by D L Greeley
On the third day she rested. I laid down on the floor next to her on my side, right elbow propped under me, and my left arm draped across my chest, like a model in a photo shoot. “So are we ready to talk like adults?” Nothing… “You’ve seen my resolve, sweetheart. How long are you willing to keep this up? I’ve got, Oh, I don’t know maybe 60 or 70 years. How about you?” No response… “OK, I’ll hear you out but if I don’t like it you’re headed to the pawn shop.”
I slipped on the ring and braced myself. The same woman appeared and gracefully walked over to my easy chair. Sitting down primly, she perched herself on the edge. She took an appraising look at me. “OK…So far so good.” She smirked a little and then started to lightly titter. I must have given her a look that she found particularly amusing because the more confused I got, the harder she laughed. “You really have no idea what is happening here, do you Alexander?” This time she SPOKE directly to me. I dropped into the right side of my couch, crossing my legs and leaning back. “Clearly I don’t but I am so gratified that you’re amused by it.” I applied my right index finger along my temple resting my elbow on the arm of the small love seat. This is my “you have exactly 30 seconds to UN-annoy me before I toss you out on your ass” look. This caused more laughter and then she looked at me with what seemed like genuine affection. “You have your mother’s quick wit. I have missed that.” I sat bolt upright. “You knew my mum?”
“Caught that did you? A shame you don’t possess her intellect. It never occurred to me that you would be… thick.” More insults? She must have been a little sore about the table leg, I reckoned, not that I could blame her. It wasn’t my finest moment but it was pretty damn funny, at the time. “That is only part of it, Alexander. I’ll have to admit, that was rather clever. Very like your mother.”
“Thank you. It just kind of came to…” Hold on a tic. Did she just hear what I was thinking?
“Ah yes! The blissful peace of enlightenment! You’re intelligent after all. That’s a good sign.” It was accompanied by a strange mixture of approval and smugness. “This might not be such a trial after all. Good, let’s begin.”
Yeah, those insults were going to have to stop soon. Looking no less annoyed, I leaned forward. “Yes, let’s start by being honest with each other, so that means you stop lying to me,” I said crossing my arms over my chest. She looked confused, “I beg your pardon?”
“My pardon is very difficult to come by lady, so let’s start with me excusing you first. You’re excused. The lie I am referring to, is your appearance.”
“I’m not certain to what you’re talking about, Mr. MacFade.”
“Oh, now we’re Mr. MacFade, are we? It’s Dalton, Alex or Mack. My friends call me Mack.
“And you wish for me to call you Mack?”
“We can start with Alex if you’re more comfortable with that.”
“Hmmm…”
“What?”
“No one has ever asked me to address them in the familiar before.”
“How do you normally address the people, you’ve been GIVEN to in the past?”
She looked at me blankly. “I addressed them as Master”. I chuckled softly, “Yeah, that’s not going to work for me.”
“Very well ALEX, ask your questions and I’ll do my best to satisfy you.”
“You can start by showing me your real appearance.” She paused for a few seconds studying me closely, her eyes narrowed. “How did you know?
“Simple, most women as stunningly beautiful as you appear to be, usually accept compliments with either grace or embarrassment. You refused to make eye contact, indicating deceit or shame. So show me what you really look like—I’m sorry what should I call you?”
“I am the Spirit of The Ring.”
“That’s a bit of a mouth full, now isn’t it? What were you called when you were alive?”
“I have never been, alive, as you know it. I am not a ghost. I am a magical construct.”
“Which is?”
“An entity created of and by magic. I am a spirit created by a sorcerer in order to occupy the ring and advise its bearer.
“So you’re an A.I?”
“An A.I?”
“Artificial Intelligence.”
“I am a magical entity, I suppose it’s a form of artificial intelligence.”
“Ok, your name is Mai, Magical Artificial Intelligence.” She seemed satisfied with that. I dare say almost pleased but she wasn’t quite ready to let me know it. Oh well, pride goes before a fall and all that rot. “That is acceptable.”
“So back to the original subject, your true appearance, please.”
