“Tired of a VW yet?” Layla asked when they got in the Mustang.
“I am going to let you push the button later. Keep in mind that we are going into the country shortly.”
“I will,” Layla smiled turning to see Denise in one of her ‘incoming’ trances.
Denise heard distinct footsteps against a tile floor and saw a view of what she suspected was the room Myla was being kept in. The view blinked on and off as if she were opening and closing her eyes. She heard Myla’s voice softly singing again. You say you’re gonna leave me, you know it’s a lie, Cause that’ll be the day when I die.
Myla, it is Denizen.
Leaving soon.
Denise’s view now showed a guard open her door and look in on her before closing the door and locking it again.
Leaving soon? Myla, how soon?
Just soon.
Do you know where?
No yet.
How do you know this?
Som… .elp..g me.
What? Someone is helping you?
Nothing.
“I’m not sure if they are live or memories or if she’s dreaming,” Denise told Layla as they walked into the restaurant.
“It is frustrating.”
They sat at a table. The restaurant was half full of what looked like business people and tourists.
“A waitress came and poured them coffee, handed them each a menu and said she’d be right back.
“Biscuits and gravy. Dare I?”
“Pancakes for me.”
“Ooh, pancakes does sound good, it’s been a while.”
They filled up on a large order of food not knowing where this day would take them.
After breakfast they sat in the Mustang discussing where to go first.
“I’ve ruled out this airport because it has been closed due to flood damage that occurred weeks ago,” Denise said.
“Makes sense.”
“This one, and it’s one of those mentioned by the man at Graceland, is my first choice, but seriously, I get the impression we may not have to go further than this in Memphis.”
“This second Buddy Holly song Myla was singing. There has got to be a connection,” Layla said.
“I think she is relaying what those around her have been saying, or singing. When the guard opened the door and looked in on her, his mouth was moving and his face gave me the impression he was singing.”
“This airport in the sticks. What do you make of it?”
“We are going to stand out no matter what we do, unless we go in stealth. If we do that however I cannot interact with whomever we encounter. The area appears to be one you need big money to be living in or around. All roads in lead to locked gates, including the airport, all but one that I can see.”
“Then let’s go in like big money. Shopping for a place in the neighborhood and we would be very interested in the private use of the airfield from time to time,” Layla said.
“My thoughts exactly,” Denise giggled. “See, you can read minds.”
“Our clothes are ok, but what type of vehicle will be looked at without suspicion?”
“Well we don’t want to be followed like celebrities.”
“Then Miss, I would recommend the basic black Lincoln Town Car with the darkest privacy windows,” Layla said, sounding like a car salesperson.
“Perfect. Now, let’s find another latte first that is NOT at that hotel.”
“Absolutely.”
“This one is a bit out of the way, but it will give us some time to plan our day and get a feel for our new car,” Denise grinned.
“We are still in a VW.”
“Pull over there.”
Layla pulled over and Denise told her what to do to change the outer appearance of the Mustang. “It’s going to tickle.”
She visualized a squeaky clean black Lincoln Town Car and pushed the button. With a zap and a tickle, from outside, they were now in a Lincoln.
“Where to Madame?” Layla asked.
“Latte driver, I need a latte.”
“Ha. Shouldn’t you be in the back seat?”
“I will be,” Denise said as the Mustang Lincoln Town Car headed towards the Starbucks on Union Avenue.
Chapter 28
Sound and Vision
“We are not going to sneak in the back way honey,” Denise said.
Oh?”
“We’ll get in using your talents. I am not wasting half the day driving on back roads to be gawked at by rich hicks.”
“You can give me directions?”
“Absolutely.”
Denise directed Layla through the Shoemaker Shelby Forest on paved roads that would take them to the front gate of the airfield.
“It’s an unincorporated community. That is the only description to be found for this area.”
“Very private indeed.”
“It stinks. I’d say I smell a rat, but some of the people we’ve come across so far that are behind this are so vile, that would be an insult to rats,” Denise laughed.
The Mustang cruised down Benjestown Road at a leisurely pace when once again Denise had incoming messages. I will tell you a story.
Myla?
Yes. Short.
Short?
Story.
I am Denizen Myla. I am here.
From lake over lake to lake.
Ok. Can you be more specific?
You will see very soon.
You are still in Texas?
Risk. Myla said. An image of her looking in the mirror appeared in Denise’s mind again. The image turned to show a Latina woman changing her beddings. She risks all.
Myla. Any word on where you go next?
Questioning continues. Cannot answer. Must not answer. Frustration. New methods needed. Soon.
Myla are you being sedated? Is that why we lose connection?
Yes. Not today. Will try to….
Yes? Will try to what?
Nothing.
“We should step on it. She is being sedated and is up now, at least I think it was now,” Denise said.
“That is kinda good news no?”
“She is being helped, I’m not sure how, by a Latina woman. I saw her.”
