“Oh, please, Philippa. What is she? My bodyguard?”
“In a manner of speaking.” Philippa was now perched on the edge of her seat.
Avery studied Philippa for a moment. “Don’t I get any say in this? Contact is one thing. A bodyguard is another.”
Philippa focused on Avery with determination, stopped, and took in a deep breath. “I take it for granted that Andromeda is always somewhere nearby, and now it’s clear you’ll have to make the same assumption. This is the Tethyan world.” Her tone was firm.
“It’s not obvious to me,” Avery shot back. “Please tell me the ground rules and what to expect. I understand about revelations, but sometimes there are simple matters of truth and reality.”
Philippa struggled to maintain control over her own rising anger. “Adelais has had to deal with fundamental changes in her life; and, in terms of this assignment, she has been trained in self-defense and offense.”
“What has that done for her?” Avery’s tone was relentlessly angry. “Did she get a say in it?”
“Actually, she did. Her parents wanted her to return to college, but she had different ideas.” Patiently Philippa again outlined how life was for a Primal, especially people like herself. Avery sat and listened, sifting understanding and anger. “Does that mean you live somewhat like royalty?”
Philippa relaxed a little. “I wouldn’t have put it that way, but it has a certain accuracy. We are privileged in a lot of ways and many of us have considerable wealth, but the price is a restriction of our freedom, just as with royalty.”
As her own emotions rose Philippa stood to face Avery. “I’m going to ask you to withhold final judgment. I’m fearful for our relationship, but there’s no other way. I’m holding out a life which is extraordinary, with a special purpose. But the telling can never be adequate. Living through the opening of this life is difficult but I believe you’ll find it worthwhile.”
Philippa now had Avery’s attention in a different way. Avery felt the challenge and knew she had a choice to make.
Philippa’s voice was strong. “Our coming together is difficult. In time I hope we’ll get past it. I’m here to get acquainted with my daughter and to introduce you to someone you must meet. A very important woman who is part of our Tethyan family.” She hesitated. “I believe she’ll be able to clarify for both of us why I was warned off and what all this means for you.”
Avery blew air out of her mouth in resignation. “And this person is who?”
“Her name is Celeste and she’s a Progenitor from the Hellenia Tethys—in the sea near the Turks and Caicos. She has a villa in the islands and she’ll help to bring you closer to the meaning of the life of Tethyans. As a Progenitor, Celeste has a lot to tell you, even teach you.”
“I’m trying. I really am,” Avery pleaded.
Suddenly Philippa’s face brightened. “It just occurred to me that I can tell you some other things about the world I live in.”
She told Avery about the meeting in Viareggio and the sudden appearance of Freya.
“Freya is a spirit and comes from one of the Tethys. There had to be an important purpose for her to present herself, and I don’t know exactly what it is. We’ll find out in time. In the meantime, we have some direction, and I think it’ll be helpful. We just can’t know exactly how yet.” Philippa smiled, “And I don’t like that any better than you.”
Philippa saw Avery stiffen. Slowly Avery’s head swung from side to side as if she was silently saying, No. Then she looked straight at Philippa. “How much of all this is about me?”
Philippa hesitated, then told Avery about the prophesy Celeste had revealed. They were both silent for some minutes. Philippa held her breath. She was surprised at Avery’s reaction.
“This may sound odd, Philippa, but my first reaction is relief. Discovery is exactly what’s happening to me. And like any explorer I can’t know what I’m going to discover. In that way, it all makes sense.”
Avery stopped for a moment as she watched Philippa relax. “But don’t think for a minute that I’m not still totally pissed off. I didn’t ask for this.” Silence fell as they sought a way forward. Then Avery smiled. “There’s only so much mythology and drama I can take at one time. Can we focus on my life right now? I want you to meet Beck. He’s real. He’s here. And he’s now. He’s filled a huge hole in my life. I think you’ll like him.”
“I’d hoped to get to meet him,” Philippa said. “You’ve met the people in my life, or at least many of them, and I look forward to meeting Beck.”
Avery’s face brightened. “So, how about dinner here tonight?”
The look on Philippa’s face felt soft and warm to Avery. “Here would be perfect.”
Avery and Philippa sat back to take some peace as the tempest of feelings cleared.
~~~
Beck was more than happy to be included. “So, I get to meet your strange emerging relative. Do I need to bring a swimsuit?”
“Okay, buster, now stop. We’re meeting on terra firma—my condo”
“Sorry. Not trying to be offensive, but you know what I mean.”
“I do. Philippa’s still being mysterious but I really want you to meet her.”
They gathered at the condo well before dinner that evening. To Avery’s relief and delight, Beck and Philippa resonated. The get-acquainted questions flew back and forth. After some time, Beck said, “Philippa, I’m not sure if you know it, but I work at the Covel Group, which we believe is responsible for the event at Laguna.”
Philippa’s voice was steady. “So I’ve heard.”
Avery could feel the tension rising and felt she had to intervene. She said, “Beck is about to share something you’re really going to like.”
Philippa looked expectantly at Beck.
