Divided (Elena Ronen, Private Investigator)

by Jennifer Sights

  I held him tight, and rested my cheek against his chest. Vittorio stood still, allowing me to take the lead. The power rose in my body, but this time it did not feel as if a wild thing was trying to tear out of me. It felt like a great, warm wave, washing from side to side within me. The air around us filled with energy as Vittorio’s power responded to mine.

  An instant later, Vittorio’s power was gone, his shields firmly in place, but mine was still alive, hot in my body. We held each other for a few minutes, and when it was clear I was able to keep my power under control, Vittorio gently let his go again. I felt my power leave my body, a slow warmth rising from me. I looked at Vittorio, alarmed.

  “It is all right, Elena. Hold onto it, yet let it go at the same time. Do you understand?”

  My brain didn’t understand, but something deep within me did, so I nodded. I stared into his eyes as I let my power go to his. Our powers swam around us, electrifying the room. I could see them merge, his a green the shade of a peridot crystal, mine a warm amber. Our powers met and became one, and I felt as if I could see into his soul, and he into mine, though it did not feel like an invasion as when Samuel had pushed at me with his power. I kissed Vittorio passionately. The world around me disappeared; there was only the two of us, surrounded by green and orange energy.

  I don’t know how long we kissed. When we parted, I fell to the couch.

  Vittorio sat more ceremoniously, but he didn’t look much stronger than I felt. I didn’t feel bad. I felt alive, exhilarated, but exhausted. I looked at him as if I were seeing him for the first time. “Wow.”

  “Yes, mia bellezza. Wow.”

  I laughed. Then I looked at Samuel, who had also collapsed onto a chair. “Samuel? Are you okay?”

  “Yes,” he said weakly. “Your powers merged together is a force to be reckoned with. I was not expecting that, and am quite drained. When one is confronted with such strong power as Vittorio’s - and it seems, yours - especially combined, one must be prepared. I was not, so it took more effort for me to control my power, to prevent it from rushing to join yours. It also took more effort to keep your powers out of my psychic field.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. It was an amazing experience.”

  I looked down, heat rushing through my face. I knew what it felt like for me. I didn’t want Samuel to be part of that.

  “Don’t be ashamed, Elena. I don’t think I experienced what you and Vittorio did. I simply felt a rush of great power, but it was no more than power. There was no sex in it for me. I only mean it isn’t often that one is confronted with such a force.” Samuel studied us as if he had never seen us before. A hint of distrust and jealousy gleamed coldly in his eyes.

  Vittorio reached for me and cupped my face in his hand, distracting me from what I saw in Samuel’s eyes. I was relieved to feel nothing but a tingle. “I am so proud of you, Elena.”

  “Is it going to be like this every time we kiss?”

  “It will not. This is the first time our powers have truly been introduced to each other. It is always the most intense the first time. We will have to practice controlling our powers together, however. It will take concentration to not experience this every time.”

  “Practice, huh?” I grinned at him.

  He smiled. “Yes.”

  “No offense, Samuel, but will you have to be here when we, um, practice? It’s just that this is kind of personal, and I’m not really the show and tell type,” I said.

  “From what I saw just now, I do not think so. Your control is strong. But in the beginning, I think it would be best if I was close by. Not in the same room, but close enough that if it gets out of control I will hear you call out and be able to come help.”

  “Can you accept that, Elena?” Vittorio asked.

  “Do I really have a choice?” He didn’t say no, but I could tell that was the answer. “Yes, I can handle that. I just prefer not to be in the same room. I’m a private person.”

  “I understand,” Samuel and Vittorio said in unison.

  I wondered if they could read each other’s minds, but was too exhausted to give it much thought.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  I took a long nap at Samuel’s before going home. I wanted nothing more than to curl up next to Vittorio and feel him hold me while we slept, but Samuel wouldn’t allow it, saying I was too exhausted. He had a point.

