Usually about this time I'd be putting the finishing touches on the week's episode but I've been very busy this week and it would seem so are you with all the preperation for Christmas. I just don't have enough material to post as an episode this week. I have decided to suspend the website until after after the new year. Make no mistake, I'm not finished with Harmony and I hope neither are you. The next episode will be posted on Friday January 2, 2009.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Episode 17:In Which Essme Gives Herself a Gift, We Learn Who Jackson's Accomplice is and Jared's Body...
Episode 17
“Hello everyone I have returned!” Said Essme, bounding through Tabby’s front door.
“Good morning Essme.” Kay was coming down the front stairs carrying Maria. “Do you always make such a dramatic entrance?”
“Typically, yes, only night before last I came in the back door. I like to shake things up. I find it keeps people on their toes.”
“If you say so.”
“Good morning Maria.” Said Essme.
“Good morning Essme.” Bubbled Maria.
“That is just the cutest thing. I never get tired of seeing Endora and her do that.”
“Where were you last night, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Oh I just spent the most harrowing night at the mansion.”
“Really what happened?”
“Well, this giant cake was delivered for Chad and Whitney’s reception only it was cancelled, so I ended up cutting into the cake and when I did…”
“A body fell out of it.” Finished Kay.
“That’s right, how did you know?”
“Because it happened like that at the original reception; before Adam’s time shift.”
“Oh, yeah now I remember. Fancy filled me in on the details but I wasn’t in town back then. Something about a tabloid reporter being killed.”
“Yeah his name was JT Cornell.”
“This time it was Jared Casey.”
“Oh my God.”
“Gee I remember all this stuff from before the time shift. I guess it’s because Adam used my wish to bring it all about but it certainly would be nice to have magical powers like you guys.”
There was a sudden flash in the room that seemed to be centered around Essme.
“What was that?” Asked Essme.
“I’m not sure.” Hedged Kay. “But I have an idea. I want you to think of something, then wave your arms.”
Essme followed Kay’s instructions and there was a puff of smoke.
“A PONY!” Bubbled Maria.
“Uh Kay there’s a pony in our living room. What does that mean?”
“You were just thinking of pony right?”
“Yes, what does that mean Kay?”
“Essme, it means you’ve just given yourself magical powers.”
“Oh my Gawd.”
“You idiot, I can’t believe you’d show your face around me after botching the simple job I gave you.”
“Murder is never simple Jackson; you of all people should know that.”
Jackson Marr stabbed his finger at the plasma TV on the wall and the announcer droning on about Jared Casey’s death. “How do you explain that?!”
“I can’t.”
“If you did what you what you were supposed to do how did Casey’s body end up in a wedding cake at the Crane Mansion of all places?!”
“I just told you, I can’t explain it. Everything was going like clockwork. I waited at the docks like we had planned; you called me and told me Jared was on his way there. He showed up and I jumped out of the shadows dressed as a masked mugger and forced him to give me his wallet. Then I shot him and left his body on the docks. I spent the night at some seedy motel just off the docks. It wasn’t till this morning when I caught the news that I found out what happened to his body.”
“His death was supposed to look like a random act of violence. Something that wouldn’t even make the back page of the newspaper; now it’s tied to Cranes and anything involving them is automatically broadcast worldwide. It’s a nothing short of a miracle that his Father hasn’t called me yet. It doesn’t matter though if he doesn’t call me soon I’m going to have to call him and explain this mess.”
“At least there’s no way his Father can connect this thing to you.”
“We don’t know that. Sydney Neppos has a way of finding things out.”
“If you really believe that, why would you get us so far over our heads?”
“It’s much too late for either of us to turn back now.”
Chris Booth was well aware of that.
Sam’s cell phone rang again. At first he was irritated, considering the new development in the Jared Casey case, but then he saw the caller ID.
“Grace is this really you?”
“Yes Sam. Did you get the package I sent you?”
“Yes and I think your suspicions were right. Sheridan told us that Alistair had a bust just like it when she and Julian were small.”
“I’m sorry Sam I don’t think we should get into that over the phone. Listen, the reason I called was to let you know that I’ve booked a flight on the first plane to the states tomorrow. I just can’t shake the feeling I’m in danger here in Greece.”
“That’s great news; would you like me to meet you at the airport…? Grace?”
But the line had gone dead.
Meanwhile somewhere in the world Jared Casey’s eyes fluttered open.
“Welcome back to the land of the living son.”
“Dad? Where am I? What happened?”
“I’m afraid that’s a long story son. But we have all the time in the world.”
*
*
*
End of Episode 17
“Hello everyone I have returned!” Said Essme, bounding through Tabby’s front door.
“Good morning Essme.” Kay was coming down the front stairs carrying Maria. “Do you always make such a dramatic entrance?”
“Typically, yes, only night before last I came in the back door. I like to shake things up. I find it keeps people on their toes.”
“If you say so.”
“Good morning Maria.” Said Essme.
“Good morning Essme.” Bubbled Maria.
“That is just the cutest thing. I never get tired of seeing Endora and her do that.”
“Where were you last night, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Oh I just spent the most harrowing night at the mansion.”
“Really what happened?”
“Well, this giant cake was delivered for Chad and Whitney’s reception only it was cancelled, so I ended up cutting into the cake and when I did…”
“A body fell out of it.” Finished Kay.
“That’s right, how did you know?”
“Because it happened like that at the original reception; before Adam’s time shift.”
“Oh, yeah now I remember. Fancy filled me in on the details but I wasn’t in town back then. Something about a tabloid reporter being killed.”
“Yeah his name was JT Cornell.”
“This time it was Jared Casey.”
“Oh my God.”
“Gee I remember all this stuff from before the time shift. I guess it’s because Adam used my wish to bring it all about but it certainly would be nice to have magical powers like you guys.”
There was a sudden flash in the room that seemed to be centered around Essme.
“What was that?” Asked Essme.
“I’m not sure.” Hedged Kay. “But I have an idea. I want you to think of something, then wave your arms.”
Essme followed Kay’s instructions and there was a puff of smoke.
“A PONY!” Bubbled Maria.
“Uh Kay there’s a pony in our living room. What does that mean?”
“You were just thinking of pony right?”
“Yes, what does that mean Kay?”
“Essme, it means you’ve just given yourself magical powers.”
“Oh my Gawd.”
“You idiot, I can’t believe you’d show your face around me after botching the simple job I gave you.”
“Murder is never simple Jackson; you of all people should know that.”
Jackson Marr stabbed his finger at the plasma TV on the wall and the announcer droning on about Jared Casey’s death. “How do you explain that?!”
“I can’t.”
“If you did what you what you were supposed to do how did Casey’s body end up in a wedding cake at the Crane Mansion of all places?!”
“I just told you, I can’t explain it. Everything was going like clockwork. I waited at the docks like we had planned; you called me and told me Jared was on his way there. He showed up and I jumped out of the shadows dressed as a masked mugger and forced him to give me his wallet. Then I shot him and left his body on the docks. I spent the night at some seedy motel just off the docks. It wasn’t till this morning when I caught the news that I found out what happened to his body.”
“His death was supposed to look like a random act of violence. Something that wouldn’t even make the back page of the newspaper; now it’s tied to Cranes and anything involving them is automatically broadcast worldwide. It’s a nothing short of a miracle that his Father hasn’t called me yet. It doesn’t matter though if he doesn’t call me soon I’m going to have to call him and explain this mess.”
“At least there’s no way his Father can connect this thing to you.”
“We don’t know that. Sydney Neppos has a way of finding things out.”
“If you really believe that, why would you get us so far over our heads?”
“It’s much too late for either of us to turn back now.”
Chris Booth was well aware of that.
Sam’s cell phone rang again. At first he was irritated, considering the new development in the Jared Casey case, but then he saw the caller ID.
“Grace is this really you?”
“Yes Sam. Did you get the package I sent you?”
“Yes and I think your suspicions were right. Sheridan told us that Alistair had a bust just like it when she and Julian were small.”
“I’m sorry Sam I don’t think we should get into that over the phone. Listen, the reason I called was to let you know that I’ve booked a flight on the first plane to the states tomorrow. I just can’t shake the feeling I’m in danger here in Greece.”
“That’s great news; would you like me to meet you at the airport…? Grace?”
But the line had gone dead.
Meanwhile somewhere in the world Jared Casey’s eyes fluttered open.
“Welcome back to the land of the living son.”
“Dad? Where am I? What happened?”
“I’m afraid that’s a long story son. But we have all the time in the world.”
*
*
*
End of Episode 17
Friday, December 5, 2008
Episode 16:In Which Spike Takes a Meeting Jessica Makes Pancakes and Jared's Body...
Episode 16
“Ah, Mr. Spikeros, after our conversation yesterday, I wasn’t expecting to hear back from you so soon. But I must say it shows decisiveness on your part.” Said Jackson Marr, getting up from his desk.
“Hold your horses buddy I’m not ready to commit to anything yet. I need you to explain some things to me.”
“By all means.”
“First, just what will I be expected to do for your company?”
“What your really asking is are we hiring you in the same capacity as your work with Alistair Crane. Let me ask you; would it bother you if we were?
“No, I suppose not. I just like to know where I stand.”
“And so you should, so you should Mr. Spikeros.”
“I’m still not all that comfortable with you using my real family name.”
“We do a lot of business in Greece and the Spikeros name is well respected there.”
“I haven’t spoken to my family back in Greece for a very long time.”
“What a pity. Now I assume there was something else you wanted…clarified.
“Just what is your interest in Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald?”
“Very well, Crane Industries is our main competitor and having Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald in our ‘care’ would certainly give us some leverage with them.”
Spike’s cell rang. He quickly checked the caller.
“It’s Ms. Crane.”
“Then you have a decision to make Mr. Spikeros.”
“Yes, yes I accept your offer. I suppose I should call her back and tell her the bad news.”
“Just a moment Mr. Spikeros: If she offers you a position I want you to take it. Do we understand each other?”
“I think we do.”
“And to re-cap our top story…” Both men’s attention was drawn to the widescreen TV on the wall of Jackson Marr’s office. “The body of Jared Casey was discovered yesterday afternoon in a cake that had been prepared for the wedding reception of Chad and Whitney Harris, friends of acting Crane Industries president, Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald-Crane. Casey had recently been hired by CI in the office of CFO…”
“That’s been all over the news all morning.” Said Spike.
“Yes. It’s quite a story.”
Just for a moment Spike thought he saw a chink appear in Jackson Marr’s otherwise cool veneer and then it was gone. He had to wonder if he had just traded one tyrant for another.
“Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble” Bubbled Endora.
“Now Endora, you know it’s not Thanksgiving anymore; not even where our ‘friends’ live.” Said Tabby.
“But it’s so much fun to talk like a turkey.” Bubbled Endora. She flapped her arms and started to waddle around Tabby’s front yard. “And to act like one too.”
“Yes, well…” Tabby bent to pick her daughter up and as she stood, she realized they had a clear view of the Bennett kitchen.
“Jessica, these pancakes are delicious.” Ivy was saying. “I’m sure the kids will love them.”
At the last minute, Marty had talked Sheridan into having a sleepover with Sarah and of coarse, James had wanted to stay too.
“Sarah is such a sweet little girl.” Continued Ivy. “But you never gave Sheridan and me a clear answer last night.”
“I didn’t?” Jessica was pretending not to remember what Ivy was talking about.
“Mommie, it’s impolite to eavesdrop on people.” Bubbled Endora.
“Oh well, I already know what Jessica’s secret is and I don’t have to spy for the Darkside anymore, so why don’t we go inside and I’ll fix you some pancakes just like the ones Jessica is making?”
“Yes!!!” Bubbled Endora.
Oh my devil, I’m starting to sound just like Esmerelda: Tabby thought to herself.
At the police station Luis and Sam were trying to piece together the facts surrounding Jared Casey’s death.
“Let me see that list again.” Said Sam. “OK Fox Crane, Essme Van der Hausen and Simone Russell were the only ones present when the body was found?”
“That’s correct; it was Essme who actually cut into the cake.” Said Luis.
“Were all three interviewed last night?”
“Yes.” Luis flipped his notepad open. “They were all interviewed separately and all three stories match up.
“What about the kitchen staff?”
“They all give relatively the same story too: The cake showed up on the loading dock approximately 30 minutes before the reception was supposed to start.”
“Wait a minute, did anyone actually take delivery of the cake or sign something?”
“No, at least no one admits to that.”
“We’ll assume for now that it didn’t happen.” Sam’s cell phone rang. “Yes this is Chief Bennett.”
Just then Sheridan came through the front door of the station. “Luis I’m so worried!”
“What is it Sheridan? It’s not Marty, is it? I wanted to stop by the cottage last night but I didn’t finish at the mansion until very late.”
“No, no Marty’s fine. It’s Chris I was calling him all night and now he hasn’t come home.”
“You can’t really file a missing persons report yet, but I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you so much Luis.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me?!!!” Sam closed his phone and came back over to Luis and Sheridan.
“What is it Sam?”
“That was the morgue. Jared Casey’s body is missing!”
*
*
*
End of Episode 16
“Ah, Mr. Spikeros, after our conversation yesterday, I wasn’t expecting to hear back from you so soon. But I must say it shows decisiveness on your part.” Said Jackson Marr, getting up from his desk.
“Hold your horses buddy I’m not ready to commit to anything yet. I need you to explain some things to me.”
“By all means.”
“First, just what will I be expected to do for your company?”
“What your really asking is are we hiring you in the same capacity as your work with Alistair Crane. Let me ask you; would it bother you if we were?
“No, I suppose not. I just like to know where I stand.”
“And so you should, so you should Mr. Spikeros.”
“I’m still not all that comfortable with you using my real family name.”
“We do a lot of business in Greece and the Spikeros name is well respected there.”
“I haven’t spoken to my family back in Greece for a very long time.”
“What a pity. Now I assume there was something else you wanted…clarified.
“Just what is your interest in Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald?”
“Very well, Crane Industries is our main competitor and having Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald in our ‘care’ would certainly give us some leverage with them.”
Spike’s cell rang. He quickly checked the caller.
“It’s Ms. Crane.”
“Then you have a decision to make Mr. Spikeros.”
“Yes, yes I accept your offer. I suppose I should call her back and tell her the bad news.”
“Just a moment Mr. Spikeros: If she offers you a position I want you to take it. Do we understand each other?”
“I think we do.”
“And to re-cap our top story…” Both men’s attention was drawn to the widescreen TV on the wall of Jackson Marr’s office. “The body of Jared Casey was discovered yesterday afternoon in a cake that had been prepared for the wedding reception of Chad and Whitney Harris, friends of acting Crane Industries president, Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald-Crane. Casey had recently been hired by CI in the office of CFO…”
“That’s been all over the news all morning.” Said Spike.
“Yes. It’s quite a story.”
Just for a moment Spike thought he saw a chink appear in Jackson Marr’s otherwise cool veneer and then it was gone. He had to wonder if he had just traded one tyrant for another.
“Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble” Bubbled Endora.
“Now Endora, you know it’s not Thanksgiving anymore; not even where our ‘friends’ live.” Said Tabby.
“But it’s so much fun to talk like a turkey.” Bubbled Endora. She flapped her arms and started to waddle around Tabby’s front yard. “And to act like one too.”
“Yes, well…” Tabby bent to pick her daughter up and as she stood, she realized they had a clear view of the Bennett kitchen.
“Jessica, these pancakes are delicious.” Ivy was saying. “I’m sure the kids will love them.”
At the last minute, Marty had talked Sheridan into having a sleepover with Sarah and of coarse, James had wanted to stay too.
“Sarah is such a sweet little girl.” Continued Ivy. “But you never gave Sheridan and me a clear answer last night.”
“I didn’t?” Jessica was pretending not to remember what Ivy was talking about.
“Mommie, it’s impolite to eavesdrop on people.” Bubbled Endora.
“Oh well, I already know what Jessica’s secret is and I don’t have to spy for the Darkside anymore, so why don’t we go inside and I’ll fix you some pancakes just like the ones Jessica is making?”
“Yes!!!” Bubbled Endora.
Oh my devil, I’m starting to sound just like Esmerelda: Tabby thought to herself.
At the police station Luis and Sam were trying to piece together the facts surrounding Jared Casey’s death.
“Let me see that list again.” Said Sam. “OK Fox Crane, Essme Van der Hausen and Simone Russell were the only ones present when the body was found?”
“That’s correct; it was Essme who actually cut into the cake.” Said Luis.
“Were all three interviewed last night?”
“Yes.” Luis flipped his notepad open. “They were all interviewed separately and all three stories match up.
“What about the kitchen staff?”
“They all give relatively the same story too: The cake showed up on the loading dock approximately 30 minutes before the reception was supposed to start.”
“Wait a minute, did anyone actually take delivery of the cake or sign something?”
“No, at least no one admits to that.”
“We’ll assume for now that it didn’t happen.” Sam’s cell phone rang. “Yes this is Chief Bennett.”
Just then Sheridan came through the front door of the station. “Luis I’m so worried!”
“What is it Sheridan? It’s not Marty, is it? I wanted to stop by the cottage last night but I didn’t finish at the mansion until very late.”
“No, no Marty’s fine. It’s Chris I was calling him all night and now he hasn’t come home.”
“You can’t really file a missing persons report yet, but I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you so much Luis.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me?!!!” Sam closed his phone and came back over to Luis and Sheridan.
“What is it Sam?”
“That was the morgue. Jared Casey’s body is missing!”
*
*
*
End of Episode 16
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
No one told the Chamber of Commerce in Castleton that their city name had been changed to Clayton
One more Bit of Housekeeping this Week
It just came to my attention that the name of the city near Harmony is Castleton not Clayton. I have re-edited all refferences in the story to now read Castleton. Sorry for the mistake
Friday, November 28, 2008
Endora Bubbles: Happy Thanksgiving!!!
"Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble"
"What are you doing? my little witchlet?" Asked Tabitha
"I'm bubbling to our friends reading this on the internet in Turkey speak" Bubbled Endora
"What were you saying"
"Happy Thanksgiving!!!"
"But it's not Thanksgiving Endora."
"It is where they live."
"Oh my devil, you're right. Is there anything else you'd like to tell them?"
"Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble"
"In English Endora."
"Oh, our Episodes will continue next Friday your time everyone and Happy Thankgiving again!"
"Happy Thanksgiving folks see you next week."
"What are you doing? my little witchlet?" Asked Tabitha
"I'm bubbling to our friends reading this on the internet in Turkey speak" Bubbled Endora
"What were you saying"
"Happy Thanksgiving!!!"
"But it's not Thanksgiving Endora."
"It is where they live."
"Oh my devil, you're right. Is there anything else you'd like to tell them?"
"Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble"
"In English Endora."
"Oh, our Episodes will continue next Friday your time everyone and Happy Thankgiving again!"
"Happy Thanksgiving folks see you next week."
Friday, November 21, 2008
Episode 15:In Which Ivy Brings Home the Bacon and Tabby Visits an Old Friend
Episode 15
Sheridan was really becoming concerned: She wanted to tell Chris the good news about Marty but he wasn’t answering his cell phone. Meanwhile Sam was still on the phone with Luis and Marty wanted James to meet his new friend.
“James, why don’t you come up stairs with me so Sarah can show you her pet rabbit?”
“Yeah!”
This was turning out to be one of the greatest days in Marty’s life: He was finally free of Spike, he had made a new friend (and she was a good witch!) and now he just found out that he had a little brother. This last thing was very exciting and a little troubling at the same time. He loved being a big brother, but now that he was home he wanted to spend as much time with his Mother as he could, and he wondered if James would interfere with this.
“Oh neat, I love rabbits!” Exclaimed James as he ran up to the cage in the corner of Sarah’s room.
“Sarah? Where are you?!” Called Marty.
No answer.
Sheridan had moved into the kitchen, still trying to get Chris on the phone, so she was the first to greet Ivy who was coming in carrying two bags of food.
“I just can’t get used to doing my own grocery shopping.” Ivy was saying to herself as she closed the back door. “Sheridan? What are you doing here?”
Before Sheridan could explain, Jessica walked in from the living room and Marty came running down the back stairs.
“Where’s Sam? He has to help me find Sarah, she’s missing!”
“My word! Marty you’re home and Jessica?!” Said Ivy.
“Calm down Marty, we’ll find her.” Said Jessica
And that’s when Sheridan and Ivy asked the question that Jessica had been dreading all afternoon. “Who’s Sarah?”
“Julian, Tabitha had an errand to run in town so, she asked me to come out here and collect the girls.” Kay was standing on the porch. “It’s getting late; they need to come inside.”
“Very well, you heard her girls. I suppose you can pick the game up tomorrow morning.
Kay noticed Sarah for the first time. “Well, who is this?”
“Her name’s Sarah.” Bubbled Endora.
“I believe she’s staying next door with your Father.” Said Julian.
“Yes, she is.” Sam, Marty and James stood in the gate. “We’ve been looking all over for her.”
“Hi Dad.” Said Kay. “Oh my God, Marty. How long have you been home?”
“Well I haven’t really been home yet, but my Mom’s taking me there in a little while.”
“Your sister’s inside Julian.” Said Sam. Now that we’ve found Sarah I really need to get over to the mansion.” He explained the situation there.
“My word!” Said Julian. “Would you like to ride with me? My driver can take you home later.”
“Thanks but I have no idea how long I’ll need to be there I better take my own car.”
