by T K Eldridge
“What was it?”
“He said something about the King being angry if the dimension imploded.”
Grams looked surprised and fell silent for a few moments. “Yes, make sure you tell Sett and the Commander that, first thing. I don’t know enough about what’s on the other side of the Veil to understand but I have a suspicion.”
“Okay, well, I have a request. Could you put together a nice basket for Missy Duchamp? I want to bring it by in the late morning. Her son was taken last night and her husband died in the parking lot. I had already dropped her at home and left when I heard about her husband. It just seems like the right thing to do.”
“Of course, my girl. I’ll make sure it has some good sleep aids and soothing teas. She’s a witch, if I remember correctly, yes?”
“Yes, Grams, she is.”
“I’ll take care of it. I’ll have it delivered to the station for you.”
“Thank you, Grams.” I finished my tea and stood, then paused to kiss Gram’s cheek. “Love you, Grandma. Sweet dreams when you get there.”
“You too, my girl,” she replied as I rinsed my mug and headed to the door between our places.
* * *
The next morning came much too early, but I rose with a smile on my face. I loved my new home and I was going to enjoy decorating it and making it fully my space. The rich colors and textures in my bedroom made me feel like royalty. I had splurged on luxurious towels, since I wouldn’t have to worry about Sin leaving them in a wet pile on the floor. My shower and dressing didn’t take me long and soon I was driving to the coffee shop near the station to grab breakfast. I picked up a coffee and bagel for Grampa too, then headed in to work.
I found the Commander in his office, the door opened a crack. I tapped on it and nudged it with my hip as I entered. “Grampa, I brought you coffee and a bagel. I won’t bother you, just wanted to say good morning and make sure you had breakfast.”
Liam put down his pen and stretched, then stood to take the bag and tray holding the cups and set them in a clear spot on his desk. “How about a hug first?”
I hugged my Grampa and then pulled a chair over while he got out the bagels and napkins.
“I got us both everything bagels, toasted, with chive cream cheese. I’ve got a black coffee and yours has cream,” I told him.
“Sounds perfect. So, I heard you had a little excitement last night out at the farm?”
“Yeah, and I need to tell you and Sett something I’d overheard but forgot to tell her with all the fuss.”
He sipped his coffee and nodded to me.
“One of them said something about going back to the King and the dimension imploding.”
Good thing he’d swallowed the mouthful of coffee because he choked and went “What?” then wiped his mouth and leaned in. “Tell me again what you heard?”
“I heard one say something about going back to the King and the dimension imploding, if they didn’t get Ethan and the other kids.”
Grampa leaned back in his chair and shook his head. “That explains it.”
“Okay, can you explain it to me, now?”
“The general belief is that thousands of years ago, Faery was on earth. When the magic started to fade from earth and humans became more populous, the fae created a pocket dimension with their magic and moved there. They created a new Faery. Powered by the magic of the beings that lived there.”
“But if they’re not having enough babies, then there’s not enough power, right?”
“Right. Which is why they’re bringing those born on earth with fae powers, back to Faery to keep it going.”
“And most likely why that Finn fellow was trying to make more fae babies. Are kids just more powerful or what?”
“I have no idea, Siddie. That part, I don’t understand.”
“Well, they couldn’t get through the wards on the farm. They thought Ethan was there already, because Sin moved Mira into the cottage with him. Ethan was at a friend’s house overnight. He’ll get settled on the farm today.”
“That’s good to know. At least Ethan will be safe.”
I took a bite of my bagel, then remembered what else I wanted to ask him about. I washed it down with coffee, then asked “Grampa, what elementals use lightning?”
“Fire and air can create lightning, but it is a very rare wielding.”
“So, not earth and air. Do you know anyone strong enough with fire and air to do lightning?”
“No, not off the top of my head. You’re trying to figure out who killed Jacques Duchamp?”
I broke off another piece of bagel. “Sett was really disturbed by his death. She said she watched the bolt of lighting hit him and nothing else, and kill him.”
Grampa nodded, staring into his cup. “It’s being called an accidental death, so his wife will get the full insurance payout. Ian and Tasha did the notification.”
“I’m taking one of Gram’s baskets over to Missy later this morning. I had dropped her off at home and talked to her for a bit before leaving her there. I didn’t know her husband had been killed until I showed up at Sett’s to give her her car back. To lose her son and her husband on the same night is a lot to deal with.”
“It really is. I’m glad you’re going by.”
“Well, Justin was also one of Finn’s sons. Like Daren and Ethan.”
“And probably all of the others. That reminds me,” Grampa said. “I need to check the lab for those DNA tests. We should’ve had them back a couple of days ago.”
“I’d offer to check, but they’ll jump higher if you ask,” I teased him and he laughed.
“One of the benefits of my position.” He took a call while I sat and enjoyed my bagel and coffee, and being in the company of my favorite Grampa. We had thought he was dead for fifteen years, when he finally showed up at the Academy where Sin and I had been training. I wasn’t exaggerating by saying he saved our lives. He really did, but that’s a whole different story.
“Sid,” he said, and broke me out of my reminiscing. “Are you doing alright?”
