Redemption (8 page)

The bell above the bar’s front door dinged softly as it opened and closed quickly.

“Sorry, we’re still closed,” Lily called out from behind the bar.

“Even for an old friend?”

Lily looked up to see Peter dressed in a huge parka with fresh fallen snow weighing down his russet colored hair.

“It had to be Iceland again? You and cold weather...”

She immediately jumped over the counter and met him at the door.

In his best girly voice he gushed, “I know, I know. It’s like, oh my God!”

The most elegant smile crossed her face as her arms surrounded him in a tight embrace. His hands went up to either side of her cheeks, stoking his fingertips across one side.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she admitted.

He bent her head down to kiss her forehead. “I’ve missed you too,” he replied, wrapping his arms around her waist, taking her in with his warmth.

“I love how you do that,” she sighed, as her core started to slowly melt in his embrace.

“One of my many talents.”

Renee came barreling down the back stairs to catch the two of them in their embrace.

“Oh, sorry. I thought…”

Lily and Peter walked over towards the bar where Renee had taken a seat.

“How about a drink?” Lily inquired.

“I could use something to warm me up a little more. How do you stand this weather? It’s brutal.” Peter stated, as took off his parka and set it across the bar.

“This is Peter, by the way. Peter, Renee. Renee, Peter.” Peter stuck out his hand, which Renee accepted and shook.

“I heard about your loss. I’m deeply sorry.”

“Thanks.” Renee sat quietly as Lily poured three cups of coffee. Only a splash made it into Lily’s cup, the rest was filled with Irish Cream. She topped the other two off and offered them to Renee and Peter.

“Still hate coffee, do ya?”

“Never quite got the taste for it.” Lily grinned as she took a sip from her cup.

“So, are you two friends or something?” Renee asked after a sip, looking back and forth between them.

“Lily never told you about me?” Peter asked, raising his brow at Lily.

Lily just shrugged as she held her mug up to her lips. “It never came up.”

“Oh, Lil…you never told your best friend about your only brother?”

“Brother? No, she didn’t. I thought she only had a sister.”

“I’m kinda the black sheep,” Peter chimed. “I don’t come around much, so she doesn’t really claim me that often.”

“So, you were just in the neighborhood and thought you’d stop by?” Renee asked.

“I’d heard what happened and I know how Lily is. She takes everything upon herself, so no one else has to. I thought I might give her a hand.”

“That’s sweet.” Renee replied, blushing under the rim of her coffee cup.

“Is there anything else we need to do?” Lily asked, after sending an evil eye stare over to Peter.

“No, I think we pretty much covered it this afternoon. My mom’s plane should be in tonight. She called after she landed at JFK. I’ll have to go get her at the airport in Reykjavik. Actually, I should probably get going.” Renee stood and grabbed her coat from behind the bar, wrapping it around herself. “It was nice to meet you Peter. I hope you’ll be staying around for a while.”

“I might be able to spare a couple of days.”

“I’ll call you when I get back then. You make sure and lock up before you head home.”

“I will.” Lily hugged Renee before she headed out the door.

Lily sat back down next to Peter. “Are you going to tell me why you’re really here?”

He took another sip of his coffee, before lacing his fingers through hers. “We need to talk.”

“I’ve been good, I swear.”

“I know, I’ve been watching.”

“Sure you have. It still kinda creeps me out, the fact that you could be watching me at any time, any where.”

“It’s my job. Besides, someone needs to look out for you.”

“Hey!” She punched him lightly on the shoulder. “I take care of myself just fine.”

“Sure you can. Coming here, running away again...”

“I’m doing well here. I’ve got the perfect little house, some good friends and I’ve got a great job down at the gym.”

“Teaching kickboxing to a bunch of horny teenage boys is not a career.”

“It’s a healthy way to act out aggression. Plus, they have an endless supply of mountain goats. I’m set.”

“Mountain goats. Much better than coyote or iguana?”

“Saw that, did ya?”

“Yep.”

“That’s the creepy part.”

A soft smile pressed into Peter’s lips. “It was pretty interesting seeing you parade around in that little red outfit, if you could even call it that.”

“That’s not a very brotherly thought.”

