by Kimbra Swain
“You added Remy to the list,” Dylan grinned as he sat next to me.
“Maybe,” I said.
“Bet I can list them all,” Dylan said.
“It’s not like the list is that long,” I said.
“Me, of course. Remy. Nestor. Levi. Finley. Oberon. Fordele. Jeremiah,” he said. “Grace, you really should open your heart more.” I rolled my eyes. They all thought this was a joke.
“One of you is going to die, and you are playing a game,” I pouted. Dylan put his arm around my waist, turning my face to him with his finger under my chin.
“No, Glory. We understand the repercussions, but there is nothing we can do to stop it. An omen is just a warning. It prepares you for the inevitable. It’s not a tool. It’s an edict. It’s better to live on and just let it happen,” he said.
“Oberon is eliminated by default,” Remy said.
“I agree. Our chances just went up by a few percentage points,” Dylan joked.
I still had a difficult time finding the humor in their game. “Where is Winnie?”
“I dropped her off at Troy and Amanda’s. She’s practicing dropping petals,” he said with the smile only a doting father could have.
“I bet it’s adorable,” I said.
A car pulled up outside. We turned to see two men dressed in black with large weapons on their hips step into the bar. Dylan’s hand immediately went to the concealed weapon on his back. Remy put his hand on Dylan’s shoulder.
“I’m expecting a visitor,” Remy said.
“Who?” I asked as the power in my tattoo flared up my arm.
Remy nodded to the door as a very well-dressed man stepped inside. His cold blue eyes stared back at me, but his facial expression was calm. He wore a three-piece suit like I’d never seen except on television. It was dark blue with pinstripes. The shirt matched the suit with a silver tie. A large silver watch rested on his wrist. Across his shoulders sat a wool coat. One of the men removed the coat, draping it over his arm. The man’s face broke into a smile as Remy stepped forward.
“Well, met, Tennyson Schuyler,” Remy said clasping arms with the man who was beefy. His arms looked like the driveshaft of my pickup. They were hard, tattooed, and muscular. His perfectly tailored suit stretched when he flexed his biceps. His presence was formidable, to say the least.
“Met and well, Remington Blake. You did not tell me that there would be a welcoming party,” he said, looking at me. I should say he leered, but I didn’t get a good look because Dylan stepped in front of me. Tennyson found it amusing as the light of humor danced in his eyes.
“It was by pure happenstance, I assure you,” Remy said. “This is Sheriff Dylan Riggs.”
“I am well aware of Mr. Riggs. It is good to meet you in person,” Tennyson said offering a hand to Dylan who did not accept it. “I understand, Mr. Riggs. I wouldn’t shake my hand either.”
Dylan didn’t move. He only stared at the man.
Tennyson’s smile faded. “I would like to give you all the details of that night, but I’m not cleared to do that right now. I’m sure Jeremiah told you something.”
“Jeremiah told me a lot of things over the years including the two of you plotting to shoot me on purpose for show,” Dylan said.
I hadn’t been afraid of the imposing man until that moment. I moved closer to Dylan.
“I humbly ask for your forgiveness. We felt it was necessary to keep up appearances. As it turns out, we were right. Sergio managed to pull off his aspirations for the Otherworld, and now we need to band together to stop him,” Tennyson said.
“Dylan, perhaps we could clear this up later?” Remy suggested.
Dylan didn’t relax.
“I would very much like to meet her,” Tennyson said.
“Dylan,” I muttered.
“Grace, he’s a mob boss. He’s had shady dealings all over the East Coast,” Dylan said through gritted teeth.
“Frankly, Son, you give me too little credit. My dealings have always been worldwide, but my focus now is Shady Grove. Remy invited me here to discuss trade. You’ve closed off this city from the rest of the world, but you can’t possibly provide all that is needed to sustain life here. I have businesses and the capability to keep Shady Grove supplied and safe,” he said.
“Dylan, we need to discuss this with him,” Nestor said. Nestor always had a way of calming a situation. I felt Dylan relax, removing his hand from the butt of his gun.
