Previous Chapters
Recap of the Beginning and character summary
Looking for the beginning? Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and SIXTEEN

Four days later
Tuesday — 11:20 A.M.
Children’s Hospital

“Where am I?” Sissy said as she sat up in her hospital bed.

“Children’s Hospital,” Sandy said.

Sandy sat down on her little sister’s bed.

“How did I get here?” Sissy asked.

“You don’t remember?” Sandy asked.

“I remember seeing Charlie. I remember meeting Noelle and Nash and Teddy and his Dad. He’s your pilot. Right?”

“He is.”

“I remember thinking I was going to see you!” Sissy said. “We went to some place…”

She shook her head.

“Everyone ordered burgers and fries,” Sandy said. “You ate most of yours then collapsed. You had a seizure at the restaurant. The EMTs thought you were stable but you had another seizure in the ambulance.”

“A seizure? I’ve never had a seizure before,” Sissy said.

“You almost died.” Tears ran down Sandy’s face. “Well, you did die in the ambulance. They were able to get your heart started. You…”

Sandy shook her head. Her hand swiped at her tears.

“My heart didn’t stop! You’re making this up,” Sissy said. “I’m not even sick!”

Overcome, Sandy began to cry into her hands. She’d promised herself she’d be the grown up, she wouldn’t cry, but this was too hard, too painful.

“You’re making it up,” Sissy repeated.

Sandy raised her head to catch her sister’s eyes. She shook her head.

“Why did I almost die?” Sissy’s voice was no louder than a whisper.

“Because you haven’t been eating,” Sandy said. “Why, Sis? Why? Why would you stop eating?”

“Well, I don’t know.” Sissy’s voice was more annoyed than defensive. “After Charlie left, Mom stopped shopping. The only food in the house was cheese. I hate cheese and the cereal ran out a couple weeks ago. She’d give me money for lunch. I always gave my lunch money to Charlie. He really needed it. He didn’t have a home like I did.”

“Why didn’t you call me?” Sandy asked. “Come by. You know where the salon is…”

“I don’t know,” Sissy said. “I thought you were mad at me.”

“Why would I be mad at you?” Sandy asked.

“Because I didn’t help you when Mom was so awful,” Sissy said.

Shaking her head, Sandy hugged Sissy to her.

“Where’s Mom?” Sissy asked.

“That’s a long story,” Sandy said. “You’re on the Eating Disorders ward, Sis. They want to keep you here until you’re well. Right now, it’s still touch and go. You have to participate in therapy and groups and…”

“How am I going to pay for this?” Sissy asked.

“You have medical insurance through Dad’s Police Union,” Sandy said. “They’re paying for most of it.”

“Oh,” Sissy said. “Will I get fat?”

“I hope so,” Sandy said.

“No really,” Sissy said. “I don’t want to be fat.”

“You, Sis, are tall and thin. You’ll probably never ever be fat. Was Dad fat?”

“No, but Mom is.”

“We don’t ever want to be like Mom,” Sandy smiled.

“Never like Mom,” Sissy agreed. “Can I touch the baby?”

Sandy sighed. She took Sissy’s hand and placed their hands on her belly.

“Is Charlie all right?” Sissy asked. “He seemed really happy, happier than I’ve ever seen him.”

“He started rehab yesterday,” Sandy said. “He’s not as happy as he was on Thursday.”

“He needs rehab,” Sissy said. “I know you hate her. And I know she deserves it. She’s been awful and is crazy. But I love Mom. She can’t make it without me. I should be with Mom.”

“Mom’s in a six month treatment program,” Sandy said. “We had it all set up. Social Services, the Police Union Rep and Seth went to her work. They were going to give her the option to go to rehab or get treatment at home. You know how she can be when someone tries to make her do something. Stubborn. Defiant.”

“Mean.”

“Right. The Police Union rep told her she’d lose the stipend for you and Charlie. Anyway, I guess it was chaos,” Sandy said.

“Of course,” Sissy said.

“When you collapsed… She was charged with reckless child endangerment. The Police Union rep told her it was jail or treatment. She was still being stubborn. The Police arrested her and everything.”

“What changed her mind?” Sissy asked.

“You remember my friend Heather?” Sandy asked.

“Mom works with her mom,” Sissy said.

“Right,” Sandy said. “Heather’s Mom. That’s what changed her mind. I don’t know what Heather’s Mom said, but somehow she got through to Mom. The Police took her to the treatment place. It’s a locked facility so she couldn’t get out for seventy-two hours.”

“Oh,” Sissy said.

“Get this,” Sandy said. “I’ve called every morning and every night to see how she’s doing. Last night’s the first time she took my call. She wanted to know where Charlie was and how you were doing. She told me she was sorry for everything that happened to me. She said she’s exactly where she needs to be right now.”

“We’re all in treatment,” Sissy’s eyes were luminous.

“I hope you get better,” Sandy nodded. “If you get better, we’ll go and visit Mom in a month or so. If she does well there, she can stay there up to a year.”

“What about the house?” Sissy’s voice dropped to a whisper. “There are rats there.”

Sissy held her hands out a foot apart.

“Yuck,” Sandy said. “I hired a service that takes care of places like that. Mom signed a power of attorney over to Heather’s Mom. Heather’s Mom is helping me get everything set up. By the time Mom’s better, Charlie’s better and you’re better, the house should be ready for her to live there, and you, if you want to.”

“What about Charlie and me? Do we have to live with the rats?” Sissy asked.

“You’ll live with me,” Sandy said. “I’ll take care of you. If Mom is able to be a mom again, then you can move back with her. If you don’t want to or she can’t be a mom again, then you’ll stay with me.”

“What about your new husband? And…” Sissy touched Sandy’s bulging belly.

“We’ll live together,” Sandy said. “Aden…”

“The gym guy?” Sissy asked. “You married the gym guy? Mom said it was some  old guy but…”

“I married the gym guy,” Sandy smiled. “Nash and Noelle are his kids.”

“We’ll live all together?”

“If you want,” Sandy nodded.

“I do want!” Sissy moved to get out of bed.

“Sorry Sis,” Sandy said. “You have to stay here for a while.”

“For treatment?”

Sandy nodded.

“Are you sure I need it?” Sissy asked.

“I am,” Sandy said.

“Don’t be sad, Sandy,” Sissy said. “If Charlie gets well and I get well and Mom gets well, we could be a real family again. Like before Dad died.”

Sandy smiled.

“I need you to do something for me, Sis,” Sandy said.

“Anything,” Sissy said.

“I need you to work really hard in treatment,” Sandy said. “It will seem stupid sometimes, boring other times, and you might hate it. But this is where you need to be right now.”

“I’ll do it.”

“Good,” Sandy said. “You have to do most of it yourself.”

“I do?”

“I can only visit you a couple times a week. We’ll be here for visitation and family therapy. The doctors and your therapist are waiting for you outside the door. They let me come in to wake you. But you have to do the rest alone.”

“I can do it, Sandy. You’ll see,” Sissy said.

Sandy stood from the bed. She gave a little wave then walked to the door. At the door, she paused. Unable to stop herself, she ran back to the child’s bed. Clasping the skeleton that had become her sister, she whispered:

“Please get well. Please get well. Please Sis, for me, please get well.”

Crying, the sisters held each other. Sandy felt hands on her shoulders. The therapist peeled her from Sissy. Sandy gave Sissy another wave and walked to the door. Standing at the door, she caught her sister’s dark eyes. Sissy waved and Sandy went out the door. She made it all the way through the hospital to the front entrance where Aden was waiting for her. In his arms, she cried her heart out.

~~~~~~~~

Thursday — 12:56 P.M.

Walking down the Art Institute corridor, Jill looked from door to door until she found the room for her first class on Interior Design. She’d taken an entire semester before taking this class. She was lucky to have an Interior Design class at all. A lot of schools don’t teach specialty classes until the very end. She was about to turn into the class when a woman pushed past her and into the room.

Jill stopped. That was the awful woman who’d made fun of her all last term. The awful woman already made a joke today about whether the secretary went with them on vacation. Everyone laughed. At Jill. About that stupid lying woman. Now that awful woman was in Jill’s dream class.

“I won’t let her get to me,” Jill repeated in her head what Megan had told her. “She will not get to me.”

The teacher looked up when she came in the room. A direct descendent of the painter, Salvator Rosa was one of Denver’s top interior designers. Intimidated, Jill went toward the back of the class. Seeing the awful woman smirking in the back, she found a seat near the middle. She took out her paper, mechanical pencil and eraser. No matter who was in this class, she was not going to miss a word of what this man had to say.

“Ok, let’s get started,” the man said. “Most of you know who I am. Rather than take our time with ego, you can read the catalog about me. You may call me Sal.

“I have a list of your names,” Salvator said. “Over the next twelve weeks, we will get to know each other very well. And at the end of twelve weeks, you will know whether you have a chance of being an interior designer in this city.

“If you don’t already know how this class works, I will teach a concept a week. Every Friday, we will hold a contest for who creates the best room. Many of my colleagues say you’re too new, too young to face such pressure. But working in someone else’s home is a lot of pressure. You have to know their taste, what they like, and make them very, very happy or you will never get work again. If you can’t handle a little friendly competition now, you will never handle the pressure later.

“I can understand if you would like to transfer into Dr. Donavon’s course,” he said. “He’s one of the top academics in the field. You have this week to transfer. I’d encourage anyone thinking of transferring to do so. In this class, we will work hard. I don’t have time for egos. I don’t have time for lazy people. And I don’t have time for anyone who doesn’t want to be the very best they can be.”

Jill sat up a little straighter in her chair. She wanted to be the very best she could be. She liked to work hard. And she didn’t think she had too big of an ego. She glanced around the room to see how the other students were responding. Most students seemed excited. Awful woman sneered at Jill. Jill turned her eyes back to the teacher.

“Who is Jillian Roper?” Salvator asked.

Jill raised her hand. Awful woman snickered.

“Stand beside your chair when I call on you,” he said.

“I’m Jillian Roper, sir,” Jill popped to her feet.

“I had dinner last night at the Biatchi mansion,” Salvator said. “I understand you and your husband did some rehabilitation there?”

“Yes sir.” Jill swallowed hard.

“Can someone get the lights?” the teacher asked.

The room went dark. Jill moved to sit down, but the teacher indicated she should keep standing. An image of the room she, Jacob, Mike and the team at MLR properties had refurbished came on the screen.

“Can you explain what you did?” Salvator asked.

“Yes sir,” Jill said. “This room had been a formal dining room. Sometime in the last two hundred years, the room was flooded. The water was allowed stand on the wood for some time. If you had seen this room, you would have thought it was impossible.”

“I thought it was impossible when they asked me,” Salvator said.

He leaned over the computer and clicked a photo of the original condition of the room.

“My husband, Jacob, brings out beauty in things that are broken or destroyed,” Jill said. “He and a crew of our guys worked for three months to restore the room to its original condition.”

“Mrs. Biatchi said he rebuilt many of the features by hand,” Salvator said.

“He’s a carpenter,” Jill said. “He likes to recreate things in the way they were originally built.”

The screen flashed to the room before Jill started her work.

“This is the blank palate you will all work with this week,” Salvator said. “First, let me show you what Jillian Roper did.”

The screen flashed a photo of the whole room. The room was a wash in Rose color. The top half of the walls were painted a rich cream color. Pink, yellow and purple flowers in what looked like wall paper adorned the bottom half of the walls. A period piece crystal chandelier hung over the twelve person mission style cherry dining room table. The table was covered in a deep maroon table covering. The floors gleamed in a cherry wash. The students shifted restlessly.

“Wait,” Salvator said. “Let’s take a closer look.”

The next photograph was a close up of one of the walls.

“You thought it was wall paper,” Salvator said. “I did as well. But look, it’s actually painted. And look!”

He zoomed in on the picture. A small human face looked out among the flowers.

“This is the owner’s youngest son,” he said. His voice was elevated in excitement. “The Biatchi’s, their four children, even the owner’s dog are hidden among this floral display. Mrs. Biatchi was over the moon. Will you tell us Jillian why you chose this?”

“At the time this room was built, wall paper was a sign of status,” Jill said. “In the high end homes, the wall paper was hand painted. Rather than paint the paper, I decided to paper the walls with a cream colored paper. My brother, Mike, and I painted the walls together. He drew the flowers and the people before he left for Prague. I filled in the color while he was gone.”

“Why put the people on the walls?”

“Mrs. Biatchi asked us to personalize the room,” Jill said. “It seemed… natural.”

“You would think all this pink makes the room feminine,” Salvator said. “The choice of the cherry floors and this table even out the pinks. Tell me about the chandelier. Where did you get it?”

“My husband found it, sir,” Jill said.

“Found it?”

“Yes sir,” Jill said. “He owns an underground utility company. They were working a job out in Northern Colorado. A contractor was refurbishing a farmhouse near Greely. They left this chandelier by the side of the road. They offered to pay Jacob to haul it to the trash. Jacob got a number of fixtures from him.”

“Was it in this condition?”

“No sir,” Jill said. “It was an original gas fixture. I had to power wash it to get the dirt, grease and tar off it. After a day of cleaning, we realized it was copper. Our electrician rewired it. We had to get a few of the crystals remade but otherwise it was perfect.”

“And why this chandelier?”

The screen switched to an image of the chandelier.

“When it’s lit, it looks like rain,” Jill said. “Even with new CFC bulbs.”

“For the garden on the walls?” Salvator asked.

“Yes sir,” Jill said. “With any luck, the copper will turn green.”

“This is a brilliant room.”

“Thank you, sir,” Jill said. “We’re proud of how it turned out.”

“You may sit down,” her teacher said. “Mrs. Biatchi will allow us to tour on Friday afternoon after you turn in your designs for the room.”

“Sir, we meet Tuesdays and Thursdays,” a man near the back asked.

“And you turn in work on Friday. When available, we’ll take field trips to see the actual redo of the rooms we work on,” Salvator said. “Is that going to be a problem?”

“No sir,” the man said.

“Good.” Salvator pointed to Jill. “This is your competition. I’d understand if you wanted to transfer. Go ahead. Ms. Roper is already well ahead of the curve. I could apologize, Ms. Roper, for painting a target on your back. But this is a competitive business. If you’re talented, and you are, your first lesson is to get used to people gunning for you.”

Jill blushed.

“Let’s move on,” Salvator said.

For the next two hours, Jill wrote furiously. After the class let out, she looked over her notes to make sure she didn’t have any questions. Awful woman knocked into her shoulder. Jill looked up.

“Ahead of the curve my ass,” awful woman said as she passed.

Jill grit her teeth. She was going to win the weekly competitions if it was the last thing she did.

