroom break and meet back here in thirty minutes.”

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Chapter Fourteen

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ate meandered through the huddles of partygoers. Heiresses giggled to one another as he squeezed past. One whispered, “What a shame,” to a friend. The overheard comment jolted him because he didn‟t know what it meant. The male counterparts regarded him with contempt. There was no other way to explain it. Several young men bumped into him on purpose and, like their peer, young Culpepper, a couple carried concealed weapons. The older crowd did not look his way and avoided him completely. Nate knew without question that those present did not like his perceived crusade to eradicate Felig. His cause curtailed their profits and interfered with their highs. Nate may have been invited to Devilbiss Place, but he was not welcome. He asked a server for the nearest men‟s‟ room. Tina endured similar treatment at the far end of the hall. Silly girls jostled her and engaged in daunting stare downs. Downright condescending 119

PJ Dean and-or ambiguous were the polite words to describe what some men said to her. Hemmed in by so much unspoken animosity was pissing her off. Tina wanted to yell, “Come on, enough of this bullshit!” Instead, she waded through the bodies to get to the bar. “Miss Cain, you okay?” Tina blinked and blinked again. Tossing her wrap over one shoulder, she focused on the speaker. “I‟ve been better. Who are you?” “My bad. I‟m Wilford. Nan‟s brother.” He stared at Tina for a few beats. Yep, she was as fappable as he‟d heard. Lowe was one lucky bastard. “Call me Wiley. Want a drink?” “Yeah, I‟ll have a shot of whiskey.” The kid‟s grin was so wide and his teeth so white that Tina thought she‟d fall into that crater of a mouth due to being blinded by the bright light. Wilford motioned to the bartender. “Only one?” “It‟s a start. So, Wiley, is this your crowd?” Tina checked him over. No gun, but he was packing attitude. He wore a tux with a black baseball cap turned backward and a pair of black, high topped sneakers. She realized that she had asked a dumb question. “You kiddin‟? I usually get ghost when Nan‟s friends come around. Snooty hoochies and himbos. I stay away from them as much as possible.” The bartender set down Tina‟s drink. 120

Something Else Wicked “Hi, Lady T.” “Ronnie! You, too? I just saw Teddy.” “Four more of us are serving and another bunch is in the kitchen. Half the „hood is here. We needed the paper, bad.” Tina killed her drink in a gulp. “Another?” Ronnie asked. “Maybe lata.” She pointed to Wilford. “Give him one even though he‟s not old enough.” Ronnie poured and Wilford killed it. “Hit the spot, right?” she asked. “It did.” Wilford didn‟t dare say how much he‟d like to hit her spot. Her rep preceded her and he wasn‟t going to risk his dental work. “That was a tough evaluation of your peers, Wiley.” “We don‟t think the same way, that‟s all.” “Since you were so nice to me I‟m gonna give you a tip.” Tina leaned in. “I‟m gonna say this once. Get ghost. By the by, where is the nearest ladies‟ room?” **** What are you waiting for? Both of them are here. You won‟t get a chance like this again. Karen dipped and dove around the room. Karen addressed Nan and St. John. They were in a second floor study deciding the fate of the 121

PJ Dean guest speaker and his plus one. “Wait until after Lowe‟s speech,” St. John said. “He‟ll be relaxed. I‟ll walk up on him. Pow! Then he‟ll be permanently relaxed.” “I agree with him,” Nan said. “If for some reason St. John doesn‟t succeed—” “Whoa! Whoa!” St. John objected. “I always succeed. I medaled in marksmanship in college competitions. Remember? Just make sure Lowe and Miss Cain are in the same area. Don‟t worry. I do have a few buddies out there as backup. I plan ahead.” Bully for you. “When do we get what we deserve, Karen?” Nan asked. When it‟s over. **** Evie sat in the sitting room adjoining H. D.‟s bedroom. She was on pins and needles. She was crocheting an afghan and dropping stitches like crazy at the least errant sound. She knew that she was supposed to stay in the suite until Nate and Tina came for her. That was going to be difficult. “This is gonna be one long night.” ****

