Gabriel refused to lift his head, only catching the bottom of what Dajjal was holding as it dripped on the floor.
Dajjal scoffed, walking behind him again and the sound of flesh hitting a metal tray resonated through the room.
“I’m s-surprised ya cared e-enough to keep it,” Gabriel stammered. “B-based on everything w-we’ve seen, ya only care a-about yourself.”
Dajjal walked back around and lifting Gabriel’s chin, glared right through him.
“I’m the only thing that matters,” he said, crown erupting in flame, “except… I need that FUCKING BLADE!”
Gabriel started to chuckle rather uncontrollably.
“Ya d-don’t have it?” he asked, smile beaming out of the he dimness. “D-damn, and yet ya have e-everything else G-gage brought to ya.”
Gabriel was so far out of it Dajjal didn’t know if he should take what he said seriously. Yet, what if…
“What did you say?” Dajjal asked, digging his fingers into Gabriel’s fresh wound.
“T-that a-all ya got, smoky?” he challenged, biting his lip from the pain. Blood trickled between his lips and he spit it to the floor. “I s-said too bad y-your arrogant ass d-didn’t grab e-everything G-gage d-delivered.”
Dajjal backed away in utter shock, emotions all over the map. Had he missed the blade when it was right there within reach? Then it dawned on him, a flash of memory as he cut off Gage’s arm.
The machete!
He turned and walked away without a word, for nothing could sum up his anger at himself. Stopping just ahead of the exit, he grasped its cold handle with one hand, pulling it up then open to a rush of even colder air from outside. He raised the other hand in line with his beard, a devilish sneer forming as he swirled his thumb against his middle finger.
“W-where ya goin,’ b-bald motherfucker,” Gabriel spluttered, gurgling already starting to take over from his breaths. “You’ll n-never win b-by the way, h-humanity will pre–”
SNAP!
Gabriel never finished his sentence, his throat swelling like a balloon before it tore open, stretching out along the rest of him in agonizingly slow motion. Gunky strips fell, lifeless, to the stone floor and steam began rising from the remains.
“All you humans do is talk, nattering on and on about nothing, and that is why you will lose,” Dajjal said, glancing across his shoulder to the pile of crimson gore. “It's time that your deafening racket was silenced. Besides, Gabriel, there was only ever enough room for one bald motherfucker on this crusade… so checkmate.”
Dajjal stepped through the exit to the darkness on the other side, the door groaning as it slammed shut. His footsteps retreated until supplanted by a loud bang. Dajjal had once again departed, Armageddon close behind.
“GAGE,” SAID JOEY, shaking his head slightly, “don’t get me wrong, but you’re developing quite the habit of bringing us fucked up news at the breakfast table.”
Adrienne snorted during a giggle, standing beside Gage in the galley. It was daybreak and the two of them were spending their morning trying to convince the rest of the team that Gage was who he said he was. The both of them faced a nearly convinced Joey as he guzzled on his always full glass of orange juice. Beside him at the communal table was Ty, who was simply baffled by the whole thing. All four of them had puffy eyes, bloated from a clear lack of sleep, and stress lines from the conversation that had gone on for over forty-five minutes.
“So has death become a revolving door now,” Ty asked, rubbing his forehead, “because it sure seems that way.”
“That’s what you’ve gotten out of this entire discussion?” Gage replied hotly, Adrienne giving him a half glance to try and calm him down.
“I’m just saying,” Ty retorted, “this is why I’ve always stuck with plants. They’re really boring in comparison.”
“Well,” Gage replied in a little better tone of voice, “I think we have Solomon and Death to thank for the current situation with Ady and myself. Though frankly, I have no idea what makes me so goddamn special. Trust me when I say I would rather not be goin’ through this stuff.”
“I don't doubt that at all,” Joey said as he set his glass down, “and for what it's worth I believe you. After all, if you managed to convince her in that special way I know you…”
“Joey, stop!” Adrienne huffed, not finding the humor in what he was saying.
