by K. A. Lange
I guess I was having one of those days that just kept piling shit onto my plate. As if I didn’t have enough to handle at the moment the two of them had to go and add to it! “I guess there’s nothing left to do but see what’s behind door number one.”
“I’m sorry?”
She seemed confused by the expression. Granted I’m old but I know that this was at least a semi recent reference. “You’ve never heard of Monty Hall and ‘Let’s Make a Deal’?”
“Before my time, I would imagine.”
Of course it was. “Right then, off to see the wizard.” She rolled her eyes at yet another old man reference. Making my way up the stairs and through the throng of waiting Kings and Queens I was finally able to squeeze into the office, closing the door behind me. Rex and Zulu filled the two chairs in front of the desk while Katharine and Kira stood on either side of my desk chair, silently waiting for me to take a seat.
No one was willing to start the conversation which was really starting to piss me off. “I must have forgotten we had a meeting today, please forgive my tardiness.”
Rex was more than a little amused at the situation as he glowed with excitement. Zulu on the other hand was much more subdued, almost contrite. My daughter wore an expression devoid of any emotion which meant she was desperately trying to hide something. Katharine however looked to be thoroughly enjoying her new found power and prestige as she thrived on the attention being heaped upon her.
Rex leaned forward giving me a sly wink. “We have come due to our need for a new Gatekeeper.” He paused as he gave a sideways glance at Zulu before continuing. “Several members would like to violate the laws of Comus by having, the ‘Progenitor’, you, serve in such a capacity.”
Zulu was quick to take over as he got to his feet. “Many of us would like to see you take over in a more active manner.”
And there it was! Damn! “Have you ever considered there might be a reason that particular rule was created?” I’d always thought it obvious that no one should be entrusted with absolute authority. That’s why I’d created a system with checks and balances. “We need to maintain the balance to ensure that no one, not even me abuses their position.”
Zulu’s voice was full of reverence as he spoke. “You could at least consider it for a moment, think of all the things you could accomplish.”
Zulu’s reaction to the news I was Comus was the real reason I’d never wanted to take control of any of the organizations. As I was unique among men people always had the same reaction. I was either an angel or a devil and either way I lost what I valued most which was the relationship between men. Not the relationship one has between what they perceived as divine or evil incarnate for that matter. Either way those around me would stop looking for answers for themselves and rely solely on my judgement.
Standing up I walked around to the front of my desk where I leaned hard against the heavy oak frame. “While I appreciate the offer, I honestly do, there is just no way I could accept. There is too much that could go wrong.” Pushing myself off, I paced around the front of my desk. “For all that you think I am... I make mistakes.” I watched as Zulu’s face sank and I suddenly felt like the guy who kicked his dog for no reason. “The Gatekeeper is there to temper the will of Comus, to guide the courts and show them the way.”
Zulu wanted to object but I laid a hand on his shoulder to stop him. “Sometimes the Gatekeeper is an ass or just wrong, but that is why Comus exists, to bring in new leadership.” This was probably the most frustrating part of being discovered. “Usually this is taken care of in the natural order of things, as power structures evolve over time. The courts have governed themselves for nearly two hundred years and giving me the role as Gatekeeper my voice would hold too much influence.”
Bowing my head I felt the weight of my actions over the years bear down upon me. “I live to serve others and not to rule over them. It’s my duty to fight along side the brave men and women who stand in harms way. Please allow me to remain as an advisor and a soldier to continue to serve those under our protection.” Returning to my seat Kira placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder as she squeezed, letting me know she was proud to be my daughter.
Silence reigned throughout the room as everyone considered what I had said, Rex leaned back in his chair as he chose his words carefully. “While none of us believe you would abuse your power, the fact of the matter is that you are uncomfortable with the situation, and we should respect that.”
Zulu’s shoulders slumped as he hung his head in defeat. “If you don’t wish to be Gatekeeper would you help us choose a new one?”
I felt Kira’s grip tighten as she tensed, letting me know she had been waiting for this moment. “While I’m sure Viktor would be happy to assist the courts in their quest, my mother and I would like to go on record as wishing to forego such consideration since it might be seen as favoritism.”
Zulu’s face contorted as he saw his chance of getting me by proxy slip through his fingers. “That would be acceptable.” He looked over to Rex as they obviously had a backup plan. “If you would excuse us while we retrieve our candidate?”
“Take your time. I need a few minutes with my family if you wouldn’t mind.”
“Of course. We will let you know when the candidate arrive.” Rex bowed slightly as he hobbled from the room.
Crossing the room while Rex and Zulu made their way out of my office I poured myself a drink and I waited for Kira or Katharine to clue me in as to what was actually going on. As soon as Rex closed the door behind him Kira’s body visibly relaxed whereas Katharine seemed to be abuzz with energy. Kira made her way around to the front of the desk and planted herself heavily in her usual spot.
“That was fantastic.” Katharine glowed as she nearly floated across the room to fix herself a drink. “You actually sounded sincere when you said you didn’t want to ‘rule’ over them!” She grabbed a bottle of bourbon and poured herself a double before slamming it back.
