by Lizzie Vega
Stefan grinned, “Why does that not surprise me?”
Katie sounded excited, “Does he have a python? I’d hold one of those, or a boa. As long as they’re well fed, they’re very docile.”
Parker seemed a little squeamish about that idea, “Gross, Katie. So not my thing.”
She just teased him, “what’s the matter Park, too Freudian for you?”
Parker just rolled his eyes, “God, I said it before, Katie doesn’t need a sword, she can just use her mouth. Wait,” he added, “will Amund be able to understand us when he arrives?”
Stefan spoke up, “I thought of that. I can combine my amulet with Alec’s and Annika’s to hopefully, accelerate his language grasp. We just need to figure out a way to get them around his neck.”
“Great, but we have to incapacitate him first. We won’t have much time. Anni was going for the throat after about twenty seconds.”
Annika just grinned smugly, “Yep, more like fifteen seconds. Oh, I’m sorry guys, I didn’t mean it that way.”
“How about a tranquilizer dart?” Katie asked, “I know a vet.”
Parker groaned again, “A vet with snakes? At least it’s one less person to get involved.”
Alec intervened, “What if the shot misses and hits someone else, I think that’s a little risky.”
Michael began sketching on his notepad. First a large circle then three large lines to indicate the placement of the screens. He added three smaller circles, one for each princess with a smaller circle behind each woman and showed the group, “I’m thinking Klingon escort. An Orc costume would be too hard to build, maybe if we had more time.”
Alec looked at Michael’s drawing, “You leave the costumes to me. Klingons would work, although Romulans would be easier. Something along those lines.”
Mac looked at his iPad, “I figure we have a week, provided the lightning sequence stays on track. If that changes, we’re screwed.” That realization took some of the enthusiasm out of the room.
Alec stood and began to wrap up the meeting. He kept the smile but inside he knew that any misstep could be catastrophic. “No worries, everyone. We’ll get this figured out.”
Iris caught his eye as he escorted them out the door. He nodded and winked.
Her worried look was legitimate. Iris hung back to speak to him without the others hearing, “Alec, they’re lucky to be this naïve. If something goes wrong, are you willing to risk your powers?” She paused, then added, “or mine?”
###
Michael and Parker met the delivery truck at the warehouse as Iris had instructed. Alec had quietly visited the media store by the mall and placed a large order for the equipment they needed. They now opened the large garage door at the far end of the warehouse and the truck backed partway in.
As they signed for the delivery, the driver couldn’t help commenting on the large order, “Wow, these are the biggest screens we sell. This’ll be the best man cave ever,” he said as he surveyed the cavernous building. “Let me know if you ever have a party, I’d love to come.”
Michael was quick to dampen the driver’s enthusiasm, “I wish,” he said easily, “All this stuff is headed out to some rich oil guy out West, we’re just the installers, sorry.” He reached up and put his finger on the button to close the overhead door and the driver correctly perceived it as his cue to leave. “Thanks, again,” he called out as he jumped in the truck cab and drove off as the door closed behind him.
The overhead girders of the warehouse made for an easy installation of the giant monitors. Michael had Sam stand in the center of what would become the new protection circle so they could suspend the screens and tilt them for optimum effect.
Iris had placed a simple chalk arrow on the floor to indicate where Annika had materialized and which direction she had been facing. Sam smiled as she stood there. It was likely all of them could have recalled the events of that night frame by frame. She replayed how Michael had rescued Parker over and over in her mind.
As the final one swung into place, Sam made an interesting comment when she saw her reflection in each of the seven foot wide screens, “These are like black mirrors, I’m already creeped out.” Michael walked up beside her and planted a kiss on her cheek. “There,” he laughed, “does that make it better? he asked in a frisky tone.
“Does that make it better?” Parker repeated as he passed by them, “I should hope so.” His voice had a mocking tone to it.
Michael looked at Sam, but she let the thought go as Parker walked over and flopped down on one of the sofas, “He’s nervous,” she said, “It’s weird to see him like that. He’s always been the over confidant one. You, on the other hand,” as she looked at Michael, “You seem to be handling this pretty well. I can feel, well,” she stammered, “I, um, you seem stronger, I think.”
