by Kimbra Swain
“Yes, that’s what she said,” Dylan said talking to Troy. “I thought you should know. Yeah, man, no problem.”
“I think it’s that other trailer,” I said pointing at the one across from Jenny’s. “But this is the problem.” I turned and pointed at the growing swamp behind the trailers. The sheer size had grown since I’d seen it two days ago.
“Where did that come from?” Dylan asked after hanging up the phone with Troy.
“I don’t know. I meant to ask some people who lived here longer than me if they had seen it in this area before. We have had a lot of rain lately,” I said. The distant sound of thunder reminded us that another storm was just over the horizon.
“Who lives in the trailer?” Tabitha asked.
“Summer ward. I dare not go through it. It would bust the whole trailer apart. Not a good first impression,” I said.
Dylan marched up to the door like it was nothing, knocking on it. “Hello! Anyone home?”
As we waited for someone to answer, Jenny came out of her trailer to join us.
“It’s getting closer,” she said from behind me.
“I see that. Any idea what could cause it?” I asked.
“Spell. Attracted to a being, which I swear isn’t me. Could be just natural, I suppose,” she said.
“I’ve lived here forever. This is new,” Tabitha said.
Standing water stretched through the forest. A greenish fog floated above the surface as if it were some unnatural soup. Opening my sight, I took several steps back. Levi grabbed me from behind.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Look at it,” I said.
“What the hell is that?” he asked.
“Something is alive in it,” I said.
Dylan ran off the porch of the trailer. “Where?” he asked.
I pointed toward the dark shape moving away from us. The hint of long tentacles with suction cups brushed the surface as it deftly moved through the water. Dylan burst into feathers and took flight. His raptor form darkened the cloudy sky like a low-flying airplane. He followed the being through the water, but the creature took off as if it knew it was being followed. Dylan circled above the bog looking for the creature. His call ripped the air in clear frustration. He flew back to us landing in front of us shifting to human form.
“Lost it,” he said. “It’s huge, whatever it is.”
“Powerful, too,” I said.
“Any ideas?” Tabitha asked.
“There are so many possibilities when it comes to water fairies. I wish Nestor would have seen it,” I said.
“Hey, I’m not chopped liver,” Jenny said.
“Just a second opinion,” I replied. She smiled because she wasn’t offended in the least.
“If the swamp gets any closer, I’ll have to move,” she said. “What about an Afanc?”
“An afanc is more crocodile beaver, not tentacled,” Levi said. “The magical image of it definitely had tentacles. Maybe Scylla.”
“No, I’ve never seen one of those outside of Greece,” Jenny said. “Perhaps a tlanusi yi.”
“What’s that?” Levi asked.
“Ha! Stumped you,” Jenny laughed.
“Cherokee giant river water leech. And no, it wasn’t one of those. I’ve seen those before,” Dylan said.
Jenny pouted. I was amused at the “name the water monster” debate. I listened and made mental notes.
“Yac u-mama,” Jenny offered.
“Those stick to the Amazon,” Levi said. “Beisht Kione.”
“Oh, good one,” Jenny said, offering him a hand for a high five. He slapped her hand. Then she dropped the bomb on him. “Saltwater only, though.”
He laughed shaking his head at her.
“What about some of your kind?” I asked.
Jenny didn’t high five me. “Could be,” she admitted. “I haven’t seen Peggy or Nelly in a while.”
“Would you know if it were them?” I asked.
“Not really. We aren’t on good terms,” she said. “But I don’t think it’s a grindy.”
“Why?”
“Instinct,” she said.
We went on instinct concerning many things. I kept it in my mind that it could be another grindy, but we needed to keep searching. “Levi, see what else you can come up with. We need to keep an eye out to see if we can see it again.”
“How did you see it this time?” Jenny asked.
“Magical sight,” I said. Opening my sight, I looked at her. She didn’t glow the same way as the dark creature in the swamp, but just because she didn’t look that way in human form didn’t mean she wouldn’t change once her form shifted.
