Justice for Breeze

by Melissa Kay Clarke

  Finch started toward the door then stopped. Turning around, he glanced at Breeze. "Well, are you coming?"

  She swallowed as she stared. "You... You want me to come with you?"

  He nodded even as he shuffled his daughter around until her little face was resting on his shoulder. "Unless you rather sleep here in one of those chairs again. I hear they're supposed to be comfortable, but they can't be better than a good old-fashioned bed." He started to turn. "Up to you. Nobody is going to force you to do anything you don't want."

  "But, I'm a stranger."

  Finch nodded slowly. "That you are, but you're also the one that made sure Sarah and Lolly were safe. You've stayed here by my daughter's side and took care of her even when you didn't have to. That speaks volumes to me about your character. Lolly adores you and I trust her feelings. In the end, it's up to you."

  She glanced around as the others watched her. There was no malice, no anger in anyone's face. Only sympathy and care. She took a big breath and let it out as she jumped up. Elation flowed through her. He wasn't going to keep her away from Gaia after all.

  Chapter 6

  The ride to the hotel was quiet. Glancing in the rearview mirror, Finch watched Breeze as she entertained Lolly sitting beside her. Thankfully, TJ had a car seat in his vehicle and had happily let Finch use it. Once again, he was grateful for everything his new friends were doing for him.

  "Everything all right back there?"

  Breeze's gaze jumped up, and she nodded. "We're good."

  "Great. We'll be at the hotel in a few minutes." Finch reached down and turned on the radio.

  Breeze gasped and looked around wildly as music filled the cab. Quickly, he turned the volume down until it was barely audible. "Sorry about that. I didn't realize the last person who used this car had the sound up so loud. Do you like this station or would you care for something else?"

  "Where does that come from?" She pulled at the seatbelt as she tried to find the source of the music. "Can I see?"

  "You mean the radio?"

  "Radio." She echoed softly. "So that's what it does."

  Finch frowned. "You've never heard a radio before?"

  "No. I've heard of them, but I never saw one before. Can you turn it back on? I like it."

  Finch wrinkled his brow but turned it on. He changed the music to a country station and settled back. Sometimes, the things Breeze said seemed too strange to be true. In today's age, who hadn't listened to a radio before? "Where did you say you were from?"

  She let out a long sigh. She mumbled something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like "Here we go again," before raising her voice so he could hear. "Home."

  "Where's home?"

  "TJ said it was north of where we were found. We walked through the woods several days, keeping the morning sun on our right side."

  "But you don't know where it is exactly?"

  She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I don't know how to explain. We called it Stone Home. TJ looked for it on a map but it wasn't there. I know everyone wants to find it, but I can't help and it frustrates me. I described Stone Home to him, but he said it could be anywhere." She hesitated a moment before adding in a softer tone, "I wish I knew. I miss Home."

  Tucking the mystery into the back of his mind, Finch pulled into the hotel parking lot and got out. He helped Lolly out of her seat, settled her on his hip and pulled his bag out of the trunk. When he was done, Breeze stood by the car, glancing up at the facade of the building with awe on her face. Finch chuckled and motioned for her. "Come on, Breeze. I need to get this one settled before dinner gets here. Then you're going into the tub," he softly growled as he nuzzled Lolly's neck.

  In response, she giggled. "Tickles, Daddy."

  "There will be more tickles after you get a bath."

  "Wif bubbles?"

  Finch pursed his lip and squinted his eyes at her. "Hmmm, bubbles? I dunno."

  "Pease?"

  "If you eat all your dinner when Mr. TJ brings it, we'll see about getting some bubbles going. How's that?"

  Lolly clapped her hands happily. "Yay! Bubbles!"

  Finch strolled through the automatic door and into the lobby, and approached the desk. Pulling his wallet out, he withdrew his credit card and handed it to the clerk along with his reservation information. "There are two beds in the room. You're welcome to take one or I can get you your own room. Actually, since Rail is staying at the hospital tonight, you can..." He stopped and glanced around, realizing Breeze wasn't with him. Whirling around, he spied her standing before the automatic doors, gawking at them as they opened and closed over and over. As he watched, she took a step forward. The doors obediently opened for her. Slowly she took two steps backward, and they closed. She took a couple of steps to the side then approached the door again. It opened. She stepped back again, and they closed.

