Finn glanced around, trying to appear confident, but I had shaken him. Good. He needed supervision, and I had his number. A blind woman could see he was out for a quick lay, and this guardian angel wasn’t about to let that happen.
Hey, wait a minute. Speaking of angels where the hell had Lynette’s guardian gotten off to? I hadn’t seen another being of light since I’d entered the residence. They had to be here. I sent out the universal signal for angelic contact among the galactic community, and several seconds later I faced three pissed off celestial beings. The biggest of the three stepped forward. He was tall, strong, and African.
“Why are you here?” His voice boomed, and I flinched. Shit. Oops. Wrong word. I clasp a hand over my mouth.
“I’m Scarlett,” I blustered. “I’ve been sent here to round up Krampus and his gang. I just wanted to introduce myself.”
The African extended his hand. “We know who you are. We witnessed your fight with the demon, Lilith, but we weren’t allowed to intervene of course. Fine work. I’m Carson. Roddy is my charge.” He pointed to an Oriental of extraordinary beauty. “This here’s Jade. She looks after Billie Jo. And.” Here he motioned to an English chick hardly older than Lynette. “This is Cloe. Lynette’s guardian.”
From their defensive stance, I deduced it wise to keep my mouth shut about the lack of Lynette’s angelic supervision. As long as I was involved in this mission, I had to get along with these angels. The longer one inhabits the invisible world, the wiser one becomes to the rules and regulations of cosmic beings. However, I was curious about the rest of the guardian angels assigned to the teenagers gathered in the kitchen.
“And the others?” I jerked my head toward the giggling teens.
“They’re keeping a low profile,” Jade answered this time. Her voice was deep and dusty. Provocative. Exotic. Perfect match to her dark hair and eyes. She was a tiny thing. Reminded me of a butterfly I’d seen in Japan on a recent bounty hunting trip for a Sumo wrestler bound for Purgatory.
“You’ll understand better once you earn your wings,” Cloe gloated, “guardian angels stay in the background unless needed. A common mistake among newbies.”
Her patronizing tone raised my hackles, but I let it slide. Besides, she was right. I was a newbie. But I wouldn’t always be. I had the nubs to prove it. I ignored her and turned to Carson who seemed to be the one in charge of the Hazard household.
“I’m here to do a job,” I said, careful to keep my voice calm and composed. “And I would appreciate any help.” My hand rested on my sword hilt. “I’m looking for any information on where I might locate Krampus and his gang of poltergeists. And the portal. I need to close it and get back to Heaven.”
Carson exchanged knowing looks with his roommates. They both nodded. Carson waved a hand toward Finn. “It started with him—and his talking board. Cloe tried to steer Lynette away from his influence, but the attraction was too strong. You know how teenage hormones rage. Lynette has a crush on the boy.”
It was a statement, not a question. And yes, I knew well how teenage hormones and the craziness it induces can affect a young mind. I’d lost my virginity in the back seat of a BMW to a cute waiter at the country club. A stupid dare led by an older classmate from my private all-girls school. I won the bet and lost my innocence.
“He’s not from around here,” I said, zeroing in on Lynette’s flushed face and fluttery hands as she conversed with the subject. Damn. Carson’s right. The girl definitely had a thing for Finn. She was ripe for the plucking. And Finn’s gaze roamed over Lynette like a spider eyeing his next meal. I squashed the impulse to slice him up like the bug he resembled.
“He’s a foreign exchange student from Germany,” Jade supplied, cutting off my next destructive thought. “He’s staying with the Jorgensen family. Would you like to meet his guardian? Perhaps he can shed light on the boy.”
“They’re on the move,” Cloe interrupted, and I glanced over at the parade of teenagers exiting the kitchen.
“They’re headed to Lynette’s room,” Jade said with a thread of doom. “She’s set up the board. It’s ten o’clock. Spirit Bells time.”
Chapter Four
If We Make It through December
Not stopping to ask questions, I bolted up the stairs behind the kids—a flock of angels on my heels. Outside of Lynette’s bedroom, I turned to Carson. “Get the other guardian angels down here, now. I’m uncertain what sort of game Spirit Bells is, but I’m positive it’ll stir up more trouble.”
