by Jeff Altabef
“I’m sorry, Ella. I had to lay low because those guys from Roundtree’s house showed up at the hospital.” All true, and I’m happy I don’t have to start lying yet.
She gives me a quizzical look; her eyebrows arch above her eyes. “Your mom was worried also. She didn’t know where you went.”
“Mom’s the problem. Those criminals who tried to kidnap me and clobbered Troy have taken her. We think they’re holding her at the casino. They’re probably camped out in one of the Villas. That’s why we need your mother’s pass. We need to find her.”
She squints her eyes, uncertain whether to believe me. “Why don’t you tell the Sheriff?”
“He won’t listen to me. She’s only gone missing a few hours and they suspect that Sicheii’s involved in those murders.”
She’s about to say something, but she changes her mind and stares at me instead. She’s examining me, and after a long moment her face twists in a smirk.
“What?”
“You look different,” she says. “I can’t put my finger on it, but you’re not the same.” She turns toward Marlon for confirmation.
Marlon nods his head. “I see it too. You look badass.”
“Badass?” I say.
“Right,” Marlon says. “Like how Troy’s cousin, Landon, looked after he joined the Marines and got back from basic training.”
“Yea, that’s it—like you’re about to bring a world of hurt down on whoever gets in your way.” Ella grins. She’s only half joking.
Katie steps forward. “It’s probably just because she was in the hospital the last time you saw her.”
From the expressions on Marlon and Ella’s faces, I can tell they’re not buying it.
Katie protectively wraps her arms around me and smothers me with a giant-sized hug. “I don’t see how anyone can believe that your grandfather is involved in these murders. There’s no way Jake could do such a thing.” Katie’s voice is stern. She’s talking about Sicheii, but part of her is also talking about her father. With the evidence against her dad piling up and the conversation she overheard about him running, she needs faith in her father’s innocence now more than ever, and the two things have twisted together for her.
“Thanks,” I say, but Marlon and Ella share a look. It’s only a second but Marlon’s lips twist down at the ends and Ella’s eyes sparkle dangerously. There’s something behind that look. I’ll have to ask them about it later, because Sicheii joins us from the back of the apartment.
“Does this thing with your mother have anything to do with these murders?” Ella asks.
“Well....” I don’t know what to say. My newly developed ability to tap dance around the truth fails me.
Luckily, Ayden picks me up. “Summer’s taking is all my fault. It has nothing to do with the murders. These guys are from my past.” His face is full of remorse, with wide eyes and a deep frown. I find myself believing him even though I know better. “They are drug dealers who have issues with me from my prior life. They found out that I was released, and they’re using Summer to force my hand.”
Ella contemplates the new information the way she sorts out a tricky puzzle. She bites her lip, glances between Ayden and me, and makes up her mind in only a few seconds. “Okay, what can we do to help?”
“All I need is your mom’s pass to the Villas. We’ll take it from there.”
Ella removes the security card from her back pocket but holds it tightly in her fingers. She turns toward Marlon and Katie, who both nod their heads. “I’ll let you use my mom’s pass, but only if we come with you and help.”
“These guys are dangerous,” Ayden says. “You shouldn’t be involved. Once we spot Summer, we’ll call the Sheriff.” Ayden’s such a convincing liar I wonder if he’s been lying to me. He knows we’ll never call the police.
Ella twirls the pass in her hands, a satisfied smirk on her face. I know that look. It’s the same expression she gets when she knows she’s won an argument. She won’t give up until we agree. Time is ticking away, and the pounding in my head sounds fast and angry like my heartbeats. “Don’t we have some place to go?” she says.
“Okay, you guys can stay in the car at the casino. If we need to leave in a hurry, you’ll be ready.”
She hands me the pass.
I don’t want them to come, but what choice do I have?
I jump in the white Ford with Marlon, Katie, and Ella. Ella revs the car down Route 100. When you know people well enough, looks and gestures can tell you more than words. Silent pleas like, “Let’s leave this party,” or “I’d like to punch you in the face, “ or “Don’t lie to me” are often as clear as if they were spoken.