“Tennyson Schuyler, I’d like you to meet the daughter of our king, Grace Ann Bryant, Queen of the Exiles,” Remy said, hoping Dylan would move.
Dylan stepped sideways, clasping my hand to prevent Tennyson from doing anything other than shaking my hand. I stepped forward. Tennyson took a page out of Remy’s book of flirtation.
“Grace Ann Bryant, I’ve heard tales of your beauty, but they pale in comparison to the truth. I’m very pleased to meet you. I hope that we can form a partnership that will be mutually beneficial,” he said, kissing the back of my hand.
“Flattery is welcomed, but will not affect me in any way, Mr. Schuyler,” I replied.
“Tenny. My friends call me Tenny,” he said.
“Mr. Schuyler, shooting my fiancé is a bad way to start a relationship,” I said.
“It happened a couple of years ago, and it was done with the full knowledge that he would return to life,” he said. “I swear to you that it will not happen again. I also swear that I am here for the good of the fairies here in Shady Grove. Your father and I had many dealings over the years. I admired his rule, and he admired my business. I hope that you and I can have the same relationship.”
“Remington, do you think you might have given me a warning about this?” I asked trying to remain cold and aloof.
“Yes, well, I didn’t expect you to be here tonight. I’ve been Mr. Schuyler’s lawyer for many years. Long before I ever met you. He’s an honest man. His reputation might be a little dark, and his methods extreme, but the truth is harder to come by these days.”
I couldn’t agree more with that statement. I wondered when this shooting happened, and how Jeremiah was involved. Dylan would tell me later, so I didn’t concern myself with that so much as I did a very wealthy mob boss standing in my town. Nestor seemed to be okay with him here.
“Shall we sit?” Remy asked. “Would you like Grace to join us, Tennyson?”
“I would like that very much. It is just a preliminary meeting, but I’d love to get to know her better,” he said as he sat down at one of Nestor’s tables. Nestor circled the end of the bar with a glass of the same liquor he had poured for Remy, placing the glass in front of Tennyson.
“Nestor Gwinn, it is good to see you again. How is Mable?” he asked.
“She is well. Thank you for asking,” Nestor replied, then retreated back to his spot behind the bar. He lifted his eyebrow to ask me if I wanted a drink. I scowled in response.
Dylan pulled out a chair for me, and before my butt hit the seat, Tennyson Schuyler was no longer dealing with the trailer park queen, he was dealing with Gloriana. My glamour shifted to my true self. I wore a prim, light blue business dress with an iridescent pearl necklace. Dylan kissed me on the cheek. “Do you want me to sit, my Queen?” he whispered.
“Of course,” I responded.
Tennyson approved of the change as if he knew I meant business, and he preferred it that way. He took several sips of his glass, as Remy sat down with his across from Dylan and me.
“Grace, to get you in the loop, I have these proposals from Mr. Schuyler’s distribution company based in Tuscaloosa. They handle essential need items like food and clothing that can be delivered to the Food Mart as well as the other small shops in town. Also, they have provided us with a catalog to distribute to the citizens of Shady Grove. We can schedule regular drop-offs at a central location. Mr. Schuyler is also proposing the management of funds in and out of the local bank. He will not control the bank, just be in charge of the transport of human currency in an
d out of town. His network includes fairies and aware humans. Anyone that comes into town for his business will be screened before they are allowed to make deliveries or pick-ups. You should also know that any other goods that are needed including alcohol, tobacco and other fairy-related items are part of Mr. Schuyler’s vast empire. He is perfectly set up to be able to aid us with the isolation of the town,” Remy said. He handed me a folder full of proposals. A long list of goods and amenities were followed by a list of items that could be accessed by request. Remy was right. Mr. Schuyler’s empire touched every facet of life. I wondered if it was a coincidence that he was set up so perfectly to help us in this situation.
“Remington, tell her everything. Leave nothing out. I have no desire to meet my end by her hand,” Tennyson instructed.
