“Bring him over,” Ava said.
“I wish it was that simple,” Ferg said.
“How complicated is it?” Ava asked.
”Weelllll…”
“I can’t go anywhere,” Ava said. “I’ve got gels running. We’re video conferencing with the team in Geneva in an hour. The London First Responders Forensic Team and the UN techs are calling at two. The Israelis sent someone who’s going to be here with the scientists from Geneva in the morning. I have to get this stuff done. Seth and the other guys’ lives are on the line.”
“Yes I know but…”
“Seth always says that Saint Jude shouldn’t control what we do,” Ava said. “Saint Jude took enough from me. If I delay…”
“I know, I know,” Ferg said. “Did you see the press conference?”
“Was it in my lab?”
“No, but…”
“Then what do you think?”
“Your father had a press conference,” Ferg said. “His office took over the entire investigation. He says Seth screwed up and that’s why Saint Jude went free.”
Seething, Ava had no response.
“You still there?”
“I am.”
“Homeland Security has control of the crime scene,” Ferg said. “I guess the first cops who showed up were a little… zealous. Is Homeland there?”
“Max is here,” Ava said. “He’s working with Bob.”
“Good,” Ferg said. “We can say Homeland Security has taken control there.”
“I don’t think he’s DHS,” Ava said. “He’s more like… Intelligence or CIA or… something.”
“Good,” Ferg said. “It’ll keep your father away. But…”
“You still need me to identify the body,” Ava said.
“DHS won’t release the body to the Attorney General’s office until there’s confirmation that it’s actually Saint Jude,” Ferg said. “And you’re our only hope.”
“Yeah, like I’m Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
With her attention still on her work, the words just came out of Ava’s mouth. Ferguson was a superior officer. She held her breath in case she’d offended him. Ferg laughed.
“They have it set up electronically,” Ferg said. “It’s very high tech but they said you could see it via Skype. You know that Internet thing?”
“Nelson?” Ava asked.
Her bodybuilding technician looked up.
“I need to get on Skype,” Ava said.
He nodded and started working on her laptop.
“He’s working on it,” Ava said. “While we wait… Um… You wouldn’t happen to know…”
“Seth’s holding his own,” Ferg said. “A couple of the guys have spiked a fever. The docs think it’s some kind of allergic reaction. But Seth? He’s hanging in there. Julie Ann got there about an hour ago. So both of his kids are there.”
“And?”
“No one knows, Amelie,” Ferg said. “I think everyone’s hoping you’ll pull a miracle out of your… uh…”
“Mickey Mouse Hat?” Ava asked.
“I was thinking Jedi robes.”
Ava laughed for the first time today.
“All set,” Nelson said.
“Nelson has Skype up on my laptop,” Ava said. “We’re DPD Backup Lab. All one word. You can go ahead.”
The tones rang as a call came in from ‘SuperSpook’. Nelson clicked the video call button. Captain Troy Olivas, one of Alex’s team, came on the screen.
“Hi Ava,” Troy said. “We’re going to show you a body and you’ll let us know if that’s him. Okay? Don’t hesitate to tell us if it’s too much. We’re on your side here. We agree there’s no reason to do this tonight but there are forces beyond our control that…”
“Got it,” Ava said.
“Get this over with,” Alex’s voice came from behind the webcam.
“Ok, here you go,” Troy said.
He moved the laptop so she could see the figure on a stretcher.
“It’s dark,” Ava said. “I can’t really tell.”
“Light,” Alex’s voice ordered.
A couple of flashlight beams shone on a man’s face. The webcam moved over his face and neck. Ava blinked.
“I’m sorry,” Ava said. “I can’t tell. He seems kind of… flattened. Can I see his eyes?”
As blue glove covered fingers appeared to pry open the man’s eyes, Ava gasped. She turned away from the computer to throw up in the sink. Her entire body began to shake. She hadn’t remembered that Ferg was still on the headset until she heard his voice on the scene.