“So what’s with that look you shared with Marlon in the apartment?” I ask Ella.
Her eyes flicker across the rear view mirror and catch mine. “What look?” Her hands clutch the wheel tighter as she presses down harder on the accelerator. The tires squeal as she swerves around a Mercedes.
I grab the armrest, my fingernails digging in. “Slow down before you kill us. You’re a terrible liar. Almost as bad as me. So, spit it out. What don’t you want to tell me about my grandfather?”
The car slows, and Marlon turns his head to face me. “My brother says they have more evidence than just the hair and the hatchet against your grandfather for the Judge’s murder.”
“What else do they think they know?” I sound defensive even though that’s not my intent.
“They have a witness that saw Jake leave the Judge’s house around the time of the murder. He said Jake left in a green SUV.” Marlon shrugs one of his beefy shoulders. “I don’t know who the witness is.”
“That doesn’t prove anything,” Katie says. “Eye witness testimony is the least reliable kind.” Obviously she’s been doing some research about evidence, but she loses a little of her conviction as she goes on. “Your grandfather drives a Porsche anyway. Everyone knows that.”
I slouch back. “He also has a green SUV,” I tell them, my voice just barely above the hum of the engine. We drive the rest of the way in silence until we reach the casino.
Ella swings the Ford through the entrance to the resort and parks her car in the employee’s lot. Sicheii pulls his SUV next to her a minute later. They stare at the green SUV like it’s a hearse. I can’t blame them. I do it also.
The casino is part of a sprawling resort with one golf course, a lazy river, two pools, sixteen tennis courts, one casino, and a private stretch into the desert with dozens of thatch-roofed Villas. The main casino building itself is massive. It stretches fifteen floors high with a large ground floor for tables and games, four restaurants, and hundreds of guest rooms. I’ve been at the casino twice. Both times were a year ago. Mom and a friend she works with took me to the fancy Asian fusion restaurant. I thought the guy was cute and that maybe Mom had started to date him, but we later found out he was gay and just liked Asian fusion food.
We all roll out of the cars. Slung over my left shoulder is Troy’s backpack, which feels burdensome with the crystal hilt weighing heavily in it. I can almost sense the weapon vibrating, calling me, warning me. I’m sure it’s my overactive imagination, but it unsettles me. We need a plan and somehow I’ve become the leader. But before I devise one, a voice in my head seeks me out. It sounds sweet and sing-songy.
The verbalization is as clear as if I have ear buds on, but of course I don’t. “Welcome, Juliet Stone. I so look forward to meeting you. I’m in Villa 11. Bring the old man. He intrigues me. Don’t invite any of your friends. Your mom won’t like that. Don’t dawdle. She won’t like that either. Do as I say and she won’t be harmed.”
Everyone’s eyes are on me. For a second, I assume they heard the voice also, but that’s foolish. I’m sure the Seeker’s message was meant only for me.
“What do you think we should do?” Troy asks.
I’m grateful for the second to compose myself. I can think of only one plan. “We should break up into two teams. Sicheii and I will start on
the West side of the property on the opposite end from the gate and Troy, Ayden, and Lisa should start on the East end of the property.”
Ayden objects almost instantly. “I should go with you, Juliet. I don’t trust the old man to keep you safe.”
Sicheii growls behind me.
I raise my hand. “Each team needs at least one of us who has seen these guys. I’ve seen both Gold Tooth and Slicked Back Hair, and Troy remembers Slicked Back Hair.” I add as much conviction to my voice as I can muster. “When someone spots Mom or anyone suspicious, text everyone else immediately.” I almost forgot our cover story for Ella, so I hastily add, “that way, we’ll all be able to make sure Mom is here before we call the Sheriff. Ella, Marlon, and Katie will stay by the cars, at the ready if we need help.”
“Why does Troy get to go and I have to stay by the cars? I should come with you,” Marlon complains.
“You’ve never seen either of these guys before, and we’ll call you if we need you. That way you can help either team. You’ll be just on the other side of the gate.”
Marlon huffs and crosses his arms against his wide chest, but I doubt he really wants to join us. He’s probably just acting tough for Ella. We all know he’s really a giant marshmallow.