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Something Else Wicked Bathroom breaks over, Tina stood to one side of the stage near the podium as Nate spoke. Hot air currents swirled around the room. The younger crowd in the audience reacted like Pavlov‟s dogs to the heated atmosphere. One pocket of air parked itself near Tina. In her mind she asked, Mom? Here. Tina felt better, but knew her Matty would be outnumbered if several Felig turned on her. She reconnected, “Mom, go find Evie. Stay with her. Please. She needs someone around her. I love you.” I will sweetie. Be careful. The pocket of air evaporated, but not before a cool touch landed on Tina‟s cheek. She refocused on Nate. He was making his pitch for donations for Nan‟s charity. Tina always liked his voice. The way its timbre lowered when something was urgent or important. Or the way it was only able to be heard by dogs when he was beyond excited. Her Nate, a man of many facets. “So in closing, I beseech you to be very generous to your hostess‟s cause. Thank you.” The audience clapped in a courteous fashion to his request. A server appeared with a hat and those present tossed checks into it. Keeping up appearances, Nate pondered. He folded up his notes, tucked them into a breast pocket, looked to Tina, and winked. As soon as he vacated the stage, a band 123

PJ Dean reassembled there. Tina met him hallway. “Great delivery, babe. I almost wrote a check.” Nate smiled weakly. “Heads up, something else wicked this way comes.” “Uh?” “Excellent! Excellent, Mr. Lowe! Come to the study for your payment.” Nan split the air with the biggest insincere tone Tina had ever heard in her life. St. John Culpepper was right at Nan‟s heels. Tina pivoted to size up this chick. “Give us fifteen minutes, Nan. I‟d like to take a spin around the dance floor with him.” “No rush, Mr. Lowe. Meet us in the study. We‟ll be waiting.” Nan backed up, colliding with St. John, who guided her by her tulle wrap out of the hall. “See how that cow igged me? Lata for her.” “It may be sooner.” “You thinkin‟ what I‟m thinkin‟?” “Unfortunately, yes.” The band broke into a salsa rhythm. “You know what I say?” “No. What do you say?” “Let‟s dance.” “Nate Lowe, you salsa?” “Like no fuckin‟ tomorrow.” ****

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Something Else Wicked “Can‟t be.” Evie fanned with a newspaper. “I don‟t get flashes anymore.” She scratched her head, then panic invaded her features. She quickly dug in her tote bag and whipped out a large homemade container of canned air. Moz and a group of future rocket scientists had reworked the idea to rig bigger containers. It had been a messy, perilous task. The first few experiments had exploded until they‟d gotten it right. Evie didn‟t wait she began spraying with gusto, simultaneously getting up to run. Evie! Evie! No. It‟s Matty. “Matty? How do I know?” Evie kept spraying at random and moving. Matty spoke out loud. How do I know that you and Moz got the biggest collection of adult marital aids this side of the Rockies? “Matty! Quiet.” Truth shall set you free. Tina sent me up here to watch over you. “I appreciate that. I know you‟re thinkin‟ on her.” “Sit back down, girl.” Matty revealed herself slowly to Evie. She appeared robust. Dressed in a purple gown, salt-n-pepper hair in her signature pageboy, she was her old self. The two women bantered back and forth like old times. You‟re still afraid, Evie. I feel it. “Can‟t help it. It‟s not you, Matty. It‟s the whole 125

PJ Dean vibe. It‟s bad out there. Felig or human. Everyone and everything is out for itself. We weren‟t raised that way. It‟s another world.” Who you tellin‟? Lord knows I didn‟t ask for this. They both sighed and fell silent. In the tiny span of quiet, H. D.‟s voice pierced it. “Yes, but how?”

