The Illusionist - 3rd Edition

by Fran Heckrotte

  Intunecat smiled, genuinely amused at the human's audacity. He admired courage. Time was on his side, so he had no doubts about Yemaya's future with him, but the battle of with the Spirits, and the two mortals would end his boredom for a while.

  "We will see, Little One. Until then, enjoy the quiet times," he advised sincerely and vanished, leaving the two confused.

  * * *

  "He really isn't evil," Mari explained after Intunecat's departure. "His suffering is unimaginable. He endures a world of darkness filled with a great loneliness. Before meeting Maopa, I too knew such loneliness. I wouldn't wish it on anyone," she said sadly.

  "That be the truth, chillins. I feels sorry fer him."

  The other Spirits nodded in agreement.

  "How do we thank all of you?" Yemaya asked, refusing to empathize with the spirit who had caused her so much grief.

  "Ya doesn't," Maopa said "We had a lot of fun and gots to knowed each other a lot better. Made some new friends, we did. Why I may even learn Mari a few things she taint never knowed. After all, she taint never been mortal, liken usens, 'bout time she learned a thang or two 'bout what we does when we gets aroused," she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

  "Maopa, hush," Mari ordered, her pale silver cheeks suddenly turning a light shade of pink. "You talk too much. Let's leave so these two can go home and rest. I'm sure they're tired."

  Laughing, Maopa winked at her granddaughter and Yemaya, then vanished with Ladyhawk. Mari smiled mischievously and quickly followed. Ursa and Arbora returned to the forest, talking quietly about the evening's events, leaving only Sarpe and Vyushir.

  "Sarpe, how do I thank you for protecting Dakota? You could have died if the man had injured you with that knife."

  "I too underssstand lonelinessss. You have ssssomeone. She is a preccccious gift. One day, I hope to meet ssssomeone I can share my thoughtssss with," Sarpe explained. "I could do nothing lesssss."

  "Then I hope you find someone and soon. Your kin are as my own now and will be protected by me and mine from this moment on," Yemaya promised, creating a new alliance between Carpi and serpent. Sarpe bowed her head, accepting the pact.

  "Vyushir, I am in your debt, too. You also helped to protect Dakota. The Lysannes will never be able to repay you."

  "The debt was paid when you saved Simtire. The alliance stands strong as it always has and always will," Vyushir said graciously. "Now I must take this young pup back to her den. She needs a few lessons in obedience and patience. Please tell your life mate she will have to do without her for a few days."

  Vyushir turned to Sarpe.

  "You took many chances, my friend. Simtire was frightened when she saw such a large snake, but she isn't a coward. She could have attacked and harmed you." The wolf spirit was greatly concerned over the thought of the serpent spirit being hurt or killed.

  "The wolf is young, but she has wisdom. I was never in danger from her." Sarpe tried to ease Vyushir's concern.

  "Well, perhaps you would like to accompany us. I'm sure your thoughts would be beneficial in lessons on obedience," she growled, slewing a glance at Simtire.

  "It would be my pleasure," Sarpe hissed, uncoiling her long body.

  * * *

  Once Sarpe, Simtire, and Vyushir were gone, Yemaya and Dakota headed home. Regina loped ahead to make sure everything was okay. Voinic followed closely behind.

  Andrei and his men found Dalnos walking absentmindedly through the forests talking quietly to himself.

  When he saw them, he smiled childlike and waved. His mother hadn't lied. She had stayed with him, encouraging him to be brave and to trust the big man leading the group. Andrei put his arm around Dalnos' shoulder. For the first time in his life, Dalnos was truly happy and at peace with himself. The townspeople followed closely behind, confused but unwilling to question or challenge the mistress' most trusted employee.

  CHAPTER 27

  YEMAYA and DAKOTA snuggled under the blankets. Maria had sent the car to pick them up. A hot meal was waiting for them in the study. Afterward, she shooed them off to bed. A warm bath and two hours of gentle lovemaking later, they felt relaxed enough to talk about the earlier events.

  "I think I will have to keep you under lock and key," Yemaya teased.

  "In your dreams," Dakota responded, slapping her lover's arm. "You're the one always getting into trouble. If I didn't keep coming to your rescue, you'd be totally in the dark about what's going on around you."

  "That is a terrible pun," Yemaya groaned. "Seriously, though, how is your head? You cannot keep taking blows like that."

  "It's fine. I don't plan on getting any more," she joked. "Has your life always been this interesting?"

  "I always thought it was somewhat interesting, but nothing like this. Things started happening when you entered it."

  "Same here. My life was pretty boring 'til I met you," Dakota said. "Do you think Mari and Grams are an item now?"

  "I would say they are well on their way. I also got the impression Sarpe and Vyushir might find something in common to share."

  "I owe those two a lot, Sarpe especially. I'll never look at snakes the same way again," Dakota swore. "What about Ladyhawk? She seems to have no one."