“Oh Sam, don’t forget.” Said Marty
“What is it Champ?”
“What we were talking about this afternoon. You know the cave that Sarah and I found. You should send my Dad or someone else to check out that thing inside.”
“Oh that, well right now your Dad is busy with another case and I’m about to go and help him out but maybe tomorrow…”
“Sure Sam.”
There was a knock at Heckuba’s chamber door. “Madam, it’s The De- - (grumble) Eustace, do you have time for me to give you my final report of the day on Sarah?”
“Certainly. Come in.”
“Um I sorta have my hands full could you possibly open the door for me?”
“Really Eustace what could you…” Heckuba opened the door only to be confronted by Tabitha standing in the doorway with Eustace cradled under her arm like a sack of sugar.
“Alright Tabby I’ve done your bidding. I've taken you to Hec- - The Mad- - Where you wanted to go. Could you please let me go?”
“Most certainly.” And Tabitha unceremoniously dropped Eustace to the ground.
“Very well, Madam, Sarah is fine. She’s staying at the Bennett’s. Now if you ‘ladies’ will excuse me, somewhere in this town there’s a pastrami on rye with my name on it.” Eustace waved his hands and was gone.
“I should have known you wouldn’t stay in that bottle forever.”
“Someday I’ll have to tell you the story of my escape.”
“Eustace told me all about Sarah and as far as I’m concerned Gwen deserves anything you have in store for her, but I wanted to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth that the Darkside has no plans regarding my daughter.”
“I know you didn’t mean to insult me there Tabitha.”
“I don’t know why you would assume that.”
Heckuba smiled. “The Darkside has no plans, at the present time, that involve your daughter Endora.”
“I suppose I can be satisfied with that for now.”
“Is there something else I can help you with?”
Now it was Tabby who smiled. “No…But perhaps I can offer you some advice.”
“Really? This should be interesting.”
“Carrying Endora changed me in ways I could only dream about before. And Endora was only half mortal. Sarah on the other hand was completely mortal. And yes Eustace also told me that she absorbed some of your powers.”
“What are you saying Tabitha?”
“Just that the bond between a Mother and daughter is one of the strongest things on earth and there may come a time when the Darkside forces you to make the same kind of choice that I did.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be in your position.
“Maybe, maybe not. It’s just something to think about.” Tabby suddenly caught sight of one of the monitors on the wall. “What fresh hell is this?”
“Ah yes, that was recorded earlier this afternoon. It would appear that our mutual enemy, Faith Standish has finally come out of her coma: But keep watching.”
On the screen Faith’s eyes flew open, she uttered Tabby’s name and then fell still again.
“This could mean that Faith will remain in her coma indefinitely, or she may soon be headed back to Harmony and as you heard you are number one on her hit list.”
“And this is where I’m supposed to strike some sort of bargain with you?”
And it was Heckuba’s turn to smile again.
*
*
*
End of Episode 15
Sheridan was really becoming concerned: She wanted to tell Chris the good news about Marty but he wasn’t answering his cell phone. Meanwhile Sam was still on the phone with Luis and Marty wanted James to meet his new friend.
“James, why don’t you come up stairs with me so Sarah can show you her pet rabbit?”
“Yeah!”
This was turning out to be one of the greatest days in Marty’s life: He was finally free of Spike, he had made a new friend (and she was a good witch!) and now he just found out that he had a little brother. This last thing was very exciting and a little troubling at the same time. He loved being a big brother, but now that he was home he wanted to spend as much time with his Mother as he could, and he wondered if James would interfere with this.
“Oh neat, I love rabbits!” Exclaimed James as he ran up to the cage in the corner of Sarah’s room.
“Sarah? Where are you?!” Called Marty.
No answer.
Sheridan had moved into the kitchen, still trying to get Chris on the phone, so she was the first to greet Ivy who was coming in carrying two bags of food.
“I just can’t get used to doing my own grocery shopping.” Ivy was saying to herself as she closed the back door. “Sheridan? What are you doing here?”
Before Sheridan could explain, Jessica walked in from the living room and Marty came running down the back stairs.
“Where’s Sam? He has to help me find Sarah, she’s missing!”
“My word! Marty you’re home and Jessica?!” Said Ivy.
“Calm down Marty, we’ll find her.” Said Jessica
And that’s when Sheridan and Ivy asked the question that Jessica had been dreading all afternoon. “Who’s Sarah?”
“Julian, Tabitha had an errand to run in town so, she asked me to come out here and collect the girls.” Kay was standing on the porch. “It’s getting late; they need to come inside.”
“Very well, you heard her girls. I suppose you can pick the game up tomorrow morning.
Kay noticed Sarah for the first time. “Well, who is this?”
“Her name’s Sarah.” Bubbled Endora.
“I believe she’s staying next door with your Father.” Said Julian.
“Yes, she is.” Sam, Marty and James stood in the gate. “We’ve been looking all over for her.”
“Hi Dad.” Said Kay. “Oh my God, Marty. How long have you been home?”
“Well I haven’t really been home yet, but my Mom’s taking me there in a little while.”
“Your sister’s inside Julian.” Said Sam. Now that we’ve found Sarah I really need to get over to the mansion.” He explained the situation there.
“My word!” Said Julian. “Would you like to ride with me? My driver can take you home later.”
“Thanks but I have no idea how long I’ll need to be there I better take my own car.”
“Oh Sam, don’t forget.” Said Marty
“What is it Champ?”
“What we were talking about this afternoon. You know the cave that Sarah and I found. You should send my Dad or someone else to check out that thing inside.”
“Oh that, well right now your Dad is busy with another case and I’m about to go and help him out but maybe tomorrow…”
“Sure Sam.”
There was a knock at Heckuba’s chamber door. “Madam, it’s The De- - (grumble) Eustace, do you have time for me to give you my final report of the day on Sarah?”
“Certainly. Come in.”
“Um I sorta have my hands full could you possibly open the door for me?”
“Really Eustace what could you…” Heckuba opened the door only to be confronted by Tabitha standing in the doorway with Eustace cradled under her arm like a sack of sugar.
“Alright Tabby I’ve done your bidding. I've taken you to Hec- - The Mad- - Where you wanted to go. Could you please let me go?”
“Most certainly.” And Tabitha unceremoniously dropped Eustace to the ground.
“Very well, Madam, Sarah is fine. She’s staying at the Bennett’s. Now if you ‘ladies’ will excuse me, somewhere in this town there’s a pastrami on rye with my name on it.” Eustace waved his hands and was gone.
“I should have known you wouldn’t stay in that bottle forever.”
“Someday I’ll have to tell you the story of my escape.”
“Eustace told me all about Sarah and as far as I’m concerned Gwen deserves anything you have in store for her, but I wanted to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth that the Darkside has no plans regarding my daughter.”
“I know you didn’t mean to insult me there Tabitha.”
“I don’t know why you would assume that.”
Heckuba smiled. “The Darkside has no plans, at the present time, that involve your daughter Endora.”
“I suppose I can be satisfied with that for now.”
“Is there something else I can help you with?”
Now it was Tabby who smiled. “No…But perhaps I can offer you some advice.”
“Really? This should be interesting.”
“Carrying Endora changed me in ways I could only dream about before. And Endora was only half mortal. Sarah on the other hand was completely mortal. And yes Eustace also told me that she absorbed some of your powers.”
“What are you saying Tabitha?”
“Just that the bond between a Mother and daughter is one of the strongest things on earth and there may come a time when the Darkside forces you to make the same kind of choice that I did.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be in your position.
“Maybe, maybe not. It’s just something to think about.” Tabby suddenly caught sight of one of the monitors on the wall. “What fresh hell is this?”
“Ah yes, that was recorded earlier this afternoon. It would appear that our mutual enemy, Faith Standish has finally come out of her coma: But keep watching.”
On the screen Faith’s eyes flew open, she uttered Tabby’s name and then fell still again.
“This could mean that Faith will remain in her coma indefinitely, or she may soon be headed back to Harmony and as you heard you are number one on her hit list.”
“And this is where I’m supposed to strike some sort of bargain with you?”
And it was Heckuba’s turn to smile again.
*
*
*
End of Episode 15
Friday, November 14, 2008
Episode 14:In Which Endora, Maria and Sarah Play Hopscotch and Someone Kisses Someone Else
Episode 14
“Mr. Jamison told me to find you so we can both check out what’s happening at the Crane Mansion.”
“What’s going on at the Crane Mansion?” Asked Adam.
“You’re not going to believe this: A dead body fell out of the cake that was meant for Chad and Whitney’s reception.” Said Vincent dressed as Valerie.
“What!!!”
“I know, doesn’t that sound preposterous?”
Yes, but it also sounded disturbingly familiar. How could his friend know that it was he (Vincent) who had orchestrated the catastrophe at the original reception? But how could someone else have copied his idea without knowing about the original event, unless they had some kind of magical power. Or maybe it was just a strange coincidence.
“Have they identified the body yet?”
“I have no idea; that’s why we need to get over there as soon as posib…”
“Valerie! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” An irate Theresa stormed down the hall toward them with a curious Ethan following close behind.
“Theresa, there you are.” Said Valerie. “I’ve been looking for you all afternoon. I have that research for you.”
“You’ve been looking for me?! I’ve been calling you all afternoon!!”
“I’m so sorry Theresa. I must have turned my cell phone off by mistake.”
“Never mind that now. Why in the world are you talking to this…This person?”
“Who? Adam? I guess I should have introduced him to you before.” And Valerie surprised everyone by grabbing Adam and engaging him in a liplock. “There’s nothing wrong with a girl talking to and then kissing her boyfriend is there?”
“No…No there’s nothing wrong with that.” Smirked Ethan.
“What is it exactly that you two are doing Endora?” Asked Julian.
“We’re playing hopscotch.” Bubbled Endora.
“It’s really fun!” Bubbled Maria.
“I never really understood how you play that particular game.” Confessed Julian.
“First you draw a coarse on the ground of numbered blocks.” Said Sarah. Then each player throws a marker into the coarse and then they have to hop or jump around the coarse to pick up their marker. I play it all the time, but I’ve never had anyone else to play it with.”
Sarah just couldn’t stand watching from her window anymore, so she popped herself into the Bennett front yard and came through the gate.
“Would you like to play with us?” Bubbled Maria.
“I sure would! Wow that’s neat; people can read your thoughts”
“Only certain people.” Bubbled Endora.
“And who might you be young lady?” Asked Julian, trying to sound cheerful.
“My name is Sarah.” After hearing the conversation between Tabitha and Julian, Sarah was suddenly reluctant to say her full name, at least not to an adult. “I’m staying with the people next door until my Mommie comes back.”
“Where has your Mommie gone?” Bubbled Endora.
“I’m not sure but I know she’ll be back for me soon.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure kid.” Said Eustace to himself. He had been watching the scene from around the corner in one of Tabby’s bushes. “Your ‘Mommie’ wants you to stay right where you are for the foreseeable future.”
Eustace suddenly felt two hands squeeze tightly around his shoulders.
“Ah Ha! I thought that was you, you peevish Imp!” Eustace was spun around and he came face to face with Tabitha. “I thought I saw you out of the corner of my eye, so I snuck inside and came around the back of the house. How dare you skulk around my home? You’re just waiting for a chance to get your hands on Endora no doubt.”
“Relax Tabby; the Darkside has decided not to try to separate you from Endora, at least for the time being.”
“Somehow I just can’t bring myself to be reassured by that.” She continued to keep a tight grip on the Elf.
“I’m here for the other girl.”
“Who…Maria?”
“No. Her.” Eustace pointed to Sarah.
“Where did she come from? Who the blazes is she?”
“She’s your new neighbor; she’s staying with the Bennetts.”
“Yes, but who is she?”
“I don’t think I can tell you”
“We both know that now that I’ve caught you, you can’t pop out of my grasp unless I allow it, so either you tell me or…”
“Alright, alright!”
Eustace explained what Heckuba had done during the time shift and how Sarah was related to both her (Heckuba) and Gwen.
“Oh my stars and garters!” was all Tabby could say.
“Come on Lopez-Fitzgerald! Move a little faster. Your new cell is right down here”
The guard opened the cell door and pushed Antonio inside.
“You do know that no matter how many times you transfer me from one compound to another, my sister will eventually find me?”
“I’m just doing my job Antonio. Look man I really don’t have anything against you; we’ve been together long enough that you know that right?”
“What does it matter Frankie?” I’m still Alistair’s prisoner and you’re still my keeper. There’s not much basis for a friendship there.”
“I have your dinner plate here.”
“What’s gruel like today?”
“Looks to me like a cold pork chop sandwich.”
“Just what I was dreaming of.”
“I’ll bet. I’ll be back to collect your tray when you’re done.”
“Ah there’s nothing like room service.”
After Frankie left, Antonio did his best to choke down what passed as his dinner. His thoughts as always going to the time he would be free to be with Sheridan again.
“Is someone there?” A woman’s voice came from down the corridor.
“Who are you?” Antonio went to the bars and looked out but the woman’s cell was too far away for him to see.
“I suppose I am what you are: Just another of Alistair’s forgotten toys.”
Frankie found his friend Louie finishing his own dinner in the commissary of the secret Crane compound.
“So your guy is safely stowed?” Asked Louie.
“Yeah I put him in the cell right down the hall from your prisoner.”
“You think it’s a good idea to have them so close together?”
“At this point I don’t think it really matters.”
“Tell me about it. I tell you Frankie; I don’t know how much more of this I can take.
“I hear ya pal.”
“I mean here we are; we haven’t been paid in weeks, Spike won’t tell us what really happened to the old man in Rome. and to top it all off, this latest place we’re holding the prisoners in gives me the creeps.”
“One compound looks just about the same as any other to me.”
“It’s not the compound; it’s where the compound is located.”
“It’s just some deserted island.”
“You mean to tell me you’ve never heard the stories about this island?”
“I only moved to Harmony two years ago.”
“The old timers refer to this place as Warlock Island.”
*
*
*
End of Episode 14
“Mr. Jamison told me to find you so we can both check out what’s happening at the Crane Mansion.”
“What’s going on at the Crane Mansion?” Asked Adam.
“You’re not going to believe this: A dead body fell out of the cake that was meant for Chad and Whitney’s reception.” Said Vincent dressed as Valerie.
“What!!!”
“I know, doesn’t that sound preposterous?”
Yes, but it also sounded disturbingly familiar. How could his friend know that it was he (Vincent) who had orchestrated the catastrophe at the original reception? But how could someone else have copied his idea without knowing about the original event, unless they had some kind of magical power. Or maybe it was just a strange coincidence.
“Have they identified the body yet?”
“I have no idea; that’s why we need to get over there as soon as posib…”
“Valerie! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” An irate Theresa stormed down the hall toward them with a curious Ethan following close behind.
“Theresa, there you are.” Said Valerie. “I’ve been looking for you all afternoon. I have that research for you.”
“You’ve been looking for me?! I’ve been calling you all afternoon!!”
“I’m so sorry Theresa. I must have turned my cell phone off by mistake.”
“Never mind that now. Why in the world are you talking to this…This person?”
“Who? Adam? I guess I should have introduced him to you before.” And Valerie surprised everyone by grabbing Adam and engaging him in a liplock. “There’s nothing wrong with a girl talking to and then kissing her boyfriend is there?”
“No…No there’s nothing wrong with that.” Smirked Ethan.
“What is it exactly that you two are doing Endora?” Asked Julian.
“We’re playing hopscotch.” Bubbled Endora.
“It’s really fun!” Bubbled Maria.
“I never really understood how you play that particular game.” Confessed Julian.
“First you draw a coarse on the ground of numbered blocks.” Said Sarah. Then each player throws a marker into the coarse and then they have to hop or jump around the coarse to pick up their marker. I play it all the time, but I’ve never had anyone else to play it with.”
Sarah just couldn’t stand watching from her window anymore, so she popped herself into the Bennett front yard and came through the gate.
“Would you like to play with us?” Bubbled Maria.
“I sure would! Wow that’s neat; people can read your thoughts”
“Only certain people.” Bubbled Endora.
“And who might you be young lady?” Asked Julian, trying to sound cheerful.
“My name is Sarah.” After hearing the conversation between Tabitha and Julian, Sarah was suddenly reluctant to say her full name, at least not to an adult. “I’m staying with the people next door until my Mommie comes back.”
“Where has your Mommie gone?” Bubbled Endora.
“I’m not sure but I know she’ll be back for me soon.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure kid.” Said Eustace to himself. He had been watching the scene from around the corner in one of Tabby’s bushes. “Your ‘Mommie’ wants you to stay right where you are for the foreseeable future.”
Eustace suddenly felt two hands squeeze tightly around his shoulders.
“Ah Ha! I thought that was you, you peevish Imp!” Eustace was spun around and he came face to face with Tabitha. “I thought I saw you out of the corner of my eye, so I snuck inside and came around the back of the house. How dare you skulk around my home? You’re just waiting for a chance to get your hands on Endora no doubt.”
“Relax Tabby; the Darkside has decided not to try to separate you from Endora, at least for the time being.”
“Somehow I just can’t bring myself to be reassured by that.” She continued to keep a tight grip on the Elf.
“I’m here for the other girl.”
“Who…Maria?”
“No. Her.” Eustace pointed to Sarah.
“Where did she come from? Who the blazes is she?”
“She’s your new neighbor; she’s staying with the Bennetts.”
“Yes, but who is she?”
“I don’t think I can tell you”
“We both know that now that I’ve caught you, you can’t pop out of my grasp unless I allow it, so either you tell me or…”
“Alright, alright!”
Eustace explained what Heckuba had done during the time shift and how Sarah was related to both her (Heckuba) and Gwen.
“Oh my stars and garters!” was all Tabby could say.
“Come on Lopez-Fitzgerald! Move a little faster. Your new cell is right down here”
The guard opened the cell door and pushed Antonio inside.
“You do know that no matter how many times you transfer me from one compound to another, my sister will eventually find me?”
“I’m just doing my job Antonio. Look man I really don’t have anything against you; we’ve been together long enough that you know that right?”
“What does it matter Frankie?” I’m still Alistair’s prisoner and you’re still my keeper. There’s not much basis for a friendship there.”
“I have your dinner plate here.”
“What’s gruel like today?”
“Looks to me like a cold pork chop sandwich.”
“Just what I was dreaming of.”
“I’ll bet. I’ll be back to collect your tray when you’re done.”
“Ah there’s nothing like room service.”
After Frankie left, Antonio did his best to choke down what passed as his dinner. His thoughts as always going to the time he would be free to be with Sheridan again.
“Is someone there?” A woman’s voice came from down the corridor.
“Who are you?” Antonio went to the bars and looked out but the woman’s cell was too far away for him to see.
“I suppose I am what you are: Just another of Alistair’s forgotten toys.”
Frankie found his friend Louie finishing his own dinner in the commissary of the secret Crane compound.
“So your guy is safely stowed?” Asked Louie.
“Yeah I put him in the cell right down the hall from your prisoner.”
“You think it’s a good idea to have them so close together?”
“At this point I don’t think it really matters.”
“Tell me about it. I tell you Frankie; I don’t know how much more of this I can take.
“I hear ya pal.”
“I mean here we are; we haven’t been paid in weeks, Spike won’t tell us what really happened to the old man in Rome. and to top it all off, this latest place we’re holding the prisoners in gives me the creeps.”
“One compound looks just about the same as any other to me.”
“It’s not the compound; it’s where the compound is located.”
“It’s just some deserted island.”
“You mean to tell me you’ve never heard the stories about this island?”
“I only moved to Harmony two years ago.”
“The old timers refer to this place as Warlock Island.”
*
*
*
End of Episode 14
Friday, November 7, 2008
Episode 13:In Which Sarah Evesdrops on Her New Neighbors and Adam Can't Seem to Stay Out of Trouble with Theresa
Episode 13
Sarah was about to follow Marty downstairs when she heard a noise outside her new bedroom window. She climbed up on a chair to look out. A woman and a man were shouting at each other while two little girls played on the lawn below.
“How many times do I have to tell you I don’t like you coming to my house to see Endora?”
“And how many times do I have to remind you that I am the child’s Father?”
“If only I could take that night of carnal pleasure back!” Said Tabitha. “Oh, but then I wouldn’t have my precious little Sweet Pea. Julian you just have to promise me that you will never let anyone outside this house know that we are witches.”
Sarah almost squealed with delight when she heard this. How lucky she was to be living next to girl who was a witch just like her.
“I would never endanger my- - that is to say, our daughter like that. You have to believe me Tabitha. I understand how the world at large feels about witches.”
Oh dear, thought Sarah, maybe I shouldn’t have let Marty know my secret. But he seemed totally okay with it. Still maybe I should tell him to keep it to himself.
“Those who didn’t want to see us burnt at the stake would be hounding us constantly for magical favors.”
“Like I said I understand.”
This conversation had greatly upset Sarah. While she was thrilled to have a magical playmate, the thought of possibly being burned at the stake was horrible. She must talk to Marty as soon a possible.
“Very well, under those conditions you may spend time with our daughter.”
“I’m glad we could reach a mutually acceptable agreement.”
“Yes well why don’t you get started now? If you could just watch Endora and Maria a moment while I tend to some things inside.”
“I would be delighted.”
Luis and newly minted cops Fancy and Paloma were the first on the scene at the Crane Mansion.
“Who was here when the body was found?” Asked Luis.
“Just me Essme and Simone: She’s in the solarium.” Said Fox.