  He was about to get her when he noticed she had a huge smile on her face. Turning Lolly around, he pointed at her. "Watch Breeze," he murmured.

  Breeze picked up her foot and held it off the ground about two feet. Slowly, she leaned forward and stopped when the doors began to open. She put her foot down and waited for it to cycle through. Finally, tiring of her fun, she walked up confidently to the doors and through. Even as she joined them at the counter, the smile hadn't left her face.

  "I guess you haven't seen automatic doors before, either."

  She shook her head. He chuckled and returned to the desk. Within moments he had the key cards in hand and ushered them to the elevator. "I can do it, Daddy." Lolly squirmed in his arms. He leaned her toward the wall, and she pushed the button then giggled when it lit up.

  As they waited, he looked down at the woman beside him. She was so petite compared to himself. Probably no more than five foot two. Her long blonde hair was so light it looked like silver and brushed the curve of her rear when she walked. Her eyes were captivating, a pale aqua that was constantly filled with wonder. Her face, round with a tiny button nose and full pink lips showed every expression.

  The ding of the elevator brought him out of his musings, and he waited until the car emptied. Taking a step, he held the door open. "After you," he said with a smile. "Since you didn't act surprised at the hospital, I guess you have been in an elevator before."

  She stepped in, and he followed. As the door closed, she braced against the wall and held her breath. Letting it out slowly, she nodded. "A couple of times at the hospital," she agreed. She smiled up at him. "People don't like it if you push all the buttons at once, isn't that right, Gaia?"

  Lolly nodded. "They say bad words." She giggled.

  The doors opened, and they stepped out. Taking a right, he led her to the room and opened the door. Stepping in, he dropped his bag on the floor and moved out of the way. "As I said before, you're welcome to stay in the second bed or in Rail's room through that door."

  "Can I stay here with her?"

  Finch nodded. "If you like. Would you like to take a shower? I don't know how long until TJ gets here with dinner, but it shouldn't be too long. I imagine you would like to get into some clean clothes."

  She glanced down at her clothes and then bit her lip. "I don't have anything else. We left in a hurry."

  Choosing to wait to broach that subject when his daughter was out of earshot, he simply replied, "Oh, right." He gently lowered Lolly to the floor and closed the door behind, making sure the lock was engaged. "You can borrow one of my tee shirts. It'll probably swallow you whole, but it should do while your clothes are getting cleaned. I'll call down and get room service to come get them."

  "I can wash them in the tub and hang them up, but thank you for offering."

  "You're welcome, Breeze." He opened his bag and pulled out one of his shirts with Navy emblazoned across the chest. Next, a pair of shorts with a drawstring appeared out of the bag. "I know they'll be big on you, but it's the best I can do for now. We'll get you some clothes that fit tomorrow." He handed them to her then motioned toward the bathroom. "Take y
our time." He hesitated. "You do know how to work the tub, I'm assuming?"

  She glanced at him, realizing he was teasing her. Grinning, she played along. "Oh, yes, we have running water at Home. Sometimes, we even have warm water. One day, we hope to have toilets too."

  He threw his head back and laughed heartily at her. She was a joy to be around and so refreshing. He found himself glad she was staying with them.

  With a giggle, she clutched the shirt to her chest then went into the bathroom. The door shut but he didn't hear a click of the lock engaging. Maybe she trusted him, or maybe she didn't understand the concept of locks. Considering how strange she behaved around normal, everyday things, it was probably the second, but he chose to believe she trusted him.

  Pushing the unusual young woman out of his thoughts, he turned to Lolly. "Well, now, what should we do before Mr. TJ gets here with dinner? Would you like to watch a cartoon?"

  "Yush!" Lolly squealed and climbed up on the bed.