  After resting, I went home. I hadn’t checked the voice mail on my cell phone for a few days, and discovered several messages from Ms. Carmen asking about my progress. The messages grew more frantic as she worried about why I didn’t return her calls.

  She answered on the first ring. “Elena, what’s going on? Is Courtney alright?”

  “I’m sorry, Ms. Carmen, I’ve been very sick the past few days. I’m just now starting to feel better. That’s why I haven’t answered the phone.”

  “Oh, I was worried something had happened to you.”

  “Like what?” I paced the kitchen.

  “I don’t know. I told you I don’t know anything about Courtney’s new friends, but I don’t trust them. I don’t like what my baby has become.”

  I was too tired to accept her continued scorn of the Gothic lifestyle. “Ms. Carmen, Goths are not dangerous. No more than any human being. Just because we choose to dress in black clothing and wear heavy makeup does not mean we are serial killers out to corrupt the youth of America. I’m sure Courtney is safe.”

  Silence emanated from the other end of the line. “I - I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you.”

  “I’m sure you didn’t, but I’m beginning to understand why your daughter may have wanted to to run away.” I wished the last part hadn’t slipped out. Blaming the parent for a runaway child was never a wise move, but I was still trying to come to terms with recent events, and my filter was not up to speed.

  Her voice broke. “I’ve been a horrible mother, haven’t I?” she sniffled.

  “Ms. Carmen, I’m sorry I said that. I told you I’ve been sick, and I’m still exhausted from that. Mothers and their teenage daughters rarely get along. I’m sure you’ve been a great mother, even if Courtney doesn’t agree right now.”

  “I’m just so worried about her.”

  “I know. As soon as I’m better, I’ll do all I can to find her. I think this Elizabeth Hardgrave may be a clue. I’m going to try to find her. Your daughter will be fine.”

  “Thank you, Elena.” She hung up, her sobs making me feel about two inches tall.

  That night, Kevin burst through the door. “Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you. Why haven’t you answered your phone?”

  “It’s been a long, difficult couple of days. Just chill out a minute and I’ll try to explain.” I sat on the chair across from Kevin with my tea, and told him everything. With many interruptions, it took over an hour to try to explain it all. When I finished relating my tale of the fantastic to him, he sat with his jaw gaping, a look of disbelief on his face. “So are you going to have me committed?”

  “I don’t even think the psych ward would take you.”

  “You don’t believe me.”

  “Give me a break, Elena. This isn’t exactly the easiest thing to swallow. I’m trying, but put yourself in my shoes.”

  “I know it sounds unbelievable. Watch this, Kevin.” I turned off the lights, closed my eyes, and concentrated. I felt the power manifest in the palm of my hand. When I opened my eyes, the room glowed with light, bright enough to show the shock on Kevin’s face. “So?” He simply stared at me with his mouth open. “What do you think?”

  “Wow.”

  “I told you I’m not a nut job.”

  “Now I think you are more than ever.”

  I made a motion of throwing a ball, as if I would pitch the orb of light at him. He dove to the floor, and I laughed at him. “I can’t hurt you with it. Once I stop concentrating on it, it disappears,” I said in the darkness. I turned the lights back on.

  “
You should warn someone before you do that.” He sat back down in the chair, visibly shaken.

  “You should stop calling me a nut job. Who knows what I’ll learn tomorrow.”

  He looked at me with a slightly frightened look on his face.

  “I’m just teasing you, Kevin. Do you really think I’d do something to hurt you? You’re my only friend. I’d just appreciate it if you’d be a little nicer to me right now. It’s not like all this is easy for me.”

  “Sorry, this is quite a shock.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Over the next couple days, Vittorio and I practiced controlling our power together. I must admit, it was a lot of fun, but it was also exhausting. By the end of the third day, Samuel declared us strong enough to be left on our own. I think what he meant was Vittorio was strong enough to control the situation if I lost control. Either way, I was relieved he wouldn’t be hovering in the next room anymore.