“It looks like someone scraped some icing off his cheek.” Said Paloma.
“That would be me.” Essme raised her hand.
“Other than that, the body hasn’t been touched. I made sure of it.” Said Fox.
“Do you think it could be someone with a grudge against Chad and Whitney? Asked Fancy.
“That’s a fair assumption but until we identify the body…”
“Sir, I was able to talk to the bakery.” Bentley was standing in the doorway.
“What did they say?” Asked Fox
“As you might have suspected they didn’t place the call saying they would be late and they confirmed that someone called them and told them to cancel the cake we had ordered for the reception.”
“Thank you Bentley that will be all, unless you had a question for him Luis.”
“No, he can go but I may want to interview the entire kitchen staff later.” Just then, Luis’ cell phone rang. “This is Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald?”
“Luis! This is Sheridan, I know I should have called you as soon as I got the news but I wanted to make sure it was true.”
“What’s true?”
“Marty! He’s right here in my arms!!”
“Hi Dad! I’m so glad to be back home I can’t wait to see you!”
“Marty?! I can’t believe it. Where are the two of you Sheridan?”
Fancy, who had been watching the forensic techs go over the body looked over to Luis.
“It’s Sheridan, she’s says Marty is back with her! And I just heard his voice!” Said Luis covering the mouthpiece of his cell phone.
“I’m at the Bennett’s.” Said Sheridan.
“The Bennett’s?”
“It’s a long story; do you think you can come over here?”
“I’m at a crime scene right now. Is Sam there, I need to talk to him?”
“Sure, he’s right here.”
Luis quickly explained the situation to Sam. Then he noticed that Fancy was standing next to him.
“They’ve been able to identify the body it’s Jared Casey.”
“My God.” Said Luis.
“Valerie? Where could you be?!” Said Theresa after hearing Valerie’s voice mail message for the fifth time. She was closing her phone when she noticed Adam at the nurse’s station.
“Are you stalking my friend Whitney now?’
“I’m just doing my job Ms Crane. The new Mrs. Harris is a public figure precisely because she’s your friend.” Adam couldn’t believe he had just gotten those words out of his mouth considering who he was talking to.
“Is this person bothering you?” Asked Ethan coming up to them.
“He’s a photographer for the Intruder and he took a picture of Whitney while she was on the floor at the church. Now he’s lurking around the hospital trying to dig up dirt on her.”
“I only wanted information on Mrs. Harris’ condition and as for the picture…”
“I’m Ms Crane’s attorney and I also represent the Harris’s…”
“Ethan I can handle this. But there is something I would like to talk to you about.” Theresa looked Adam up and down. “Privately.” She pulled Ethan by the sleeve down the hall.
Valerie came up behind Adam. “How’s it going big boy?”
“Vincent what are you doing dressed as Valerie?”
“I saw you getting an earful from your ladylove so I thought Valerie could run interference for you, but by the time I found an empty room and changed, her knight in shining armor had done the job for me.”
“Did you make it back to the Intruder? And please stop referring to Ther- - Ms Crane as my ladylove.”
“Whatever you say, and yes I returned your camera to the Intruder and Mr. Jamison told me to find you so we can both check out what’s happening at the Crane Mansion.”
“Alright Theresa, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?” Asked Ethan pulling his sleeve out of her grasp.
“Well first, how have you been?”
“Now see? I was just bragging to Gwen that you had minded your own business during the ceremony.”
“What? I can’t be concerned about an old friend?”
“Gwen seems to think you have a secret you’re not telling her; which is strange, since up until recently we both thought you were keeping a secret from me. So which is it?”
Both. “Neither, alright here’s what I wanted to talk to you about: I’ve decided to hire Spike on a trial basis.”
“You've got to be kidding.”
“I know I know but he claims to know where Alistair has been hiding Antonio.”
“And you believe him?”
“I believe he must be desperate for cash and that can only mean that Alistair is truly out of the picture.”
“If he’s desperate Theresa he could be dangerous.”
“Yes but if there’s the slightest chance Antonio could still be alive.”
“Just be careful and keep me posted. By the way what’s the status with this Jared character?”
“Now who’s getting personal? But if you must know I think he’s been trying to propose to me but every time we keep getting interrupted.”
“Maybe Fate is trying to tell him something.”
“Ha ha very fun- - I can’t believe it!” She had just spotted ‘Valerie’ talking to Adam. “Valerie! What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
*
*
*
End of Episode 13
Sarah was about to follow Marty downstairs when she heard a noise outside her new bedroom window. She climbed up on a chair to look out. A woman and a man were shouting at each other while two little girls played on the lawn below.
“How many times do I have to tell you I don’t like you coming to my house to see Endora?”
“And how many times do I have to remind you that I am the child’s Father?”
“If only I could take that night of carnal pleasure back!” Said Tabitha. “Oh, but then I wouldn’t have my precious little Sweet Pea. Julian you just have to promise me that you will never let anyone outside this house know that we are witches.”
Sarah almost squealed with delight when she heard this. How lucky she was to be living next to girl who was a witch just like her.
“I would never endanger my- - that is to say, our daughter like that. You have to believe me Tabitha. I understand how the world at large feels about witches.”
Oh dear, thought Sarah, maybe I shouldn’t have let Marty know my secret. But he seemed totally okay with it. Still maybe I should tell him to keep it to himself.
“Those who didn’t want to see us burnt at the stake would be hounding us constantly for magical favors.”
“Like I said I understand.”
This conversation had greatly upset Sarah. While she was thrilled to have a magical playmate, the thought of possibly being burned at the stake was horrible. She must talk to Marty as soon a possible.
“Very well, under those conditions you may spend time with our daughter.”
“I’m glad we could reach a mutually acceptable agreement.”
“Yes well why don’t you get started now? If you could just watch Endora and Maria a moment while I tend to some things inside.”
“I would be delighted.”
Luis and newly minted cops Fancy and Paloma were the first on the scene at the Crane Mansion.
“Who was here when the body was found?” Asked Luis.
“Just me Essme and Simone: She’s in the solarium.” Said Fox.
“It looks like someone scraped some icing off his cheek.” Said Paloma.
“That would be me.” Essme raised her hand.
“Other than that, the body hasn’t been touched. I made sure of it.” Said Fox.
“Do you think it could be someone with a grudge against Chad and Whitney? Asked Fancy.
“That’s a fair assumption but until we identify the body…”
“Sir, I was able to talk to the bakery.” Bentley was standing in the doorway.
“What did they say?” Asked Fox
“As you might have suspected they didn’t place the call saying they would be late and they confirmed that someone called them and told them to cancel the cake we had ordered for the reception.”
“Thank you Bentley that will be all, unless you had a question for him Luis.”
“No, he can go but I may want to interview the entire kitchen staff later.” Just then, Luis’ cell phone rang. “This is Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald?”
“Luis! This is Sheridan, I know I should have called you as soon as I got the news but I wanted to make sure it was true.”
“What’s true?”
“Marty! He’s right here in my arms!!”
“Hi Dad! I’m so glad to be back home I can’t wait to see you!”
“Marty?! I can’t believe it. Where are the two of you Sheridan?”
Fancy, who had been watching the forensic techs go over the body looked over to Luis.
“It’s Sheridan, she’s says Marty is back with her! And I just heard his voice!” Said Luis covering the mouthpiece of his cell phone.
“I’m at the Bennett’s.” Said Sheridan.
“The Bennett’s?”
“It’s a long story; do you think you can come over here?”
“I’m at a crime scene right now. Is Sam there, I need to talk to him?”
“Sure, he’s right here.”
Luis quickly explained the situation to Sam. Then he noticed that Fancy was standing next to him.
“They’ve been able to identify the body it’s Jared Casey.”
“My God.” Said Luis.
“Valerie? Where could you be?!” Said Theresa after hearing Valerie’s voice mail message for the fifth time. She was closing her phone when she noticed Adam at the nurse’s station.
“Are you stalking my friend Whitney now?’
“I’m just doing my job Ms Crane. The new Mrs. Harris is a public figure precisely because she’s your friend.” Adam couldn’t believe he had just gotten those words out of his mouth considering who he was talking to.
“Is this person bothering you?” Asked Ethan coming up to them.
“He’s a photographer for the Intruder and he took a picture of Whitney while she was on the floor at the church. Now he’s lurking around the hospital trying to dig up dirt on her.”
“I only wanted information on Mrs. Harris’ condition and as for the picture…”
“I’m Ms Crane’s attorney and I also represent the Harris’s…”
“Ethan I can handle this. But there is something I would like to talk to you about.” Theresa looked Adam up and down. “Privately.” She pulled Ethan by the sleeve down the hall.
Valerie came up behind Adam. “How’s it going big boy?”
“Vincent what are you doing dressed as Valerie?”
“I saw you getting an earful from your ladylove so I thought Valerie could run interference for you, but by the time I found an empty room and changed, her knight in shining armor had done the job for me.”
“Did you make it back to the Intruder? And please stop referring to Ther- - Ms Crane as my ladylove.”
“Whatever you say, and yes I returned your camera to the Intruder and Mr. Jamison told me to find you so we can both check out what’s happening at the Crane Mansion.”
“Alright Theresa, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?” Asked Ethan pulling his sleeve out of her grasp.
“Well first, how have you been?”
“Now see? I was just bragging to Gwen that you had minded your own business during the ceremony.”
“What? I can’t be concerned about an old friend?”
“Gwen seems to think you have a secret you’re not telling her; which is strange, since up until recently we both thought you were keeping a secret from me. So which is it?”
Both. “Neither, alright here’s what I wanted to talk to you about: I’ve decided to hire Spike on a trial basis.”
“You've got to be kidding.”
“I know I know but he claims to know where Alistair has been hiding Antonio.”
“And you believe him?”
“I believe he must be desperate for cash and that can only mean that Alistair is truly out of the picture.”
“If he’s desperate Theresa he could be dangerous.”
“Yes but if there’s the slightest chance Antonio could still be alive.”
“Just be careful and keep me posted. By the way what’s the status with this Jared character?”
“Now who’s getting personal? But if you must know I think he’s been trying to propose to me but every time we keep getting interrupted.”
“Maybe Fate is trying to tell him something.”
“Ha ha very fun- - I can’t believe it!” She had just spotted ‘Valerie’ talking to Adam. “Valerie! What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
*
*
*
End of Episode 13
Friday, October 31, 2008
Episode 12:In Which Sheridan gives Sam a Lesson in Mythology and Essme Uses the House Phone
Episode 12
“Oh my God!” Said Fox.
“Oh my God!” Said Simone.
“Oh my Gawd!” Said Essme.
“Oh my God!!!” They said in unison.
“Can you recognize who that is?” Asked Fox.
“No.” Said Simone
“Its hard to tell with all this icing.” Said Essme. “Here let me see.” She stuck her finger in the icing around Jared’s cheek, brought it up to her mouth and licked. “Em, not bad.”
“Essme!” Said Fox.
“I’m just sayin’.”
“Essme, Please step away from the body while I call 911.”
“I’m going to call my Mom and see if she has any news on Whitney.” Said Simone. “I’ll be out in the solarium if anyone needs me.
“Essme, see if you can get one of the servants on the house phone over there.” Directed Fox.
“Roger Dodger.”
“Yes, this is Fox Crane. I’d like to report a dead body at the Crane mansion. Can you send an ambulance or whatever’s needed to deal with something like this? Yes, the Crane mansion. Thank you.”
“You needed to talk to one of the kitchen staff sir?”
“Yes Bentley, I need to know where that cake came from.”
Bentley went white when he saw the body on the floor. “Oh my, I’m sorry Mr. Crane I had no idea.”
“It’s alright Bentley; I just need to know about the cake.”
“I- -I…”
“Calm down man.”
“It was delivered to the loading dock about half an hour ago.”
“That was cutting it awfully close wasn’t it?”
“Yes it was supposed to be here first thing this morning but we received a call saying it would be late.”
“Do me a favor and call the bakery and see if they actually made that call.”
“I’ll see what I can find out.”
“Clarkson!!! Where the devil have you been?!”
“I just came from the hospital sir.” Said Vincent. “Adam and I were covering the Harris wedding when the bride fainted and had to taken to the hos- -.”
“Yes, yes, I know all about that.”
“You do? How?”
“The Intruder’s been tapping into Alistair Crane’s network of video cameras almost as long as the old codger’s had them in operation.”
“Then you saw the entire ceremony?”
“Of course not, it seems even Alistair Crane had some standards. He never placed cameras inside the church.” Vincent realized that this meant Mr. Jamison had no way of knowing about the picture Adam had taken and then erased. “But we had a clear view of the parking lot from the camera in the vacant lot across the street so when we saw the paramedics pull up we knew something was up. Which reminds me: Where the blazes is Lennox?”
“He’s still at the hospital, trying to get info on Whitney.”
“Well you’ll just have to call and tell him to hightail it over to the Crane Mansion. We just picked up a bulletin on the police scanner about a dead body falling out of a cake there.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
Since the plots against his family never came to fruition, Vincent didn’t recognize the significance of a body stuffed into a cake, but it would certainly raise questions in Adam’s mind later.
“Wait couldn’t you just use Alistair’s cameras again to see what’s going on?”
“We could except that the cameras inside the Crane mansion are the only ones we’ve never been able to access. Crane Security must have extra buffers on them or something. Now would you please stop wasting time, find Lennox and get over there?”
“Yes sir.”
Sam and Jessica took Marty and Sarah to the Bennett house, because they didn’t know Chad and Whitney’s reception had been cancelled and they didn’t want to subject the kids to the media circus any event at the Crane mansion naturally drew. On the way there, they had called Sheridan to tell her that Marty was safe and sound and she could come and pick him up.
“Well what do we have here?” Said Sam, eyeing the package that was sitting on the porch. He bent down and read the return address. “Its from Grace…She mailed it from Greece.” He and Jessica held each other’s gaze for a moment.
“Who’s Grace?” Asked Sarah.
“She’s…She’s my Ex wife honey.”
“Why do you sound so sad?”
“Sarah, how about we go inside and introduce your new pet rabbit to his new home?”
Sarah picked up the cage, walked over to Sam, still kneeling by the package, and put her free hand on his shoulder.
“I’ll be inside in just a minute sweetie, OK?”
When he was alone, Sam opened the package and found a letter from Grace at the top of some packing material that concealed whatever else was in the box.
Dear Sam,
As you know, I have been living with David in England since I left Harmony. Four weeks ago we went on a vacation to Greece, planning to return to England in time to celebrate Christmas with John, during his break from Oxford. David went missing two weeks ago and I have been scouring Greece looking for him to no avail. I contacted John and he was supposed to fly out and help me search but I haven’t heard anything else from him either. I’m starting to worry for my own safety as well. During my search I came across the object you will find in the box. I am forwarding it to you for safe keeping. I can’t go into it now but I believe this object holds the key to my past and has some kind of tie to Harmony and Alistair as well. I will explain everything to you when I see you. I plan to arrive in Harmony the first week in January.
Love
Grace
Sam hurriedly picked up the box and rushed inside.
“Jessica where are you!?”
“Dad? What is it?” Said Jessica coming down the stairs. “I was just showing Sarah and Marty her new room I figured she could have Kay’s old room and I could sleep in the guest room.”
“I have some marvelous news; your Mother is coming home!”
“Oh Dad, that’s great!”
“Knock Knock.”
Sam and Jessica turned to see Sheridan standing in the door with James.
“Did I here your message correctly Jessica? Is my boy home?”
“He’s right upstairs let me call him for you. Marty!”
Marty appeared at the top of the stairs and when he saw his Mother, rushed into her arms.
“Oh Marty I was afraid I’d never see you again!”
“What’s in the box Dad?” Asked Jessica.
Sam realized that he was still holding the box in a death grip.
“I don’t know.” He quickly opened the lid and pulled out a sculpture of a man’s head except that this head had two faces; one in front and one in back.
Sheridan looked up from Marty and saw the sculpture. “Oh my God, Father used to have a statue just like that one, years ago. It always gave me the willeys but Julian loved it. Father broke it in a rage one night. We never knew why. It’s the head of the god Jannus.
*
*
*
End of Episode 12
“Oh my God!” Said Fox.
“Oh my God!” Said Simone.
“Oh my Gawd!” Said Essme.
“Oh my God!!!” They said in unison.
“Can you recognize who that is?” Asked Fox.
“No.” Said Simone
“Its hard to tell with all this icing.” Said Essme. “Here let me see.” She stuck her finger in the icing around Jared’s cheek, brought it up to her mouth and licked. “Em, not bad.”
“Essme!” Said Fox.
“I’m just sayin’.”
“Essme, Please step away from the body while I call 911.”
“I’m going to call my Mom and see if she has any news on Whitney.” Said Simone. “I’ll be out in the solarium if anyone needs me.
“Essme, see if you can get one of the servants on the house phone over there.” Directed Fox.
“Roger Dodger.”
“Yes, this is Fox Crane. I’d like to report a dead body at the Crane mansion. Can you send an ambulance or whatever’s needed to deal with something like this? Yes, the Crane mansion. Thank you.”
“You needed to talk to one of the kitchen staff sir?”
“Yes Bentley, I need to know where that cake came from.”
Bentley went white when he saw the body on the floor. “Oh my, I’m sorry Mr. Crane I had no idea.”
“It’s alright Bentley; I just need to know about the cake.”
“I- -I…”
“Calm down man.”
“It was delivered to the loading dock about half an hour ago.”
“That was cutting it awfully close wasn’t it?”
“Yes it was supposed to be here first thing this morning but we received a call saying it would be late.”
“Do me a favor and call the bakery and see if they actually made that call.”
“I’ll see what I can find out.”
“Clarkson!!! Where the devil have you been?!”
“I just came from the hospital sir.” Said Vincent. “Adam and I were covering the Harris wedding when the bride fainted and had to taken to the hos- -.”
“Yes, yes, I know all about that.”
“You do? How?”
“The Intruder’s been tapping into Alistair Crane’s network of video cameras almost as long as the old codger’s had them in operation.”
“Then you saw the entire ceremony?”
“Of course not, it seems even Alistair Crane had some standards. He never placed cameras inside the church.” Vincent realized that this meant Mr. Jamison had no way of knowing about the picture Adam had taken and then erased. “But we had a clear view of the parking lot from the camera in the vacant lot across the street so when we saw the paramedics pull up we knew something was up. Which reminds me: Where the blazes is Lennox?”
“He’s still at the hospital, trying to get info on Whitney.”
“Well you’ll just have to call and tell him to hightail it over to the Crane Mansion. We just picked up a bulletin on the police scanner about a dead body falling out of a cake there.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
Since the plots against his family never came to fruition, Vincent didn’t recognize the significance of a body stuffed into a cake, but it would certainly raise questions in Adam’s mind later.
“Wait couldn’t you just use Alistair’s cameras again to see what’s going on?”
“We could except that the cameras inside the Crane mansion are the only ones we’ve never been able to access. Crane Security must have extra buffers on them or something. Now would you please stop wasting time, find Lennox and get over there?”
“Yes sir.”
Sam and Jessica took Marty and Sarah to the Bennett house, because they didn’t know Chad and Whitney’s reception had been cancelled and they didn’t want to subject the kids to the media circus any event at the Crane mansion naturally drew. On the way there, they had called Sheridan to tell her that Marty was safe and sound and she could come and pick him up.
“Well what do we have here?” Said Sam, eyeing the package that was sitting on the porch. He bent down and read the return address. “Its from Grace…She mailed it from Greece.” He and Jessica held each other’s gaze for a moment.
“Who’s Grace?” Asked Sarah.
“She’s…She’s my Ex wife honey.”
“Why do you sound so sad?”
“Sarah, how about we go inside and introduce your new pet rabbit to his new home?”
Sarah picked up the cage, walked over to Sam, still kneeling by the package, and put her free hand on his shoulder.
“I’ll be inside in just a minute sweetie, OK?”
When he was alone, Sam opened the package and found a letter from Grace at the top of some packing material that concealed whatever else was in the box.
Dear Sam,
As you know, I have been living with David in England since I left Harmony. Four weeks ago we went on a vacation to Greece, planning to return to England in time to celebrate Christmas with John, during his break from Oxford. David went missing two weeks ago and I have been scouring Greece looking for him to no avail. I contacted John and he was supposed to fly out and help me search but I haven’t heard anything else from him either. I’m starting to worry for my own safety as well. During my search I came across the object you will find in the box. I am forwarding it to you for safe keeping. I can’t go into it now but I believe this object holds the key to my past and has some kind of tie to Harmony and Alistair as well. I will explain everything to you when I see you. I plan to arrive in Harmony the first week in January.
Love
Grace
Sam hurriedly picked up the box and rushed inside.
“Jessica where are you!?”
“Dad? What is it?” Said Jessica coming down the stairs. “I was just showing Sarah and Marty her new room I figured she could have Kay’s old room and I could sleep in the guest room.”
“I have some marvelous news; your Mother is coming home!”
“Oh Dad, that’s great!”
“Knock Knock.”
Sam and Jessica turned to see Sheridan standing in the door with James.
“Did I here your message correctly Jessica? Is my boy home?”
“He’s right upstairs let me call him for you. Marty!”
Marty appeared at the top of the stairs and when he saw his Mother, rushed into her arms.
“Oh Marty I was afraid I’d never see you again!”
“What’s in the box Dad?” Asked Jessica.
Sam realized that he was still holding the box in a death grip.
