by Tom Keller
So someone else had gotten zapped. Where was this going to lead? Well, at least on this case I had a place to start. I was just going through my contact list looking for O'Malley's number when the phone rang again.
"Hey Dad, what's up?" my son asked when I put the phone to my ear.
"Jay, just getting ready to go the office, how are you doing?"
"Fine, Dad. Hey, I got a case that needs some follow-up in Vegas. Just wanted to give you a heads up I'd be in town and make sure I could stay at the house."
"Of course, and since when do you have to ask," I said, mentally preparing a shopping list. "When you going to be in town?"
"Probably sometime tomorrow but it'll be the early evening before I can meet up. I have some things scheduled in the early afternoon. I'm hoping to be there for two to three days. I thought if we get the time maybe we could get some fishing in."
"That'd be great, I should be clear, I'll let Nikki know you are coming."
"She already knows. I just got off the phone with her."
"Why didn't I know that? But I'll touch base with her anyway so we can coordinate a family dinner."
"Ok, but no meatloaf, I had that with Mom yesterday."
"Damn, you know that's my favorite," I joked, then added, "I guess you'll be stuck with my recipes then." Growing up, Lynn, my ex, had always fixed the family favorites and I'd done the barbecuing and experimenting. I'd actually worked my way through high school and my first two years of college as a cook before joining the force so I rather enjoyed it.
"I'm sure we'll be ok," he said with a laugh. "Gotta run then, I'll see you tomorrow, love you."
My kid's always told me they loved me when they hung up the phone. It was nice that some things hadn't changed. Since Jay was coming to town, I bumped my call to O'Malley down the list and dialed my daughter.
"Hey Nikki, I just talked to Jay. He's coming into town, you gonna be free to do dinner tomorrow night?"
"Absolutely," she answered. "We're actually working a case together so we'll be spending some time together. Is that cool or what?"
"Yes it is," I commented, "which one is that, if you can talk about it?"
"It's the electrocuted guy from Primm. The autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow and since I handled the crime scene I caught the case. It's a weird one, too."
"Oh really, I saw that one in the paper today and O'Malley mentioned that you'd called that one in. What's the deal on it anyway? It sounded like he got hit by lightning."
"I wish it were just lightning. He must have been hit at least seven times and there hasn't been a storm in a month, really weird," she answered. "I just found out that Jay has four others almost exactly like it."
"Four, damn, the paper just listed the one out of Baker. That is weird. What do you guys think? You got a lead on what's going on?" I wished I could tell her why I was really interested but I wasn't ready to have that conversation yet, if ever.
"Our guys are leaning on some kind of industrial incident cover-up but Jay doesn't think so. He hasn't said too much though, you know how he is. But Dad, why else would they send him? He works anti-terrorism and cases like that. I just hope it's not some kind of weird weapons thing, that's all we need."
"Well, with you two on it, I'm sure the case will be resolved in no time." I said, acting the proud father.
"Ha, ha, ha," she chuckled, "the Hoskins kids save the world!"
"Damn straight!"
"Well, I'll let you know if I hear anything else. I've still got some evidence to process from yesterday so I have to get going. I'll see you soon, love you, Dad."
"Love you too babe, talk to you soon."
O'Malley was next but his conversation was short. He had Hoskins' coming out of the woodwork with both my daughter and son involved so he wasn't chatty. That was alright. I figured I'd learn plenty when I saw the kids tomorrow.
Hell, I wasn't going into the office today anyway so I called Mal to see if he'd had any luck with the drives from my computer. I knew it was magic that fried them but it would be interesting what he dug up, if anything. As I figured, Mal hadn't learned a thing but he told me he wasn't giving up. I let him know I'd check in over the next few days to hear about his progress.