Remy drew in a deep breath. “Grace, Tennyson is deeply connected with your father’s family. He…”
“He’s my uncle. Like Brock,” I said. I knew he was the moment I shifted to my fairy form. My father’s power identified him immediately.
“I assure you that I am nothing like Brockton,” he said. “He is an arrogant pissant. I look forward to the day you turn him to dust.”
“Me?” I questioned.
“Considering the power that he has drawn from the Otherworld since he moved there, outside of your Bard, you are the only one that can destroy him. For you, it will be a flick of the wrist. The hard part will be getting to him,” he said. “I will help from this side in whatever way I can. However, I will never step foot in the Otherworld again.”
“Give me one good reason I should trust you for anything,” I said, leaning over the table.
“I have nothing to gain from my dealings here. I’m not marking up the prices or collecting fees as I normally would from humans. My support is offered at cost,” he said.
“Forgive me if I’m not impressed,” I said.
He laughed, as Remy looked nervous. “I’m a businessman, Gloriana. That is all. Fairy politics bore me. I suppose they do you as well or you would have taken out Brock by now. You seem quite content here in your little exile world. I’m just here to keep it supplied. Like it or not, my Queen, I’m on your side.”
“I will look these over. May I contact you through Remy?” I asked.
“Of course. I do wish we could come to an agreement tonight,” he said.
“You will not force my hand,” I said.
“As shrewd as Oberon, but more beautiful. He would be proud of you,” he smiled.
“He is,” I said. He finally showed something other than the placid look on his face. Surprise twinged around the edges of his mouth. I narrowed my eyes at him and smiled.
“Is?” he questioned directly.
“Is.”
He waved his hand over his head. The two henchmen left the bar. A storm roared outside as Tennyson Schuyler, just another one of my extended family, leaned in on the table to look me in the eye. “Does my brother live?”
“No,” I replied.
“Then tell me your meaning,” he said. “I wish to make amends.”
“I will speak to him and get back with you,” I said.
“Do it now,” he ordered.
“I beg your pardon. Tennyson Schuyler, I don’t care how vast your empire is, when you are in my realm you will show some respect,” I growled. “Don’t fucking test me.” Dylan huffed next to me. It was an amused huff. Nestor’s eyes twinkled in the darkness behind the bar. Even Remy seemed to like my sass. I was glad I could entertain them, but I meant it. Part of being the queen meant my subjects and visitors showed respect for who I was. I wouldn’t speak to him again until he apologized.
“Gloriana, you must allow me to speak to him. It is imperative,” he said.
I didn’t speak. I gave him the same placid look he’d given us all night.
Remy started to speak, but Schuyler put his hand up to him. Remy clamped his mouth shut.
“You are an impertinent child,” he huffed, standing from his seat. He buttoned his suit coat while staring down at me. When he grabbed the handle of the door, he pulled, but the door was frozen shut. I would get my apology.
“You are not dismissed,” I said.
“Why are you holding court in a dive bar?” he asked.
“I believe that you mistake my power and authority here. It’s given to me by my subjects. Those in this room. Those in this city. Those who are here in heart. Until you respect that, you may not leave,” I said.
I stood to face him. The dress lengthened as if my magic knew it was time to make him see me as a queen. The tattoo flared silver filigree down my arm and across my chest. My crown with its long crystalline horn sat on my head. Pacing toward him slowly, he did not look away from me until the last moment when his eyes dropped to the floor. Even the most defiant in my father’s kingdom could not look him in the eye when he got in their face. He never had to speak a word before they were cowering before him.
“You have some doubt of who I really am? Please take a long look. I’ve allowed far too many fairies to walk over me in the attempt to refrain from snuffing out their lives. Do you understand, Uncle Tenny?” I asked.
“Yes, my Queen,” he muttered. It was still disrespectful. And that was when he made his move, his hand moved to my neck quickly wrapping his long fingers around it. He shifted to his fairy form with long black hair cascading down his back. His hand froze the moment it touched my skin. I heard Dylan’s chair hit the ground and the click of a chambered bullet. I held my hand up to hold him back.