“I see. If I see it again, I’ll snap a pic with my cell phone. Do you have Snapchat?”
“Chapsnap?” I asked causing them all to break out in laughter. Even Dylan snickered behind his hand like I couldn’t see him. “What?”
“It’s a phone app,” Levi said. “Give me your phone.” I handed him the phone while he downloaded the app.
“What’s it do?”
“You can send pictures and videos,” Levi said. “But they erase after they are watched.”
“Well, what if I want to save the pictures?” I asked.
“I’ll show you,” Levi said.
“SnappyChap sounds stupid,” I said. They all laughed again. “Shut up.”
“Come on, Chap Snap,” Dylan said offering me his hand. I took it.
“What is it really?” I asked.
“Snapchat,” Levi said walking behind me. He and Tabitha walked up the hill while making an account for me. They were talking about email addresses. I didn’t have an email that I knew about. “Don’t worry. I made you an email account not too long ago.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“[email protected],” he said.
“Fmail?” I asked.
“Yeah, it’s fairy mail,” he said.
“Who owns that?” I asked.
“A guy in town. He’s cool. His name is Jeff. He knows everything about computers. We wanted to make you a website, but I figured I should get your permission first.”
“You sure as hell better. And the answer is no,” I said. “Lord have mercy. I don’t need to be on Chat Snap or any website.”
They laughed again at my botching the app name. Whatever. I’d never needed the internet. I didn’t need it now. “Even Finley has Snapchat,” Levi said.
“Finley is addicted to the internet,” I said. “Free Porn.”
“He likes the weird stuff,” Levi said.
I stuck my fingers in my ears. “La la la la la. I don’t want to know.”
Levi waited until I took out my ears to say, “Like Hentai.”
“What’s Hentai?” I asked.
Levi handed my phone back to me. “Google is your friend,” he smiled. “Tab, wanna go get something to eat at the diner?”
My face went blank with his sudden invitation. It surprised her too. “Um, yeah sure,” she said.
“Don’t google that,” Dylan said looking over my shoulder.
“Why not?” I asked as Google was already searching. “Oh, shit!” Sometimes you should refrain from googling things.
Levi and Tabitha laughed at me again. I supposed I couldn’t fuss at Finley anymore about his naivety. “Told you,” Dylan muttered.
“Levi, when are you and Finley leaving?” I asked.
“Tomorrow morning,” Levi called out as Tabitha got on the back of his Harley wearing his helmet. I cringed at him not wearing one, but I figured he was powerful enough to protect himself if something happened. It wasn’t like it was a whole mile from here to there. Maybe a part of me hated seeing him ride off with my best friend, which was something I could never admit.
“Want to go talk to your father?” Dylan asked.
“Not right now. I’m going to go color or something with Winnie. I missed her,” I said.
“Okay. I’m going to check on Devin,” he said.
I watched him climb into the truck and head off to see Stephanie and his maybe son. Nestor and Winnie already had the crayons out when I came back inside. “Oh, can I color too?” I asked.
“Of course, but you have to pick a different book to color in,” she said. “Here, color these unicorns.”
“How fitting,” I said. Nestor smiled but didn’t comment. Spending time with my family meant the world to me. I felt better after coloring several pictures with Winnie. She let Bramble and Briar pick out our crayons, so the colors looked a lot like things in the Otherworld rather than the way they do here. Winnie loved it. Dylan was right. Even if we never had another child, I would love him and Winnie until the day we parted ways. Unfortunately, I knew that day would come sooner for Winnie than the rest of us. Until then, I would enjoy watching her learn and grow. She was one of the main reasons I didn’t leave Shady Grove when Dylan died after my courthouse appearance. I was glad I had stayed.
Dylan came in late. I was sitting in bed looking at all the popular apps that I didn’t know existed. I sent a snap to Levi, but he didn’t respond. If he and Tabitha hit it off well enough, I knew exactly where they were. I tried not to think about it.