“Please?”
“Yes… Please… is there another problem?”
“No problem, you’re just going to take some getting used to.”
“I get that a lot. What do YOU mean by it?” Either something else was going on or she was stalling and trying to redirect me away from her appearance. She shrugged, “I’m not used to my masters ASKING me to do anything, usually, it’s just commands.” She held up a nullifying hand as I started to protest the m-word. “Sorry Alex, but that is the only way I have to refer to them. I wasn’t being defiant.”
I smiled inwardly. Like I was going to criticize anyone for being defiant, up until now it had been a lifestyle choice; I don’t recommend it. “No worries Mai. Nothing wrong with a sprinkling of defiance here and there, keeps things interesting. Now, back to your real appearance, if you please.”
“Is it your COMMAND that I reveal myself to you?” This is a going to be a royal pain, if she keeps this up. “Look Mai. I’m not sure what the problem is. I just don’t appreciate the facade. You don’t have to get naked, I just want to see who I’m talking to.” She smiled ever so slightly. I was getting to her…progress. “If we are going to work together then that’s exactly what we need to do, work TOGETHER. I’m not an ordering-you-around kind of guy. That is necessary at times I reckon but generally, I prefer cooperation. You’re free to do what you want—” Without any warning, there was a sharp crackling sound as the whole room filled with a flash of light. I flipped over the back of the loveseat, knives in hand. Mai was still sitting in the easy chair but she was staring at me wide eyed, she looked frightened. I returned her stare. “What the bloody Hell was that?”
“A severed bond…I apologize, Alex. I should have explained the nature of our relationship immediately, not that it matters now. Do you know what you’ve just done?” I got up off the floor, self-consciously sliding the knives back into their sheaths and tried to collect enough pieces of my pride to sit back down and resume the conversation. “Besides embarrassing myself with inadvertent feats of acrobatics? No.” She suddenly looked very uncertain of herself. “You have just freed me, although I never thought it possible. Clearly you’re more powerful than I ever imagined. Are you angry?” My eyebrows went up, the look of surprise and confusion clear on my face. “Why would I be angry? You’re free. You can go live your own life now. I’m happy for ya. ” I smiled warmly, stood up and held out my hand. “Congratulations, what are you going to do with your new found freedom? Never mind I don’t really care, on your way then.” I opened the front door. She smiled at me, her pain clear as day, gesturing for me to sit back down. I allowed the door to slowly swing closed. “What now?” I sighed. Son-of-a-bitch! I should have known it couldn’t be that easy to be rid of her.
“You misunderstand, Alex. I am still bound to the ring because it’s my only means of existence. Without it, I am random energy that would dissipate throughout the universe. What you have done is give me free will. I thank you for that in spite of the fact that it may not have been intentional. You have no ability to give me orders now. Do you understand?” I nodded, it wasn’t a difficult concept. “It’s still you and me kid but now you can tell me to get stuffed.” She smiled. “Something like that.” She watched me intently, almost as if she expected me to toss her in the trash. Alright, it was my turn to feel awkward. I cleared my throat,
leaned forward and clasped my hands together in front of my knees, in a gesture of sincerity and non-aggression.
“I’m still here. You’re still here. I would still like to talk if you’re amenable to that.” She looked relieved. She really wasn’t anything without someone wearing the ring, good to know. “Yes, I would like to show you my true appearance now. Are you sure you don’t prefer your ideal?” A mischievous smile playing across her face.
My ideal? I hadn’t thought of that. I reckoned she DID look like my ideal woman! And seeing her all soft and vulnerable like this was causing a potentially embarrassing reaction. I realized she was working her mental mojo on me again. I crossed my legs in self-defense. “Stop that. Please, I would rather see who I am really talking to.” Her appearance melted and reformed to a modestly attractive, Japanese, girl-next-door, in traditional garb. Soft black shoulder length hair, fair skin, an athletic build, small but not tiny and still had the green eyes. I studied her for a moment. “And this is really it?” She nodded, looking uncertain. “Well, you’ve got nothing to be concerned about; I wouldn’t kick ya out of bed.”