~~~~~~~~
Thursday — 9:25 P.M.

Charlie woke up with a start. He hadn’t intended to fall asleep. But like always, lying on Noelle’s bed, he’d fallen asleep. He shook himself to make sure he was awake.

And angry.

He hated rehab. He wouldn’t speak to Aden in the car on the way home. He’d made sure everyone felt his rage. From snide comments to sheer defiance, he’d forced everyone into his angry world. Aden shook his head at him. Sandy hugged him and told him she loved him. Nash and Noelle rolled their eyes at him. More than once, Noelle told him to stop being such a jerk.

But Charlie wouldn’t stop.

He’d had enough of the rules and the bullshit. He was fine on his own, on the streets. He’d planned to leave after the ‘little kids’, his new term for Nash and Noelle, went to little kid bed. But he fell asleep on Noelle’s bed listening to Sandy tell a story.

Again.

Rage coursed through his veins. How could he be stupid enough to lie down? Stories were for little babies, not men like Charlie. He pulled on his new jeans and the jacket Sandy bought for him. He was leaving tonight.

No more rehab. No more rules. No more bullshit. Just his friends, his pipe and the open night. His buddy Razor was meeting him at 9:30 outside the Castle.

He slid down the hallway toward the living room. He saw Sandy sitting on Aden’s lap in a high back dining room chair. Their dinner lay uneaten on the table. Staying in the shadow, he could see them but they couldn’t see him. When Sandy flipped her hair, he saw that she was crying. Sobbing really.

Charlie felt like he’d been punched in the gut.

He’d never seen Sandy upset. She might drop a tear or two, but never like this. Her face was red. Her eyes were almost swollen shut. Sandy’s black and white cat, the one that slept with him every night, pranced on the dining room table trying to get her attention. He heard Buster, their ugly dog, scratch at Noelle’s door. Like Cleo, Buster was drawn to help Charlie’s sobbing sister.

He could only make out a word or two she said. ‘Failure’ was one. ‘Child endanger’ was another. He heard Aden’s low soothing voice but not his words. He was about to storm in when he heard:

“Charlie’s going to die. He’s going to die.”

Charlie stopped in his tracks.

Sandy was crying about… him.

Denver Cereal continues Monday…

~~~~~~~~

Denver Cereal is a serial fiction set in Denver, Colorado.
You can get your daily dose of Denver Cereal at DenverCereal.com
Chapters are posted on Saturdays on this blog.
Download your free electronic copy of Denver Cereal, the beginning.
Like printed books? Go here or Amazon for a print copy of the Denver Cereal;
Go here or Amazon for the recently released Celia’s Puppies.
Claudia Hall Christian is a novelist.

Previous Chapters
Recap of the Beginning and character summary
Looking for the beginning? Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FIFTEEN

“You’re a prostitute right?” the only brunette at the table said.

“No, she was a prostitute,” the platinum blonde woman said. “Remember?”

“We certainly can see how you tricked Aden into marrying you,” the first woman nodded to Sandy’s belly.

“Tricked Aden? What are you talking about?” Sandy asked. “I met Aden…”

“As a prostitute. Yes we know,” the brunette woman said. “Can’t blame a single man for seeking a little company.”

“Aden’s never seen a prostitute.” Sandy jumped to her feet. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“It’s alright. We’re very liberal here,” the platinum blonde woman said. “We just don’t want your… values to influence our daughters.”

“Maybe you should speak with your daughters and not me.” Sandy turned away from the table and said, “I think…”

“Sandy!” Bambi, Honey’s boss, gave Sandy a hug. “I’m so glad to see you. I don’t know a soul. My goodness, you’re shaking like a leaf.”

Bambi toward the table.

“What did you do?” Bambi asked the platinum blonde woman. “This is Aden’s wife, the mother of his children.”

“We know what she is,” the brunette said.

“Oh my God,” Bambi said. “You haven’t gotten over it. Have you?”

“Gotten over what?”

“She has a terrible crush on Aden,” Bambi said. “Tell Sandy why nothing happened.”

Bambi stretched up to her entire six feet. The woman wouldn’t look at her.

“Fine,” Bambi said. “I’ll tell her. Aden told her what he has told every woman for the last six or seven years. He was in love with someone else. Remember. That’s what he told you.”

The woman glared at Bambi.

“That was Sandy,” Bambi said. “Aden’s been crazy about Sandy since my Ally was two or three. And you know they met at the gym.”

The brunette looked away. Bambi glared at the other women.

”You disgust me,” Bambi said to the women. “Come on, Sandy. There are plenty of free tables.”

Bambi grabbed Sandy’s arm and pulled her over to another table.

“Noelle?” Bambi waved to Noelle. “We’re over here.”

Noelle’s smile brightened when she saw Bambi. Bambi found an empty table and sat Sandy in a chair. Noelle set down Sandy’s plate of food then ran back to the buffet. Bambi’s daughter brought her a plate of food and ran after Noelle.

“They said I was a prostitute,” Sandy said when she caught her breath.  “I tricked Aden into marrying me.”

“They’re just jealous,” Bambi said.

“Of what?”

“You’re the boss’s wife,” Bambi said. “Their husbands are merely site managers. You know, not everyone was thrilled when Jake elevated Aden to CEO. Those hornets thought their husband’s should have the position. You watch. They’re going to try to make that happen at the owner’s meetings.”

“I thought…”

“It was about you,” Bambi said. “No, it’s about Aden. They see how much the kids love you, how happy Aden is and they’re jealous. Plus, they know Aden beat up your father.”

“They said my influence made their daughter’s over sexual,” Sandy whispered.

Shaking her head, Bambi laughed.

“Those girls are as bad as their mothers,” Bambi said. “Whores. All of them. You think their husband’s can afford all those diamonds? Each one of them has some side action. They’re disgusting and the girls aren’t much better. Why did you sit there?”

“Noelle wants to be just like them,” Sandy said.

“Can’t blame her. She doesn’t know any better,” Bambi said. “Give her time. Now that she has a mom to talk to, I bet she’ll want to be something else. Certainly, we love having Noelle around our house. Ally and Noelle enjoy each other. Why don’t we set up some time over the summer?”

Sandy looked up to see Noelle and Ally chatting and walking back with full plates. For the first time, she looked around the room. There was at least a hundred women there with their daughters. She waved to a few of her clients. Turning back to Bambi, she smiled.

“Thanks for the rescue,” Sandy said.

“Anytime. I’m sure you’d do it for me,” Bambi said.

“In a heart beat,” Sandy said.

“If I’d known that was going to happen, I would have been on time,” Bambi said. “Between you and me? I dread these things.”

“Why?”

“A lot of these women don’t work,” Bambi said. “They aren’t fond of women working with their husbands. Celia Marlowe would roll over in her grave.”

Sandy smiled.

“It’s nice to have a little solidarity here,” Bambi said. “This is the first one any of the Lipson women have come to. Look, there’s another woman site manager. Have you met the controller? She’s here with her daughter. Let’s wave them over.”

Sandy watched Bambi wave a few women over to their table. Their smiling faces put Sandy at ease. These women made a big fuss over Sandy’s big pregnant belly. They even seemed glad to see her. Bambi relayed what happened to Sandy and the women looked horror struck.

“One thing is for sure,” Bambi said. “I’m going to tell their husbands.”

“If you don’t, I will,” the other site manager said.

They clammed up the moment Noelle and Ally returned. Looking up, the controller waved another woman and her daughter over to the table. Soon the table was filled with laughing women and their daughters. Sandy let down her guard and joined in the conversation.

Noelle seemed to be in seventh heaven. Her eye’s big, she watched the women talk back and forth with each other. When the women laughed, Noelle laughed to. When they started the program, Noelle reached for Sandy’s hand. Sandy moved her between her legs so they could snuggle in the dark.

But when the lights came up, Sandy could see something had transpired between the other women at the table. When Noelle took their empty plates to the tub, Sandy asked what was going on.

“Will you ask, Bambi?” the controller said.

Sandy braced herself for whatever might come.

“We were wondering if you’d do our hair,” Bambi said.

“Your hair?” Sandy laughed.

“Well, yeah,” another woman said. “It’s the only reason I came.”

“Me too,” the controller said.

The other women nodded.

“Really?”

“Of course,” Bambi said. “Why do you think these women keep looking over here?”

“Just call me,” Laughing at herself, Sandy said. “I’ll fit you in.”

“She’s the best hair cutter in the city,” Noelle said.

Noelle grabbed Sandy’s purse and passed out her card. Once the cards came out, women began approaching the table. One after another, they asked about getting their hair done. When Sandy ran out of cards, Noelle started writing the number on napkins.

Stuffed full of cake, the girls went back to finish their school day. Sandy walked Noelle to her class then followed Bambi to the parking lot. Bambi gave Sandy a big hug. After promises for hair appointments and play dates, Sandy got into Aden’s SAAB. She sat for a moment, then started the car. She wasn’t out of the Marlowe School parking lot before her cell phone rang.

“Sandy, I…” Aden started.

But Sandy laughed.

“Some people are just awful,” Sandy said. “I think this goes with being the boss’s wife.”

“You’re all right?” Aden asked. “I can come home or meet you or…”

“I’m all right,” Sandy said. “Grateful for Bambi. Did she call?”

“She did,” Aden said. “I’m so sorry. I… Did they really say you were a prostitute?”

“I was a prostitute,” Sandy said. “The Denver Post broke that news.9News had a field day with it for weeks.”

His silence relayed his overwhelming guilt. Finally, he spoke.

“Sandy, I…”

“It’s okay,” Sandy said. “Noelle had a fabulous time. To me, that’s all that matters.”

“You’re amazing,” Aden said. “I owe you one.”

“Just one?”

Aden laughed.

“Flowers? Candy? Or Diamonds?” Aden asked.

“How about dinner – just you and me – our house after we put the kids to bed,” Sandy said.

“You’re on,” Aden said. “I’ll make Chinese Food.”

“My favorite,” Sandy said. “Pete’s or Dragon Café.”

“My culinary skills are vast,” Aden laughed.

“Remember we are meeting Social Services at five tonight,” Sandy said.

“I’ll be there,” Aden said. “Love you.”

“Yeah, me too,” Sandy said.

Setting down the phone, Sandy drove to her shop. Pete met her at the door with a pint of her favorite ice cream to check to see if she was ‘really and truly okay.’ They laughed and ate the ice cream together. A few minutes later, the bell rang. A client was waiting and it was time to work. Straightening her maternity top, she smiled at herself in the mirror. It was a good day.

~~~~~~~~

Thursday afternoon —3:02 P.M.

“MITZI!” Charlie yelled.

He jumped out of the back of the SUV and ran toward the tall, rail thin girl walking along the sidewalk. Defensive, she flipped around.

“Don’t call me that… CHARLIE!” Sissy said.

Charlie picked his sister up off the sidewalk in a hug. She was crying so hard he didn’t dare let her go. He held her tight.

“Charlie, I thought you were dead,” she said. “I thought you were dead. I… Oh Charlie.”

In a typical sister reversal, she shrugged him off her.

“Where have you been!?!” Sissy punched him in the chest. “I’ve been crazy with worry!”

In a classic brother move, he gave her a sheepish look and shrugged. Shaking her head, she continued walking. Charlie fell in beside her. She stopped walking when Charlie began to cough from the excitement.

“You need a doctor!” Sissy said.

“I… have… one,” Charlie said between coughing. “I got beat up… was in the hospital… for a… week… have pneumonia… Hepatitis…”

With Sissy banging on his back, Charlie coughed until he stopped. She held out her water bottle for him.

“I came to get you.” Charlie took a long drink from Sissy’s water bottle.

“I can’t go anywhere, Charlie,” Sissy said. “I have to go home. Mom will kill me if I’m not there when she gets home.”

“She doesn’t get home until five twenty three,” Charlie said. “We’re going for burgers and I wanted you to meet everyone.”

“You and your friends?” Sissy put her painfully thin arms on her thin hips. “Burgers and fries? You mean you want me to buy you and your friend’s lunch.”

“Me and our family,” Charlie said. “I’ve been staying with Sandy and her husband.”

“Sandy!” Sissy’s face brightened. For a moment, a beautiful young girl shone through her almost skeletal features. She repeated, “Sandy!”

“Come on,” Charlie pointed toward the SUV. “We can get burgers and fries and get you back before Mom comes home. Or at least that’s what Teddy’s Dad said.”

Sissy pulled a fist full of bills from her pocket.

“I’ve been saving all my food money for you,” Sissy held the money out to Charlie.

“It’s all paid for,” Charlie pushed her hand back to her. “You don’t have to save for me anymore. I’m going to take care of you for a while.”

With her hand still extended, Sissy shook her head at him.

“How?” she whispered.

“We’re going to live with Sandy,” Charlie said. “I have it all arranged with her husband, Aden. You’ll like him and the kids. Come on. Everyone is waiting for us.”

Charlie started walking toward the car.

“Everyone?” Sissy’s hands went to her face in horror. She began to shake.

“Come on, Sissy,” Charlie said. “They are really nice. They want to meet you. Plus…”

Shaking her head back and forth, Sissy’s eyes spoke her horror.

“God Sis, I hate this,” Charlie said.

Charlie’s impatience with his sister was palpable. He grabbed her arm and tried to pull her along. She was too scared to move. Hearing footsteps, he turned to see Noelle running out of the SUV. Noelle threw her arms around Sissy.

“I’m so excited to meet you,” Noelle said. “We’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting. We bugged Charlie but he couldn’t get here. And then Teddy’s Dad has us this afternoon because Daddy and Mom… Sandy, she’s my Mom now… They are meeting with Social Services to finalize having you come live with us. And we’re staying with Teddy. And Charlie asked if you could come. To lunch. And Teddy’s Dad said he’d like to meet you. And Nash is really excited too. See, he’s waiting by the car. That’s my brother. Teddy’s inside. He’s Nash’s best friend. He’s my boyfriend or sort of my boyfriend.”

“They haven’t been on a date yet,” Charlie said. “Dating rules.”

Sissy started crying again.

“Please come with us,” Noelle said. “I prayed and wished and hoped for a sister and here you are! You’re perfect and we want you to be our sister. Look, there’s Nash.”