Gage on the other hand did, laughing robustly, and Adrienne landed an exact blow on his shoulder in response.
“Okay, okay,” Ty said, scooting his chair back from the table. He stood and stretched, working out the numbness in his ass. “So what's the plan, team? The Council has sent word, wanting us to report back on the apparent arrival of one of the Solomon Six here on the ship – aka Gage Crosse and his machete.”
“I prefer He-Man,” Gage threw out there, hoping someone would catch it.
Ty tried his best to ignore him, but chuckled before continuing.
“Do we tell them you're back?”
“No…” Joey started, but was cut off.
“Yes…” Gage said, “but after we take care of some personal business in Denver.”
“Let’s not kick off your return with a lie, Gage. I think it best that we just stay upfront and honest,” Adrienne stated hesitantly, not wanting to upset him. “After all, things are getting better relative to all the inter-office politicking and we shouldn't willingly give anyone ammo to use against us, especially at this critical of a stage.”
“I agree with Ady,” Ty said, shivering at the memory of being in that inquisition chamber. “We should tell the Council you're back with the blade and Gage, if you're still insistent upon heading to Denver…”
“I am.”
“Then we should head that way sooner rather than later. The Odyssey is no longer under direct Order control, since Om gave it to Joey, so we could use the ship if we needed to, but I think it prudent we use a series of jumps to get there instead. It all ties back to that office crap, plus it’ll be much faster.”
“Fine,” Gage sputtered, “though I better not get sick traveling to my own damn wedding. Fuckin’ jumps tend to work my stomach over. J, have Om send word back to the Council and the rest of ya: for God’s sake fill me in on what the hell happened after Paris.”
Joey bounced out of the galley while Gage pulled up a chair, settling in for what was sure to be another hour’s worth of talking.
DUE TO THE TIME change, the sun was just starting to rise over Denver and what was left of the Gage’s family home. It was a slice of country heaven, since reduced to the blackened remains of a shattered house, set in the middle of a parched field, surrounded by wild timberland.
Yet, it was perfect. It was home.
A diverse crowd had gathered on the lawn, the morning light shining on a multitude of outfits from colored hats and suits, to dresses and jeans. Many that came were friends of the Crosse family, who happened to be field Journeymen as well. They sat in chairs of all shapes and sizes, hastily collected and set in loose rows that faced the north. A modest trellis was there, assembled from portions of the house, and it was wrapped in decorative cloth secured with golden rope. In the corners, two large bouquets of burgundy hydrangeas and white gardenias hung, dangling ribbons mingling with the cords.
Gage was pacing beneath the arrangement just off to the right, fully dressed and nearly unrecognizable. Ty was beside him, both wearing clothes borrowed just for the occasion. Gage yanked at his exceptionally tight collar, the white button ups making their red ties pop against the crisp fabric while the steely gray of their suits completed the fetching look. Gage had a single rose in his buttonhole.
A priest was standing in the middle, wearing dark and flowing robes. A wizened man, he hailed from Estes Park, which was about an hour north of them by Journeyman cab. Having known the family for decades, Gage thought to ask him to preside over the ceremony, especially since he had married his mom and dad in this very same spot all those years ago.
“Thanks again for coming, Liam,” Gage said. “I know that it was short notice.”
“Really short notice,” he replied with a smile. “But it’s my pleasure, Gage. I would do anything for the son of Charles Crosse. If not for your father, let’s just say I wouldn’t be standing here right now to partake in this honor.”
Gage bowed his head, cheerful right before nerves started taking over. He started bouncing up and down on his tiptoes.
“Nervous?” Liam asked.
“As ever.”
“Yet, I bet you’re the happiest you have been in a long time,” Liam said, looking across the gathered crowd. He saw something that managed to make him smile even more.
“Yessir, I definitely…” Gage began, his voice dwindling once he looked in the direction Liam was. He blinked several times in succession as a beautiful musical score took over. “Well, I’ll be damned.”
