by S. E. Akers
Kara lowered her head. “Well, when you put it like that.”
“I don’t think I have to,” I stated confidently and nudged her shoulder. “Because she’s my friend.” I’d never seen Kara with a wider smile, not even after winning a new crown. It was so heartfelt and genuine, so real.
“Do you think those guys will come after us again?” Kara asked nervously.
“I honestly don’t know. They know you’re not a supernatural, but they didn’t see me. I think the sooner this trip is over, the better…for all of us.”
“I’m going to be sick,” Kara moaned. She wasn’t kidding either. She hopped right up and threw her head over the side. I turned away in a sharp quiver.
I’d hate to be on the receiving end of that.
I patted her back. “Now why would I let something happen to you when I’ve got all of this juicy blackmail?” I posed with an artful smile. Kara’s muscles relaxed. “And I fully intend on using every bit of it too.”
“Careful,” Kara said as she bumped my shoulder. “You may have special powers, but haven’t you heard? I’m a super-bitch.”
Within a little over an hour, our seaside hotel came into view. I instructed the pilot to set us down right on the beach and slipped a rolled up wad of pesos in his pocket — for his trouble (and my guilt). To my surprise, Kara even chipped in too.
I jumped out of the basket before the pilot touched down and trudged through the wet sand like a whirlwind. I raced for the stairwell and was standing outside of Suite 83 in eight-seconds flat.
I didn’t even get a chance to turn the knob. The door flew open in one windy sweep. Tanner’s eyes softened for a brief moment — really brief. I was waiting for him to jerk a knot in my arm, but he didn’t. He patiently waited for me to enter. I reciprocated his gesture with a humble swagger into the suite. I hadn’t made it to the center of the room when I heard the door slam shut.
Longer than I thought. My muscles were so tensely locked, I had to edge myself around. I began to recite the full confession I’d rehearsed in the balloon, but Tanner shook his head.
“Shiloh, I’m glad you’re here…safe,” he announced, like he’d just bit into a candy-apple — sweet, but guaranteed to clamp your teeth. “As much as I can’t wait to hear about all of your comings and goings in N’awlins, as well as your whereabouts last night, I’m afraid something has come up.”
“WHAT?” I questioned, floored and rightfully flustered. Here I was ready to bare all and throw myself at his mercy, and “something has come up”? What’s so important that it can’t wait? “Does this have something to do with what you’ve been keeping from me?” I posed.
“Tell me, little voodoo girl, are you really going to lecture me about secrets?”
“No. Not really,” I replied as I shied away from his glare.
Tanner handed me a slip of paper with an address on it. He gave his Rolex a quick glance. “Be there in two hours.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Because there’s someone I want you to meet,” Tanner revealed.
“All right.” Good. The more witnesses, the better.
“What if I can’t get away?”
“I don’t think your chaperones will be holding to any schedules today. Mr. Hayes was sick in his room all evening and Kristine is still at the hospital with your friend. They don’t even know that you never came back last night.” With that, Tanner turned and headed towards the door.
“How’s Ty?” I asked.
“He’s fine. The doctor set his right arm and popped his other back into place. They should release him sometime today.” Tanner opened the door.
“Is he totally fine?” I hinted. “You know, everything intact?”
Tanner whirled his head around. “What do you think?”
The phrase, “gone with the wind”, whipped through my head. “I’m afraid to quite honestly,” I replied.
Tanner tightened his grip on the door handle. I just knew it was going break off. All of a sudden, Kara stepped into the room. I wasn’t sure what Tanner had picked up on, but I recognized that shade of violet swirling in his eyes. The longer his stare bounced between us, the deeper they darkened.
Tanner stormed towards me. “I’d be interested in knowing the criteria you base your confessions on,” he whispered in my ear. “Maybe Katie and I will make the cut one day.” He pulled a tiny key out of his pocket and placed it in my hand. “She’s in the safe, in case you were worried about her.” The Amethyst Talisman bolted out of the suite not a second later and slammed the door.
