Paul was surprised, “Are you serious?”
“I trust Mathew thought out that location carefully. Yes, I want it. Core is going to know we are in town anyway if he’s still around. He won’t be using that building now that we know about it.”
Paul stated he wanted to follow up on some of the information from Ellen’s computer transmission from the interviews. He wanted to make sure they were not missing anything important before they left. Roger gave him a couple of specific things to double check.
After Paul left the office Roger closed the door and placed a call to Ray, “Did you get the phone record I asked for?”
Ray answered, “I have something…” After they spoke Roger put the phone down and walked over to the window. Thanks to Ellen, Roger knew the exact time Mathew Core received a call warning him they were coming. Now he knew where that call had come from.
Ellen had us meet her at the Indianapolis Office of the FBI. We followed her from office to office, so we could see what each agent looked like who was now on the team. We started in Supervisory Special Agent Dan Thor’s office where he was cradling a phone on his shoulder and asking someone to take care of his house for a week or so. He had two large bottles of Tums on his desk. He also had a stack of papers with a paperweight that said “Later” on it, another smaller stack had a paperweight that said “Now”, and a huge stack with a paperweight that said “Too Late.” I couldn’t help but laugh. I could have used those when I was mortal. Actually, I had a similar drawer system. Agent Thor got off the phone and sent an inquiry on his computer to the shooting range to see if they had an opening for him to take an hour or so for practice. They did. He checked his gun and left the office for the basement range.
Teresa asked Ellen, “What is the difference between their titles? I’m getting confused.”
Ellen answered, “People start at the FBI as agents if they meet the educational and physical requirements for the Agency. They become Special Agents if they obtain certain levels of competency in additional areas of study. A Supervisory Special Agent is at the top of the Agent ladder and has a higher pay grade, level of responsibility, and standing within the agency.”
Mary asked, “This team has four SSA agents then. Roger, Paul, Dan and Simon, right?”
Ellen answered, “Right. Roger has actually been offered a Deputy Director position and turned it down. He likes being a field agent.”
Next they went to an office where SSA Simon Frost and Agent Pablo Manigat were talking about New Orleans. Agent Manigat had light brown skin and piercing black eyes, a lock of his black hair was hanging slightly over one of his eyes as he told Simon about his sister’s encounter with Devon and Patterson.
Simon frowned, “You should not be involved in this anymore! You are way too close!”
Pablo stood and said, “I can handle this. I’ve talked to Jeanne, and she is okay. I want to catch these guys. Agent Dance is giving us consideration.”
Simon loosened his tie, looked at Pablo, and said, “This is what I predict. Your sister is out, other than identification, and you will be on a leash so short you will need Roger’s permission to crap! That is the best you can hope for my friend. And that is more than fair.” Simon was not happy about this development. The risk factor had ratcheted up about six notches for all of them.
Pablo was packing a briefcase. “We’ll see,” he said as he zipped it closed and turned to go out the door. Frost knew Roger didn’t need this. None of them did.
Mary said to Linda, “These guys don’t look real happy about going to New Orleans.”
Ellen said, “I think they are all worried about how dangerous this assignment might become. All mortals have fears. What do you guys think Simon is afraid of?” We all looked at each other. He didn’t look like he was afraid of anything to me.
Teresa said, “Not catching a bad guy?”
Ellen answered, “Simon is afraid of growing old alone. The job has cost him his family for now. He’s hoping to fix that later.” Ellen said, “Your ability to locate people will be enhanced if you try to hone in on all aspects of a mortal’s character. You will get better at it as time goes on. Really try to read their thoughts as often as you can.”
Next, Ellen took us to a mess hall type room where Agent Todd Nelson was standing in a short line. Thor had passed him in the basement hallway and told him they were going to New Orleans. Todd had decided he better get a bite to eat and then call his girlfriend to let her know he was going to be out of town for a while. He was pretty sure this would be the last straw. She was already unhappy with him. As he looked at what the kitchen had called a club sandwich, he tried to remember the last time he’d had good food. New Orleans wouldn’t be all bad.
