by Leesa Birch
“Sylvia, I’m sorry. I didn’t know what I was saying. It’s not funny, you know.” She picked up her small basket and we headed inside.
Blake moved off the sofa so we could chat.
“Mornin’ honey,” he said and kissed me on the head.
“Oh, you’re just so funny. I’m telling your brother you did that.” He sat on the arm of Sylvia’s chair, stroking her hair.
“How is Mr. Tense this morning? Isn’t that his sweater?” Blake commented. I looked down at myself. Oops, I thought.
“Yes, it is. I just grabbed what was nearest. I didn’t want to wake him again.” Blake kissed Sylvia on the head and left us to it.
“Your nightmares keeping both of you awake now?” she asked. I wasn’t here to talk about me.
“How are you really, Sylvia? The truth.” She shifted in her chair uncomfortably.
“Not great, Ivy. It doesn’t help having the selkie here. I know it wasn’t their fault but they make me a little nervous.” Understandable, I thought. I moved my seat closer and held her trembling hands.
“I suppose it’ll take time Sylvia. Any nightmares? I happen to be an expert on those.” She shook her head, smiling. At least that was a start. Her burn marks were almost unnoticeable now. She realised I was looking.
“I made cake for us, Ivy. I know technically its breakfast time but it’s chocolate.” How could I say no?
After cake and a chat, I left Sylvia to tend her flowers. Grogan had mentioned that he wanted a word with me so I went looking for him. I hoped it wasn’t more questions about the hospital.
I spotted Grogan on the other side of the lake. He was talking to Gary and a tall thin man with greyish hair, tied back in a pony tail. It was obvious he was selkie as I approached with his green-tinged skin and strange eyes.
“Morning, Ivy, feeling better I hope?” I nodded as I caught up with them. “As you know, we will be seeing a lot more of the selkie now. As part of the reconnecting we have a one-sided exchange programme, if you will. Ivy, I would like you to meet Barrett, Gary’s new partner.” I looked at Gary for any kind of expression that would tell me how he felt about it. Nothing - Gary had a serious poker face. Always professional. Grogan cleared his throat, not very subtly.
Barrett had his hand held out to me. I looked at it suspiciously. I didn’t fancy getting a burn from him.
“It’s okay. I’ve been instructed to wear gloves around here. Also, we’re not allowed near the lake shore, etc. I’ve read the rules. So, you’re the girl who nearly crushed that purist scum?” I looked up at his strange eyes. He was smiling and he didn’t seem afraid of me. A good sign, I supposed. I took his hand and welcomed him to the lake.
“Ivy, I need to talk to you in private.” That, however, sounded serious so I followed Grogan over to the meeting hall steps and sat down. He paced up and down before speaking. “There have been more Lake Dwellers possessing water weaving skills appearing around the world. There seems to be one per lake as far as we can tell. Some lake communities haven’t checked in yet.” He carried on pacing. I thought this was good news. I wasn’t the only one, which would take the pressure off me a little.
Grogan stopped in front of me and crouched down so no one could hear. “The thing is, Ivy, you’re the only one with the kind of power that would need a sea stone. We don’t know why yet. Maybe the others will catch up with you over time. But they have nowhere near the dangerous strength you have when you remove your necklace.” There it was. It was going all too well. Why did he have to tell me that? He should have stopped after ‘one per lake’.
“I’m sorry you didn’t find what you were looking for in Missouri. I have an idea about that. Glory still won’t admit that sirens exist. There’s an open minded young man who works in the central library in town. His name is Monty. Yes, he’s a Lake Dweller. The library houses a large portion of our archives - things about the selkie, and even some old scripts on the fae. Maybe, if you get chance, you could pay him a visit. He may be able to dig something up on the sirens.” Finally, some good news.
“Is Glory about, Grogan? I wanted to ask her something.” He stretched his legs and helped me up.
“I think I know what you want to see her about. I don’t blame you for wanting to stay full time here and I will support you if you need a reference.” He patted me on the shoulder and swooped off.
It was now or never to talk to Glory; she would be distracted with selkie issues. I took a deep breath and wandered inside the busy hall. Glory was standing by the large table at the far end. The wall hangings were being inspected by various selkie, all interested in our history since the great divide.
Glory saw me approaching and excused herself from her guests. “Could I talk to you, Elder Glory, when you have a minute?” She seemed to be enjoying the attention this reunion had brought her.
“Of course, Ivy. What is it?” I waited for my lecture regarding the other night but it never came, so I just asked her outright.
“I was wondering about working for the council and staying here full time. You know I’m a good heeler. Also this way, an escort or guard would be with me full time to make sure I’d keep out of harm’s way.” She thought about it for a short while.
“You do seem to get yourself in a pickle quite a bit, Ivy. We could use another healer as good as you. Leave it with me and I’ll talk to the other Elders. I don’t think it’ll be a problem. It would keep you out of trouble. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m helping the selkie root out their purists.” Glory seemed to be enjoying herself a little too much.