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Chapter Fifteen

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ross body turns, knot combinations, spins, turning rainbows. Nate had removed his jacket and Tina had tied her wrap around her waist to give their all to the dance. When the horn section blared, they shook it like no tomorrow. “Who knew? What else don‟t I know about you?” Tina puffed a bit coming out of a spin. “Don‟t twirl me too fast. My sugar‟s low. I may go crashing into a wall of surly trust fund babies.” “I wouldn‟t let anything happen to you.” Nate pulled her back toward him. The music ended. “How are you feeling? “Ready.” “Ready?” Nate retrieved his jacket from the edge of the stage. “No time like the present.” They exited the hall hand in hand. Tina was near hyperventilation as Nate knocked on the study door. St. John let them in and left the door open. Nan sat at a cherry desk 127

PJ Dean the end of the room. The space was unbelievably warm due to the huge lit fireplace. Nate entered. Tina tarried a little fussing with her wrap. St. John wasted no time. He shoved Nate further into the room and drew his Glock. “Don‟t turn around. Hands up. I thought being a „brid made you all knowing.” He stuck the gun in Nate‟s back. “You walked right into this. You don‟t know jack. Don‟t move.” “No!” Tina yelled, rushing to help. Another young man named Caleb appeared from out of nowhere. He caught Tina around the neck from behind and bent one of her arms back, pinning her to him. Nan rose from the desk. “Let‟s talk payment.” Tina raised a foot and drove the heel of her sandal straight down on top of her captor‟s instep and ground it with all her weight. “Owww!” Caleb screamed, letting her go and folding to the floor. “I‟m going to wring your scrawny neck.” Tina hiked up the left side of her gown and whipped out a Micro Desert Eagle pistol from the holster around her thigh. “First you have to get up and be bulletproof, asshole!” Distracted by the scenario, St. John let his guard down. It gave Nate enough time to act. He reached behind, turning a little to see. He grabbed the gun away from his back and pulled forward. Nate fol128

Something Else Wicked lowed that up with an elbow to St. John‟s gut. He did a one eighty on the gun, snapping St. John‟s index finger. “Oww!” rushed from St. John‟s throat. The snapped finger snagged in the trigger and Nate had to wriggle it to wrest it from the kid‟s grip. St. John crumbled, but not before Nate caught him under the chin with a knee. The guy was lucky his mouth was closed or he would have snapped his own tongue off. As it was, his bottom lip was bleeding. Nate let him slide to the floor. “I‟ll kill you! I‟ll kill you! I won‟t be cheated.” Nan ranted. To the amazement of Tina and Nate, she hauled her blue-blooded behind over the desk shooting a snub-nosed .38. Tina felt the breeze and heard the zip of a bullet fly past her head. It lodged in a door jamb behind her. “Go! Go! Go!” Nate hollered. Tina ran for the door, but Caleb had enough life in him still to snatch her hem. “You aren‟t going anywhere, bitch.” She yanked her gown out of his hand, crouched, and dove into the corridor as another bullet flew by. It found a home in the portrait of some Devilbiss ancestor on the wall directly above her. Blinded by rage, Nan tripped over one of the many vintage foot stools scattered about the study. She smacked her head on the floor and muttered, “Bastards!” before blacking out. Daphne and 129

PJ Dean James hopped back and forth over her. Once in the hall, Nate tossed St. John‟s gun in a planter. “Are you hurt?” He pulled Tina up from the bunched up runner in the hallway. He brushed her off and vice versa. “I‟m good.” She shook a little. “Thank God she didn‟t medal in marksmanship.” “We owe Evie and Moz big time for stashing our guns in the restrooms.” Nate eased his Desert Eagle from the back of his waistband. “Bless „em. I knew they were scared. Then again, I knew Moz loved The Godfather movie. I do have a question though.” “Not now, T.” Nate kept looking around. “We aren‟t out of the woods yet.” “I know, honey. I don‟t want to seem ungrateful, but…” She pointed to her pistol. “Why this? You got to carry that canon of yours and I got this?” “I don‟t believe this.” Nate rubbed his chin. “No time for twenty questions, T.” She crossed her arms and waited. He moaned, rolled his eyes, and relented. “To make a long story very short, Moz and I had to change the plan because that was the only size that would fit under that dress. Happy now?” Tina uncrossed her arms. “Let‟s move it, woman.” He took her by the arm and they hurried down the corridor. 130