Michael nodded, “I do feel pretty good actually. I’ll talk to him later and see what’s up.”
“A game of catch maybe?” Sam asked and then blushed as she confessed to watching them from time to time. With the others coming later to join in the preparations, Michael and Sam took a break to pick up some groceries for the evening. Before he left he snagged Allie, “Parker seems a little more anxious than usual, just a heads up.”
Mac and Allie came into the lounge from the parking lot loaded down with more equipment but immediately rushed out to look at the screens, “Oh boy, these are even bigger than the one in Alec’s apartment.” He spun around in a little circle, “Hey Parker, this is awesome. When it’s dark in here, you’ll barely be able to see them.” he held up a couple of CDs in his hand, “Wait ‘til you see what Allie did with some video editing. This is a mashup from Hell.”
Parker grabbed one out his hand, “Good,” he said sharply, “We’ll need it.” Allie had heard the exchange and saw a way to cool him down, “Parker, maybe you could help me set some of this set up? I’m excited to show you guys what I’ve done.”
She smiled at him and a little of the old Parker came to the surface, “Now we’re talkin,” he said with a grin. He reached down into the box and pulled out a large wireless receiver. “Hey, Mac,” he exclaimed with a renewed bit of enthusiasm, “Someone spent a fortune. This stuff is state of the art.”
He reached into the box again and pulled out two new laptops. “Jeezuz,” Allie declared, “This is better than anything the department has. I wonder what Alec will do with it after we get rid of Amund?”
Mac shot her a look and then put his fingers in the air for air quotes, “You mean the sports bar?” and he lowered his voice and grinned, “lest the magic folks think he is helping us?”
“Oh yeah, I forgot,” Allie grinned, “I thought you’d lost your mind for a moment.” Mac nodded, “Yeah, maybe a little, but I just think this is so amazing that we get to be a part of this, and, not just as spectators. I know I’m biased, of course, but I’d say your editing on the CD for this project, is some of the best work you’ve ever done.”
Allie agreed, “Yeah, I thought so too. I got caught up in the seriousness of it and I got really focused.” She shrugged as Parker brought in the final box and set it next to her. “I just wish I could put it in my portfolio for what it really is.”
“With your talent, Allie, you’ll figure out a way,” Parker said without a trace of snark or irony in his voice, “Have you noticed that we are all learning something here? If your focus fades, just take your cues from Michael. I can’t put my finger on it, but all of this centers on him.” As he walked over to the fridge and grabbed a beer, Allie called after him, “Parker, he’s lucky to have you as a friend.” A puckish little grin formed on Parker’s face, “I know.” he said, “Though lately, I think it’s become the other way around. Let me know when you’ve finished setting up the monitor feed, I’d like to watch the video.”
###
There was a funny moment when Iris assembled the three women side by side. They had spent the day at her salon. Under the guise of an upcoming costume party, Iris had directed h
er stylists to create three identical looks. Sam groused a little about having to give up her under lit locks but as the coloring and braiding was completed, she had completely bought into it.
Iris stood and watched as the transformations took place and early on, whispered something to Annika. The two discussed something and then the coloring process continued.
Just before the final comb out, Iris brought over two tubes of color and brushes. Katie saw the gleam in her eye as she asked her stylists to take a break. “Here we go.” But Sam looked less than enthused. “Hey, relax, Sam, this kind will wash out. I asked Anni what colors any of their healers or more spiritual people might have used in their rituals. I think Amund might be even more confused it he sees his bride to be wearing the same thing.
Sam watched as Iris stirred a big glob of purple up into the brush, “You just made this up, didn’t you?” she said with a grin. “You just want me to have purple hair, right?”
Iris pouted playfully, “Nope, I really think it will help. But, since you brought it up,” and she veered toward Sam, “I’ll start with you.”
