Heaven's Eyes

by Jason A Anderson

  “Mom, can I go swing?”

  “Anton is bringing you some choco-milk,” Taya replied.

  At this news, Natey walked over and stood by the table. “After my milk?” he negotiated.

  Smiling at her son, Taya took a moment to comb his hair with her fingers. “Yes, after your milk.”

  Satisfied with these results, Natey slid a chair out and sat beside his mother, waiting patiently.

  In the cottage, Damon glanced out the bay window as he walked past and noticed Sunny shadowing Natey as he ran out to the nearby swing set. Taya followed a few paces behind him.

  His heartbeat jumping, Damon turned and called over his shoulder, “Mom, can I go out and swing?”

  “It’s a little chilly,” Shannon called back from the other room.

  “Can I go if I put a coat on?” Damon bargained.

  “Sure, if you put something on.”

  Damon ran over to the entry closet and pulled out a lightweight jacket and slipped it on as he went through the front door.

  Shannon walked over to the bay window and watched as Damon slowly approached Natey on the swing set. Taya was watching them as she sat on one of the jungle-gym steps. Uneasy for no discernable reason, Shannon grabbed her jacked at headed out to the small playground.

  Taya looked over as the cottage door opened and Shannon walked out. Apprehension, laced with a little irritation and a lot of dislike, flowed through her. She had to try hard for it to not show on her face. The burning cigarette she held twitched between her fingers and she quickly stubbed it out against the black iron of the yard chair.

  “We won’t be out here for long. Natey wanted to swing for a couple minutes.”

  “You’re okay. I think Damon was waiting for a reason to come outside and when he saw your son, that’s all it took,” Shannon said.

  As Jake’s “other ex” walked over to her, Taya ran through a few different escape tactics, but discarded them when Shannon flashed her a disarming and easy smile.

  Shannon leaned against one metal leg of the jungle-gym so that she could see the boys play without being rude and turning away from Taya.

  “They seem to get along real well,” Taya said, refusing to look at Shannon.

  Shannon smiled at the boys. “Thank Heaven for small miracles.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, I don’t know about yours, but when my son gets bored, the world may as well be coming to an end. He can be a real drama queen when he wants,” Shannon explained.

  Taya shook her head. “Natey’s not like that... not too much, anyway.”

  Shannon waited, but Taya didn’t elaborate. The pale skies above caught her attention, so she said, “The weather here sure is weird. Is it always like this?”

  Taya found herself relaxing, which confused her. She replied, “Welcome to Shadow Valley. If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.”

  Shannon laughed at this. Her laugh had a musical quality to it, which Taya really wanted to hate... but couldn’t.

  “It’s hard to dress for. Yesterday I bundled up because it was so chilly in the morning, but by the time the afternoon came around, I thought I’d die from the heat.”

  “Yeah,” Taya agreed, “the weather will keep getting warm until four or five in the afternoon. That’s why we dress in layers.”

  “Where I come from, it’s as hot as it’s gonna get by ten a.m. Much easier to dress for.”

  “Where’s that?” Taya couldn’t help but ask.

  “Phoenix, Arizona. The city that gets so hot it effects the weather patterns around it,” Shannon joked. “Very hot and dry, so it’s a lot different than here.”

  Taya didn’t want to like this woman, yet Shannon’s upbeat banter kept engaging her in easy conversation. In an attempt to get control of the situation, she snapped, “Have you seen Jake?”

  Shaking her head, Shannon said, “Not my day to babysit him.” The comment earned her an unamused glare from Taya, so she followed it with, “I think he’s trying to get some hardware for the Centennial to fix something.”

  Typical, Taya thought. Jake would choose his precious Centennial’s needs over mine. “Oh, as long as it’s something important.”

  Shannon’s eyes widened, but she didn’t seem to have anything to say on the matter.

  Taya pursed her lips, pleased with herself.

  The silence didn’t last.

  “Natey seems to be adjusting. He sure is glad to see his dad. That much’s obvious,” Shannon said, the tone in her voice a blatant attempt to lighten the mood again.