“Avery and I both know that what happened at Laguna was related to testing my company was doing on a weapons system. But that’s not what’s of interest. Our CEO, Evan Corel, is on a leave of sorts.”
Philippa smiled. “And I know why. Go on.”
“I guess you know more than I do, but we can get to that later. The absence of our CEO means I’ve been able to gain access to his computer, and I’ve been making good use of it. I’ve documented the company’s work with the weapon, the fact that they intend to sell it to multiple bidders.”
“Such lovely people,” Philippa murmured. “What do you think we should do with that information?”
“I recommend that you do exactly nothing,” Beck said, “because I have even better intelligence. In Covel’s computer I found his correspondence with his business friends. Their emails are incriminating. We know much more now about who they are, their activities, and plans.”
Philippa glowed. “Our Andromeda people would be more than pleased to have that information.”
Avery could hardly contain herself, but made sure Beck kept the stage.
“It gets better,” he said. “I found their file on your people. It listed the information they have and their conclusions. It should be invaluable for purposes of both offense and defense. We now have a good idea who they have identified, what they think your people are doing. It should give guidance regarding who needs immediate protection.”
Philippa studied him for a moment as a smile blossomed on her face. “Oh, Beck, I now know why Avery wanted me to meet you. This is important news! I can’t thank you enough.”
“One more thing. I erased the information on your people in Covel’s computer.”
Philippa clapped her hands. “You’ve just made my day. We’ve been struggling with our own security problems, and this will give us some time.” Then she paused and turned serious. “Have you put yourself in danger?”
“I think I’m all right for now. But I’ll be watching my step.” He reached into his pocket. “I have all the information on this thumb drive.”
“The timing couldn’t be better. Brigid of the Andromeda, who heads our security force i
n this region, is in Miami. I’ll put this information in her hands.”
Beck gave her the thumb drive, adding, “You just said it’s your security force, but why is it called Andromeda?”
“It has a number of meanings. One of them is ruler of men,” said Philippa.
Beck burst out, “After all these millennia, there’s a force of women to be rulers of men. I love it.”
“See why I think this guy’s special?” Avery said, smiling.
Philippa continued. “The reality is, they don’t actually rule anybody. But they can be relentless in defense. In any event, I’ll get the drive to Brigid and she’ll get it to other key Andromeda people. By the way, you should know that Brigid attacked Evan, which is why he is absent from your company.”
Beck stared at Philippa, not knowing what to say. Finally, he managed a slow, deliberate response. “I think I understand why you’re concerned about my safety. We’re not in negotiations, are we?” He hesitated, studying Philippa. “This is not the world I’ve been living in. How did Brigid attack Evan?”
Philippa studied him for a moment. “It’s a little hard to convey, but she used her extraordinary powers to destabilize his mind. You might have met Brigid. She was Covel’s… consort.”
Beck stared at her for a moment. “I have no idea what that means, but it seems it was effective. For now I’ll accept it without the details.”
Philippa smiled in understanding. “This conflict is deep and broad, and before long both you and Avery will be in the position to understand the nature of the conflict—and the stakes.”
Avery held up her hand. “Before you say anything more, Beck, Philippa and I have an agreement. It’s making me pissed off a lot, but I’m accepting it. This is serious. It’s intense and dangerous, and yes, I’m going along with the program.”
Beck looked soberly at Avery for a moment. “Knowing you as I do, if you’re in, then I am, too.”
Chapter 39
You Are Not Alone
Miami, Florida
“Have you had Cuban food?” Avery asked Philippa. "Beck and I called in an order and we’ll go pick it up. It’s just a couple of blocks away.”
Philippa said, “I’ve never had Cuban cuisine. I’d love to try it.”
While they waited for the carryout, Avery was suddenly distracted by a fleeting, deep moan. She looked around. Beck didn’t seem to hear it.
On the way back to Avery’s condo they turned into an alley shortcut. Avery heard the moan again and clutched Beck’s arm. The only other sound was traffic in the distance. Movement in the dim light caught their attention and a man emerged from the shadows. He was holding a gun leveled at Beck.
At the same instant, they both noticed shadows moving behind the man. He sensed the movement and was starting to wheel around when his gun arm was struck upward, causing the gun to fire high into the air. He staggered from a blow to the side of his head. Two figures fell on him. As his head was forced to the side, Avery saw the glint of a knife blade. One of the figures drove it into his neck. He collapsed to the ground. It was all over in seconds.
One person stood back while the other knelt by the body. “Good evening to you, sir. Faith and begorrah, such an unfortunate accident.” The woman’s voice held an unmistakable Irish accent.
As they clutched each other, Beck and Avery strained to see their rescuers. Avery thought she was able to make out Adelais’s face. The other woman was going through the dead man’s pockets. “Ah. We have a wallet!” She tucked it and his gun into the large shoulder bag she had laid on the ground.
“I’ll just be taking these so it looks like a street robbery. Such arrogance to take a wallet on an assassination. This information will come in handy.” As she rose, the woman swept off a wig to reveal flaming red hair.
Then it came to Avery—Paris!
The woman said, “You’d best be on your way. Tell your friend from Italy the redhead sends her regards.”
