by Alexie Aaron
Varden grabbed another scarf and wrapped it around his neck.
“How avant-garde of you,” Mia said.
They left the farmhouse and took their time climbing the hill. Maggie ran circles around them barking at anything that moved. Instead of going into the aerie, they sat down and watched the dog investigating. Murphy walked over. Mia patted the ground beside her.
It amused Murphy to think that Mia thought he needed to sit down to rest. He sat down and watched Maggie. “You know that dog is crazy.”
“It occurred to me the second day we had her. But she’s happy. Not all dogs can abide ghosts.”
“I know. Where’s Brian?”
“He’s having a playdate with a boy named Noah.”
“Camouflaged, paper-licking Noah?”
“I see his fame has reached you.”
“Brian told me about him. Noah kind of reminds me of you.”
Mia laughed.
“Murphy, Mommy loves you.”
Mia blushed.
“I know. Murphy loves Mommy like Varden loves Mommy.”
“We love Mommy.”
“Yes, we do.”
“Varden has earned a big boy’s bed,” Mia said to change the subject.
“Cid could make him one or you could use my PEEPs money to buy him one.”
“Your money went to pay off Mike’s last traffic ticket for bringing home a tree in his car. We have a truck. Use that next time.”
“This was more fun.”
“I know. I’ll talk with Cid and see if he could make something we could use the crib mattress with.”
“What about the next baby?”
“New baby, new mattress. Besides, I’m not ready yet.”
“I wish I could give you a baby.”
Mia didn’t know what to say. Her eyes filled up, and she looked away.
“I’m sorry, Mia, I stepped over the line,” Murphy said, got up, and walked into the woods and disappeared.
Mia laid back and looked at the sky. Varden looked down at her and tried to catch the teardrops that streamed from her eyes. “Mommy has Daddy for babies.”
“Yes, mommies and daddies have babies together.”
“One day I’m going to fly.”
“Yes, when you’re ready.”
“Mommy, fly me now.”
Mia sat up. She whistled for Maggie who was nowhere to be found. Mia opened her wings, picked up Varden, and took off. First, she located the dog, who was now napping on the front porch. She then shot upwards, holding tightly to Varden. She pushed up through the clouds. “This is the between. We can fly here unseen by the human world. You have to be careful because we share the air with angels, birdmen, Nephilim, dragons, and flying horses.”
Varden clapped his hands in amazement.
Mia took him higher and pointed to where the sun was beyond the curvature of the earth. “Nicholai told me that at the dawn of time, the birdmen flew out of God’s hands. We became birds to hide ourselves from our predators. But when we love, we love as men and women. I loved your father, and he gave me you and Brian. Brian takes after your father and may not have wings, but nothing is written in stone. You are like me. You have the soul of a great birdman. His knowledge is your knowledge. But your heart is your own. You can be whoever you wish to be. Remember that.”
“I will, Mommy.”
Mia sensed Sariel before he called out to her. She pulled Varden protectively to her chest.
“Mia, it’s such a nice surprise.”
Mia turned, and Sariel saw Varden in her arms.
“Varden, I don’t know if you remember, but this is one of my friends, Sariel.”
Mia shifted Varden to her hip so he could see Sariel. “Mommy’s teaching me. I’m her good boy.”
Sariel, who wasn’t enamored with children, less so with birdmen hybrids, was surprised by his immediate attachment to this child.
“Varden, it is a delight to make your acquaintance again. Your mother was my shield maiden, and now she’s my friend.”
“Mommy has Daddy to make babies,” Varden warned.
Sariel lifted an eyebrow.
“It’s the subject of the day,” Mia explained red-faced. “I worry he’s going to announce this to everyone.”
Sariel looked into the heart of the child and shook his head. “No, he’s protecting you. He senses that I may want to be more than a friend to you. I don’t, but he’s not taking any chances. Mia, are you sure Varden isn’t the chosen one?”
“I’m not sure of much these days. But I’m working it out.”
