by Kristin Cast
“No one’s taking anything away from anybody. Just pushing it to the side while we wait for something new to hit. Those kids can’t stay gone for long. They’ll need money, someplace to stay. They’ll surface soon. In the meantime, I can’t have you two spending all your time chasing your tails. Whether we like it or not, other murders do happen in this town, and the public needs to feel safe. Plus, we’re in hot water with the press, and I’ve got to get my ass out before it starts boiling.”
“What’ll you have us do while everything cools off?” Schilling asked, scratching his swollen belly.
“I’m sending you out on something new. It’s in Terwilleger Heights.” Alvarez smirked.
“This should be good,” Schilling chuckled.
“Why?” James looked back and forth between the two men. “What’s Terwilleger Heights?”
“Land of Daddy Warbucks. The cases that come out of there would make that Real Housewives bullshit look like a day in Disneyland. It’s all lots of unnecessary hoity-toity frou-frou drama if you ask me,” Schilling said, his Okie twang stretching his words. “Let me guess, some pool boy got whacked in the back of the head with a gold-plated vase after the husband caught him cleaning his wife’s pipes?”
“Not quite,” Alvarez chuckled.
“The wife caught the husband with the pool boy?”
“Don’t think that’s quite the story, but that’s what you two are paid to figure out.” He reached into his desk, took out another file, and held it out to Schilling. “Winslow’s already out there. He’ll fill you in when you arrive.”
“Thanks, Captain.” Schilling took the file and stuffed it under his arm. “We’ll get this one taken care of.”
James lifted himself from the chair, and nodded in the captain’s direction before heading toward the door. “Sounds like we should be able to button this one up pretty quick.” James exhaled for what felt like the first time since he’d sat down across from Alvarez.
“We might just get you home in time to get caught up on some of that beauty rest you so desperately need. You’re looking like shit.” Schilling adjusted the file under his arm and unclipped his keys from his belt loop. “You going to explain what happened in there, or am I going to have to force it out of you?”
“What do you mean?” James asked, waving to a group of officers as he and Schilling passed by.
“You know what I mean. You blowing up at the captain, and all that stuff about him doing you a favor and someone dying. You’re lucky all you got was a warning. I’ve seen him shove that size-fourteen boot up an ass or two. It ain’t pretty. You might not be so lucky next time you decide to pop off.”
“He didn’t do me any favors, and I didn’t ‘pop off,’” James mocked Schilling’s hick accent. “Look, I don’t want to talk about it. We should do what the captain said and put the whole case on the back burner. We’ll talk about it again when we get a new lead.”
Schilling pushed open the door to the parking lot and stepped onto the sun-soaked concrete. “Shit, boy. There’s no reason to get all fired up. I’ve been by your side the whole way, and you’re not going to blow me off now. Rookie mistake number twelve.”
“Stop it with the rookie mistake bullshit. I earned my badge, same as you. I’m not some kid. I deserve to be here.”
Schilling stopped at his car and locked his gaze on his partner. “Something happened out there in those woods that you’re not telling me.”
James threw his hands in the air and shook his head. “It happened just like I said in there and in my report. You think I’m lying?”
“I think whatever it is has got you so fucking scared you’d rather blow up everything around you than actually deal with what’s going on.”
“What are you now, some kind of psychiatrist?” James nervously ran his fingers through the back of his hair. “You know what? I’m not doing this. I’ll get the address from dispatch and meet you there.”
“Bullshit you will. We’re going to get in the car, and you’re going to deal with this like a man.” Schilling pressed the key fob and opened the driver’s side door. “I can’t have a partner who’s lying and doesn’t trust me.”
“Schilling, if that’s the way you feel, then maybe we shouldn’t be partners.” James abruptly turned, and silently cursed to himself as he jetted back into the station. He knew his partner was right, dammit.
Four
Cal slumped against the back of the bench and glared at the three dots glowing up at her from the screen of her phone. “Come on, Kevin. Whatever you have to say shouldn’t take this long.”
The phone chirped as his message finally came through.
Class got out late. Be there soon.
“Of course it did.” She sighed and punched in a reply.
Hurry! The bus will be here any minute.
The screen darkened as she again waited for the three blinking dots to reveal a message.
Down the street. Pedaling fast. Make them wait.
She huffed and tucked her phone into the side pocket of her tote bag.
A few minutes early, the bright green Tulsa Transit bus pulled up to the stop and let out a sharp hiss as it settled into park. The accordion-style door folded open, and the gaunt driver offered Cal his best smile.
“Afternoon.” He tipped an invisible hat and gnawed at the wad of gum in his mouth.
“Sorry to ask you to do this, but could you wait just a few minutes? My boyfriend is only a few blocks away.” Cal grinned at the driver and slipped her EZ Ride pass in the fare box. “But he’s riding his bike, so it shouldn’t take too much longer.”
The driver adjusted his crisp blue shirt and flicked his glance to the large rearview mirror. “I am a little early. But we’re almost completely full, so I’m only givin’ him another couple of minutes. Gotta get these people to their stops on time.”