“What do you mean, Grampa?” I tried to play innocent, but he didn’t buy it.
“Is this what you want to do, my girl? Being an officer in the SPD?”
“Grampa, I’ve only been doing this a couple of months. Not everything a person does is easy at first. I have to give it time.”
“And that’s all fine and good, Siddie, but if you’re questioning whether this is a good fit for you, don’t force yourself to stay in it. You’ve a brilliant mind and a great skill with the research and intelligence aspects, but you really seem to hate being out on the streets.”
I let out a slow breath and gave him a crooked smile. “I didn’t realize I was so transparent. I really don’t like being out in the thick of it. I don’t mind questioning people or doing interviews. I don’t mind the analysis and research, figuring out where all of the pieces fit or where we need to look. I’d love it if I never had to pull my gun to enter a building or use defensive magic again.”
“I suspected as much. You went through a lot in the past year – your parents abduction, the house burning down, your abduction and abuse, losing James, all of it. That’s a lot for someone to process.”
“You make it sound like I’m weak,” I countered, feeling defensive as he listed off all of the crap from the past months.
“Never, Sidonie. You’re one of the strongest people I know. But I also know that you are still processing a lot of what happened and we rushed you through Academy and right out onto the street. I’ve watched you do interviews, and you’re very good. You read people exceedingly well and that’s a gift. Do you want me to pull you off the street and use you in house more? You’ll still be an officer, but not out in the thick of it any longer.”
“Can I think about it and talk to Sin?” I asked him.
“Of course, my girl. Talk to Sett, too. I had mentioned the possibility of changing your focus and she said it was my call.”
I nodde
d and tossed the wrapper from my bagel into the trash. “I appreciate it, Grampa. I like the idea, but I don’t want to make any hasty decisions.”
Grampa stood and kissed my forehead. “Be careful out there, my girl. I’ll see you later, and thanks for breakfast.”
“Thank you, Grampa,” I said and left his office with my coffee. I had a lot to think about.
* * *
I pulled up in front of Missy Duchamp’s house and saw that someone had brought her husband’s car home and parked it in the driveway.
The basket Grams had put together was huge, and done up with flowers and ribbon. I grunted as I lifted the thing out of the car and struggled to see past it as I headed up to the front door. I guess Missy had spotted me because she was at the door and held it open to let me in.
“Hey,” I said and moved to set the basket on the coffee table.
“What on earth is all that?” Missy asked.
“My Grams owns and runs Fortin Herb Farm. I told her I was going to come by today and see how you were and if there was anything you needed – and she put this together. I told her you were ‘in the know’ so she added a few potions and things you might find useful.”
I got my first good look at Missy and while she looked a little tired and her eyes were a touch reddened, she otherwise seemed in decent spirits.
“I’m doing okay, actually. I don’t know if it’s because it all hasn’t sunk in yet, or if it’s because I’m just hopeful Justin will come home soon. Sure, I’ll miss Jack, but it’s not like we’ve been lovers in the past couple of years. It’s more a change of habits than anything else.”
“Well, alrighty then,” I said, eyes wide as I looked at her. “You do know how he died, correct?”
“A lightning bolt in the parking lot. Yes. He was arguing with someone on his phone, too, I heard.”
“Did they say who it was he was speaking with?”
“No, they had asked me if I recognized the number but I didn’t. I guess he pissed off the wrong person and they made sure he wouldn’t do that again.” Missy shrugged and leaned over to pull the bouquet of flowers out of the wrapping. “These are gorgeous. I’m going to get them into some water. Would you like a drink?”
“No, I’m good,” I said as I followed her into the house. Casserole dishes and pies lined the counter.
“I’m not going to have to cook for a couple of weeks at this rate. People have been stopping by with food all day. Of course, they want to share the latest gossip, but while some I’m willing to chat with, others I just burst into tears and they hurry off.”
I snorted a little laugh and gave her a look. “You’re impressing the hell out of me right now, Missy.” She fluffed the flowers in the vase, then looked over at me. “I’ll miss Jack, sure. But I’m not sorry he’s gone. The one that has my heart all twisted up is my Justin.”
That’s when I saw the strain and the threat of tears. She wasn’t made of stone, just strength under pressure.
“We might have a lead on what’s going on, but I’m only saying this so you keep your strength up. Don’t give up on Justin’s return yet, okay?”
“I’m not. Finn had told me he wouldn’t just take my boy. He’d make sure I knew what was going on and he’d be old enough to be on his own. This isn’t what he promised, so I want him back until he graduates high school.”
“Did Finn ever explain why he would take the boy, or where he’d take him?”
“He said he’d be taking him through the Veil, to Faery. That he could come through and visit now and then, but that Finn needed his children to help keep Faery alive. Something about witch and fae children being stronger than the children born to just fae folks in Faery.”
I blinked at her as some of the pieces seemed to fit. Sort of. Maybe. I was still missing too much.
“He also said the children that went to Faery were cherished and loved and treated as the treasures they were. That he was the great-grandson of the King and so all of the children were royal born and precious.”
“Oh. Hell.” I bolted to my feet, then paused to hug Missy. “Call me if you need anything. I’ve gotta go.”