Nash ran over to them. Not sure of how he could help, his hands moved like helicopters over the hugging girls. Charlie put his arms around Noelle and Sissy. Nash hugged the girls from the other side. They heard the doors of the SUV close. Teddy and his Dad came over to the children.

“We’d love it if you came to lunch with us,” Teddy’s Dad, Zack Jakkman, said.

“How will I pay for it?” Sissy said.

“It’s all taken care of,” Teddy’s Dad said.

The children shifted back so Sissy could speak with Teddy’s Dad. Sissy eyes took in the handsome man. Blue eyes. Dark hair. Nice smile. Fit, healthy, with an air of ‘can do.’ She blushed and pulled on her dress.

“You’re Sandy’s pilot,” Sissy said.

“I am,” Teddy’s Dad smiled. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“What about Mom?” Sissy asked. “If I live with Charlie, what will Mom do?”

Teddy stepped toward the girl.

“My mom’s a mess. Nash’s too,” Teddy said. “Dad just tells me to love her. That’s my job. And that’s what I do.”

“I do that too,” Nash said. “Even if my mom can’t love me, I can love her.”

“I love you, Sissy,” Noelle hugged her again. “You can share my room.”

“Let the adults work out what happens with your mother,” Teddy’s Dad said. “We adults are slow at getting it done, but we eventually get there. My understanding is that Social Services was already planning to place you in foster care. Staying with Sandy and Aden is a much better option.”

Trying to understand, Sissy held the man’s eyes. The man smiled.

“I’m pretty new to Denver,” Teddy’s Dad said. “Nash read a review of Encore Restaurant. I guess they have the best burgers in town. The kids wanted to try it.”

“It’s across the street from East High School,” Charlie said.

“And lots of cute girls,” Nash said.

Sissy nodded and Noelle let go.

“The boys always want to be around cute girls,” Noelle said.

“I know I do,” Teddy said. Noelle smiled at him and he blushed. “Well just one.”

“Please come to lunch,” Teddy’s Dad said.

Sissy nodded again. With a little more encouragement from Noelle, Sissy walked to the SUV. Nash and Charlie sat in the back so Sissy could sit with Noelle and Teddy.

“Off we go,” Teddy’s Dad said. “Anyone have a problem if I listen to country music?”

The kids groaned.

~~~~~~~~

Thursday afternoon —4:02 P.M.

“There’s no mistake?” MJ asked the doctor.

They were standing next to the nurses’ station.

“No, Sergeant,” the doctor said.

“But last time…” MJ started.

“This isn’t last time,” the doctor said. “You must think positive thoughts. Your thoughts make the biggest difference.”

“You’re sure,” MJ said again.

“There’s no mistake, Sergeant.” The doctor looked up as Honey wheeled out toward them.  “We’ll see you in a month?”

“Yes, sir,” MJ said.

Taking the handles, MJ wheeled Honey to the front desk where they made their next appointment. He helped her into the passenger seat of his SUV then went around the back to get in.

“I told you so,” Honey said. “We’re going to have a baby.”

“We’re going to have a baby,” MJ said.  “You’re sure you want to have a baby with me? I travel a lot and…”

“It’s a little to late for that,” Honey smiled. “Everything is set up. We can do this.”

Laughing, MJ started the car.

~~~~~~~

Thursday afternoon —9:30 P.M. PDT
Hollywood, CA

“And that’s a wrap!” the Director said. “A round of applause for the best cast and crew any Director could hope for.”

While champagne bottled burst open, the cast and crew applauded each other’s work. For a moment, Valerie was in a crush of hugs and pats on the back. Mike’s height and bulk moved easily through the sea of people that wanted to touch Valerie. He stood near her while she finished talking to the other actors and crew. When the crowd thinned, he took her arm and helped her toward the door. They were stopped near the door by the Producer. The Director and Assistant Director came over to talk with them.

“We’ll see you very soon!” the Director said.

Valerie waved and Mike made it to the door. He helped her into the SUV where she collapsed into the seat. She was asleep when he got in the driver’s seat. He drove through the Hollywood traffic to the Chateau Marmot. She roused when he carried her into their little cottage. He stripped off her clothes and settled her into bed. After using the bathroom, he got in bed beside her.

“I didn’t shower,” Valerie mumbled.

“You’re just fine.”

“I smell,” she mumbled.

“You’re perfect.”

With a smile on her face, she fell asleep. Mike turned on his side to watch her sleep.

She’d worked her butt off on this movie. The cast and crew loved her. The Director already hired her to do the voice in an animated feature when she was pregnant. The producer cast her in another movie for next year. According to her agent, she was the hottest property in Hollywood.

Mike felt like he was in the eye of the hurricane.

Hottest property or no, for the next few months, he wouldn’t have to share her with the world. She would put the same work ethic into making their daughter the best she could be. They would live and love at the Castle.

He felt a little sad that the ‘becoming a star’ phase of their life was over. His mind reviewed the years of work and the disaster that had been their relationship. He sighed.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Life is changing,” he whispered.

“Not us?” she asked. Her large hazel eyes opened then closed. Puzzling, she opened her eyes again to see him.

“No, not us,” he whispered. “Just life.”

“Oh good,” she said. “The way you sighed, I thought something was wrong.”

Mike smiled at a typical Val sentiment. As long as her relationships were good, Valerie could take on anything. He opened his mouth to say something but she was asleep again.

Smiling, he joined her.

Denver Cereal continues next week…

~~~~~~~~

Denver Cereal is a serial fiction set in Denver, Colorado.
You can get your daily dose of Denver Cereal at DenverCereal.com
Chapters are posted on Saturdays on this blog.
Download your free electronic copy of Denver Cereal, the beginning.
Like printed books? Go here or Amazon for a print copy of the Denver Cereal;
Go here or Amazon for the recently released Celia’s Puppies.
Claudia Hall Christian is a novelist.

Previous Chapters
Recap of the Beginning and character summary
Looking for the beginning? Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FOURTEEN

Thursday early morning — 4:52 A.M.

Charlie wandered down the hall toward the living room. He wanted to talk to Aden when no one was around. Last night, he’d heard Sandy say she was too tired to get up when Aden left for work at five in the morning. Aden had assured her he could get his own breakfast. She’d laughed and made pumpkin muffins.

And Charlie had made a plan. Not wanting to miss his chance, he’d barely slept. When he heard Aden moving around, he got dressed and waited until Aden came out of the bedroom. Sliding into the living room, he saw Aden tying his shoes with one foot on a dining room chair.

Aden had a black box on his ankle.

“What’s that?” Charlie said.

Aden looked up at Charlie and finished tying his wing tips. He pulled out a chair and nodded for Charlie to sit down.

“Join me for breakfast?” Aden asked. “You look like you have something to say. I bet your sister’s pumpkin muffins will make this easier.”

Charlie nodded and sat down. Aden set two muffins on Charlie’s plate. He took some eggs and passed them to Charlie. For a few minutes, they ate in silence.

“The box is an ankle monitor,” Aden said. “I’m on house arrest for beating up Sandy’s biological father.”

“Did you beat him bad?” Charlie asked.

“I did,” Aden said.

Charlie raised his hand. Laughing, Aden gave Charlie a high five.

“I did the deed. I have to pay the price,” Aden said. “I also hurt and betrayed Sandy. I’m much less proud of that.”

Not wanting to know anymore, Charlie nodded.

“Your Uncle sentenced me,” Aden said.

“Uncle Howard?” Charlie laughed. “How did you get that unlucky?”

“It’s a long story,” Aden said. “Suffice it to say, your uncle and I have some serious history.”

“You’re lucky he didn’t throw you away for good,” Charlie said.

“Three months in prison. No good time,” Aden said.

“Prison?” Charlie asked. “That sucks.”

“I ran into my brother there,” Aden said. “Let me tell you about suckage.”

“What happened?”

“Nothing good,” Aden said. “On Friday, I’m getting all new teeth.”

Aden smiled to show his broken teeth.

“Life goal?” Charlie asked.

“Sort of,” Aden said.

“Me too,” Charlie said.

“Sandy’s taking Nash to the orthodontist next week for braces,” Aden said. “Why don’t we schedule a visit for you?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” Charlie said.

“Braces?” Aden raised his eyebrows.

“You guys have been nice,” Charlie said. “Paid for everything. Hospital, new glasses, food and even gave me my own sort of room.”

When Charlie fell silent, Aden picked up the thermos of coffee.

“Are you drinking coffee?” Aden asked.

“Don’t like warm drinks,” Charlie said.

They ate in silence for a few minutes.

“You were saying something,” Aden said.

“I don’t know how to pay for all of this,” Charlie said.

“Pay for it?” Aden asked.

“My hospital bill, glasses, food, my rent, bedtime stories… I…”

“Charlie,” Aden said. “When we first met, I thought you were a danger to us, to Sandy. Remember?”

“Outside the hotel?” Charlie asked.

“Yes,” Aden said. “I saw myself in you. I was pretty dangerous when I was your age.”

“You were?”

“I was. My family moved while I was at school one day. I was about a year younger than you. I spent the rest of the school year living on friend’s couches then I was out of doors.”

“Then you know how it is,” Charlie said.

“I know how it was,” Aden said. “I think it’s worse now.”

Charlie shrugged and took another muffin.

“They’re good,” Aden said. “Sandy makes them for me.”

“Oh,” Charlie put the muffin back on the plate. “I don’t want to…”

“Please eat,” Aden said. “There’s enough for everyone. It feels really good that she makes them for me. She puts a lot of love into her baking. But she’s happiest when what she makes is eaten by those she loves. She’s amazing.”

“She’s amazing,” Charlie said.

“Listen,” Aden said. “The more I get to know you, the more I see how much you belong here with us. Doesn’t it feel that way to you?”

His mouth full of food, Charlie nodded.

“The kids love you,” Aden said. “How is it for you?”

“I like them,” Charlie said. “I mean Nash is a little bossy, but that’s okay. He takes care of Noelle.”

“And you,” Aden said. “That’s what I saw last night.”

Charlie nodded.

“Nash’s friend Teddy may be staying with us this summer,” Aden said. “His Dad asked last night. I guess he’s been asked to do a rotation in Afghanistan. Something only he can do.”

“You probably need my room,” Charlie said. “I can just…”

“We need room,” Aden said. “But not your room. We never planned on staying here forever. We live here so I can do my house arrest. Sam and Delphie signed off on me.”

“Oh,” Charlie said.

“We have a baby coming,” Aden said. “He’ll need some space.”

“She,” Charlie said. “Sandy says she’s a girl.”

Aden laughed at having this conversation with Sandy’s brother. He ruffled the boy’s long hair.

“I think the question is: Do you like living here?”

“I do,” Charlie said.

“There are a lot of rules,” Aden said. “We’ll expect you to work this summer. We’ll expect you to get back in school.”

“I’m not very good at school,” Charlie said.

“Nash and Teddy are helping you,” Aden said. “Aren’t they?”

“Assholes,” Charlie said. “What did they tell you?”

“They said nothing,” Aden said. “I just know my son. He would want to help you. Is he?”

Charlie nodded.

“You can get a GED,” Aden said. “It’s good enough. I always wanted a high school diploma. It’s better in subtle ways. Sandy’s looking into what you need to do. Summer school is definitely on the menu.”

Charlie nodded.

“Rehab,” Aden said. “You’ll start next week.”

Charlie groaned.

“We have a lot of rules,” Aden said. “We expect a lot of each other.”

Charlie took another muffin. He put it on his plate and stared at it.

“How am I going to pay for all of this?” Charlie asked.

Aden set his fork down and looked at Charlie. He chuckled.

“I’m not kidding,” Charlie said. “Sissy’s still stuck at Mom’s and…”

“We need to get your sister,” Aden said. “We will.”

“How am I going to pay for this?” Charlie asked. “Even if I work, I can’t…”

“Okay, okay.” Aden raised his hands to quell Charlie’s rising anxiety. “I laughed because you truly are Sandy’s brother. She’s just like that.”

“Is that bad?”

“No, it’s just not how a lot of people are,” Aden said. “First, you are family. You feel like you belong here. We feel like you belong here. I think Noelle would be devastated if you left. She’s been telling everyone about her new brother.”

“She’s really great,” Charlie blushed.

“So are you,” Aden said. “I know Sandy always feels better if there’s something she can do. So let’s make a deal.”

“What do I have to do?” Charlie asked.

“You’ve been doing our laundry,” Aden said. “Why don’t you continue that as  your household task? You will participate one hundred percent in rehab.”

“Oh man,” Charlie groaned.

“No drugs, no alcohol, no exceptions, period.”

“But…” Charlie started.

“No buts,” Aden said. “You asked me how you could pay for everything. I’m giving you the list so you can make a choice.”

“Fine,” Charlie crossed his arms. In this moment, he was every bit the sixteen year old boy. “Go on.”

“You’ll get caught up in school. No matter what it takes,” Aden said. “You will follow the household rules to the best of your abilities.”

“What are those?”

“Brush your teeth, shower, eat meals, be polite, try to get along with Noelle and Nash,” Aden said. “Help Sandy and me when asked. Respect us. And whatever else I’m forgetting.”

“What do I get for all of that?”

“A home,” Aden said. “Food, clothing, medical help for your Hepatitis…”

“You know about that?”

“Yes. You still have pneumonia,” Aden said. “Cracked bones. Broken teeth. We will give you everything you need, love you and welcome you into our family.”

“Noelle and Nash don’t have to do this stuff,” Charlie said.

“Yes, they do,” Aden said.

Charlie sat in sullen silence.

“I have to get to work,” Aden said.

Charlie didn’t move while Aden picked up their plates and took them into the kitchen.

“I know it’s a lot to think about,” Aden said. “We ask a lot of you. And we give a lot. You can let me know later.”

Charlie looked up at Aden.

“I’ll do it,” Charlie said. “I’m not going to be perfect.”

“No one is,” Aden said.

“I like it here,” Charlie said. “I want to stay here so I’ll do it.”

“Great,” Aden said. “I’ll talk to Jake about moving into a bigger space. Jake says there’s plenty of room.”

Flushing, Charlie nodded. Aden ruffled Charlie’s hair again. He was almost to the door when Charlie stood.

“What do I call you?” Charlie asked.

“Aden?”

“Too weird,” Charlie said. “You feel like family… like a Dad but not my Dad.”

“I have a friend who’s very close with his mother’s brother, his maternal uncle,” Aden said. “He calls him ‘shi-dai’.”

“What’s that mean?,” Charlie said.

“Little father or something like that,” Aden said. “It’s Navajo.”

“Shi-dai.” Charlie tried out the foreign word. “That’s weird but somehow right.”

“Like found family?”

Charlie smiled. Aden ruffled his hair and turned toward the door.

“What about Sissy?”

Aden turned back to face him.

“We’re meeting with Social Services this evening,” Aden said. “Sissy is on our agenda.”

Charlie nodded.

“Go back to bed, Charlie,” Aden said. “You need the rest.”

“Yes… Shi-dai,” Charlie said.

Aden gave the boy a tight hug. Stepping back, he waved and went out the door. Charlie watched the place where Aden stood then went back to bed. Laying on his futon, he replayed their conversation. He liked the way Aden treated him like a real person, not a stupid child. He liked having a choice to make and something he could do. And it was pretty great to have a real family. Smiling, he fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~

Thursday mid-day — 12:02 A.M.

Honey waved to MJ as she pulled into the parking lot. They were meeting at Jill’s old apartment building to talk over the plans with Steve Roper’s step-father. From the driver’s seat of her van, Honey saw MJ laugh at something Steve’s step-father said. She watched them talk back and forth for a minute and realized MJ knew Steve’s step-father.

Ah the secret life of MJ.

As if he’d heard her, MJ turned to look. She was setting her wheelchair outside the side door when he appeared. With his usual exuberance, he lifted her into his arms. He nuzzled her neck then helped her into her chair.

“Shall I?” MJ asked.

“Sure,” Honey said.

MJ pushed her sport wheel chair to where Steve and his step-father stood. Watching the two men, she saw Steve’s nervousness and the older man’s calm. Trim and muscular, Steve’s step-father had an air of competence about him. Honey wondered if he was a military person. Knowing MJ would never tell her, she smiled her way through introductions.

Steve’s father went by the name Perses. The Titan God of Destruction? Seeing her look, Perses laughed and said it was a family name. Honey nodded because she should, not because she believed him.

“She’s smart,” Perses said to MJ. His accent was British with something mixed in.

“A lot smarter than I am,” MJ said.

Honey smiled. With MJ pushing, she rolled into the building.

“Steve and I discussed the deal, but I wondered if we could go over it while I’m here,” Perses said. “It will help me cement the details into my mind.”

“The building is owned by Honey’s brother Jacob Marlowe,” MJ said.

“He’s the man you live with?” Perses asked.

“We live at the Castle,” Honey said. “The Castle is owned by Delphie.”

“I met a Delphie at my daughter Jillian’s wedding,” Perses said. “Powerful psychic?”

“That’s her,” MJ said. “Jake’s mom bought the building for her so that she would always have a place to live. We all live there.”

“How is that?” Perses looked from one to the other.

“Wonderful,” Honey said.

Perses held the door for them.

“Psychics,” Perses said. He let the door go and joined them at the elevator landing. “There are so many people who say they have a gift. A true psychic is a rare commodity. I’ve traveled the world, speak many languages, and still I’ve only met a few real psychics in my entire life. Delphie is the only one I’ve met with that much… power.”

Stepping onto the elevator, he added, “This elevator is horrible.”

“The building was pretty beaten up when Jake bought it,” MJ said. “This is a vast improvement.”

“He bought it so Jill and Katy wouldn’t have to move after Trevor left,” Honey said. “Jake’s tried to fix it up without displacing the original tenants. For many of them, this is the only place they’ve lived. Our goal is to allow the tenants to live out their lives here.”

Perses nodded. They followed Honey and MJ on to the elevator. Honey looked up at Steve. Steve seemed completely shut down. She smiled at him and he nodded. He was shut down but still present. The elevator jerked to a stop at the third floor.

“I’d forgotten Jillian lived here,” Perses said.

The elevator doors groaned. They made an effort to open then stopped. Perses pressed the open button and the doors opened.

“How did you…?” Steve started.

“I’ve been on my share of crappy elevators,” Perses said.

“Over the last year, Jake has moved most of the residents to reconditioned apartments on the first floor,” Honey said. “The elevator is slated to be fixed this summer.”

Steve and Perses went out onto the third floor. MJ pushed Honey behind them. The floor was stripped to the subflooring and the walls were down to the studs. Jacob had even taken down the ceiling. They could look straight into the rafters of the roof.

“New roof?” Perses asked.

“Yes,” Honey said. “Everything on this floor has either been replaced or will be replaced. Jake has the contact at building department who is helping us figure out what we need to make this hospital grade electricity, water, gas, etc.”

“Sounds expensive,” Perses said.

“Jake’s a contractor,” Steve said. “He’s putting in the building and his company. That’s his portion. We just need money to…”

Perses gave Steve a broad smile. Steve gave him a sheepish look. Honey watched the older man’s obvious love for Steve and Steve’s unfamiliarity with it.

“I have to tell you,” Perses said. “I’m excited. Did I say that before?”

“No sir,” MJ said.

“When I look at the bones of this building, the work that’s being done,” Perses said. “I’m delighted Steve’s getting involved in this project. Now tell me, what’s the ownership look like?”

“The financial partners are Jake and… well, you,” Honey said.

“You mean Steve,” Perses said. “This is Steve’s money. He either gets it now or when I die. I’d much rather him have it now.”

Steve’s eyes went wide with surprise.

“That’s why you wouldn’t sign the papers?” Steve asked.

“Yes son,” Perses said. “This isn’t my project. It’s yours. You and Jake should be equal partners. Unless Honey and MJ are partners as well.”

“Yes sir,” Honey said. “The four of us will be equal partners.”

“I can’t think of better people to be in partnership with,” Perses said. “Let’s look at the plans again.”

For the next half hour, they went through the construction plans. They walked the top floor imagining what their new business would look like. There would be ten apartments a floor with an apartment for a caregiver or nurse. The apartments would be a hundred percent wheelchair access. A crew of nurses would arrive in the morning and at night to help people. Otherwise, it would be an apartment building.

After learning he was a full partner, Steve joined the conversation. By the time they were standing at the elevator landing, Steve, Honey and MJ were as excited as Perses. Honey wondered if Perses was in fact some kind of God.

“I have to get back to work,” Honey said as she rolled out of the elevator. “My boss is at some mother–daughter thing at her daughter’s school.”

Perses took her hand and kissed it.

“Thank you for including us,” Perses said. “When does Jake get back?”

“Saturday,” Honey said. “We’re meeting with the lawyers on Monday.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Perses said. “Shall we men get some lunch?”

MJ looked at Honey and she nodded to encourage him to go.

“Sure,” MJ said.

MJ helped her into the van. He kissed her good-bye. She was pulling out of the parking lot when she saw him walk toward Steve and Perses. She nodded to herself. She couldn’t think of better partners either.