It was Adrienne, positioned at the end of the uneven aisle. She was stunning, now gliding toward him in an airy white dress. It caught the light as if jewels were embedded in it, her white sneakers navigating the uneven ground while her lustrous brunette hair bobbed with each step. In her hands, she held a bouquet of red roses that had been picked from Madeline’s garden; each of the dozen blooms was striking, still covered in dew drops.
Joey was escorting her through the murmuring rows, standing to the right in his black suit and a bright red tie he had received as a gift from one of the attendees. He had to retrieve it from the middle of a gaggle of elderly women, like some long lost treasure from the clutches of a monster den. They ruthlessly pinched his cheeks – both on his face and through his pants.
“That’s her!” Joey whispered tersely, nudging Ady while pointing a sly finger toward an old woman in a rather large purple hat.
Adrienne tittered as his eyes grew wide; she started waving a wrinkled hand his way, blowing him a kiss. Timidly he acknowledged it, though his mouth was crooked, returning attention to Adrienne as guided her the rest of the way down the aisle.
Gage stepped up as the two of them reached the front, shaking Joey’s hand firmly.
“Thank ya, J,” he said softly. “I can’t even believe I’m doin’ this, but glad to be able to do it with the family I have left.”
“Always going to be here for you, you big lunk,” Joey said as he smiled back at him.
Letting go of each other’s hands, Joey balled his up into a fist and gently pushed it against Gage’s shoulder, spreading his fingers like a pretend explosion. With that, he handed Adrienne off into the big man’s waiting arms, grabbed her bouquet, and turned away, walking over to an empty seat that was waiting in the front row.
Gage had no choice but to beam at the gorgeous sight beside him, Adrienne’s radiance growing brighter the closer they got to Liam. Once there, they turned to face each other, and a hush fell on the crowd at once.
“Ladies and gentlemen; dearest friends and family,” Liam began, arms outstretched, “we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Gage Crosse and Adrienne Elkins in holy matrimony. Through the years that they have known each other, both have come to the realization that although love in the life of the Order may be wrought with pain – as most of us can attest to – the journey we take through this life can be far more meaningful when accompanied by someone you love. Thus, Gage and Adrienne have decided to continue their voyage together, as husband and wife.”
As the ceremony continued, Joey peeked up then smirked at Ty. He was looking wholly uncomfortable standing up front in his suit. Then, glancing along the front row and what he could see of those behind, Joey saw that people were smiling amongst their happy tears, obviously enjoying this small bit of hope during these all too dark days. Reaching behind his tie and then between the buttons of his shirt, Joey pulled out the small, wooden cross Marcus had given him. He rubbed on it gently, sad that Marcus was absent and that they couldn’t they live out the future they had planned together. Despite that, Joey felt that his partner was still looking down on them all, from wherever he was, with contentment.
“Gage, Adrienne,” Liam continued, “today you have chosen to formally begin your life together, strengthened by the trust formed over many yesterdays in the hopes that all of your tomorrows will be the better for it. Let that love you have for each other, and from the friendships you have forged and see represented here today, guide you to success in all you do. A great darkness may lie ahead, challenging us all, but know that through the comfort of loving arms, you will always find a safe place to call home.”
Gage tilted his head slightly forward and looked deep into Adrienne’s eyes, finding everything that Liam had said in them, staring back. He suddenly cocked an eyebrow, making a face that caught Adrienne off-guard and she giggled.
Liam grinned, continuing on to the vows.
“Do you, Adrienne, take Gage to be your husband? To have and to hold from today to eternity, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in both sickness and in health, to love and cherish from this day forward, until death do you part?”
“I do,” she replied keenly.
Liam bowed, turning to Gage, who was puffing lightly.
“And do you, the mighty Gage Crosse, take Adrienne to be your better half? To have and to hold from today to eternity, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in both sickness and in health, to love and cherish from this day forward, until death do you part?”
“Well we did that twice, ya know,” Gage replied sarcastically. “So that'd be a yes.”