Some other minor protests about my plan erupt around me like brushfires, but I march toward the employee gate and ignore them. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the lights above the security gate kick on. Ella swipes her mom’s card and the sturdy black iron gate opens.
Before we split up, Ayden grabs my arm. “Be careful, Juliet. Make sure you call me if you find anything. I’ll be there in a flash.”
“You’ll be the first to know,” I lie to my father. He won’t be with me when I face the Seeker, but there’s no other way to save Mom.. He releases me, and I feel like I’m about to throw-up. I point toward the West where I assume Villa 11 is most likely to be. “Let’s go this way, Sicheii.”
Troy whispers in my ear. “Be safe.” His breath caresses my skin and I almost cry. His lips look like sugar. I shove him away and refuse to look at him. I can’t face him. I can’t be that girl. Now, I have to be the Chosen, the Seeker Slayer. I need to find a way to be strong and independent if I have any chance at all. I need to be badass.
I tromp off down the gravel path with Sicheii striding next to me.
It’s right that we face the Seeker alone. He got us into this mess, and together, we’re going to have to pull Mom out.
I march along the path just a pace short of a jog. Flickering street lamps light our way. Little wooden posts with Villa numbers point in different directions. I hesitate at the signs to make sure we head in the right direction.
“Which Villa are we looking for?” Sicheii asks.
“What do you mean?” I respond without breaking stride.
“Obviously you know where we are headed, so what number is it?”
“Number 11.”
“That is a good number. I imagine the Great Wind Spirit has spoken to you.” His weathered face beams with confidence, but I can’t let him believe that the Wind Spirit is directing me. That is too much and too dangerous, so I stop and grab his arm.
“I heard the Seeker’s voice in my head. He said to meet him at Villa 11 and to bring only you. Otherwise, he will hurt Mom. I didn’t hear the wind say anything.”
He grins. “Oh, Little Bird, the Wind Spirit works in mysterious ways. Who made the Seeker reach out to you and reveal his position? I feel the Wind Spirit in this.” He pulls his head back and breathes deeply. “I can smell her in the air.”
I grind my teeth. “Great. The Wind Spirit wants us to march into the Villa where the Seeker and his lackeys will be waiting for us. It sounds like a stupid plan, but I don’t see another choice. It’s our only way to save Mom. He’ll know if we bring others.”
“We don’t need another plan. You are blessed by the Wind Spirit, and your time has come.”
A hawk circles high above us. It’s a Red Shouldered Hawk, which is Sicheii’s animal guide. He smiles when he sees it.
“Doesn’t that hawk warn you of trouble?”
“Sometimes, Juliet. And other times, the hawk reveals my destiny. One circled overhead when I met your grandmother.” We resume our trek toward the Villa.
I wish I had my grandfather’s confidence, but doubt flickers like the streetlights just beneath the surface of my thoughts.
Villa 11 appears on our right. The white van is parked in the driveway and I shudder. I remember the last time I saw that van. Panic storms back into me. I have to fight through it.
I can’t go back now. I must be strong. I am strong.
He turns to me. “Coyote has a silver tongue. Don’t be fooled by the trickster’s words. He will try to deceive you through his pawn. Stay strong. You are the Seeker Slayer.”
“Yes, I am.” I say with a surprising amount of confidence. I dig out the crystal hilt from my backpack and tuck it into the waistband in the back of my jeans and pull the bottom of the Beatles t-shirt on top of it.
My iPhone buzzes. It’s probably a text message from Troy. I ignore it.
Sicheii puts his hands on my shoulders, his eyes wide and a little wild. “Lets go fulfill our destinies.”
The gate to Villa 11 is open. Gold Tooth and Slicked Back Hair flank both sides of the front door. We stroll up the driveway casually, our gait steady as if we are dinner guests.
They smile when they see us. Fear courses through me as I lumber up the three stone steps toward them. My body feels heavy, awkward, unsure.
Sicheii takes my hand in his big calloused one. It steels my nerves, and I move faster.