I hurried to the closet and whisked open its double-doors. I stared at the safe. Even with the key between my fingers, I couldn’t bring myself to open it. What would I say? What would she say? Had enough time passed? Had she cooled off? Was that even possible after my betrayal? A multitude of questions rattled in my head and all of them left me reeling with doubt. Only one thing was certain. I had to find Lorelei — first, and like it or not, Tanner was going to have to help.
That will set things right… I hope.
Without warning, Tanner charged back into the room. He stopped in front the coffee table and slammed a new tumbled amethyst down on its top, rattling the glass. Straightaway and without the slightest eye contact whatsoever, he stormed out of the room grumbling and gave the door slam number-two.
I picked up the purple stone and gave it a triumphant toss. Not how I intended, but definitely a way of “earning” another one.
My buddy had been standing idly by, watching our exchange. “Ooohh, yeahhh,” Kara laughed as she strolled into the bathroom. “There’s absolutely NOTHING going on there!”
Chapter 21 — Did You Miss Me?
I tried my best to relax and enjoy the cab ride through the charming streets of Veracruz, but how could I take pleasure in anything right now with a million questions bouncing around my head like a virtual pinball?
Who does Tanner want me to meet? What was “so important” that he couldn’t stay this morning to hear my confession? Or even fuss? Will Katie ever forgive me? Did I make a huge mistake with Kara? Will she tell? Will those guys track us back to the hotel? Padimae saw four, maybe five Talismans… Who else is hunting me? Does Ty still have his memories? Did Mike meet with Malachi? Was Olaf there? Is Mike still in one-piece? I looked out the window with a sigh and clutched my chest. And if Helio is really in here…then WHY? Can he hear my thoughts? Does he know what’s going on? And if he does, then why won’t he SAY SOMETHING?
I twisted around in my seat. Surprisingly, Helio’s presence wasn’t my most riddling question. That illustrious honor belonged to Lorelei. How in the heck am I going to find her? It’s not like I can run to the nearest dock and ask, “Excuse me, where do you go to fish for a supernatural sea-bitch?”
Nowhere and everywhere. That’s how Ms. Lá Léo had described her elusive whereabouts. I wonder if Google Earth has the coordinates for that? I hated to think it, but with any luck, she would find me.
I slumped down in my seat. Uggghh… Some getaway!
The cab driver came to a stop and pointed out the window. “Plaza de Armas,” he announced. “Cien pesos.”
I settled my fare and exited the cab. Heavy-footed, I tromped towards the busy downtown square. It reminded me a lot of New Orleans — colorful architecture (yet more ornate), quaint outdoor cafés and shops (less the drunks), and musicians standing around, belting out tunes on their instruments for the gathered masses. I scanned the thick, easygoing crowd for Tanner. I didn’t see him anywhere.
I checked my watch. I’m on time. Where is he?
I winded over to a cluster of patio tables. I figured it would be best to stay in one place instead of wandering around. A woman bustled over to my table, napkin and menu in hand. I wasn’t the least bit hungry, but my coffee-craving was in full swing. The attentive waitress whipped out a separate menu highlighting about thirty different kinds of beans and more concoctions than I could count. I played it safe by sticking with the “Café Americano�
� listed and prayed it wasn’t too watered-down.
I waited for Tanner while I sat and sipped on what was honestly the best cup of Joe I’d ever had. I ruled right then and there that this was to be a “good sign” to the start of my day. I checked my watch again and panned the bustling square. He was now officially a quarter past late. My knees hit the underside of the table when I jumped at the sound of a trumpet blaring directly in my ear. I twisted around to find a four-person mariachi band, tooting and strumming away. I sat there, half-turned, as they played their tune. I even took a few pictures of them wearing their matching red suits trimmed with embroidered gold swirls. They were quintessentially cute — especially the one on the guitar. He looked like a Latin version of Chris Evans. Like I said, cute.
I pulled my wallet out my purse and smiled. I thought Bea was nuts for giving me so much money, but at the rate I was going, I’d be running on empty soon (even with my gold-strike from yesterday). I handed one of the sombrero-sporting gentleman two hundred pesos (that was the smallest bill I had). They nodded graciously and were off like a dirty shirt in search of another freehanded tourist.