  "I honestly do not know, love. She appears content to be with Grandma Dakota. Maybe that is enough for her."

  "Maybe," Dakota agreed. "But I hope not. Ladyhawk should have someone of her own. Threesomes never work."

  "Well, I guess we will just have to keep an eye out for a good looking spirit then," Yemaya suggested, raising an eyebrow.

  Dakota remained quiet for a moment, then decided to change the subject.

  "What's going to happen to Dalnos? I know he's a killer, but I can't help but feel sad because of his childhood."

  "I know. Had you not stopped me, I would have killed him for what he did to the girl, the wolf, and especially you." Yemaya's voice was suddenly cold and emotionless.

  "But you didn't."

  "No, once I calmed down, I was able to think more clearly. When I learned about his childhood and why he was so flawed, I felt sorry for him. How many people are destroyed by someone they love? It is a sobering lesson. Anyway, the past is done. I am not sure what the voices were that he heard, other than Intunecat's. Maybe just his insanity crying out. After all these years, though, he needed someone to talk to and to listen to. I gave him back his mother."

  "Thank you for that," Dakota said, stroking Yemaya's arm absentmindedly. "Is there anything else you'd like to tell me?" Laughing, the two snuggled deeper and quickly fell asleep.

  * * *

  For the first time in eons, Intunecat didn't feel the loneliness. His encounter with the Spirits and the two mortals had temporarily filled the emptiness inside of him. He laughed softly to himself. Tonight the mortal world was safe. Ironically, they would never know. Their fears were still alive and well.

  * * *

  Sonny read the report and threw it on the desk. Someone definitely was interested in Yemaya's background. Several efforts had been made to access her records with Immigration and the IRS, not to mention the FBI, CIA, and Secret Service. His sources revealed a systematic hacker attack on multiple computers pertaining to her and her brother. Whoever the person was, he or she was good, very good.

  Unfortunately for them, there was nothing of value or interest in the records. Sealing them had been more a formality than a necessity. The Lysannes were extremely efficient at minimizing information about themselves to government entities. He didn't know what or who they knew, but it was obvious they had powerful inside connections on the highest levels. Picking up the phone, he dialed Yemaya's number, dreading having to relay the news to her. Interrupting her much-needed vacation was a bitch, but she needed to get back to the States quickly.

  "Allo. Lysanne k'ena."

  "Maria? This is Sonny. Is Ms. Lysanne in?"

  "Ah, Mr. Marino. How are you?"

  "Fine, Maria. How are you and Andrei doing?"

  "Ever
ything is okay here. The mistress and Ms. Devereaux are resting. Lots of things have been happening here," she confided.

  "Really. Like what?"

  "Better if Ms. Lysanne tell you. I talk too much. I'll get her. Nice to hear from you, Mr. Marino."

  Sonny heard a click as the phone was put down on a table. Looking out the window, he noticed a few flakes of snow falling.

  Damn, he thought. It's going to be an early winter.

  His thoughts were interrupted by the low, husky voice of Yemaya.

  "Good morning, Sonny."

  Sonny shivered. There was an eerie seductiveness about her voice. It caressed, soothed, and calmed his thoughts, reminding him of a warm breeze blowing serenely over a cool body of water. At the same time, he could feel his heartbeat increasing. He had known her for years. Time didn't diminish its effect.

  "Good evening, Yemaya. Sorry to intrude on your vacation."

  "No problem. For you, anything," she teased.

  "I wish," Sonny replied half joking.

  "What can I do for you?"

  "I just received the report on the Charleston episode. The platform definitely was sabotaged. We think it was by a repairman called in to do some work on the circulation pumps, and we think the pumps were vandalized to get him there."

  "Do we know who the repairman was or anything about his company?"

  "That's the problem. The curator gave us the name, but it appears to be a non-working number. The phone company says the number is one of those prepaid phones. No way to track it."

  "Where did the curator get the name then?"

  "From his secretary, but she says it was in her Rolodex file. She inherited the file from the previous employee about five years ago. We contacted the former secretary, and she never heard of the company."

  "All this leads us to what?"

  "A dead end at the moment. Obviously, there are some very influential people behind this. Someone has been trying to hack your records from several government agencies. They didn't get much, but the fact they could actually access your records is enough to show this isn't just a fan or overly curious reporter."

  "You may be right. I suppose I should cut this trip short and head back to the States. Let me talk with Dakota. I can get with you about the arrangements."

  "I really don't think that's necessary at the moment. Go ahead and enjoy the time off. I'll call you if you need to change things. Speaking of Ms. Devereaux, how is she doing? Is she anything like her picture?" Sonny teased.

  "Better, much better. If you are a good boy, I might even introduce you to her," Yemaya smirked.

  "Boy? Damn, Yemaya, I'm forty-nine years old, long past the boy stage." Sonny chuckled. "I'd love to meet the woman who caught your eye, though."