“He misses you.”
“He as in Michael?”
“Yes.”
“That was kind of you to say but…”
“Now is not the time to discuss it. Varden, your mommy told you about your birdmen roots, but did she tell you that you’re also part angel?”
“No.”
“You are. God made us too. Your mother’s wings are archangel wings. I wonder what your wings will look like?”
“Gentlemen, it’s early days for wing talk,” Mia reminded Sariel. “I worry he’ll have too much to say to the wrong people.”
“Ah, children see and hear more than we think they do. He’s wearing a scarf because he doesn’t want anyone asking why you’re wearing one. I have never met a more protective and insightful child.”
Mia hugged Varden to her. “I have been blessed.”
“Mia, I know you’re working on the fractured part of you with Baxter, but I think Michael can help.”
“I can’t risk him changing me again,” Mia said honestly.
“That’s understandable.”
“If you will excuse us, I worry that I didn’t leave a note before we left. I don’t want to worry anyone.”
Sariel nodded. “It was nice to see you, Varden. If you’re ever in peril and the birdmen are too far away, call for me,” he said and flew off.
Varden looked up at his mother. “Who’s Michael?”
“Oh boy, let’s land and have a snack. All this flying has made me hungry. I will tell you as much as I know while we’re eating, as long as you promise to think before you tell anyone else. What are the Martin rules?”
“Protect the nest.”
“And how do we protect the nest?”
“Don’t expose our differences to others.”
“Why?”
“It may make them feel bad.”
“There is another reason, and I think you’re old enough to understand this. You never show a stranger all your strengths. Hold something back so, when you need it, you will be successful.”
“Like our wings.”
“Yes.”
“And your blue light.”
“Varden, do I have a blue light?”
“Yes, Mommy. I hugged you so Sariel couldn’t see it.”
“I didn’t know…”
“The lady gave it to you. My bird eyes can see it.”
“Varden, how long have you been able to speak in long sentences?” Mia asked.
“I don’t remember.”
“Why don’t you speak this way all the time?”
“I didn’t want to make Brian feel bad.”
Mia hugged her son close. “You are more heart than feathers.”
“I have a secret.”
“If it’s a secret you’ve been asked to keep, you better not tell me.”
“No, it’s a secret you should know.”
“I’m listening.”
“Lazar can hear you when you’re not talking.”
“He can read minds?”
“Yes. The man on the winged horse told me.”
Mia’s mind was blown. “Varden, when did you see the man on the winged horse?”
“When you disappeared on the island. He told Murphy where you were. Murphy left to find Mother Nature. The man let me sit on his horse until Murphy came back.”
“The man’s name is Abigor. He is the duke of Hades. He is a very powerful fallen archangel. Abigo
r held me when I was a baby. He opened my eyes so I could see ghosts. Sariel would not be happy if he knew you had sat on Abigor’s horse. He would have to report it to Michael. Michael is his general, and Sariel will do anything he orders.”
Mia landed, and Maggie ran to greet them. Varden and Mia spent time petting her. Mia had a lot on her mind. Lazar’s mindreading wasn’t really a surprise to her, and she would speak with him when the time was right. The Abigor incident was more pressing. Why hadn’t Murphy told her? She also needed to explain archangels to her son. How much did she really know? She knew who to ask, but first, she needed to purchase some expensive whisky.
“Varden, would you like to go to the liquor store with Mommy?”
“Visky!” he chirped.
“How can you know all you know and still call it Visky?”
“Protect the nest.”
Chapter Five
Ralph fussed over his table. It had been awhile since he and Bernard had anyone over. He had picked up a squash soup from their favorite bistro on the way home from the theater. He had prepped some steaks for Bernard to grill and made a fresh salad. He figured that, since the Coopers had been dining on canned fare, they would appreciate some home cooking, even if he cheated a bit with the soup.