“I’m still a man, somewhere, deep down. I can’t deny that you are and always have been an extremely beautiful woman.”

Lily rolled her eyes.

“I know, things haven’t been too wonderful lately, but I’m sorry to say, it’s going to get worse before it gets any better.”

“Worse?”

“I promise that you will have help and you’ll be rewarded in the end.”

“You’re going to stick around then?”

“Not for long, but I’ll pop back in if you need me to. You actually have a variety of things to help you and I wouldn’t be surprised if there is something waiting for you at home right now.”

“Some
thing
or some
one
?”

“Something for now. Just be prepared for anything, good or bad.”

“That’s all I get? Tell your boss I love how vague all your instructions seem to be,” Lily replied dryly.

“He’ll appreciate that, but I’m going rogue on this one.”

“Breaking the rules? You really do care,” she said, as she tossed her fingers through his still damp hair.

“You know I haven’t forgotten my promise.”

“Does this mean it’s going to be soon?” She was excited at the thought of maybe being able to cross over, but terrified at the same time.

“In time, but I don’t see it happening any time soon. Just go home and get some rest; you’re going to need it.”

“You’re leaving then?”

“Duty calls, but I’ll be back soon. I won’t wait so long between visits next time.” He brought his finger under her chin and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips before bringing her back into his arms.

Seconds later, she had been transported back to her own kitchen where she stood alone.

“He better have made sure everything was locked up.”

She took a deep breath and took in the scent of fresh apple pie.

I swear it was the red currant I was burning this morning.

She looked to the stove top, where she noticed the apple pie candle sitting next to the red currant. Then she saw a note with her wedding ring.

She grabbed a hold of the counter to steady herself, suddenly feeling more than a little off balance. She picked up the ring to notice the extraordinarily familiar scroll on the note.

She ran around frantically searching the house. His scent was everywhere. Is this who Peter had meant? She was sure; her Ryan had been there. The ache that consumed her body raged at the thought she might be able to hold her Ryan again. She took the pillow from her bed and wrapped herself around it; lying in the dark as she let the memories slip back into her mind as another seemingly endless waiting period began.

Becca was startled awake by the vibration emanating from her left hip pocket. Her Blackberry had been turned to vibrate and was beckoning her to answer. She rose slowly, taking Ian’s arm from around her and placing it on his chest.

“Hello?” she answered in hushed tones.

“Rebecca, I’m so glad I got a hold of you.”

She sat herself down at the kitchen table, making sure Ian was still resting peacefully. “Sam. Sorry I didn’t get back to you last night.”

“No problem at all. I was just inquiring after Mr. Holt. Will he be joining us today?”

She noticed Ian had become conscious even after all her precautions and watched as he stretched up to his feet, sending her a smile as he saw she was on the phone. “Yes, he’ll be there. How’s your schedule today?”

“Barring any other catastrophes, I’m at your disposal.”

“You don’t have to do that you know. I think I can still find my way around that place – it’s kind of hard to forget. You haven’t restricted my clearance or anything have you?”

“No, you should be just fine. You meet Emma at reception and then come on up. I just wish that I was able to tell you where she was, but you know how tricky those blood oaths are. They don‘t make them with any loopholes.”

Becca raised an eyebrow at his comment. “A blood oath? She must really not want to be found.”

Ian came and sat across from her at the table, still stretching and yawning.

“I can’t say much, but I can make sure that you’re heading in the right direction. It’s the least I can do after all you’ve done for us.”

“Well, we just woke up, so we’ll get dressed and head over.” Ian nodded in agreement.

“I’ll have a fresh pot of that tea you love waiting.”

“You’re too good to me.”

“Only for you,” he replied, and she could hear the smile in his voice.

“Be there soon.”

“Looking forward to it.”

Becca ended the call and looked up at Ian’s exhausted expression. “Mr. Fleming,” she stated, motioning to her phone.

“I got that much. So, what do I need to wear today?”

“Black on black – no tie. I think it’ll make a statement.”

“What am I trying to say?”

“Something like ‘Yes, I’m human, but I’ve got powerful friends, so don’t mess with me’.”

His first smile of the day spread gloriously across his face. “I think I can handle that. Give me about ten minutes?”