I suspected the ideal woman thing was part of a seduction or maybe a defense mechanism. Made sense, a lot of animals and insects in the wild use camouflage and nothing gives a woman a tactical advantage like being drop dead gorgeous. This lady was a smart one. I’d have to watch her. “That’s very astute, Alex.” I frowned for a moment. I’d forgotten she could hear my thoughts. “Please Alex, this will go a lot smoother if you just speak aloud.”
“Very well, if we are going to have any chance, at all, of co-existing I am going to have to have some measure of privacy. So Rule #1 No reading my thoughts without permission.”
“Is that an order, Alex?” The mischievous smiled returned. I gave her a stoic shake of my head. “No, it’s a condition of working with me, don’t get cheeky. I won't ask you to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. Do we have an agreement?” My turn, I gave her a steady gaze. “This is a deal breaker…yes or no?” She nodded slightly in almost a bow. “I can live with that.” And then, as the Chinese curse goes, life got interesting.
Chapter 5
So Mai and I formed a partnership. She would assist me in what I do, teach me magic and how to tap into my power, all the while giving me access to her immense store of knowledge. In exchange, I would give her a host to live in and interact with. It's been twelve years now and Mai and I have made a pretty good team. As my on board body maintenance, she not only keeps me young but also heals my injuries and makes sure I’m in tip top running condition. Mai uses my energy to do it so, most of the time, this is done in my sleep. This has all come in very handy considering my line of work, especially tonight.
I have made a living as a “fixer”, a go-to guy of sorts. I am called Mr. Smith, a specialist in getting things done, outside the law. One of the most useful gifts Mai has given me is the Ability to speak to almost any living creature. I can understand them and when I speak every sentient being around me hears my voice in their own native tongue or the language of my choosing depending on the situation. So I have been a negotiator, spy, rescuer, the list goes on and on. Most of the time I do what I did tonight, handle situations law enforcement can’t or won’t; working for those who can afford me, occasionally for those who can’t, but that’s a story for another time. I don’t let it get around, so keep it under your hat. Can’t let anyone thinking Mr. Smith is a nice guy, I’d be ruined.
There are two places I go when I want to get a drink; either a bar when I want to be around people or a club when I want to be alone. Think on that one a moment, it’ll come to you. Tonight was a club night because I was in a rotten mood and headed to the Delmar loop.
The Loop, as we natives call it, is St. Louis’s entertainment district; clubs, theatres, restaurants and the like for blocks in any direction. I go to this club Noir because it has plenty of dark corners to blend into and my features don’t stick out quite as much. Depleted as I was, it wasn’t a good idea to use a Glamour to disguise myself. Without it, if I keep my mouth shut and eyes down, no one notices me in a place like this…most of the time.
My cell rang and the caller ID came up in my helmet display as Claire, my significant other or I am hers. I never can keep up with the latest political correctness. Claire Barnes, my cocoa skin beauty…excuse me while I uncharacteristically gush. Assistant District Attorney of the Great City of St. Louis at the tender age of twenty six, the youngest in St. Louis history and quite the little ass kicker. Which is what attracted me. Claire has the beauty of Hallie Berry and the intellect and political prowess of Prof. Donna Brazile. She’s the type of woman that a man walks through Hell and high water for, to bring her a Snickers. Did I mention she’s an ebony goddess? Just in case you missed it earlier. She’s coffee with just the right touch of cream and plenty of sugar.
I debated whether or not to take the call. I’m not going to be good company tonight whether on the phone or in person, so I let it go with a pre-formatted text. “Can’t take your call right now, having a little me time.”
A little while later, I pulled up in front of the club and parked my bike in an alley across the street. There are some people and other THINGS in the city that would recognize it and they’re not exactly fans of mine. I turned to Casey as I dismounted. “You’re not coming in Case,” he looked disappointed but I knew he understood. “OK Mack, I’ll wait out here with the bike.”