“Spirit Bells is an old game inspired by the Christmas theme,” Carson explained. “The players are encouraged to awaken the ancient pagan gods of the winter solstice. They ring a bell each time the planchette spells out the name of a deity. The one with the most bell rings wins.”
I glanced inside the bedroom. The kids circled around the talking board on the carpeted floor. Several candles flickered on the dresser and nightstand setting the mood. Sandalwood incense hung in the air like invisible ribbons. Lynette and Finn sat facing close to one another, the board on their touching knees. I shivered at the icy determination in the boy’s eyes, and the sense of heaviness invading the room.
The whisper of angel wings had me turning around to face a new group of guardians of every size, nationality, and gender.
“We have to put a stop to this,” I told the group. “Any suggestions?”
“That’s your job,” a petite angel with a grandmotherly smile reminded me. Her soft white hair formed a bluish halo around her face. “The Powers That Be explained a new angel in training would handle it. I suppose you’d be the ANT Saint Peter spoke of?” Her eyes sparkled with glee as they beheld me. “That’s a doozy of an outfit you’ve got there, girlie.” She twinkled roguishly.
ANT. Angel-in-training. I clamped my mouth shut, but couldn’t stop the heat from rising to my cheeks. Damn, Saint Peter and his warped sense of humor, but since there was nothing I could do to change my wardrobe, I had to push through on my own.
I addressed my fellow guardians. “I appreciate the help you’ve given me.” Here I turned to Carson. “You’ve given me something to work with, and I want you to know I won’t be bothering any of you again. I can take it from here. I have a point of contact among the living, and she owes me a favor.”
Carson clutched my hand. “Beware of Krampus. He won’t go back without a fight. Godspeed, Scarlett.”
I watched them waft through the walls and ceilings, but I knew eyes followed my every move. Angels are Watchers. On my own, I drifted into the bedroom and found a spot atop one of the curtain rods where I could survey the teenagers playing with the talking board. If any evil spirits appeared, I would remain out of sight and silent. Tonight, I wanted to investigate the activities, not act. I had a plan, but couldn’t implement it until later. First, I wanted to get a close up look at how the game was played, and perhaps glean pertinent information on how to close the portal.
“Check your phones,” Finn told his friends. “We want no interruptions once we get started. No giggling, Mary.” He directed the last to a cute redhead with a pixie haircut and braces. “You and Debbie are always giggling. The spirits will only communicate if we’re quiet.” He muttered a few words under his breath which I took to be German. Sneaky kid to speak in his native language when the rest had no clue to their meaning.
“We’ve been through this before, Finn,” one of the other boys spoke up. “Get on with it. I have to be home by eleven.”
Finn ignored the boy. “Mary, you and Dylan will be first to play with Lynette and me. Lynette will be the medium tonight. You both get one question, then Curtis and Ellen will switch places with you. Everyone will have one question, okay? Ellen, you write the answers.”
Everyone agreed, and the first two teenagers took their place on the board. The four placed the tips of their fingers on the planchette. Nothing. Several minutes ticked by. Then a slight movement. Another. And another until the device made a small circle around the board. Finn nodded to
Lynette.
“Thank you for coming,” Lynette said in a low, shaky voice. “I welcome you into my home. Can you tell us your name?”
The planchette drifted over the letters until it spelled out the name: BRIGHID.
Mary handed Lynette her question. “Welcome, Brighid. You are among friends. Are you a good spirit?”
YES. The board spelled out. I AM THE HEARTH GODDESS OF IRELAND.
Another question. “How many spirits are here in the room?”
FOUR. The board answered. CELTIC GODS.
Lynette took a slip of paper from Finn. She read the question, frowned, and then shook her head no. Finn nodded back at her. “Ask the damn question, Lynette,” he ordered in a forceful whisper.
Dislike for the bossy kid stabbed me in the gut. What he needed was a good old-fashioned trip to the woodshed with a stern reminder of good manners. I fingered my sword and contemplated zipping outside for my trusty whip. One lash should get his attention, but I figured his guardian angel might object to my whooping his sorry ass. Yeah, probably would. I didn’t react on my impulse, just hunkered down for the forced question.
