"What? What don't you like about him?"
"I think he may be Shirukan."
"What?" Had he landed on his head? What was he thinking? "He's foreign, not alien."
"You don't know that. The Shirukan have Starfire in their genes but no Starburst marks on their hands. He acted like he didn't know what I was saying when I spoke Inari, but his accent is too much like mine was."
Pallin, Shirukan? No. Elis was paranoid. That's all it was. He had no proof.
"And his black coat...The style is like the uniform of the Shirukan."
At that, she wrapped her arms around herself and left the room. Her dreams with the black-clad figures chasing her parents—she never had a close look at their uniforms. Pallin had worn black, but so did Elis most of the time.
Hell, no. Elis was totally wrong. Pallin wasn't Shirukan. Raea couldn't believe it. It was all coincidence—fashion coincidence. She marched back into the sitting room to face him. "I don't want to hear any more about him. I'll see him when I want. It's my life, Elis. Your job is to teach me how to use the Starfire, not to run my life."
That quiet look of concern. Was that his answer to everything? She hated that. It made her feel guilty. "And stop giving me that look."
Had Miss Russet left her house yet? She couldn't sit here forever with Elis and Evelyn. She needed distance to stay mad. In his calm presence, she couldn't stay angry like she wanted, adding insult to injury.
She peeked out the front window. The car was still there. Why was her quiet life turning upside down now?
"You could use this time to practice," Elis said.
"Yeah. Okay." She gave a low growl in concession and started up the stairs.
"I am sorry."
She halted. "Shut up." Why did he have to be so nice about it? She wished she could go back to thinking he was creepy and stay pissed at him, but she couldn't. He wasn't creepy, just shy, maybe, and a little annoying. Or was his patient, soft-spoken manner getting to her? She did have fun last night.
Oh, no. She was not liking him. This was all the Starfire's fault. She wished her mother had never passed it on to her, or that it had rejected her. "Forget it. It's over. Don't talk about it anymore."
When he said nothing, she hurried up the stairs to his room. His room. Why couldn't she do this in her room?
That damned Nina Russet. That's why.
Why did the woman have to bother her? That's whose fault this situation was. Raea couldn't wait for the woman to go home. But what about the film crew she would bring back? They'd never have any peace, not for a while, anyway.
In some way this was Elis's fault too. He had played hero and caused the reports that brought attention here. Damn them both.
In her session with Elis, the resonance came easier, almost without thought. Letting it go took more effort. It warmed through her and each time grew warmer, until she couldn't quit sweating.
"Dinner's ready," Evelyn called up the stairs.
None too soon. Raea's stomach gurgled at the thought of food, especially Evelyn's cooking. When did she start thinking of Mrs. Johnson by her first name? She could blame that on Elis too. Too bad she couldn't blame him for Pallin leaving in a couple weeks.
"A good place to end. You're gonna burn yourself out if you keep trying too hard."
"Fine. Then I quit." She didn't want any of this. She wanted a normal life. Now she knew why Debbie hadn't told her.
She wanted food and shoved past Elis.
He caught her hand, stopping her at the door. How dare he—
"You're doing far better than I expected."
Damn, him. She hated him because she couldn't stay mad. She yanked her hand from his and hurried down the stairs. Not fast enough. She felt the blush warming her cheeks. How did he do that? It's like he knew exactly how to reach inside her emotions and make her feel better, which embarrassed her because of who he was.
"I mean it. You're months ahead of many Keepers." His steps thumped quickly behind her. "Raea?"
She turned and shoved him away. "Damn it, Elis. Life was so much easier when I could avoid you. But you have to be like...nice. I can't stay mad at you, and that's why I'm mad." He better not take that the wrong way. "But you're not off the hook about Pallin."
"I don't like him."
"Shut up. Just…stay away from him." She had to end this. Besides, it was time to eat. The scent from the dining room rushed her down the last few stairs.
"Come and eat, dear."
