A Rose by Any Other Name (Haunted Series Book 18)

by Alexie Aaron

  “It looks so nice in here,” Mia said to her mother who was coming down the stairs. Mia watched her navigate around the childproof gate with amusement.

  “We left the décor up to Cid. We just want functionality. Everything has to be grandchild and absentminded academic proof. Scotchgarded, fireproof and washable were tops on the list.”

  “I don’t smell cigarettes,” Mia noticed.

  “The upstairs still smells stale. I’ve been quarantined to my office and the back patio. Charles doesn’t want Brian to breathe in my poison as he calls it.”

  “I appreciate that, Amanda,” Mia said. “Where should I put these?”

  “Baby seat in the front closet. Brian’s clothes in his room.”

  “He has his own room?”

  “Well, he’ll have to share it with the other children when they come along, but right now we’re going to spoil him,” Amanda admitted.

  Brian’s room was on the first floor next to a guestroom.

  “We’re going to stay down here with Brian while you’re gone. When you sleep over, you can have this room.”

  Mia leaned back against the wall of the hallway, taking all of this in.

  She didn’t know what to think. “Amanda, I appreciate the trouble…”

  “It’s no trouble,” Amanda said.

  “Of course not!” Charles said excitedly as he popped his head out of Brian’s room. “Mia, come on in.”

  She walked through the door and tears of appreciation fell down her cheeks. Cid had designed a room that Brian could grow in, and it showed her parents commitment to being grandparents. Tucked against one wall was a bunkbed/desk setup. On the other was a small bed shaped like a Viking boat.

  “I was a little taken back by that,” Amanda admitted. “I thought it was Charon’s boat to cross the river Styx, but Charles assures me that it’s a pretty good replica of a Viking longboat. When Brian outgrows it, he can play in it. It’s all padded. That Cid thinks of everything.”

  Mia saw that a single level bookshelf ran the perimeter of the room. She knelt down and picked out a book. “Dr. Seuss? I thought you banned him?”

  “Cid assures me that Seuss’s rhyme scheme helps to develop early musical and memory skills,” Amanda explained. “He also warned that Brian is going to go through books fast, so I got a library card.”

  “It seems Brian’s godfather is mighty proud,” Mia said.

  “We are too, Mia,” Amanda said, putting a hand on her arm. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”

  “Is that what I’m doing?” Mia asked.

  Charles, who was supervising Brian with the large Lego bricks, looked over. “Mia, we have been selfish and cruel. There are reasons, but they don’t matter. I hope you’ll forgive us one day. Until then, we are happy that you’ve allowed us back into your life.”

  “It’s so nice to have family,” Mia said softly. “Thank you for stepping up when we’ve needed you. You are dear and precious to Ted and me.”

  “Who’s watching Maggie and the farm?” Charles asked.

  “An old friend of yours,” Mia teased. “Ed and Judy are supervising the finishing of the aerie.”

  “He-who-walks-through-time isn’t my old friend,” Charles said frowning. “That narcissistic brute…”

  “Charles! Little ears,” Amanda scolded.

  “Narwish brook,” Brian said.

  Mia walked over and sat down. “Nar si sis tick broot,” she enunciated.

  “Narcissistic brute,” Brian repeated.

  “Ask Grandpa to tell you the story of Narcissus, Brian. When adults label people, we sometimes use phrases that need to be explained before they are repeated.”

  “Yes, Mommy.”

  “Brian, I have to leave and go to work with Daddy. If you need to talk to me, have Amanda or Grandpa call me or Daddy.”

  “Grandpa, I can’t go with Mommy because they are hunting ghosts,” he explained. “Sometimes ghosts can be too rough for boys and girls.”

  “He’s astonishing,” Amanda said quietly.

  “Takes after his daddy,” Mia said proudly. “Brian’s understanding of the tangible is one thing, but his understanding of abstract concepts is amazing.”

  Mia left the proud grandparents after kissing Brian goodbye. She didn’t have to wait long for a cab. She sat back and enjoyed the ride while preparing herself to plead her case to Father Alessandro.