I spent the rest of the day with housekeeping duties and shopping. Pretty boring stuff, but hey, when you have a house, there's always little things that need attention. Like the lawn being mowed, the pool being cleaned and weeding the garden. It was a nice day so I didn't mind. That's one nice thing about working for yourself; you get to set your own hours. I was lucky, business had been good lately and I was caught up. I wish I could always say that.
I was just getting a drink in the kitchen when realized I still hadn't seen the Dwarf. I went out into the yard and figured I'd try to use some of my new found talents. Charlie was just coming around the corner of the house so I called out to him. "Charlie, where's the Dwarf, Bernd?"
He dropped the bone he was carrying and looked up at me. Then he turned his head sideways and I heard a mental shrug. He went over to the oak tree and sniffed for a minute all around it. He turned his head from side to side a few times sniffing the air. Then he looked back at me and said, "Bernd gone." Then he walked back over to where he'd dropped the bone, plopped down and began chewing it.
Well, that was informative. I just shook my head and went back into the house to clean up and then get some shopping done. What had I expected, the Dwarf's itinerary? I guess he'll show up sooner or later.
Chapter 10
I left the house around 7:30 p.m. and headed for downtown to see what Mr. Milagre had set up. I got off on the Boulevard and drove down to Oakey. When I got close, I drove around the neighborhood a bit to make sure there was no one from the other night waiting for me. Everything looked ok so I parked next to the tour bus lot and walked toward Danu's.
I opened the heavy outer wooden door and then paused after going through the inner doorway. I saw that Delia appeared to be working alone tonight. She looked up at me as I walked in but gave no hint of recognition. She had to remember me, but if so, she wasn't acting like it. I wondered if Siegfried had mentioned we were coming.
I took a seat at an empty table and watched her for a bit. Damn, she looked good. Was she really some kind of Vampire? She was wearing a red silk blouse with just the right amount of cleavage showing and creased black slacks that fit, well. Let's just say they fit perfectly. There was something else about her and it wasn't just her beauty, although her green eyes were definitely enchanting.
Just then Mr. Milagre came in through the doorway. As I stood to greet him I saw that he was accompanied by another, shorter man. This one looked to be in his 60s with a full head of gray hair and dressed casually in expensive clothes. He didn't seem the Vegas type, especially compared to Milagre who was impeccably dressed in a black tailored suit.
"Robert, I'm glad you could make it." He turned toward his companion.
"William, this is Robert Hoskins, I believe he can handle what you need."
"Excellent," the man said.
I knew Milagre was Fae, but William, although I could sense some magic about him, appeared to be mortal. I wondered how they were connected.
We sat down at a large table. At that moment, the door opened again, and looking over, I saw Siegfried and another man come in. I nodded as he walked by and took a stool at the bar. His partner moved closer to the door and sat down next to someone who had already been here when I arrived.
"I hope you don't mind?" Milagre said as he waved at the bartender to come to the table. "It seems that Siegfried likes to keep a closer eye on me these days. They won't disturb us."
"Probably a good idea," I answered. "I don't fancy a repeat of the last time just yet."
Milagre didn't comment so I glanced over at William but he was quiet as well. The bartender chose that moment to arrive at the table.
Milagre stood up and gave her a hug. "Delia, let me introduce you," he said, turning toward us. "William you already
know, and this is Robert Hoskins, a friend of ours."
William waved and I stood up.
"Hello, a pleasure," I said as I extended my hand. Two could play at this game.
Delia took it and gave me a friendly shake. "A new friend, well then, Robert, Danu's and I welcome you." She was still acting like the other night had never happened. She turned back towards the table as I sat back down. "Now my friends, what can I get you?"
We ordered drinks and as she went back to the bar, I turned to William. "So, tell me what I can do for you," I asked.
"Straight to business, I like that," he said with a laugh, then turned to Milagre. "What have you told him?"
"Nothing yet," he replied. "I wanted to leave the specifics to you."