Something Else Wicked Screams and gunfire emanated from the reception hall. “What the fuck is that?” Nate wondered aloud. He and Tina raced toward the ruckus. Once at the hall, they found chaos. Young party-goers were running helter-skelter and-or being snapped up by Felig. Strangely, the older crowd was absent. “Nate, where are the people H. D.‟s age?” Tina asked. “They aren‟t here. Nate gave the room a once over. “Not a one.” He scratched his head. “Possibly taken first?” Felig swooped and scooped. Some fed in flight holding a victim to their mouths. A few spent bodies dangled from chandeliers because once drained, Felig released the corpses to land wherever. Nate took a stance and fired shot after shot at the creatures. “Shit. No use. I forgot. It will wound them, but not kill them.” They both returned their weapons to their holsters. He pushed Tina behind him. “Get down.” “Where‟s Teddy and the others?” Tina scanned the scene. “And Evie? Oh man, Evie? Get off me!” Tina was fighting off Nate‟s grip to stand up and go fetch Evie. “Get down!” Nate shot her a lethal look and pushed her behind him again. “There‟s Teddy and Ronnie,” Tina pointed out. The two guys and other hired help were barricad131

PJ Dean ed behind several upended serving tables. “Teddy!” Nate yelled above the din. “Teddy!” The young man finally focused on him. “Get over here,” Teddy screamed to them. “Move your asses.” Nate grasped Tina‟s hand, got up and rushed across the room. A Felig clawed at Tina‟s neck, hooking onto her wrap. She shrugged out of it and kept running. She and Nate reached the barricade and vaulted over it. “At least we‟ll have company when we get our tickets punched,” Nate quipped without smiling. “Speak for yourself, man. I‟m getting‟ outta here alive.” Teddy and company revealed huge, rigged canisters of canned cold air that they had hidden under the serving tables upon their arrival. They pointed the attached nozzles upward. Felig that had been invisible and had been hovering literally froze in mid-air, exploded and rained down in shards. “Give me one of those,” Nate said. “Me, too,” added Tina. Looking to Ronnie, she inquired, “How the hell did you get this in? How did you know to bring it?” “Moz told us of the possibilities.” “Oh my God! Moz! He‟s gotta know what‟s goin‟ on. And Evie. She‟s upstairs.” Tina stood up again to go get her. “Get down!” everyone yelled at her. Ronnie, 132

Something Else Wicked Nate and Teddy kept spreading the cold air. “Moz came here about twenty minutes ago. Couldn‟t wait for your call. He took a can and went upstairs for Evie. “I would have done the same,” Tina said. A party-goer crashed into the barricade trying to evade Felig. “Help me, man.” It was too late for this prey. His cheeks were caved in. His eyes were dots in his face. He expired hanging over the table. Other prey started charging the barrier for safety. “Okay, people!” Teddy cried, “Pick up the cans and head for the front door. Time to go.” “We have to get Evie and Moz,” Tina insisted. “We can‟t leave them.” She hoisted a canister. “No, Tina. Moz has his part under control. Time to go.” Teddy repeated. “I agree,” Nate said. “We leave as a group. Now. No stopping for anything or anyone.” They rose and left the barricade moving as one across the hall. “Take that,” Ronnie hollered as he took out two Feligs hovering to his left. A few desperate heirs and heiresses huddled behind the human wall as it left the hall. “Oh, double crap!” Tina didn‟t know which was worst—the crunching sound underfoot from crystallized Felig remains or the crackling of papery human carcasses. In the main foyer, Felig blocked the front door. 133