She continued the work on Annika and Katie and then called for her makeup people to join her. She pointed to Annika. “Ok, just like her.” she directed them as she watched her receptionist sign for a large cart of packages, “Same skin tone, same eyes, same lips, have fun. I’ll be right back. Wait a sec,” she said as she looked at Annika. “Let’s rock that eyeliner a little. These ladies are gonna be knock outs.”
Chapter 47
As the new lightning strikes continued to match Annika’s arrival sequence, the group planned the final night accordingly. With a day to spare, Michael was pleased to just be able to hang out at the apartment without having to be on call or ready to jump at any second. Parker had sent him a text, so Michael knew he would also be at their apartment.
The last few days had been stressful. Even the best ideas they would dream up would be influenced by so many unknown parts of the summoning so, at best, the result was just a wild ass guess.
Michael needed to talk with Parker, if anything just to get a read on what he was really thinking. Whether he was trying to impress Iris or just spar with Katie, some of his comments were beginning to wear thin.
Michael opened the door to the apartment just in time to hear Parker curse at the top of his lungs, “God Dammit,” followed by small muffled crash. Michael walked to Parker’s bedroom and peeked in only to find his friend sitting awkwardly on the floor with a henley style long sleeve t-shirt pulled part way over his head and an elbow stuck up in the air.
“Parker?” he asked quietly, “we all good here? Given Parker’s relatively undressed condition, he followed up his first question, “Are you by yourself?”
Parker’s response was muffled by the wadded up t-shirt over his mouth, “I am,” he said, “and if I continue to try and change my clothes like this, I will likely be alone for life.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I just wanted to change my shirt, but I didn’t unbutton it before I slipped it over my head and then I lost my balance and fell over the bed. I’m stuck. I feel like I’m five years old right now.”
Michael just grinned and surveyed the knot Parker had tied himself into. “I can help you. Lift your chin up.” Parker complied, and Michael undid the top button of the shirt allowing his friend to extricate himself.
“Thanks” he said as he popped his head out of the jumble of cotton, “I owe you a beer.”
“Excellent,” Michael responded, “I demand immediate payment.”
Parker smiled, “Yeah, give me a minute. I think I can finish this on my own.”
Michael flopped down on the sofa and searched for something to watch on TV. He heard Parker rummaging in the kitchen and a moment later, his friend handed him a tall, ice cold bottle of beer.
“Thanks” he replied, as they clinked the bottles together.
“Thanks for the rescue,” responded Parker, followed a moment later with, “Again.”
Michael seemed surprised, “You’re not actually dwelling on that are you?” he asked, “It was mostly luck. It’s sort of a blur to me with all the other distractions happening.”
Parker just chuckled, “I’m going to tell Sam, she’s just a distraction, Ok? You know,” he continued, “so you can think and do more nerd stuff. Alone.”
Michael just stared at him, “You’re shitting me, right?”
Parker just shook his head, “Don’t be stupid, you know I think she’s amazing. I would never do anything to jeopardize that for you.”
Michael recognized the unusual tone of his voice, “That’s nice of you to say that, Parker,” he took a sip of his beer, “Historically, it is something you might say, you know, just for laughs.”
Parker acquiesced, “True enough. I have noticed that for all my attempts as being the funny life of the party, you’re the one that’s suddenly moving ahead. Look at Sam, better yet, you should see you when she’s around, you’re like a different person. I was never that smooth.”
Michael raised an eyebrow at his admission, “Me, smooth? I don’t think so.”
“Yes!” Parker exclaimed, “And that’s why it works, you don’t even realize it. Cuz, if you do, you’ll turn into a douche like me. I gotta say, I’m a little envious of you right now.”
Michael just blinked in a stunned silence. Parker had always been one to push people’s buttons, rev up his engine and draw attention to himself with ease. He had always seemed to revel in his upper crust status. This was new.
“It’s a defense, isn’t it?” Michael asked.
“What?” Parker responded, knowing full well what he meant.
“Your bravado. It’s easier to be loud and in people’s faces, so they will stay away from you. Or, so they won’t know who you really are.”