Something caught my eye when I started to swivel back around or rather, someone. I stared vacantly at the cup in front of me while my mind raced faster than the speed of light.
NO! No, It can’t be! I slid my wallet into my purse and pulled out my compact. After a few frivolous pats of powder, I aimed the mirror directly behind me, precisely three tables down. I felt more than coffee sloshing around in my stomach. Even though he was wearing dress clothes instead of his tunic like garb, every sharp angle and turn of his face was unmistakable.
Benicio.
I watched him with bated breath as he sat casually in his chair, reading a newspaper and sipping on his espresso. I snapped my compact shut and placed it back inside my purse. I gave the hilt a reassuring graze as I slid out my hand.
WHAT’S HE DOING HERE? He couldn’t have followed me! I would’ve been dodging arrows east, west, and crooked if he had! The only logical reason had to be my own dumb luck. I clenched my fists.
Damn, it really sucks!
My gut kept goading me to turn around while my nerves screamed, “get your jinxed butt out of there.” This mental back-and-forth tussle was about to drain what sanity I had left. He still hadn’t “physically” seen me, so I compromised. I’ll watch him, but from way the heck over there. When I started to move, Tanner appeared at my table.
Before I could utter a single word, Benicio called out to Tanner. The Amethyst Talisman may have turned to acknowledge Benicio’s greeting, but I froze. The next thing I knew, he was waving Tanner over with his arms stretched wide. To my disbelief, Tanner strolled over and returned his forceful man-hug.
WHAT THE…?
Benicio pulled out a chair from under his table and motioned for Tanner to sit. Then he glanced over at me. “Tell your friend to join us,” Benicio insisted. Straightaway, Tanner turned and eyed my purse pensively. The next thing I knew, he was waving to me. I, however, didn’t move.
When that didn’t work, Tanner issued me a mental request. “It’s okay,” he reassured. “Come over.”
I stuck my hand in my pocket and wrapped it around my new amethyst. “NO,” I replied telepathically.
Tanner tilted his head, sensing every ounce of my reservation. “No?” he questioned back mentally with a rigid stare.
“I’m sorry,” I shot back and clarified my position. “HELL NO!” I even threw in an unyielding nod.
Tanner flashed Benicio a pacifying smile and walked towards me. “Shiloh, what’s wrong?” he questioned discreetly.
“Why are you with HIM?” I whispered. Before Tanner could respond, Benicio approached us.
“Is there a problem, my friend?” Benicio posed to Tanner and then shifted his clueless stare to me.
Our answers were at opposite ends of the spectrum, but at least our “YES” and “NO” were in unison. Benicio’s puzzled expression only deepened.
“What is wrong, Señorita? I mean you no harm,” Benicio contended as he extended his hand like the suavest of gentlemen.
I ignored his gesture. “Tanner,” I addressed my mentor while my eyes remained locked on Benicio. “Again…Why are you talking to him?”
Tanner looked between us suspiciously. “Do you know who he is?”
“He’s a Talisman,” I answered mentally and pulled him off to the side. “I figured that out the other night…when he tried to KILL ME!”
Tanner’s eyes shot open. “WHAT?” he blurted out loud. That got his attention. “Where?”
“At a house in Catemaco,” I confessed. “And he tried again last night.” Tanner’s brow furrowed on the spot, though I couldn’t quite tell who was the focus of his irate glare.
“Does he know who you are?” Tanner questioned.
“No,” I mouthed.
“Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT let him know you claim the diamond. Do you understand?” Tanner ordered telepathically.
No sooner than I’d nodded, Tanner took my hand and charged over to the table where Benicio had sat back down.
“I think you need to explain yourself,” Tanner demanded as he opened his jacket and gave the end of his hilt an intentional tap. “My friend.”
Benicio eyes flared. “Explain what?” he asked.
Tanner pointed to me. “Why you’ve been trying to kill her.”
“What?” Benicio questioned. He looked at me and let out a laugh. “I’ve never seen this girl before in my life. You must be joking.”