Bernard walked in and handed Ralph the flowers he requested. Bernard would always have a flair that made Ralph’s knees weak. He was calm when Ralph was hysterical, and Bernard appreciated Ralph’s energy when he was lazy. They were a good match and had been for dozens of years.
The doorbell rang, and Ralph’s hands flew to his hair. He eyed himself in the mirror before he opened the door. Amanda, who was sporting a new hairstyle, was smiling, which was unnerving for all who were used to her bored visage. She handed Ralph a bottle of something as she walked into the condo. Charles walked in looking dusty. He never seemed to be free of the grit that imbedded itself when the wind was high on a dig site. He was a handsome man for his age. His eyes were sharp. There was not much he didn’t notice.
For example, Bernard was wearing his graying hair longer on top, so it curled. His black skin was soft and moisturized. Ralph’s hair was a lighter shade of brown dye, and he was dressed fashionably. Both men had a little more weight around the middle than the last time they were together. Bernard hid his with his jacket, Ralph with an apron that announced, “I’m classy, sassy and a bit smart assy.”
Bernard slid into his bartender persona, and soon, the old friends were seated and sharing bits of their adventures. Amanda was very talkative. Ralph wondered if she was on anti-anxiety meds. He noticed that Charles seemed a bit on edge. Bernard warned him that Charles wasn’t happy with having to wait until tomorrow to move the materials off the boat.
“Bernard, you mentioned that Beverly has gotten herself into some difficulty. What kind of difficulty?” Charles asked.
“I said, Beverly was taken into custody for attempted murder and kidnapping.”
“Beverly?” Amanda said. “I don’t think you have that right. She’s flighty and selfish, but I doubt she would kill anyone.”
“Not anyone, your daughter and possibly one of her children. The other child Beverly arranged to sell,” Bernard stressed.
“What did Mia do to…”
Ralph closed his eyes a moment and tried to calm down. He opened them and stood up and presented the facts. “Beverly was caught red-handed at the farmhouse. Her intent was to take both of your grandchildren. Prior to that, she broke Beth Bouvier out of the nuthouse and supplied her with a gun so she could kill Mia. An agreement for the binding of her daughter Sabine and Sabine’s three children to a Nephilim has been found at her residence in London. Gerald Shem has been taken into custody after a contract for the sale of your grandson Brian surfaced. We fear they were going to kill Varden as Beverly had deemed him as worthless.”
“I’m sure Mia did something to incite this…” Amanda continued. “She was always such a needy child. Maybe she pushed Beverly too far?”
The three men looked at Amanda. No one could ever accuse her of being nurturing, but to even insinuate that Mia deserved this was uncalled for. Charles, who loved his wife more than was healthy, cleared his voice. “Dear, Mia isn’t at fault here. My sister is. There is no way to twist this so the Cooper name won’t be spoilt. There are bad eggs in every family.”
“But, dear, you’re about to be recognized for the find of the century. The Cooper name must be protected. Mia won’t mind this falling on her shoulders. After all, you are her father. She’ll take one for the team.”
“You’ve got to be kidding. Amanda, please don’t tell me you want the blame shifted to Mia because she’s going by her married name Martin?” Ralph asked. “What the hell? Have you had a stroke? Beverly isn’t even a Cooper. Fredericka didn’t even officially adopt her, so we have no idea of her parentage. I’m just horrified sometimes with your complete lack of parental concern for your daughter.”
“Charles, I would avoid this discussion if you hope to get any help from Ted,” Bernard advised. “I’m going to offer him compensation from the museum for his time.”
“Nonsense, he should do it for free. I’ll mention him in my vlog. That should be enough,” Amanda said.
“He has a family to feed,” Bernard pointed out.
“Mia should get a normal job to support her husband,” Amanda said. “Most modern women do.”
“No, no, no!” Ralph shouted. “I’m sorry, Bernard, but if you want to feed these people, you’ll have to do it someplace else. I’ve developed a migraine.” He turned to the Coopers. “I don’t care if you have the find of the century. You are the two most horrid people, I’ve ever come across. I just can’t hold my tongue any longer. Get the hell out of my house, and take your cheap-ass supermarket wine with you!”