Once again, Evelyn had outdone herself. The old woman had set out a full course meal. How did she do it? "I could never eat that much."
"You need some meat on those bones, dear. Sit down and eat."
Why did old women always say that? All that food looked divine. Raea took a seat near Evelyn. She had made enough to feed a few Daves. But Raea wasn't like her cousin. Then again, maybe this time she could be.
Sometime during the meal, she glanced out at a wall of white. Yay! If it snowed hard enough school would be cancelled. But so would any chance to see Pallin—boo. School or Pallin? Pallin or school? The worst choice in the world. But maybe that Miss Russet would be stuck at her hotel. Okay, then Raea chose school canceling.
When the phone rang, Evelyn started to get up.
"I'll get it." Elis jumped up before the old woman could fully stand. She smiled and settled back onto her chair. "Hello? Hi, Debbie...Yes, she's here...Don't worry...No, we just sat down to eat after another lesson...I'll let her know...Bye."
He hung up the phone. "Nina Russet was there. She left a little while ago, after questioning Debbie about you and your mother."
"Did Debbie say anything?" What would her aunt say about her? Debbie had kept her secret for over eighteen years. Raea doubted she'd give it out now. Still...What if she slipped and let out a hint of the truth? Nina Russet was sharp.
"No. She said she'll tell you when you get home. I heard Dave shouting in the background. She hasn't told any of them."
Good. Then Debbie must have said nothing. Her cousins didn't know. But Raea wanted to know what Miss Russet was asking this time. Until the woman left town with her story about Dark Angel, Raea expected nothing less than trouble.
Dark Suspicions
"Ted." Nina leaned back at the head of the queen bed with her cell phone to her ear. And to think she had expected that hole of a town to have no cell service. Shame on her. The place didn't have much going for it, though, other than the stories she had dug up over the weekend. Now she was stuck in the hotel with a white-out of a blizzard beyond her window. This was supposed to be spring. Where was the sunshine and rain? Why snow?
At least she could check in with Ted.
"Good to hear from you, Nina. How's the story coming?"
"I'm glad you asked. It seems this town has some interesting people. I haven't seen much—okay, nothing—of any Dark Angel yet, but I've met others worth a segment unto themselves."
"But the show is a two-hour special, Nina, completely focused on angels. We need all you can dig up on this town's angel."
"You'll get it, Ted. I promise. I met that kid the priest told us about. He's been escorting me, introducing people. Met some interesting ones. But best of all, one of his friends has some bizarre marks on her hands. I swear they match the images we found in the making of that ancient rituals episode. I've never seen anything like them anywhere else. But she won't talk about it."
"Will anyone else?"
"Somewhat. I think the aunt knows something, but she's not saying much."
"See what you can find out. But focus on the angel, Nina. See what you can find out about him. Don't get sidetracked right now. We're on a deadline and a budget. Bad enough you're taking more than a week. Contact the people who encountered him. Get their stories. The crew will arrive at the end of the week. I want you to work with them; sit out and try to catch a glimpse of this angel. I want video. Concrete proof. You'll have less than week with them. And I want interviews with the witnesses. Visit the sites where
the encounters happened. Take measurements. Everything. Remember that you're there to find proof."
"I know. I'll get it done."
"Good. I have faith in you, Nina. But I can't chat. I have a meeting in five. Gotta go."
He clicked off before she could get a word in. Typical Theodore Feuerstein. Always busy. Always meetings, meetings, meetings.
Wasn't it early for a meeting?
Ah, no. He was an hour ahead of her.
No wonder she was hungry. She hadn't eaten yet and it was almost nine her time. The hotel had a complimentary continental breakfast downstairs. She could take advantage of that. And, since she was stuck inside for the day, or more, she could make phone calls. Josh would have the information she needed to contact the witnesses. She couldn't meet any in person for a day or two, but she could make appointments. The day wasn't a total loss.
Her stomach grumbled. "Yes. Yes. I'm going." She slipped on her shoes and headed down the stairs, past the indoor pool and hot tub—there was another way to waste the day—and into the lobby.