PJ Dean “Keep walking,” Ronnie shouted. “Don‟t stop spraying. They‟ll either move or die.” The group followed his words. Some Felig detonated while some dispersed. The front door became unblocked. Tina brought up the rear. Her last image was that of St. John and Caleb. Both had managed to make it to the foyer only to be consumed by Felig. Tina turned and concentrated on her group. Outside, panel trucks pulled up on the sidewalks and double-parked in the middle of the street. “Come on! Come on!” cried the drivers. All doors were open and all engines were running. The guys behind the steering wheels had been workers at the event who‟d gotten out before the shit had hit the fan. They‟d come back to pick up their buddies. Escapees piled into the vans. “Nate! Tina!” one driver called from a SUV. It was Avner. They ran and hopped into the backseat along with the canisters. “I have never been so freakin‟ glad that you didn‟t listen to me,” Nate said. “Gun it!‟ Tina ordered. As they sped away, she saw Moz‟s car up the street. He was bundling Evie into their car. Avner tooted the horn and waved as he passed them. “They made it. We made it,” Tina chanted, tears rolling down her cheeks while she hugged Nate. “I‟ll have to kid Moz that another movie that he 134

Something Else Wicked definitely likes is Shaft. This getaway has that film‟s imprint all over it.” Vans full of human cargo cleared the streets with the doors still open. Wilford ran alongside one screaming, “Wait! Wait!” **** Nan had regained consciousness. Unable to find her brother, she‟d retreated to her father‟s suite thinking he might be there. “When did all this happen?” “Never you mind,” a robust H.D. replied. He stood without leaning on a bedpost and without his oxygen. He breathed normally and was, by all appearances, normal. Nan blinked like a shorted out street light. She rubbed her forehead. Her head throbbed and unraveling her father‟s cryptic demeanor was too much to bear. “You should be concerned with what is going to happen to you. I‟ll answer your question. It‟s only fair. I‟ve found a new doctor. No premiums, no pills, no machines.” H. D. poked his oxygen tank. “Nothing. I‟d like you two to meet.” “Is this that last burst of energy all dying people get before they croak?” “Watch, Nan.” H.D. pointed to a corner of the dark bedroom‟s ceiling. Slowly, floating figures 135

PJ Dean manifested. It was Karen, but she was being subdued by a larger, more powerful Felig. She screeched as the Felig tightened its grip on her throat. “Daughter, you already know the captive one. It‟s her captor whose acquaintance you‟ve yet to make.” “No! No! No!‟ Nan cried falling to the rug on her knees. The creature nodded to Nan and spoke. I am Lord Advisor Leltin. **** The survivors went their separate ways once on I95. Avner pulled up to the farmhouse and Tina and Nate hopped out. “See ya in the morning, boss.” “Make that late morning, Avner.” Tina poked her head in the driver‟s window and pecked Avner‟s cheek. “Thanks so much again.” “At your service.” Avner turned the SUV back down the drive to the carriage house. Iris was standing in the doorway cradling Akivah. In the main suite of the farmhouse, Nate and Tina regrouped. “When are you going to learn to listen to me?” He smacked his forehead with an open hand. “How many times did I have to tell you to get 136

Something Else Wicked down.” “You mean when am I gonna obey you?” Nate grabbed her to him. “Since you phrase it that way…Yeah when?” “Never. Get used to it.” They passed a series of little kisses back and forth. Tina murmured against his lips. “Babe, before you do another damned thing, please remove that gun. It‟s digging in my groin.” T, my gun is in my back waistband.” “Oh. Never mind.”

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About the Author I have always loved making up stories for as long as I can recall. Book writing was a no-brainer. I put my writing aside though when relatives, including my mom, fell very ill, one after the other. Writing was my escape. It kept me sane. After the illnesses and losses, I refocused on writing with an aim to get published. I finally did, at first on my own, then another epub and now with eXtasy. I thank eXtasy for picking me up. eXtasy has given me the freedom to create what I want. I hail from the northeastern US and enjoy the change of climates. Wait a minute. Strike that. Not all climates. Snow storms of 45 inches suck as do summers with 100 degree weather with matching humidity. Otherwise, the rest works for me.