“Thank you so much. That’s plenty of time. He’ll be here.” Cal stepped back out onto the sidewalk and shielded her eyes against the sun as she looked up the street in the direction of the community college. “There he is! Just at the intersection.” She pointed. “Can’t miss that bright orange OKC Thunder hat.”
“I see him. I see him.”
“Kev! Come on!” she shouted, and waved for him to hustle.
He lazily waved back, too preoccupied with the strap hanging around his neck to cross the street when the crosswalk signal illuminated.
She put her hands on her hips and impatiently tapped her toe on the sidewalk. Annoyance fluttered in her chest, and she tried her best not to glare at him. “Always so busy messing with that stupid GoPro. I wish he’d just throw it in the garbage.”
Muted buzzing hung in the air around Cal. She swung her tote around to the front and dug in the side pocket for her phone. “Wouldn’t have to call me if you were at the bus stop on time.” She yanked out her phone and stared confusedly at her reflection in the black screen.
Brow furrowed, she turned to the driver and asked, “Do you hear that? It sounds like something’s vibrating. It might be coming from the bus.”
He huffed and cocked his head to the side. “No excuses are going to get me to stay longer. I watched your boyfriend sit through that light. He better start peddlin’ next chance he gets or—”
“Wait, shh.” Cal craned her neck and listened. “It’s louder. You really don’t hear that? Your bus sounds like it might be about to break down.”
He squinted his eyes, as if narrowing his field of vision would help him to hear. “It’s probably the electrical wires. All that juice runnin’ through ’em, they’re bound to crackle every once in awhile. You can hear ’em humming real good over out by my sister’s place.”
His long-winded hypothesis faded into the background as she focused on the heightened humming.
A car horn blared as Kevin bailed off his bike and stepped into traffic. Her attention snapped toward the sound of his frantic, muffled shouts.
She put her hands up by her shoulders and shrugged.
“I have no idea what you’re saying. There’s too much traffic noise.”
He cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, “Get on the bus!”
“No, we’re waiting for you.”
“There’s something….”
His shouts were overtaken as the buzzing swirled into a roar.
There’s something above you. Each word shot down at her in a shriek like a freshly launched firework.
Five
The delicate silk nightgown offered Eva little warmth, and even less protection from whatever was lurking behind the door. She wrapped her arms around her torso and braced herself.
Maiden threw open the door, and gestured for Eva to walk ahead, graciously at first, then impatiently. “What is it that you are waiting for? I invited you in, did I not?”
“You said whatever’s in there might kill me. I’ve already died one too many times. Thanks, but I’m good out here,” Eva said, shuffling backward.
Maiden grabbed Eva’s arm and pulled her through the doorway. “Is that not a saying in the Mortal Realm? Although you just might die?”
“Yes, but if we’re talking about sayings, I prefer ‘let’s do brunch.’” Eva passed the perplexed Fury and took in the grand, fabulous room. A circle of candles illuminated the space and cast dancing shadows on the high, vaulted ceilings. Mirrors lined one wall, reflecting rows of beautiful dresses and sparkling shoes.
“This is… incredible,” she breathed.
“I was certain I used the phrase correctly,” Maiden continued. “I had Alek explain its meaning several times in hopes of avoiding any confusion when I used it myself.”
“No, you definitely used it right.” Eva stepped to the first rack of clothes and brushed her hand through the fabrics. “I just didn’t know you knew any of our sayings.”
Maiden collapsed on a mound of puffy pillows in the center of the ring of candles. “What do you think?”
“This is crazy. I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s practically a ballroom. I feel like Belle in the Beast’s library. It’s amazingly fantastic.”
Maiden twirled the ends of her hair and blushed. “After the curse infected our realm, I was confined to a small area of Tartarus. To keep from losing my mind, I started to sew. It was something I learned as a little girl, but had not practiced in decades. It took time for me to become skilled enough to produce what you see before you, but it soothed me and helped the hours pass. It was well worth the work.”
“Do you think I’ll be like you? Crappy in the beginning, but eventually incredible at what I do?”
“Eva, given enough time and practice, you will be a great and powerful Oracle, like those before you. You must believe in yourself. First, however, we need to find you attire better suited to your title,” she said, springing up from the pillows.
“You’re going to have to meet my friend someday,” Eva said as Maiden sorted through the dresses. “You and Bridget would definitely connect over your gorgeous closets. Although, I’m pretty sure she’s never made anything before in her life. We’ll have to schedule something for the next time you come up to the Mortal Realm.”
Maiden shook her head. “We have never ventured to any realm outside of those in the Underworld.”
“Well, you should come visit sometime. I can show you all around Tulsa. It’s not as exciting as someplace like New York City, but it sure is different from here. There’s a lot more light, for one thing.”
“Thank you for the offer. I am sure I would enjoy exploring the Mortal Realm of Tulsa with you, but I cannot.”
“Sure, not right now. I mean after everything has settled down, and the curse has been obliterated. I get why you wouldn’t want to go on a vacation until after then. Hopefully all this will be over soon,” Eva mumbled.
“I cannot go at anytime. I am a part of Tartarus, and it is a part of me. Just as you cannot separate yourself from your body, I cannot separate myself from the Underworld,” Maiden explained.
