“As to your relocation, one must think like the wealthy. In order to blend in you must live in an affluent area, an area where wealth is the expected norm. To do otherwise would draw attention, unless you plan to not spend any of the proceeds from the sales.” The looks on Abby and Jose’s faces clearly evidenced their intention to spend the money.
“The issue of your security is easily solved. It is only a matter of hiring the best to do the job. Much depends on where you eventually settle. Again, a location where others of wealth have settled will come with many security advantages. I know there are few of these enclaves left, but may I suggest a small city in the state of Florida? It is called Sarasota. A very lovely enclave of the rich—sensational amenities, world-class restaurants, a natural wildlife environment and full of luxury properties I would consider highly defensible. Getting you moved from here to there with the secrecy and security you have requested will be a bit more problematic. There are many loose ends to control, but it’s not impossible. Clearly, this is simply a matter of the amount of investment you are looking to allocate to the endeavor.”
Peter Gavin concluded his summary by outlining his attorney fees and looking up at them, again with the shy smile that appeared to be his trademark.
“Peter, we appreciate your obvious knowledge and quick grasp of what we need to do. We also appreciate the fact that you haven’t intruded on our privacy. Jose and I would like a few minutes to talk. May we use another office?”
“No, no. Please, use my office. Take all the time you need to confer.” Scrambling out from behind his desk, he hurried out to the hallway.
“Well, Ab, what do you make of this guy? Do you like him? Do you think he’s the guy for us?” Jose looked at Abby, his eyebrows spiked, pensively rubbing his chin.
Abby looked quietly at Jose. “It’s a little overwhelming to hear Peter outline what we must do. But he made it sound like we can certainly accomplish it. With someone’s help, of course. That’s what scares me. I don’t want to be exposed to other people. My changes haven’t even begun, except for some occasional aches on my tailbone. I’m sure I’ll become even more hyper about exposure once my tail starts to grow.”
“Do you like Peter’s idea about Sarasota? It sounds good to me. I know you’ll be happy wherever there’s wildlife. It’ll make Scotty happy too. And a sunny location will make Echo very happy.”
“Yeah, that sounds fine to me. I think we’ll all do better in a warm climate.”
“Good. Abby, I have an idea. Do you feel really comfortable with Peter? We might have him take a larger role in our plans than we first thought. Would that be okay with you?”
“I suppose so, depending on what you have in mind. More important, I trust you and your intuition.” Abby slid her hand over to Jose, squeezing it for a boost of reassurance.
Going to the hallway, Jose and Abby looked around for Peter Gavin. They found him in the reception room. Mr. Gavin appeared to be consoling his receptionist, his arm ineffectually patting her shoulder as she wildly gesticulated. They both looked up with grim expressions.
“Are you ready for me, Mr. Diaz?” Peter hurriedly escorted them back to his office where he slowly moved back behind his desk, his fingers tented and thoughtfully tapping. Abby could feel the dynamic of the room change. She decided to sit back and observe, letting Jose handle the rest of the meeting.
“Mr. Gavin—”
“Peter, please.”
“Okay, Peter. I have a few odd questions for you and I ask for your patience.”
Peter looked unaccountably uncomfortable. Jose and Abby glanced at each other, with Abby asking sharply, “Peter is there something you need to tell us?”
“Ms. Preston, before we continue our business relationship, I must confess to you that while we were in our meeting, two young men that I can only refer to as thugs, entered the reception room to strong-arm my receptionist into revealing the purpose of our meeting. I will not repeat the lewd threat made by one of them. We were just deciding whether we should contact the authorities to report them, when I realized that would compromise your privacy. I cannot have that. You are my clients, even though you have not yet engaged me.”
Jose and Abby froze in their seats.
“I assure you, I do not judge my clients, but if you are involved in any activity that will break any laws or compromise the personal safety of anyone, I will be forced to decline to represent you.” Peter made his pronouncement so softly, so gently, Jose knew they had their man. But would he agree to their proposal?