It was busy already with guests. Funny; she hadn't expected the hotel would be that full.
Two of the three round tables in the lobby were full. The third had a couple of people with chairs between them. What was it with people and personal space? Why couldn't they just sit close and chat? She could never understand that.
She grabbed a bagel and a cup of coffee and took a seat. Being alone without someone to talk to wasn't her style. She always thought if she ended up overseas and was captured by some extremist faction, all they had to do to torture her was to ignore her.
A television played one of the all day news stations. No one paid any attention to it, probably because it was turned down too low to hear over the idle chatter of other guests.
"Mind if I sit here?"
The handsome young man nearest her shook his head of shoulder-length blonde hair. He looked like someone who belonged on the beach ready to surf but he was a long ways from warm sand, something she would have died for right then. "You may. It is not claimed."
"Thanks. Interesting accent. You're quite a ways from home."
"Yes. Much distance." He grinned, his amber eyes sparkling. Maybe being stuck in the hotel all day wasn't such a bad option.
"What brought you here?" She grabbed a packet of jelly from the bowl in the center of the table and smeared it on the bagel.
"I doing...important business."
"Yeah, sitting around watching the snow fly. There's important business." A few packets of sugar in her coffee ought to be enough. "Really, though. What's so special about this town?"
"I cannot be telling."
"Can't tell...Hmm...I suppose it's some secret military operation."
He turned away and sipped his orange juice. Curious. She had hit a bit close to the mark with her flippant comment. Now she had to pursue it. Her insatiable curiosity wouldn't let her quit until she had an answer.
"So, anyway, I'm Nina, from the Xplorer Channel." She wiped her crumbly hand on her jogging pants and offered it.
He shook her hand. "Pleased to meeting you. I am being called Pallin."
"Nice to meet you, Pallin. I've only been here a few days. How long have you been in town?"
"Not many days."
"How long will you be here?" In other words, how long did she have to enjoy seeing that handsome face?
He leaned towards her. "Many days more."
Behind the coffee mug she lifted to her lips, a smile formed. This could be interesting. Indeed, this town had more to offer her than she had given it credit. "What do you like to do for fun, Pallin?"
His suggestive smile sent a tingle of anticipation through her.
* * *
Time to quit. If Elis was right, Raea couldn't keep this up without hurting herself. And she was way too hot. She needed a break, or she needed Elis to help her with whatever came next.
What did come next? He hadn't said. Whatever the next step was, she needed him to show her.
She hated relying on him. Having him interfere in her life like he did with Pallin was unacceptable. So what if he was her connection to what she really was? He had no right—none—to confront Pallin.
Maybe she could call Pallin again. She hadn't been able to reach him yesterday after their walk. Either he was too busy or he had left town. No. Not the latter. He would have told her.
Raea grabbed the phone downstairs and took it up to her room. She might have a handset in her room, but this way Dave couldn't listen in. It wouldn't matter. The brat didn't notice with his eyes glued to the game he played.
She dialed the hotel and waited on hold for them to ring his room.
"Sorry, no one's answering."
Where was he, or his family? Obviously they hadn't checked out. What else could he be doing on a day like this, snowed in at his hotel? Wasn't he interested in her? Why wouldn't he call if he was? "Thanks, anyway." She clicked off and laid back on her bed, a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. This couldn't be a good sign.
What were Jess and Linds doing? What about Josh? Without Nina Russet, he was probably bored. But he hadn't looked like he exactly enjoyed escorting her. Raea had avoided confronting her yesterday by staying at Evelyn's. Unfortunately, Miss Russet had shown up after lunch to ask Evelyn about angels. Raea hid in Elis's room, bored out of her skull for a couple hours while the woman spoke with Evelyn and Elis. Then again, not totally bored. The Starfire entertained her with more visions of her mother's life before Earth.
Just call. Josh deserves that much. She hadn't meant to duck out with Elis and lie about it. Josh probably felt betrayed. She would too.