“I don’t know.” He quickly opened the lid and pulled out a sculpture of a man’s head except that this head had two faces; one in front and one in back.
Sheridan looked up from Marty and saw the sculpture. “Oh my God, Father used to have a statue just like that one, years ago. It always gave me the willeys but Julian loved it. Father broke it in a rage one night. We never knew why. It’s the head of the god Jannus.
*
*
*
End of Episode 12
Friday, October 24, 2008
Episode 11:In Which Adam gives Vincent a Lesson in Mythology and Essme Almost has a Case of De ja vu
Episode 11
“She’s pregnant.” Announced Eve, coming out of the ICU where Whitney had been placed.
“Pregnant?” Echoed Chad.
“I would say about four weeks; so there’s a good chance she wasn’t even aware of it herself.”
“That’s great news man.” Said Ethan.
“Yes…yes it is.” Said Chad.
“Its wonderful news but are you sure she’s alright?” Asked Theresa.
“We’re going to be moving her to her own room so we can monitor her overnight but yes, she should be fine.” Assured Eve.
“Oh, man, Miles is going to have a little brother or sister.” Chad sat down in the nearest chair.
“Ethan, I’m sorry but I have to go.” Said Gwen.
“Go? I thought you had the day off for the wedding.”
“Yes but I promised Mr. C. I would be able to attend the 4:00 staff meeting.”
“That means you’re going to miss the reception…although at this point I guess there isn’t going to be one.”
“Yeah.” Said Theresa. “The servants are probably still setting up for it. I need to call the mansion and let somebody know what’s going on.” She took off down the hall.
“Amazing, there’s definitely something up with her.”
“Come on Gwen, she hardly said a word to either of us the entire ceremony.”
“That’s my point exactly, she’s usually in our faces 24/7; always trying to come between us.”
“I thought you’d be happy for the change.”
“Maybe, but I kept catching her sneaking looks at me and it wasn’t her usual daggers look. It was like she wanted to tell me something but didn’t know how to go about it. I can’t put my finger on it but I intend to find out.”
Meanwhile Adam and Vincent were at the admittance desk trying with no luck to get information on Whitney’s condition.
“Listen, why don’t we do this? You take my camera back to the Intruder offices while I go upstairs and see if I have better luck finding out what’s going on with Whitney.”
“Sounds like a plan. You know Mr. Jamison is going to flip when he sees that picture you took of Whitney sprawled out on the floor.”
“Too late, I already erased it.”
“You what?”
“She is your half sister after all; you’d think you’d have more compassion for her, unless you still have issues?”
“No its not that, its just hard to think of her that way.”
“Besides that, you heard what Theresa- - that is Ms. Crane said about suing the paper if we printed that picture.”
“Come on the Intruder gets sued practically every hour on the hour…Wait a minute; you have a thing for Theresa Crane don’t you?”
“I do not.”
“You do too.”
“Well, maybe a little.”
“I knew it.”
Suddenly Tina Turner was singing ‘Proud Mary’ in Vincent’s back pocket.
“That would be Valerie’s ringtone.” Said Vincent. “Let me see…Yes, just as I thought. Its your ladylove, Theresa calling. Would you like to talk to her?”
“Vincent.”
“Ah well, I know she’s calling to see if Valerie was able to finish that research project, so I can just let it go to voice mail and get back to ribbing you.”
“What does Theresa have ‘Valerie’ researching now?”
“Some woman by the name of Heckuba.”
“Heckuba?!”
“You sound like you know her.”
“No- - I mean Yes: Hecuba, the wife of Priam, the King from the Trojan War.”
“Somehow I don’t think she’s the same woman Theresa is looking for.”
“No probably not.” No but Mother’s going to flip when she hears her old ‘friend' is back in town thought Adam.
“So, you and Theresa…”
“Would you please just get that camera back to the Intruder, and hey, the only way Mr. Jamison is going to find out about that picture is if you spill the beans.”
“Don’t worry I got your back.”
“I certainly hope so.”
Adam walked down the corridor and pressed the button for the elevator. There was an immediate ding and the doors slid open. On the way up, Adam pulled Timmy’s letter from his pocket and read it over several times.
“‘neither party was responsible’ Hmm…wait a minute.” He suddenly remembered his conversation with Kay this morning. “What if neither Alistair nor Vincent was responsible for the bomb at the airport? That would mean that Grace Bennett is still in grave danger!!”
“Foxy? Foxy Loxy? Where are you? There you are.”
“Oh hi Essme.”
“I was soooo disappointed when I woke up this morning and you weren’t there.”
“Don’t get me wrong, last night was spectacular, It really was, but I just don’t feel right staying at Tabitha’s; especially now that Kay and Miguel are engaged.”
“Yes, I can see how that might be a tad awk-ward.”
“I tried my best but those two must really be in love.”
“Ain’t it the truth? Say, How come you’re up here in your room all by your lonesome?”
“I was just trying to stay out of everyone’s way downstairs, what with all the preparation for Chad and Whitney’s reception.”
“I was just down there and apparently the reception has been cancelled. From what I overheard, Whitney collapsed after the ceremony and had to be rushed to the hospital.”
“I hope she’s going to be alright.”
“Why don’t we go downstairs and scarf down some of the spread the servants laid out before they got the call.”
“But Essme, I have the Crane kitchen at my disposal. Why, I could ask for a rack of lamb to be sent up here and they wouldn’t bat an eyelash.”
“Come on pal, where’s your sense of adventure? Let’s go down there and pretend to be wedding crashers. I always loved that movie you know. Come on, come on, come on.”
“Alright, lead the way.”
Downstairs they found Simone in the foyer looking perplexed.
“Where is everyone?” She asked.
“I guess you hadn’t heard?” Said Essme.
“Heard what, I’ve been working at the Book Café all morning.”
“About Whitney; I’m afraid she succumbed to a vasovagal re-flex.”
“She what?”
“We just found out ourselves; your sister’s in the hospital. She fainted after the ceremony.” Said Fox.
“Oh, my I need to get over there.”
“But don’t you want to try some of this food? At least take a piece of this cake to Whitney she needs something to cheer her up.”
“Essme, I don’t think that’s necessary.” Said Fox.
“Oh pish tosh, cake is always a good thing.”
“Really Essme, I need to leave.” Said Simone
Essme approached the very large and familiar looking cake with the knife. At least the cake would have been familiar to Essme had she attended Chad and Whitney’s original reception. But this time instead of JT Cornell falling out of the cake, it was Jared Casey’s body that fell to the floor covered in icing.
*
*
*
End of Episode 11
“She’s pregnant.” Announced Eve, coming out of the ICU where Whitney had been placed.
“Pregnant?” Echoed Chad.
“I would say about four weeks; so there’s a good chance she wasn’t even aware of it herself.”
“That’s great news man.” Said Ethan.
“Yes…yes it is.” Said Chad.
“Its wonderful news but are you sure she’s alright?” Asked Theresa.
“We’re going to be moving her to her own room so we can monitor her overnight but yes, she should be fine.” Assured Eve.
“Oh, man, Miles is going to have a little brother or sister.” Chad sat down in the nearest chair.
“Ethan, I’m sorry but I have to go.” Said Gwen.
“Go? I thought you had the day off for the wedding.”
“Yes but I promised Mr. C. I would be able to attend the 4:00 staff meeting.”
“That means you’re going to miss the reception…although at this point I guess there isn’t going to be one.”
“Yeah.” Said Theresa. “The servants are probably still setting up for it. I need to call the mansion and let somebody know what’s going on.” She took off down the hall.
“Amazing, there’s definitely something up with her.”
“Come on Gwen, she hardly said a word to either of us the entire ceremony.”
“That’s my point exactly, she’s usually in our faces 24/7; always trying to come between us.”
“I thought you’d be happy for the change.”
“Maybe, but I kept catching her sneaking looks at me and it wasn’t her usual daggers look. It was like she wanted to tell me something but didn’t know how to go about it. I can’t put my finger on it but I intend to find out.”
Meanwhile Adam and Vincent were at the admittance desk trying with no luck to get information on Whitney’s condition.
“Listen, why don’t we do this? You take my camera back to the Intruder offices while I go upstairs and see if I have better luck finding out what’s going on with Whitney.”
“Sounds like a plan. You know Mr. Jamison is going to flip when he sees that picture you took of Whitney sprawled out on the floor.”
“Too late, I already erased it.”
“You what?”
“She is your half sister after all; you’d think you’d have more compassion for her, unless you still have issues?”
“No its not that, its just hard to think of her that way.”
“Besides that, you heard what Theresa- - that is Ms. Crane said about suing the paper if we printed that picture.”
“Come on the Intruder gets sued practically every hour on the hour…Wait a minute; you have a thing for Theresa Crane don’t you?”
“I do not.”
“You do too.”
“Well, maybe a little.”
“I knew it.”
Suddenly Tina Turner was singing ‘Proud Mary’ in Vincent’s back pocket.
“That would be Valerie’s ringtone.” Said Vincent. “Let me see…Yes, just as I thought. Its your ladylove, Theresa calling. Would you like to talk to her?”
“Vincent.”
“Ah well, I know she’s calling to see if Valerie was able to finish that research project, so I can just let it go to voice mail and get back to ribbing you.”
“What does Theresa have ‘Valerie’ researching now?”
“Some woman by the name of Heckuba.”
“Heckuba?!”
“You sound like you know her.”
“No- - I mean Yes: Hecuba, the wife of Priam, the King from the Trojan War.”
“Somehow I don’t think she’s the same woman Theresa is looking for.”
“No probably not.” No but Mother’s going to flip when she hears her old ‘friend' is back in town thought Adam.
“So, you and Theresa…”
“Would you please just get that camera back to the Intruder, and hey, the only way Mr. Jamison is going to find out about that picture is if you spill the beans.”
“Don’t worry I got your back.”
“I certainly hope so.”
Adam walked down the corridor and pressed the button for the elevator. There was an immediate ding and the doors slid open. On the way up, Adam pulled Timmy’s letter from his pocket and read it over several times.
“‘neither party was responsible’ Hmm…wait a minute.” He suddenly remembered his conversation with Kay this morning. “What if neither Alistair nor Vincent was responsible for the bomb at the airport? That would mean that Grace Bennett is still in grave danger!!”
“Foxy? Foxy Loxy? Where are you? There you are.”
“Oh hi Essme.”
“I was soooo disappointed when I woke up this morning and you weren’t there.”
“Don’t get me wrong, last night was spectacular, It really was, but I just don’t feel right staying at Tabitha’s; especially now that Kay and Miguel are engaged.”
“Yes, I can see how that might be a tad awk-ward.”
“I tried my best but those two must really be in love.”
“Ain’t it the truth? Say, How come you’re up here in your room all by your lonesome?”
“I was just trying to stay out of everyone’s way downstairs, what with all the preparation for Chad and Whitney’s reception.”
“I was just down there and apparently the reception has been cancelled. From what I overheard, Whitney collapsed after the ceremony and had to be rushed to the hospital.”
“I hope she’s going to be alright.”
“Why don’t we go downstairs and scarf down some of the spread the servants laid out before they got the call.”
“But Essme, I have the Crane kitchen at my disposal. Why, I could ask for a rack of lamb to be sent up here and they wouldn’t bat an eyelash.”
“Come on pal, where’s your sense of adventure? Let’s go down there and pretend to be wedding crashers. I always loved that movie you know. Come on, come on, come on.”
“Alright, lead the way.”
Downstairs they found Simone in the foyer looking perplexed.
“Where is everyone?” She asked.
“I guess you hadn’t heard?” Said Essme.
“Heard what, I’ve been working at the Book Café all morning.”
“About Whitney; I’m afraid she succumbed to a vasovagal re-flex.”
“She what?”
“We just found out ourselves; your sister’s in the hospital. She fainted after the ceremony.” Said Fox.
“Oh, my I need to get over there.”
“But don’t you want to try some of this food? At least take a piece of this cake to Whitney she needs something to cheer her up.”
“Essme, I don’t think that’s necessary.” Said Fox.
“Oh pish tosh, cake is always a good thing.”
“Really Essme, I need to leave.” Said Simone
Essme approached the very large and familiar looking cake with the knife. At least the cake would have been familiar to Essme had she attended Chad and Whitney’s original reception. But this time instead of JT Cornell falling out of the cake, it was Jared Casey’s body that fell to the floor covered in icing.
*
*
*
End of Episode 11
Friday, October 17, 2008
Episode 10:In Which Chad and Whitney Finally Get Married and Eve is Asked to Consult on a Case
Episode 10
“But how can that be?”
“I know Dad, its probably somebody’s idea of a sick joke but what if it could be true?” Asked Jessica.
“That would mean I have a grand daughter that I never knew about.”
“And I have a niece. That would be so cool.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“Like I was telling Theresa earlier, you have to admit stranger things have happened in Harmony.”
“Yes but this seems to go beyond…”
“Beyond what? Hell appearing in Charity’s closet? Our house being attacked by giant ravens?”
“Stop. You’ve made your point.”
“Listen Dad, I’ve been thinking about this all morning and I think the best thing to do is for me to move back home with you and help you take care of Sarah.”
“Jessica.”
“Dad, Simone hasn’t said anything but ever since Rae moved in I know I’ve been cramping their style.”
“But…”
“No buts; if there’s the slightest chance that Sarah is part of our family there’s no way we can let her get lost in the foster system. She stays with us until either we prove she’s not Gwen’s daughter or we find this Heckuba person. And even then I’m not sure we should just turn Sarah over to her.”
“But Sarah says she’s her mom. Did you say that she’s the one who helped Marty escape from Spike?”
“That’s what Theresa thinks but I just realized that Marty never said that. He said that this woman took him out of the safe house and dropped him off in a field just outside of town where he ran into Sarah looking for her Mom. It sounds like two different women.”
“But you’re not sure?”
“I’m not sure of anything.”
“You know if you move back in you’ll be living under the same roof as Ivy.”
“I can deal with Ivy.”
“And then there’s Gwen.”
“We can deal with Gwen.”
“How can I argue with that? The truth is I’m glad for anything that makes you want to move back home.”
“I now pronounce you man and wife. Said Father Lonigan. “Ladies and Gentlemen I’m pleased to present to you for the first time: Mr. And Mrs. Chad Harris.”
“Well you pulled it off.” Said Vincent as he nudged Adam with his elbow. “If you hadn’t talked me out of my plot, I dare say those two would be facing some hard times ahead.”
“I just hope you can find some peace in your life as well Vincent.”
“Dr. Woodward says I’m making progress.”
Julian and Eve caught Adam’s eye. “Have you decided when you’re going to come out to your parents?”
“Not yet but hopefully it will happen soon.”
“I guess we better hurry and get set up outside so we can catch them coming out of the church.”
Just then Endora ran down the aisle holding up Timmy’s letter. “Adam! Adam! Mommie wanted me to give this to you!” She bubbled.
Kay and Miguel, carrying Maria, came up behind the little witch. “Sorry about that Adam.” Said Kay. “She’s been fidgeting in her seat the whole ceremony waiting to give you that letter.”
“No problem.” Adam reached down and scooped Endora into his arms. “I’m always glad to see my little sister. Oh have you two met my friend and co-worker, Vincent?”
Adam realized that Kay and Miguel knew the truth about Vincent but they couldn’t let Vincent know that they knew. He actually wanted to confide to his new friend that he was a warlock but he feared that Vincent’s psyche was still too fragile to handle such a revelation. He hoped that someday he would be able to trust him with the information.
“Pleased to meet you.” Miguel extended his hand to Vincent.
“Same here.” Vincent shook Miguel’s hand and nodded toward Kay.
Kay took Endora back from Adam as Endora handed him the letter.
“What’s this then?” Asked Adam.
“Tabitha said it arrived this morning from an old friend of you and your Mother’s.”
“I think I know just the friend it is.”
Across the room, Eve’s cell phone rang. “I must have forgotten to turn it off.” She told Julian. “I’m glad it didn’t go off during the ceremony. Excuse me a moment” She walked quickly to the vestibule. “Yes, this is Dr. Eve Russell?”
Left to his own devices, Julian’s eyes wandered around the room and he spotted Endora in Kay’s arms. He walked quickly over to them.
“Hello, Endora.”
“Hello Daddy, I’m so glad to see you here.” Bubbled Endora.
“Excuse me.” Said Vincent “Is it my imagination or does your little sister talk in thought bubbles?”
“Sometimes I do too!” Bubbled Maria.
Julian, Kay, Miguel and Adam all looked at each other an awkward moment, then said in unison:
“Only in Harmony!”
Vincent looked perplexed but smiled.
“I’m so happy for you Whit.” Said Theresa.
“I can’t believe we actually made it. There were times I thought this day would never come.”
Theresa looked nervously over at Gwen.
“You’re going to have to tell her about Sarah.” Said Whitney
“Not until I’m sure what there is to tell.”
“Great, this is going to be just like the Little Ethan situation all over again. I can see that already.”
“How can you say that? This is nothing like the Little Ethan situation.”
How Theresa? How- - Oh my.” Suddenly Whitney went limp and collapsed to the floor.
“Whitney? Whitney!”
“Whitney!!” Chad, who had been talking to Ethan and Gwen, rushed over and cradled Whitney in his arms.
“Where’s Dr. Russell?” Demanded Theresa.
“Oh, she got a phone call.” Said Julian. “I think she went to the vestibule to take it.”
“I’m right here.” Said Eve. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to call you back I have an emergency here.” She said into the phone. Eve rushed down the aisle and knelt by her daughter and new son-in-law.
Everyone was milling around and Adam found himself standing right next to Theresa. His stomach fell to the floor. Here was the woman he had watched for nine years and slowly but surely fallen in love with right in front of him, close enough to touch. He tried to concentrate on his job. Without thinking he held up his camera and snapped a picture of the woman crumpled on the floor.
“What are you doing?!” Snapped Theresa. “How dare you!! I swear if you try to publish that picture, I’ll sue you and your paper.
“But…I…I…uh…” Other than that, Adam was speechless.
Several miles away, in Castleton, Dr Vaughn closed his cell phone and placed it on his desk. “I certainly hope Dr Russell gets back to me soon.”
Down the hall, the patient he was so concerned about opened her eyes. One word slammed it’s way out of her mouth. “Tabitha!!!!”
*
*
*
End of Episode 10
“But how can that be?”
“I know Dad, its probably somebody’s idea of a sick joke but what if it could be true?” Asked Jessica.
“That would mean I have a grand daughter that I never knew about.”
“And I have a niece. That would be so cool.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“Like I was telling Theresa earlier, you have to admit stranger things have happened in Harmony.”
“Yes but this seems to go beyond…”
“Beyond what? Hell appearing in Charity’s closet? Our house being attacked by giant ravens?”
“Stop. You’ve made your point.”
“Listen Dad, I’ve been thinking about this all morning and I think the best thing to do is for me to move back home with you and help you take care of Sarah.”
“Jessica.”
“Dad, Simone hasn’t said anything but ever since Rae moved in I know I’ve been cramping their style.”
“But…”
“No buts; if there’s the slightest chance that Sarah is part of our family there’s no way we can let her get lost in the foster system. She stays with us until either we prove she’s not Gwen’s daughter or we find this Heckuba person. And even then I’m not sure we should just turn Sarah over to her.”
“But Sarah says she’s her mom. Did you say that she’s the one who helped Marty escape from Spike?”
“That’s what Theresa thinks but I just realized that Marty never said that. He said that this woman took him out of the safe house and dropped him off in a field just outside of town where he ran into Sarah looking for her Mom. It sounds like two different women.”
“But you’re not sure?”
“I’m not sure of anything.”
“You know if you move back in you’ll be living under the same roof as Ivy.”
“I can deal with Ivy.”
“And then there’s Gwen.”
“We can deal with Gwen.”
“How can I argue with that? The truth is I’m glad for anything that makes you want to move back home.”
“I now pronounce you man and wife. Said Father Lonigan. “Ladies and Gentlemen I’m pleased to present to you for the first time: Mr. And Mrs. Chad Harris.”
“Well you pulled it off.” Said Vincent as he nudged Adam with his elbow. “If you hadn’t talked me out of my plot, I dare say those two would be facing some hard times ahead.”
“I just hope you can find some peace in your life as well Vincent.”
“Dr. Woodward says I’m making progress.”
Julian and Eve caught Adam’s eye. “Have you decided when you’re going to come out to your parents?”
“Not yet but hopefully it will happen soon.”
“I guess we better hurry and get set up outside so we can catch them coming out of the church.”
Just then Endora ran down the aisle holding up Timmy’s letter. “Adam! Adam! Mommie wanted me to give this to you!” She bubbled.
Kay and Miguel, carrying Maria, came up behind the little witch. “Sorry about that Adam.” Said Kay. “She’s been fidgeting in her seat the whole ceremony waiting to give you that letter.”
“No problem.” Adam reached down and scooped Endora into his arms. “I’m always glad to see my little sister. Oh have you two met my friend and co-worker, Vincent?”
Adam realized that Kay and Miguel knew the truth about Vincent but they couldn’t let Vincent know that they knew. He actually wanted to confide to his new friend that he was a warlock but he feared that Vincent’s psyche was still too fragile to handle such a revelation. He hoped that someday he would be able to trust him with the information.
“Pleased to meet you.” Miguel extended his hand to Vincent.
“Same here.” Vincent shook Miguel’s hand and nodded toward Kay.