Laughter spread across the crowd and Adrienne blushed. Liam cleared his throat a short time later and the gathering became quiet again.
“It’s time,” Liam said. “Gage, do you have the ring?”
“Sure do,” he replied, reaching into his suit pocket. He removed a diamond ring, elegant in its simplicity, and began to take off the hex nut contraption that had been on Ady’s hand since he first asked the question.
She recoiled; he paused.
“Something wrong, darlin’?” Gage asked with a look of concern.
“N-no, nothing at all,” she replied, looking down at the ugly metal thing on her finger. “It’s just… can we keep this ring? I know you went through a lot to get that new one but…”
She didn’t need to finish, Gage already putting the diamond away.
“Anything ya want, gorgeous,” he replied without any anger or irritation, staring at her beautiful face, framed by her glittery hair.
“Gage,” Liam interrupted. “The words…”
“Oh, oh yeah, right,” Gage answered with a little cough. “I have for ya this… metal ring… which symbolizes both me and my love. As it wraps around your finger, may it always remind ya of my enduring love.”
“Most excellent,” Liam said, clasping his hands together. “So it is, by the power ordained to me by the Order of Journeymen, and the State of Colorado, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. Gage, you may kiss the bride.”
He wasted no time pulling Adrienne forward to the sound of wild applause, spinning her around in a dip as he pressed his lips onto hers, the breeze stirring the smell of her shampooed hair. He teased his fingers through it as they continued to kiss, never wanting the moment to end. At last it did, and Gage just stood there beaming with his Cheshire grin like a kid on Christmas morning. For him, every day would now be even more of a gift than it was before.
“Well, everyone,” Liam concluded, “I am most honored to present to you Gage and Adrienne Crosse. Now, let the rest of the celebration begin!”
A COUPLE HOURS LATER, the festivities had ended, the crowds dispersing, and the original trio lay out in the stiff grass, a cool breeze wafting over them as they stared up at the sky. Between the white clouds was an astoundingly pure shade of blue, without the slightest hint of fire or smoke to mar an otherwise perfect view.
“Ah, this feels just like things used to be,” Joey muttered, reminded of the Lodge. “Nothing beats a country view I say, despite Marcus’ affinity
for the city.”
The other Sheridan was nearby, partaking from his stash while sitting in a gray haze on a broken section of picket fence.
“Ain't gonna lie,” Gage said. “I wish he could have been here to share in this today.”
Ady slid her arm over and clasped his hand.
“Me too,” she said sorrowfully.
“Me three,” Joey added, twisting his head over in Ty’s direction. He looked so alone over there, but Joey knew that’s when he was at his happiest. “Something tells me that he was here, though.”
As the clouds drifted effortlessly by and the sun nearly peaked, they knew that it was time to head back, though none of them wanted to. It felt like that would be the last time any of them would be together in this way, and that overbearing feeling of sadness swept away any inkling of joy that success would bring.
“Too bad we weren’t here at night when the crickets are active,” Joey stated out of left field, trying to start small talk to delay their departure. “Did you know that you can determine what the temperature is, based on how fast they chirp?”
“That sounds like a bunch of Mosely bullshit to me,” Gage replied cynically. “That ain’t true, though maybe I should ask Om about it…”
“Oh God,” Adrienne muttered, keeping decidedly quiet out of fear that Joey would call out her attraction to ‘Gage wang’ right in front of everyone.
“Damn that’s brutal, but funny,” Joey replied, chortling. “But back to the topic at hand; it is certainly not bullshit, Gage.”
“Uh huh, yeah, if you say so.”
“Dude, it’s called the Dolbear equation,” Joey said as if everyone should know.
“Yeah…”
“You just take the number of chirps you hear in fifteen seconds and add forty to it,” Joey replied, his arms waving wildly just like they used to when he was excited about something. Adrienne smiled at seeing them move a hundred miles per hour. “That’ll give you the temperature in Fahrenheit. Of course, there’s some variation depending on the type of cricket …”
Running on Empty (Journeyman Book 6) Page 11