by Greg Ballan
Erik's gut clenched.
"I don't wanna be a monster! I don't wanna have to fight bad guys. I don't want my friends at playgroup to be afraid of me and not play with me anymore."
Erik's heart ripped. "Oh son, buddy, we aren't the monsters." Tears flowed down his cheeks. "I'm sorry you had to see all those horrible things. I can't lie to you though. Yes, what you saw was really Daddy fighting to save us and fighting to stop the bad guys."
"So we're really big silver monsters on the inside." EJ choked out a sob.
Erik reached over and unbuckled the seatbelt. He gently lifted his son and held the boy tight. "We're not monsters son. We're just different." He gently guided EJ's eyes up so they looked directly at his. "Look at me. Do I look like a monster?"
"No. But…"
"No buts. Look in that mirror. Look at your face. What do you see? Do you see a boy or do you see a monster?" Erik adjusted the truck's rear view mirror so EJ could see his reflection.
"A boy."
"Yes, you're a boy and I'm a man." He held his son. "Sometimes 'Good' has to make people that have the ability to fight the monsters. We're not the monsters, EJ, but we have the ability to fight the monsters. That's what Daddy had to do tonight. He had to fight the monsters. In order to do that, I had to harness special abilities. The monsters are big and strong so someone who fights the monsters has to be as well." Erik struggled to put his feelings into words. "You like watching Spider Man, right?"
EJ nodded.
"Well is Spider Man a regular guy or is he different?"
"He's different," the child answered innocently.
Erik pushed his point gently. "Is Spider Man a hero or a monster?"
"Spider Man is a superhero."
"Okay, so if Spider Man isn't normal. He fights bad guys and there aren't many people like him. Does that sound like anybody we know?"
The message resonated with the child and his face lit up. "We're superheroes!"
Erik did his best not to laugh. "Shhhhhhhh, we need to keep this a family secret. You're almost four. I know this is too much for any boy to understand. Just believe me, buddy, we are not monsters. We're people with special abilities, like Spider Man. It doesn't make us any better or any worse than anybody else."
"Do other Daddies have to fight monsters and talk to flying guys with wings like you do?"
Erik shook his head. "I don't know. I think every Daddy has his own things he has to deal with; probably not monsters and flying people though."
The front light came on. Erik looked over and saw Shanda standing by the front door. "Mom's waiting for us … let's go inside. You need to get to sleep, buddy. Tomorrow is another day."
◆◆◆
Erik sat in the living room as Shanda tucked EJ into their bed. The boy was telling her all the wild adventures he had with daddy and how the two of them were made to fight monsters and bad guys. Erik rolled his eyes, hoping Shanda would give him some leeway with his off-the-cuff explanations. The weary detective sipped his decaf coffee wondering how his once simple life could get blown apart in the span of just a few weeks. Shanda walked down the hallway and sat on a chair opposite him.
She tilted her head, squinting. "Monster fighters and superheroes, really?"
Erik rolled his eyes. "I had to come up with something after what he saw. It broke my heart. He asked me in the truck if we were monsters like the things that attacked us. He caught me with that and I had to tell him something to make him feel better."
Shanda nodded. "I understand. What the Hell happened? I got a sense there was trouble and some panic over our link but I couldn't reach you."
"I'm sorry. It happened so fast. We were walking out to the truck and all hell, literally, broke loose. I've never seen things like this. They were ethereal beings, some just plain huge—twenty to thirty feet tall—others the size of men but still lethal." Erik took another sip of his coffee. "And then there's the," Erik paused, "the angel. Before you roll your eyes, I don't know what else to call it. It was pure white, had wings and gave off a sense of power unlike anything I've ever encountered. Plus, with a wave of its hand it duplicated my truck right down to the picture of you and the old coffee cup I left in the cab." Erik pointed to his pants. "Not to mention the clothes we're both wearing right now. EJ, the poor kid, peed his pants in terror and my clothes were vaporized. Inside the truck were these clothes folded and crisp like they were right off a clothing rack."
Shanda walked over and sat next to him, putting her arm around his neck. "Okay, so what do we do now?" She leaned her head against his powerful shoulder.