Kay took Endora back from Adam as Endora handed him the letter.
“What’s this then?” Asked Adam.
“Tabitha said it arrived this morning from an old friend of you and your Mother’s.”
“I think I know just the friend it is.”
Across the room, Eve’s cell phone rang. “I must have forgotten to turn it off.” She told Julian. “I’m glad it didn’t go off during the ceremony. Excuse me a moment” She walked quickly to the vestibule. “Yes, this is Dr. Eve Russell?”
Left to his own devices, Julian’s eyes wandered around the room and he spotted Endora in Kay’s arms. He walked quickly over to them.
“Hello, Endora.”
“Hello Daddy, I’m so glad to see you here.” Bubbled Endora.
“Excuse me.” Said Vincent “Is it my imagination or does your little sister talk in thought bubbles?”
“Sometimes I do too!” Bubbled Maria.
Julian, Kay, Miguel and Adam all looked at each other an awkward moment, then said in unison:
“Only in Harmony!”
Vincent looked perplexed but smiled.
“I’m so happy for you Whit.” Said Theresa.
“I can’t believe we actually made it. There were times I thought this day would never come.”
Theresa looked nervously over at Gwen.
“You’re going to have to tell her about Sarah.” Said Whitney
“Not until I’m sure what there is to tell.”
“Great, this is going to be just like the Little Ethan situation all over again. I can see that already.”
“How can you say that? This is nothing like the Little Ethan situation.”
How Theresa? How- - Oh my.” Suddenly Whitney went limp and collapsed to the floor.
“Whitney? Whitney!”
“Whitney!!” Chad, who had been talking to Ethan and Gwen, rushed over and cradled Whitney in his arms.
“Where’s Dr. Russell?” Demanded Theresa.
“Oh, she got a phone call.” Said Julian. “I think she went to the vestibule to take it.”
“I’m right here.” Said Eve. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to call you back I have an emergency here.” She said into the phone. Eve rushed down the aisle and knelt by her daughter and new son-in-law.
Everyone was milling around and Adam found himself standing right next to Theresa. His stomach fell to the floor. Here was the woman he had watched for nine years and slowly but surely fallen in love with right in front of him, close enough to touch. He tried to concentrate on his job. Without thinking he held up his camera and snapped a picture of the woman crumpled on the floor.
“What are you doing?!” Snapped Theresa. “How dare you!! I swear if you try to publish that picture, I’ll sue you and your paper.
“But…I…I…uh…” Other than that, Adam was speechless.
Several miles away, in Castleton, Dr Vaughn closed his cell phone and placed it on his desk. “I certainly hope Dr Russell gets back to me soon.”
Down the hall, the patient he was so concerned about opened her eyes. One word slammed it’s way out of her mouth. “Tabitha!!!!”
*
*
*
End of Episode 10
Friday, October 10, 2008
Episode 9: In Which Valerie Gives Jared Theresa's Location and Marty and Sarah Take Out the Trash
Episode 9
“Madam, its Hephestus, may I come in?”
“You may.” Said Heckuba.
“Madam we’ve analyzed the samples you brought us and have come to some conclusions.”
“I’m waiting.”
“The chemical the pump is adding to the river seems to be counteracting something that’s already in the water.”
“You mean something else has already been added to the water?”
“No, Madam, not added. It was quick thinking on your part to have brought us a sample of the river water.
Hephestus please, you’re as bad as Eustace. I have no need of your groveling.”
“Sorry Madam. There’s nothing unusual about the water…physically. But when we analyzed it mystically we found something.”
“I’m quickly losing my patience.”
“A curse has been placed on the river Madam; a curse that goes back many years. We analyzed the chemical from the pump and found it is a derivative of H2O itself, mystically derived I might add.”
“Madam, this is The Dem- - this is Eustace reporting in.”
“That will be all Hephestus, excellent work.”
“Thank you Madam.”
Heckuba walked to a console and stabbed a button with her index finger. “Go ahead Eustace.”
“I’m outside the Book Café. Near as I can tell the kids came here straight from the cave.”
“Is Sarah alright?”
Again Eustace wondered if Heckuba realized how concerned she was with the child. “She’s fine Madam, she and Marty are in the back scarfing down chocolate chip cookies with Simone Russell. Jessica Bennett has put in a call to her father but he hasn’t arrived yet.”
“So its begun, Sarah’s presence has already caused a stir in Harmony. Excellent job Eustace, keep me informed.”
Eustace moved around to the back of the building and peered in the window. He inhaled deeply taking in the rich aroma of chocolate, eggs, butter and brown sugar. “Gee, I wish I could have one of those. Hey wait a minute…” He snapped his fingers and one of the cookies appeared in his hand. “Sometimes I forget I can do that.” He took a bite. “Em em, my compliments to the chef.” He waved the cookie in Simone’s general direction.
“Uh oh.”
Eustace hid behind a crate as the back door to the Book Café swung open.
“Thanks for letting us take out the trash Simone.”
“No problem. Believe it or not; I don’t get many requests for that particular task.”
“We’ll be right back.” Marty and Sarah headed to the end of the alley where the dumpster stood. Eustace peeped his head over the crate.
“You said you wanted to show me something.” Said Marty as he opened the door in the dumpster and pushed the bag of trash through it.
“Watch this.” Sarah waved her arms and a cage appeared on the ground in front of the dumpster. In the cage was the rabbit they had chased this morning.
“How’d you do that?!”
“Easy, my Mommie taught me.”
“Your Mom?”
“Sure, she’s a witch just like me.”
“Wow, that is so cool!!!”
Eustace shoved the rest of the cookie in his mouth, laced his fingers behind his head and leaned against the Book Café wall. “I don’t know if this is what Madam Heckuba had in mind but this should certainly stir things up. If only I had- - There I go again.” He snapped his fingers and was instantly enjoying a frothy glass of milk. “It doesn’t get any better than this”
Theresa stopped at the door to the church and pulled out her cell. “Valerie, this is Theresa.”
“Yes, Theresa what can I do for you?”
“I’d like you to see what you can dig up regarding the name, Heckuba.”
“Isn’t she some kind of mythological figure?”
“That’s what I thought too but now I’m not so sure. Find out as much information as you can about her.”
“I’ll do my best but what is this all about?”
“I’ll have to tell you later. Right now I’m headed into the church.”
“Oh, that’s right. Listen; give the happy couple my best.”
“I will, thanks Valerie.”
No one was more surprised than Vincent to realize he actually meant what Valerie had just told Theresa. He had no ill will for either Chad or Whitney. He had never followed through with his plan to seduce Chad. The sessions with Dr. Woodward that Adam had talked him into were really helping him sort through his feelings of abandonment toward his parents. Dr. Woodward felt that the time had almost come for Vincent to reveal his identity to Eve and Julian.
But who did he want to be. He had originally adopted the guise of Valerie to spy on his Father, Julian but he had come to enjoy being a woman. Dr. Woodward had advised him that because of his condition, at some point he might want to decide which gender he was more comfortable with and become that sex permanently. Right now however Vincent was due to meet Adam at the church, so the assignment Theresa had given Valerie would just have to wait.
“Oh hello Valerie. Have you seen Theresa by any chance?”
“Hi Jared, I just got off the phone with her. She’s at the church helping Whitney get ready for her wedding.”
“Right I had forgotten that was today.”
“Is there anything I can help you with?”
“No unless you think you could convince Theresa to accept my proposal.”
“Sorry, I don’t think even Hercules could accomplish that task.”
“That’s pretty much the conclusion I’ve come to too. I need to tell her that the time has come for me to move on. I’m giving her my resignation.”
“I’m sorry to hear that but I certainly understand. I need to get back to my office; Theresa just asked me to help her with some research.”
“Well hopefully I’ll see you again before I leave town.”
Jared started to walk back to his office.
“So, you’re giving up on your mission then?”
“Jackson, what are you doing here?”
“Your Father sent me. He became concerned when you failed to report in for so long.”
“I have everything under control here. I’ve gathered enough intel on Crane and its inner workings so that my Father and Neppos could walk in here tomorrow and take it over. I was planning on taking the next flight home.”
“That does sound encouraging; however, we also wondered if you had allowed yourself to become too distracted with this Crane woman.”
“Maybe I did but that’s over now. She’s made it clear that she will always be in love with someone else. Did you want to come back to my office and take a look at the data I’ve accumulated?”
“By all means; lead the way.”
After Jared had shown him the information he had compiled on Crane, Jackson Marr excused himself and placed a quick call in the hallway.
“Yes I have Mr. Neppos’ son well in hand, I know what to do. Everything is falling into place. No, he has no idea what’s really going on and he still has no idea about his true identity. We are about to pull off a double coup: The take over of both Crane and Neppos Industries.”
*
*
*
End of Episode 9
“Madam, its Hephestus, may I come in?”
“You may.” Said Heckuba.
“Madam we’ve analyzed the samples you brought us and have come to some conclusions.”
“I’m waiting.”
“The chemical the pump is adding to the river seems to be counteracting something that’s already in the water.”
“You mean something else has already been added to the water?”
“No, Madam, not added. It was quick thinking on your part to have brought us a sample of the river water.
Hephestus please, you’re as bad as Eustace. I have no need of your groveling.”
“Sorry Madam. There’s nothing unusual about the water…physically. But when we analyzed it mystically we found something.”
“I’m quickly losing my patience.”
“A curse has been placed on the river Madam; a curse that goes back many years. We analyzed the chemical from the pump and found it is a derivative of H2O itself, mystically derived I might add.”
“Madam, this is The Dem- - this is Eustace reporting in.”
“That will be all Hephestus, excellent work.”
“Thank you Madam.”
Heckuba walked to a console and stabbed a button with her index finger. “Go ahead Eustace.”
“I’m outside the Book Café. Near as I can tell the kids came here straight from the cave.”
“Is Sarah alright?”
Again Eustace wondered if Heckuba realized how concerned she was with the child. “She’s fine Madam, she and Marty are in the back scarfing down chocolate chip cookies with Simone Russell. Jessica Bennett has put in a call to her father but he hasn’t arrived yet.”
“So its begun, Sarah’s presence has already caused a stir in Harmony. Excellent job Eustace, keep me informed.”
Eustace moved around to the back of the building and peered in the window. He inhaled deeply taking in the rich aroma of chocolate, eggs, butter and brown sugar. “Gee, I wish I could have one of those. Hey wait a minute…” He snapped his fingers and one of the cookies appeared in his hand. “Sometimes I forget I can do that.” He took a bite. “Em em, my compliments to the chef.” He waved the cookie in Simone’s general direction.
“Uh oh.”
Eustace hid behind a crate as the back door to the Book Café swung open.
“Thanks for letting us take out the trash Simone.”
“No problem. Believe it or not; I don’t get many requests for that particular task.”
“We’ll be right back.” Marty and Sarah headed to the end of the alley where the dumpster stood. Eustace peeped his head over the crate.
“You said you wanted to show me something.” Said Marty as he opened the door in the dumpster and pushed the bag of trash through it.
“Watch this.” Sarah waved her arms and a cage appeared on the ground in front of the dumpster. In the cage was the rabbit they had chased this morning.
“How’d you do that?!”
“Easy, my Mommie taught me.”
“Your Mom?”
“Sure, she’s a witch just like me.”
“Wow, that is so cool!!!”
Eustace shoved the rest of the cookie in his mouth, laced his fingers behind his head and leaned against the Book Café wall. “I don’t know if this is what Madam Heckuba had in mind but this should certainly stir things up. If only I had- - There I go again.” He snapped his fingers and was instantly enjoying a frothy glass of milk. “It doesn’t get any better than this”
Theresa stopped at the door to the church and pulled out her cell. “Valerie, this is Theresa.”
“Yes, Theresa what can I do for you?”
“I’d like you to see what you can dig up regarding the name, Heckuba.”
“Isn’t she some kind of mythological figure?”
“That’s what I thought too but now I’m not so sure. Find out as much information as you can about her.”
“I’ll do my best but what is this all about?”
“I’ll have to tell you later. Right now I’m headed into the church.”
“Oh, that’s right. Listen; give the happy couple my best.”
“I will, thanks Valerie.”
No one was more surprised than Vincent to realize he actually meant what Valerie had just told Theresa. He had no ill will for either Chad or Whitney. He had never followed through with his plan to seduce Chad. The sessions with Dr. Woodward that Adam had talked him into were really helping him sort through his feelings of abandonment toward his parents. Dr. Woodward felt that the time had almost come for Vincent to reveal his identity to Eve and Julian.
But who did he want to be. He had originally adopted the guise of Valerie to spy on his Father, Julian but he had come to enjoy being a woman. Dr. Woodward had advised him that because of his condition, at some point he might want to decide which gender he was more comfortable with and become that sex permanently. Right now however Vincent was due to meet Adam at the church, so the assignment Theresa had given Valerie would just have to wait.
“Oh hello Valerie. Have you seen Theresa by any chance?”
“Hi Jared, I just got off the phone with her. She’s at the church helping Whitney get ready for her wedding.”
“Right I had forgotten that was today.”
“Is there anything I can help you with?”
“No unless you think you could convince Theresa to accept my proposal.”
“Sorry, I don’t think even Hercules could accomplish that task.”
“That’s pretty much the conclusion I’ve come to too. I need to tell her that the time has come for me to move on. I’m giving her my resignation.”
“I’m sorry to hear that but I certainly understand. I need to get back to my office; Theresa just asked me to help her with some research.”
“Well hopefully I’ll see you again before I leave town.”
Jared started to walk back to his office.
“So, you’re giving up on your mission then?”
“Jackson, what are you doing here?”
“Your Father sent me. He became concerned when you failed to report in for so long.”
“I have everything under control here. I’ve gathered enough intel on Crane and its inner workings so that my Father and Neppos could walk in here tomorrow and take it over. I was planning on taking the next flight home.”
“That does sound encouraging; however, we also wondered if you had allowed yourself to become too distracted with this Crane woman.”
“Maybe I did but that’s over now. She’s made it clear that she will always be in love with someone else. Did you want to come back to my office and take a look at the data I’ve accumulated?”
“By all means; lead the way.”
After Jared had shown him the information he had compiled on Crane, Jackson Marr excused himself and placed a quick call in the hallway.
“Yes I have Mr. Neppos’ son well in hand, I know what to do. Everything is falling into place. No, he has no idea what’s really going on and he still has no idea about his true identity. We are about to pull off a double coup: The take over of both Crane and Neppos Industries.”
*
*
*
End of Episode 9
Friday, October 3, 2008
Episode 8: In Which Simone Bakes Cookies, Adam Considers Wearing Glasses and Tabby Has Mail
Episode 8
“No it can’t be.”
“Yes, that is my name: Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop.
“But you can’t be…”
“I can’t be what?”
“Theresa, you’re scaring both of them.” Cautioned Jessica.
“You know what kids?” Said Simone “There’s a fresh batch of cookies in back; straight out of the oven. Would you like to help me sample them?”
“That would be cool, right Sarah?” Asked Marty.
“I Guess so.”
“Great, and I bet we can find some milk to go along with them.” Said Simone.
Marty took Sarah’s hand and they followed Simone to the kitchen.
“She’s just the right age isn’t she? But how…?”
“Well, we’ve seen some weird things happen here in Harmony.” Said Jessica. “Did you notice how none of us even blinked when Marty was talking about walking through walls with that woman?”
“And that’s another thing; she said that woman was her mother. Did she say her name was Heckuba? But if that’s Sarah’s name, she’s Gwen and Ethan’s daughter, the child Gwen has always blamed me for losing.”
“Would you like me to call my dad? Maybe he can help you sort this out.”
“I don’t see how but yeah that would probably be a good idea. No wait…I mean, yes, call Chief Bennett but I’m supposed to be at the church helping Whitney”
“Then by all means go, get out of here. I’ll call my dad and we’ll figure this all out.”
“Alright, hey are you coming to the wedding?”
“Nope, gotta be here all day.”
“Then I guess I’ll see you later. Have your dad give me a call.”
“I will. Now go!” Said Jessica playfully.
“As much as I’ve enjoyed this Mother-Son chat” Adam rubbed his chin again. “I need to get to work.
“You already have a job?”
“Actually I’ve had it for several months, relatively speaking. Its how I got to know Vincent and befriend him: I’m working as a photographer for The Intruder.”
Tabby started to laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“Its just the idea of my goodie-goodie son working as a tabloid journalist.”
“It was the best way I could think of to get close to Vincent. Besides it helps me keep tabs on what’s going on in town.
“My son: The next Clark Kent or is it Peter Parker?”
“I think I’d look pretty good in a pair of spectacles. Like I said I have to go. We’re covering the Harris-Russell wedding and reception.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry I’m going to miss that one.”
“I’ll just bet you are.”
“Yes well, thanks to your meddling, I’ve no doubt true love will win the day Uhg.”
“See you later Mother.” Adam gave Tabby a kiss on the cheek and disappeared. She rubbed her cheek and in spite of herself found a smile curling her lips.
Back in the kitchen, Tabitha found Essme, Edna and Norma just finishing their breakfast. Endora was sitting on the floor playing with one of her dolls.
“I want to go to the wedding too Mommie.” Announced Endora’s thought bubble.
“She must have overheard Kay and Miguel talking about it.” Said Norma. “They’re upstairs right now getting ready to go.”
“I’m afraid that’s out of the question Sweet Pea, we witches can’t go anywhere near the church.”
“Of course you could go Tabs. You saved the entire town from Vickie and Vincent’s poison mushrooms at the church.” Said Essme.
“You remember that?”
“Sure, I’m the one who talked you into it in the first place, remember?”
“Of course I remember, but how do you? Never mind I know it’s the same reason you remember I’m a witch. Speaking of which, that knowledge must stay in this house if I find out that any of you three ever reveal my secret, I’ll make your lives a living hell. And you know I can do it.” Tabby sat down at the table. “And how about you two, what do you remember? As I recall Endora and I sent you to hell because you were trying to kill me.”
“That’s all water under the bridge now Tabby.” Snorted Edna. “Everything’s copasetic with us now.”
“What do you think Endora, should we let these two stay with us again?”
“Kay and Maria are witches and they’re going to the wedding.”
“You certainly have a one track mind my little witchlet. Tell you what if its alright with Kay and Miguel, you can go with them but Mommie’s going to stay here.”
“I can take her upstairs if you’d like.” Said Essme.
“That would be fine Dear.”
“Come on Endora; let’s see what kind of trouble we can get into. Just kidding Tabs.”
“And Edna and I have a lot to catch up on upstairs too. If you know what I mean.” Said Norma
“Unfortunately I do.”
Tabby found herself alone in the kitchen. Across the room, she caught sight of a sheet of paper wafting down from the ceiling. It came to rest on the floor and a single feather fell on top of it. She knew at once that it was a message from Timmy. She quickly picked it up and unfolded it
Princess,
This is message for Adam. I can’t tell you or him anything specific, but he has made a miscalculation about an event that takes place next week. Neither party was responsible. I’m sorry that I have to be so vague but that is all I can say. Give him the marble you will find in your pocket. It has the power to stop time but only for thirty seconds. When he figures out what he has to do, that should be just the right amount of time. There is something else that I wish I could tell you but again I am not allowed to interfere.
Love
Always
Timmy
Tabby re-read the note several times and then set it down on the table.
“‘Neither party is responsible’ Now what the blazes can that mean?”
She found the marble in her pocket just as she knew she would.
“Well Timmy lad, I certainly hope you know what you’re getting us into.”
Spike re-emerged from the tunnels just a block from his apartment near the wharf. He didn’t think his meeting with Theresa had been a total failure even though he had had to play the Antonio card which was probably the last one in his deck. At least it gave Theresa a reason to remain in contact with him. On the other hand, if she was looking for him at all at this point, it was because Marty had ratted him out. Still, he hoped her desire to see her brother would tip the scale in his favor. He fumbled in his pocket and pulled out his door key.
“Ah Mr. Spikeiros, just the man I’ve been waiting to see.”
Spike whirled on his doorstep and came face to face with an immaculately dressed man who had apparently been staking out his apartment.
“How do you know my family name? Nobody calls me that anymore.”
“We know many things about you Mr. Spikeiros.”
“We?”
“Forgive me, my name is Jackson Marr and I represent Neppos Industries. Here, let me give you my card.”
“Look, I don’t know how you found out about my real name and I’ve never heard of you or your company.”
“We’re new…to the area but I can assure you…”
“Listen pal I’m just not…”
“I am correct in stating that you are at a crossroads in your employment with Crane am I not?
“I’ve just come from…re-negotiating my contract.”
“Come, come Mr. Spikeiros we both know that Ms. Crane is unlikely to have any use for you now that Mr. Crane is out of the picture.”
“How do you know all this?”
“It doesn’t matter, I am prepared to offer you a position at N.I. . We only ask one thing: That you not reveal Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald’s whereabouts to Ms. Crane and that you transfer his custody to us.
*
*
*
End of Episode 8
“No it can’t be.”
“Yes, that is my name: Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop.
“But you can’t be…”
“I can’t be what?”
“Theresa, you’re scaring both of them.” Cautioned Jessica.
“You know what kids?” Said Simone “There’s a fresh batch of cookies in back; straight out of the oven. Would you like to help me sample them?”
“That would be cool, right Sarah?” Asked Marty.
“I Guess so.”
“Great, and I bet we can find some milk to go along with them.” Said Simone.
Marty took Sarah’s hand and they followed Simone to the kitchen.