“Couldn’t have been the fact he was sincere, could it mother?” Kira growled as she shifted in her seat to glare at her mother.
Obviously I had missed something. Katharine was at her core highly manipulative, devious, at times mean spirited as well as downright angry somewhere deep inside. She was of the opinion that everyone had ulterior motives which was one of the many reasons we were divorced. Don’t think that she is always a bad person because she isn’t. There are many traits about her that are truly endearing. Unfortunately they were often offset by her less attractive qualities.
Katharine rolled her eyes at her daughter as she filled her glass once more. “You are naive my dear, there is always more to the story.” Sipping at her drink, she sashayed by to take a seat. “Isn’t there, Viktor?”
Setting my drink down I turned to face them as I considered my next words carefully. “I’m sorry that after all this time you still don’t understand who I am.”
Katharine nearly spit out her drink as she choked back a laugh. “Don’t tell me you really believe that crap you just fed them!”
“That ‘crap’ as you call it, is who I am and who I’ve always been.” Chewing my lip as I leaned back against the counter I wondered how I had lasted so many years being married to her. “You understand that giving anyone that much power to control the fate of others is a bad idea.” Blood flooded my cheeks as anger welled up inside me. “It’s times like this that remind me why we are divorced.”
“If you will recall we’re divorced because I moved out.” She was quick to anger and always felt she had to go for the jugular in every fight.
“Fair enough.” While what she said was true it wasn’t as if I chased after her, but I just didn’t want to fight. “The thing is, I meant every word.”
“Of course you did.” Katharine chuckled as she took yet another drink.
Kira glared at her mother as she stood and came to stand next to me as she poured herself a coke. “You two can hash your issues out later but for now we’ve got guests.”
Katharine wanted to say something more but knew the conversation was at an end and she hadn’t won the day which meant she was going to sulk and make those around her miserable, which was something she was good at. This was going to make for a long drawn out afternoon. Nodding at Kira I proceeded to the business side of the desk while she opened the door.
Zulu poked his head in to make sure safe before before entering. Rex hobbled in next pulling an oxygen tank, followed by Nathan who closed the door. Nathan stood between Zulu and Rex. “You wanted to see me?” Nathan looked nervous as he tried to maintain a stoic demeanor.
Looking at Rex and Zulu for some sort of assistance, both were quick to avoid giving any help as they pretended not to know why they were here.
“I think you have been misled.” I told Nathan.
Nathan looked to his sides as Rex and Zulu sank into the waiting chairs, as the vein on the side of Nathan’s temple bulged as his pulse quickened. “What’s going on?”
Grimacing I leaned back in my chair. I hated being put on the spot like this. “If I had to guess you have been hoodwinked into taking the Gatekeepers position.”
It took a moment for Nathan to realize what had happened and he suddenly looked a little unsteady on his feet. “I can’t be the Gatekeeper! I’m not the King of Orpheus, Leonard still holds that title.”
“On the contrary young man.” Rex inhaled deeply with each spurt of oxygen from the tank. “The Krewe of Orpheus met late last night and unanimously voted for you to take over as King.” The machine clicked and spurted more air into his nostrils, as he gestured at the seated Zulu. “We are of the old guard and so was Leonard for that matter. It is time that someone young and vibrant took over as Gatekeeper.”
Nathan gripped the back of Rex’s chair to steady himself as his face went chalk white. “I don’t ... I don’t know what to say.”
“Yes would be a good place to start.” Raising my glass in his direction I saluted him. “After that, I am sure Rex, Zulu and the others will be glad to help you find your footing.”
Zulu stood placing a reassuring hand on Nathan’s shoulder. “Its for the best that you take over.” He looked at Rex and myself as he finally understood what I was talking about. “You have never sought power, yet it has been thrust upon you, which means you are the most worthy among us.”
With a little help from Zulu Nathan took the now vacant seat as he tried to absorb all that transpired over the last few minutes. Kira stood next to me as she smiled at the new Gatekeeper. Katharine raised her glass as she chewed on her lip, her sullen attitude clear for all to see. Like I said she was really good at being a royal bitch some days. Unfortunately as she grew older those days were coming more often than before. Anger and bitterness were making her hollow and if she were not careful I feared that one day it would consume her.
Walking around to the front of the desk Kira and I both took a knee followed by the others. “May the will of the Gatekeeper always be tempered with temperance.”
Nathan’s eyes grew wide with terror. “I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”
“Oh but you have!” Chuckling more to myself than anyone else. “We took your silence as consent. Not to worry! We will make everything official on Kings Day after the first of the year.”
“Oh for gods sake will you guys stand and tell me what’s going on?”
“By your command.” Rex intoned as he flopped into his seat breathing heavily. “You are the new Gatekeeper, may you guide us wisely.”
“I will do my best.” he answered sheepishly.
“Care for a drink?” I asked as I patted him on the shoulder. “I have an excellent bottle of rye whiskey I picked up just a few days ago.”
“Can you make it a double?” Nathan rubbed his head furiously.