  "Sure. Listen, I have to take care of some business here. Call me if you find anything out."

  "Will do. I'll talk to you in a few days. Take care and be careful."

  "Always. Thanks, Sonny."

  * * *

  Yemaya placed the phone in the receiver and turned to Dakota, who was sipping hot cocoa made from Belgium chocolate.

  "Trouble?"

  "Not really sure. It appears someone besides you has been digging into my personal life."

  "I imagine it happens a lot. What makes this time so different?"

  "This time, my records have been hacked at several U.S. government agencies. Also, the platform was definitely tampered with by a repairman who works for a non-existent company and had a prepaid phone that cannot be traced."

  "I guess that would make it unusual. Why am I not surprised?" Dakota asked. "Are our lives always going to be like this?"

  "I hope not. I look forward to a boring life traveling all over the world just trying to make a living." Yemaya actually batted her eyelashes, giving Dakota an exaggerated innocent look.

  Dakota snorted as chocolate bubbled from her nose. Grabbing a napkin, she coughed a couple of times and wiped her face. "Paleeeze."

  Placing her right hand over her heart, Yemaya sighed deeply. "You doubt me. I fear you have wounded me deeply, my love."

  "Yeah, yeah," Dakota chuckled. "You'll survive."

  "Now that is what I call sympathy," Yemaya countered, glancing at her watch. "I guess we need to get a move on it. We leave Thursday, which means packing and another trip into town to make sure everything is okay. Raidon will be back by then, but I want to check on Dalnos."

  "What will they do with him?"

  "Probably put him on trial. He will be found guilty, of course. Our system is not as complicated as yours, so everything moves quickly here."

  "Will he be executed?"

  "No, I talked with Kenyon. When he is found guilty, he will be taken to a special hospital and confined there for the rest of his life."

  "When he's found guilty? Doesn't sound like he's going to get a fair trial if he's already been pronounced guilty."

  "Dakota, he is guilty. That is what matters first to us. We take into consideration the circumstances when we pronounce the sentence, but we do not complicate the issue with confusing jargon, technicalities, or superfluous evidence. Like I said, our system is different."

  "I'm glad he won't be killed. I've always hated the death penalty."

  "Me too, but sometimes it is a necessary evil. Perhaps because of our history, we accept it as the final solution if nothing else works. Fortunately, we rarely have to exercise that option."

  "I don't think I could ever accept it as an alternative."

  "I am glad. I hope you never change. Now I need to take care of some business in town. I should be back in a few hours."

  "Stay out of trouble, will you?" Dakota teased.

  Ruffling Dakota's hair, Yemaya leaned down and gave her a quick kiss.

  "Yes, dear."

  * * *

  Dalnos sat in the corner of his cell talking quietly with the voice of his mother. Yemaya's instructions to Kenyon were very specific. The man was to be treated like a sick child. It was their responsibility to make sure he was fed, clothed, and cleaned and he was not to be abused in any way. Some of the men were angry about this. One of their children had been horribly abused, tortured, and then murdered. It was an abomination to treat the killer so kindly. Justice demanded he be executed for his crimes.

  During the trip into town, Yemaya gave Andrei additional instructions about Dalnos and the trial. Because he couldn't defend himself, she had hired a local attorney to represent him. Granted it was a formality, but Yemaya still believed he was entitled to a defense.

  "It seems a waste to have a trial," Andrei said.

  "I know, but he is unable to defend himself, so we have to do it for him. It is the right thing to do."

  "In the old days, he would have been beheaded and done with."

  "We have progressed beyond the old days. Supposedly, we are more civilized, although sometimes I wonder."

  "As do I, Mistress. By the way, Sasha phoned me yesterday."

  "How is she?" Yemaya asked. She knew Andrei and his cousin were extremely close. Now that the young woman was going to the university in the States, he often worried about her.

  "She's fine. She said she's going to take a trip with some girlfriends. Maybe the next time you're there you will visit her."

  "I would like that very much. Tell her I said hello."

  "I will. Thank you," Andrei said, grateful for her interest.

  * * *

  When Yemaya and Andrei arrived at the local jail, several men were gathered outside. Two seemed to be having a heated argument

  "He's a murderer. Since when do we treat murderers this way?" a tall bearded man demanded.

  "Since Ms. Lysanne ordered it," the smaller one responded, blocking the entranceway.

  "She isn't our queen to order us about like peons. I am no servitor. I am a man," the first man shouted, thumping his chest with his fist. "I say what is or what isn't."

  "Hush, Alto. She has always guided us."

  Alto spit on the ground. "She isn't
my guide, my mistress or my anything. My mistress would be at home warming my bed at night or doing my cooking and laundry. She's only a woman with money and a name."

  The smaller man suddenly backed away from the taller villager. Crossing himself, he muttered a prayer, refusing to look up.

  "Bresnak, you're a coward," Alto said disgustedly.