“Not surprising after meeting grandma the other day.”
“If Myla is moved again, perhaps we can find her,” Denise sighed.
The Mustang continued down Benjestown Road.
“There is going to be a road that turns off to the right. It may not be labeled. It is called Chaser Road and it will lead up to the closed gate.”
“Chaser Road, Now how’s that for an appropriate name?”
“I know. That is what I thought when I first saw it.”
“Is this it?” Layla asked coming up to a small road.
“Yes, this is it.”
Layla turned right and proceeded down the road slowly.
“Lot’s of pickup trucks so far,” she said about the vehicles parked in front of some houses.
“Yeah, but we’re on the wrong side of the gate, Denise giggled.
“No cameras past the gate today ok?”
“Nope.”
Soon they were not passing any houses, and both sides of the road had chain-link fences erected.
“Street lamps,” Layla pointed out.
Denise could see the end of the line ahead.
“Ok baby, do your thing,” she said.
Layla put her left arm out of the window and made a motion toward the locked gate. They heard a loud pop as the gates swung open, but not enough for the car to pass through. Layla gave it another push.
“Perfect,” Denise smiled.
The Mustang that appeared to be a Lincoln from the outside passed through the gate.
“Straight ahead is the landing strip. The road leads to the right but that is going to take us to buildings I would hope to deal with next,” Denise said.
“Oh well,” Layla said. She accelerated straight down the landing strip. “Don’t think we have to worry about
anything landing here at the moment,” she laughed.
“Brat. Just love it.”
As they zipped down the airfield Layla noticed Denise lean her head back on the headrest with her eyes closed. Incoming, she thought.
It was as if Denise was watching a motion picture the imagery was so clear. The view was that of looking out the small window of a private plane as it zipped down the runway. It was off the ground now as the view showed it climbing and turning in an abrupt sweep to the right. It then passed over another lake. The view watched it until the plane was so far past the lake it could no longer be seen.
Myla.
Nothing.
Myla.
Denizen.
From lake over lake to lake.
Yes.
I have seen your departure.
Yes.
You are in Texas, near a lake?
Over lake points directly to here.
Rest Myla. We will find you.
It’s so easy to fall in love…
She continued singing another line and then nothing.
“Buddy Holly again.”
“We got company,” Layla said, parking by a building at the end of the runway.
“Follow my lead. Park it and let’s get out.”
“How did you get in here?” a woman said, getting out of a silver Jeep Cherokee. She was not alone. There was a man still in the vehicle behind the wheel on the phone.
“Why through the front entrance of course,” Denise said.
“No one let them in,” the man said, as he stepped out of the Jeep and slid his phone into his pocket.
“Your gate was wide open when we arrived,” Layla said.
“What are you doing here? What do you want?” the woman asked.
“We came to see this airfield, see if it was secure enough to meet our needs,” Denise said.
“Your needs?”
“Yes.”
“And what needs would that be?” the woman asked.
The man took another call on his phone.
“Privacy. Security. I must confess I do have my doubts being able to drive up right through an open gate,” Denise said.
“There is no damage to the gate. It is functioning properly. No damage to their vehicle either,” the man said.
“Haa. Do you think we just blasted through the front gate like something out of an action movie just to have a look at this place,” Layla said.
“Why would you need an airfield near here?” the woman asked.
“We were thinking of becoming one of your new neighbors, you know, on YOUR side of the fence. We entertain a lot of people who relish their privacy and security.”
“Well, I hope we have not given you the wrong impression with this questioning,” the woman said. “We’ve never had anyone back here, let alone speeding down our airfield.”
“At least you knew we were here and questioned why. That’s a plus I guess,” Denise said.
The woman did not answer. The man was texting something, undoubtedly their license plate number.
“And on that note, since your gate was malfunctioning and this is private property, please accept our apologies for disrupting your morning. We will take our leave,” Denise said.
The two watched as Denise and Layla got back into the Mustang that appeared to be a Lincoln. The man and woman got back into their Jeep Cherokee and followed them back down the runway where they came to the closed gate.
“I’m leaving us enough room in case we need to blast out of here. The gates opens our way,” Layla said.
“I bet you could make it open the wrong way if you wanted to,” Denise giggled.
The Cherokee was stopped about twenty feet behind them.
“Ok, open the gate,” Layla said and honked on the horn.
It still did not open.
Layla laid on the horn longer this time, honking twice.
“That’s strike two bitches,” she said.
“I wonder how much a new gate like that costs?” Denise asked.
“Hmm. Perhaps enough to bite into what they were paid to fly Myla out of here,” Layla said.
The gate swung open finally.
“Think they’ll follow us?” Denise said.
“You know, I kinda hope they do,” Layla said.
They did not follow. The Mustang zipped down Chase Road until it was out of range of any security cameras or neighbors after turning back onto Benjestown Road.
“You know, they got off pretty easy,” Denise said.