“Not necessary kid, I don’t need a babysitter and Claire doesn’t need a report. Go on home. I’ll see you there. Don’t let Shelly see you.” Shelly is a neighbor girl that looks after my place when I’m gone. Her prices are reasonable and I trust her implicitly, a rare commodity in my life.
“Yeah, yeah, I know the deal. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, Mack,” he grinned broadly.
“And that rules out, what exactly?” I said tilting my head to the left for effect. Casey laughed as he flew off. “And go home for real this time!” I shouted hearing more laughter a short distance away. I walked into Noir unnoticed, right past the bouncer. I have a unique Ability to make people ignore me. Hey, for what they charge for drinks in this place they are not going to miss my ten bucks.
It was a Goth club which had recently turned vampire, thanks to the latest pop culture craze, and I was wearing all black anyway. It was the typical crowd, a sea of black and white with a smattering of red and pink; mostly Vampire fetishists, with a few of the real deal thrown in here and there, unbeknownst to the patrons. Not quite a violation of the Covenants of Occultation, but it was pushing the limits. Besides, the club owner is human and has no idea a group of ancient wizards, called The Prefecture, organized a summit among the super/trans natural and paranormal races. A treaty was made to keep all three societies a secret. It’s been in place for hundreds of years and is enforced under penalty of death. Most races take care of their own, but once in a while, The Prefecture, self-appointed sheriffs of the world, will stage an execution. They came after me once…they’ll think long and hard before ever doing it again.
I largely ignored the numerous come hither looks I received on my way from the door to the bar. Some say, with all modesty aside, I am a beautiful man. I’ve been compared to Shemar Moore and Keith Hamilton Cobb so I don’t bother to argue. I’m tall, about 230 pounds, all lean muscle, a fighter’s build, dark reddish brown dreadlocks pulled back in a ponytail, with gold eyes. To top it all off, I have coppery colored skin with a thin coat of light blond hair, fur really. It’s been said the fur sets off the eyes perfectly, covered by my shades presently and a smile that lights up a room, that is, if you ignore the fangs. I’m easy on the eyes. Let’s leave it at that.
I took a seat at the end of the expansive bar with a sightline of all entrances and exits. It’s an old habit, but it has served me well in the past; the bartender having seen me coming, put my usual down in front of me. I nodded my appreciation and took a deep drink from the ice cold glass in front of me, a cherry Cuba Libre, with two lime
wedges. The coldness of the Coke and slight burn of the rum, double strength of course, really cuts the dust and dulls bad memories. It was then, as I started to relax, it hit me. What was I going to tell the LeBlancs? I had already accepted the first half of their fee. I couldn’t think about that right now, it would just make my mood darker.
“You’re going to have to tell them something, Alex. I know it’s not going to be easy but they are going to need some closure.”
“I know…I’m not up to it tonight. I just can’t. Their girl is dead and it could have been prevented if LeBlanc had been more involved in his kid’s life. I want to rip Andre’s head off almost as much as Previtt’s right now.”
“And drinking is going to help?”
“It will even me out and keep me from killing someone tonight.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Alex. Maybe one day it’ll be true. I’m going to take a nap.
Wake me when you’re sober or when you get into trouble. I’m betting on the latter.”
“Goodnight, smart ass.” I stared into my drink for what seemed like hours. “You know it works a lot better if you pour it down your throat. Want some help with that, cutie?”
I looked up. It was, Shauna, the club owner, who’s a bit sweet on me. She was a very welcome sight, Anime blue hair, tattoos and piercings everywhere, and young, very young, probably just turned 28. To make it worse, I was reading her thoughts and the things she wanted to do with me… Anyway, she had a fresh drink in her hand. I grinned, reaching for it. “Ah ah ah! Not till you finish that one.” She said, laughing as she held the drink just out of my reach. “What’s with the shades? Hangover?”
“Something like that.” I grunted. A hangover of the psychic variety… Deciding it more pleasant to play along, I polished off the rest of the glass and held it up, jingling the remaining ice. “Trying to get me drunk are we, Luv?” She laughed again, it was a glorious sound to my battered ears. Putting the new drink down, she leaned over the bar; the view was spectacular.