Life is for the Living

by S. C. Stokes

  “You are an odd one, Kasey, you know that?” he answered resting against the heavy steel table.

  “Perhaps. I think it’s simply a matter of perspective.” She dusted her hands together. “Any chance you can finish up here? Most of my place was cooked last night. I still need to duck out and pick up some essentials.”

  “Can do,” he answered.

  “Thanks,” she replied as she grabbed her bag off the counter and slung it over her shoulder. “If you see Bishop, let her know I’ll be back for my statement.”

  I have something I need to return as well.

  She left the morgue and opted for the stairs. After her earlier vision, she was still feeling a little hesitant about Bishop. It would be easier to avoid the detective if she didn’t have to step out of an elevator in the station’s lobby. Emerging from the staircase she quietly slipped out the station’s side door.

  Kasey did intend to go shopping, just not the variety of store Vida might have supposed. First stop was a trip to the Emporium.

  The Emporium was a one stop shop for magical supplies and artifacts. Its owner, Ernesto Thompson, specialized in meeting the needs of New York City’s thriving magical community.

  Most importantly, Ernesto had graciously loaned Kasey the Spear of Odin that she had used to put an end to Danilo Lelac once and for all.

  Forged by the Norse wizard Odin, it was the very blade he had wielded when driving the Werewolf scourge from Scandinavia. The artifact was a potent weapon, one that had been lost in the sands of time.

  How Ernesto had come to possess the weapon was not quite clear. Fortunately, he had been willing to lend it to her in exchange for a small favor. In parting with the spear, he had been quite clear that it was to be returned once it was no longer needed. Not one to owe favors or accumulate debts, returning the spear was at the forefront of her to-do-list.

  Kasey was also more than a little curious as to what other wonders the Emporium might hold. Her previous visit had allowed only a passing glimpse into the many marvels the store had to offer.

  With the NYPD giving her time off to recover, she considered the Emporium and its inventory to be crucial research in her current undertaking.

  While she had no idea who was behind the looming attack, Danilo had made it more than clear they were a fearsome foe. It seemed only common sense to presume they were part of the magical community. If that were the case, she could use any edge she could get in the fight to come.

  Making her way through the streets, she breathed a sigh of relief. She loved the hustle and bustle of New York City. It was one of the reasons she had wanted to live here. No matter where and when one might venture outside, there was always something going on. Kasey's childhood had been lonely, thanks to her gift, but in New York City, she was never alone.

  “Why would anyone want to destroy this?” she asked, thinking of the vision she had witnessed. She had watched in terror as widespread destruction was unleashed across the city. The towering skyscrapers that were the pride of New York had cracked and ultimately crumbled in the face of the attack.

  Kasey remembered the terror she had felt as building after building collapsed. Screaming had filled the air as her vision had cut off.

  She was determined to do everything she could to prevent such carnage befalling the city.

  For a moment, she considered telling the Arcane Council, but her mother's warning rang in her ears. Perhaps Jane was just being a little paranoid about the council. After all, the Stonemoores had more reason than most to be concerned. More than once in their family history they had suffered great tragedy, not only at the hands of non-magical beings. At times, they had also suffered due to the shifting sands of changing governments in the magical community.

  For the time being, I'll keep it to myself.

  She arrived at the Emporium, or at least its street front facade. The Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space, or MORUS, was a convenient disguise for the enormous store. The tours that the museum operated accounted for the steady flow of traffic. Seldom did such an old and neglected part of New York City attract unwanted attention but when it did the museum was the perfect cover.

  The surrounding tenements had been the scene of the lengthy dispute between the city and the squatters who had taken up residence there. Ernesto's family had brokered a treaty between them and in thanks, the city had gifted the building known as C squat to the Thompsons.

  C squat itself was quite modest but Ernesto and his family had a grand vision. Located deep beneath the Earth, the Emporium had expanded considerably. No longer the simple basement it has once been. Its aisles now ran for miles underneath the city that never slept. Ernesto boasted that anything a wizard might ever want could be found within its walls and in Kasey's experience, the claim was well founded.