We stop when we are within a few feet of the two lackeys. A victorious grin graces both their faces.
Gold Tooth says, “You should have just come with us the first time, Love. Everything would have been easier.”
“Now your poor mom is involved when all we wanted was the old man.” Slicked Back Hair nods toward Sicheii.
“If all you need is me,” says Sicheii, “then let them go and you can have me.” He raises his arms parallel with the ground causing his linen shirt to flow loosely around him.
“It’s too late for that, medicine man,” Gold Tooth says. “The boss wants both of you now.”
Slicked Back Hair opens the front door and waves for us to enter the house. We roll past them, but I stop in the doorway and sneer at Gold Tooth. “I won’t forget what you did to Mr. Cordingly.” I’m not sure why I say this, but the words spit from my mouth anyway. Both of my hands are bunched up tight.
Gold Tooth smiles a toothy grin, his one metal tooth gleaming in the moonlight. “I think you have bigger problems to worry about now, little girl.” Still, a flicker of doubt dances behind his eyes. Maybe he remembers what happened to the iron ring in the van or maybe he’s just curious or maybe I imagine it. Either way, Gold Tooth shuts the door behind us.
“I’m in the living room, Juliet Stone. I really can’t wait to meet you.” The Seeker sounds as if he is right next to me, whispering in my ear.
The Villa has hardwood floors and beige walls with floor to ceiling windows. The living room is off to the left so I start in that direction with Sicheii beside me. I breathe through my nose to steady my nerves and resist the urge to grab the hilt of my sword. I’d rather wait and surprise him. It’s the only weapon I have.
When I push through a set of white wooden double doors, the Seeker is sitting on a bench behind a mahogany grand piano. My heart jumps. Two tall golden candles burn on both sides of the piano. A honey sweet scent wafts into the air, and a snow white Alaskan Husky lies on the floor by his feet. The dog barely lifts his head when we enter the room.
The Seeker wears a white silk shirt that flows past his waist. Loose fitting navy pants touch the tops of his bare feet, which rest casually on the hardwood floor. The shirt has an insignia on the chest of a purple triangle with a golden circle inside.
His light colored skin is almost albino and appears soft and s
mooth, but I can’t help but stare into his electric eyes. There’s beauty behind those eyes and intelligence and a certain hardness that can only come from a proclivity toward cruelty. His features are perfectly symmetrical with thick lips and a strong chin. I stop breathing when I realize he’s studying me much the same way I am studying him. I feel heat where his eyes pierce mine.
His lips slowly curl upward around the edges until they turn into a wide smile. “They chose a girl.” He chuckles. “And a rather small, average girl at that.”
My face narrows and he casually waves his hand with a flick of his wrist. Long, thin fingers beckon us to come closer. “I’m sorry, Juliet Stone, but where I come from, women are not usually put into these types of situations. I thought they would have chosen a boy. There is, of course, the story of Agatha, who some believe was the greatest warrior of our people, but she is really a myth. Even if she did exist, I doubt half of what she was said to have accomplished was real. She has become a fairy tale for children. Still, they chose you and you are before me.” He nods his head. “You clearly have courage. I’ll give you that.”
“Where is my mom?”
The Seeker’s face turns hard, his voice terse. “Why ask me when you can tell on your own? You must be able to sense her presence.”
I let my mind roam and immediately recognize her spirit. It comes from inside the house, and I can breathe. She’s unharmed.
“You see, it’s all the more rewarding when you discover things on your own. There are so many facts I need to tell you, Juliet Stone. I’m sure they haven’t told you the whole story. They are so duplicitous in their ways, always hiding the truth, never letting anyone know the full story. They wish to trick you with falsehoods so you will do their bidding.”
Doubt flits through my mind. They really haven’t told me much. I don’t even know who they are, not really. Sicheii believes the Wind Spirit is behind everything, but I have a problem believing in something I can’t see or touch or feel. I’ve searched my mind for evidence that he is right. I’ve rummaged through my thoughts as if I were searching the Internet, expecting to find a voice that agrees with him or to just know he is right like I do about other things, but so far, nothing.