“That’s enough,” Ferg said. “I don’t care who wants this body identified. We can’t do it, at least not tonight.”
“No.” Ava took a stack of paper towels from Bob to wipe her chin. “No, it’s all right. Really.”
“Is that him?” Troy asked.
Troy’s handsome face appeared again on the screen. Ava nodded.
“Great,” Troy said.
“Get him the fuck out of here,” Ferg’s voice buzzed over the laptop speakers. The phone made a click in her ear as Ferg hung up. “I’m serious. Get him that piece of trash out of here.”
Ava was about to click off the laptop when Alex Hargreaves face appeared. She looked so much like Max that Ava felt a warm familiarity. It was as if she’s spent they had spent the evening together.
“Amelie?” Alex asked. “You okay?”
Ava shook her head.
“These people take so much from us.” Alex gave Ava a soft smile. “They block us from doing what’s important to us. They create chaos in our minds and hearts.”
“Chaos? Yes, that’s how I feel.”
“Don’t let him. You have to fight it,” Alex said. “It’s my understanding that you’re leading a team to find an anti-toxin for the First Responders Toxin. Is there anyone else who can do that?”
Ava shook her head.
“Then get to work,” Alex said. “You’ll feel better. When we’re done here, we’ll bring you some coffee. Valerie Lipson, you know her, the actress? She makes the best brownies. I’ll call and see if she can make you some. Chocolate helps. A lot.”
Ava nodded.
“You are more than this,” Alex said. “More than this asshole. More than your trauma. Right now, you have to force yourself to be that.”
Ava nodded.
“Go throw up again,” Alex smiled. “Then, get back to work. You’ll see. You’ll feel better.”
Ava gave her a smile.
“See you in a few hours,” Alex waved and the screen went dark.
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FIFTY-THREE
Promises
Tuesday night — 11:40 P.M.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” MJ asked Honey again.
She was lying in his arms on their bed. His traumatic brain injury kept MJ from remembering the one thing he wanted to know most of all – if she and the baby were all right. After returning home, he’d helped her take a bath, made sure she’d eaten enough for a small army, and then carried her to bed. His horror of losing her had enhanced his usual generous care.
“I’m sure.” Honey smiled at him. “I promise, I would tell you.”
“And the baby?”
“She’s fine,” Honey said.
“She?” MJ said. “You said we were having a boy!”
Honey laughed.
“You don’t know if the baby’s a boy or a girl?” MJ asked.
“I don’t know,” Honey said. “I was playing with you.”
“Phew,” MJ exaggerated wiping his forehead.
“Phew?”
“I was worried you were going to name the baby Roger,” MJ laughed.
Honey turned to giggle into his chest.
“I’m so glad you’re safe,” MJ said. “I heard you really stood up to that thing. What you did is one of the reasons the creature’s dead. Your courage strengthened everyone to fight that thing.”
“You heard that from who?” Honey asked. “We weren�
�t supposed to talk about it to anyone!”
“Lets say a little Sissy bird,” MJ said. “I asked her and she had to answer a direct question. It’s really my fault”
“Of course it’s your fault!” Honey said.
MJ laughed.
“We all helped,” Honey said. “It was all of us. Valerie, Nash and Noelle were amazing. You should have seen how brave Valerie was. She attacked that thing with a vengeance. She was a real superhero. And Sandy saved Charlie with Rachel. It was an amazing night.”
“I’m sorry you had to do it,” MJ said.
“I’m not,” Honey said. “I’m honored that I was able to help at all.”
“But you’re okay, right?”
“I’m okay,” Honey said. “So’s the baby.”
“Let’s find out tomorrow.” He pulled her closer to him and kissed her forehead.
“Find out what?” Honey teased.
MJ laughed.
“I’m taking tomorrow off. I’ll see if they can fit us in for an ultrasound,” Honey said.
“I might have to work,” MJ said. “I don’t really know what we’re doing.”
“But you’ll have time for a doctor’s appointment,” Honey said.