  She walked through the door to find a woman standing in a white shirt and pleated blue skirt. The sign beside her now read, ‘Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space. Next tour 9:30’.

  The woman in the tour guide uniform smiled at her. "Hello and welcome to the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space. Are you here for the tour?"

  Following her sister's example from their previous visit, Kasey replied, "No, thank you, I'm here for the gift store."

  The woman pointed to the hall at the back of the store. "I take it you know the way?"

  "Sure do," Kasey replied

  "Then head on through, I hope you find what you're looking for."

  Kasey returned the woman’s smile and thanked her. Making her way through the small tour station, she found the hallway leading to the restrooms. The cupboard labeled cleaning stood to the right. Kasey grabbed the door handle and opened it. Learning from her previous experience, she flicked on the light and closed the door behind her.

  “Disgyn."

  The lift rocketed downward, but this time Kasey was ready. Holding onto a shelf for support, she enjoyed the swift descent.

  As the lift slowed, a familiar purple light appeared in the air before her. The light raced back and forward as if controlled by an unseen hand, spelling out the word, ‘Welcome’.

  She opened the door and was greeted by the opulent foyer of the Emporium.

  She couldn't help but smile. Something about the place simply excited her.

  She headed over to the information counter. Ernesto was behind the counter, scribbling on a piece of paper. He looked up as she approached.

  "Kasey!" he called. "It is wonderful to see you again"

  She came to a halt by the counter. "Ernesto, it's good to see you too."

  “After your recent visit, I wasn't expecting to see you so soon,” he said as he made his way around the counter.

  She smiled. "Me neither. Fortunately, my situation resolved itself much sooner than expected, and ended far better than I had hoped, thanks to you."

  He leaned closer so that he could not be overheard. "Miss Stonemoore, am I to believe that you triumphed over the infamous Danilo Lelac in less than a day?"

  She nodded. " I would have died if it wasn't for your help. I threw everything I had at him and he just about killed me and destroyed my apartment, but at the end of the day, it was the Spear of Odin that put him down for good. The spear saved my life. You saved my life, Ernesto."

  Ernesto blushed. "It's the least I could do, Miss Stonemoore. Werewolves killing young women in New York, it's uncivilized and I won't stand for it. I am so glad to see that you are safe. Will you be requiring the spear further?"

  She shook her head. “No, thanks, Ernesto. I’m pretty sure there was only one rampaging Werewolf out to kill me. I know the spear is valuable, so I wanted to get it back here safely as soon as I could."

  Kasey reached into her pocket and fished out the shard. The potent weapon had been a great comfort to her during the ordeal with Danilo. She almost didn't want to part with it but something about the weapon also unsettled her. Gingerly, she handed the gleaming artifact to Ernesto.

  As soon as the artifact left her hand, she felt lighter. It was as
if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

  Ernesto took the sliver with a flourish and tucked it into his suit coat. "I'll ensure that it makes its way back to the vault, Miss Stonemoore. If you ever need it again, you know where to find it.”

  Kasey nodded as the strange sensation of relief washed over her entire being. She couldn't help but smile as the dark cloud that had followed her since she had killed Danilo dispersed.

  Initially, she had thought it was a misplaced sense of guilt over taking another’s life, even in self-defense. Now she felt it might be something else.

  Ernesto gave a knowing smile. "That sensation is no coincidence, Miss Stonemoore. I have felt it myself. One cannot wield the Spear of Odin without bearing the weight of its legacy upon their shoulders."

  "I don't understand," Kasey said. “What was that? And why is it gone?"

  "All power comes with a price, and the Spear of Odin is no exception. Countless lives have ended on its blade. Odin is said to have forged it from silver and the tears of his own sorrow at the loss of his family. Whatever the truth is, those who take a life with it, soon feel the weight of the blade’s bloody legacy."

  "So, you have felt it then?" she asked.