  Big mistake, thought Taya. She turned on Shannon, fire in her eyes. “Why are you here? You think Jake will just take you back?”

  The demand stunned Shannon. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it, then opened it again and managed to say, “I think you’ve got the wrong idea.”

  Smiling venomously, Taya said, “Oh, I don’t think so. Don’t tell me what I think.”

  Looking uneasy, Shannon said, “I... uhh... I’m not sure what I was expecting. A chance to explain and apologize, I guess.”

  “Explain and apologize?” Taya demanded. “You accused him of rape... got him kicked out of school.”

  A fire began to rise in Shannon’s eyes and she leaned in to say firmly, “You know nothing about me.”

  “I know enough,” Taya scoffed. “Did you know his father still won’t speak to him? Now you come waltzing back into his life? I think you over-estimate your–”

  “I’m not the only one with questionable motives here, missy. You had him, then kicked him out of your life. Now you’re here, playing the poor, picked on ex. How do you think that looks to everyone?”

  Caught off-guard, Taya protested, “You weren’t here when everything went to Hell.”

  “You’re right,” Shannon agreed so strongly that it caught Taya by surprise. “The important thing is I’m here now.”

  A timid, young voice asked, “Mommy, are you okay?”

  Both women suddenly realized that their sons were watching the argument in wide-eyed confusion. Even the dog had paused in her rolling in the grass to watch them silently.

  Forcing a smile, Shannon ruffled Damon’s hair and said, “I’m fine, baby. Why don’t you go play with Natey some more.”

  Damon brushed his hair back into place, then returned to push Natey on the swing.

  Embarrassed by her own lack of attentiveness to her son, Taya remained silent. From beside her, she heard Shannon say, “Jake once told me, ‘Love doesn’t divide, it multiplies.’”

  “That’s him, in love with whoever he’s with.”

  Surprised, Shannon said, “That’s not what I meant, and it’s hardly fair. He’s matured a lot since he and I were together. You can’t deny he’s devoted to the people that are important to him.”

  “How can you expect for him to forgive you?”

  “I can only hope he forgives me the same way he forgave you.”

  A scornful laugh passed Taya’s lips. “Him forgive me? Hardly. I’m the one that should be forgiving him.”

  “You’re right, you are,” Shannon immediately agreed. “All he ever did was try and love you and you threw it back in his face.”

  Not pretending any longer, Taya snapped, “You’re a bitch.”

  This time it was Shannon’s turn to laugh without any humor. “I may be a bitch, but at least I’m trying not to be.” Taya tried to interject, but Shannon talked over her, “and if I am, it’s only because you’re here, wrapping him up in a web of confusion and contradictions. One minute you can’t wait to get away, the next you can’t be without him. Make up your mind, already. The wishy-washiness is getting old.”

  At that, Taya stood and straightened her jacket long enough to compose her thoughts. Then she s
aid, “I’m through with this. When you see ‘lover-boy’ next, tell him I’m leaving.” Before Shannon could respond, she called to the boys, “Come on, Natey, it’s time to go home.”

  If Shannon expected a fight from the little boy, she was denied.

  Without argument, Natey stopped the swing and hurried over to join his mother, who then turned and stalked away.

  Shannon and Damon watched them go.

  Taya stomped across the grounds, Natey at her side. She felt so much anger toward Shannon that she couldn’t trust herself even to speak encouraging words to her son. The little boy followed along behind her in dutiful silence as they made their way through the main house to the front entry hall.

  Anton always kept visitors’ coats in one of the closets off the entry foyer and that’s where she and Natey were when the doorbell rang. The gong echoed through the house.

  Taya looked up in surprise at how quickly Anton appeared, casting a curious glance at her as he strolled over and answered the door.

  She was still trying to get Natey’s scarf wrapped comfortably around his neck and tucked into his jacket when Nick, Alexander and a third man she’d never seen before walked in.