“Good, that will give me just enough time with a few minutes to spare,” she replied, and started towards the room she was supposed to sleep in.

“Do I hear a challenge?”

She turned back. “Are you up for it?”

“You’re on.”

He ran down the hall after her but she reached her room first, so he slowed. She hadn’t realized that the door hadn’t shut all the way, and as she stripped off her hoodie and tank top, Ian caught a glimpse of a large crescent shaped scar in the middle of Becca’s back. Just the sight of it brought on a wave of pain and he wondered what she had done to receive it. Was it in the line of duty? Was it something much darker than that?

His mind was flooding with all the possibilities as he dressed and shaved. By the time he made it back to the kitchen, Becca was already dressed and seated back at the table. Her hair perfect, not a strand out of place as it flowed across her shoulders, and her royal blue shell top coupled with her black designer pant suit brought out her brilliant blue eyes.

She looked up at him and saw that he had fulfilled her request. He was wearing a black suit with a black button down shirt and no tie, leaving just the two top buttons open.

“Sorry to make you wait, I had to shave. It took me about an extra three minutes.”

“It’s okay. I called for the car, it’s already waiting for us out front.”

“You’re some sort of amazing.”

“Just keep remembering that,” she said with a smile, as she led him out the door into the awaiting black sedan.

The car ride should have been uneventful, but Becca was a bundle of exposed nerves. Ian ended up trying to reassure her by taking her hand, and that just brought on a host of all new problems.

The feel of Ian’s fingers intertwined with hers brought back a rush of feelings from the night before. The way his arms felt wrapped tightly around her as she slept was amazing, but it was odd that she would feel that way. Becca really never liked to be touched. She had stayed away from relationships for the past three years because she had been touched by so much violence in her lifetime. When it felt good, it scared her. Her thoughts drifted to Ian’s hand caressing the skin at her hip. His fingers entangling her hair, his lips on hers…

“You ready? I think we’re here.”

Becca looked out the car window to notice they had already been driven under the Manchester building. A long tunnel housed the entrance to the high security wing. A black door at the end was only noticeable by the dim light cascading down from above.

Ian helped Becca out of the car and the driver was gone before they even made it to the door.

Becca found the hand scanner and laid her right hand upon it. The scan completed and the door opened to a large gray reception area.

The whole room was completely monotone except for the spiky haired blonde who sat behind the desk.

“Good morning, Emma,” Becca said to the receptionist, as she pulled out her security badge. She swiped it across the desk and Emma became animated, as her blonde spikes turned to a lovely shade of red.

“Welcome to The Manchester Group, Agent Swift. Please standby for retinal verification.”

Emma stood and Ian watched on as Emma’s eyes sent a brilliant red light floating across Becca’s.

“Retinal scan confirmed, Agent Rebecca Swift. Access granted. Enter the elevator to your left which will take you directly to Mr. Fleming’s office. Have a nice day.” Emma returned to her seated position as Ian and Becca made their way to the open elevator.

“So, she’s an android?” Ian whispered as they entered.

“I guess you’d say that.” The doors closed in front of them and the elevator began to rise. “She’s more like a super intelligent security system. I’ve only seen her skills in a demonstration, but she is definitely one of the fiercest things I’ve ever seen. You wouldn’t want to come across her in a dark alley.”

“I’ll remember that for next time.”

“You’re already thinking of a trip back?”

“It doesn’t seem that bad so far.”

“Let’s just see how today goes.”

“Is there anything I should be worried about?” Ian asked hesitantly.

“Just follow my lead and you should be fine.”

The elevator opened to an empty office. As Becca stepped into the room she looked over the monochromatic walls to a black mahogany desk settled just in front of a wall of windows. The desk chair swiveled around to reveal Sam Fleming.

“Rebecca.” He rose from his chair as she made her way to him. She rushed into his arms, and was immediately enveloped by his warm embrace. “Let me take a look at you,” he smiled as he pulled back.

Becca noticed that he hadn’t changed at all in the years since she last saw him. He was still just as tall and lean, with salt and pepper hair cropped short above his ears. His electric blue shirt resting under his black suit emphasized the rim of blue that surrounded his unusually large black pupils.