I raced out of her house and almost dropped my keys as I slid into my SUV. I hit the button to start her up and took off down the road, yelling for the phone to dial the Commander while I buckled myself in and took the corner on two wheels.
“What’s up, Sid?” the voice of my grandfather came through the speakers.
“Grampa, I just saw Missy and she told me that Finn was the great-grandson of the King and all of his children were royal born and precious. That they were cherished and loved in Faery and those born of blended fae and witch were the most powerful.”
“Okay, great information, but why do you sound so frantic?”
“Ethan is full fae, half of each of royal and noble. Mira is of the Court of Light.”
“Oh, hell no. No wonder they want him. I’ll call Sin, you get to the farm.”
“On my way,” I said and disconnected the call.
Something about this whole thing sounded like a story I remembered from when I was little. My mom used to read me stories out of this old blue leather book. I suddenly took a right instead of a left and headed along the coast towards the Boudreau Manor, where my parents things now resided. I hit the button and said “Dial Sin” and waited for my twin to answer.
“What’s up, sis?”
“Grampa’s going to call you. I was headed to the farm, but I need to stop at the Manor first. Is Ethan with you guys yet?”
“Yeah, he’s here and loving his new place. Why? What’s wrong?”
“Finn is the great-grandson of the King. Ethan is half royal and half noble. That’s why they want him so bad. He’s going to be a powerhouse. If they can’t get to him, they’ll try to lure him out past the wards. Watch him carefully, okay?”
Sin was silent for a moment, then let out a breath. “I hear you, sis. I’ll watch him. He’s in the living room, playing on the game console right now and Mira is out at the store. I’ll see you when you get here.”
The call disconnected and I chewed my lower lip. We needed to figure out a way to stop them from trying to get these kids once and for all. I was hoping my mom’s little library had a part of the answer.
Chapter Thirteen
Sin
I hung up the phone after speaking to Sid and turned to look at Ethan. He was seated in a bean bag chair, the controller clutched in his hands as he yelled at the race car game he was playing. I went to the front door and locked it, then made my way through the house and locked windows and doors all the way around. I had taken the day off to help Ethan and Mira get settled, and so far, things had gone well. Ethan loved the new house and was excited about the huge yard and the tire swing that I’d set up in the side yard. Mira had relaxed even more once Ethan had seemed pleased with the new digs and after sorting out the kitchen to her satisfaction, she had wanted to go get some groceries and a few kitchen accessories. I told her I’d be fine watching Ethan and to go have fun.
I’d shown him how to work the console and how the controller worked with the game, and that was all he needed. He was having a blast. I was going to give him another few minutes then it’d be time for a lunch break.
My phone rang as Sid had predicted and it was Grampa. “Hey Grampa, Sid said you were going to call.”
“Are you and the boy safe?”
“We’re in the cottage, doors and windows locked, and he’s playing a video game. All is good.”
“I sent your sister your way, is she there yet?”
“No, she said she had to stop at the Manor for something that might help. Look, Grampa, the only way they’re getting him is if they lure him outside the wards. They can’t get in and they won’t get past me, okay?”
“One of them used a lightning bolt to kill Jacques Duchamp last night, Sin. Don’t underestimate these people.”
“I don’t underestimate, Grampa, but I’m not freaking out either. They’re
not going to make lightning inside the house and I’m not outside, neither is Ethan. What did those two from last night say? Anything useful?”
“Well, the one that nearly pissed himself is Seamus Reilly. He said they were sent by Prince Brendan to gather up his grandkids. I’m guessing that Brendan is Finn’s father.”
“Well, where the hell is this Finn guy? I’d like a few words with him about trying to steal babies from their mothers.”
“You’re not the only one, my boy. Stay inside and stay safe. We’ll figure this out.”
“Will do – for now, Grampa. But not for long.”
“I understand, Sin.”
The call disconnected and I ground my teeth together. I was not good at standing around.
“Hey Ethan, finish that round and save it. It’s time to have some lunch.”
“Okay, Sin. Um, how do I save it?”
I went over and showed him how to save it and turn it off, and he carefully put the controller away where he’d seen me take it out from. I was impressed but just smiled at him and gestured to the kitchen. “You want to help me make lunch today?”
“Sure, what we making?” Ethan asked as he climbed up on a stool to reach the counter.
“How about pizzas?”
“We can make pizza? At home?”
“Yep. Go wash up so you can help. We use bare hands a lot in this.”
I watched him jump down and race into the bathroom while I got out the package of naan loaves, a bag of pepperoni, a jar of sauce and a bag of cheese. Pepperoni was one of his favorites, so I knew this would be an easy win.
Ethan returned with splashes of water on his t-shirt and jeans, damp hair and soap still on his arms. Whoops. Guess I needed to help with that. Hey, I’m learning. I haven’t been around kids much, since Sid & I were the youngest in the family.
“Hey little man, let me help you with that. Come over here.” Ethan came over to me and I got him all dried off before I boosted him onto the stool. “Okay, we’re going to use these as the crust, then put some sauce on and then some cheese and then the pepperoni. I’ll do the sauce part and you can do the cheese and pepperoni part on your own pizza. Got it?”