Teresa had stood behind Todd in line and came back to us and said, “Todd is afraid of not being a perfect agent. He comes from a family of agents and doesn’t want to let them down.”
Ellen beamed, “That is perfect! Exactly how you need to do that!”
Ellen motioned us to gather around, and she asked, “In your mortal lives have any of you visited New Orleans?” I looked around and then raised my hand.
Linda said, “Can you believe it? The only one of us that has been there is Vicki?”
Teresa looked at Ellen, “It had to be twenty years ago! She never goes anywhere.”
I spoke up, “Hello? I’m still here. Ellen, wouldn’t you say that even after Katrina, New Orleans is a city that doesn’t change much over time?”
Ellen was nodding, “She’s right, that city doesn’t change from decade to decade, other than now there is more suffering from an extraordinary amount of crime.”
Mary said, “Didn’t Ellen DeGeneres come from New Orleans?”
Ellen smiled, “Yes she did! Well, this is what I am thinking. It may take a while before the guys get there. You need to practice ‘locating’ mortals. This is how you do it. Mortals emit auras we can track with our spiritual minds. We can find their auras by concentrating on what we know about them and requesting our spiritual mind to locate them. Does this make sense?” Teresa, Mary, and Linda were nodding.
I was confused. “Just think about someone, and you will know where they are?”
Ellen looked at me, “Basically, yes.” I was thinking this would have been helpful when Kim was a teenager.
Ellen asked Mary, “Tell me where your baby sister is right now.”
Mary closed her eyes and said, “I think she is at the Kroger store on Chapel Street in the frozen food section.”
Ellen said, “Right!”
Teresa said, “Give me someone to do!”
Ellen said, “What is your sister Sheila doing right now?”
Teresa closed her eyes and said, “She is in my mom’s basement art room painting a picture with my mom!”
Ellen said, “Right.” Ellen looked at Linda, “Tell me where Agent Paul Casey is right now.”
Linda closed her eyes and said, “He is on his computer in his office.”
Ellen said, “Read me what is on his computer screen.”
Linda said, “He is sending an e-mail to Ashley telling her they think they know where Devon is, and he will keep her posted. Wow! Could we do this all along?”
Ellen answered, “No, we just upgraded your watches to include mortal locating this morning. Now you just need to learn how to use them. Vicki why don’t you try one, what do you know about Mathew Core?”
“I know he is a bad guy, and I know his name. He is connected to Devon and Patterson because he helped them escape. He kills people! You found him in New Orleans. He has military background. Is that enough?”
Ellen said, “Maybe not, you need a sense of his soul, but just try.” I closed my eyes and saw a blurred vision of an alley, fire escape stairs, and a blurred street sign.
I told them what I saw and Ellen said, “Me too. There is something about Mathew Core’s soul that is blurring his aura. Which means, you gals can locate most mortals now with just a small amount of information. Go
od job!”
“Well here is what I want you to do between now and when the FBI team gets to New Orleans. Locate Jeremiah Dumaine, Jeanne Manigat, and Mambo. Just spend a little time with them. The more you see into their souls, the easier they are going to be to locate. DO NOT try to locate Devon and Patterson, I need to be with you for them. The rest of the time just have fun. Mix among the mortals!”
Mix with mortals! I heard mess with mortals. Hee hee.
Ellen was looking at me, “Not too much!”
I asked, “When can we go?”
Ellen answered, “Pretty soon,” with a big smile.
I had a question, “I am really tired of being in the same clothes.”
Ellen started laughing, “You are the only ones who can see what you look like! Just imagine what you would like to be wearing, and it will happen!”
I looked over at Teresa, and she was in full combat gear! Shit! Teresa said “Ninja Angel!” Okay. Mary had a soft tropical print tourist dress on that came to her ankles, sandals and about twenty long strings of beads. Linda had a big hat on with flowers all over it, a very smart short set, and a big handbag that said “BIG EASY” on it. Hmmmm. I decided on a pair of white gauze pants with a matching over shirt and a bright coral tank top. Sweet. This feels so much better! I looked at Ellen, “Is all of this new too?”