Parker shook his head, “Maybe. I know I won the lottery when I was born, my parents are well off, my dad’s a huge extrovert. He drew up my blueprint the day I was born, and I was expected to conform to it. The clothes, the cars and stuff. Nobody told me I’d end up being thought of as a complete jerk.”
Michael tried to diffuse his comment, “That’s a little harsh, we were kids, who knew?”
Parker shrugged, “After a while, I got good at it. It was easy and it had,” he cocked an eyebrow suggestively, “some fun, yet sort term, results but, as you can see, I’m not the one with the stellar girlfriend.” He grinned at his own pun.
“Yeah, Park, I got it, maybe just dial back a little maybe,” Michael suggested, “Being kind, doesn’t mean you’re weak. Just make a conscious effort to be nicer. Don’t overcorrect and try and be me, you’ll end up in therapy.”
“Seriously, dude, we just summoned a Viking princess from the 11th century, we’ll all be in therapy over this.”
“I’ll be there for you,” Michael deadpanned.
“Whoa, that was deep.”
“Too deep?”
“Yeah, maybe a little?”
Michael grinned, “Do you need a hug?”
“Fuck you.” Parker raised his beer to Michael and once again, they clinked them together.
Michael shrugged, “Close enough.”
Chapter 48
Iris followed the other three women into the warehouse as they carried the results of Iris’s online purchases and set them on the tables. Annika had sunglasses on and Katie had a hood over her hair. Only Samantha’s color updates were visible and that was just before the three of them crammed into the bathroom to change. She winked at Michael as she passed by him. Her sultry dark eyes got a reaction from him as he watched her walk by.
He turned to Iris, “This is going to get really interesting isn’t it?” She just laughed as she set a small suitcase up on the table. “Oh, my yes, Michael, you have no idea.”
“What’s in there?” he asked.
Iris hesitated. She hadn’t planned on telling anyone unless it was needed, but of all of them, Michael would understand, “It’s just a
plan B. Just in case. Just leave it there, and please, don’t tell anyone. We may not need it.”
A commotion interrupted them as the girls spilled out of the bathroom and it coincided with Alec walking into the warehouse. He carried three long boxes.
“Holy shit,” he exclaimed, “That’s either the prettiest thing I have ever seen or the scariest, I’m not sure which.” Allie grinned, pointing to Iris, “No Alec, she is the witch.”
Samantha, Katie and Annika all lined up for inspection. Iris walked by them as if she was a drill sergeant and inspected them. She adjusted Katie’s tunic a bit and adjusted Annika’s bead work. She looked at Michael as she fluffed Samantha’s purple streaked hair. He mouthed, wow, and she returned it with, “I know right?”
Sam just rolled her eyes, “See what you’ve started here?” But she grinned at Michael’s quiet comment.
Iris reached in her bag and brought out two long necklaces with jeweled pendants dangling from the end of them. “If you ask me, these are a pretty close match.” She carefully put each one over Katie and Sam’s heads and then arranged their hair to hide the golden chains.
Iris stepped back as if to present the three princesses. They looked anything but dainty and gentle. The cut of the outfits set off their figures without being too alluring. She motioned for Parker to bring over the remaining box. He picked up off the table with some effort, “Ah, I know what this stuff is.”
Iris popped the top of the box open and pulled out three sets of chain armor. Iris beamed, “Yeah, ya gotta love FedEx, I chose this because it’s actually lighter and shinier that Anni’s original set. I think it will be easier to move around in. You know, just in case we have to move around.”
She had tried to downplay the inherent danger but Parker couldn’t help himself, “You mean, just in case, we have to run for our lives.” He said it in such a sing song voice and with such a smile on his face, after an awkward moment, they began to laugh. He reached over to Katie and traced his finger down the leather straps that held the armor sections together “Iris, I’m not even gonna ask where you got this stuff. It’s, um, kinda dark, isn’t it?” Katie had made no effort to move away from him. “What’s the matter Park?” she teased, “Do you feel the need for a safe word or something?” She batted her pretty cat’s eye eyeliner at him and licked her lips.