Lynette’s frightened voice captured my attention. “Are there any evil spirits in the room?”
The board remained silent. A cold chill settled over me. Several seconds passed before the planchette spelled out the letters, KRAMPUS.
My gaze swept the room for any sign of the half-goat, half-demon Saint Peter had shown me in his office. Nothing. Only the eeriness of this suspenseful board game.
“Oh, God,” Lynette prayed in a whisper. “He’s back. This isn’t fun any longer. Finn, please let’s stop now. I don’t like Krampus. He’s mean.”
“Lynette’s right,” Curtis said from behind Mary. “I’m bored with this game, and I still have to drive you guys home.” The others added their agreement, and they rose from their sitting positions.
“Wait,” Lynette said. “We have to close the board.”
The others waved her off. “We can skip that step tonight,” Dylan said, grabbing Ellen’s hand. “It’s getting late, and Pop will skin me alive if I’m not home by eleven.”
Mary added her concerns to the others. “Do you mind, Lynette? I have a book report due next week, and I haven’t even started it, yet.”
By the door, Curtis switched on the overhead light. “Thanks for the fun, Lynette. We’ll do it at my house next.”
Finn pushed himself off the floor and extended a hand to Lynette. “Walk us out to the car,” he said, pulling her to her feet and into his embrace. Her face flushed as his free hand brought her tight against his pelvis.
Slime ball. From my perch on the curtain rod, I saw his crouch bulge upon contact, and I reacted without thought. Launching myself off the rod with all my might, I swished through him like an icy arctic blast. His crouch deflated like a punctured balloon, and he backed off of Lynette. Satisfied with my work, I shot through the ceiling and joined the group of guardians waiting for their charges.
I unsheathed my sword. It hummed to life in my steady hand. “Who belongs to Finn?”
A towering Hispanic warrior with massive wings answered, “I do. What’s he done now?”
“Ice him down, or I’ll slice his dick into cubes and feed ’em to the fishes.” I narrowed my eyes. “Lynette is off limits to him or any other boy, got it?”
Carson stood between the Hispanic and me. “Guardian angels don’t make threats, Scarlett. You’re overstepping your authority.”
“I’m not a guardian angel yet,” I reminded him. “I’m still in training and prone to mishaps.” I fingered my sword for emphasis.
Down below, a car engine fired up, and the laughter and conversation of teenagers filled the night air. The guardians dispersed, each for his or her charge. I zipped below, my sword drawn, staying close to Lynette and Finn, ready for action. Skywalker nickered, gaining my attention in time to see a few evil spirits slip out of Lynette’s upstairs window and spiral upward into the starry sky.
Well, at least I’d found the portal.
In Billie Jo’s house.
Damn.
One problem solved. Now, to round up Krampus and the gang. Where would a half-demon, half-goat hide out? My eyes fastened on Finn climbing into the passenger seat of the car. The trouble had arrived with Finn. I couldn’t be sure, but I had a gut feeling I’d find Krampus and his gang of misfits at the Jorgensen farm.
But before I headed out there I had one side trip in mind. Sensing my need, Skywalker trotted over to me where I stood beside the car. Not wasting time, I sheathed my sword, swung a leg over and settled into the saddle. I gripped the saddle horn for precaution and kicked my heels against his side. Skywalker jumped at my command, and we rose into the air, circled the house, and then set off for Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Chapter Five
A Holly Jolly Christmas
If Heaven could exist on Earth, it would be smack dab in the middle of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The town was a cowboy winter wonderland, and dressed as I was, and mounted on a glorious winged white horse, I blended into the essence of the place. Actually, we melted into the white background of the towering snow-topped mountains.
Downtown was dressed up for the holidays, and the iconic elk antler arch and surrounding stately trees twinkled with white lights to welcome visitors. We skirted from cloud to cloud until we spotted Sam’s small ranch on the outskirts of town, a few miles from Town Square.