“Of course, I’ll try to stay with you all day. And. I’ll try not to drive you crazy.”
Honey laughed. She stroked his face. “Sleep?”
“Sleep,” MJ said.
Honey lay back and closed her eyes.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” MJ asked.
Honey laughed.
~~~~~~~~
Tuesday night — 11:40 P.M.
“They’re finally asleep,” Sandy said
Buster scooted into Noelle and Sissy’s room and hopped onto Noelle’s bed. Sandy closed the door. She peeked in on Charlie in his closet. After returning from the salon, Aden went to help Pete’s children get cleaned up and settled. Sandy had fed their children pizza from Enzo’s End and made sure they showered. For good measure, she had Delphie check all the children to make sure they didn’t pick up any thing unsavory at the salon. Aden joined Sandy after Pete and Molly came to get their kids.
“They’re not going to work tomorrow,” Sandy said. “No way.”
“I’ll call in the morning,” Aden said.
Sandy nodded.
“How are you?” Aden held his arms out and Sandy walked into them. She pressed her head against his chest.
“Tired, mostly. Worried about Seth,” Sandy said. “What a night!”
“I thought you were amazing,” he said. He kissed her forehead. “Why did you make that space?”
“I’ve lived a lot of life, Aden,” Sandy moved out of his arms and walked down the hall to their room. “I wanted a place to hide if I needed one.”
“Hide from…?”
“Whoever,” Sandy shrugged. She picked up Rachel from her bassinette.
“Me?”
“Maybe,” Sandy said.
“And now that I know about it, will you create another secret space?” Aden asked.
“Do I have to?” Sandy asked.
“No,” Aden shook his head. “No. I just wish your safe place was with me.”
“I don’t mean to hurt you,” Sandy said.
“You haven’t,” Aden said. “I wish you could understand that I want you to be safe and to feel safe.”
“I think it just takes time,” Sandy said.
Aden gave her a soft smile. He climbed into bed. Sandy got in on the other side. She put Rachel between them.
“I guess I won’t be working in the salon for a while,” Sandy said.
“I think we all need a vacation,” Aden said. “Mexico? Aspen? What’s your pleasure?”
When Sandy didn’t respond, he rolled over on his side. She was sound asleep.
“Maybe we’ll just stay home,” he said to himself.
He was almost out when there was a tap at their door. Not wanting to wake Sandy, he got up to open it. Charlie stood on the other side.
“We were hoping that maybe…” Charlie started and then looked down the hall. Aden followed his glance. Noelle and Sissy peered out of their room. Further down the hall, Nash and Teddy’s heads poked out of their room. “We just want to feel… safe.”
“I don’t know,” Aden said. “Sandy’s sound asleep and…”
“What is it?” Sandy sat up in bed.
“The kids want to sleep with us,” Aden said.
“I’d like that,” Sandy said. “Is it all right with you, Aden?”
Aden gave Charlie a curt nod.
“I’ll sleep between Noelle and Teddy,” Charlie said.
“Good thinking,” Aden said. As the kids filed into the room, he added, “You know Rachel wakes up around two.”
“We hear her anyway.” Nash said as he laid out his blankets and pillow.
“She’s not too fussy,” Sissy said. She pointed to a spot on the floor and Noelle set their blankets down. Sissy gave Noelle a pillow.
“It doesn’t bother us,” Noelle said.
“Teddy?” Sandy noticed Teddy lingering in the doorway. “Are you coming in?”
“Ma’am,” Teddy said. “I’m not really family. Should I…?”
“We’re not fancy on definitions,” Sandy said. “We love you Teddy. You belong with us.”
“Just sleep here,” Charlie pointed to a spot next to him.
Noelle hopped up to hug Sandy goodnight and the rest of the children followed suit. Buster sniffed from one bundle of blankets to the next.
“Good night,” Sandy said. She lay back to sleep.