Diving in, he began, “Peter, I respect your position and I assure you, we’re not involved in anything illegal. The men you mentioned are familiar to us. It’s a story we’ll disclose if you agree to accept our offer of employment. I can tell you that Abby’s mother recently died in a tragic accident that may have exacerbated some inappropriate feelings from a family member who took advantage of the moment and assaulted her. He didn’t get as far as he intended, but it’s clear to us that he’ll try again.
“As I said, I have a few questions that you’ll find a bit unusual. But I do have a purpose, if you can please bear with me. Are you married by any chance, Peter?”
“No, I’m not. Nor do I have any immediate plans to marry.”
“Okay, that will make things a bit easier. I’d like to propose that you become the agent you suggested we hire to accomplish our plans. We feel that your personality, professionalism and expertise are just what we need.”
“But—” Peter interrupted.
“I know,” Abby said reassuringly, taking over the conversation after a quick glance at Jose and a subtle nod. “Your practice. We’re hoping you can wind up your affairs as you begin to organize us. I propose that you either take on another associate to handle your other clients or refer them to other attorneys. We would like you to be available to us exclusively. It will mean quite a bit of traveling in the beginning. If we’re satisfied with one another, it’ll mean you’ll have to relocate.”
“You may be happy to hear that we have decided to move to Sarasota, Florida as you suggested. We’ll need you to facilitate the purchase of an estate for us. Something private, with a guesthouse if possible. We’ll work out the details on the house search later. We’re hoping you’ll live on the property with us, or at least nearby. We’ll cover the cost of any living arrangements you make for yourself, with a generous allowance, separate from your salary. We realize we’re asking a lot, but as you know we’ll be able to make this financially advantageous to you. If, after one year, you decide to terminate our agreement, we’ll pay you a $2 million bonus and wish you well.” Taking a breath, Abby looked at Peter, waiting for an answer.
“I appreciate the faith you’ve placed in me. And your offer is very intriguing. But I must say, Abby, I have a small problem agreeing to something like this with someone whose eyes I cannot see.” Peter made his remarks with a smile, but they could hear a sticking point.
Jose made a quick decision. Abby’s change wasn’t nearly as far along as his. They weren’t in direct sunlight. She might get away with it. So, thinking quickly, he grinned smoothly and said, “Peter, I’m so sorry, sometimes we forget. Most of my family members inherited a propensity for a form of congenital conjunctivitis. It’s not contagious.” He nodded at Abby, who smoothly reached up and removed her glasses. She smiled at Peter and looked him straight in the eye.
“Jose is my distant cousin and unfortunately he gets it bad, can’t even open his eyes in the light. I have a much better time with the condition, but the older I get the more sensitive I seem to be. My brother, Scotty, also has the condition.” As she slipped her glasses back on without batting an eye, she smiled and said, “You’ll be meeting Scotty soon enough.”
That’s my girl, Jose thought proudly. I think we’re actually going to accomplish this.
“Well then, Abby, I must thank you for indulging me.” Standing, he held out his hand to Abby and then to Jose. “I will put some details on paper and get c
ontracts to you by tomorrow. I further suggest that we incorporate the three of you and make me an employee of the corporation. There are some tax advantages you would enjoy. I will put my salary specifications in the contract, subject to negotiation. Is that okay with you both? Please leave your contact numbers with my receptionist and we’ll be in touch.”
*
Watching Abby and Jose from the window of his office, Peter wondered why he had agreed to work for this interesting couple. He recognized himself as a very meek-mannered professional. He didn’t like chaos in his life. He liked control. Women found him nebbish and only mildly successful. This was a poor county after all. He nursed his share of resentments as he was always passed over for the sharper guys in the room. At his age, he thought he would have married and had a few children by now. He thought he could support a family, as long as his wife worked too.
His clients were mostly African American, whites and the occasional Latino. No Muslims. They engaged their own Muslim attorneys; the imams. He, himself, did not support Sharia law. And this was a large Muslim area. Sighing, he realized he would probably never do any better than he already was. Perhaps this unusual opportunity meant he might find some adventure attractive?