"Very well," he began, "here's the job. I need something delivered to a woman who ran the mitt camp, uh, the fortune telling booth. She was known as Pythia, the Oracle. She and I worked the carny circuit years back and all I know is that she's now supposed to live somewhere around here."
"Alright," I said, "but it would help if you could tell me her name."
William looked thoughtful for a moment, and then replied. "I knew her as Deborah but her real name was Diantha. She used to go by the last names of Medea and Kent but I can't swear that she still uses them."
He reached into his front pocket and pulled out a leather pouch. It looked old and well worn. He loosened the rawhide tie and looked around the room for a moment as if he wanted to make sure that no one was watching. He pulled out what appeared to be a green oval stone on a fine golden chain. It looked like jade but I couldn't be sure. As he lifted it out of the pouch by the chain I saw the stone had a design on one side, almost like an eye. "I need to return this to her and it needs to be handled delicately, and soon."
"Fine," I said, "you need me to find an old fortune teller named Deborah or Diantha and give her back her property. So what am I missing here?" Come on, there had to more to this story.
William was about to answer when Delia returned with our drinks. She served the two of them, and then placed a beer in a frozen mug in front of me.
"This is one of our specialty brews that we make here on the premises. It's a light lager but don't be fooled, the alcohol content is higher than most. I hope you like it," she said.
I took a sip and answered back. "This is good."
She looked pleased and gave me a wink. "Let me know if you want anything else."
First she ignores me and now she flirts with me, at this rate I was never going to figure this girl out.
"It was after the war, you see, the Great War mind you, W W One," he said, pronouncing it just like that, W W One." William continued as he put the pouch back in his pocket. "I was running this little carnival. Nothing elaborate, you understand, but we did ok. We even had a regular circuit in the New York area." He stopped to take another drink.
I was surprised to learn of his longevity. If what he was saying was true, and I had no reason to doubt it, he had to be over 100 years old.
"Anyway, as I was saying, I had this little carnival. So one day, outside of Cooperstown, I meet this gal, Deborah. God she was beautiful. She makes me a deal you see. I let her join the show and she grants me long life and prosperity. I gotta tell you, I thought she was some crazy gypsy at first even if she was pleasing to the eyes, if you get my drift." He seemed lost in his memories for a moment but then went on.
"Anyway, she showed me things that I hadn't even dreamed of and we did well together. Made a lotta scratch, hell, I was even happy for a time when we lived together. I never grew older, just like her. Everything was fine for a long time."
"So what happened?"
"It was like this. Debbie, I mean Deborah; well...she liked to wander a bit. Do you understand?" he asked, waiting for me to say something.
I assumed he meant she was unfaithful to him, so I said so.
"Exactly," he answered, "and it used to make me angry. Times were a lot different then. But what could I do? She had powerful magic and she could make people do things. But like I said, I wasn't happy about it. After a while we started to argue about it a lot but she wouldn't change."
"She used to tell this story about the jewel around her neck. Said she'd been given it by the Gods back in the old days. So, I figured that's where her powers came from. Well, one day, after one of her little...excursions...I took it from her while she was sleeping. Clean up and left her behind, I did. That was about, oh, 60 years ago, I guess."
"Didn't she look for you?"
"She might have, but without the necklace I don't think she was much more than mortal. No, I grabbed a train and headed out west. Changed my name and face and started working in the movie business. I never saw her again."
"So why now?" I asked.
"Well, this necklace doesn't work as well for me anymore. Aw hell, it doesn't work for me at all, you see. Truth is, I'm dying, but I need to set things straight before I go."
"Alright, why me?" I asked, knowing that Milagre, at least, had a reason for choosing me for this job.
"Well, after I got to California I got married, had me some kids as well. Now, Deborah, she has got to still be pretty upset. Once she gets this necklace back...well...there's no telling what she might do. She could be quite temperamental." He almost looked embarrassed.
"Look, I'm not afraid for me. I've had a good life, longer than it should have been. But she may want revenge and I don't want my family to suffer for my mistakes. They're as mortal as I was before I met her. Do you know where I'm coming from?"