Erik shifted, bringing his arm around her and she cuddled up against him. "I must admit, you're taking this better than I did." The brooding detective sighed. "I have a meeting with this 'angel' tomorrow at the gym." He chuckled. "What's left of the gym … the parking lot is a complete loss, not to mention the damage done inside. This whole thing makes my head hurt, hun."
Shanda nodded as she absently caressed his shoulder. "I wasn't the one throwing down with demons and talking with divinity but I'm struggling to keep my head screwed on right now. I hate to admit this, but I'm scared. How can we protect EJ? How do we know there's not something lurking right outside just waiting to attack and take our child?"
"The being said there'd be no more violence tonight, and I believe him. These were Lucifer's forces, and the being spoke to the Prince of Dark like they were old friends. I nearly crapped myself when I heard that dark yet silky voice ringing in my head. It was seductive and convincing. It took all of my will to drive it out." Erik's voice caught and tears rolled down his cheeks. "My son, Satan came after my son. The devil spoke to me … to me! I wanted to puke; this is so far beyond me, beyond anything." A sob escaped him and his body tensed as he fought to control his emotions.
Shanda held him tight. "It's okay, babe. You didn't buckle. You fought and you won. You do what you do best. You keep fighting, like the warrior you are and you find the strength within to continue. You're not alone. I'm here with you. You don't have to be strong with me. You can let your guard down."
"Thanks, Angel. I know I can let my guard down with you. I'm just overwhelmed right now and exhausted. It took a lot to heal this time. Wounds from demons aren't like regular cuts or bruises. It takes a lot to heal and I'm actually, physically tired right now."
Well let's curl up here and get some sleep. EJ went out after his story and if you're sure we're safe for the night, we can crash here."
Erik inhaled her scent and just wanted to fall asleep in the warmth and safety of her arms. "Staff, watch EJ, please."
The Sentient Staff purred and launched itself down the hallway.
"That still freaks me out how it understands you." Shanda covered them with a blanket as she removed her sweater. "Why don't you be my 'angel' and wrap those big strong wings around me?"
"Oh that's cute." Erik wrapped his arms around her warm body and she snuggled against him.
"Better?" she whispered holding his arms tighter around her.
"Much." Erik and Shanda held onto each other in silence, falling asleep in each other's arms.
◆◆◆
The sound seemed so far off in the distance. The warmth of the sun on his face, the sound of waves splashing against the shore and the seagulls were all a comfort. Shanda looked amazing in her bikini and EJ was happily building a sandcastle. This was perfect, but that sound was getting louder and louder, where was it coming from?
Erik opened his eyes. The sound of his cell phone broke morning silence ruining his pleasant dream.
"Make it stop." Shanda whispered as she wrapped his arms around her tighter.
Erik smiled. He saw the large label on the phone display. It was Alissa. As the sleep fog wore off, he realized the sun was shining and he'd overslept. The fact that he slept at all was a shock. Since his change, his body never required sleep. But last night, he was both physically and emotionally exhausted. "It's Alissa. She's probably calling about the storefronts,
cars and the parking lot that were destroyed last night." Erik reached over and grabbed the phone.
"Hi Alissa." He looked over at Shanda and nodded as the panicked voice over the phone described the carnage.
"Yes, I know. I'm on my way in and I'll tell you what happened. Do me a favor and call Martin. I need to see him today as well." Erik stood up and began pacing. "If people still wanna work out, let them. The gym is still functional and they can park at the lot across the street or at the other end of the parking area that wasn't wrecked too badly." Erik nodded once or twice as the conversation continued. "Tell the cops I'm on my way. And tell Martin the sooner the better on our meeting." He hung up the phone sighing heavily and looked over at his wife. "Well the shit's hit the fan. I guess there was more damage done than I thought. The other stores in the mall complex no longer have store fronts. All the glass has been shattered and blown inside the shops. The damage done to merchandise was pretty steep according to what little Alissa overheard from some pissed-off managers and shop owners. Since I'm not there, I'm the number one suspect and the gallant boys in blue want to talk to me, again."
