Olivia Lawson Techno-Shaman Books 1 -3

by Green, M. Terry

  “Got it.”

  SK picked up a small plate and a pair of chopsticks. “What I don’t understand is the reason for the resistance,” he said, placing a couple of rice balls and a big pile of kimchee on his plate.

  Min shrugged and shook her head. “Me either,” she said, “but I just have this feeling she’s…” SK looked at her, his mouth full. “Well, that she’s hiding something.”

  He nodded as he picked up his cup.

  “I don’t know why I think that,” Min said. “And maybe I’m wrong.”

  SK washed the food down with some tea. “I don’t think you’re wrong,” he said. “She was the one who told me about Dominique in the first place, so I have no idea what it might be.” He paused as he picked up another skewer. “Do you?”

  Min shook her head. “Afraid not.”

  He ate in silence for a minute as Min sipped her tea. When he finished, he put his plate back on the table.

  “Min,” he said.

  She looked at him.

  “I don’t take sides when it comes to shamans. I can’t.”

  She nodded.

  He thought suddenly of the kiss and his words sounded hollow.

  “At least I shouldn’t,” he continued. “But you can and you should. That’s what I need you to do.”

  “Be on her side,” she said, nodding energetically.

  “But I don’t want either of you getting hurt,” he said.

  He still didn’t know how Dominique was managing to find Livvy in the Multiverse and he didn’t understand how a Multiverse wound could manifest itself in the real world.

  “If anything happens tomorrow, I want you both out of there,” he said firmly. “Understood?”

  Min grimaced slightly.

  “I know,” he said. “She’s the lightning shaman and she’s not likely to do anything she doesn’t want to do but I know you can do this.”

  Her smile returned at that. “You know I’d do anything for Livvy,” she said, nodding her head with finality. “You can count on me.”

  “Thanks, Min. I knew I could.”

  I just hope it’s enough.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  “BONSOIR,” SAID MAYET, as he rose to his feet.

  Despite herself, Dominique couldn’t help but feel excited. From time to time, she had worked with shaman intercessors but never a dwarf, never a water baby. What intercessor could be more perfect for her gift? She had long imagined such a pairing.

  Focus, she thought. This is your chance.

  Dominique offered her hand, palm down. Mayet immediately bowed over it, supported it with his own, and lightly kissed it.

  She had assumed that he spoke French–not much of an assumption, judging from his name. He had made it clear he was comfortable with either French or English. She said she missed French and liked to speak it when she could, which was a lie. She hoped it might provide a quick bond that could be useful.

  “Enchanté, Dominique,” he said, straightening.

  “Enchantée,” she replied, remembering to smile, and took a seat.

  She had selected a small café and he was early. As usual, she was precisely on time.

  He signaled the waitress as Dominique took her seat. They both ordered Cafe Au Lait in English before returning to French.

  “I understand you have just arrived,” said Dominique, pitching her voice into a sultry tone that came easily when she wasn’t issuing orders.

  “That is correct,” said Mayet. “I am familiar with the area, of course, from previous travels, although not particularly as a shaman intercessor. I have always liked Los Angeles and come here as often as I can.”

  “Well, in terms of shamanism, I would say you have arrived just in time.”

  “Is that so?” he inquired politely, as though her answer didn’t matter.

  He must want to know what is going on with SK, she thought.

  “There are many shamans here who could use your services,” she said, nodding. “Oh, yes. Many.”

  The waitress returned with their coffees. Dominique paused until she left.

  “There are many clients and there are many shamans,” she said and shrugged. “But not enough intercessors for all the work there is to be done.”

  “I see.”

  She knew she was only confirming what he already assumed. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to L.A. With few or no clients, this would be her best opportunity to approach him and the timing couldn’t be better.

  “For example, I myself could use the services of an intercessor.”

  “Oh, yes?” he said, still acting as if it made no difference.

  “Yes,” she said simply.

  “I see,” he said. He thought for a few moments. “Of course, I would like to see your work before recommending you to clients.”

  “But of course. That goes without saying, I’m sure,” she said, smiling–but not too much. “In fact, I have a client tomorrow. If you like, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind an observer. In fact, I’m sure they’d be grateful.” She batted her eyes. “As would I.”

  “Mmm,” he said, mulling it over. “Yes,” he said finally. “Yes, that would be good.”

  “Excellent,” she said.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  NO MATTER HOW fast she ran, her mother caught up. Now Livvy’s mom had her by the hair.

  “Why did you summon me?” her mom screamed.

  Livvy had to grab her own hair and pull it out of her mother’s grasp. She pushed her mother back, across the sidewalk, toward the nearest building.

  It was another nightmare. It had to be. Her mother would never act like this.

  “Time is running out,” her mother screeched.

  Livvy backed up into the street. Unlike the previous nightmare, she and her mother were in the Underworld, moving deeper into the Multiverse. The tall buildings seemed to be closing in, tilting toward them. The sky was pitch black, as though it were night but there was no such thing as night in the Multiverse. The thousands of windows above them glowed with interior light, as if every space were occupied. The whole thing was impossible but Livvy kept backing into the street anyway.