  ~

  Murphy tried not to fidget while Cid navigated the van through the Chicago traffic. Why anyone would choose to live in a place where the tall buildings cast long shadows was beyond him.

  Glenda Dupree was an upfront woman. She’d raised her son alone after her husband died. After the PEEPs found the nearly priceless books in the attic of her childhood home, she was able to enjoy the finer things in life. She was generous with her money and had made some very good investments. Her only son, Mike, could devote himself to the Paranormal Entity Exposure Partners and not worry about money.

  “Mike’s mom must miss him,” Murphy said.

  Cid nodded. “I think it must be hard for her only having one child. He rarely visits the farm anymore. She got a good price for it and has decided to move into the same zip code as Mike, so it would be easier to have visits.”

  “My mother lived with me,” Murphy admitted.

  “And how did that work out?” Cid asked.

  “Not well. How about your parents?” Murphy asked.

  “They have my sister living down the street.”

  “I didn’t know you had a sister.”

  “Yes, her name is Candy.”

  “You don’t talk about her.”

  “She and I never got along. She’s very accomplished and has a ton of friends. I think I embarrassed her when we were young.”

  Murphy didn’t know what to say. He didn’t have siblings, so he had no pearls of wisdom to depart. He smiled. “Mia’s like a sister to you.”

  Cid smiled. “Yes, she is. How are you and she getting along?”

  “Good. She is less aggressive since she came back. Ted says she exorcised the demon part of her. It’s left her a bit timid.”

  “She’s scared?”

  “No, shy. She keeps her distance.”

  “I see that. It’s not just with you but everyone.”

  “I’m not sure I like it. Is that bad?” Murphy asked Cid.

  “Give her time. I’m sure the old indiscreet Mia is in there somewhere.”

  Mia paid the cab driver in front of the parish house where Father Alessandro lived and worked. She walked in and nodded to the purgatory priests who were sitting in the front parlor. “Roumain isn’t a bad guy. You guys should just get it over with so you can enjoy your eternity,” she suggested. They just looked at her as if she was nuts. “Have it your own way. The king of purgatory doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

  “Mia, stop frightening the priests!” Father Alessandro scolded.

  “I’m just trying to clear the room. How do you put up with that ghostly crowd in there?”

  “With tolerance. Something, you have yet to learn,” he said, taking her hand. “Come. Nancy, my secretary, has laid us a lunch in the reading room.”

  Mia looked up at the handsome priest and smiled. His cancer may be killing him, but he wore his eighty-some years with elegance.

  He waited until Nancy had served the lunch and had shut the door before speaking. “Mia, please forgive me for my part in the Judas Hex.”

  “There is nothing to forgive. We were all played by Roumain. It was hard, but Ted and I came out of it stronger. Roumain has his wife back, and I ended up bonded to Michael for an eternity. Maybe I am a bit bitter, but I don’t hold you accountable.”

  “Michael?”

  Mia lifted her hair and turned her head so the priest could see the tattoo.

  “Saint Michael! Mia, have you met Saint Michael?”

  “So he’s a saint, huh? Good to know.”

  Tomas Alessandro was shocked by her disregard,
but the little sensitive wasn’t raised in the church. He would have to make allowances. “Tell me about him.”

  “Maybe I should start with Altair, no, Sariel? How much do you know about the fall?”

  Alessandro sat back in his chair.

  “Perhaps we should eat first. Have I a tale to tell you, Father.”

  ~

  Ted and Burt moved through the silent house. “It’s too clean,” Ted commented. “A house this age should have dust and bric-a-brac. This place seems sterile. Minimum furnishings, not much in the way of décor.”

  “I think it’s been prepped for sale,” Burt said. “The attic is cleaner than Murphy’s side of the barn.”

  “There aren’t even any books in the library. I think our Nancy Drew is going to have a devil of a time getting information on this place,” Ted said.