Ellen said, “Yep, kind of a bonus skill we developed just for your little group. The rest of us really don’t care about such things.”
I said, “When I was at Kim’s house, I discovered I could get inside things, and she could still see me.”
Ellen laughed, “Yeah, I saw that. It was pretty funny. The only mortal that can hear and see you is still Kim.” Ellen started waving at us, “Bye now. Have a good trip. Send a card. See ya later.”
Teresa said, “I think she wants us to leave.”
We took off for New Orleans, and Ellen returned to Roger.
Jeremiah had arrived at Mambo’s den at dawn and had brought with him some supplies. The woman Mambo called Heeshia was waiting at the swamps edge for him, “Jeremiah, are you taking me with you this morning?”
Jeremiah answered, “Yes,” as he tied his small craft to the cypress root and began unloading the supplies. Heeshia helped him, and he was surprised at how strong she was.
Heeshia said, “Let me get these while you visit with Mambo.” Jeremiah continued to move boxes. He did not believe in a woman doing man’s work.
They worked together until the craft was empty and the supplies were all on Mambo’s porch. Mambo had prepared a large basin of heated water and soap for the woman she was calling Kyeeta, meaning quiet one. Jeremiah and Heeshia sat on small rugs in the center of the room and waited for Mambo to join them. When Mambo was seated, Jeremiah gave her a small cloth purse that contained money, and he also passed her a pistol and a box of ammunition.
Mambo looked at the gun, pushed it all back, and said, “I am protected by the Saints. I have no use for this weapon, or your money, but thank you.” Then she looked at Jeremiah and said, “Heeshia says she is leaving with you today. She is strong now. The Spirits will protect you both.” Mambo reached in a small bag made of flour cloth and pulled out a small amulet hanging from a thin leather strap. She motioned Heeshia to lean forward. She placed the amulet around her neck. With her hands on the top of Heeshia’s head, she began chanting. Mambo crossed herself and gave a bow to Heeshia. Then she motioned for them to go.
The woman Mambo called Kyeeta was watching them. Heeshia went to her. They held hands and whispered. Heeshia returned to the center of the room, nodded to Mambo, and told Jeremiah she was ready to leave.
The early morning air was already thick and humid as Jeremiah slowly pushed the boat from the shore and into the more open waters of the swamp. Jeremiah looked at Heeshia and said, “I have a truck to take you where you want to go, and I have some money you may have.” He had a patch over his bad eye this morning, and he looked tired from the day’s labors already.
“My name is Jeanne Manigat, Jeremiah. I have enough money for my needs, but I may need a favor when we get to your home. Can you draw me a map of the swamp where you found me?”
Jeremiah looked at her and answered, “Yes, and I think I know where you entered the swamp too. I’ve been doin’ a little snoopin’ for ya.” He smiled at her.
Jeanne said, “If I wasn’t afraid I’d tip your boat, I would run over there and give you a big hug!” Jeremiah flinched and smiled.
Jeanne could see various sized alligators sunning along the shoreline. She also caught a glimpse of a large snake sliding through the tall marsh grass along the water’s edge. Jeremiah said, “They will let that snake get about two more feet from them, then watch.” He no sooner said it than two large alligators slid from the shore and surfaced in a frenzy tearing the snake in half. Jeanne had never witnessed such a stealthy kill. Jeremiah was chuckling, “Most days a human would be their last choice for dinner. Most days.”
He looked very serious now, “I found bones near where you had been. Human bones. A lot of them.” His voice had gotten soft and sober, “I have started looking at night. Something evil has come to this swamp.”
Jeanne nodded, “Yes it has.”