Aden went from child to child to make sure they were settled. He slipped into bed and touched Rachel. Every child was safe. Every child was secure. He sighed. Buster hopped on the bed. Aden groaned but didn’t make the ugly dog get down.
For the first time in decades, the children of Denver were safe tonight. He touched the Saint Jude medallion hanging at his neck and remembered his friend, Daf. Killed as a result of Saint Jude, Aden had worn the medallion more than half his life. Now, finally, Daf could rest in peace. Aden felt an enormous weight lifted from his shoulders. Smiling at the thought of his good friend, and his good fortune, he slept.
~~~~~~~~
Tuesday night — 11:40 P.M.
“Anything you want to tell me?” Jacob asked Jill.
Lying in the bathtub, Katy was sound asleep with her head tucked just under Jill’s chin. The tub was full of strawberry scented bubbles. Katy had been so wound up that it took an hour in the bathtub before she got sleepy. Jacob had been in charge of bringing snacks. When Katy finally settled down, he sat down next to the tub.
“I have lots to tell you,” Jill said.
“How’s Scooter?” Jacob asked.
“Injured,” Jill said. “He’s an old guy and that winged thing went after him. I worked on him. So did Mike. Delphie wanted to spend tonight with him. She took him and Sarah wanted to be with him. I don’t know if that means tonight’s his last night or…”
“I think we’ll see in the morning,” he said.
“I don’t know how Katy will handle it if he dies. He’s been her best friend since she moved in here. And… I… I don’t think I can handle it either.”
She gave a long sad sigh.
“He’s a good guy,” Jacob said.
“He’s been my friend, Delphie’s friend, for a long time,” Jill said. “I don’t want him to suffer. That wouldn’t be right. I just want him to… live.”
“I know,” Jacob said.
“Are you working tomorrow?” Jill changed the subject to avoid thinking about what would happen to Scooter.
“No,” Jacob said. “I caught Dad before I came up. He’s going to cover for me and Aden tomorrow.”
“Sounds like tomorrow’s going to be a long day,” Jill said.
“Can we talk tomorrow?” Jacob asked.
“Sure,” Jill said.
“Promise?”
“Promise,” Jill said. “Are you coming in? She
’s completely out.”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
~~~~~~~~
Tuesday night — 11:40 P.M.
“All done,” Mike said.
Valerie was sitting on the kitchen counter watching him clean up after her brownie making. They’d eaten pizza with everyone. When Alex called, Valerie was happy to make brownies for Ava. Alex and a couple of her men picked up the brownies and left information in their wake. Saint Jude had been declared dead. The Crime Scene Unit would probably work through the night. The Denver Police were coming in the morning to take everyone’s statements. When Alex left, Mike began cleaning the kitchen.
“Are you hungry?” Mike asked.
“And mess up your clean kitchen?” Valerie asked. “That would just be cruel.”
Mike smiled.
“No, I had enough pizza,” Valerie said.
“How’s our girl?”
Mike put his hands on Valerie’s rounded belly.
“Getting ready to join the world,” Valerie said. “Just a few months or so.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Mike hugged her to him.
“We start birthing classes next week,” Valerie said.
“Are you sure you want me to go?” Mike asked. “Samantha might be a better choice.”
“Sami is my best friend, not my husband,” Valerie said.
He nuzzled her neck.
“You are going to be there when she comes into this world, aren’t you?” Valerie asked.
Mike nodded.
“Promise?” Valerie asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Mike said. “I’ll be there for this one and all the others.”
He helped her off the kitchen counter and they made their way up to their second floor apartment. Once inside, he made a beeline to the bathroom where he began filling the tub.
“Jill and Jacob are in the bath,” Valerie said.
“So?”
Shaking her head, Valerie smiled at his indifference.
“Do you care?” Mike asked.
Valerie shook her head.
“We’ve been taking baths together a lot longer than they have,” Mike said. “Years and years and years…”
He stripped off his clothing and stepped in the tub.
“Come on,” Mike said.
Black Forest, Denver Cereal Volume 5 Page 36