~~~~~~~~

Thursday afternoon — 12:02 P.M.

Wearing the special dresses they’d bought for the Mother-Daughter tea, Sandy and Noelle entered the Marlowe School auditorium. The auditorium was set up with round white tables. Men and women in black tuxes moved through the tables serving drinks. Lunch was set up in a buffet at the front.

Sandy looked around to see if there was anyone she knew. Jill was in Mexico. Heather was frantically trying to find a liver for Blane. Plus, Mack was still a baby, and a boy. She reached for Noelle’s hand to keep her close. As they approached the tables, she heard a ripple go through the women.

“That’s the woman,” the whisper went.

Sandy blushed.

“Let’s sit over here,” Noelle tugged on Sandy’s hand.

“Of course,” Sandy gulped back her anxiety.

Noelle made a beeline for the noxious popular girls’ table. The tiny, perfect girls sat with their perfect mothers. Even though she could never stand these kinds of women, Sandy put on her best smile. The women wore similar smiles. At least the girls were nice to Noelle.

After an uncomfortable period of chit chat, there was an announcement that the girls could get plates for their mothers. Giggling, Noelle and the other girls ran up to the front. Sandy watched Noelle to make sure she was all right.

“Sandy,” one of the extra blonde women said. “That’s your name, right?”

“Hi,” Sandy said.

“We wanted to speak to you,” the woman continued. “Our daughters have become very sexual in the last six months.”

“We feel your influence is responsible,” a platinum blonde woman said.

“How could I influence your children?” Sandy almost laughed that the idea. “I’ve never seen them before.”

“You’re a prostitute right?” the only brunette at the table said.

“No, she was a prostitute,” the platinum blonde woman said. “Remember?”

“We certainly can see how you tricked Aden into marrying you,” the first woman nodded to Sandy’s belly.

“Tricked Aden? What are you talking about?” Sandy asked. “I met Aden…”

“As a prostitute. Yes we know,” the brunette woman said. “Can’t blame a single man for seeking a little company.”

“Aden’s never seen a prostitute,” Sandy said. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Denver Cereal continues next week…

~~~~~~~~

Denver Cereal is a serial fiction set in Denver, Colorado.
You can get your daily dose of Denver Cereal at DenverCereal.com
Chapters are posted on Saturdays on this blog.
Download your free electronic copy of Denver Cereal, the beginning.
Like printed books? Go here or Amazon for a print copy of the Denver Cereal;
Go here or Amazon for the recently released Celia’s Puppies.
Claudia Hall Christian is a novelist.

Previous Chapters
Recap of the Beginning and character summary
Looking for the beginning? Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and THIRTEEN

Wednesday early morning — 2:47 A.M.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

“Jill.” Jacob shook her shoulder. “Jill.”

Lying next to him, Jill was sweating and shaking her head. Her hands were up near her face and she was crying. Her lips were moving. He leaned close to hear what she was saying.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” Jill whispered.

“Jill!” Jacob said again. He shook her shoulder.  “Wake up!”

Jill opened her eyes. Seeing Jacob’s face, she threw herself into his arms and cried. He stroked her hair and her back. He kissed her neck. When she seemed to have stopped crying, he leaned back. She was asleep. Confused, he lay her back on her pillow. Her head had not hit the pillow when she started crying and shaking her head.

“Jill!”

Jacob’s voice was insistent. Jill opened her eyes. She looked confused.

“Jacob, what’s wrong?” she asked.

He clasped her to him.

“What is it?” she asked. “What happened?”

He explained waking up to her crying and the ‘I’m sorrys’. He told her about holding her while she cried then finding her asleep again. She looked more and more confused the longer he spoke.

“I was crying?” she asked.

Touching her face, she felt her tears. She sat up and leaned against the headboard.

“What’s going on Jill?” he asked.

She smiled at him.

“Could you bring me a bottle of water?” she asked. “I’m going…”

She pointed to the bathroom. Jacob watched her naked body move into their bathroom. Getting up, he pulled on a pair of pajama bottoms. He went out into their suite’s main room to get a couple bottles of water from the refrigerator. He returned to the room, and their bed, with the bottles. Jill came out of the bathroom and put on a short silk robe.

“Do you mind if I…”

She pointed toward Katy’s room. He shook his head and followed her to Katy’s room. Leaning over the bed, Jill kissed Katy’s cheek and whispered ‘I’ll never leave you.’ She stroked her daughter’s hair. Katy stirred but didn’t wake. He put his arm over Jill’s shoulder and she tucked herself into him. He gently led her back to bed. He helped her out of her robe, and stripped off the pajamas, before getting into bed.

Lost in thought, Jill lay on her side looking at him. He leaned up against the bed board and she lay her head on his lap.

“What’s going on?” he repeated.

“I had this awful dream,” Jill said.

“Awful how?” he asked. “You kept saying you were sorry over and over again.”

“I saw everything that happened, you know last year? From Trevor leaving, the bee sting, Katy and Paddie’s big fight, Katy being abducted, marrying you and even going on this trip. I saw it all from Katy’s perspective. It’s weird because Delphie was saying she was traumatized.”

“You’ve been upset by what Delphie said,” Jacob said. “We talked about it a lot yesterday. You talked to Megan about it too.”

“You’re probably right,” Jill said. “That’s why I had the dream.”

“I didn’t say that,” Jacob said. “This doesn’t sound like any old dream. What did you learn from Katy’s perspective?”

“Oh, right,” Jill said. “Katy was fine with Trevor leaving. The party where she was kidnapped? She thought it was a fun spy game. All the stuff at the apartment? She was glad we moved. She loves you. Knew who you were the moment she met you.”

“She’s an amazing girl,” he said.

Jill nodded.

“What was traumatizing?” he asked.

“Me,” Jill said. “The thought of losing me. Seeing me so upset when Trevor divorced me; freaking out when Trevor was killed; checking out when with Trevor’s parents; waking up at the hospital by herself. I guess it’s been her fear for a long time.”

“Did you find out why?” he asked.

“Trevor,” Jill said. “He told her once if she wasn’t a very good girl, he would kill me. So every time I was gone and she didn’t know where I was, she thought he’d killed me. When I was emotionally gone, she was terrified that he killed her ‘good Mommy’ and now she had ‘bad Mommy’.”

“Why would Trevor say that?” Jacob asked.

“Who knows?” Jill asked.

“Wait,” Jacob said. “What did he want her to do?”

“I don’t know,” Jill said. “Nothing she remembered. She was so horrified at the idea of losing me that’s all that she experienced.”

“He didn’t rape her?” Jacob asked.

“Oh God,” Jill said. “I hope not. Do you get that sense?”

“She’s too close, Jill,” Jacob said. “My fear and love for her gets in the way any psychic impressions.”

Jill nodded.

“Do you have any Mommy intuition?” he asked.

“I think what’s interesting about my dream was that it was all Katy’s perspective. I saw and felt things as if I was Katy,” Jill said. “My adult Mommy is horrified at the idea of anyone harming Katy. But seeing from inside Katy, I see how strong and bright she is. I had a glimpse into what she feels and cares about. It was like a gift.”

“Why were you sorry?” Jacob asked.

“I never knew how scared she was of losing me,” Jill said.  “I mean, I bought the Jill doll. I knew she had some problems, but I thought it was from working all the time. I didn’t realize…”

Jill fell silent. She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling.

“What?” Jacob asked.

“Trevor’s parents continue to push this Grandparent thing,” Jill said. “Even knowing Katy’s not Trevor’s biological child.”

“I thought the Child Advocate assured you it wouldn’t go through,” Jacob said.

“Katy’s terrified of having to live with them or even spend time with them,” Jill said. “I wish I knew what they wanted.”

“Whatever it is, we’ll work it out,” he said.

Jacob stroked her hair and pulled her head back to his lap.

“How do you feel?” Jacob asked.

“Tired, agitated and a little dizzy,” she said. “Why?”

“It’s almost like you had the kind of dream Katy and I have,” Jacob said. “A vision.”

“Why would I get a vision?” Jill laughed. “That’s silly. I was just worried because of what Delphie said.”

“No really, Jill,” Jacob said. “You have all the post symptoms.”

“Why would I get a vision?” Jill repeated.

“Because you’re pregnant,” Jacob said.

“I am?”

“With a Marlowe male.”