He thought about Abby Preston; a very lovely woman. And single. His forehead beaded with perspiration at the ridiculous thought of the two of them together. He took a handkerchief from his breast pocket and carefully dabbed the sweat from his brow. He removed his round eyeglasses leaving his owl eyes naked. Cleaning them off, he replaced them and turned his attention to the work piled up on his desk. Speculation about Ms. Preston must wait until later.
*
Scanning the street carefully, Abby and Jose hurried to the car, locking the doors behind them.
“You did good, Abby. We’re on our way.” Abby smiled and absently nodded her head, wondering how much more trouble Tomas would cause her. What business did he have following them around town?
“How come you haven’t said anything about what happened in Peter’s office?”
“I don’t want you to worry. We’ve got it covered. Just keep the doors locked and we’ll be out of here faster than you can say, my brother has a tail.” Jose cracked up. Abby glared. “Come on, you’ve got to laugh. Let’s go home and break out the blowtorches.” They gave each other a high five and started the car.
Arriving home, they found Scotty on the sofa with Echo and Barney, the television turned to a news story which was playing softly in the background. Appraising the sofa, Jose noticed the beaten condition. Barney and Echo could sure be hard on the furniture.
Jose wanted to start melting down the gold, but he thought Scotty would do a better job than Abby. He didn’t want to risk her getting burnt.
Walking over to shut off the television, he glanced at the news story. Just some politician. Hmm, They sure are an attractive family. Turning up the volume, he heard the announcer say, “Senator Omar Nasir with his beautiful wife, Jane, and their charming fourteen-year-old daughter on the eve of the senator’s announcement from his home in Sarasota, Florida. They are pleased to announce he will be seeking his party’s nomination as the first Muslim president of the United States of America.” Watching the happy family wave to the crowd, Jose caught a glimpse of someone he thought he recognized. An older man, in the crowd behind the senator’s family . . . Nah, can’t be. He didn’t know anyone of note, certainly not someone in politics.
Sarasota again, a good omen. Snapping off the television, he clapped his hands.
“Come on, Scotty. Let’s get cracking.”
In the garage they carried a piece of gold over to a table Jose had set up and which was covered by thin metal, an ultra-fine mesh. On the mesh sat two small lead bowls. They planned to hold a piece of the gold with a pair of tongs over a bowl while holding a blow torch to the metal until it melted and dripped into the bowls. Simple but effective as gold melted easily. They could melt several eight-ounce quantities, easily selling them in the next two days.
That would give them plenty of cash to start Peter off with. Shortly after, Peter would sell a larger portion and they could leave. In the meantime, they might as well continue melting as much as time allowed. Maybe they could sell more when they hit the road—they would need a lot of cash, quickly. They needed to pay deposits before they could get the show on the road.
Leaving the melted gold to cool, the boys went to look for Abby. They found her in the kitchen, watching Echo and Barney frolic in the back yard.
“Do you see what I see?” Echo sat on the ground in the sunlight. Scotty and Jose looked out the window, not seeing anything unusual, but Jose didn’t think it was a good idea for Echo to be outside any longer than necessary. Calling the buddies in, Jose noticed how the sunlight made Echo’s antlers look like golden crystal.
He had noticed that phenomenon before. But today it looked like a new streaky swirly component had been added. Maybe that swirliness had attracted Abby’s attention too. They took the two buddies over to the sofa. Abby turned on the overhead lights, sending Scotty to his bedroom to retrieve a flashlight he used to attract night crawlers when he needed good fishing bait.
Abby and Jose sat on each side of Echo, pushing Barney down on the floor. They turned on the flashlight, asking Echo if she minded if they take a look at her antlers. There was no response from Echo. Abby gave Jose a questioning look. He shrugged his shoulders and shined the light on the antlers. On closer examination, they could see that the antlers actually grew in a very fine design of crisscrossing cuts, very similar to the facets on a diamond. But it was the inside that caught their attention.