Charles gulped down his drink, pulled Amanda off the couch, and left the apartment, slamming the door after them.
Bernard scratched his head, trying to figure out what had just happened. Charles and Amanda had been fun, nurturing grandparents a year ago last summer with the boys. Ralph and he enjoyed their time at the dig. He had thought that, finally, Amanda was making a connection with humanity. “How do two people change so radically?”
“They’re possessed,” Ralph said, dialing Father Santos. “Something happened on that bloody island.” Ralph raised his hand to silence Bernard. “Paolo? Ralph. Have you spoken to Amanda or Charles in a while? Why?” Ralph took the time to give the priest a blow-by-blow account of their conversation. “No, they aren’t here. I kicked them out. Yes, he’s here.”
Ralph walked over and jammed the phone into Bernard’s hands. Bernard said, “Hello.”
“Is Ralph hysterical?”
“No, he pretty much gave you the facts as they occurred. I’m a bit puzzled by the change in dynamics. I thought that Amanda had decided to embrace being a grandmother, allowing Charles to be a granddad. I know he was proud to show off Brian.”
“Do you think Amanda’s fur is up because Mia took her family to Alsace? You know she’s never reconciled with the Neyers,” Santos told him.
“I’m not sure that has even registered, but you may have a point. But why support Bev and cast shade on Mia? It breaks my heart. If I hadn’t already hired people and spent most of the grant money, I’d have Charles take his business somewhere else.”
“Is there any way we can keep this from Mia?” Santos asked.
“Why?”
“Bernard, Mia is seeing a therapist. Her aunt’s betrayal was one straw too many. If she finds out her mother blames her for Beverly’s actions, I fear her reaction.”
“Oh dear, Charles will be contacting Ted in the morning. He’s counting on his son-in-law to be able to crack the code and open the vault. Without him, they may have to cut it open. It could possibly destroy the contents inside. Maybe I should speak to Ted privately and warn him. But I’ll stress that Mia comes first. I’ll find another specialist if his working on Charles’s project may hurt their marriage.�
�
“I’ve just had a thought. I wonder if Piers Savatier has been in contact with Amanda. Remember, he was in total control of her when she was young. He could still have influence now. Maybe he found a trigger, and Amanda reverted back to being his puppet. I’ll call Angelo and have him look into this.”
“Does it have to be Angelo?” Bernard worried.
“The last time the two were together they were fine. I’m sure Mia won’t object to Angelo’s interference.”
~
“You want to what?” Ted asked Mia as they were cleaning up the dinner plates.
“I would like to invite Altair over soon and have him teach me and the boys about the fall of the angels from his perspective.”
“You mean Dieter.”
“No, all of them. I don’t know anything about the beings I have to deal with. I thought if someone would have a balanced view on who’s who in heaven, it would be he.”
“But Brian and Varden are too young.”
“It was Varden who asked who Michael was.”
“You could have just said your old boss,” Ted said.
“Gee, I wish I thought of that,” Mia said honestly. “But I didn’t. What if something happened to us, Ted? I want our children to know who they can count on to take care of them.”
“They have Cid and Audrey.”
“Varden told me he was sitting on a flying horse on the island after Adam’s christening. That means you-know-who was there. Where were Cid and Audrey then?”
“I’m beginning to see why it would be good for them to know a child’s version of what is going on. But we don’t need Altair giving the little dudes nightmares.”
“I agree.”
“There is something you’re not telling me.”
“Varden is much more advanced than he’s letting on. He’s holding back because he doesn’t want Brian to feel bad. Varden spoke to me today in complete sentences.”
“That’s earlier than Brian.”
“He’s earlier than Sabine’s girls and, from what I can tell, most supernatural entities. Ted, your gene pool has given these boys super intelligence.”
“Why, beside mollifying Brian, is Varden hiding his gifts?”