  “Does this mean I can fall asleep next to you now?”

  “Yes, mia bellezza.”

  My heart leapt with joy and I hugged him.

  Vittorio swept me up into his arms and carried me into his bedroom. Rich brown carpet met deep burgundy walls. A thick, velvet, chocolate brown comforter and fluffy scarlet and deep brown pillows covered the king-sized cherry wood bed. The room was elegant and beautiful.

  Vittorio laid me gently on the bed, then lay next to me. I wrapped myself around him and rested my head on his chest, surprised to discover I wanted nothing more than to be close to him. I told him as much.

  “That is a good sign. It shows me you truly are gaining control of your power.”

  “You’re not a little disappointed?” I teased. He seemed to struggle with his answer. “Come on, Vittorio. You can tell me if you are. I won’t be offended.”

  “Perhaps a little.” He grinned and kissed my forehead. “But I want to wait until you have full control. I want everything to be perfect.”

  I sighed, content to feel the warmth of his body next to mine. He was too good to be true. “Vittorio?”

  “Yes?”

  “Will you tell me about your power now?”

  “I did promise, did I not?” he mused. “Yes, I will tell you now, though I warn you, it is a hard story to tell, and to hear.” He sat up in bed, leaning against the headboard.

  “I want to know everything about you, Vittorio.” I sat up as well.

  “And so you shall.” He paused, gathering his thoughts. “I was five years old. My family’s dog was old, sick, and in pain. We lived in the Italian countryside, and my father did not believe in spending money on pets. Rather than take him to a veterinarian to humanely euthanize him, my father took him into the backyard and shot him.” I gasped. “I watched from the kitchen window. I did not understand the dog was sick and in pain. I only understood that my father had killed my best friend. I was as angry as a five-year-old can be, and my power tore out of me and through the kitchen. It looked like a tornado had hit. When my father came inside, he thought I had thrown everything around. He beat me, and sent me to my room for the rest of the day with no food.

  “The next day he told me apologize to my mother for making such a mess. I refused, and yelled at him for killing my dog. He slapped me, and again my power tore through the room. This time, my parents saw what happened, but did not understand. My mother took me to a string of doctors, but no one could explain what was going on with me. Over the years, my episodes, as my mother liked to call them, got worse. She did not know what to do with me, and eventually checked me into a mental hospital.”

  “Oh my god, that’s horrible!” My hand went to my mouth.

  “It turned out to be the best thing she could have done for me. The doctors there did not know any more than the others had, and eventually they kept me on sedatives so I could do no damage to anything or anyone.”

  “Anyone?”

  “Yes.” A pained look crossed his face. “I had an incident with one of the nurses. The first time they tried to inject sedatives in me, when I was ten, my anger took over. I threw her across the room with my power, and her head smashed against the wall. She lived, but her brain was severely damaged, and she could not function on her own.” He looked away from me, as if afraid I would be disgusted with him.

  I reached out and touched his face. “It’s okay, Vittorio. You couldn’t help yourself.”

  He looked at me.

  “I can’t think of anything you could tell me that would make me turn away from you.”

  Relief flooded his face, and a small smile graced his lips. He continued. “They kept me on sedatives for several months. I do not really know how long. One of the doctors, Julian Fondazione, had power and heard about me. He convinced the hospital to let him take over my case, and stopped the sedatives. He worked with me, taught me control. Eventually, I was declared safe to be released to society. My parents, however, wanted nothing to do with me, so Julian took me in and continued my training. He also trained me in witchcraft.”

  “Witchcraft?”

  “Yes. If you like, I can teach you as well. It complements our power nicely.”

  “I think I’d like that.” Anything that would help me control this power was a positive. As well as anything to help me with the case, I grudgingly admitted to myself.