“She’s just the right age isn’t she? But how…?”
“Well, we’ve seen some weird things happen here in Harmony.” Said Jessica. “Did you notice how none of us even blinked when Marty was talking about walking through walls with that woman?”
“And that’s another thing; she said that woman was her mother. Did she say her name was Heckuba? But if that’s Sarah’s name, she’s Gwen and Ethan’s daughter, the child Gwen has always blamed me for losing.”
“Would you like me to call my dad? Maybe he can help you sort this out.”
“I don’t see how but yeah that would probably be a good idea. No wait…I mean, yes, call Chief Bennett but I’m supposed to be at the church helping Whitney”
“Then by all means go, get out of here. I’ll call my dad and we’ll figure this all out.”
“Alright, hey are you coming to the wedding?”
“Nope, gotta be here all day.”
“Then I guess I’ll see you later. Have your dad give me a call.”
“I will. Now go!” Said Jessica playfully.
“As much as I’ve enjoyed this Mother-Son chat” Adam rubbed his chin again. “I need to get to work.
“You already have a job?”
“Actually I’ve had it for several months, relatively speaking. Its how I got to know Vincent and befriend him: I’m working as a photographer for The Intruder.”
Tabby started to laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“Its just the idea of my goodie-goodie son working as a tabloid journalist.”
“It was the best way I could think of to get close to Vincent. Besides it helps me keep tabs on what’s going on in town.
“My son: The next Clark Kent or is it Peter Parker?”
“I think I’d look pretty good in a pair of spectacles. Like I said I have to go. We’re covering the Harris-Russell wedding and reception.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry I’m going to miss that one.”
“I’ll just bet you are.”
“Yes well, thanks to your meddling, I’ve no doubt true love will win the day Uhg.”
“See you later Mother.” Adam gave Tabby a kiss on the cheek and disappeared. She rubbed her cheek and in spite of herself found a smile curling her lips.
Back in the kitchen, Tabitha found Essme, Edna and Norma just finishing their breakfast. Endora was sitting on the floor playing with one of her dolls.
“I want to go to the wedding too Mommie.” Announced Endora’s thought bubble.
“She must have overheard Kay and Miguel talking about it.” Said Norma. “They’re upstairs right now getting ready to go.”
“I’m afraid that’s out of the question Sweet Pea, we witches can’t go anywhere near the church.”
“Of course you could go Tabs. You saved the entire town from Vickie and Vincent’s poison mushrooms at the church.” Said Essme.
“You remember that?”
“Sure, I’m the one who talked you into it in the first place, remember?”
“Of course I remember, but how do you? Never mind I know it’s the same reason you remember I’m a witch. Speaking of which, that knowledge must stay in this house if I find out that any of you three ever reveal my secret, I’ll make your lives a living hell. And you know I can do it.” Tabby sat down at the table. “And how about you two, what do you remember? As I recall Endora and I sent you to hell because you were trying to kill me.”
“That’s all water under the bridge now Tabby.” Snorted Edna. “Everything’s copasetic with us now.”
“What do you think Endora, should we let these two stay with us again?”
“Kay and Maria are witches and they’re going to the wedding.”
“You certainly have a one track mind my little witchlet. Tell you what if its alright with Kay and Miguel, you can go with them but Mommie’s going to stay here.”
“I can take her upstairs if you’d like.” Said Essme.
“That would be fine Dear.”
“Come on Endora; let’s see what kind of trouble we can get into. Just kidding Tabs.”
“And Edna and I have a lot to catch up on upstairs too. If you know what I mean.” Said Norma
“Unfortunately I do.”
Tabby found herself alone in the kitchen. Across the room, she caught sight of a sheet of paper wafting down from the ceiling. It came to rest on the floor and a single feather fell on top of it. She knew at once that it was a message from Timmy. She quickly picked it up and unfolded it
Princess,
This is message for Adam. I can’t tell you or him anything specific, but he has made a miscalculation about an event that takes place next week. Neither party was responsible. I’m sorry that I have to be so vague but that is all I can say. Give him the marble you will find in your pocket. It has the power to stop time but only for thirty seconds. When he figures out what he has to do, that should be just the right amount of time. There is something else that I wish I could tell you but again I am not allowed to interfere.
Love
Always
Timmy
Tabby re-read the note several times and then set it down on the table.
“‘Neither party is responsible’ Now what the blazes can that mean?”
She found the marble in her pocket just as she knew she would.
“Well Timmy lad, I certainly hope you know what you’re getting us into.”
Spike re-emerged from the tunnels just a block from his apartment near the wharf. He didn’t think his meeting with Theresa had been a total failure even though he had had to play the Antonio card which was probably the last one in his deck. At least it gave Theresa a reason to remain in contact with him. On the other hand, if she was looking for him at all at this point, it was because Marty had ratted him out. Still, he hoped her desire to see her brother would tip the scale in his favor. He fumbled in his pocket and pulled out his door key.
“Ah Mr. Spikeiros, just the man I’ve been waiting to see.”
Spike whirled on his doorstep and came face to face with an immaculately dressed man who had apparently been staking out his apartment.
“How do you know my family name? Nobody calls me that anymore.”
“We know many things about you Mr. Spikeiros.”
“We?”
“Forgive me, my name is Jackson Marr and I represent Neppos Industries. Here, let me give you my card.”
“Look, I don’t know how you found out about my real name and I’ve never heard of you or your company.”
“We’re new…to the area but I can assure you…”
“Listen pal I’m just not…”
“I am correct in stating that you are at a crossroads in your employment with Crane am I not?
“I’ve just come from…re-negotiating my contract.”
“Come, come Mr. Spikeiros we both know that Ms. Crane is unlikely to have any use for you now that Mr. Crane is out of the picture.”
“How do you know all this?”
“It doesn’t matter, I am prepared to offer you a position at N.I. . We only ask one thing: That you not reveal Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald’s whereabouts to Ms. Crane and that you transfer his custody to us.
*
*
*
End of Episode 8
Friday, September 26, 2008
Episode 7: In Which We Learn Adam's Middle Name and Spike Takes a Decidedly Unsenic Journey.
Episode 7
“Alright, alright. Yes, yes. Faith Standish is still alive. Oh man Mother you have a terrific right hook.” Said Adam rubbing his chin.
“How could you do this to me?! I was thinking of Grace and I realized that my memories were slightly altered. I seem to remember seeing a figure out of the corner of my eye pull Faith out of the burning house. I ran around the side of the house to get a better look but couldn’t find anyone. Just then the roof caved in I heard sirens blaring and I had to leave. All these years I told myself I had imagined it but that was you wasn’t it?”
“Yes I did it during the time shift.”
“How could you do this to me?!
“There were so many things that I wanted to fix during the time shift.”
“THIS…! Didn’t need ‘fixing’!”
“I Thought…”
“No you didn’t think! Where is she?!”
“I don’t think I should tell you.”
“Adam Murgatroid Bombay!!!”
“I took her to the hospital in Castleton. She’s been there in a coma ever since.”
Tabby sat down on the sofa. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to try to kill her. What difference would it make now anyway? The Darkside has abandoned me. I get that. It’s just that Evil has been my life’s mission. It’s going to take a while to get used my new standing in the world.
“Mother I know that you’ve killed hundreds of people over the years.”
“Thousands.”
“This was the only one that I actually witnessed, albeit only as part of a soap opera but I knew it was real; if I could remove this one blot off your name.”
“It just wasn’t your place.”
“Maybe not, but I wouldn’t take it back even if I could.”
“Is there anything else you want to tell me?”
“Well, there is one thing, but I promise I had nothing to do with it. When you and Julian Crane conceived Endora you passed enough of your magic energy to him so that he remembers some things that a normal mortal wouldn’t. He doesn’t remember everything about the time shift like we do, but he remembers that you and Endora are witches.”
“Hell’s Bells.”
“What is it?”
“How should I know?”
Heckuba and Eustace were standing on the bank of an underground river looking at a device that seemed to be pumping some kind of chemical into the water.
“Isn’t this the river that feeds into the Harmony reservoir?”
The rabbit had disappeared into the cave and Sarah had followed it in. Marty had had no choice but to follow her. Heckuba and the Demon Elf had stayed outside and waited.
Eustace surreptitiously watched Heckuba’s face. She was obviously concerned for the girl, she thought of as her daughter. He wondered if she realized how attached she was to Sarah. It seemed to him that she would be loathed to admit how much she had in common with Tabitha. And this made him wonder again how much Sarah had in common with Endora.
Several minutes later, the kids had come out and had taken off in the direction of the town. Heckuba told him that they should let them go, stay here and investigate the cave.
“I said…”
“I heard what you said and I believe you’re correct. This is the river that supplies Harmony with its drinking water. We need to get a sample of this so the boys in the lab can analyze it. ” Heckuba took a vial from her cloak and held it under the chemical stream. She filled another vial with river water.
“We have a lab?”
Heckuba just shook her head.
“Hey look.” Said Eustace. “There’s a logo on the side of the pump. Let’s see… Neppos Industries. Never heard of it.”
Theresa left Spike’s table and joined Jessica and Simone at the front counter. Spike beat a hasty retreat down the back stairs and into one of Alistair’s many tunnels that honeycombed the town.
“My word, Marty, where have you been? Asked Theresa. “Luis and Sheridan have been looking for you for months.”
“I was with Spike and his goons.”
Theresa shot a look back at the table.
“Too late.” Said Jessica. “I guess he knew what was coming.”
“Well, we’ll just have to deal with him later. Come here you.” Theresa said to Marty.
“I’ve missed you Aunt Theresa.”
Theresa gave Marty a big hug and spotted Sarah over his shoulder.
“And who is this?”
“Oh, this is my new friend Sarah.” Marty quickly explained his adventure with Sarah to Jessica, Simone, and his aunt; including Heckuba springing him from the safe house.
“My dad or Chief Bennett should go take a look at that pump don’t you think?”
“Yes, we will certainly let them know about it but I just remembered you said something about Beth. I think you should know that no one has seen or heard from either your Grandfather or Beth since they boarded that train.”
“I know it’s a horrible thing to say, but I’m glad they’re gone.” Said Marty.
“Don’t feel bad. They were very sick people.”
Marty noticed that Sarah had a funny look on her face. “What’s wrong Sarah?”
“It’s just that that woman you described sounds a lot like my Mother.”
“What’s her name honey?” Asked Simone.
“Her name is Heckuba, she only has one name but I have three: Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop.
All three women’s faces went ashen.
*
*
*
End of Episode 7
“Alright, alright. Yes, yes. Faith Standish is still alive. Oh man Mother you have a terrific right hook.” Said Adam rubbing his chin.
“How could you do this to me?! I was thinking of Grace and I realized that my memories were slightly altered. I seem to remember seeing a figure out of the corner of my eye pull Faith out of the burning house. I ran around the side of the house to get a better look but couldn’t find anyone. Just then the roof caved in I heard sirens blaring and I had to leave. All these years I told myself I had imagined it but that was you wasn’t it?”
“Yes I did it during the time shift.”
“How could you do this to me?!
“There were so many things that I wanted to fix during the time shift.”
“THIS…! Didn’t need ‘fixing’!”
“I Thought…”
“No you didn’t think! Where is she?!”
“I don’t think I should tell you.”
“Adam Murgatroid Bombay!!!”
“I took her to the hospital in Castleton. She’s been there in a coma ever since.”
Tabby sat down on the sofa. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to try to kill her. What difference would it make now anyway? The Darkside has abandoned me. I get that. It’s just that Evil has been my life’s mission. It’s going to take a while to get used my new standing in the world.
“Mother I know that you’ve killed hundreds of people over the years.”
“Thousands.”
“This was the only one that I actually witnessed, albeit only as part of a soap opera but I knew it was real; if I could remove this one blot off your name.”
“It just wasn’t your place.”
“Maybe not, but I wouldn’t take it back even if I could.”
“Is there anything else you want to tell me?”
“Well, there is one thing, but I promise I had nothing to do with it. When you and Julian Crane conceived Endora you passed enough of your magic energy to him so that he remembers some things that a normal mortal wouldn’t. He doesn’t remember everything about the time shift like we do, but he remembers that you and Endora are witches.”
“Hell’s Bells.”
“What is it?”
“How should I know?”
Heckuba and Eustace were standing on the bank of an underground river looking at a device that seemed to be pumping some kind of chemical into the water.
“Isn’t this the river that feeds into the Harmony reservoir?”
The rabbit had disappeared into the cave and Sarah had followed it in. Marty had had no choice but to follow her. Heckuba and the Demon Elf had stayed outside and waited.
Eustace surreptitiously watched Heckuba’s face. She was obviously concerned for the girl, she thought of as her daughter. He wondered if she realized how attached she was to Sarah. It seemed to him that she would be loathed to admit how much she had in common with Tabitha. And this made him wonder again how much Sarah had in common with Endora.
Several minutes later, the kids had come out and had taken off in the direction of the town. Heckuba told him that they should let them go, stay here and investigate the cave.
“I said…”
“I heard what you said and I believe you’re correct. This is the river that supplies Harmony with its drinking water. We need to get a sample of this so the boys in the lab can analyze it. ” Heckuba took a vial from her cloak and held it under the chemical stream. She filled another vial with river water.
“We have a lab?”
Heckuba just shook her head.
“Hey look.” Said Eustace. “There’s a logo on the side of the pump. Let’s see… Neppos Industries. Never heard of it.”
Theresa left Spike’s table and joined Jessica and Simone at the front counter. Spike beat a hasty retreat down the back stairs and into one of Alistair’s many tunnels that honeycombed the town.
“My word, Marty, where have you been? Asked Theresa. “Luis and Sheridan have been looking for you for months.”
“I was with Spike and his goons.”
Theresa shot a look back at the table.
“Too late.” Said Jessica. “I guess he knew what was coming.”
“Well, we’ll just have to deal with him later. Come here you.” Theresa said to Marty.
“I’ve missed you Aunt Theresa.”
Theresa gave Marty a big hug and spotted Sarah over his shoulder.
“And who is this?”
“Oh, this is my new friend Sarah.” Marty quickly explained his adventure with Sarah to Jessica, Simone, and his aunt; including Heckuba springing him from the safe house.
“My dad or Chief Bennett should go take a look at that pump don’t you think?”
“Yes, we will certainly let them know about it but I just remembered you said something about Beth. I think you should know that no one has seen or heard from either your Grandfather or Beth since they boarded that train.”
“I know it’s a horrible thing to say, but I’m glad they’re gone.” Said Marty.
“Don’t feel bad. They were very sick people.”
Marty noticed that Sarah had a funny look on her face. “What’s wrong Sarah?”
“It’s just that that woman you described sounds a lot like my Mother.”
“What’s her name honey?” Asked Simone.
“Her name is Heckuba, she only has one name but I have three: Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop.
All three women’s faces went ashen.
*
*
*
End of Episode 7
Friday, September 19, 2008
Episode 6: In Which Tabby Refuses to be a Short Order Cook, Jessica and Simone Open the Book Cafe and Theresa Orders a Muffin and Coffee
Episode 6
“I certainly hope you lot don’t expect me to prepare breakfast for you.
Tabitha had just come down the back stairs with Endora, only to find all her boarders (except for Fox who had decided, despite Essme’s tempting offer to stay in her room indefinitely, to reclaim his room at the mansion) were seated around the kitchen table.
“Especially since I see Derwood is back among us.”
“Good morning to you too, Tabby.” Said Miguel.
“And Miguel has decided to let all us witches practice our magic.” Put in Kay
“Well isn’t that just bloody marvelous.” Said Tabby with an acid tongue. “I have permission to perform magic in my own bloody house.”
“See, I told you she’d be thrilled.” Said Kay to Miguel.
“Endora? Do you recognize me?” Asked Adam.
“You’re my big brother Adam.” Said Endora’s thought bubble. She ran over and hugged him.
“Well, Edna and Norma I’m surprised to see you two. Shouldn’t you still be roasting in hell at this point?” Observed Tabby.
“Don’t ask us Tabs, we woke up this morning cozy as two June bugs in our old room.” Said Norma as she threw her arm around Edna.
“And in our old bed; if you know what I mean.” Snorted Edna.
“Yes well you can spare me the gory details.” Said Tabby
“Adam explained the time shift to us though.” Added Norma.
“It must have something to do with the Boys vacating the basement last night.” Offered Adam.
“No doubt the Boys no longer feel they can trust me.”
“I hadn’t thought of that but it does make sense that they would want to move to a more secure base of operation.”
“All I’m concerned about is they never get their hands on my little Sweet Pea here.” She pulled Endora close to her.
“All of us will just have to be on guard.”
“So, you’ve decided to stay in Harmony then?’
“Yes Mother, for the foreseeable future.”
“You can count on me Tabby.” Chimed in Essme “I mean about being on guard and all. It just feels so good to be a part of a big happy family for a change.”
“I’d hate to see your version of an unhappy family.” Said Tabitha. “And if you’re really going to be staying here, we need to have a little talk Missy.”
“No problemo.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Oh my gosh, I just thought of something if this is the last week in 2006, that means that next week My Mom will try to come home and be blown up.” Said Kay.
“I’m surprised you didn’t ask me about this last night but you have nothing to worry about. With both Alistair and Vincent neutralized, your Mother will have a safe trip home.”
“I can’t believe I’m actually going to see her after all this time….But wait does she know about what Ivy did and that I kept it from her and Dad?”
“No, in this timeline you never blurted out the truth. Whether it stays that way is up to you.”
“So, Grace is coming back to Harmony.” Said Tabitha wistfully. Suddenly her eyes went wide but no one else in the room noticed. “Oh my devil, he couldn’t have.” She muttered under her breath. “Adam, can I have a word with you in the living room.”
“Sure Mother.”
“Tabitha, is something wrong?” Asked Kay.
“No, no Dear. It’s just that I haven’t seen Adam in so long. I wanted a chance to catch up with him privately.”
Moments later in said living room:
“Is there a problem Mother?”
“You impudent little brat!!” and Tabby whirled and slapped Adam across the face. “How dare you! You saved Faith for that fire all those years ago. She’s still alive!!!”
Jessica and Simone were minding the store at the Book Café, when Spike walked in and seated himself at a table.
“Uhg, we have got to try to attract a better clientele.” Said Jessica
“Isn’t that…?”
“Spike, one of Alistair’s goons. Can you believe that moron actually thought I would turn to drugs after I moved out of my dad’s house?”
“You were going through a rough time there for a while.”
“Yeah I guess so, but there was no way I was falling for his garbage. Ever since then it’s like he has a crush on me or something.”
“I hadn’t noticed.”
“He comes in here almost everyday, mostly when it’s just me watching the store. I can almost set my watch by it. Hey, isn’t this Chad and Whitney’s wedding day? What are you doing here?”
“I thought I would skip the wedding and just show up at the reception. I’ve given Whit so much grief with Chad over the years.”
“But you’re over Chad. Hello, you’re living with Rea.”
“Yes, but I still feel funny about it.”
“Hi guys.
“Good morning Theresa.” Said Jessica. “What can we…”
“I’m looking for…never mind I see him…tell you what can you bring me a muffin and some coffee?”
Theresa walked over to Spike’s table. “Alright you have five minutes. I can’t believe I’m seeing you at all; let alone on the day my best friend is getting married.”
“I just wanted to put your mind at ease. Alistair is really gone this time.”
“You called me all the way down here to tell me that?”
“Well…Yeah. I know that everyone has assumed that he was killed in the explosion. But I thought if you heard it from me, you would know it’s true.”
“Am I supposed to laugh now?”
“It’s just that…I’m in a position to know.”
“Oh, I know what position you’re in.”
“Speaking of positions…”
“I get it now; you’re looking for a job.”
“Well technically…I already work for the company. I just thought it might be a good time to change divisions.”
“Now you’re really going to make me laugh.”
“I know Alistair’s operations inside and out. I could help you weed his influence out of the company.”
“Well if Alistair is gone like you say, he doesn’t have any more influence in the company. I’m sorry Spike; I just don’t have any more time for you today or ever.”
“Wait…Wait, I know where he’s been hiding your brother Antonio!”
“Antonio’s still alive?!” Asked Theresa suddenly very interested. But just then Marty and Sarah burst through the Book Café’s front door.
“Jessica, Simone.” Marty said in a rush. “We found something important in a cave not far from town. I need to talk to my Mother or Beth or my dad, Luis.” Marty was already breathing hard but when he caught sight of Spike he started to tremble.
*
*
*
End of Episode 6
“I certainly hope you lot don’t expect me to prepare breakfast for you.
Tabitha had just come down the back stairs with Endora, only to find all her boarders (except for Fox who had decided, despite Essme’s tempting offer to stay in her room indefinitely, to reclaim his room at the mansion) were seated around the kitchen table.
“Especially since I see Derwood is back among us.”
“Good morning to you too, Tabby.” Said Miguel.
“And Miguel has decided to let all us witches practice our magic.” Put in Kay
“Well isn’t that just bloody marvelous.” Said Tabby with an acid tongue. “I have permission to perform magic in my own bloody house.”
“See, I told you she’d be thrilled.” Said Kay to Miguel.
“Endora? Do you recognize me?” Asked Adam.
“You’re my big brother Adam.” Said Endora’s thought bubble. She ran over and hugged him.
“Well, Edna and Norma I’m surprised to see you two. Shouldn’t you still be roasting in hell at this point?” Observed Tabby.
