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 31, 2008
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
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