  “I’m glad to see you made it.” Nick stopped, assessing the situation, and asked, “Going somewhere?”

  Finishing with her son, Taya stood. “I’ve had enough of her snobby ‘I had him first’ attitude. This has all been a colossal waste of time. I’m going to go to the hotel and pack and then Natey and I are going home. Jake can fend for himself. He’s good at that.”

  Nick touched her arm, causing her to pause. “Did you have an argument with Jake?”

  “Not with him,” Taya growled back.

  Withdrawing his hand, Nick nodded. “Ah... I see.” He looked up at Alexander. “Xander, would you take Levahn and please let Shannon know that we’re back. I think she was hoping for a ride over to the fairgrounds this afternoon.”

  Alexander nodded and guided the stranger down the hall.

  Nick motioned to the front door. “Come. I’ll give you a ride back to the inn.”

  Wary of the man’s abundant charm, Taya hesitated, then nodded and led Natey out by the hand.

  “You’re not going to try and convince me that she’s a nice person once I get to know her?” she commented as they walked down the gravel drive toward the stretched SUV.

  “No,” Nick replied, trying to hide a smirk. “I’m pretty sure the two of you will never be what anyone would call ‘chummy’. But she is a good person who’s trying to make amends for something she feels very badly about.”

  “How, by mooching off the man she hurt to begin with?”

  “The cottage could have as easily been yours as hers,” Nick pointed out.

  Taya pulled her coat collar up around her neck and muttered, “I guess.”

  They arrived at the vehicle, but before opening the door, Nick turned to her. “Tayadorah, listen. I know this is tough, but I need you to stick it out for a few more days. Give my people a little more time to make sure that you and Nathanial aren’t in any danger. Then I’ll fly you back to your mom’s myself. I promise.”

  Taya hesitated, kicking at the gravel beneath her walking shoes. “Promise I won’t have to spend any more time with her?” she whined.

  Nick paused and his mouth twitched. Then he said, “Once we get through with the opening night festivities, you won’t have to see her again. You can do that, can’t you?”

  “Well....”

  “Come on, for your son. I promise, Natey will have the time of his life tonight. You don’t want him to miss out on all the fun, do you?”

  “Fun stuff?” Natey asked.

  “Lots of fun stuff,” Nick agreed.

  Taya looked down and the hope in her son’s eyes caused her to melt. A slow, sad smile pursed her lips and she ruffled his hair. “Okay, we’ll stay.” She looked back up at Nick. “But do we have to be here? Can’t we wait back at the inn?”

  Nick shook his head and with a gesture the three of them turned back to the house. “I need you here, for now. In a while, we’ll head over to the fairgrounds for opening day. Until then, best behaviors. Agreed?”

  When Taya didn’t answer right away, Nick nudged her with his elbow.

  “Agreed,” she said begrudgingly.

  Nick smiled in triumph and put a supportive arm around her shoulders.

  “Stop laughing at me, you big jerk,” Taya grumbled, but her voice lacked its angry edge.

  Nick’s smile broadened.

  Chapter 41

  “Masaal’s True Intentions”

  Angelique stood in her private room in the mockup western town, staring out the dirty window through the ratty white lace curtains. It gave her a little thrill to think of what was coming soon, the gloomy skies foreshadowing the events she had planned. With a distasteful scowl at the white lace, she turned away from the view outside.

  Masaal was speaking as Angelique walked into the main room of their lair. “... can always count on them showing up when it’s least convenient.”

  “You’re not telling ghost stories again, Masaal?” Angelique teased from the narrow doorway.

  The eyes of the Medical Examiner from the morgue glanced over at her, but it was Masaal’s ancient gaze that met hers.

  “You and I are the only two who have gone head-to-head with them. I’m merely trying to impress upon our compatriots the seriousness of the threat,” Masaal said.

  Angelique shook her head.

  “Your worry is appreciated, but unnecessary. No one will look for us here and as long as we remain in control of ourselves, we will finish the summoning before any of the SoulChasers find us... if, indeed, any were even sent.”