“Much too long between visits.” He pulled her back in and placed a kiss into her hair.

“Way too long,” she agreed and pulled back to beckon Ian to join them. “This…is Ian Holt.”

“Very good to finally meet you,” Sam stated, as he took Ian’s hand in a vigorous shake. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Sorry I can’t say the same.” Ian took his hand back from Sam’s, unconsciously placing it on the small of Becca’s back.

“Where do we start, Mr. Fleming?” Becca asked, slightly blushing from Ian’s contact.

“You know you can call me Sam. I’m not your boss anymore.”

“Where do we start then, Sam?” Becca repeated with a smile.

“The vault. She has had me sending her items occasionally so I’ve become pretty familiar with her things. I think you’ll find your answer in there.”

“Are all her journals there?”

“All but this last year which she has with her. I think there’s something down there she wouldn’t mind letting you borrow.” Becca’s eyes lit up. “That way you won’t need the driver anymore. At least while you’re in town.”

“The McLaren? She hasn’t even let me touch it, let alone drive it. Are you sure?” Becca was eager for an affirmative answer, as she’d always dreamed about tearing down the highway in the car of her dreams.

“If anything was to happen to her, it’s always been her wish for you to have everything. Since she’s indisposed, I can’t see why not.”

She jumped up and put her arms around him like she was a child who was just given a pony. “Thank you so much.”

Ian stood smiling and shaking his head in disbelief.

“What?” Becca asked as she removed herself from Sam.

“I’ve just never seen any other woman besides Lily get so excited by a car. You really are her daughter.”

“Lily did a fine job with this one. A struggle, but Lily never gave up.”

“I could be a handful. Especially for that year in Rome,” Becca replied as she rolled her eyes.

“Let’s not revisit that disaster. I’m sure Ian’s excited to see the rest of the place. I can give you a tour?”

“I’d like that.”

The three of them made their way back to the elevator and went down three floors before stopping. The doors opened and Sam led them down a busy corridor. Many took notice of the three of them walking through, as they stopped for a moment for a formal greeting towards their branch president, before hurriedly returning to whatever task was at hand.

Ian thought not many of them looked very out of the ordinary. Some had a slightly different color tinge to their skin or unusually large pupils, but there were no horns or scales, no third arms or eyes. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

They headed towards a desk at the end of the hall where they found a lanky brunette behind the desk and Becca stepped in front of Sam to approach her.

“Guess they still allow filthy Crantorie demons in here?” Becca glared down at the woman as their eyes met.

“Security must be slipping if they’ve started letting traitorous leeches back in this place,” the brunette replied icily. The glares turned into fits of laughter as the brunette came around the front of the desk and pulled Becca into a warm hug.

“So glad you finally made it back.”

Becca pulled back. “You look amazing, Tess.”

“I’ve had a little work done. Had that horn removed finally.”

“Looks good.” She turned to her companions and pulled Ian next to her. “Tess, this is Ian.”

Tess brought him into a bear hug, shocking him to say the least. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m glad you finally know everything,” Tess said genuinely as she released him, but not before letting her fingers trace circles across his lapel.

Becca pulled him away from her. “Manners, Tess. It’s not nice to molest the visitors their first time out.”

Tess bit her lower lip and dipped her eyes. “Sorry.” Becca was obviously not the only one affected by Ian’s aura.

“It’s fine really. Glad to finally put a face to the voice.”

Sam finally spoke up. “Is your boss in?”

“Yep, just finishing up a call to Athens.”

“What poor guy is stuck with you now?”

“You didn’t tell her?” Tess questioned Sam.

“I thought it would be a nice surprise,” Sam replied, as he opened the door for Becca and Ian to go through.

As Becca saw the tall sandy blond standing with his back to them looking out his window, her face went completely pale. She turned back to try to run, but Sam had already closed the door behind them. It was too late, as he already knew they were there. Her terrified eyes glistened with unspent tears.

Ian wiped the tears away with his thumb before they had a chance to fall. “What’s wrong?”

“Whatever you do, don’t let go of me and don’t let him touch me. Please?” she whispered, as she took his hand in hers.