  "Of course. As I've said before, knowledge is power, and I do not speak from ignorance when I talk of the blade. There is a reason it is hidden in the vault and not carried with me every day."

  She nodded empathetically. Knowing Ernesto had taken a life with the spear changed Kasey's opinion of him. Clearly, there was more to Ernesto than she had realized.

  “Miss Stonemoore, I don’t suppose you have had an opportunity to speak with your father?” he asked.

  “Indeed, I have,” she replied. “I stayed with my parents last night. He laughed when I had mentioned the box but told me he would take your offer into consideration. Tell me Ernesto, what is inside it?”

  “You will have to ask him,” Ernesto answered, straightening up to his full height. As he adjusted the fall of his suit, he smiled. "Some secrets are not mine to share. I appreciate you keeping your word. Is there anything else I can help you with, Miss Stonemoore?"

  "I was just going to take a look around,” she replied. “Most of my wardrobe was wiped out in the fight that killed Danilo. I don't suppose you sell any ordinary clothes here?"

  Ernesto looked Kasey up and down. "I wouldn't say I sell ordinary clothes, no…” As Kasey’s face fell, he continued. “But I do have a range of exceptional attire for any occasion. What are you looking for? Something to wear out and about, or are you like the other young hopefuls? Looking for something nice for this evening's gala?"

  "Gala?" she asked. "What Gala?"

  "Why, the Met Gala, of course," Ernesto replied producing a measuring tape from his suit pocket. "Anyone who is anyone will be there.”

  Kasey’s mind turned to her Ainsley problem and the pending lawsuit. “When you say anyone, what are the chances that Counselor Ainsley will be in attendance?"

  "Arthur?” Ernesto laughed as he began to take Kasey’s measurements. “Most certainly. The counselor hasn't missed one in years. He and the mayor are good friends. I imagine others of the council will be there also. In a city like New York, the influence of the Arcane Council and that of governmental bureaucracy run along the same lines."

  "Money,” Kasey replied.

  "Precisely,” Ernesto answered, drawing the tape around Kasey’s waist. “I don't suppose you've been invited?”

  Kasey thought back to her agreement with Arthur Ainsley. The counsellor had promised her that in exchange for dealing with Danilo discreetly, he would ensure John left her in peace. John’s lawsuit was a flagrant violation of their agreement, Kasey intended to hold him to his word. The gala was her best chance for a face-to-face meeting.

  Nodding she answered. "In a manner of speaking, Ernesto. In a manner of speaking."

  The proprietor raised an eyebrow, but Kasey spared him further concern.

  "Now, Ernesto, I can't be going to the gala in these old rags. Care to show me what you've got that would be more suitable?"

  Ernesto offered his arm. “Why, of course, Miss Stonemoore. Let me show you to our evening wear. I'm sure you'll find that no mundane tailor can match our magical ministrations.”

  Ernesto guided her through the emporium and down an aisle labelled ‘Formal Wear’. Ernesto stopped halfway down the aisle and began flicking through the garments that were hanging there.

  “I know it’s here somewhere,” Ernesto mused, moving along the row.

  “Aha!” he hoisted a hangar into the air. A silver evening gown hung neatly from it.

  Kasey took in the dress. It certainly looked the part. “May I?” Kasey asked.

  “Of course,” Ernesto answered, handing over the dress.

  Kasey held the gown in front of her and walked over to a mirror to check her reflection.

  Damn. That does look good. Kasey admitted to herself.

  Seeing a price tag dangling from the hangar, she turned it over, so that she could read it.

  “Wow. It’s beautiful but I don’t think I can afford it.”

  Ernesto laughed. “I’m sure that I can do something about the price, but at the end of the day. Some things are worth it Kasey. Pay peanuts, get monkeys. That’s what my father always said.”

  Kasey eyed the dress. I guess a little retail therapy to deal with the stress of the past week won’t hurt.

  “Will it last, Ernesto? I can’t have it falling apart before I’ve paid off the card,” she had said as she gawked at the price tag, “and based on the tag that will be sometime around Christmas.”

