"Thanks for watching Colt for us."
Things were slowing improving between Maureen and me, and tonight I had a special surprise planned for her.
First we stopped at the White Rose, then I led her across the street to the theatre. She was thrilled when she saw who was playing in concert, and was even more excited when I showed her our backstage passes. In no time at all she had thoroughly impressed everyone with her musical knowledge, and was offered a job on the spot.
She beamed at me as we headed for home.
"Thank you Ren. I love you so much."
I sighed contentedly and held her close. "Love you too, sweetheart."
"Sigh..."
Another night home alone with Colt while Maureen is at the theatre. Not that I begrudge her this time away - she's been so happy since she started her new job. Tonight I wandered aimlessly around the house.
Bored, I pulled a random book from the shelf. Grandpa Gustave's 'Abandoned Nectary' - I haven't looked at this in years. And what's this? A slip of parchment with an odd diagram, followed by a series of random numbers? How curious.
I felt a sudden itch to take off immediately to France, but our wedding day is only a few weeks away. So I pulled out my phone and snapped a photo, for future reference.
And not long after, at the edge of Sunflower's Pond, I married my sweet Maureen.
The whole extended family was in attendance, including my cousin Antwan and Uncle Lance.
My cousin Dominique appears to have appointed the designated rice thrower.
I thought Mel would be pleased that we included Francesca Lessen, but he pointedly deflected her advances the whole evening. I wonder what is going on - he was never one to turn down a little romance.
A honeymoon was out of the question, with Colt still a baby, but we celebrated by installing a pool, and a complete renovation of the old place.
The renovation was barely complete, when we lost Dad, and shortly after, Mom passed as well. Maureen was so strong for me during that time; I don't know what I'd do without her.
I planted a little olive tree in Mom's favorite spot, out behind the barn. Did I say little? We are all amazed to see the tiny sapling towering over the old windmill in only a few months.
Not only that, but strange glowing crystals are appearing nearby. A result of Mom's years of experimenting back there?
Life moves on - Mel is working days at the White Rose, but I know he spends his nights at the old warehouse. I hear more and more strange rumors about the goings-on at that place, when I check in at the police station.
Colt is growing fast. I still watch him every night while Maureen is at the theatre. Sometimes I'm so jealous of Mel, being able to come and go as he pleases. But then I throw Colt in the air, and hear his excited giggles, and it's all worthwhile.
"Hey love, would you mind if I go out for a few hours tonight? Mel wants me to meet some of his business partners - I might even get a decent case out of the deal."
"Go ahead, dear. You deserve a night out. Just be careful, I get a bad feeling sometimes about Mel's friends."
I know better than to get into an argument with her about Mel, so I just left quietly, rolling my eyes when I thought I was out of sight.
"And don't you roll your eyes at me - you know I'm right!" I just had to grin at that.
"Yes, dear!" I called back with a laugh.
We headed for 'Creatures', the same club we visited the night Colt was born. Only tonight, instead of the bar downstairs, Mel led me to the elevator.
"It's the VIP section for us tonight, bro."
As soon as I stepped into the VIP lounge, alarm bells began to go off in my head. I kept my cool as Mel called to the girl sitting at the bar.
"Elvira, come meet my brother!"
I watched mesmerized as she drifted toward us. Any coherent thought flew from my head and I couldn't take my eyes off her as she smiled seductively at me.
"Ah, so you are Ren. Hmmm, so different than your brother, but still quite delicious. I can feel the darkness deep inside you, though you try your best to hide it."
Her words barely registered. All I could think of was taking her in my arms, and....
As suddenly as it appeared the desire I had felt was gone. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mel smirking at my discomfiture.
Elvira laughed lightly. " Ah, do not worry, Ren. I have no desire to steal you from your beloved... Maureen?" She cocked her head intently, her eyes bored into mine. "Yes, Maureen."
"Your brother keeps me busy enough as it is," she purred as she pulled Mel into a rough embrace. What has Mel gotten himself into? No wonder the rumors are flying down at the station.
Elvira turned to me again.
"Why don't you sit and have a drink while Mel and I take care of some business?"
Trying not to stare, I swallowed hard, and nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
Trying not to attract attention, I did as I was told, and proceeded to get quietly juiced.
Once home again, I felt obligated to warn Mel. I headed downstairs to his room. It used to be mom's old basement workroom, but he appropriated it for a bedroom when we renovated. He wasn't there, but I noticed the door open leading to the ancient crypt.
What the...??? I realize I'm still pretty juiced but....what is she doing here? I wish my head was a little clearer.
"What the hell is that creature doing in my house?" My heart was pounding in fear for Maureen and Colt.
"Whoa, whoa, bro... relax, everything's cool. Calm down, will ya? El needs a place to stay - and this place is perfect. She's here from Bridgeport to help out our... er... shipping business."
"But... but... she's a.."
"But.. but.." Mel was mocking me now. "But think of the power bro, you felt it. Don't you want that kind of power?"
I ignored his question.
"She can't stay here! What about Maureen? If she were to find out.. I just can't risk it!"
"Your precious wife won't find out. That is... if you keep our secret."
Blackmail... I've tried it a few times, but now the shoe is on the other foot it seems.
"Very well, she can stay as long as Maureen never sees her. And make sure she doesn't touch those urns."
No comments:
Post a Comment