“Don’t ask us Tabs, we woke up this morning cozy as two June bugs in our old room.” Said Norma as she threw her arm around Edna.
“And in our old bed; if you know what I mean.” Snorted Edna.
“Yes well you can spare me the gory details.” Said Tabby
“Adam explained the time shift to us though.” Added Norma.
“It must have something to do with the Boys vacating the basement last night.” Offered Adam.
“No doubt the Boys no longer feel they can trust me.”
“I hadn’t thought of that but it does make sense that they would want to move to a more secure base of operation.”
“All I’m concerned about is they never get their hands on my little Sweet Pea here.” She pulled Endora close to her.
“All of us will just have to be on guard.”
“So, you’ve decided to stay in Harmony then?’
“Yes Mother, for the foreseeable future.”
“You can count on me Tabby.” Chimed in Essme “I mean about being on guard and all. It just feels so good to be a part of a big happy family for a change.”
“I’d hate to see your version of an unhappy family.” Said Tabitha. “And if you’re really going to be staying here, we need to have a little talk Missy.”
“No problemo.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Oh my gosh, I just thought of something if this is the last week in 2006, that means that next week My Mom will try to come home and be blown up.” Said Kay.
“I’m surprised you didn’t ask me about this last night but you have nothing to worry about. With both Alistair and Vincent neutralized, your Mother will have a safe trip home.”
“I can’t believe I’m actually going to see her after all this time….But wait does she know about what Ivy did and that I kept it from her and Dad?”
“No, in this timeline you never blurted out the truth. Whether it stays that way is up to you.”
“So, Grace is coming back to Harmony.” Said Tabitha wistfully. Suddenly her eyes went wide but no one else in the room noticed. “Oh my devil, he couldn’t have.” She muttered under her breath. “Adam, can I have a word with you in the living room.”
“Sure Mother.”
“Tabitha, is something wrong?” Asked Kay.
“No, no Dear. It’s just that I haven’t seen Adam in so long. I wanted a chance to catch up with him privately.”
Moments later in said living room:
“Is there a problem Mother?”
“You impudent little brat!!” and Tabby whirled and slapped Adam across the face. “How dare you! You saved Faith for that fire all those years ago. She’s still alive!!!”
Jessica and Simone were minding the store at the Book Café, when Spike walked in and seated himself at a table.
“Uhg, we have got to try to attract a better clientele.” Said Jessica
“Isn’t that…?”
“Spike, one of Alistair’s goons. Can you believe that moron actually thought I would turn to drugs after I moved out of my dad’s house?”
“You were going through a rough time there for a while.”
“Yeah I guess so, but there was no way I was falling for his garbage. Ever since then it’s like he has a crush on me or something.”
“I hadn’t noticed.”
“He comes in here almost everyday, mostly when it’s just me watching the store. I can almost set my watch by it. Hey, isn’t this Chad and Whitney’s wedding day? What are you doing here?”
“I thought I would skip the wedding and just show up at the reception. I’ve given Whit so much grief with Chad over the years.”
“But you’re over Chad. Hello, you’re living with Rea.”
“Yes, but I still feel funny about it.”
“Hi guys.
“Good morning Theresa.” Said Jessica. “What can we…”
“I’m looking for…never mind I see him…tell you what can you bring me a muffin and some coffee?”
Theresa walked over to Spike’s table. “Alright you have five minutes. I can’t believe I’m seeing you at all; let alone on the day my best friend is getting married.”
“I just wanted to put your mind at ease. Alistair is really gone this time.”
“You called me all the way down here to tell me that?”
“Well…Yeah. I know that everyone has assumed that he was killed in the explosion. But I thought if you heard it from me, you would know it’s true.”
“Am I supposed to laugh now?”
“It’s just that…I’m in a position to know.”
“Oh, I know what position you’re in.”
“Speaking of positions…”
“I get it now; you’re looking for a job.”
“Well technically…I already work for the company. I just thought it might be a good time to change divisions.”
“Now you’re really going to make me laugh.”
“I know Alistair’s operations inside and out. I could help you weed his influence out of the company.”
“Well if Alistair is gone like you say, he doesn’t have any more influence in the company. I’m sorry Spike; I just don’t have any more time for you today or ever.”
“Wait…Wait, I know where he’s been hiding your brother Antonio!”
“Antonio’s still alive?!” Asked Theresa suddenly very interested. But just then Marty and Sarah burst through the Book Café’s front door.
“Jessica, Simone.” Marty said in a rush. “We found something important in a cave not far from town. I need to talk to my Mother or Beth or my dad, Luis.” Marty was already breathing hard but when he caught sight of Spike he started to tremble.
*
*
*
End of Episode 6
Friday, September 12, 2008
Episode 5: In Which Adam Makes a Long Distance Call Marty Attends a Picnic And Sarah Chases a Bunny
Episode 5
The sun was coming up, but Adam had not slept very well.
He couldn’t stop thinking about what his Father had said, and there was only one person he wanted to talk to about it. He just hoped he could afford it because it meant making a very long distance call.
“Is this who I think it is?”
“Well, if you think it’s Adam Bombay you would be correct.” Once again Adam found himself unfolding the details of the time shift, this time to the person on the other end of the phone.
“So, your Father thinks you’ve fallen in love with this… What was her name again?”
“Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
“She sounds like a rich bi- -.”
“Hey, Hey!”
“Sorry, I just call ‘em as I see ‘em.”
“I remember.”
“Well are you?”
“Am I what?”
“In love with this mortal?”
“I don’t know. I’ve been ticking things off in my head all night long. First, I sent JT Cornell, the only man who could corroborate Theresa’s story, packing. Then I destroyed his USB device.”
“And that protects the Lopez-Fitzgerald family from this Juanita Vasquez person?”
“Yes, but it also contained evidence of Gwen and Rebecca’s crimes.”
“Then, you also said you had made a replica of a video camera. How does that help?”
“Well I had hoped that it would be just the proof Theresa needed but I realize now that there’s a problem. The confession that was captured on it covers ALL of Gwen and Rebecca’s crimes even the ones that happened AFTER the time shift. There would no way of explaining this to Ethan. And then there’s something else. Last night, when I couldn’t sleep, I made an extensive search of the court records in Las Vegas. There was no record of Gwen being married to anyone as Rebecca had claimed. It appeared that her marriage to Ethan was legal after all.”
“But Adam, none of this is really your problem. I can see why your Father was so concerned.”
“I tried to help everyone during the time shift and I really thought I was helping Theresa. I thought that I was working to bring Ethan and Theresa together, but most of what I accomplished seems to ensure that they will remain apart. Oh Erin what am I going to do?”
“You know you’re the only one who calls me that.”
“Well you do have the same name as my Mother.”
“And you have the same name as my brother.”
“Yes, and now my little sister is named after your Grandmother. Thanks for listening to me Tabitha Stephens.”
“Anytime, I just wish I could have been more of a help to you.”
“You were an immense help believe me. Erin, do you ever wonder what would have happened if we had stayed together after college?”
“We would have had some very confusing family reunions…Yes; the thought has crossed my mind. I don’t know what to tell you Adam.”
“Well thanks again for listening.”
“Adam if you are in love with this mortal I wish luck, but what do you plan to do?”
“I really don’t know.”
Marty had had a very busy morning.
When he woke up, the tallest woman he had ever seen was standing over his bed. She told him to get dressed and to collect anything he wanted to take with him because she was taking him with her. After he had slipped into a pair of jeans and a turtle neck sweater, he filled a bag with a few of his toys. The woman told him to take her hand and to his surprise, they walked right through his bedroom wall but instead of coming out in the alley just outside the house where he was being kept, he realized that somehow they had been transported to the middle of a field.
“We’re just outside of town.” She pointed to a line of trees. “I want you to wait over there.” And before Marty could say anything, Heckuba waved her arms and vanished.
Marty didn’t know what to do. He started walking in the general direction Heckuba had pointed.
Suddenly he heard a little girl’s voice say “Hello is anyone here? I’m scared. I don’t know where my mommy went.” She came out from behind one of the trees.
Marty waved. “Um I don’t know if I can help you but I’m over here.”
The little girl ran up to him. “What’s your name?” She asked.
“Marty Crane…I mean…That’s what my Grandfather called me…I hate my Grandfather! My real name is Marty Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
She giggled. “I like that. We both have three names. My name is Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop. Why do you hate your Grandfather?”
“Because, he’s a very bad man.”
“I’ve never met my Grandfather. I’ve met my uncle though. His name is Eustace and he’s so funny.”
Marty was worried that Spike might jump out of the bushes at any moment and drag him back to his room (he suddenly wondered what he would do to Sarah if he found her with him). Maybe Spike had attacked Sarah’s Mother.
“Do you and your mother live in Harmony?” He asked Sarah.
“We live near Harmony.”
“Do you live in Castleton?”
“I’ve never heard of that place.”
“Well, where were you when your Mother disappeared?”
“Right over there under those trees. We were having a picnic. Oh, we still have some food left are you hungry?”
Marty realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast and was starving. He was still concerned about Spike but he let Sarah lead him to a blanket where what seemed to him a ton of food had been laid out. He sat down on the blanket and grabbed several sandwiches. Sarah sat next to him. He felt better with a full stomach.
“I’m sure your Mother will be back soon. But if she’s not, someone told me that the town is right over there in that direction. You can come with me and help me find my Mother. Then maybe she can help you find yours.”
“That would be great Marty!” And she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Marty blushed.
Suddenly a rabbit scampered across the clearing. “A bunny!!!” Sarah squealed in delight. She jumped up and chased after it.
Marty ran after her. “Sarah! Come back it might be dangerous out here.”
Marty might not have been so concerned if he had known that just the night before, Spike had decided that it was time to let him go. He no longer had the money to pay the goons it took to watch the kid. Imagine his surprise when he showed up at the safe house and found Marty already gone. Standing in the doorway to Marty’s bedroom, he just had to laugh. He found himself tapping out a not so familiar number on his cell.
“Yes, this is Spike and I need to talk to you. Can you meet me at the Book Café?”
Heckuba and “Uncle” Eustace had been watching the kids from the next clearing.
“Ooh, it looks like Sarah has a crush on Marty.”
“That can be nipped in the bud when the time comes.”
“So, you pulled Marty out of stir so he would take Sarah to Sheridan? Hm, but why would you need to do that, if the kid's in on it?”
“Would you just zip it! We need to be concentrating on what the kids are doing.”
“You mean the rabbit’s not part of the plan?”
“No you dolt; the rabbit is not part of the plan.”
“But why go to all this trouble if the kid’s in on it all we had to do was drop her on Sheridan’s door step… Oh my Merciful Hellions! She’s NOT in on it is she?”
The rabbit had stopped short of a cave and Sarah was closing in on it with Marty not far behind.
“She doesn’t even know that Gwen is her real Mother!”
“I am her REAL MOTHER! Now if you don’t shut your mouth this instant I will shut it for you!”
Eustace prudently didn’t give voice to his next thought: “I’ll bet Sarah has even more in common with Endora: Sarah is a GOOD WITCH!”
*
*
*
End of Episode 5
The sun was coming up, but Adam had not slept very well.
He couldn’t stop thinking about what his Father had said, and there was only one person he wanted to talk to about it. He just hoped he could afford it because it meant making a very long distance call.
“Is this who I think it is?”
“Well, if you think it’s Adam Bombay you would be correct.” Once again Adam found himself unfolding the details of the time shift, this time to the person on the other end of the phone.
“So, your Father thinks you’ve fallen in love with this… What was her name again?”
“Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
“She sounds like a rich bi- -.”
“Hey, Hey!”
“Sorry, I just call ‘em as I see ‘em.”
“I remember.”
“Well are you?”
“Am I what?”
“In love with this mortal?”
“I don’t know. I’ve been ticking things off in my head all night long. First, I sent JT Cornell, the only man who could corroborate Theresa’s story, packing. Then I destroyed his USB device.”
“And that protects the Lopez-Fitzgerald family from this Juanita Vasquez person?”
“Yes, but it also contained evidence of Gwen and Rebecca’s crimes.”
“Then, you also said you had made a replica of a video camera. How does that help?”
“Well I had hoped that it would be just the proof Theresa needed but I realize now that there’s a problem. The confession that was captured on it covers ALL of Gwen and Rebecca’s crimes even the ones that happened AFTER the time shift. There would no way of explaining this to Ethan. And then there’s something else. Last night, when I couldn’t sleep, I made an extensive search of the court records in Las Vegas. There was no record of Gwen being married to anyone as Rebecca had claimed. It appeared that her marriage to Ethan was legal after all.”
“But Adam, none of this is really your problem. I can see why your Father was so concerned.”
“I tried to help everyone during the time shift and I really thought I was helping Theresa. I thought that I was working to bring Ethan and Theresa together, but most of what I accomplished seems to ensure that they will remain apart. Oh Erin what am I going to do?”
“You know you’re the only one who calls me that.”
“Well you do have the same name as my Mother.”
“And you have the same name as my brother.”
“Yes, and now my little sister is named after your Grandmother. Thanks for listening to me Tabitha Stephens.”
“Anytime, I just wish I could have been more of a help to you.”
“You were an immense help believe me. Erin, do you ever wonder what would have happened if we had stayed together after college?”
“We would have had some very confusing family reunions…Yes; the thought has crossed my mind. I don’t know what to tell you Adam.”
“Well thanks again for listening.”
“Adam if you are in love with this mortal I wish luck, but what do you plan to do?”
“I really don’t know.”
Marty had had a very busy morning.
When he woke up, the tallest woman he had ever seen was standing over his bed. She told him to get dressed and to collect anything he wanted to take with him because she was taking him with her. After he had slipped into a pair of jeans and a turtle neck sweater, he filled a bag with a few of his toys. The woman told him to take her hand and to his surprise, they walked right through his bedroom wall but instead of coming out in the alley just outside the house where he was being kept, he realized that somehow they had been transported to the middle of a field.
“We’re just outside of town.” She pointed to a line of trees. “I want you to wait over there.” And before Marty could say anything, Heckuba waved her arms and vanished.
Marty didn’t know what to do. He started walking in the general direction Heckuba had pointed.
Suddenly he heard a little girl’s voice say “Hello is anyone here? I’m scared. I don’t know where my mommy went.” She came out from behind one of the trees.
Marty waved. “Um I don’t know if I can help you but I’m over here.”
The little girl ran up to him. “What’s your name?” She asked.
“Marty Crane…I mean…That’s what my Grandfather called me…I hate my Grandfather! My real name is Marty Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
She giggled. “I like that. We both have three names. My name is Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop. Why do you hate your Grandfather?”
“Because, he’s a very bad man.”
“I’ve never met my Grandfather. I’ve met my uncle though. His name is Eustace and he’s so funny.”
Marty was worried that Spike might jump out of the bushes at any moment and drag him back to his room (he suddenly wondered what he would do to Sarah if he found her with him). Maybe Spike had attacked Sarah’s Mother.
“Do you and your mother live in Harmony?” He asked Sarah.
“We live near Harmony.”
“Do you live in Castleton?”
“I’ve never heard of that place.”
“Well, where were you when your Mother disappeared?”
“Right over there under those trees. We were having a picnic. Oh, we still have some food left are you hungry?”
Marty realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast and was starving. He was still concerned about Spike but he let Sarah lead him to a blanket where what seemed to him a ton of food had been laid out. He sat down on the blanket and grabbed several sandwiches. Sarah sat next to him. He felt better with a full stomach.
“I’m sure your Mother will be back soon. But if she’s not, someone told me that the town is right over there in that direction. You can come with me and help me find my Mother. Then maybe she can help you find yours.”
“That would be great Marty!” And she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Marty blushed.
Suddenly a rabbit scampered across the clearing. “A bunny!!!” Sarah squealed in delight. She jumped up and chased after it.
Marty ran after her. “Sarah! Come back it might be dangerous out here.”
Marty might not have been so concerned if he had known that just the night before, Spike had decided that it was time to let him go. He no longer had the money to pay the goons it took to watch the kid. Imagine his surprise when he showed up at the safe house and found Marty already gone. Standing in the doorway to Marty’s bedroom, he just had to laugh. He found himself tapping out a not so familiar number on his cell.
“Yes, this is Spike and I need to talk to you. Can you meet me at the Book Café?”
Heckuba and “Uncle” Eustace had been watching the kids from the next clearing.
“Ooh, it looks like Sarah has a crush on Marty.”
“That can be nipped in the bud when the time comes.”
“So, you pulled Marty out of stir so he would take Sarah to Sheridan? Hm, but why would you need to do that, if the kid's in on it?”
“Would you just zip it! We need to be concentrating on what the kids are doing.”
“You mean the rabbit’s not part of the plan?”
“No you dolt; the rabbit is not part of the plan.”
“But why go to all this trouble if the kid’s in on it all we had to do was drop her on Sheridan’s door step… Oh my Merciful Hellions! She’s NOT in on it is she?”
The rabbit had stopped short of a cave and Sarah was closing in on it with Marty not far behind.
“She doesn’t even know that Gwen is her real Mother!”
“I am her REAL MOTHER! Now if you don’t shut your mouth this instant I will shut it for you!”
Eustace prudently didn’t give voice to his next thought: “I’ll bet Sarah has even more in common with Endora: Sarah is a GOOD WITCH!”
*
*
*
End of Episode 5
Friday, September 5, 2008
Episode 4: In Which Spike Hears Voices Fox Gets His Midnight Snack and the Demon Elf Takes a Tour
Episode 4
Spike was having a nightmare until the voice woke him up.
“What?” He sat up and asked, but he realized there was no one in his bedroom.
“I said: The part of Jessica Bennett will now be played once more by Mary Elizabeth Winsted.” Repeated the disembodied voice.
“Oh.” He laid his head back on the pillow and closed his eyes. “What?!” He shouted as he sat bolt upright.
No answer.
Then he remembered that Jessica was what his nightmare had been about. In it, he had gotten her addicted to drugs and then made her walk the streets as a prostitute. While she slept, he had killed any john she managed to pick up, and made her believe she was responsible for the killings.
But that’s not what had happened in real life.
Yes, that’s exactly what Alistair Crane had originally hired him to do. But the Jessica Bennett he had met was far too self confident a young woman to be led down that path. The girl from his nightmare seemed like a completely different person.
Yes, she had been disappointed that her father had not put up more of a fight when her mother left the country with David Hastings and she had moved out of the Bennett house. She didn’t however wallow in self pity. She and Simone Russell had gotten jobs at the Book Café and moved into an apartment together. When Simone had met Rae, she moved in with them as well.
Thinking of all this had led him back to the problem he had been wrestling with since the end of the summer:
Where, was Alistair Crane?
The last time he had seen Alistair was when A. C. had left Marty with him on the platform in Rome and boarded the train. He had assured Spike that a way had been devised that would get him off the train in time. He never saw Alistair again. Could it be that the Old Man had finally out foxed himself and died at the hands of his own missile? Spike had no way of knowing.
What he did know was that after Theresa Crane had hired Jared Casey, he had discovered the accountant who covered all of the Old Man’s black ops and booted him out of the company.
Up until now, Spike had been able to cover the payroll of Alistair’s hirelings with an account that was so far off the books, even Casey could never find it. But that resource was almost tapped out.
“Well I guess I know what I gotta do.” And with that thought he drifted into a sound sleep with no nightmares.
Meanwhile deep underground, Heckuba is still giving the Demon Elf the grand tour of the Darkside’s new HQ in Harmony.
“So, let me get this straight: Sarah is Ethan and Gwen’s child but you called her your daughter?”
“Because I carried her in my womb and gave birth to her. Adam wasn’t the only one meddling with events here in Harmony during the time shift. I went back to that time in LA and magically transferred Sarah’s embryo into my womb right before Theresa and Gwen began to struggle on the walkway. So, when Gwen fell, everyone still believed she had had a miscarriage.
“So, you raised her?”
“Yes, in real time relative to the time shift; hidden all this time right here in the abandoned mines outside of Harmony. Naturally she absorbed magical energy from me.”
“Then she’s a witch?”
“Indeed and a very powerful one, I have trained her well. In fact that’s really the biggest reason the Boys changed their plans. They feel- - We feel Sarah could be just as powerful as Endora; if not more so.”
As they talked, they had been walking around the huge complex and now they found themselves back in front of the door to Heckuba’s chambers.
“So, what’s our next move?” Asked the Demon Elf.
“Well, my next move is to get some sleep, contrary to popular belief; there is rest for the wicked. As for Sarah, the time has come for her to see the world beyond these mines and to meet her real mother. Well her mortal one at least.”
“But how do you plan to…?”
“Good night Eustace.”
“Good night Madam.”
Fox was slumped crestfallen at the kitchen table over a bowl of Rice Krispies when Essme came bounding through Tabby’s back door.
“Hello everyone I have returned. Fox you’re alive.”
“That’s what people keep telling me.”
“Aw, why so glum chum?’
“You’re Essme right? Fancy’s friend.
Essme sat down at the table and saluted. “Present and accounted for sir.”
“Well apparently, I no longer have a fiancé because Kay found out about all the schemes I’ve been using to hold on to her and tomorrow when Tabitha finds out about it I won’t have a place to live.”
“It could be worse: You could be dead but don’t worry you’re not going to get shot this time.”
“Shot…this time…What?”
“You should only listen to about 40% of what I say. “It’s either because I’ve had too many meds or too few. I can’t remember which. That’s probably the problem.”
“I suppose I could go back to mansion to live.”