Erik dialed another phone number, pacing back and forth clearly upset. "Yes, Special Agent Erik Knight, codename: Superman." He looked at Shanda rolling his eyes. "That wasn't my idea," he whispered. "Martin's warped sense of humor." Erik spoke back into the phone. "ID Number ALZ dash seven, four, nine, three, six, eight, one."
Shanda shook her head. "Superheroes. My God you guys are like little boys."
Erik covered the phone with his hand, grinning. "What? Superman rocks!!!!"
The voice on the other end acknowledged the code and Erik shifted his focus back to business.
"I need a heavy cleanup crew and some cover for an incident last night at Dawkens' Gym. I was forced to engage several hostiles and the damage is quite extensive, not just to our facility, but to the neighboring establishments. The police are looking to question me and I'm confident the firm doesn't want me to have this conversation since it involves players and assets at a much higher level than normal. Please relay this up the chain as an 'Alpha Zulu' incident." Erik paused, listening to the disembodied voice.
"Understood. 'Papa Bear' is en route." Erik put the phone down, shaking his head.
"Papa Bear?" Shanda giggled. "Oh shit, tell me that's not Martin's secret spy name."
Erik grinned wickedly. "Yeah when he tagged me with Superman, I bugged the agency to change his moniker. They went for it. I guess they already got wind of the problem, which only confirms my theory that the firm is wading in the ethereal pool as well."
Shanda stood up and looked directly at him. "When you meet with this being today," she paused gathering her resolve, "I need to be there, I need to know exactly what's going on."
Erik shook his head.
"Erik, I'm not asking. I'm insisting. This isn't just about you. It's about us, our family, and our son! I can't be on the sidelines."
Erik sighed. Shanda was part of this and needed to be on hand. "You're right, babe. We're stronger as a family. Let's get EJ up and get moving. I can't wait to see what Martin and the boys at the firm are gonna come up with to explain this mess."
"What's an 'Alpha Zulu'?"
Erik grinned wickedly. "A total FUBAR from A to Z."
"'FUBAR?"
Erik nodded. "Effed up beyond all repair."
Shanda shook her head. "Do you guys have a whole department that comes up with this stuff?"
Erik laughed. "It wouldn't surprise me." He took off his shirt and headed toward the bathroom. He noticed his wife studying him. "What's wrong?"
"Two things: One I have to fix your hair. You look ridiculous with one side long and one side burned short. Second, you have scars on your shoulder and ribs. Usually your wounds heal completely without leaving a trace."
Erik ran a fingertip over the ugly scar on his shoulder. "I was impaled by some kind of demonic blade. The wound was pretty bad and extremely painful. My shoulder was broken and I was pretty much run through. It took a lot to heal and I guess it'll take longer for the scars to fade. I'm fine, really."
Shanda walked up to him and gently pressed her lips against the healed-over wound. "Please be careful, these aren't run-of-the-mill terrorists or criminals. They're supernatural entities with power we don't understand." She pointed down the hallway where EJ still slept. "We need you alive and in one piece."
Erik nodded wrapping his arms around her. "I got it … careful … nothing is gonna break up our family, not aliens, not corrupt military and now not even some biblical bad asses looking to make trouble." He kissed her on the forehead.
Shanda smiled. "Let's get your hair looking somewhat normal before I wake up EJ. I'll call the store and let them know I won't be in today till later in the afternoon."
Erik tilted his head. "I wasn't given a specific time for this meeting. Hopefully we won't be waiting too long."
◆◆◆
Dawkens' Gym and Milford Shopping Plaza. Milford, MA
Erik held EJ tight as they walked through the ruined parking lot toward the gym. The damage was even worse than he'd imagined. Two backhoes were busy dropping shovels full of rock and fill into a giant crater. Several flatbed wreckers were hauling away the burned-out husks of carbon-scored automobiles. A small crane was hoisting the ruined flood lamp and fifty-foot post. He spotted at least half a dozen police officers, four reporters, and several angry merchants. One of the store managers spotted him and pointed. Two officers turned around and walked toward him followed by six angry businessmen. Erik stopped, blocking Shanda with his free arm, then handing EJ to her. He kept his arm up, protectively.