  “Don’t count Audrey out. The Roustans have been around for generations. I’m sure she’ll find something that will help us out here. Plus, Glenda played here when she was a young girl.”

  “Speaking of Glenda, is she going to be spending the night with us?” Ted asked.

  “Probably not. Mike informs me that she’s taken over his place and has kicked him to the curb. He’ll be moving in with us for the week.”

  “Mia’s not happy about staying here,” Ted told Burt. “She’s not yet herself, and there are gaps in her abilities. Mia’s gotten shy, Burt.”

  “Mia Cooper Martin has gotten shy?”

  “And quiet,” Ted added.

  “But not compliant?” Burt asked.

  “No, stubborn as ever. If she feels the situation should be handled different, she’ll let us know. Or rather, let me know, and I’ll have to tell you.”

  Burt stopped and looked at Ted. “Was this because of her attack?” he asked. “Maybe she should talk to a counselor. Our insurance should cover it.”

  “I don’t think it’s something a therapist would understand. I’m sure she won’t mind me telling you. Sariel discovered that Mia was being taken over by the demon within her, and he reported this to Michael. Together, Michael and Mia exorcised and killed the demon. This left Mia without the aggressive demon genes. The differences I can see are, she is more reactionary instead of proactive. She sticks tight to my side. What you saw as me being clingy, in actuality, is Mia.”

  “I can see that. Has this hampered other areas…”

  “Marital life is still amazing, but she’s not initiating it.”

  “That’s got to be different.”

  “Yes, but we’ll work through this. I love her, Burt. She’s my world.”

  “Mike’s going to miss the old Mia.”

  “That gives me joy,” Ted said. “He has gotten way too at ease with my wife for my comfort.”

  “Ted, take this in the spirit it is given, Mike is not your enemy. You are. Right now you have the woman of your dreams. Mike understands that Mia made her choice a long time ago, and h00.e and Meg seem to have a promising relationship starting. Let all that competitive crap that went on between the two of you go.”

  Ted nodded thoughtfully. “Who knew I would turn out to be such a goon?”

  Burt laughed, shaking his head. “We all become goons when it comes to protecting Mia. Let’s check out the basement.”

  ~

  “So you’re telling me that Saint Michael killed part of you?” Tomas Alessandro clarified.

  “Yes.”

  “Mia, I don’t know what to say.”

  “Don’t be concerned. Because of the absence of the demon genes, something wonderful has grown in its place. Father, please let me try to heal you,” Mia pleaded. She walked over to the door and locked it. She took off her cardigan and brought forth her wings. “Please let me try. Why should I have all of this, and you still die? It makes no sense.”

  Tomas looked at the luminous wings and put his hand on his heart. “Mia, you have presented your argument most beautifully, but I am going to decline. You see, there is a place set for me at the table, and I must not tarry too long.”

  Mia pulled her wings back in and walked over and knelt at his side. She put her head down and cried.

  Tomas put his hands on her. He gently brought her face up so she would look at him. “Never in my years have I met anyone so unselfish, so caring and beautiful. I don’t do this to hurt you. But, Mia, I have a purpose beyond the walls of this church. When I die, let me go with dignity. Maybe I’ll see your Michael and warn him to treat you better. We will see each other again, Mia. This was the promise I built my whole life on.”

  Mia got to her feet and put her sweater back on. She sat down and composed herself. When she was ready, she got up and unlocked the door. She stood there and looked at the priest for a moment. She touched her chest and moved her hand out towards him.

  Tomas nodded.

  Mia picked up her coat and fled the parish house.

  ~

  Mike pulled the car over and shouted out the window, “Cooper, are you lost?”

  Mia, who was deep in her thoughts, jumped. She looked over at the flashy red car and the handsome man inside and, for a moment, didn’t know who he was.

  She shook her head and continued to walk.

  “Mia Cooper Martin, get your ass in my car. You’re going to freeze,” he ordered.

  Mia looked around her and didn’t see any other way, so she did as she was ordered to. She got in. Mike drove for a while in silence and then pulled over. “What the hell was that all about?”