The place included a modern log cabin, barn, and pasture. I left Skywalker munching hay in the warm barn with the other horses and surveyed the landscape for any sign of heavenly, or otherwise, beings on the property. The place was clean, but for Jolene’s grandmother, and guardian angel, Ruth, who greeted me upon entrance through the kitchen wall.
“I haven’t received word from personnel of you assuming guardianship, Scarlett.” Her knitting needles clicked away as she swayed back and forth in a glider rocker. “They will send an advance notice when I’m to return to Heaven. And I see you haven’t earned your wings, yet. You cannot be a guardian angel without your wings.”
“I’m not here to take over,” I told her. “I’m here to talk with Jolene regarding an urgent matter back in Whiskey Creek.”
The rocker stopped. “Is someone in trouble? Billie Jo? The baby?”
“No, no, Billie Jo and the baby are fine,” I rushed to assure her. “But it concerns your great-granddaughter, Lynette. She’s mixed up with the wrong boy.”
Granny Tucker cocked a brow. “Oh dear, that sounds urgent. Jolene’s in the bathtub. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind you interrupting her under the circumstances.”
“Is she alone?” I dared to ask, not wanting to waft into an embarrassing situation.
“Sam’s at work.” She gave me a gentle smile and went back to her knitting.
I drifted down the hall taking in the cozy western theme. A little too masculine for me, but then again, I had a luxurious mansion on the south side of Heaven. I gazed around me and found Jolene’s new lifestyle out of character for the woman I knew her to be. Jolene came from the South, and we Southerners are a different breed. The heat and humidity do things to you. To your brain. To your perspective of life. We don’t rush. Too hot to get in a hurry.
I drifted into the master bedroom suite. A fire crackled in the fireplace giving the room a nice ambiance. I wafted over to the bathroom door. From within, the sounds of water, splashing clarified she was still in the tub. Over my shoulder I glimpsed a comfy looking bed with Tango, Jolene’s tabby cat, curled up in an orange ball on the checkered quilt.
FYI. Tango doesn’t like me. Alarmed by my glowing presence, he arched his back, hair standing on end, hissed, and then sprang from the bed to disappear out into the hallway. Which suited me fine. Seeing him curled up in the center of the bed had given me an excellent idea. What I needed was a short nap while Jolene finished her toiletries. With the cat gone, I had the bed to myself. I kicked off my boots and stretched across the bed. Just a power nap, I
promised.
And fell asleep.
A not so gentle nudge woke me. “For God’s sake, wake up, Scarlett.” Jolene’s faint voice penetrated the layers of sleep. “I know you’re not here to take Granny Tucker’s place because she’s still in the rocker. Come on, wake up.”
I awoke, stretched my back, and shielded a yawn with the back of my hand. “Oh, hey there, girlfriend. It’s been a while.” I smoothed the wrinkled quilt where I’d slept and then turned to face my BFF with paranormal insight into the invisible world of ghosts and heavenly beings.
Jolene looked good. Married life agreed with her, and I felt a sharp stab of envy. Envy was sinful, but I haven’t been able to let go of my destructive human behavior and embrace the good life. Not yet. Maybe when I earned my wings.
“It hasn’t been that long, Scarlett,” Jolene argued, giving me the eye.
“Long enough for you to get married,” I mocked. “You couldn’t wait for me to be there?”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment event.” She pulled her long hair into a ponytail and fastened it with a clip. “I’m sorry, Scarlett. I’m a selfish beast for not inviting you.”
I shrugged. “Forget it. I still can’t believe you took the plunge. You swore off matrimony.”
“Being shot at my sister’s wedding and almost dying changed my mind.”
“It’s a game changer, for sure,” I agreed. “I won’t ask if you’re happy. It shows.”
“Enough about me, Scarlett.” Her voice lost its easy tone. “Tell me why you’re here. And don’t sugarcoat it. I hate that.”
“I’m on my first solo assignment.”
“In Jackson Hole?” Her gaze swept over me. “That explains the outfit.”
I laughed with her. “No. Whiskey Creek. A group of teenagers playing with a spirit board opened a portal. Saint Peter sent me to round up the wayward spirits and close the portal.”
“Then why are you here?”
Jingle Bells and Krampus Spells Page 3