~~~~~~~~

Wednesday morning — 8:25 P.M. MDT
Rose Hospital

“How’s the acupuncture business going?” the doctor asked when he entered the treatment room.

“Slow,” Blane said. “You probably heard about Jake and the secretary? Anyway, I’m the COO at Lipson while he gets everything sorted out. I just see patients a couple nights a weekend and every other Saturday.”

“That’s a lot.” The doctor picked up Blane’s chart to review his test results.

“It sounds like a lot but everything is actually really good,” Blane said. “Mack’s growing and very healthy. Heather is started school to get her aesthetician’s license. We’re even starting the process to adopt a child out of foster care.”

“You seem really happy,” the doctor said.

“Happier than I’ve ever been,” Blane said. “Ever. How’s my health?”

“Still no virus count for the Hep C,” the doctor said. “I think you kicked it. Your T-cell count is good. Happiness will do that.”

“But?” Blane asked. “Just tell me.”

“Your liver’s not doing so great,” the doctor said.

“When has that not been true?” Blane laughed. His smile faded when he looked at the doctor. “What do you mean?”

“I’m putting you on the liver transplant list,” the doctor said.

“Transplant list?” Blane asked. “It’s that bad?”

“I’m hoping your acupuncture will be able to keep your liver going until a match is found,” the doctor said.

“Oh,” Blane said. “I told Heather not to bother coming. Just a routine visit. She’s going to want to know everything. Do you mind if I call her?”

The doctor nodded and began checking Blane’s vitals. Heather answered on the first ring. Blane gave the phone to the doctor. Dazed, Blane watched the doctor tell his wife that his liver was failing. He was dying.

How could his liver be failing? Now? When everything was perfect?

The doctor touched his shoulder and gave him the phone back. He heard Heather assure him that everything would be all right. He made some mouth noises and hung up the phone.

“Do you think I’m going to die?” Blane asked the doctor.

“You will definitely die, Blane,” the doctor said. “The question is when. And I don’t know. Honestly, HIV positive patients don’t often get livers except from family. We should screen  your family.”

“I’d never ask them to…” Blane said.

“They would want to,” the doctor said. “You have to give them a chance to love you.”

“Did you tell Heather that?”

“I did,” the doctor said.

“She’s probably already asked,” Blane said.

“That’s why I told her,” the doctor said. “Listen, when we met, your virus count was through the roof and that was before you caught Hep C. You’ve been sick for a long, long time.”

“But I’m not sick now,” Blane said. “I’ve never felt better.”

“Then it’s a good time to do this while you’re strong,” the doctor said.

The doctor patted Blane’s leg and left the room. Blane dressed quickly, paid his co-pay and left the doctor’s office. Sitting in a Lipson Construction truck, he wondered what he should do next. Out of nowhere, he felt a desire he hadn’t felt in over eight  years.

He wanted to get high, go to a bathhouse and have sex with a dozen nameless men.

Shaking his head at himself, he put it out of his mind and drove to a work site. His life was too great to mess it up now. He pulled into the site parking lot and stopped. For a moment, the longing to return to his old life was overpowering. Hearing a knock on his window, he looked at the site manager’s smiling face and remembered who he was.

He was Blane Lipson, gay man, married father, recovering addict, with family and friends who loved him. His family would help him no matter what, even if it meant giving him their liver. That was his life now. He smiled at the site manager and returned to his day.

~~~~~~~~

Wednesday evening — 5:25 P.M.

“Where’s Charlie?” Noelle asked. “I thought we were going to watch our shows tonight.”

“He went to martial arts with Nash and Teddy,” Sandy said. “Your Daddy went with them so we could spend some time together.”

“Girl time?” Noelle flushed red with excitement.

“Girl time,” Sandy said.

“What will we do?” Noelle asked.

“I thought I could do your hair. We have that mother-daughter tea tomorrow,” Sandy said. “If you want, and only if you want, Mrs. Heather said she could come over to help with make-up.”

“Miss Tanesha too?” Noelle asked. “Yes please!”

“We can also just spend the night together,” Sandy said. “It’s up to you.”

Lost in thought, Noelle tapped her chin.

“What if we do both!?”

“What do you mean?” Sandy asked.

“We could have dinner, maybe go some place fancy,” Noelle said. “Then we could have the girls over.”

Sandy smiled. Noelle had a marvelous way of enjoying every minute of her life.

“Sounds like a great idea,” Sandy said. “Where should we go?”

“I don’t know,” Noelle said. “Where’s a fancy place?”

Sandy laughed.

“Can we go to that place you and Daddy had your first real date?” Noelle asked. “Daddy told me all about it.”

“Avenue Grill? It’s not super fancy,” Sandy said.

“That’s okay,” Noelle said. “This is a historical journey.”

Sandy smiled at Noelle’s exuberance.

“Mommy?” Noelle asked.

“What’s up?” Sandy asked.

“I have something to talk about,” Noelle said.

“That’s good. So do I,” Sandy said. “What do you have to talk about?”

“You first,” Noelle said.

“Teddy asked your Dad if he could take you out to the movies,” Sandy said.

“Really?” Noelle asked. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about! Teddy asked me to the movies and I didn’t know what to say.”

“What did you tell him?” Sandy asked.

“I told him that I have a Mom now,” Noelle said. “I would ask her if it was all right.”

“Nash wants to take Melinda out,” Sandy said. “You could go together so it won’t be so scary.”

“Seems kinda scary,” Noelle said. “Plus, we never talked about… you know.”

“What?” Sandy asked.

“Sex,” Noelle leaned into Sandy to whisper. “Girls in my class talk about it all the time. One girl asked me to set her up with Charlie after he dropped me off yesterday. They say that’s the only thing guys want.”

“You’re ten!” Sandy said.

“Almost eleven,” Noelle said. “That’s pretty old to still be a virgin.”

“You knew all about sex when I met you!” Sandy said.

“I didn’t think I would have sex,” Noelle said. “It was just kind of… abstract. Like a painting then. Now…”

To shocked to do anything else, Sandy laughed.

“How about this?” Sandy asked. “Why don’t we talk about what you want to do about Teddy at dinner? We can ask the girls about sex when they come over.”

“Great idea!” Noelle beamed.

“Ok, we’ll leave in ten minutes,” Sandy said.

Noelle ran to her bedroom to change. Sandy went into her room to change her top. Staring in the mirror, she had no idea how to talk to this girl about having sex. She was a baby when she’d first had sex. Sandy shook her head. These kids brought her to the strangest places. She made quick calls to Heather and Tanesha to set up their girl’s night later on.

“Ready?” Noelle asked.

“Ready.” Sandy said.

Noelle took off down the stairs. Closing the door to the apartment, Sandy was sure this was going to be an interesting night.

“Come on!” Noelle said from the stairwell.

Shaking her head at life’s twists and turns, Sandy trotted down the stairs to catch up.

Denver Cereal continues next week…

~~~~~~~~

Denver Cereal is a serial fiction set in Denver, Colorado.
You can get your daily dose of Denver Cereal at DenverCereal.com
Chapters are posted on Saturdays on this blog.
Download your free electronic copy of Denver Cereal, the beginning.
Like printed books? Go here or Amazon for a print copy of the Denver Cereal;
Go here or Amazon for the recently released Celia’s Puppies.
Claudia Hall Christian is a novelist.

Previous Chapters
Recap of the Beginning and character summary
Looking for the beginning? Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and TWELVE

Monday evening — 6:45 P.M. MDT

“Ok,” Valerie said. “Let’s go through it one more time.”

She and Delphie stood in a bathroom at DIA. They kept getting interrupted as women wanted to take Valerie’s picture or get an autograph. Valerie laughed and introduced Delphie to them.

“They’re going to put me in the plastic cage,” Delphie said. “They have to because of what happened before. But you’ll be there.”

“I will,” Valerie said.

“Right,” Delphie straightened her back. “I can do this.”

Valerie hugged Delphie tight to her.

“You didn’t have to come all this way,” Delphie said.

“Yes, I did,” Valerie said. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help the first time.”

“What did the movie people say? What about Mike?”

“Mike was ready to champion his Delphie!” Valerie laughed. “And the movie people flew us here to help. We’ve all been through this with TSA. Everyone has some awful experience. They wanted me to help if I could. Especially since it’s my fault.”

“Your fault? How?” Delphie asked.

“I forgot to tell you that the fancy Italian bras set off the metal detectors.”

“I mostly never wear one,” Delphie said.

“You have since your stroke,” Valerie said.

“I have,” Delphie smiled. “I wonder why.”

Valerie laughed.

“We’re all treated like cattle now,” a woman said to Delphie. “Don’t let them get to you.”

“Thanks,” Delphie nodded to the woman. “My Valerie’s going to help me this time.”

“Good for you,” the woman nodded to Valerie and walked out of the restroom.

“Are you ready?” Valerie asked.

“Ready,” Delphie said.

They walked out of the restroom to meet a very worried Sam and Mike. Sam held Delphie close.

“Are you sure you’re up to this?” Sam asked.

“We had every scan in the world,” Delphie said. “It was just stress and all these new meds I’m on.”

Sam looked over Delphie’s shoulder at Valerie and she winked at him.

“Remember Jake said we didn’t…,” Sam started.

“I want to do this,” Delphie said. “I want to be the girl who can fly anywhere. What will I do when Val has her baby? If I can’t fly, I won’t ever see her.”

“Ok, ok,” Sam said. “Let’s get in line.”

Taking her hand, Sam and Delphie walked behind Mike and Valerie toward the A concourse. They took the long moving sidewalks to the inevitable security line. Valerie turned around at the line.

“How come you’re not doing your psychic defense?” Valerie whispered.

“Psychic defense?” Delphie whispered back.

“You know, suit of light? Or the circle of white light?” Valerie asked. “You taught me to do it when I was teased in grade school.”

“I… I forgot,” Delphie said. “But you’re right. That’s what happened. I got flooded.”

Without much effort, Delphie breathed in white light and allowed it to fill the space around her body. She smiled at Valerie when her suit of light was in place.

“Here we go,” Sam said.

He gave their boarding passes to the officer at the gate. The man took a look at them. Valerie touched his arm. He flushed at her movie star smile.

“She’s never ever flown before,” Valerie said. “Is there a way to get a little special care?”

“We have a notice about her here,” the man said. “I guess there was an incident this morning?”

“That’s all right,” Valerie said. “We know you need to do your job.”

Delphie went through the scanners and was waved into the plastic corral. Valerie went behind her and the machine went off. Within moments, Valerie was behind the clear plastic corral. People stopped to take her picture. She waved and posed. A few minutes later, Julie Hargreaves joined them in the corral.

“I always forget about the bra thing,” Julie said. “Hi Val, Delphie.”

“I thought Colin said you were leaving this afternoon,” Delphie said.

“We changed our flight,” Julie said. Leaning forward, she whispered, “We didn’t want to miss out on the fun.”

“Show the baby bump,” a man yelled from outside the plastic corral.

The passengers turned to look as Valerie stuck out her belly for the camera. The man took three pictures from his iPhone. Passengers began digging through their bags to take photos of Valerie in the corral. The TSA officers started pushing people to get them to move along. A frantic call came over the intercom for a female TSA officer.

“Wave to Paddie and Colin,” Julie said.

They waved to the little boy and his father as they walked by the plastic corral.

“It’s kind of warm in here,” Valerie said. “Do we know why were on display?”

Looking at Valerie, Delphie laughed.

“Colin said they have to have a woman scan us,” Julie said. “That’s why it takes so long. There aren’t a lot of women officers.”

People continued to stop for Valerie. She posed and laughed. After ten minutes, a woman appeared. The woman looked at Delphie then Valerie. Her eyes stopped at Julie. The TSA officer’s eyes flicked from Valerie to the woman who’d stopped to take her photo on the other side of the plastic. The officer laughed.

“One at a time,” she said.

“Ok, we’ll be right here,” Valerie said.

Within minutes, they found Sam, Mike, Colin and little Paddie. Julie picked up Paddie. They were on their way toward the plane.

“And that’s that,” Valerie said. “Pretty easy.”

“What will I do next time?” Delphie asked.

“I’ll come and get you,” Valerie said.

“What about when the baby comes?” Delphie asked.

“We’ll work it out,” Valerie said.