They arrived at Jeremiah’s home, tied the boat securely, and walked into the humble building. Jeanne noticed how clean it was and how purposefully every item had been placed. There was a large slab of wood Jeremiah used as a table with two handmade chairs. He must get company occasionally. There were flour sack curtains on the windows and a stack of rifles against the back of the door. He had made a large cupboard that held his pantry supplies, and there were several small shacks scattered around the grounds. Each one was in full view of a window. She saw a hinge on the floor peeking out from under a worn rug and guessed it was his storm shelter and root cellar.
Jeremiah saw her looking, “You have to be careful living in the swamps. Some of the varmints have two legs.” He was smiling.
Jeanne said, “Jeremiah, I don’t know how to thank you for all you have done for me. My pride requires I return a favor to you, I know you understand.”
Jeremiah was looking at her, “There is nothing I need Ms. Jeanne. Exceptin’ when you get feeling better maybe you could help me fix my tunnel. I’m afraid these old bones aren’t much good anymore.”
Jeanne pointed to the floor, “Is that your tunnel?”
Jeremiah nodded, “Goes clear over to that shack there.” He was pointing out the window. Jeanne was stunned. It had to be 200 feet away.
“You are kidding me, right? How can you have a tunnel in swamp land?”
Jeremiah laugh, “My grandfather knew these parts like nobody else. There is a vein of rock bed and a vein of good soil that runs about two miles only on this side of the swamp, right here. He made this tunnel to help the slaves escape to the North through the swamp and all the way to the Mississippi River. My father put the shed over that end there, used to be a couple of bushes, and a board. You know, this property was very important at that time in history ‘cause nobody expected a tunnel in the swamp lands.”
Jeremiah got a lantern for himself and one for Jeanne, lifted the trap door, and they descended down the narrow steps into darkness.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Jeanne was amazed. The tunnel was about seven feet high and four feet wide with lanterns hanging about every twenty feet. It had stone floors and cypress walls. Jeremiah led the way, lighting lanterns as they walked. They came to an area about 200 feet from where they had started. Jeanne noticed the boards along the sidewalls were showing signs of dry rot. About ten feet farther into the tunnel she could see where the ceiling had collapsed.
Jeanne studied the situation and asked, “How far are we from the other staircase?”
Jeremiah answered, “This should be just about where the staircase starts, fell in last summer.” He looked about to cry.
Jeanne said, “Let’s go back and look at this from the other end.” They did, and Jeanne h
ad a plan. “You and I can fix this! We have to go by my house in the city. I need to clean up, get some of my money, and my car. After you take me home, I want you to follow me to the supply shop. We’ll need your truck. Then I want you to just let me work on this from the shed side for a couple of days. I’m waiting for my brother to come to town and need something to do. Deal?”
Jeremiah choked back a sob and said, “Deal.”
James Devon, or as the sign on the door said, Attorney Michael Parker, had just met with the parents of William’s latest child molestation victim. He had encouraged them to take the settlement of two hundred thousand dollars and be grateful that someone didn’t report them to authorities for negligence and child endangerment. After all, what were they thinking letting their son go to a museum with a total stranger? Besides, they only had the word of a seven year old child against that of a highly regarded citizen of the city. The only reason they were being offered anything was to show compassion for an obviously troubled family. It had worked. By the time they left, Devon was mad he hadn’t offered less.
He flipped the sign to closed on his front door and grabbed today’s copy of the Times- Picayune to see the crime stories and the obituaries. The crime stories were like reading the comics for him. Murder here. Murder there. Police had no leads. Police charged with corruption in fire murder. Convicted defendant walks out of courtroom at sentencing, still missing. You couldn’t make this stuff up! He flipped to the obituaries. He was looking for a funeral with a large family. Those were always the most fun, and good for business. Both businesses.
He found one that looked promising, two o’clock this afternoon. Not too far out of his way. He decided to pick up a few supplies in town and then go home to make ready. September in New Orleans was just God Damn hot. He could smell his own body odor as he got in his car. He took off his suit jacket and grabbed the half empty bottle of water near his console. The water was hot, but at least it was wet. Funeral home had better have good air conditioning.
Extreme Heat Warning: A Shallow End Gals Trilogy, Book Two Page 6