  Her mother followed, one plodding step after another. Each of her words fell in time with the steps. “Why did you summon me?”

  “Please, Mom,” said Livvy, keeping the distance between them. “I needed to see you.”

  “Then look at me,” her mom screamed. “I’m fading!”

  It was true. In the dream, she was still fading. It wouldn’t be long before she was transparent. And, if she became completely transparent, she would be gone.

  Her mother lunged for her. Livvy easily dodged away and they started to circle one another.

  “You’re the one who summoned me,” said her mother.

  Livvy didn’t say anything.

  “This is all your fault.”

  “That’s enough,” said Livvy. “This is a dream.”

  “Are you so sure?” said her mother, continuing to circle. “You’ve never dreamt of the Underworld have you?”

  Of course her dream would say that but it was true.

  She had always been prone to dreams and nightmares but the Multiverse–not so much.

  Her mother smirked. “No, I didn’t think so,” she said. “You’re crossing over.”

  “It’s only a dream,” Livvy insisted.

  Her mother laughed, a dry and shrill sound. “You keep telling yourself that,” she said. “It doesn’t change the fact that this is the Multiverse.”

  Her mother stopped circling and gestured around them. “Look at it! It’s the Multiverse. Nobody just dreams about the Multiverse.”

  Was that true?

  Her mother chuckled. “Oh yes, I’d be worried too.”

  When Livvy didn’t reply her smirk turned into a snarl. “But enough about you,” her mother said, starting to advance on her.

  “I don’t understand what happened,” said Livvy, backing up again. “It’s not that easy.”

&nbs
p; “I didn’t say it’d be easy,” her mother said. “But is this what you want?”

  Slowly, her mother’s face transformed. Her cheeks sucked inward, the skin puckering in long creases. Her green eyes became dim as a filmy gray opaqueness covered them. Patches of her scalp fell away, taking stringy gray hair with them. Her nose shifted and fell, dangling only by a thread of withered skin. Finally, the eyes too sunk inward.

  “No!” Livvy screamed.

  The nose fell completely away.

  “No!” Livvy screamed again. “Stop it!”

  “Livvy,” came the croaking sound from the opening and closing jaws. “Livvy,” it repeated.

  “No!” Livvy wailed, trying to back up.

  She felt something on her arm.

  • • • • •

  “Livvy!” said Min.

  Livvy’s eyes snapped open but the image of the rotting skull wouldn’t disappear. It seemed to be hovering over her.

  “No!” she screamed again.

  “Livvy,” said Min. “It’s me, Min!”

  The skull disappeared and Min’s face replaced it. Livvy’s eyes darted around the ceiling and the room, looking for the skull.

  “You were having a nightmare,” said Min, still holding her arm.

  Livvy tried to focus on Min’s face.

  “It was a nightmare,” Min tried again

  A nightmare? Yes, a nightmare. It had been a nightmare.

  Min let go of her arm and sat on the edge of the bed. Livvy sat up with difficulty and realized her t-shirt was soaked with sweat.

  “That’s two days in a row,” Min said quietly.

  If only.

  She’d been having nightmares for weeks at this point–ever since she’d started the summoning. The only thing that had changed in the last couple of days was the screaming.

  “What time is it?” Livvy asked.

  “Nearly ten,” said Min.

  “Ten?”

  It felt like she’d only slept for a couple of hours. How could it be ten already?

  “We’ve got to get ready,” said Min. “Today is Claire.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  THEY ALL STOOD next to their mats instead of sitting on them. Dominique knew they paid better attention that way. Front and center, she stood next to her mat as well. She faced them, feet shoulder width apart, hands clasped behind her back. There were thirteen shamans total, including Pipsqueak, Tambourine, and herself.

  “We will attack in waves. First column,” she said, nodding to her left. “Then second column, then third, then fourth.” She swept her gaze over them all. “On my command only. Understood?”

  They all nodded.

  She tilted her chin down and glowered at them.

  “Say it,” she snarled. “Understood?”

  “Yes, Dominique,” they said in unison, except for Tambourine, who was a beat behind the rest and looking at the floor.

  “Tambourine!”

  Her round face jerked upward and her mouth hung open a bit, as if she’d been asleep.

  “What did I just say?”

  The woman snapped her mouth closed and quickly shook her head, making the gold hoop earrings bob and sway. Dominique felt her anger quickly flare. If not for Tambourine’s considerable shamanic power, she’d have rid herself of this one long ago.

  “Half rations for you,” yelled Dominique.

  Tambourine slowly lowered her eyes and glared at the floor in front of her. Dominique knew Tambourine needed the drugs and that half a fix was almost as good as none. Fine. Maybe she’d listen next time.

  “Flore,” Dominique said, fixing another woman with a stare.

  “Yes, Dominique,” the woman barked convulsively.

  This was the weakest one. The woman could barely make it from the Middleworld to the Underworld and even now got lost in the black lake sometimes and had to turn back. Already forty, there was little chance she’d ever make a truly competent shaman. The only good thing about her was the fact that her name already sounded like a nickname.