“Or you could come upstairs to my new room and make love to me.”
Fox dropped his spoon into his bowl.
“You’re serious?”
“Sure it will be refreshing to wake up to someone who’s still alive in the morning.”
“What?!”
“It’s that 60/40 thing again.” She started up the back stairs and turned back to him. “You coming?”
Fox hurriedly put his bowl in the sink and followed Essme to her bedroom. For the rest of the night Kay was the last thing on his mind.
In the living room, Kay and Miguel had finally exhausted all the questions they had for Adam and gone up stairs for a much deserved rest, leaving father and son alone again.
“Two more things dad and you can get back to your ski trip.”
“Very well, I take it you have something to show me.”
“First, this is a replica of Sam Bennett’s video camera from the alternate timeline. On it is a confession by Gwen and her mother of all of their crimes. And this is JT Cornell’s USB stick” As he spoke Adam brought the devices out from under the table. “I got it off him while I was impressing on him the need to leave town. I hear that he’s taken a position in a town called Springfield”
“And you did that for his safety no doubt?”
“Well technically he’s no longer in any danger now that Vincent isn’t a threat. I just didn’t think he had to know that.” Adam dropped the storage device on the floor and ground it under his heel. “And now Gwen and her mother won’t be able to find out about Juanita Vasquez and her connection to Pillar.”
“Son, I understand why you feel such a connection to Vincent: Both of you had such a bad relationship to your parent’s growing up.”
“Dad! You saw me as much you could even Mother popped in from time to time. Vincent never knew who his parents were.”
“Thank you for saying that son, but right now I’m more concerned with your involvement in this other mortal’s life.”
“Theresa? I just feel sorry for her.”
“If that’s all it is.”
“What else would it be…? Oh, Dad.”
“I’ll leave you with one more thought: During the timeshift, you had the chance to make sure Ethan found out the truth about Gwen and you didn’t do it. Why is that…? Just be careful son. You could be playing a dangerous game.”
“I love you Dad.”
The two men hugged and said their goodbyes. Adam covered the bowl, destroyed the remains of the USB device and took the video camera upstairs, finally ending his first night in Harmony.
*
*
*
End of Episode 4
Spike was having a nightmare until the voice woke him up.
“What?” He sat up and asked, but he realized there was no one in his bedroom.
“I said: The part of Jessica Bennett will now be played once more by Mary Elizabeth Winsted.” Repeated the disembodied voice.
“Oh.” He laid his head back on the pillow and closed his eyes. “What?!” He shouted as he sat bolt upright.
No answer.
Then he remembered that Jessica was what his nightmare had been about. In it, he had gotten her addicted to drugs and then made her walk the streets as a prostitute. While she slept, he had killed any john she managed to pick up, and made her believe she was responsible for the killings.
But that’s not what had happened in real life.
Yes, that’s exactly what Alistair Crane had originally hired him to do. But the Jessica Bennett he had met was far too self confident a young woman to be led down that path. The girl from his nightmare seemed like a completely different person.
Yes, she had been disappointed that her father had not put up more of a fight when her mother left the country with David Hastings and she had moved out of the Bennett house. She didn’t however wallow in self pity. She and Simone Russell had gotten jobs at the Book Café and moved into an apartment together. When Simone had met Rae, she moved in with them as well.
Thinking of all this had led him back to the problem he had been wrestling with since the end of the summer:
Where, was Alistair Crane?
The last time he had seen Alistair was when A. C. had left Marty with him on the platform in Rome and boarded the train. He had assured Spike that a way had been devised that would get him off the train in time. He never saw Alistair again. Could it be that the Old Man had finally out foxed himself and died at the hands of his own missile? Spike had no way of knowing.
What he did know was that after Theresa Crane had hired Jared Casey, he had discovered the accountant who covered all of the Old Man’s black ops and booted him out of the company.
Up until now, Spike had been able to cover the payroll of Alistair’s hirelings with an account that was so far off the books, even Casey could never find it. But that resource was almost tapped out.
“Well I guess I know what I gotta do.” And with that thought he drifted into a sound sleep with no nightmares.
Meanwhile deep underground, Heckuba is still giving the Demon Elf the grand tour of the Darkside’s new HQ in Harmony.
“So, let me get this straight: Sarah is Ethan and Gwen’s child but you called her your daughter?”
“Because I carried her in my womb and gave birth to her. Adam wasn’t the only one meddling with events here in Harmony during the time shift. I went back to that time in LA and magically transferred Sarah’s embryo into my womb right before Theresa and Gwen began to struggle on the walkway. So, when Gwen fell, everyone still believed she had had a miscarriage.
“So, you raised her?”
“Yes, in real time relative to the time shift; hidden all this time right here in the abandoned mines outside of Harmony. Naturally she absorbed magical energy from me.”
“Then she’s a witch?”
“Indeed and a very powerful one, I have trained her well. In fact that’s really the biggest reason the Boys changed their plans. They feel- - We feel Sarah could be just as powerful as Endora; if not more so.”
As they talked, they had been walking around the huge complex and now they found themselves back in front of the door to Heckuba’s chambers.
“So, what’s our next move?” Asked the Demon Elf.
“Well, my next move is to get some sleep, contrary to popular belief; there is rest for the wicked. As for Sarah, the time has come for her to see the world beyond these mines and to meet her real mother. Well her mortal one at least.”
“But how do you plan to…?”
“Good night Eustace.”
“Good night Madam.”
Fox was slumped crestfallen at the kitchen table over a bowl of Rice Krispies when Essme came bounding through Tabby’s back door.
“Hello everyone I have returned. Fox you’re alive.”
“That’s what people keep telling me.”
“Aw, why so glum chum?’
“You’re Essme right? Fancy’s friend.
Essme sat down at the table and saluted. “Present and accounted for sir.”
“Well apparently, I no longer have a fiancé because Kay found out about all the schemes I’ve been using to hold on to her and tomorrow when Tabitha finds out about it I won’t have a place to live.”
“It could be worse: You could be dead but don’t worry you’re not going to get shot this time.”
“Shot…this time…What?”
“You should only listen to about 40% of what I say. “It’s either because I’ve had too many meds or too few. I can’t remember which. That’s probably the problem.”
“I suppose I could go back to mansion to live.”
“Or you could come upstairs to my new room and make love to me.”
Fox dropped his spoon into his bowl.
“You’re serious?”
“Sure it will be refreshing to wake up to someone who’s still alive in the morning.”
“What?!”
“It’s that 60/40 thing again.” She started up the back stairs and turned back to him. “You coming?”
Fox hurriedly put his bowl in the sink and followed Essme to her bedroom. For the rest of the night Kay was the last thing on his mind.
In the living room, Kay and Miguel had finally exhausted all the questions they had for Adam and gone up stairs for a much deserved rest, leaving father and son alone again.
“Two more things dad and you can get back to your ski trip.”
“Very well, I take it you have something to show me.”
“First, this is a replica of Sam Bennett’s video camera from the alternate timeline. On it is a confession by Gwen and her mother of all of their crimes. And this is JT Cornell’s USB stick” As he spoke Adam brought the devices out from under the table. “I got it off him while I was impressing on him the need to leave town. I hear that he’s taken a position in a town called Springfield”
“And you did that for his safety no doubt?”
“Well technically he’s no longer in any danger now that Vincent isn’t a threat. I just didn’t think he had to know that.” Adam dropped the storage device on the floor and ground it under his heel. “And now Gwen and her mother won’t be able to find out about Juanita Vasquez and her connection to Pillar.”
“Son, I understand why you feel such a connection to Vincent: Both of you had such a bad relationship to your parent’s growing up.”
“Dad! You saw me as much you could even Mother popped in from time to time. Vincent never knew who his parents were.”
“Thank you for saying that son, but right now I’m more concerned with your involvement in this other mortal’s life.”
“Theresa? I just feel sorry for her.”
“If that’s all it is.”
“What else would it be…? Oh, Dad.”
“I’ll leave you with one more thought: During the timeshift, you had the chance to make sure Ethan found out the truth about Gwen and you didn’t do it. Why is that…? Just be careful son. You could be playing a dangerous game.”
“I love you Dad.”
The two men hugged and said their goodbyes. Adam covered the bowl, destroyed the remains of the USB device and took the video camera upstairs, finally ending his first night in Harmony.
*
*
*
End of Episode 4
Friday, August 29, 2008
Episode 3: In Which Dr Bombay Makes a House Call and Kay and Miguel Come Home
Episode 3
“Calling Dr. Bombay; calling Dr. Bombay! Emergency! Come right away!”
As always right on cue, Dr. Bombay appeared in Tabby’s living room. “Who the devil is calling me now? I was just shushing down the slopes of the Alps. Adam my boy it’s so good to see you.”
“Hi Dad. I need your advice. I think I really screwed up this time.” Adam quickly explained the situation to his father.
“I see, so what do you want to do about all this?”
“Well, I’ve been watching how everything turned out in Mother’s bowl and I think it would be best if I tried to reverse the spell”
“Oh, my boy, time is tricky thing. Especially since you said you used this Essme person’s wish to boost your magic. Wishcraft is a very powerful force. It could take triple the energy to reverse that type of spell.”
“So what am I supposed to do? I feel so guilty. Mother and Endora could be so happy right now or I guess I should say then.”
“Well I hate to admit it, but that Demon Elf creature is right about one thing. You have made Harmony a better place just by knocking Alistair Crane for a loop. Maybe not perfect but better.”
“What if I tried to convince Mother to be baptized?”
“Uh, oh, Houston we have a problem.” Said the Demon Elf, still watching from the porch. “And who does he think he is; calling me a creature?”
“Pipe down and listen.” Admonished Heckuba.
“I think it’s highly unlikely she’d agree to something like that.” And Dr. Bombay waved his hand over the magic bowl. “See how they had to drag her kicking and screaming to the font? The only reason she went through with it was because Endora was in danger.”
“Still, doesn’t she deserve…” Just then, they heard the sound of someone coming up from the basement. It was Kay and Miguel coming back from the other dimensions.
“We’re back!” Kay called out as she pushed the basement door open. Her eyes went wide when she saw the two men in the living room. “I don’t believe it, you’re Adam, Tabitha’s son.”
“And you’re Dr. Bombay! The Dr. Bombay!” Exclaimed Miguel.
“I told you Dr. Bombay was his Father.” Said Kay.
“Yes but to actually meet him in the flesh.”
“Not to worry my boy. I fully understand your amazement.”
“Adam, we’ve been looking all over for you, and I do mean all over.” Said Kay.
“Yes I know, the Darkside made sure you couldn’t find me. But luckily, I already knew about the danger to Harmony.” Again Adam explained his story leaving out how he had been duped by the Demon Elf and the alternate timeline.
“So, you mean we’re back in the last week of 2006? Asked Kay. “But if that’s true, what’s happened to the Boys? They should still be camped out in the basement.”
“They’re not down there?” Adam asked, genuinely surprised.
“No, the only thing down there is the portal to the other dimensions, That and a few of Fluffy’s chew toys.” Said Miguel. “I can’t believe I just said that.”
“Oh, honey, you’re still uncomfortable with all this aren’t you.” Asked Kay, as she gave Miguel a kiss on the cheek.
“Well…Yes, but I realized something on our little journey: Magic isn’t necessarily a bad thing. So… as long as you promise not to go overboard, you can practice your magic.”
“Tabitha is going to be so thrilled. Kay exclaimed. And she gave him another kiss. “Oh this does apply to her too doesn’t it?”
“And Endora and Maria; my word what am I getting myself into?” Asked Miguel.
“Well, about the basement,” Adam interjected. “I really have no explanation. Let’s just hope it’s a good sign.”
“As soon as we knew the time shift had taken place we got word to the Boys here to pack up and leave.” Explained Heckuba to the Demon Elf. “It’s not safe to have our base camp here in this house anymore, now that Tabitha can no longer be trusted.”
Someone appeared at the top of the stairs. “Who’s down here? Oh Kay I was wondering why you weren’t in our bed.”
“Fox?! You’re alive? I can’t believe it” Without thinking Kay ran up the stairs and threw her arms around Fox’s neck.
“Of course I’m alive.. At least for another few months.”
“Oh? Oh! And she swiftly disentangled herself. “No no no no no no. We have to get something straight right now. We all know that you were never sick. You were just trying to get my sympathy. And I also know about those actors you hired to pretend to be Charity and Miguel. You just need to get it through your head; I’m not marrying you. I’m marrying Miguel.” She held up her hand. “See, I’m wearing his ring. Oh, and if you or your father try to do anything to Miguel, I swear!”
“Well… I’m really not sure how you found out about all of this but you obviously feel enormously passionate about it. So.. If everyone will excuse me.” And he looked around the room for the first time. “I’m sorry, I just realized, I don’t think I’ve met anyone else here. Oh hi Miguel. Well, I’m just going to go get that midnight snack I was craving, again excuse me.” Fox moved quickly and disappeared into the kitchen.
“Kay, that was amazing.” Said Miguel.
“Oh..my..God! I’m thrilled he’s still alive.” Said Kay. But does this mean we’re going to have to go through his murder all over again?
“No.” Answered Adam. “While you were gone, everyone found out that Vicky was responsible for all the murders of Essme’s boyfriends. She also killed her parents. Essme has gone to her sister’s to make sure that does not happen again. You should also know that Essme knows Tabitha is a witch and she’s going to be staying here for a while.
“Come on Eustace. Said Heckuba. I think we’ve heard enough for now and there’s something I want to show you.
“Lead the way Madam.” And they both disappeared from the porch.
“Is there anything else we should know?” Asked Miguel.
“Well, yes. Vincent was responsible for killing Rae. But now Rae is alive and she’s going to stay that way because during the time shift, I was able to befriend Vincent and talk him into getting the counseling he needs. This also means that Luis is not going be charged with her murder or be sent to death row. On top of that, Judge Riley and Grace Nancier have been disbarred for prosecutorial and judicial misconduct.”
As the conversation in Tabby’s living room continues, let us shift our scene: several miles and deep underground to the abandoned mines just outside of Harmony.
“This will be the Darkside’s new base of operations here in Harmony.” And Heckuba through her arms up and out to encompass the space.
“Very impressive Madam.” Said the Demon Elf.
“Your quarters are just down that passage, but there’s someone in my quarters I would like you to meet.” Heckuba pushed open a door and the Demon Elf followed her.
“Say, this looks just like the inside of Jeanie’s bottle.” Observed the Demon Elf.
“Yes, well after being trapped in there so long I found that I had grown fond of the furnishings.”
“Go figure.”
“Sweetie are you still awake, if you are, come out here for a moment. I want you to meet your uncle Eustace.”
“Uncle.” The Demon Elf laughed.
And a little girl of about six or seven came out from an ajoining room. “Hello.”
“Eustace, may I present my daughter?”
“Hello sweetie what’s your name?”
“Sarah.”
“Her full name is Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop.” Heckuba announced.
*
*
*
End of Episode 3
“Calling Dr. Bombay; calling Dr. Bombay! Emergency! Come right away!”
As always right on cue, Dr. Bombay appeared in Tabby’s living room. “Who the devil is calling me now? I was just shushing down the slopes of the Alps. Adam my boy it’s so good to see you.”
“Hi Dad. I need your advice. I think I really screwed up this time.” Adam quickly explained the situation to his father.
“I see, so what do you want to do about all this?”
“Well, I’ve been watching how everything turned out in Mother’s bowl and I think it would be best if I tried to reverse the spell”
“Oh, my boy, time is tricky thing. Especially since you said you used this Essme person’s wish to boost your magic. Wishcraft is a very powerful force. It could take triple the energy to reverse that type of spell.”
“So what am I supposed to do? I feel so guilty. Mother and Endora could be so happy right now or I guess I should say then.”
“Well I hate to admit it, but that Demon Elf creature is right about one thing. You have made Harmony a better place just by knocking Alistair Crane for a loop. Maybe not perfect but better.”
“What if I tried to convince Mother to be baptized?”
“Uh, oh, Houston we have a problem.” Said the Demon Elf, still watching from the porch. “And who does he think he is; calling me a creature?”
“Pipe down and listen.” Admonished Heckuba.
“I think it’s highly unlikely she’d agree to something like that.” And Dr. Bombay waved his hand over the magic bowl. “See how they had to drag her kicking and screaming to the font? The only reason she went through with it was because Endora was in danger.”
“Still, doesn’t she deserve…” Just then, they heard the sound of someone coming up from the basement. It was Kay and Miguel coming back from the other dimensions.
“We’re back!” Kay called out as she pushed the basement door open. Her eyes went wide when she saw the two men in the living room. “I don’t believe it, you’re Adam, Tabitha’s son.”
“And you’re Dr. Bombay! The Dr. Bombay!” Exclaimed Miguel.
“I told you Dr. Bombay was his Father.” Said Kay.
“Yes but to actually meet him in the flesh.”
“Not to worry my boy. I fully understand your amazement.”
“Adam, we’ve been looking all over for you, and I do mean all over.” Said Kay.
“Yes I know, the Darkside made sure you couldn’t find me. But luckily, I already knew about the danger to Harmony.” Again Adam explained his story leaving out how he had been duped by the Demon Elf and the alternate timeline.
“So, you mean we’re back in the last week of 2006? Asked Kay. “But if that’s true, what’s happened to the Boys? They should still be camped out in the basement.”
“They’re not down there?” Adam asked, genuinely surprised.
“No, the only thing down there is the portal to the other dimensions, That and a few of Fluffy’s chew toys.” Said Miguel. “I can’t believe I just said that.”
“Oh, honey, you’re still uncomfortable with all this aren’t you.” Asked Kay, as she gave Miguel a kiss on the cheek.
“Well…Yes, but I realized something on our little journey: Magic isn’t necessarily a bad thing. So… as long as you promise not to go overboard, you can practice your magic.”
“Tabitha is going to be so thrilled. Kay exclaimed. And she gave him another kiss. “Oh this does apply to her too doesn’t it?”
“And Endora and Maria; my word what am I getting myself into?” Asked Miguel.
“Well, about the basement,” Adam interjected. “I really have no explanation. Let’s just hope it’s a good sign.”
“As soon as we knew the time shift had taken place we got word to the Boys here to pack up and leave.” Explained Heckuba to the Demon Elf. “It’s not safe to have our base camp here in this house anymore, now that Tabitha can no longer be trusted.”
Someone appeared at the top of the stairs. “Who’s down here? Oh Kay I was wondering why you weren’t in our bed.”
“Fox?! You’re alive? I can’t believe it” Without thinking Kay ran up the stairs and threw her arms around Fox’s neck.
“Of course I’m alive.. At least for another few months.”
“Oh? Oh! And she swiftly disentangled herself. “No no no no no no. We have to get something straight right now. We all know that you were never sick. You were just trying to get my sympathy. And I also know about those actors you hired to pretend to be Charity and Miguel. You just need to get it through your head; I’m not marrying you. I’m marrying Miguel.” She held up her hand. “See, I’m wearing his ring. Oh, and if you or your father try to do anything to Miguel, I swear!”
“Well… I’m really not sure how you found out about all of this but you obviously feel enormously passionate about it. So.. If everyone will excuse me.” And he looked around the room for the first time. “I’m sorry, I just realized, I don’t think I’ve met anyone else here. Oh hi Miguel. Well, I’m just going to go get that midnight snack I was craving, again excuse me.” Fox moved quickly and disappeared into the kitchen.
“Kay, that was amazing.” Said Miguel.
“Oh..my..God! I’m thrilled he’s still alive.” Said Kay. But does this mean we’re going to have to go through his murder all over again?
“No.” Answered Adam. “While you were gone, everyone found out that Vicky was responsible for all the murders of Essme’s boyfriends. She also killed her parents. Essme has gone to her sister’s to make sure that does not happen again. You should also know that Essme knows Tabitha is a witch and she’s going to be staying here for a while.
“Come on Eustace. Said Heckuba. I think we’ve heard enough for now and there’s something I want to show you.
“Lead the way Madam.” And they both disappeared from the porch.
“Is there anything else we should know?” Asked Miguel.
“Well, yes. Vincent was responsible for killing Rae. But now Rae is alive and she’s going to stay that way because during the time shift, I was able to befriend Vincent and talk him into getting the counseling he needs. This also means that Luis is not going be charged with her murder or be sent to death row. On top of that, Judge Riley and Grace Nancier have been disbarred for prosecutorial and judicial misconduct.”
As the conversation in Tabby’s living room continues, let us shift our scene: several miles and deep underground to the abandoned mines just outside of Harmony.
“This will be the Darkside’s new base of operations here in Harmony.” And Heckuba through her arms up and out to encompass the space.
“Very impressive Madam.” Said the Demon Elf.
“Your quarters are just down that passage, but there’s someone in my quarters I would like you to meet.” Heckuba pushed open a door and the Demon Elf followed her.
“Say, this looks just like the inside of Jeanie’s bottle.” Observed the Demon Elf.
“Yes, well after being trapped in there so long I found that I had grown fond of the furnishings.”
“Go figure.”
“Sweetie are you still awake, if you are, come out here for a moment. I want you to meet your uncle Eustace.”
“Uncle.” The Demon Elf laughed.
And a little girl of about six or seven came out from an ajoining room. “Hello.”
“Eustace, may I present my daughter?”
“Hello sweetie what’s your name?”
“Sarah.”
“Her full name is Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop.” Heckuba announced.
*
*
*
End of Episode 3
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