  This time Masaal shook his head.

  “Thirteen souls escaping the Pit and returning to Mortality together? We’ll be lucky if they only send a couple. One thing the Order never does is anything small.”

  Linsay said, “We don’t need much time... enough to capture the host and perform the summoning. If, indeed, he’s here, as your puppet says he is.”

  From a small footstool nearby, Clovis looked affronted. “I did exactly as the Mistress told me to,” he protested. “The picture was easy to find and I made sure it got the attention of everyone invited. The little boy is here, as is his mother, like you asked.”

  Masaal stood quickly enough to knock his chair over. Angelique found it pathetically cute that the rogue still favored attractive men with dark hair, brooding features and athletic bodies, such as this one. He turned his attention to her. “My son is here?” he demanded.

  Angelique put a soothing hand on Masaal’s shoulder. In an instant, the tension lessened throughout his body.

  “Be calm, Masaal,” she cooed. “Before the night is out, we will have your son in hand.”

  “And his simpering mother?” Masaal asked.

  “Her, too,” Angelique answered, “and you can do with her whatever you wish.”

  A sadistic smile crept onto Masaal’s face.

  “How do you explain the sense that there’s a SoulStar somewhere in this valley?” he asked.

  “We knew that there would be pursuit. It simply means we have to work quickly. Tonight’s events will be critical. How are the others adjusting?”

  Masaal shrugged. “They’re all still suffering from some degree of first-timer’s syndrome. Hopefully, they’ll be out of it in time for the ceremony to begin.”

  “That doesn’t matter,” the Dark Lady said. “They are here for a reason and tonight they’ll serve their purpose, adjusted to their hosts or not.”

  Maniacal giggling from the corner interrupted their conversation.

  Angelique looked over to see Clovis squatting in the deep shadows of the room, holding something in his hands. A
lready suspecting the rogue of trying to catch his own dinner and eat it alive, the woman walked over and stopped a few short feet away. With her hands on her hips, standing tall, she asked, “What do you have, Clovis?”

  Almost unable to contain himself, Clovis managed to open his bloody hands.

  Angelique’s stomach churned at the sight of the mangled rat, its innards spilling out onto Clovis’ bloody fingers. It still twitched with fading life.

  Steeling herself, Angelique made a decision and turned to Masaal. “We may have to do without your little toy’s help.”

  “He’s essential to acquiring the sacrificial host,” Masaal countered.

  “Then take him away from here and restrain him. I don’t care how you do it, as long as he can’t be traced back to us,” she said.

  Masaal glanced from Angelique to Clovis and he grimaced. “Yes, my Lady,” he said and without hesitation he lunged forward and dragged Clovis out of the corner.

  The insane rogue screeched as his catch fell to the floor. He reached and strained against Masaal’s grip, but the older rogue didn’t give him any ground. Instead, Masaal yanked the smaller man to hurry him along and the two of them disappeared down the narrow stairs.

  Still scowling, the Dark Lady lifted her foot and crushed the rat’s skull under her boot heel, putting it out of its misery.

  Masaal pulled at Clovis without mercy as they emerged through the building’s side door into the narrow alley between the textiles shop and the millinery.

  Masaal looked up at the cloudy sky. The muted sunlight had reached this brightest at mid-morning and remained unchanged. With several hours left to go before sunset, the gloom gave everything an unreal quality, which he liked. He doubted it would rain any time soon.

  With a yank on the smaller man’s arm, the rogue got Clovis moving again.

  They walked down the length of the alley and Masaal checked the dirt street before pulling him out into the open. The abandoned Old West attraction hadn’t seen any recent activity. Even the dirt-packed main street had been blown clean of any footprints.

  “Looking... looking... looking...” Masaal muttered to himself as he shifted his gaze along the weather-worn storefronts opposite them. Not finding what he wanted, he stepped far enough into the open that he had a reasonable view of the shops on their side of the thoroughfare. After scanning the first few buildings nearest them, he spotted what he sought.