Delphie linked elbows with Valerie and they walked to the concourse. Mike and Valerie waited for them until they were on the plane. Sam and Delphie took their seats in first class. Delphie leaned back into the seat. She’d finally done it. She was on her way to Mexico.

~~~~~~~~

Tuesday morning — 8:35 A.M.
The Castle

“How come you’re not at school?” Charlie asked. “Nash left a while ago.”

He walked into the living room where Noelle was drawing a picture.

“We have a late start today,” Noelle said. “The school year’s winding down. We do this before we transition to summer school.”

“You go to school year round?” Charlie asked. “That sucks.”

“I don’t mind,” Noelle said. “Daddy works. Nash and Teddy are working this summer. I work on my school work too. I bet they could get you a job so you could work too.”

“Why would I want to work?” Charlie asked.

“Why wouldn’t you?” Noelle asked. “I’m going to work when I don’t go to school. I’ll make money and buy pretty shoes like Mrs. Jill has.”

“There’s easier ways to make money than working,” Charlie said.

“But not legal ones,” Aden said.

“Where’s Sandy?” Charlie asked.

“At the salon,” Aden said. “I’m home to take you to the eye doctor this morning. Noelle has a check up and the doctor was able to squeeze you in, Charlie.”

“Oh,” Charlie said. “Noelle wears glasses.”

“My birth mother, Nuala, broke my cheekbone and hurt my eye,” Noelle said. “I have to wear glasses to read.”

“I have to wear glasses to read too,” Charlie said.

“See,” Noelle beamed at him. “I knew you were my brother all a long.”

“Wouldn’t I be more like you’re Uncle?” Charlie asked.

“Nope,” Noelle said. “You’re my found brother. Daddy’s found son.”

Aden raised his eyebrows at Noelle.

“But I’m your Mom’s brother,” Charlie said.

“No,” Noelle said. “She’s your found Mom; like she’s my found Mom. That’s how it works.”

“Let’s get ready to go,” Aden said. “Clean T-shirt Charlie. Noelle can you put this away?”

“I’m almost done,” Noelle said. “Can you help so I can finish?”

“Sure.”

Aden bent down to pick up some of Noelle’s pastels. He looked around for the storage box.

“They go in my artists supply bin over there,” Noelle said. “Mom got it for me.”

Aden set the pastels in the open drawer of a plastic container. The container had a handle and seemed perfect for all of Noelle’s art supplies. He smiled. Sandy’s little thoughtful touches made their life work.

“There, I’m done,” Noelle held up her picture. “Isn’t she pretty?”

Noelle held up a picture of a blue and purple Goddess fairy. Her beautiful face held a peaceful and kind expression.

“She’s beautiful,” Aden said.

“She’s Charlie’s fairy,” Noelle said. “Here you go, Charlie.”

Noelle gave the picture to Charlie then went to wash her hands. Charlie looked down at the picture then back at Aden.

“Noelle’s really good,” Charlie said.

“We don’t know where she gets it,” Aden said. “She has a real talent for art. She takes classes after school and stuff. Mike’s going to work with her this summer.”

“That’s your fairy, Charlie,” Noelle came from the bathroom with her book bag.

“My fairy?” Charlie asked.

“So you won’t get nightmares,” Noelle said. “You just hang it over your bed.”

Charlie was so touched he didn’t know what to say. He looked from the drawing to Noelle.

“Daddy, do we have time to do it now?”

“If we can find tape,” Aden said.

“It’s in my box,” Noelle said. “In the top compartment.”

Noelle ran over to her art supply box and took out the clear tape. She followed Charlie to his closet room and helped him hang the picture.

“See!” Noelle said. “Don’t you feel better already?”

Charlie nodded.

“Time to go,” Aden said.

“Do we get to have lunch too?” Noelle asked.

While Charlie stared at the picture, Aden and Noelle walked down the hallway. Aden stopped at the door to look.

“Come along, son,” Aden said.

Charlie looked up at Aden. He flushed. He wanted to say something about his Dad, his real Dad. But looking into Aden’s eyes, he saw something he hadn’t seen in a long time – compassion. He ran down the hall to Aden.

“Now what’s a found family?” Aden asked.

Noelle began to speak. Her bright chatter filled the second floor hallway. They were in the car before she finished what she had to say. Charlie heard only the sound, not the words.  He was too overwhelmed by the fairy, and Aden, and the thought that he might have a new family. He let Noelle sit in front while he sat in the back.

“What do you think, Charlie?” Aden looked at him thought the rear view mirror.

“Do I have to get lame glasses?” Charlie recovered himself enough to ask.

“Yes,” Aden said. “It’s a rule. I was thinking about something manly, like those ones with red lips on them.”

Aden started the car and Charlie laughed.

~~~~~~~~

Tuesday morning — 8:35 A.M.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Katy ran out to the wave to fill her bucket with water. She and Jacob had worked all day yesterday on an elaborate sand castle. Katy and Paddie had woken at five that morning ready to get back to work.

Of course, Jacob and Colin were much less excited to get up. Jill took them down to the water before they woke everyone up with their enthusiasm. For the last two hours, they had played knights and princesses in the Castle. Jill tried to sit close enough to enjoy their play while letting them have their time together.

“They are cute,” Delphie said.

Jill turned in her beach chair and smiled.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Delphie asked. “I brought you some coffee.”

“You’re always welcome, Delphie,” Jill said. “Coffee is definitely welcome.”

Delphie sat down in a beach chair next to Jill. She gave Jill a Styrofoam cup of coffee prepared as Jill liked it.

“How about a chocolate filled croissant?” Delphie asked.

She pulled two pastries wrapped in a napkin from her pocket.

“Yes please,” Jill said.

The moment Delphie gave Jill the pastry, Katy ran over. Jill broke the croissant in half for Katy. Katy grabbed the pastry with sandy hands and ran back to Paddie.

“You let her eat with those hands?” Delphie asked.

“A little sand won’t kill her,” Jill said. “But don’t tell her Daddy. He’d think it was gross.”

Delphie laughed.

“How was your first night in Mexico?” Jill asked.

“Fun,” Delphie said. “Dinner was amazing. This place is gorgeous.”

The women looked around the resort. They were sitting on a private beach far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Their rooms looked out over the white sand and the blue water of the Gulf of California.

Katy ran over for a bottle of water. Jill gave her the water and she carried it back to Paddie.

“They look like they’re having fun,” Delphie said.

“They are,” Jill said. “I could sit here all week and watch them play.”

“Sounds like something you should do,” Delphie said.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Jill said. “There are whales to watch, museums to visit… I think we’re scheduled for some play?”

Hearing a sound, the women turned to watch Megan’s three sons running toward them. The boys splashed in the water. Megan’s youngest son joined Katy and Paddie in their sand castle.

“You really love kids,” Delphie said.

“I’ve been spoiled by Katy,” Jill said. “She’s such a great person. Every day with her is a different kind of adventure.”

Delphie smiled.

“Meg’s kids are pretty great too,” Jill said. “I was living with Meg when she had Ryan. That was fun.”

“Sounds like you’re excited for when the babies come,” Delphie said.

“You mean Sandy’s and Valerie’s?” Jill asked. “I’m positively thrilled. Sandy’s been too busy with Aden’s kids, and now with Charlie, to even think about her nursery.”

“We have a lot of fun ahead of us,” Delphie said. “How’s Mack?”

“Gorgeous,” Jill said. “I don’t think I’ve seen a prettier baby. Heather says he’s growing by leaps and bounds. Heather’s happier than I’ve ever seen her.”

Jill looked up to see Katy running over to her. Katy crawled into her lap. For a moment, Katy just sat in Jill’s lap. When the moment passed, Katy ran back to play with Paddie and her cousin.

“What was that?” Delphie asked.

“She likes to make sure that I’m still here,” Jill said. “I think it’s a remnant from living with Trevor.”

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that,” Delphie said. “Do you think Katy is traumatized by everything that happened?”

Jill looked over at Delphie. The women sized each other up for a moment.

“How traumatized is she?” Jill asked.

“Well…” Delphie said.

“What do I need to do?” Jill asked. “We took her to therapy and the therapist didn’t think she needed help. I don’t know what else to do.”

Delphie nodded.

“Hey you guys,” Jacob called from their room. “It’s time for breakfast.”

Jill got up to get Katy and Paddie. They washed the sand off their hands in the ocean. When Jill turned around, Delphie was walking up to the hotel with Sam. While Jill collected their belongings, Colin came down to get Paddie. Jill took Katy’s hand and they walked up to the hotel.

“Don’t worry, Mommy,” Katy said. “This isn’t something you can control.”

Jill stopped walking to look at her baby girl. Sometimes the four year old spoke more like a grandmother than a child. Katy held out her arms and Jill picked her up.

“Love you, Katy-baby,” Jill said.

Katy nestled her head under Jill’s chin. Jill carried her to breakfast.

~~~~~~~~

Tuesday morning — 8:35 A.M. PDT
Hollywood, CA

“Who was that?” Mike asked as Valerie set down the phone.

“My agent,” Valerie said.

“And?” Mike asked.

He picked up her work duffle bag. She’d had a later call and was just about to start another sixteen hour day. She followed him out the door to their rented car.

“The director on this movie made went to some director’s group last night,” Valerie said. “Had a lot to say about me.”

“Because of Delphie?” Mike asked.

“Actually, yes,” she said.

He unlocked and opened her door then helped her into the SUV. He dropped her bag in the back and went to the driver’s side.

“Sorry to hear that,” Mike said. “He seemed totally cool last night.”

“He is,” Valerie said. “He told a few of his director friends I was ‘good people.’ He told them about flying to Denver to help Delphie, my mother’s best friend. My agent said the phone’s been ringing off the hook.”

“Why?”

Mike started the car and drove through the Chateau Marmot complex to the street.

“I guess there’s a bunch of directors and actors that insist on working with good people,” Valerie said. “My agent said it’s the hardest club in Hollywood to get into. But…”

“You’re in?”

“I’m in,” Valerie said. “Hanks, Spielberg, Lucas, Howard… Those guys.”

“Wow,” Mike said.

“My agent said all the offers are for after the baby,” Valerie said. “He said he was a little defensive, kind of – ‘you know she’s pregnant’ – and to a person, they were excited to have me after the baby. My agent even said, ‘you know she brings her husband’ and they were like ‘good.’ I don’t know if there will be a ton of work, but it should be good work. TV too. My agent said I can work as much or as little as I want now.”

Stopping the car at a traffic light, Mike leaned over to kiss her.

“Congratulations,” Mike said.

“It never occurred to me that I could have you and babies and my career and…” Valerie’s eyes filled with tears. “I can just be me and…”

Mike took her hand and they smiled at each other.

“It’s a good life,” she said.

“It’s a very good life.”

Denver Cereal continues next week…

~~~~~~~~

Denver Cereal is a serial fiction set in Denver, Colorado.
You can get your daily dose of Denver Cereal at DenverCereal.com
Chapters are posted on Saturdays on this blog.
Download your free electronic copy of Denver Cereal, the beginning.
Like printed books? Go here or Amazon for a print copy of the Denver Cereal;
Go here or Amazon for the recently released Celia’s Puppies.
Claudia Hall Christian is a novelist.

Previous Chapters
Recap of the Beginning and character summary
Looking for the beginning? Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and ELEVEN

Monday Evening – 7:30 P.M. PDT

“Did you see that?” Jill asked.

“The bright flashes of light?” Jacob asked.

“Like a million sparklers going off all a once,” she said.

“Yes, I saw them.”

“Wow,” Jill said.

She nestled her head in his arms. He kissed her bare neck and shoulders. They were entwined in the back corner of the hotel elevator.

“Are we off the ground?” Jill asked.

“A couple feet,” he said. “Sorry.”

They lowered to the ground. He shifted to disengage and buttoned his jeans. She kissed his lips. For a moment, they were lost in the passion that had levitated them. Jill sighed and he stroked the sheer back of her skimpy dress.

“Did that happen last time?” Jill asked.

“Yes,” he said.

“I thought I imagined it,” she said. “You should make the elevator go again.”

He leaned forward and pressed the sixteen button. The elevator began lowering toward the sixteenth floor. They stopped at the eighteenth floor and a man got on. Jacob held Jill’s hand.

“Did you guys get on upstairs?” the man asked. “I swear this elevator was stuck. Both the twenty and the twenty-one lights were glowing.”

“I didn’t notice. Did you?” Jacob asked Jill.

“Me? No.”

“I pressed the button about a million times.”

“Did that work?” Jacob asked.

“You’re here,” he said.

“Must have worked,” Jacob shrugged.

The man shrugged in agreement and turned toward the front of the elevator. The elevator continued its descent to the sixteenth floor. When the doors opened, the man stepped aside. Jill and Jacob stepped off.

“What do you think?” Jill asked.

“I think we should try it again,” he said.

“Room?” she asked.

As he had all those years before, he pulled her into the elevator landing bathroom.

“Let’s remember to lock the door this time,” Jill said.