“Hey, how are you feeling?” he asked, taking off his shirt.
“I’m fine. How was Devin?” I asked.
“He’s fine. Stephanie wears on my nerves, but I like the kid,” he said.
“That’s good. How is everything else in town?” I asked.
“Mable coordinated all the cantrips. We have them set up. If anything gets set off, there is a signal down at headquarters that goes off. I’ll get an alert on my phone. That guy Jeff that Levi mentioned, really is a wiz at computer stuff,” he said.
“Very good,” I replied.
“You sure you are alright?” he pressed as he laid down next to me.
“Just missed you,” I said, putting my phone away.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes,” I grinned.
“Prove it,” he said.
“Gladly,” I replied.
The next morning, I forced myself out of the bed. I felt sore from the night before making sure Dylan knew I truly missed him. He was already up fixing Winnie breakfast. I joined them in the kitchen, grabbing a cup of coffee.
“Morning, Momma,” Winnie said. “Daddy said I don’t have to go to school today.”
“Oh really?” I asked.
“Yeah, there aren’t many kids left in school. A couple of the teachers wanted a few days to get things arranged for future classes, plus I thought Winnie might like to see her Uncles off on their adventure,” Dylan said.
“Sounds like a plan,” I said. “I’m going to grab a shower.”
“I’ll grab you in the shower,” Dylan said.
I giggled, leaving him to finish his cereal with Winnie.
Turning the water on hot, I stepped into the shower letting the warm water cascade down over me. I felt much better than yesterday. I think everyone just overreacted thinking there was something wrong with me. I dressed quickly hoping to spend a little time with Levi and Finley before they left.
“Can you get her ready?” I asked Dylan.
“Yeah, sure. You leaving now?” he asked.
“Yeah. I want to see them before they leave,” I said.
“Alright. Go ahead. Take the car if you want,” he said. I’d never driven his car. He’d never offered.
“You feeling okay?” I asked.
“Yes,” he laughed.
“I’ll walk,” I said. Stepping out into the cloudy day, I hoped it wouldn’t rain before I got to town. As I walked alone, the execution stayed in the front of my mind. Somewhere inside myself, I knew the day would come that I would have to execute a person or step down from my job. It was expected, but that didn’t mean I liked it or wished to do it again. In fact, the servant disconnect from Diego was far more powerful than I imagined it would be considering how much we fought.
Dylan’s attention to Devin bothered me, too. I hated to admit it because I knew Dylan just wanted what was best for the boy. However, if he was Dylan’s child, it would be a constant reminder that Stephanie still had a connection to him, even if it wasn’t through his heart.
Thankfully, the downpour didn’t start until I stepped into the diner.
“Morning, Grace,” Betty greeted me. “Breakfast?”
“No, just coffee,” I said.
“You still feeling poorly?” she asked.
“No, just not hungry,” I said taking a seat next to Finley. I kissed him on the cheek.
“What’s that for?” he asked.
“Luck,” I said.
“I don’t need luck,” he said.
“I just got you back,” I lamented.
“You are the one sending me away,” he smiled.
“You want to go,” I said. Finley suggested the trip a week ago. I had the feeling there might be a fairy woman there waiting on him. Perhaps the elusive wife he mentioned when he returned. “Still, I will miss you.”
“I’ll come home. I promise,” he said.
“Home?” I asked.
“Yes, with my family,” he said, taking my hand in his. He squeezed it. “I’m proud of you, Glory. You are doing what father expected of you. I know last night was tough, but he used to tell me that for every bad day, there were twenty good ones to erase it. Enjoy your twenty good ones.”
“With you and Levi leaving, I’m due forty,” I said.
“I don’t need Levi to go,” he said.
“I need Levi to go,” I replied.
“Maybe. I know this. His binge isn’t as bad as you would think. He messes around with those women, but he never carries it all the way. He’s nuts, but I thought you should know.”