Beck finally regained control. “If you are who I think you are, the lady has some important information for you. Get in touch with her soon.”
“I’ll do that. Have a nice evening.”
What Avery and Beck had not seen was another figure hovering nearby. In the darkness, her bright-blue eyes loomed. Freya knew who had to die that night, and saw that what was essential had happened.
“Avery, we should get moving.” Beck held Avery close and moved her forward.
“Beck, did you know that man? The gun was pointed at you.”
“We’ll get to that later. We need to get back to your condo.”
“Beck, I met both of those women in Paris. Shit, I do have people attached to me—and they just saved our lives.”
Beck pulled Avery into a trot. “We’ll do a postmortem later. We need to get out of here.”
When they entered the condo, Avery’s composure broke and she collapsed onto the sofa. Philippa went to her and looked from Avery to Beck.
Beck took charge. “Someone just tried to kill us.”
Aghast Philippa turned back to Avery. “Are you okay? What happened?”
After hearing the details, Philippa’s eyes narrowed. “So the Overlords have you in their sights, both of you. Clearly Andromeda has been your protector.”
“I’m actually reassured,” said Beck. “One of the women was a redhead who said to give you her regards.”
Avery added, “And, Philippa, I’m sure Adelais was the other one with Brigid. She seems to have had good training.” Avery was recovering. “Now I think I understand what attached means. Thanks, and you’re forgiven.”
A cloud crossed Avery’s face. “Philippa, there’s one other thing. I don’t know if it’s connected, but it was odd. Just before we went into the alley, I heard a deep moan. I’d also heard it earlier.” She turned to Beck. “Did you hear it?”
He shook his head. “No.”
Avery looked back to Philippa. “Am I wacko?”
Philippa leaned forward. “Avery, dear, I suspect not. I’d assume it was a warning that the Maelstrom was near. The fundamental destructive force. I’d say you’re under Gaia’s watchful eye.”
Avery sighed. “It’s not going to get any simpler, is it?”
“I’m afraid not, dear.”
Philippa was trying hard not to display the full extent of her concern. She knew Avery and Beck would need a little time to settle their initial reaction. In the meantime, she had to think about her next move. They could not go on as if nothing had happened.
No one ate much dinner. Beck was more studied and talked with Philippa about the implications. Philippa told him more about Brigid, her background, and mission. Avery watched and listened.
“I agree that we were probably both to be killed,” Beck said. “But the gun was pointed at me first. Can you contact Brigid the Magnificent? I didn’t think of it at the time, but I suspect someone at Covel.”
“Someone specifically?” asked Philippa.
“Yes. I actually thought she might be Andromeda, but now I think just the opposite.”
“You do understand, Beck, if your suspicions prove out, that person will not have much of a future.” Philippa’s words were slow and studied.
Avery watched the interchange and took a deep breath. “This is my life now, Philippa, isn’t it?” Her voice was strong and eyes clear.
Philippa spoke firmly. “No, Avery, this is not your life—this is a transition. Your life will not be one of waiting for the next attack. Tethyans have many resources and many possibilities. You’ll have a new life, and it will be secure.” She looked to Beck. “For both of you.”
Beck began to feel some of the tension of the last hours subside. Avery was silent for a moment. “If people are trying to kill me, I can’t be gallivanting around the world. There goes my career.”
Philippa lifted Avery’s chin and looked directly into her eyes. “Your career will change. You’ll see there are many future possibilities. I ca
n’t tell you exactly how it will work, but we’ll do everything in our considerable power to build a life you’ll love and find fulfilling. That’s a promise.”
Avery found herself torn by competing feelings. “I understand I’ll have to wait for the future to be revealed. But I hope the unfolding will begin soon.”
Philippa smiled. “Soon, very soon, we’ll go to the Turks and Caicos and map a new life for you.” She turned to Beck. “For you, as well.”
Beck understood. “Avery was way ahead of me. I think I just lost my job.”
“I’ll have to let the people at work know I won’t be returning and give them a good excuse so they don’t have the police combing the city for me,” Avery said
“We both have plans to make,” said Beck. “I’ll disappear from my organization, and I’m sure at least two of them will know why.”
~~~
Across town, Covel was on the phone with Ramos. “Can you explain to me how your man could fail utterly in this interaction with two young, naive fools?”
“They may have had help. We can’t be sure. All we know is that my man couldn’t finish his mission.”
“That is hardly an explanation. Are you telling me you have no idea what happened?” Covel tried to push away an all too familiar memory.
Jorge was silent for a moment. “The police believe our man may have been the victim of a street crime.”
“That is hardly a suitable explanation. Was your man mad or simply a wimp?” Covel said, kneading his forehead.
“Don’t talk to me like that. Do you have a better explanation? He was well trained and capable, and we weren’t there to see what happened.”
Evan needed to get off the phone. Images invaded his mind. He dropped the phone and shuddered, remembering Brigid’s flaming red hair.
Chapter 40
Finding My Place
To Turks and Caicos
Before dawn Philippa woke Avery and Beck. Avery had gotten little sleep and stumbled out into the living room. “What is this? Are we having a fire drill?”
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