Pouring a fresh drink for everyone we all toasted the new Gatekeeper. Rex and Zulu were quick to explain his duties, which made him pale as they got to some of the nastier bits. It wasn’t long before everyone from my office stepped into the lobby to announce the new Gatekeeper to the waiting throng. Kings Day this year would be something to remember. The courts would be in full regalia lead by Comus through the streets of New Orleans as the Gatekeeper’s title would be officially cemented in ceremony, something that hadn’t happened in nearly a hundred years.
Chapter 23
It was just after dusk when the last of the court’s delegates left the building. Still angry over our earlier conversation Katherine had taken the first opportunity to vacate the premises several hours earlier. Kira hated such gatherings and had excused herself to return to her duties, which meant she was willing to suffer through taking a second look at her new best friend Owen to escape the revelry. This gave me an opportunity to speak with Nicholas to see how he was holding up. He seemed like a good kid and the past couple days had to have been extremely hard on him. He entered my office door and nervously took a seat.
Each time his nerves got the better of him his foot to tap as he waited to see what might happen next. To his credit he tried to force himself still. “You wanted to see me?”
His voice trembled as he spoke. I just couldn’t tell if it was from anger or sadness. I didn’t blame him for either emotion. He had been forced to watch his mother being butchered in front of him, and now was forced to deal with strangers as he tried to figure out his next step.
“I know it’s hard but try and relax.” God that sounded weak and stupid even to me. How the hell was he supposed to relax especially after the last few days. It wasn’t as if he were on vacation.
He gave me one of those you have to be kidding looks. “Yeah that’s a lot easier said than done at this point.” He cracked his knuckles. “I’d really like to get my hands on Smith truth be known.”
“That’s a good sign...” Getting up I crossed the room and poured us both a glass of whiskey.
“What’s a good sign?” He growled.
“Your pissed!” Handing him his glass I took the seat opposite him as I relaxed. “You should be. Thing is you want to do something about it and not wallow in self pity.”
He sniffed the tumbler before taking a swig. “This is some good stuff.”
“It ought to be.” Raising my glass in toast. “To vengeance! It isn’t just for the lord anymore.”
That nearly made him laugh before he polished off the glass. It was a good thing I’d brought the bottle. “So is that why I’m here? Vengeance?”
Pouring us both another glass I just didn’t know where to start. “Kira said you were pretty cut up...”
That made him smile as he grabbed his glass. “So much for HIPPA laws I suppose...” He took a drought before sitting his glass aside and pulling up his shirt. He’d almost healed from his wounds. “As I said before, I heal up quickly.”
Yeah too quickly to be anything natural! Unless he were more like me than I’d guessed. “Has that always been the case?” Maybe Gullveig had succeeded in passing along the nanites to the triplets somehow or maybe they’d been implanted with more of the infamous cane.
“I suppose it has. I’d always healed quickly but when I hit puberty it seemed to hit overdrive.”
Pouring a third round I sat back and thought of the possibilities. “Did anything other than puberty happen around then?”
He pondered that as he sipped his drink and I practically saw the light bulb go off over his head. “When I was twelve I went in for wrist surgery after I broke it playing ball.” Taking another long drink he nodded his head. “Yeah it was after that things really kicked into high gear. I’d always attributed it to puberty, but I’m betting you think the surgery had something to do with it.”
Standing I made my way back around the desk, opening the bottom drawer to pull out the evidence bag Pete had given me. “I don’t know what to think but he surgery may have sped things along.” Tossing the bag to Nicholas I asked. “Ever seen anything like that before?”
He examined the bag closely. “Do you mind if I take a closer look?”
“Knock yourself out.” Coming around I watched his face as he opened the bag, longingly looking at the bone. “Have you seen this before?”
He shook his head slowly as if he were mesmerized by it. “No, but there is something about it that calls to me. What is it?”
“Before I answer that we need to talk about your mother.”
He forced himself to put the bag in his lap as he tore his eyes off the small bone and tried to give me his full attention. “What about her? Did you find the woman who murdered her?”
“Not yet but we’re working on that even as we speak.”
Pulling my tablet off my desk I opened the file with several personal photo’s we discovered on Creepy George’s computer. Handing it to him, he gingerly took it and scanned through the photos. The two he seemed focused on were of Helena, Galvez, Smith and Creepy George all standing around holding Gullveig’s cane, looking like the best of friends. The second one was a photo of his mother and Galvez holding both he and his brother as babies for a family photo. I felt bad for destroying the image he’d had of his mother but in this case it couldn’t be helped. He took the news exceptionally well all things considered which made be a be concerned. If I’d thought he was angry before he was well beyond that petty emotion and was now numb. It barely phased him when he learned he was actually a triplet. I knew that at some point he would need to process this information and I could only hope he wouldn’t break.
To make matters more complicated his brother was two floors below in the medical facility undergoing a second examination. Nicholas seemed torn between wanting to meet his brother and coming to terms with the fact his mother wasn’t the woman he thought she was. He was surprisingly quick to connect the dots and figure out the woman who’d tortured him and killed his mother was his long lost sister. Honestly that last bit of information more than anything else seemed to turn his all consuming fury up to eleven. As he shifted in his chair the bone rolled out of the open bag which he quickly caught before it hit the floor.