  Finch chuckled and removed the sandals she was wearing, then his own shoes. Flipping on the television with the remote, they settled on Finding Nemo. Finch removed his boots then lay across the bed sideways. Lolly immediately leaned against his side. As his daughter giggled and ahhed at the antics of the little clownfish, he ran his fingers through her silky hair. It felt good to have her safe again. For the first time in a long time, he could feel most of the weight of worry lift from his shoulders. Now if Sarah will just get better, he would be a lot happier. Lolly needed her mother.

  A knock at the door startled him. He didn't realize he had drifted off to sleep until that moment. Looking around, he noticed Breeze sitting in the chair, staring at the television screen in bewilderment. Finch chuckled. She was just so unusual. With her wide-eyed innocence and easy manner, it was no wonder that Lolly was close to her. He simply couldn't see how anyone couldn't love her once they got past her idiosyncrasies.

  Another knock sent him scurrying off the bed. With a quick check to ensure there was no danger, Finch threw the door open and ushered TJ inside. Finch took a bag containing plates and plastic silverware from the top of the box in TJ's hands. Inside, he could see it was filled with steaming covered dishes that smelled amazing. TJ chuckled as he carefully placed it on the table. "Melina got a little happy. There's fried chicken, potatoes, green beans, corn, biscuits, and a peanut butter pie." He chuckled as he looked down at the box. He motioned to the heavy bag in Finch's hand. "That has ice tea and juice for Lolly. She also said to tell you if you need anything to call her and if Lolly needs a friend, JT is always looking for someone to play with. I figure you wouldn't want to let her leave your sight for a while, but if you need a babysitter, I happen to know several ladies that would line up at the chance."

  Finch nodded. "Please thank her and your friends for me. I really appreciate everything you and the rest have done for us." He glanced over at the clock on the table. "I need to check in with Rail and make sure he's okay."

  "I've got another plate for him in the car. I'll drop it off on the way. We've got your back."

  It was almost as good as having his team here. Another bit of weight dropped from his shoulders as he took TJ's hand and shook it. "I appreciate it; more than you could ever know."

  TJ shrugged it off. "I'm not so far out of being in the military to not remember how it is. We do what we can." He turned to leave then stopped at the door. "The girls will be here in a few minutes with the stuff for Lolly. Whenever they come over to our house, they spoil JT rotten, so you may have to put your foot down." He chuckled. "Good luck with that."

  Finch laughed. "I'll keep that in mind."

  After TJ left, Finch unloaded the box and sat the food out. Everything smelled so good it made his mouth water. It reminded him of home and his mother's Sunday meals.

  "Lolly, look what Mr. TJ brought you. Stick chicken." He raised a drumstick to show her. "Is it still your favorite?"

  "Yush!" Lolly squirmed off the bed and climbed up on a chair. "Taters too, pease."

  He fixed her plate, including a few beans and a spoon of corn. Lolly frowned and poked at the beans. "Don't like 'em."

  "I'll make a deal with you. Eat five of them and all the corn, and you can have a piece of peanut butter pie. Okay?"

  Lolly looked at the beans on her plate. Looking up at her father she held up three fingers. "This many," she negotiated.

  He laughed and nodded, "Deal."

  As she picked up the drumstick, he turned and motioned to Breeze. "Come, eat before it gets cold."

  She walked over and looked at the containers of food. Taking a plate, she added the vegetables and picked up a fork.

  "Would you like some tea?"

  "No, thank you. Water, please."

  He fixed her a glass of water and placed it on the table beside her. "You don't want any chicken?"

  She shook her head. "I don't eat meat."

  "Ah, I didn't think to ask. Are you vegetarian or vegan?"

  Her pale blond brows drew in confusion. "I don't know what that means."

  "Vegetarian means you don't eat meat. Vegan means you stay away from any meat products such as eggs, milk, butter, and cheese."

  The bite she had lifted to her mouth hovered inches from her lips. "No cheese?" She asked in a stunned voice. "Ever?"

  He nodded with a chuckle. "I can't understand that either, so I'm thinking vegetarian."

  She nodded and took a bite of the potatoes. After she chewed and swallowed, he heard her mutter, "No cheese?" and shudder as if the idea revolted her.

  Finch piled his own plate with the delicious smelling food. "So you live on a farm then?"

  She gave him a mischievous smile. "Yes. One with cheese. A lot of it."