“Then how do you ever meet guys or make any friends?” Eva asked.
“I was in love. Once,” she said quietly.
“Really? With who? I love a good love story, but I didn’t think I’d hear one in the Underworld.”
Maiden dabbed her cheeks with her fingertips.
“Oh, Maiden, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was a sensitive subject. You don’t have to talk about it.”
“No, it is fine.” She shook her hair away from her face, and took a shaky breath before continuing. “His name is Galen. His soul is sentenced here for an eternity for a crime he did not commit. Although it was forbidden, we fell very much in love.” Tears streamed down her face and dotted the delicate gold fabric of her dress. “In all the years of my existence, I have never yearned to be with someone more than I crave to be with Galen.”
“What happened? Did he get set free?”
“He remains here. He will remain here until the end of time.”
“Then why not go be with him? You said yourself you can travel anywhere down here.”
“The curse, our love, is the vessel in which it was created. I cannot imagine what would have become of Tartarus if we had continued our affair.”
“Oh, Maiden.” She wrapped her arms around the youngest Fury. Citrus and honey scents burst from Maiden’s hair. “I’m so sorry. That’s awful. After Alek and I have fixed this curse, I’ll find a way for you and Galen to be together.”
Maiden lifted her head and stepped back. “You would attempt something so kind?”
“Yeah, of course. I’m the Oracle now. It’ll be just another way for me to use my powers for good, and what’s a better reason than true love? But, now that I think about it, I will actually need you to do something for me.”
“And what would you have me do?” Maiden asked apprehensively.
“Whenever you go see him, you have to let me help you pick out what to wear.”
“I am sure that can be arranged,” Maiden said, beaming. “Now, let us find you a spectacular garment.”
“I think I already found one.” Eva pulled the dress from its hanger and held it up in front of her body.
“It will look lovely on you. You may put it on in here. I can step out if you would like.”
“Are you kidding? We’re friends now, and we have all the same girl parts. You don’t have to leave. Plus, I’ll need your help with the clasps in the back.”
The dress felt like water as she pulled it over her head and let the gauzy fabric lap against her legs and flow to the floor. “This color is amazing,” she commented, admiring how the orange fabric made her skin appear to be a bit darker. “It reminds me of summer.”
“I must have had thoughts of you while making the gown. It is perfect.” Maiden smiled.
“Will you take me to see Alek now?” Eva asked as she studied her reflection in the grand mirrors. “I mean, I absolutely love your closet and I can’t wait to see Tartarus get back to normal, but I won’t stop obsessing about whether or not he’s actually going to be okay until I get to see him.”
“Last I checked, he was not awake. And Mother, though she was quite rude, did have a point when she said he needs his rest.”
“That’s okay.” Eva turned to face Maiden. “I don’t need him to be awake. I won’t disturb him. I just need to make sure he’s really here and that he’s really alive.”
Maiden sighed and bit her lip. “Who am I to keep you apart? Yes. Yes, I will take you to him.”
“Thank you!” Eva blurted, surprised by her own excitement.
“Follow me. I will lead you to his quarters. However, we cannot enter until Crone has finished her healing ritual, if she has not done so already.”
Eva stayed in stride with Maiden as she exited the magnificent closet and walked briskly down the wide hallway. “How long will that take?”
“It is different with each individual. With you it did not take long, because your injuries were not severe.”
“My injuries?” Eva thought back
to her time in Mohawk Park. “I might have scraped up my hands and knees, but I wouldn’t really call those injuries. You make them sound so major.”
“Although you did have a few scrapes and bruises, the injuries I speak of were sustained from your travel here. Never before have I, or any one of us, brought a mortal through the void between the realms and into Tartarus.”
“Yeah, Alek told me he couldn’t bring me here because he’d only brought dead bodies back with him before. Creature dead bodies, not normal human dead bodies.”
Maiden smiled. “And he was wise not to try. Although my abilities are more advanced, and I have more control over them than Alek does his, you were not free from danger when I pulled you from the Mortal Realm.”
“How did you know coming here wouldn’t kill me?” Eva asked.
“I had to accept the risk. I knew my son was dying and I assumed the worst would happen to you. Luckily, it did not. You only suffered a few minor burns from the abundance of energy created when traveling through realms. With your ability to heal, and Crone’s ability to assist with that process, you were restored to health quite quickly. The only reason you slept for as long as you did was because coming here was a great shock to your system, and understandably so.”
“Wait, you know that I can heal myself?”
Maiden nodded. “It was something Crone discovered when she was working on you, but I was not surprised. I know it is an ability possessed by many of the Oracles who came before you.”
“Did Crone discover anything else? Any other abilities?” Eva asked, trying to still her anticipation.
“You do not yet know what other powers you possess?”
“Well, no. That’s why I’m asking you. Why? Am I supposed to know already? Is that something I missed?”
Maiden chuckled. “Remain calm, Eva. Most abilities come in threes. There are some exceptions to this rule, but I do not believe you fit into any of those.”
“So you’re saying I have two other abilities I know nothing about?”
“Perhaps. And perhaps, in time, they will come.”