With a flick of his hand, Jacob locked the door. Jill jumped into his arms.

~~~~~~~~

Monday evening — 8:45 P.M. MDT

“Charlie, bed,” Sandy said. “I’m not joking.”

Noelle came out from her room in her pajamas. She looked at Sandy then at Charlie.

“It’s so early,” Charlie whined. “I won’t get to watch my shows.”

“I thought it was early too,” Noelle said. “But once we started doing it, it worked out really good. Plus, we Tivo our shows and watch them together when we get home. It’s fun. You’ll see. Sandy makes popcorn and…”

Shaking his head, Charlie couldn’t help but smile at sweet Noelle.

“Bathroom,” Sandy said. “Change and brush your teeth.”

“House rules,” Aden said. “You agreed to them when you chose to stay here.”

Charlie opened his mouth to say something else then looked at Aden. Aden’s eyebrow was raised and his feet were set. The boy assessed the man for a moment. Aden was not going to put up with crap from Charlie. Charlie gave a curt nod and went to use the bathroom.

“He’s going to test every rule,” Aden said.

“Until he knows he’s safe,” Sandy said. Turning to Noelle, she said, “Would you like a tuck in, missy?”

“That’s why I came out,” Noelle said.

Sandy followed Noelle into her bedroom.

“Would you like a story?” Sandy asked.

“Do you think I’m too old for stories?” Noelle asked.

“I don’t think so,” Sandy said. “A lot of adults read before they go to sleep.”

“But do you think other people will think I’m too old for stories?” Noelle asked.

“Other people?” Sandy asked.

Noelle blushed.

“Nash likes stories,” Sandy said. “I like reading them. I bet your Dad will listen in.”

“Should I get Nash?”

“Sure,” Sandy said. Noelle was in the doorway, when Sandy added, “No, I don’t think Teddy will think you’re too old for stories.”

Noelle beamed at Sandy. She was almost out the door when she turned back.

“Should I get Charlie?”

“We can ask him,” Sandy said. “Are you all right with having him in your bedroom?”

“Sure,” Noelle smiled her big Noelle smile. “I’ll get them.”

By the time Sandy selected a chapter book about fair ladies, courageous knights, dragons and, of course, fairies, Nash and Noelle had returned.

“Charlie has to brush his teeth again,” Noelle whispered. “He’s with Dad.”

Sandy nodded.

“We can wait,” Nash said.

Noelle got under her covers. Nash grabbed one of Noelle’s pillows and laid down on the bed. Sandy sat near the end. When Charlie came in, Nash indicated he could sit next to him. Charlie looked uncomfortable but Aden gave him a little push into the room. Charlie sat down on the bed next to Nash.

“Mom reads us stories before we go to bed,” Noelle said. “She says it’s good dream insurance.”

Remembering Sandy saying that to him when he was a child, Charlie gave a half grin. He crumpled some comforter for his head and lay back. Aden leaned against the door frame.

Sandy began the book. She made funny voices for all the characters. When the action increased, her voice was excited. After a half hour, her voice dropped in tone as Noelle and Charlie were asleep. Another ten minutes and Nash was out. Aden took Nash to his room.

And Sandy took Charlie to the large walk-in closet at the end of the hall. Jacob had set it up the tight space with a futon and drawers for Charlie’s non-existent clothing. She gave a groggy Charlie a dose of his medication and tucked him in. He was asleep before she flicked off the light.

Seeing Aden leave Nash’s room, she went to kiss Nash good night. She followed Aden in to kiss Noelle good night. She was closing Noelle’s door when she saw Aden coming from Charlie’s room. She smiled at him.

“Did you say good night to Charlie?” Sandy whispered.

Aden nodded. He took her hand and led her out to their dining room. Even though he could now live with Sandy and the kids, they made the effort to eat together every night. She went into the kitchen for their dinners.

“That child is a mess.” Aden followed her into the kitchen. “I don’t think he’s ever brushed his teeth.”

“He used to.”

Sandy dished grilled chicken and sautéed vegetables. Aden put the rest of the salad together.

“Must have been a long time ago,” Aden said. “It was like I was speaking French. We went through toothbrush, toothpaste, and every tooth. I did that with the kids when they were little.”

“Do you think it’s brain damage?” Sandy asked.

Sandy carried the plates out to the dining room table. Aden followed her.

“I think he just doesn’t know,” Aden said. “We talked about basic toilet hygiene – washing your hands, flushing the toilet, that kind of thing. How old is he?”

“Sixteen.” Sandy’s face was a mask of sorrow and guilt.

“How long has your Dad been dead?” Aden asked.

“A few years,” Sandy said.

Sandy’s entire attention turned to her dinner.

“A few?” Aden asked. He touched her hand. “I know it’s hard Sandy but how many years is a few?”

Sandy looked up at him.

“Um… I was eighteen,” Sandy said. “I guess it’s been eight, no nine years.”

“Charlie was seven or eight,” Aden said. “He acts like it.”

“Is it too much to deal with?” Sandy asked. “I mean we just got tentative custody of the kids.”

Aden shook his head.

“Should I find another place for him?”

“For Charlie?” Aden asked. “No. He’s welcome here.”

“Then what?”

“I feel awful for him,” Aden said. “He’s like a lost little boy.”

“In a sixteen year old’s body,” Sandy said. “He had awful nightmares last night.”

“Why don’t I get up with him?” Aden asked.

“He’s had nightmares all of his life,” Sandy said. “I don’t mind getting up.”

“I have this feeling that he needs a man,” Aden said.

“You don’t mind?” Sandy asked.

“I don’t mind,” Aden said. “But I doubt I’m enough.”

“When he’s feeling better, he said he’d like take martial arts,” Sandy said. “Nash suggested it.”

“What’s he going to do tomorrow?” Aden asked.

“He’s going to come with me,” Sandy said. “I have a full day tomorrow. I thought he could do our laundry while he waits for me. He’s mostly needs to sleep.”

“And Pete?” Aden asked.

“Pete works in the mornings,” Sandy said. “He’ll be around in the afternoon.”

“So Charlie will have me, Pete and Colin, three men in recovery,” Aden said. “I hope it’s enough.”

“Certainly Seth too. And Sam, Jacob… Mike will be home next week,” Sandy said. “Why does he need so many men?”

“Because at some point, he’s going to get angry,” Aden said. “Really angry.”

“That doesn’t sound fun.”

“I’m glad you found him, Sandy,” he said. “I don’t think he would have made it much longer.”

Sandy nodded.

“Let’s just hope he doesn’t wind up at the bottom of some ditch,” Aden said.

Unwilling to even acknowledge that possibility, Sandy took their plates into the kitchen. When she returned, Aden changed the topic.  It wasn’t until much later, after they were in bed, that Sandy allowed herself to hear Aden’s words:

“I hope he doesn’t wind up at the bottom of some ditch.”

“Me too,” she whispered. “Me too.”

~~~~~~~~

Tuesday morning — 8:45 A.M.

“Why do we have to stand in this line again?” Delphie asked.

They were standing in a long security line in the middle of the Denver International Airport terminal.

“This is the security line,” Sam said. “We have to get through security to get on the plane.”

“Oh,” Delphie said. “Why don’t we do this when we go on your plane?”

“Because it’s our plane,” Sam said.

Delphie took two steps forward. The man in front of her looked at her and she smiled. Sam came up behind her so his mouth was next to her ear.

“You don’t have to read everyone’s mind,” Sam said.

“They might be a security risk,” Delphie said. “I should do my part.”

“These folks are good at what they do,” Sam said. “Why are you so anxious?”

“I don’t like to fly,” Delphie said.

“You don’t have to,” Sam said. “We could stay home. Both Jacob and Jill said if it was too much we could stay home.”

“No… no… I need to get out a little bit,” Delphie said. “I can do this thing.”

“You’re very brave,” Sam said.

He stepped forward to give to the Transport Safety Administration agent their boarding passes. The man smiled and nodded toward the x-rays. Sam helped Delphie off with her shoes. They put their possessions on the conveyer belt.

Delphie leaned down to watch the white tubs move into the machine.

“What does it do?” Delphie asked.

“It xrays all of our possessions to make sure there’s nothing illegal in them,” Sam said.

“There’s not,” Delphie said. “Valerie gave me instructions and I followed them. Valerie flies a lot. Just think. If I can do this, I can go to Valerie’s premier in the fall. I really want to do that.”

Sam smiled at her. He shooed her through the metal detector. The metal detector went off.

“Oh,” Delphie said.

“Do you have anything in your pockets?” the Transportation Safety Officer asked.

“No, Jeremy,” Delphie said.

“How did you know my name?” the Transportation Safety Officer asked.

“It’s not my fault you didn’t win the lotto last night,” Delphie said. “Don’t take it out on me.”

Delphie walked through the machine again. It went off.

“Do you have any implants or a prosthesis?” the Transportation Safety Officer asked.

“No, why?” Delphie asked. “You wouldn’t have been shot if you hadn’t picked that fight.”

“What are you talking about?”  the Transportation Safety Officer asked. “Go through the machine.”

Delphie went through and the machine went off.

“Ma’am, I have to ask you to wait here,” the Transportation Safety Officer pointed to a plastic lined holding area.

“What? Sam! Sam!” Delphie screamed. “What’s happening to me? I don’t want to go in there.”

“Listen, she’s never flown a commercial flight and…” Sam started.

“Sir, I need you to step away,” the Transportation Safety Officer said.

“She’s no risk to anyone,” Sam said. “She’s…”

“Sir, I will not warn you again,” the Transportation Safety Officer said.

Sam looked to Delphie. Behind the thick plastic walls, Delphie was crouched on the floor. Her elbows covered her face and she was crying into her knees.

“You can’t do that to…”

“I have a security risk,” the Transportation Safety Officer said. “Security risk! Security risk!”

Five Federal Air Marshalls and Transportation Safety Officers came toward him. They grabbed Sam and dragged him away from Delphie.

“SAM!!” Delphie screamed.

~~~~~~~~

Tuesday morning — 9:45 P.M.

“Hey, whatcha reading?” Sandy asked.

Charlie was sitting on the couch in the back room staring at a magazine.

“Oh,” Charlie said. “Nash gave me this magazine.”

He held up a copy of Sports Illustrated.

“He said I had a lot to learn about sports,” Charlie said.

“Dad really liked sports,” Sandy said. “I didn’t know Nash liked sports.”

Shrugging, she leaned down to hug Charlie.

“How are you feeling?” Sandy asked.

“Sick,” Charlie said. “How come I feel sicker the longer it goes?”

“I think you’re coming down off crisis mode,” Sandy said. “Starting to feel how sick you really are.”

She touched his forehead to see if he had spiked a fever.

“Sandy?”

“Yeah,” Sandy said.

“Is Aden going to kick me out?” Charlie asked.

“I don’t think so,” Sandy said. “Why?”

“Oh, nothing,” Charlie said.

“What happened?” Sandy asked.

“Nothing really,” Charlie said.

Confused, Sandy shook her head.

“It just that I don’t know anything.” Charlie’s words came out in fits and starts. One phase quickly, then a pause.  “About living in a house, you know. Noelle was mad at me this morning because I left the toilet seat up. She said she fell in. That’s just gross. But Aden told me to hold the seat up when I pee. Last night, I had nightmares and Aden came in. He was really nice. Made me feel better. But I don’t really know how to shave. Nash was talking about dating skills. What the hell are those? And…”

Charlie looked at the magazine then shook his head.

“What?”

“I can’t read,” Charlie said. “Nash said this magazine would be easy but I can’t even read this.”

“Where are your glasses?” Sandy asked.

“My what?”

“Your reading glasses,” Sandy said. “You got glasses when you were three or four. Dad wore them too.”

“Glasses?” Charlie asked.

“Reading glasses,” Sandy said. “You had them when you started school.”

“I did? Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” Sandy said. “I bought them for you. Remember you wanted red frames and Mom thought they were unmanly?”

Charlie nodded his head at some vague recollection. Sandy went into the salon. She went through a stack of reading glasses she kept for customers. She found a pair that she thought were strong enough for Charlie and brought them back.

“Try these,” Sandy said.

Charlie looked at Sandy and shook his head.

“I’m not wearing those,” Charlie said.

“Why?” Sandy asked.

“They are white with red lips all over them,” Charlie said. “They are definitely unmanly.”

“Who is going to know?” Sandy asked. The bell rang and Sandy said, “I have a client. Try the glasses. If they work, we can get some cheap ones at Walgreens until we get your eyes checked.”

Sandy went out into the main area leaving Charlie to himself. He looked up when he heard her greet her client. He returned to staring straight ahead. After a few minutes, he picked up the glasses and put them on.

He blinked. The world came into some kind of shape.

Picking up the magazine, he pulled the magazine close to his face then pushed it far away. The words were clear when he held the magazine near his face. He could make out letters and words. In fact…

He pulled the glasses off when he heard the Sandy and her client coming back to wash the client’s hair. He closed his eyes and rested until he heard them going back into the salon. He peered around the corner to make sure they were in the salon. When he was certain he wouldn’t get caught, he put the glasses back on and pulled the magazine close to his face.

He could read.

Not well, but he could make it out words. Determined, he decided to read every word in this entire magazine. Maybe then, he’d have something to talk about with Aden or Nash. He started on page one. When Sandy came to check on him, he was sound asleep. He had the magazine resting near his face and he was wearing the glasses. Sandy took them off, kissed his cheek and returned to her day.

~~~~~~~~

Tuesday afternoon — 12:45 P.M.

“You arrested Delphie?” Seth O’Malley openly mocked the Federal Air Marshall Chief. “She’s a kooky lady but a terrorist? And Sam Lipson? What’s Lipson Construction? A front for Al Qaeda?”

“She knew things about the officer. Private things,” the Chief said.

“She’s a powerful psychic,” Seth said. “She could have a philosophical conversation with your great-great-grandmother on your father’s side. Now let them out.”

“Sir, we are holding them for Senior Homeland Security Agents,” the Chief said.

“No, you’re not,” Seth said. “You’re going to let these two nice people out and hope you haven’t traumatized them too much.”

“Homeland Security is on the way,” the Chief said.

“I’ll bet,” Seth said.

Like a hat trick, he turned to see MJ and Colin Hargreaves come in the door. Shaking his head, Seth stepped aside for Colin to wave his badge around. He had to keep from laughing when the Chief all but bowed to Colin. When the Chief turned to order someone to get Delphie and Sam, Colin rolled his eyes and Seth laughed. The Chief gave Seth a dark look.

Sam came around the corner. He looked from Seth to Colin and smiled.

“Where’s Delphie?” Sam asked. “If you’ve harmed her…”

“You hear how threatening he is?” the Captain said.

MJ grabbed Sam and pushed him out of the room.

“Where’s Delphinium?” Seth asked.

“Detective O’Malley asked you a question.” Colin stretched himself out to his entire six feet five inches and towered over the Chief.

The Captain looked at Colin then turned to go in the back. Two agents half carried, half dragged Delphie out. Seth was about to rush forward when Colin held him back.

“What’s wrong with her?” Colin asked.

“She fainted,” the Chief said.

“She had a stroke two months ago,” Seth pushed past Colin. He kneeled down to Delphie. “Delphie? Are you all right?”

Delphie saw Seth’s face and smiled.

“Seth,” Delphie whispered. “There’s terrible evil here. I’m trying not to look.”

“Colin’s here,” Sam said.

Delphie looked from Seth to Colin. She smiled at Colin.

“Girl this time,” she said to Colin. “Helen, Hilary, Heidi, Hailey, Harmony.”

“I was hoping so,” Colin said. “Julie likes Heidi, but Harmony would be lovely too.”

“Let her go,” Seth said.