  “As you wish.” He kissed me lightly, then continued his story. “When I was twenty, Julian moved here to America, and I came with him. I had nowhere else to go, and no plans. I had just graduated university, and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, so I moved here. I got a job at Porter Enterprises, the company Samuel’s father owns. That’s how I met Samuel. I moved up in the company quickly, in part because of my friendship with Samuel, but mostly because I worked hard. I am now vice president of human resources. Samuel is Vice President of Marketing. Our business views sometimes clash, but we manage to remain good friends most of the time.”

  I wrapped my arms around him, regretting for him that he had such a difficult time in the beginning. I said nothing, sensing that he knew my thoughts.

  “Thank you for understanding, Elena.”

  “Thank you for telling me.” I stared into his eyes, then kissed him. My power remained calm this time, but the kiss was still incredible.

  I fell asleep with Vittorio holding me, and had the best night of sleep I’d had since this whole thing began.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  The next afternoon, Vittorio called me to ask if I would join him at The Chapel that night.

  “Of course!” I wanted nothing more than to see him again. It had only been hours since I left his house, but I missed him already.

  “May I pick you up?”

  “Of course. I’ll warn you, though, Kevin will probably want to meet you. He’s been hounding me about you since we met.” Silence. “Vittorio? You’re not jealous of Kevin, are you?” I’d told Vittorio about our close friendship, trying to make it as clear as possible it was strictly platonic.

  “No, it is not that.” He paused. “How much have you told him?”

  “Everything.”

  “Everything?”

  “Yes. I told you; he’s my best friend, and like a brother to me. He stuck by me through some really hard times. We don’t keep any secrets from each other.”

  “You trust him?”

  “Completely. Please don’t be mad I told him.”

  “I am not upset, Elena, but you must realize how unbelievable our power can be to those who do not possess it. I am not the only person I know who has been committed by family or friends because of it. It would devastate me if anything happened to you.”

  “You can trust Kevin. He’s always taken care of me, or at least tried when I wouldn’t let him.” I realized it should be my turn to tell Vittorio about my past. It was only fair, but I didn’t want to think about that just yet. Right now, I was more concerned about Vittorio being upset I had told Kevin. I desperately wanted them to like each other. “Please, Vittorio. Kevin’s all I have.”

>   “All?” The pain in his voice was almost tangible.

  “Well, he was until I met you.” An image of him smiling appeared in my head. That was weird. It was so vivid, as if it had appeared on a movie screen.

  “I cannot be upset about anything that is so important to you, mia bellezza. Of course I will meet him tonight. Shall I pick you up at nine?”

  After I hung up, I went next door to Kevin’s to find him watching an old UFC fight on TV. “Hey, Kev. Guess what?” I sat next to him on the couch.

  “You’re dropping the case?”

  “No. Tonight’s your big night. Vittorio’s coming to pick me up at nine, so you’ll get to meet him.”

  “About time I get to check this guy out.” He turned down the volume on the TV.

  “Kevin, this may be a job for me, but I really like him.”

  “I know that.”

  “I’m falling in love with him, Kevin. Please behave. Don’t embarrass me.”

  “Would I do that?” he asked with an air of amusement giving away his best innocent face.

  I glared in response.

  “I’ll be on my best behavior. Should I wear a suit and tie?”

  I groaned in exasperation.

  I tidied up my place a little before showering. I looked at the trash cans in the living room under the leaky pipes. I knew my duplex wasn’t the nicest place ever, but that was downright embarrassing. Kevin could easily move someplace else. He made good money at his job repairing cars. He just didn’t care, and figured it was easier to stay than go through the hassle of moving. I, on the other hand, had no choice. Cases were sporadic. Some months I barely made rent. I didn’t like how desperately I needed the money from Ms. Carmen’s case, but it was true.

  I decided that after I showered, I’d put the trash cans out on the back porch for the evening. Insecure - who, me? I still wasn’t quite sure what Vittorio saw in me. He had everything, while I had nothing. I sighed, then went upstairs to get ready.