Tanner looked confused, so I added telepathically, “I was invisible,” to clear the air.
“What reason would I possibly have for seeking to harm an innocent girl?” Benicio asked, trying to contain his amusement.
Tanner tilted his head. Understandably, Benicio raised a valid argument, one that needed an answer — one my mentor would already be privy to if he had hung around this morning to hear my confession instead of running out the daggone door!
“Because I have something he wants,” I whispered mentally.
“And what is that?” Tanner questioned.
“I can’t tell you right now. Just please trust me.” All that Tanner had to base his ruling on was the pitch of my mental pleas and the truth blazing in my eyes.
“One of you is lying…and I know it’s not her,” Tanner charged.
“I swear I do not know what she is talking about.” Benicio laughed and took another sip of his espresso.
I glanced down at my side. “Really?” I posed to Benicio. I kept my stare fixed on his pupils as I held up my wrist. “Then why is my watch glowing?”
“That’s a good question,” Tanner asserted. “Why don’t you answer that for us now…my friend?”
I could tell Benicio was racking his brain, just by the way his eyes twitched and shifted around. Tanner noticed as well. My mentor had already slipped his hand back inside his jacket, and I’d bet anything it was locked around one of his hilts again, just itching to whip it out. Benicio was well aware of his aggressive and preemptive move.
The heated glares that ensued around our three-person circle could have combusted into a scorching blaze right then and there. High-stakes supernatural poker. The only question that remained was who would be the first to show their hand?
No sooner than Benicio had sprung out of his chair, a fiery explosion erupted smack in the center of the table. I sailed backward several yards in a cloud of smoke and smacked the pavement. Coughing and disoriented, I searched for Tanner through the haze. I couldn’t find him. I didn’t see Benicio either. I struggled to get to my feet, still shaking off the blast. I scanned the square. The smoke was starting to clear, but all I could make out were people screaming and running from the scene. I leaned against a building to catch a second-wind. That was short lived. Another explosion threw me several yards not a second later. Face-first on the marble street, I had a moment to reflect. Something had grazed my arm before the last blast erupted.
I opted for a quicker rise, this time. The smoke from the last boom was still impeding my view. The glowing angelite face on my watch caught my gaze. Feeling like a sitting duck, I took off down an alley. A lot of good that did. Something smashed into the stucco wall, right next to my head. It forced me to the ground, along with a barrage of dusty stone debris. I whipped my head up, just as a sinister cackle blared down the alleyway. My watch wasn’t sounding any alarms — yet — so I rushed out of the confined corridor and made my way to a neighboring street. Whoever was attacking me had the advantage as long as I remained exposed, out here in the open. Without a second-thought, I bolted across the street and ran inside a massive, steeple-topped building.
I slammed the heavy double-doors shut with a loud “bang” that echoed throughout the hollow, high-ceilinged space. An ominous presence of energy wafted in the air around me like a stale stench. The threat was close. I scoped out the scene quickly. I had run into a cathedral and it was empty, well, except for a robed man who was kneeling in front of an altar. I rushed over to him.
“Sir, you need to leave,” I urged as I kept my eyes peeled for more explosions.
“What’s wrong, my child?” the man said. “Are you troubled?”
“You could say that,” I replied as I stared at my glowing watch face. He hadn’t moved an inch. “Sir, you really do need to get out of here. It’s not safe.”
Just as I reached for his hand, he swiftly clamped down on my wrist and hurled me over his head. I crashed into a marble statue in one sharp “crack” and dropped to the ground. The man rose up and turned around to face me. My mouth hit the floor before his robe did.
Ferrol.
“Maybe not for you,” Ferrol replied with a menacing gleam in his eyes. They were swirling the same eerie gray streaks I’d seen leering at me months ago. “Miss me?” the crafty Howlite Talisman asked.
I scrambled to my feet and shrugged, “Not hardly.”
“I should have taken you out in New Orleans,” Ferrol announced casually. I felt the blood draining from my face. “In the sculpture garden that day. But I’m glad I waited.” He stretched his arms out. “This venue is more…fitting. Consider it your funeral too.”