“I’d rather not talk about it,” I said.
“Are you okay here with Dylan and his son?” he asked.
“You think the kid is his?” I asked.
“No, but while I’m in Summer I plan to find out whatever I can about it,” he said. That was my brother. The politician. I missed him already. Part of me wanted to call the whole thing off, but I had to be the queen. I told everyone I was sending them there for the book, but I hoped to find out more about Rhiannon’s plans for Brock, as well as the added bonus of whatever Stephanie was hiding.
Levi came in taking a seat beside me. He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. “Morning,” he said.
“Hey,” I replied. He turned his body so that his leg would lean against mine. The physical touch sent tingles through my body. I forced back tears because Levi leaving might be the one thing that would break me outside of losing Dylan.
“Don’t cry. I can’t handle it,” he said.
“Sorry,” I replied.
“Morning, Levi. Breakfast?” Betty asked as she sat my cup of coffee down in front of me. I looked into it. Nestor must have been sharing his coffee recipe with Luther and Betty because it swirled with a glittery magic.
“Yes, load me up. Long trip ahead. Who knows when I’ll get some good cooking again,” Levi said.
“You won’t find any better than my Luther’s. Not here or under,” she said.
“She’s right. The food here is much better,” Finley said. Betty winked at Finley who winked back. A flirt with a flirt.
We sat in silence as the guys ate. Sipping on my coffee, I watched people come and go. I was lost in thought when my cell rang.
“I’m going to the motel before we head to the church,” Dylan said.
“Sure. You taking Winnie?” I asked.
“No, Nestor came by and picked her up. Where are you?” he asked.
“At the diner with Finley and Levi. Last meal,” I said.
“Gotcha. See you soon. Love you,” he said.
“Love you too,” I replied.
“He could skip that until we were gone,” Levi said.
“Don’t be so hard on him, Levi. He’s got a tough decision to make. No matter what happens he sees a young boy without a father. It’s natural
for him to want to take care of him,” I said.
“No. His job is to take care of you and Winnie. If he doesn’t, then he is a failure. He should just bond with the kid and finish it. That way you will see,” he said.
“Are you trying to hurt me before you leave?” I asked.
“No. I just want you to see,” he said.
“See what?” I asked.
“That he doesn’t deserve you,” Levi said. He got up breaking the touch I’d lingered in for too long. He stomped out of the diner. I paid for his and Finley’s breakfast.
“He will get over it,” Finley said.
“You would think, but I don’t think he will, Fin,” I said, getting up to follow him. I didn’t want our last conversation to be an argument.
“Just let it go, Glory,” Finley said.
“I can’t,” I said, as I trotted out the door to where Levi was getting on his Harley.
“I’ll ride with you,” I said before thinking. The rain had slacked off for the moment.
His shocked face met mine. He took off his helmet handing it to me. I slipped it over my head and took a deep breath before I mounted the bike putting my arms around his waist.
“You sure?” he asked.
“Go before I change my mind,” I said.
He revved the engine to life. The loud rumble drowned out all other noise. He settled into the seat, as he pushed the motorcycle back out of the parking space. He leaned into the throttle, and we took off with a loud rumble down the road toward the Baptist Church. When his fingers intertwined with mine, I lost it.
“Fuck. Grace, don’t do this,” he said.
“I can’t help it. I’m sorry,” I replied.
He held on tight as we flew down the abandoned road toward the church. He took a sharp right on to a dirt trail. “Hold on,” he said. Flying through the trail, he followed it with precision. I felt the magic move around us. I couldn’t hear his voice, but I saw his lips moving to a song. Watching him instead of the trail. I finally got it. “I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride, I’m wanted, dead or alive,” he sang.
“Cute,” I said.
“Whatever. I could give Bon Jovi a run for his money any day,” he boasted. I looked up to see us approaching a hill.
“Levi! No!” I said.