“Let her go,” Dylan growled.
He could not let me go. He was stuck, looking me in the eye. I wanted him to see the power swirling around me. Suddenly he shuddered, and I knew he finally saw the darkness inside me. It made me proud in a way that I had to dig that deep to find it.
“I cannot move my hand,” he said.
“If you ever move against me again, I will take everything you own and burn it to the ground. Are we clear?” I asked.
“Yes, Gloriana,” he said.
“I think I deserve an apology,” I said, releasing the freeze on his hand. He sank to one knee looking at the ground.
“I was mistaken, Gloriana. Forgive me for trying to order you around as if you were a child,” he said.
I lifted him off the ground with my finger under his chin. “Can we be family now?” I asked.
“Yes, of course. I would like that very much,” he said. I still saw defiance in his eyes, but he knew I meant what I was saying now.
“I would as well. I will look over your paperwork and meet you tomorrow evening at the community center. We will finalize any deal we make then. Is this satisfactory?” I asked.
He straightened his impeccably straight coat. “Yes. More than,” he replied.
I smiled. “It has been good to meet you, Tennyson Schuyler,” I said.
“And you as well, Gloriana,” he said.
“Be safe in this storm, and I will see you tomorrow,” I said.
He nodded, then quickly slipped out the door.
“Holy fucking shit, Grace,” Remy sighed.
I pushed back the darkness that I had tapped. “Dylan,” I muttered. He came to me, placing his hand on my cheek.
“Yeah?” he asked.
“I just needed a little warmth amidst the darkness,” I said, looking into the depths of his warm blue eyes.
“That’s why I’m here,” he whispered. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I hate that it went that far,” I said. “But once he called me a child, I couldn’t stand by and allow it. I can’t stand by anymore.”
“You are right. You have to take control of situations just like you did,” he said.
“And you will pull me back?” I asked.
“Always,” he said.
The thunder outside rumbled the small bar. We stood listening to it for several moments before I could take a breath that wasn’t laced with evil. I leaned my forehead against Dylan’s shoulder, and the warmth
of his body pushed the ice queen away. I felt myself return to the trailer park girl.
Remy and Nestor spoke quietly at the bar. I hadn’t even noticed they were talking. When I looked at them, they both stopped. I started to apologize, but I realized that I needed to own it. That meant not apologizing for who I was. It was under control. I was the Queen.
After speaking to Nestor and Remy, it was painfully obvious that if Shady Grove couldn't self-sustain, then Tennyson Schuyler was our only option. However, they agreed that he needed to be put in his place. “Any other uncles I need to know about?” I asked.
“Rossi,” Remy said.
“Who is that?” I asked.
“Sergio Krykos’ partner at the law firm. He was Schuyler’s lawyer for a long time. He disappeared when Krykos came here for the election. No one has seen him since,” Remy explained.
“Did Krykos kill him?” I asked.
“Maybe,” Remy said.
“I thought of something else I need to do,” I said.
“What’s that?” asked Dylan.
“I need to visit Diego Santiago’s wife,” I said. “Pay my respects. My father always contacted the family to make sure they had everything they needed.”
“Troy and Amanda checked on them earlier today,” Dylan said.
“It has to be me,” I said. “Royal duty.”
Nestor shared a long look at Dylan. It wasn’t sly at all, but Dylan nodded then finished off his coffee.
“No time like the present,” he said.
As we approached the truck, it hit me. I had forgotten all about the groceries that I bought. I groaned when I opened the door to the truck. Dylan smirked, “Forget something?”
“I’m trying to be a good woman to you, mother to Winnie and a queen to this whole fucking town, but I can’t seem to remember that I had a load of groceries in my vehicle,” I said.
“The pooka spooked you,” he said.
“Yes. Scared the shit out of me,” I replied.
“Some of this is fine. The ice cream is ruined though. Aw! It’s butter pecan! You don’t like butter pecan!” he said.