Great. Now she hated herself.
She dialed his number and waited. When his youngest sister answered, Raea asked for him. Tess shouted into the phone for him. Thanks. I needed a hearing check.
Josh picked up in seconds. "Raea. I thought you'd be working on your 'special' project."
Ouch. Okay, she deserved the lash of his tongue. "I'm sorry, Josh. I had to say something to get out of there. You have no idea how annoying that woman is. Like some vampire needing innocent blood."
Was that a sigh she heard over the phone?
"I know. I didn't realize she'd turn into such a pest for you. What's goin' on with you and Elis, though? I thought you couldn't stand him?"
He had to ask. She couldn't tell him the truth. She wasn't ready. What could she tell him?
"Debbie said he came from the same..." She couldn't say "world". That would give it away. Ah, yes. There was one word that fit. "The same land as my mom. He's kind of, like, showing me things from there. It's cool. He's actually pretty nice."
"That's great. See? I told you not to judge people. So, it's not a project for Mister Maviar?"
"No, but I didn't want your Miss Russet digging her claws deeper into my business."
"Sorry. Really. I didn't know she'd be like that. Honest. But I wish you could have told me sooner."
"It's not like I was expecting him to pop over like that. He kinda took me by surprise, and with her here...Not a good situation. I couldn't think of anything else."
"But when did this start?"
"Friday. I understood something he said, in his first language." Not the truthful answer to his question but part of it. Good enough for her to pass it off; she was a terrible liar. If Josh found out the full truth, he'd flip. And with him close to Nina Russet, her quiet life would turn into a circus. Raea didn't want any attention, or at least not that kind. From what she understood, Elis didn't want it either.
"So, your mom came from the same country he did? And you know the language?"
"Yeah. It's kinda like a big ice-breaker. You know?"
"No, but I can imagine. What's Pallin think?"
"He doesn't know. It's not his business." He wouldn't even be around much longer. Time to change the subject, sort of. "So...How's the Dark Angel research going?" She cringed. Oh, to be able to tell him how close he was.
&n
bsp; His voice rang with a note of relief as he went into details about his introducing Nina Russet to a few people and their opinions on the sightings and unexplained healings. Unfortunately, that led to Miss Russet's comments about Raea's hands. Josh apologized again and jumped into mundane topics, like the snow.
In the end, Raea hung up the phone satisfied. She could always count on Josh to be reasonable, except for the truth in this case.
She checked the clock—almost lunch time. Ugh. She despised snow days. Dave shouted at his game downstairs, his curses reaching her through the door. Little Eric probably sat next to him, absorbing all his bad habits. Debbie read and Mike worked from home via the internet.
I hate this. This house is a cage. She wanted to go out flying again. That meant Elis.
She needed him. No, I don't.
But she couldn't progress with the Starfire. Maybe they'll help.
They hadn't reached that point. I haven't tried. What can I do?
It would be so much easier with his help. Damn it.
She had the phone. Call already. He was probably waiting for her.
The phone rang before she realized she had dialed. Why'd she do that?
"Hello?" he said.
She had to say something. "Uh...Hi. I need some help."
"How far did you get?"
"I get too hot."
"You need to release the energy. I can show you. You're welcome here anytime. Evelyn's words."
Yeah. She could imagine Mrs. Johnson saying that. In fact, she probably had at some point, and Raea had forgotten. But Raea didn't want to go out in that snow. On the other hand, having him there would incite Dave's taunting. The brat had already done that, though. School's gonna suck tomorrow. She could just imagine Chad. No. She did not want to imagine what Chad would say. Worse, what Pallin would say, which made her cringe.
Why me?
Oh, hell. The damage is done. Elis did that last night. No getting out of it now. Elis might as well show up there again. At least she could avoid the snow.
"Just come over here, if you really want to help me."
Starfire Angels (Starfire Angels: Dark Angel Chronicles Book 1) Page 9