"Babe, I don't know how ugly this is going to get. I'm getting some real bad vibes from a lot of those people. Stick very close. Let's hope we can get inside before things get ugly."
They continued walking toward the gym as the police moved to intercept them. "Excuse me, Erik Knight. You are Erik Knight?" An officer blocked their path.
Erik nodded. "I am."
"Mr. Knight, we have some questions for you regarding the incidents that occurred here last night."
Erik nodded. He looked toward Shanda and smiled. "Hon, why don't you take EJ inside while I have a chat with the police." Erik winked and Shanda nodded, never taking her eyes off the angry mob. Alissa and two burly gym staff appeared and formed up around the mother and child shielding them from the crowd.
"You did this, Knight! You destroyed our businesses!"
"They'll be cleaning glass for a month inside my store. I lost thousands of dollars in merchandise!"
Erik took a step forward as the police formed a wall between him and the angered merchants.
"Are they right?" The closest cop looked from the mob to Erik. "Did you do this?" He gestured toward the destruction all around them.
"I suppose they have proof," Erik countered praying that Martin and the cavalry would soon arrive.
The officer shook his head. "No. The video systems in the lamp posts were all fried. Almost as if some high voltage impact overloaded all the chips and circuitry. But they all know the trouble you had yesterday and there's been talk about what you did and the damage to your establishment." The cop pointed toward the plexiglass covering the picture window. "Seems reasonable to assume you had a hand in this as well."
Erik nodded. "You're free to assume all you want officer, but a detective never makes assumptions or accusations without facts—hard facts to back him or her up."
"Is that a non-denial, denial, Mr. Knight?" The officer blocked his path, determined to keep him from leaving.
"No that's simply me giving you a solid piece of advice."
"I appreciate your concern for my career, Mr. Knight, but your little quip doesn't answer my question." The officer closed the distance separating them and pointed his index finger pushing into Erik's chest. "Answer the question. Did you have anything to do with this mess?" The cop repeatedly jabbed his finger into Erik, trying his patience.
&nbs
p; Erik grabbed the officer's hand in an iron grip. He whispered through clenched teeth. "Poke me one more time and you'll spend the next year in a hospital drinking yogurt out of a straw." The angered detective applied a jujitsu wrist lock causing the officer to yelp in pain.
The other officers were about to act when a voice warned them off.
"That's about enough, gentlemen!"
Erik recognized Martin's 'Authority' tone. The counselor was about to take charge. Twenty men in dark suits and sunglasses, visibly armed, surrounded the area as several construction trucks arrived. Fifty men in hard hats disembarked from several crew cab pickup trucks and began unloading equipment. A burly man in denim overalls pushed his way through the crowd.
"We'll start the damage assessment and put together a materials list. We have six loads of pavement en route and we're bringing some real heavy fill substrate. The junk they're using will cough up at the first frost and ruin any pavement job."
Denton nodded. "Listen up! There was an incident here last night. The details are classified. You have my word that you'll all be made whole. The United States Government thanks you in advance for your cooperation. My people will be visiting each establishment to do a complete damage assessment. The best thing you can do is head back to your stores and shops and work with our agents and crews."
The crowd slowly dispersed, talking among themselves. Martin looked over at Erik and winked. "You called?"
Erik laughed despite all he'd been through. Martin always had his back. Erik looked back at the officer. He relaxed his grip, freeing the officer's hand. "I believe we're finished here. I've got a business that needs my attention."
The cop shook his hand. "You're not above the law, Mr. Knight, despite your connections. No one is."
Erik looked at the officer. The man made a point. Erik had used his position to avoid trouble, but the truth was unbelievable and too farfetched to believe. "You're right. I'm not above the law, but what went on here is beyond you, beyond me and would give you nightmares. You don't want to know what happened here, Officer. Believe me you don't. Just be grateful to live in ignorance and that we're fixing the problem." Erik gestured toward the damaged parking lot. "The problem you can see and the bigger problems you can't." He turned and headed into his gym.