  Finch sat in a chair and dug into the food. He watched Breeze as she kept her eyes on Lolly, helping her whenever she needed it, such as holding her juice box for her or wiping her mouth when she smeared potatoes on it.

  Lolly coughed when a bit of her drink went down the wrong way. Gently, Breeze patted her on the back until the spasm stopped. "Careful, Gaia. Don't choke on it."

  "Why do you call her that?"

  Breeze looked up at him. "Call her what?"

  "Gaia. Her name is Lorelei Ashlynn."

  "No. I'm Lolly," the child pointed at herself with a half-gnawed chicken leg.

  "That's right Lolly-pop," he kissed her on her head. "Too sweet to be anything less."

  She grinned at him, then picked up a green been and dipped it in her potatoes. He chuckled at her. Whatever it took to get her to eat vegetables.

  "So, why Gaia, and why do you call Sarah, Lily?"

  "It's their names," she said resolutely. "When they were grafted, they got a new name. It's the only ones I've ever known them to have. Lolly and Sarah. Lolly and Sarah." She blew out a breath. "I'll remember to use their other names."

  They ate in peace for several minutes. "Who gave them these names?"

  "Mother."

  "Your mother?"

  "Our Mother."

  "Okay. So then, why did your mother give them new names? Did Sarah ask for them?"

  "Everyone gets new names, once they are grafted into the Family."

  Something in Finch soured in his stomach. "You said that before. What do you mean by 'grafted'?"

  "Everyone has to belong somewhere. When you find it, Mother gives you a new name."

  "I see," Finch said slowly though he didn't understand what she was saying. "What about you, did you have another name before this one?"

  Her fork stopped in mid-air, and she looked at him in puzzlement. "I... I don't know," she murmured.

  "How could you not know?"

  She placed the fork on the plate and pushed back. "I'm full," she whispered then got up. Walking to the bathroom, she closed the door behind. This time the click of the lock was loud, even more so than the television that still captured Lolly's attention as she ate.

  Chapter 7

  What was wrong with her?

  Breeze
sat on the edge of the tub, staring at the door while her mind continued to churn and roil. Finch had just asked a simple question. However, she couldn't give him a simple answer, could she? That was because she honestly didn't know the answer.

  She didn't remember a time before she was Breeze, so maybe she always had been that. That didn't feel true, though. Somewhere, in the back of her mind, a whisper of another name tickled in her memories. She reached for it, trying to wrap her mental fingers around it and pull it forward, but it disappeared as quickly as it surfaced. She grunted in frustration.

  Sliding down the side of the tub, she pulled her legs up and tucked the too big shirt around her knees. She felt vulnerable and naked in his clothes, but at the same time, comfortable. Dropping her face, she inhaled deeply, pulling in the fragrance that reminded her of Finch. It was manly yet earthy and reminded her of the woods back Home.

  Breeze laid her cheek on her knees and closed her eyes. A part of her missed Home and the Family. She had never been away from them before. The Outside was different and strange. She didn't understand most things, and stuff that everyone else took for granted confused her beyond words, like cell phones and vending machines. Other things made her smile -- such as the elevator that moved up and down, taking people to different floors of a building without having to climb stairs. Or the amazing door at the front of the hotel that opened and closed simply by standing in front of it. Then there was the television. That box amazed her. She had heard of them, of course, from the new Family, but she hadn't seen one before now. She had been just as enchanted as Gaia had been after emerging from her bath to find Finch softly snoring with his daughter snuggled up against him.

  Her heart swelled at the thought of how tender the big man was with Gaia. Lily had often told her about him when they were doing chores together. She called him a "one night stand," whatever that meant, that resulted in the best gift of her life. She often spoke of him fondly as if he were a good friend instead of a mate, even going so far as to say if it weren't for their shared child, she most likely would never have seen him again. Breeze didn't understand that sentiment at all. How could someone that a person mated with ever be allowed out of their life? She understood animal husbandry - maybe not as much as an Earth would, but the gist of the action was there. She knew the goats they kept for milk and cheese often had kids after copulating and assumed the same thing happened with humans. However, they didn't split up the goats, so why would humans?