  “You’ll be the client,” said Dominique. “No goggles. You’ll just lie there.”

  The woman seemed relieved–a coward as well. “Yes, Dominique,” she yelled.

  Dominique looked the rest of them over. The timing had been excellent. They were all alert and ready.

  She checked her watch. “Fifteen hundred hours,” she said. “Until then, rest on your mats, drink plenty of water.” She paused. “But no drugs. None whatsoever. When we’re done with Liver the Lightning Shaman, there’ll be drugs for everyone. Anything you want.”

  They fidgeted at the thought.

  “Understood?”

  They answered loudly, in unison. “Yes, Dominique!”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  HURRY UP AND pick something. SK will be here soon.

  Even in the closet, Livvy could hear Min in the kitchen humming cheerily and talking to Nacho. It was disconcerting. The nightmare had left her exhausted, as usual, but this time there was also a lingering feeling of anxiety. Why was she finding it so hard to tell the difference between a dream and the Multiverse? Was what her mother had said true? It had been a dream, hadn’t it?

  More importantly–what had happened to her lightning the last time she had truly been in the Multiverse?

  “Livvy,” called Min. “Time is getting short.”

  I know it!

  “Okay,” she called back.

  She probably wouldn’t even need lightning today but…her spirit helper. She broke out in a sweat and shivered.

  Was her spirit helper still with her?

  Outside, as if in answer, thunder erupted so close that she felt it. That was a good sign.

  “Livvy,” called Min. “We might need extra time in this weather.”

  “Right,” Livvy called back.

  As she reached out toward her clothes, a giant spark popped. Another good sign.

  Okay. Just calm down. Get to the client, get to the Multiverse. You won’t know anything for sure until you’re there.

  She looked at her clothes. It’d be media madness today, as it always was with big clients. She picked an outfit she knew was camera friendly, took the clothes off their hangers and got dressed.

  When Livvy came into the kitchen, Min had just finished pouring some food into Nacho’s bowl and was standing up. She was wearing a new robe today, black velvet as was her style but also double-breasted with intricate bone buttons carved with owls. The hem lightly brushed the floor as she twirled once in place.

  “What do you think?” she asked, all smiles.

  “You look great,” said Livvy, a bit surprised.

  “Good,” she chirped. “Had to look my best today, since we’ll be working together and everything.”

  Livvy’s breath caught as she stared at Min. With all that had been going on, she hadn’t really thought through what was going to happen today.

  “Wait,” said Min. “Didn’t SK talk to you?”

  No. Well, not exactly.

  She had said she didn’t want Min along but the evening had ended in a kiss and the issue of Min helping in the Multiverse had never been resolved–at least not as far as Livvy was concerned.

  “Talk to me about what?”

  The toaster on the far counter behind Min popped up two round waffles. Three different bottles of syrup were already standing by. Min turned toward the kitchen.

  “Waffles are done,” she chirped.

  “Min!” yelled Livvy. “Talk to me about what?”

  Min stopped and turned. Nacho looked up from his bowl. “About working together,” she said, frowning. “Are you upset?”

  “No, I’m not upset!” Livvy yelled.

  Nacho slinked away.

  Min looked puzzled, but her face held a little smile. Livvy felt anger mixing with frustration and exhaustion. Anger at not being able to be with her mother. Anger that Min might see her mother in the Multiverse. Anger that SK had apparently already made arrangements with Min but hadn�
��t told her. Anger that, if the lightning didn’t work, she really might need help.

  “Is something funny?” Livvy yelled.

  Min flinched and the little smile vanished. “No,” she said. “No, it’s not.”

  “I’ll talk to SK,” Livvy muttered.

  “It’s already been cleared with the client,” Min said.

  “What?” Livvy screamed.

  With the client? Then there’s no going back!

  She’d have to use Min now. You couldn’t offer two shamans and then take one away.

  By all the gods, why had they done that?

  “It’s to protect you,” said Min, calmly.

  Even her calmness was irritating Livvy now. “I don’t need your protection,” she yelled and turned away, pacing to the sliding glass doors.

  It had begun to rain and the wind was driving into the glass with a spattering sound.

  Gods, how was this possibly going to work? She needed to talk with her mother and she didn’t need anybody eavesdropping–especially not on what they had to talk about.

  “I’ll only be there to help if you need it,” Min said quietly.

  “Your help,” Livvy scoffed, turning on her. “It’s hard to imagine.”

  Min stiffened slightly, raised her chin and looked directly at Livvy. Her mouth was drawn in a tight line but she didn’t say anything.

  “Grow up, Min! Life isn’t all giggles and rainbows and kittens.”

  Min inhaled sharply and blinked–twice at Livvy and twice at the floor. When she looked back up there was a certain hardness to her expression. Livvy braced herself for whatever Min might say but all she did was nod gravely and turn away.

  It was not what Livvy had expected.

  “Min,” she said quickly.

  Min stopped but didn’t turn around.

  “Min, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

  The door buzzed. It was SK in the lobby.

  Min went over to the toaster and pulled out the waffles.

  “You forgot your amethyst pendant,” she said over her shoulder.