  His mouth peaked into a smile. “Miss Stonemoore, I assure you this garment will outlast anything else you own. I picked it not only because I thought you’d look fabulous in it, which you do, but also you might find its other properties useful, given your history.”

  “Other properties? Like what?” Kasey had asked.

  “Oh no, Miss Stonemoore, I wouldn’t deprive you of the joys of discovering them for yourself.”

  “I’ll take it,” Kasey answered. “I don’t suppose you’ve got some heels that would match?”

  Ernesto glanced down the aisle. “Oh, I’m sure I could find something that would suit. If you could hand me the dress, I’ll have our tailors adjust the fit for you.”

  Kasey surrendered the dress, “How long will that take?”

  “Minutes Kasey, mere minutes. Their magic does wonders, even on a tight schedule. Take a seat on the lounge there, I’ll be back in a moment.”

  As Ernesto disappeared down the aisle dress in hand, Kasey turned her mind to the gala and her last remaining hurdle. Her invitation, or lack thereof.

  It’s only a museum, how hard can it be to break into?

  Chapter Four

  All around Kasey, cameras flashed like a disco strobe light as she made her way down 5th Avenue. A veritable sea of paparazzi surged around the entryway of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met as it was known around the world, held in check only by a cordon of bollards, barriers, and towering security guards.

  Ernesto hadn’t been lying when he’d said the Gala was the social event of the year. She watched awestruck as the recent winner of American Divas got out of her limousine and was ushered toward the front door by her security detail. Her security parted like the Red Sea as she did a quick turn on the Red Carpet, allowing the hungry press to snap a few photos before she disappeared through the front doors.

  The luxury cars formed a motorcade stretching around the block and, one by one, New York’s elite made their way into the exclusive Gala.

  She eyed the front door.

  That’s never going to work.

  Magic or not, there would be no fooling the press of paparazzi and the throng of gossip reporters that formed a gauntlet between her and the door.

  “Plan B it is!” Kasey resolved as she turned and made her way around the museum toward Central Park. Reaching the park, the scent of freshly mown grass wa
fted into her nostrils.

  Entering the park, Kasey passed a man in his thirties who was out for his evening jog. She caught his eye, and they lingered. Ernesto had delivered once more, and Kasey was killing it. The slinky silver evening dress shone like quicksilver as it moved with her every step. A split ran up to her right thigh, enough to tease but more importantly, gave her freedom to move. Or, at least it would have if not for the stunning silver heels she had paired with the dress.

  The ensemble had maxed out her credit card but as she examined herself now she decided the price tag was well and truly worth it.

  As Kasey made her way around the Met, the security cordon lessened but there were still regular guards stationed around the museum’s exterior.

  Reaching the building’s southern corner, she found what she was looking for: a section of wall where the greenery of Central Park ran right up to the museum.

  Now I just need to get to the wall unseen.

  Only one thing stood in her way: a glowering security guard.

  Standing just off the path, the guard had his arms folded across his broad chest. He scanned the park. Kasey considered trying a more direct approach by charming her way past the guard. As much as she knew she was rocking her dress, she considered herself a clumsy flirt at the best of times and she was out of practice.

  “Better to play to my strengths, break and entry it is,” she whispered to herself. Bending down, she untied the straps on her heels while she waited, making as if they were too loose. She didn’t need to wait long as a cyclist soon appeared, cruising along the path behind the museum. When the cyclist reached the security guard, Kasey whispered her incantation. “Egwyl.”

  The cyclist’s wheel shot off its frame. Kasey’s spell had shattered the aluminum fitting securing his wheel to his bike. The front fork of the bicycle plowed into the sidewalk, throwing the poor cyclist over the handlebars. He slammed into the waiting security guard.

  Kasey felt awful, but she needed the distraction. As the two collapsed in a heap, Kasey slipped off her heels, picked them up, and sprinted across the grass. She ducked into the foliage.