Looking closely, they could see dark-red swirls inside the antlers. They seemed to be swimming in some kind of liquid. They appeared very faint, almost undetectable. Jose noticed the pattern of swirls were random . . . yet they felt some kind of familiarity with the movement.
“Hmm. Scotty, do you have a magnifying glass?”
“No, but Mama Diaz had some kind of magnifier to read with. She kept in the kitchen drawer. I’ll see if it’s still there.” Returning with the glass and passing it to Jose, they all leaned in to gaze at the substance.
“Oh.”
“Ugh.”
“What the heck?” They all jumped in surprise. There, swimming inside Echo’s antlers were little blood-red, almost black, creatures. They looked like they were all head and tail. Almost like a polliwog, only tiny; very, very, tiny. Jose felt a chill in the room as their attention focused on the tiny creatures.
Jose wrinkled his nose in concern. Gently, he spoke to Echo, trying to figure out a way not to offend her. He decided a direct line would be the best.
“Echo, what’s that inside your antlers?”
The rainbow pressure in their minds spoke matter-of-factly. “Brother, it is I.”
“What do you mean by that, Echo?”
“I am me, just like you are inside of you. Do you admire my antlers? They are very beautiful. They are very important to my mission.”
“Echo,” Jose said. “You speak of your mission and the fact that we’ll help you. Can you tell us about your mission and exactly how do you want us to help? Has your mission started yet?”
The golden aura swirled gently and silently.
“Echo?”
“Brother Jose, there are many bad Brothers and Sisters. Your species was a mistake. Your species does not fit. I am here to make a new fit.”
“Echo, what does that mean?” Abby asked, confused and a little alarmed. She knew Echo thought rather literally. But the literal interpretation of what Echo said sounded scary.
“Do not fear, Sister Abby. I told you I am here to protect you. I have chosen you all. You are my family now. You will always be happy and in time you will be an Elder. That is the greatest honor in any universe. It comes from the creator.” God, thought Jose, what did he have to do with this? The aura receded and they knew Echo would say no more. Clambering off the sofa, Echo joined Barney on the floor, where she sto
od by his side like a faithful soldier.
“I don’t think we need to be alarmed. Echo is not the one to worry about. Scotty, please be extra careful. We think Armoni and Tomas are spying on us. When they start to see the activity involved in getting us out of here, it might encourage them to pull something. As soon as we get our hands on the money from our first sale, I would like to consider hiring an armed guard to be stationed here at the house and one to accompany us on our errands. Abby, what do you think?”
“If you think so, Jose. Scotty does seem awfully vulnerable here alone at the house. And I shudder to think what they might do to Echo should they find her.” Their minds flashed with a quick aura.
“Sister, you can count on me. No bad men will hurt you.” Abby looked at Echo and slid down on the floor to take her in her arms. Abby rained kisses on Echo’s face.
“Sweetie, I love your optimism and your generosity. But this beautiful world of ours can be an ugly place sometimes, and we need to protect you.”
Auras immediately brightened. “Sister, you are so wise. I am glad you understand. We will work together.” Abby looked at Scotty and Jose with raised quizzical eyebrows. Ruefully she shook her head, kissed Echo one further time and announced she felt like pancakes for dinner, any takers?
Dinner was a fun riotous affair. They’d been so busy lately they had forgotten to take time to relax and be silly, to be young, instead of responsible adults forced to handle such a bizarre situation. They did find the desire to eat had diminished; it was not as stimulating as before their change. But Barney made up for it, a true bottomless pit. Echo insisted Barney have a chair for himself so he could sit at the table. She dragged a chair to the table and tried to lift Barney up, tugging and pushing while Barney just turned to watch. They decided Echo would have better luck trying to pull a kitten off a sardine truck than getting the fat dog up on a chair. What a pair. They sure brought lots of the laughter into the house.
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