  “I was walking off a little temper.”

  “In ten-degree weather and twenty-five miles per hour wind?” he clarified.

  “I didn’t feel it.”

  “What happened? Did you and Ted have another fight?”

  “No. Father Alessandro is dying, and he won’t let me help him,” Mia said and burst into tears.

  “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. He must have his reasons.”

  “It’s that damn table.”

  Mike couldn’t help smiling. “Table?” he asked.

  “Sabine’s husband Brian and Tomas have known all their life that they had a place at the table. I think it’s a metaphor for heaven. If I hadn’t been so stubborn about my evolution, I think I could have saved Brian. I know I can save Tomas, but he won’t let me.”

  “Because he knows he has a place at the table,” Mike said, understanding. “Mia, each one of us has our own idea of how we want to die. Mine could have been in your arms, but Ted got there first.”

  Mia turned beet red.

  Mike expected her to say something saucy back, but she seemed uncomfortable. “Anyway, save your abilities for those who want them. I hear you have a legion of winged beasts to look after. Save your energy for them.”

  “That’s very good advice, thank you,” Mia said. “I’m going to walk the rest of the way. You’ve given me something to think about.”

  Mike watched her leave the car. He pulled out and continued to the Roustan mansion. He moved his car around Audrey’s vehicle and into the garage. After all, his mother practically owned this place, so at least, he could have a spot in the garage for his car. It was going to snow. He could smell it in the wind.

  He walked in through the back door into a small mudroom. Abutting it were rooms on either side. To his right was a room devoid of windows. Originally designed as a butler’s pantry, it was large and the walls lined with shelves and cupboards. This was where Ted and Cid had set up a command post. Across from the entry was a large, recently refurbished kitchen. Inside, Burt was sitting at the kitchen island looking over some papers with Audrey. Everyone was paired up. His preferred partner chose freezing her tits off instead of riding in the car with him. Life wasn’t fair.

  Mia came through the front door. She stood there a moment and pushed out with her mind. “Murphy!” she called.

  Mike walked to the entry foyer. “What’s wrong?”

  “I don’t sense him here. Did we forget to bring him?” she asked, confused.

  CRACK!

 
“Speak of the devil,” Mike said.

  Mia looked around and spotted him on the second floor landing. She closed her eyes a moment and called out to him. Nothing.

  Mike watched her face go from puzzlement to fear. She looked at Mike and said, “I can see him, but I can’t sense him. I can’t call to him with my mind. Something is horribly wrong.”

  “Calm down,” he said. “Murphy, if you’re around, could you come down here please?”

  Murphy moved quickly to Mike’s and Mia’s side. He reached out and touched Mike’s arm to let him know that he was there.

  “Humor me. Take Mia outside and see if she can sense you?” he asked.

  Murphy put a hand on Mia’s arm and guided her out the front door. He watched as she closed her eyes.

  “Can you hear me, Murphy?”

  “Yes,” he thought back.

  Mia opened her eyes. “I can’t sense or talk to you in that house. How is that possible?”

  Murphy shrugged his shoulders. “Can you see me?”

  “Yes.”

  “We are going to have to take this into consideration. What would cause that?” Murphy asked.

  “I think you mean who…”

  Chapter Three

  The PEEPs assembled around the rectangular kitchen table. Ted had a Wi-Fi monitor set up on the counter beside them so that Jake could participate in the meeting. Murphy stood behind Mia who was unusually quiet. Mike was puzzled by the way she seemed to shy away from everyone, including Audrey. He saw her repeatedly look over at Ted for reassurance.

  Burt started, “Glenda has given us the go ahead to film this investigation. She also has gotten the okay of the developers. The idea is to find out exactly what is going on here. Is it something Glenda can live with, or will we need to bring in Father Santos and cleanse the building?”

  Burt looked over at Mia and waited for her to chime in. She just sat there looking uncomfortable. “Mia, what do you think?” he asked softly.