I wandered back outside to find Grogan staring out at the lake. I manoeuvred through several parties of selkie to join him.
“Do you hear that, Ivy?” He never once took his eyes from the lake. Following his gaze, I concentrated.
Blocking out other people’s conversations I could hear, no, feel a humming emanating from the centre of the lake.
“I feel it. Like a slight vibration coming from the deeper part of the lake. What do you think it is?” Grogan took in a deep breath and sighed.
“I’m not sure, Ivy. It’s there one minute, gone the next. I noticed it a few days ago before the selkie came, so it’s not them.” I didn’t think it was my fault for a change, I hadn’t been there.
“Do you need me for anything else Grogan?” He looked down at me.
“Not today. But we do need to up your training soon.” I agreed and went on my way.
Kane was in the shower when I got back to the cabin. I sat on the side of the tub watching for a minute or two.
“I’ve applied for a job working for the council.” He shut the shower off and stepped out onto a towel. Mustn’t stare, Ivy, I thought. I distracted myself by rearranging some toiletries by the sink.
“Is it safe?” he asked, picking up a towel. “You could help me with this, Ivy.” Turning to face him, my eyes shifted to black. I was trying to concentrate on the moisture clinging to his body. Problem was, I could only concentrate on his glistening body - nothing else.
“I’ll get you another towel, Kane.” He scoffed.
“So much for your drying technique, Ivy. You could help rub me down instead.”
After we had finished in the bathroom, Kane asked me about the job.
“It should be safe. I’d be assigned an escort or guard, probably Gary or his new partner. Have you met him? He’s a selkie, his name’s Barrett.
As far as I know I would be going in and out of the city, healing the council’s special clients, that’s all. Completely safe, right?”
Grogan stopped by that evening to let me know that the Elders had said yes. Also, that my first client was for the following day.
Gary and Barrett were waiting outside for me at ten a.m. Kane kissed me goodbye and wished me luck on my first day as I sat in the back of the van in my semi-new suit – I’d only worn it once before. I figured we ought to come up some sort of kissing rule. He was very good but far too passionate first thing in the morning. I nearly didn
’t leave him for work.
The journey wasn’t too long into the city. Gary was covering the basics with Barrett - what was expected of him, the area, etc. I was handed a badge-type pass with Health Consultant on it - very official. Also, I was given a brief, containing a name and photo, and what was expected of me.
We pulled up outside a really tall building. Reyman Stock & Co, a very large and highly respected law firm. They definitely had the money to pay the council for services rendered. The foyer was enormous - two storeys of floor-to-ceiling glass windows. I showed my badge at the desk and I was told to go to the 23rd floor. The elevator was packed. At least there was no skin contact. The small space became less crowded the higher we went. Nobody stared at me. They were all too busy with their business.
Exiting the lift on the 23rd floor, I stepped into a very expensive-looking corridor. There was a desk with a young secretary behind it near two large, oak doors at the end. It was so quiet my shoes echoed with each foot step. The young girl looked up as I approached.
“Can I help you, miss?” Her New York accent surprised me a little. I cleared my throat.
“I’m here to see Mr. Marsden. He’s expecting me.” I showed her my ID and she motioned for me to take a seat.
The beige leather creaked loudly as I sat down. This place made me nervous; you could cut the silence it was so thick. Time went by. I kept looking at the watch that Kane had lent me. I checked my brief several times - a basic check-up, hide my eyes, report any problems to the council. It was a strictly no-heal job, if I ever got to it.
I jumped as the doors to the office opened. Several men with hearty laughs spilled out. I waited for them to pass me before I stood. The young girl behind the desk spoke loudly.
“Mr. Marsden will see you now, Miss Ivy.” I figured the volume of her voice was for the elderly gentleman I was here to see.
Mr. Marsden was around sixty-five years old. He had white hair and reeked of money. He ushered me inside and I closed the large, heavy doors.
“What happened to the other fellow?” He wasn’t so much rude as got straight to the point - loud too. Maybe that was something I could look at.
“I’m not sure, Mr. Marsden. I’m Ivy.” I held out my hand but he never took it. He eyed me closely.
“You’re much prettier than what’s his name. You can take my pulse any time you like.” He sat in an old, dark, leather chair. The room was large but old-fashioned. Wooden panelling covered the walls where the book cases stopped. Mr. Marsden and his company had been drinking and smoking big, old cigars. I could have done with a window opening.
I rolled up his sleeve carefully and acted like I was taking his pulse. I faced away from him, pretending to count on my watch. My eyes changed as I scanned his body for illness and injury. He wasn’t in particularly poor health, considering his age, occupation and habits - nothing a change of his circumstances wouldn’t fix. His hearing could be improved, as could his lungs. But this was strictly a ‘look and report’.
“How am I doing?” He spoke gruffly. I let go of his wrist, changing my eyes back to green.
“You’re doing fine, Mr. Marsden.” I spoke loudly so I didn’t have to repeat myself. “I suppose I’ll see you again at your next check-up then.” He poured himself another drink and I left him to it.