“We didn’t even make them sweat,” Layla said.
“Which button is stealth again?”
Layla simply smiled and pointed to the control.
The Mustang sped back to the locked gate. “It’s all yours Supergirl,” Denise giggled.
Layla ripped the fence outward so hard it wrapped itself around the brick walls on either side of the road that housed it.
Mari.
Denizen.
Are you in the neighborhood?
We can be in a few.
May we be your guests?
Of course.
I’d like a view from above.
Indeed.
Chapter 29
Salamander
Mari met the Mustang on Benjestown Road a few miles away from the airfield. They were still in stealth mode when Layla drove up the ramp and it closed behind them. “I really hope our species is around long enough to have one of these,” Denise said.
“I have my doubts,” Layla smiled.
Denise updated Mari and Nola on all she had learned since their last meeting.
“Mari. Can you simulate what I saw from a higher altitude,” Denise asked.
“Of course.”
Denise and Layla watched the screen that showed the view described by Myla from ten thousand feet. They swept over the runway and banked right sharply. When they were above Poplar Tree Lake Denise asked Mari to stop. “From lake over lake to lake,” she whispered. “This lake is the key. What does that look like to you?”
“A salamander,” Layla said.
“Yes, it does resemble a salamander. Look at the top tip.”
“An arrow head,” Layla grinned.
“Arrow indeed. Myla said over lake points directly to here,” Denise sighed. “
“Mari, can you be Google Maps for us?”
“Tell me what you would like me to do.”
Denise pulled out her iPhone and searched Buddy Holly. “Can you proceed forward in a straight line please?”
“Yes.”
She continued to read info on Buddy Holly. “Fuck. Oops, excuse me.”
Layla laughed. “We can go to the car.”
Mari giggled.
Denise turned on Google Maps and zeroed in on Poplar Tree Lake. She aimed the arrowhead directly towards the top of the screen and pulled out until Texas was in view as well. “Well I’ll be,” she shouted after searching in and out for a moment. Look. The arrowhead points directly to Lubbock Texas. It’s where…”
“It’s where Buddy Holly is from,” Layla shouted.
“And where he is buried,” Denise grinned. She keyed in driving directions from Memphis to Lubbock. “Eight hundred miles. Mari, take us eight hundred miles on your present course and stop.”
“Will do. How soon did you wish to arrive?”
“Soon. Let’s see what this baby can do,” Layla said.
“There are only a few lakes in or around Lubbock, and a few airfields that are out in the sticks,” Denise said.
Mari accelerated the craft headed in the direction of the arrowhead towards Lubbock. Layla watched in awe as they arrived in less than a minute.
“Lubbock,” Mari said.
“Honey. It looks like we might need some cowgirl duds,” Layla giggled.
“Cowgirl duds?” Denise asked.
“Yeah, to fit in.”
“I’m not wearing a skirt unless I absolutely must.”
“Haa. Boots and hats should be more than enough,” Layla l
aughed.
“You have been invited to dinner, upstairs,” Mari said.
“Probably a good idea. We’ve a lot to discuss,” Denise said.
The shuttle accelerated straight up and headed for the Tyrine.
Chapter 30
Dinner
Aren presented Denise and Layla each with a gift. The box, if you could call it that, felt strange to the touch.
“They open like our doors,” Aren said.
“I see. Hope there’s no liquid inside,” Denise giggled.
Layla looked at her. “I’m ready if you are,” she said wearing a huge grin.
“Open,” they said.
The top of each box vanished showing a pair of cowboy boots in each container.
“Red. The perfect color for me,” Denise smiled. Her boots were a warm red with Earth tone patterns.
“Great choice for a Leo,” Layla said. “Thank you.” Her boots were a variety of earth tones.
Leo, that’s right, you have a birthday coming up. Lucky girl, Denise said.
“Yes, Thank you very much,” Denise said.
As do you baby, Layla thought.
“It was my understanding that you thought you might need them,” Aren smiled.
“Yep,” Layla laughed.
“Shore do pardnuh,” Denise said and winked.
“Thank you both for risking so much to rescue me.”
“You’re welcome,” Denise and Layla chimed.
Once again, Nola had a feast laid out, this time in yet another room they had not been in. Multiple adjoining sections of the wall were open affording them a panoramic view of Earth in the distance.
“Your world is so beautiful from here,” Aren said.
“Yes, from here it is a gorgeous jewel in the heavens, Denise said.
“It’s beautiful down there as well, the further one usually gets away from our species,” Layla said.
“Ah, but your species did produce the two of you,” Nola smiled.
“Forgive me if I am being too forward, but where in the cosmos are you from?” Layla said.
“Not at all,” Nola said. She directed their attention to a large screen that materialized on the far wall. “I believe you will recognize this view.”
“Oh wait, I can get this one,” Denise grinned.
Layla’s eyes widened as her grin did.
“Virgo,” Denise said.
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