"I think I do," I nodded. "But I have a few questions."
Milagre held up his hand. "Rob, before you go on, let me tell you why I recommended you. It's my belief that the spell you carry will offer some protection to you from anything this woman might do when the necklace is returned. I'm not saying it won't be dangerous but I believe you offer the best chance of success, for both of you."
"There's always risk," I said, "but it sounds as if you don't think she's lost all her abilities."
He shrugged. "I know William believes that because she never came after him but my people are not as sure of that as he is. I don't doubt that she lost a lot of power when it was taken from her. But I do believe she may have retained enough, at least as far as her ability to sway others, if nothing else."
I thought about that for a few seconds before answering. "Ok, so she may still be able to influence people. What else?"
"At the very least I find it hard to believe this is her only gift. William tells me she could foretell the future and had power over men. She may have received other gifts over the years as well."
"Well, if that's the case, why was William able to steal the necklace? Surely she would have foreseen that, or at least one would think so."
"Not necessarily," Milagre continued. "As you may not know, magic in mortals can be very specific and if the giver himself wanted to limit her abilities...no, I'm guessing she couldn't see her own future."
"I get it," I chimed. "Someone may not have wanted the student to become the master."
He chuckled at that. "A good way to put it. I also believe that even when she gets the necklace back she won't be able to determine how powerful or even what exactly you are. That should give you the advantage."
"What do you base that on?" I asked, eyebrows raised.
He got a serious look on his face. "Because even now, as when I first met you, I cannot sense anything extraordinary about you. I have never encountered that before."
"Interesting, I take it that it's a good thing we're friends then," I said, not sure how to take the look on his face.
Milagre just smiled. "That is true, and I want you to know that if either of you were not trusted friends, I would never have brought him to you."
I turned back to William. "Okay, what exactly do you want me to do?"
"Just return it and get her oath that she will not harm or even contact my family, ever. You'll need her oath, nothing less will bind her." Wi
lliam reached back and pulled an envelope from his pocket. "Here's $5,000 to get you started. I'll pay you another 15K when you complete the task. That should cover any expenses and your time. Everything I know about her is in that envelope with the cash. What Eddy's people know about her is in there as well," he said, handing me the envelope.
I opened it and ignoring the cash, removed the papers William had mentioned. "Hmmm," I said as I glanced through them. "Ok, I'll need the jewel and a few more minutes of your time."
"Whatever you need," he replied, handing me the leather pouch.
"What name did you go by when you were with her?"
"I used to go by the name of Billy Kent."
Something didn't feel right about this deal and it wasn't just the obscene fee I was getting. It sounded like he'd done pretty well by her, too well. I hate to get moral but she deserved something for his theft. "How would you feel about sweetening the pot a bit?"
"What do you mean, isn't 20 large enough?" he asked, glancing at Milagre.
Milagre just shrugged his shoulders. "What do you have in mind, Robert?"
"Well, according to what I've read here, she's supposedly lost her youth and is now an old woman. Seems to me she might be owed something for, let's call it, William's use of her property. I'm also thinking an incentive wouldn't hurt to make her forget about him."
"It might not be a bad idea, Will," Milagre remarked, thoughtfully. "A token of good faith could go a long way and you can afford it."
"Are you working for me or her?" William asked indignantly, and then sighed at Milagre's impassive face. "Fine, lemme figure it out when we get back to the hotel."
"I'll discuss a fair amount and have it ready for you when you need it," Milagre said, grabbing William by the shoulder. "Now that business in concluded, let's get back to the hotel, we've taken up enough of Mr. Hoskins' time."
They stood up and Milagre gave Siegfried a small wave as the two of them started to walk to the door.
Siegfried looked over at the other two bodyguards who got up and exited in front of them.
I put the envelope and pouch in my pocket and then Milagre stopped and walked back to me.