I smiled at the young girl as I headed towards the lift. I was late. I must have been sitting there for a good few hours.
Gary and Barrett were eating when I got back to the van.
“Hope you bought me something, guys, I’m starving.” Gary handed me a bottle of water then he pulled out a small box. I knew that smell - cherry pie.
“Thanks. Sorry it took so long, I was kept waiting for ages.” I opened the box of pie and started eating.
“You have one more client before you get to go home, Ivy.” Another one? I needed to shower, I stunk of cigar smoke. “This one’s a little unusual. I’m surprised they gave it to you. Maybe it’s a test? I’d rather not let you do this one alone, Ivy, but we have strict instructions to wait in the van. It’s the rules.”
That didn’t sound good. I filled in my report on Mr. Marsden as we drove. We ended up in a car park by what looked like a warehouse. With the diminishing autumn light, the place looked more than dodgy.
The brief wasn’t as specific as the last. I was to speak to a guy named Malone about one of his fighters. Fighters? The chill of the night air surprised me as I exited the van. I slid the side door closed and went inside.
It looked like one of those cage fighting rings from the TV. A large crowd of people were cheering and shouting abuse at the fight going on. The biggest bouncer in the world stopped me as I entered.
“I’m here to see Malone.” I could barely hear myself above the noise. I was escorted through the excited crowd to the trainer by the ring.
The bell rang and the crowd roared. “Ah, you must be Ivy. You’re late.” I followed the sweaty guy into the changing rooms. One of the fighters was brought in behind me. They laid him on the massage table half-conscious. “Everyone else out. Now!” he barked. As the door closed behind them Malone pushed me towards the beaten man. “Okay, Ivy, do your thing.” He stepped back with his arms folded across his chest. So, we were being open about this one then.
I could feel this guy’s pain before I touched him. I felt my eyes change and I started to heal him. Malone interrupted me.
“Can we move it along, lady? He has three more rounds to go.” More rounds? I thought the fight was over.
“Hang on a minute. You mean I’m to heal him and send him back out? Won’t that give him an unfair advantage?” Malone just looked at my eyes. I changed them back to normal. “But that’s cheating.” Malone grabbed my arm tightly and moved me back over the fighter.
“You’re new so I’ll cut you some slack. This here is Ty. He’s Senator Wells’ prize fighter. You will fix him and he will win. Understand?”
I understood only too well. I was going to get fired on my first day. I wasn’t cheating. I didn’t care who Senator Wells was. Ty sat up on the table. He seemed confused. I had already healed any major problems. the rest was up to him.
My problem was how to get out of there. Some people burst into the room.
“Time’s up Malone. Get Ty back out there now.” As Ty headed back out to the ring, Malone grabbed me again.
“This isn’t over,” he threatened as he shoved me hard into the table. He stormed out of the room and back into the crowd. I rubbed my back where I had hit the table. I could believe that the council were perhaps fine with the cheating. I couldn’t believe that they thought I would be.
I found the nearest fire escape door and decided to take the long way back to the van. Gary and Barrett where standing in front of the van waiting. They saw me coming and money exchanged hands.
“We were wondering what was taking you so long, Ivy.” I reached the headlights and thought about punching both of them.
“You knew what was happening in there? A test?” I climbed into the van, annoyed, rubbing my back. I waited for them to climb in and start the van. “Okay, I give in. Who won?” Barrett spoke up first.
“You didn’t seem the type to cheat, Ivy. Not offended are you?”
I looked at Gary in the rear view mirror and frowned. “You thought I would?”
Gary changed gears.
“No, but he guessed a closer time, that’s all. Besides, he cheated. He can read people.” I looked at Barrett and tried not to think of anything embarrassing.
“Don’t worry Ivy. I can’t read minds, just a person’s character.” I sighed and sat uncomfortably on my back.
The trip back to the lake felt slow. Gary made me drink more water. He said I looked peaky. I was dropped off at my cabin about nine p.m.
It had been a long day. Gary said they wouldn’t need me tomorrow. I was looking forward to a lie-in.
I entered my cabin and closed the door behind me. Kane was standing in the kitchen wearing nothing but my socks and a
smile. All I could say was, “Those are my socks.” What was wrong with me? The smile disappeared as did the blue in his eyes. His intentions were clear as he crossed the room towards me.
“Wait.” I held up my hand to stop him. I turned slowly and lifted my shirt. “It’s been a long day.” Kane removed my suit jacket carefully.
“I can work around this.” His fingers brushed my new bruise lightly.
I was going to protest as I was too wound up about Malone, but Kane hummed gently as he pressed himself against my back. My tense muscles began to loosen and I started to relax. With his arms wrapped around me, he slowly removed my blouse – humming all the while. I took in a deep breath and sighed. I felt slightly sedated.
“That feels good. If I didn’t know any better I’d swear you were part siren.” The humming stopped as did his hands.
“Ivy, I need to talk to you about something.” He sounded serious. I turned to see his that his voice matched the look on his face.