The agents let go of Delphie’s arms. She took a step forward and passed out.

~~~~~~~~

Denver Cereal is a serial fiction set in Denver, Colorado.
You can get your daily dose of Denver Cereal at DenverCereal.com
Chapters are posted on Saturdays on this blog.
Download your free electronic copy of Denver Cereal, the beginning.
Like printed books? Go here or Amazon for a print copy of the Denver Cereal;
Go here or Amazon for the recently released Celia’s Puppies.
Claudia Hall Christian is a novelist.

Previous Chapters
Recap of the Beginning and character summary
Looking for the beginning? Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and TEN

One week later
Monday mid-day — 11:30 A.M.

“So you know who I am,” Nash said.

He sat down next to Charlie’s bed at Denver Health.

“You’ve got to be the gym guy’s son,” Charlie said. “You look just like him.”

“The gym guy?”

Nash wrinkled his face. He’d spent the entire bike ride to Denver Health pumping himself up for this conversation. He wasn’t going to take any crap from this Charlie guy. Teddy stood near the door to back him up.

“I don’t know his name,” Charlie shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t think Sandy ever told me his name.”

“Aden Norsen,” Nash said. “I’m Nash.”

Nash held out his hand and Charlie shook it.

“My Mom and Dad were talking about you coming to live with us,” Nash said. “Sandy… I mean Mom really wants you to live with us. Dad will do anything for Mom, so…”

“I don’t know anything about it, bro,” Charlie said. “I’m supposed to get out of here today or tomorrow. Seth said I could live with him but Sandy wants me to go to rehab. That’s what I know.”

Nash opened his mouth to say something.

“Wow, you look like the pilot,” Charlie said to Teddy. “Who are you?”

“Ted Jakkman,” Teddy said.

“Yea, Jakkman,” Charlie said. “Sergeant Jakkman. I bet he’s your Dad.”

“My Dad’s a Captain,” Teddy said. “He’s the best pilot in the US Air Force.”

“You must be very proud,” Charlie said with dripping sarcasm.

Defensive, Teddy moved forward to hit Charlie. Nash held him back. The boys shared a long look. Teddy went back to the door and Nash sat down again.

“Listen,” Nash held up his hand. “We know you can be a dick. We didn’t come all this way so you could impress us with your vast skills at being an asshole. So knock it off. This is about your future. And our future.”

Charlie looked over at Nash to assess him.

“You’re still pretty sick,” Nash said. “When you get out of here, you’re going to need a lot of help.”

“Sandy wants me to go to rehab,” Charlie repeated.

“What do you want?” Nash said.

“To get laid. Don’t you?” Charlie asked. “I bet you’re still a virgin.”

“I’m not the big loser sitting in a hospital bed with nowhere to live,” Nash said.

“Point taken,” Charlie said. “How did Sandy get to be your Mom?”

“I want her to be my Mom,” Nash said. “And I bet you do too. That’s why we’re here.”

“You have a proposal,” Charlie said. “Lay it out there, bro.”

“Fine,” Nash said. “If you come to live with us, you’ll promise to never bring drugs around me or my sister. If you do, you will deal with me. You will not bring your scumbag friends around me or my sister, but particularly my sister. If you come to live with us, you have to act like family. Not selfish stupid family. Real family.”

“What’s wrong with your sister?” Charlie asked. “Is she a retard or something?”

“Noelle is beautiful,” Teddy said. “You watch what you say about her.”

“I see someone is smitten,” Charlie said.

“Knock it off. You’re being an asshole just to be an asshole. If you don’t care about yourself at all, then go fuck off,” Nash said. “But if you want to live with us, then you have to listen.”

Charlie looked at Nash then at Teddy. He was silent for a moment then nodded.

“Go ahead,” he said.

“My sister and me, we take care of each other,” Nash said. “We don’t use drugs, no alcohol, and we don’t hang around scumbags. If you come to live with us, then you have to act like us. You have to go to school, stop taking drugs, and get your shit together.”

“You think I’m a total loser,” Charlie said.

“I think you’re a dumbass,” Nash said. “Teddy and me, we could have made the same choices you’ve made. We have bullshit families. Parents who suck. But we didn’t give up everything to hang out with losers and scumbags.”

“Hey man, I’m addicted…”

“Oh bullshit,” Nash said. “No one made you take drugs. You chose to do them. You didn’t have to. You’ve been clean before. Sandy said you’ve been to rehab already. You decided to go back to drugs.”

“You don’t know how hard it is,” Charlie said.

“You wanna bet,” Nash said. “Teddy, me, Noelle, we’re very sensitive to drugs and alcohol. We could be addicts like that.” Nash snapped his fingers.

“But we’re not,” Nash said. “You made shitty choices, bro. If you want to live with us, you’re going to have to man up to your choices and get your shit together. You’re not bringing me or my sister down.”

“What about that guy?” Charlie pointed at Teddy. “Can I bring him down?”

“Fine, be an asshole,” Nash said. “Loser. You’ll be dead soon enough.”

Nash got up and walked toward the door.

“Would I have to go to school?” Charlie asked. “I’m not good at school.”

Nash turned around to look at Charlie.

“What’s wrong with school?” Nash asked.

“Can’t read,” Charlie said. “I’m good with numbers but I can’t read.”

Nash was so surprised that he blinked. He and Teddy looked at each other.

“Listen, if you tell anyone, I’ll kick your ass. Tell Sandy and I’ll totally deny it,” Charlie said.

“What if we teach you how to read?” Nash asked. “Will you promise not to be an asshole? Not bring your scummy friends around? Make a real stab at getting your shit together?”

“And not bring drugs around us or Noelle?” Teddy asked.

“I don’t know if I can do it,” Charlie said. “It’s a lot easier to live on the streets.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” Teddy said. “How many diseases do you have?”

Charlie’s eyes shifted to look at Teddy. He looked like he heard something he’d never thought of before. He opened his mouth and then shook his head.

“I don’t think I can,” Charlie repeated.

“Why not?” Nash asked. “About six months ago my mother tried to sell me and my sister to some men for sex. Then she was all ‘I want my babies’ so we have to see her again. And she breaks Noelle’s cheek bone. Teddy’s Mom is bat shit crazy. Drugs are just the start of it. You can’t imagine the stuff Teddy’s been through to keep his sister and brother safe. What makes your life harder than ours?”

“I only fit in on the streets,” Charlie said.

“Don’t fit in? Welcome to the fucking club,” Teddy said. “I’ll help you with school but you’ve got to get your shit together. You could even take martial arts classes with us.”

“I knew you were spoiled rich kids,” Charlie said.

“We take martial arts classes from a friend of Teddy’s Dad’s,” Nash said. “He doesn’t charge us. We have to do community service to pay for our classes. We’ve been working at the Rescue Mission.”

“I have a sister,” Charlie said.

“Sissy, yeah, we heard,” Nash said. “Do we have a deal?”

“No really, what about Sissy?” Charlie asked. “Seth said she could live with him.”

“You can’t pretend that you care about Sissy,” Nash said. “You didn’t care about Sissy when you were getting high. You didn’t care about Sissy when you let your lame-o friends beat on you or…”

“I get the point,” Charlie said. “Ever thought of being a drug counselor?”

“I’m going to program video games,” Nash said. “Anyway, do we have a deal?”

“We have a deal,” Charlie said.

“One more thing,” Nash said. “If you make my Mom cry, I will personally beat the crap out of you. You think the beating you got was bad? It was nothing compared to what I’ll do to you if Mom cries over you.”

“How did Sandy get to be your Mom?” Charlie repeated.

“I wanted her to be my Mom,” Nash said. “She says she’s my Mom. So don’t make her cry.”

Charlie nodded. Nash gave Charlie another hard look to show his sincerity. Teddy scowled to show that he was the sincere back up for Nash’s plan. The boys looked at each other and left Charlie’s room. Charlie waited a few minutes. Grabbing his crutches, he went after them. He had to crutch fast but he caught them at the elevator.

“What?” Nash asked.

“You won’t tell anyone about the reading thing, right?” Charlie asked.

“Not a soul,” Nash said. “That’s what family does.”

“Oh, good,” Charlie said. “You know I wasn’t always like this. When my Dad was alive, I was like you.”

“So what happened?” Teddy asked.

“I don’t know,” Charlie said. “I got lost.”

“Me too,” Teddy said. “My Mom was doing drugs. Dad was in Afghanistan. I used to stay home with her to make sure she didn’t burn the house down or whatever. I missed a couple years of school. But I found my way. You can too.”

Charlie nodded. He turned and crutched back to his room. He was almost here when he turned to them again.

“Nice to meet you,” Charlie said.

“You too,” Nash and Teddy said.

The elevator bell rang and Nash and Teddy got on. Charlie nodded and went back to his room.

Lying down on his bed, Charlie thought about calling Sandy and telling her that Nash was here. Sandy would be pissed that Nash wasn’t in school. Charlie smirked at the idea of little perfect Nash getting in trouble. With his hand on the phone, Charlie changed his mind.

He couldn’t help but like the little guy. Nash and his friend were tough and smart. Charlie leaned back against his pillow. He could always ride this out and leave when he wanted to. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he felt a burst of hope.

As soon as hope appeared, he squashed it down with the cynicism he’d learned as street smarts. Good things didn’t happen to Charlie. Charlie’s life would be one long string of crap until he died. That was the truth. No way around it. His hand reached for the phone again.

“Hey Charlie,” Sandy said as she came in the room.

She was wearing a bright yellow top covering her bulging belly. Just seeing Sandy made his mood shift. He smiled at his sister and she beamed back. She leaned over to kiss his cheek.

“Whatcha doing?” she asked.

“Waiting for you,” he said.

“Oh great,” Sandy said. “The doctor said you can leave today.”

“That’s good news,” he said.

“Listen Charlie, I have a proposal for you. Now hear me out before you say no.”

~~~~~~~~

Monday afternoon — 3:20 P.M.

“Did you pick up anything?” Seth asked.

“From this site? Or from the other one?” Delphie asked.

Seth had asked if she would tour all the places they’d found bodies before she left for her first ever Mexico vacation. He was hoping she would pick up something about the killer. While they had established most of the identities of the victims, they still had no leads on the killer.

The killer was fastidious. After he killed each victim, he shaved off all of their hair and bathed them. He even made sure to clean under their fingernails. Then the killer wrapped each body in butchers block paper and moved them to the burial sites. The police had gone over the victims with microscopes and found no physical evidence. They had sifted through tons of dirt and found nothing. There were no fibers, no DNA, and no physical evidence linking back to the killer. Even the butcher’s block paper, what little hadn’t decomposed, was ordinary.

The police had no leads, no evidence, and the bodies were piling up.

“Are you avoiding the question?” Seth asked.

“No…” Delphie bent down to touch the ground. “I’m not.”

“Then…?”

“It’s funny because Jake said something about this when they were taking the bodies from the Castle,” Delphie said. “In fact, would you mind if I called him?”

“No, go ahead,” Seth said. “Anything you can give me…”

Delphie took her cell phone and her reading glasses from her purse. She looked at her phone with a whiff of suspicion.

“What’s wrong?” Seth asked.

“I don’t know how to find the contacts,” Delphie said. “The whole phone thing is new to me and…”

“Let me help,” Seth said. “These things are confusing to me too. You wanted to call Jake? Did he set up the contacts?”

“He’s on my speed dial, whatever that is,” Delphie said.

Seth pushed a few buttons then gave the phone back to Delphie. She smiled.

“Jake?” Delphie yelled into the phone. “Are you there?”

“Hi Delphie,” Jacob said. “You don’t have to yell. It’s a cell phone not a tin can.”

“Oh, that’s right. Sorry,” Delphie said.

“What’s up?”

“Remember when you were watching the police at the Castle? You said something about a smell,” Delphie said.

“Sure,” Jacob said. “Still smells like that down there.”

“Like what?” Delphie asked.

“It smells like the detergent we used to clean the grill at Bowden,” Jacob said. “Remember I worked at that burger place on campus for a year.”

“I remember the ‘hot chick’ that worked there,” Delphie said. “I was afraid she was going to become a permanent fixture.”

Jacob laughed.

“Yes, I’m glad she isn’t a permanent fixture either,” Delphie said. “Do you remember anything about the detergent?”

“You bought a case of it on some super sale,” Jacob said. “You wanted me to use it to clean all the stoves but I couldn’t handle it.”

“You threw it out,” Delphie said. “Yes I remember. Can you do me a favor? Are you at the Castle?”

“I’m at home,” Jacob said. “We’re leaving in an hour. Can I help?”

“Is Jill or Sam there?”

“They aren’t here,” Jacob said. “Jill’s with Katy at her sister’s and Dad’s at work.”

“Is there any other normal there?”

“You mean a non-psychic?” Jacob asked. “I think MJ is here. They got in late last night. I think he’s off this week. Why?”

“Can you see if he smells it?”

“Sure. Just a second.”

Delphie listened to Jacob jog down the stairs to the basement. She heard MJ’s good natured laugh and their movement around the Castle.

“Ok, we’re here,” Jacob said.

“What do you smell?”

“Same thing,” Jacob said.

“Ask MJ,” Delphie said.

She waited while Jacob asked MJ what he smelled. She heard the men talk back and forth for a moment before Jacob got back on the line.

“He smells sand, dirt and moisture,” Jacob said. “He said he can smell burned concrete from when the police cut out the subfloor to get the bodies.  He said you never forget the smell of something that blows up in your face.”

“That’s what I thought,” Delphie said.

“Is that it?” Jacob asked.

“Yep, thanks. And thank MJ too.”

Delphie heard MJ laugh as she clicked off the phone.

“What was that?” Seth asked.

“Jake and I both smelled this industrial cleaner when we were watching the police clear out the bodies from under the chapel,” Delphie said.

“And?”

“I smell that cleaner here and at the other site,” Delphie said. “Do you?”

Seth made an exaggerated sniff and shook his head.

“That’s what occurred to me,” Delphie said. “It’s a psychic smell. We smell it because we’re psychics. It’s not a real smell.”

“What does that mean?” Seth asked. “Come on Delphie. Give me something I can really use.”

“Your killer works in food preparation,” Delphie said. “I bet if we test the bodies, they were all washed in a cleaner used for food preparation.”

“So?” Seth asked.

“That’s not very normal is it?” Delphie asked. “If I went to get enough cleaner to clean all these bodies, someone would notice. Your guy has it around…”

“Because he cooks food,” Seth said. “That’s very good.”

“Greasy food,” Delphie said.

“Greasy food.”

“Jake used the cleaner at a burger joint,” Delphie said.

“I’m going to make a call. Get one of these kids to track down all the distributers in Colorado,” Seth said. “Do you think we’re looking for a restaurant cook? Or …”

“This guy is a loner,” Delphie said. “There’s not even a shadow of another soul in his life.”

“Shadow of a soul?” Seth asked.

“People leave imprints on our hearts and minds. We carry them around with us,” Delphie said. “I can see the souls people have around them. Like you have Sandy, her Dad, your kids… Charlie’s there, me, your dogs…”

“Okay, okay,” Seth said. “And this guy?”

“No one,” Delphie said.

“That’s two more pieces of information we didn’t have this morning,” Seth said. “Let’s try the other sites. Are you game?”

“I’m happy to help,” Delphie said.

“That’s one of the things I like about you,” Seth said.

~~~~~~~~

Monday afternoon — 4 P.M.

“Ok, so you’re going to…” Jill started.

She spun in place and walked back toward her sister’s kitchen.

“Jill!” Megan, Jill’s oldest sister, said. “We’ve got it. You’ve said everything three times!”

“Oh,” Jill said. “You won’t forget to get more sunscreen?”

“I have it on my list,” Megan said. “And I’ll make sure to get the non-cancer causing kind.”

“Oh,” Jill said.

“Why are you so freaked out?” Megan asked. “You act like you’ve never spent a night away from Katy. We’ve taken care of Katy since she was an infant. We just haven’t seen as much of her since you and Jacob got together. And we’ve missed her. The boys are really excited to get to spend a week with her and Paddie.”

“Oh,” Jill said.

Lost in thought, Jill stood still in the middle of Megan’s kitchen. Her hand went instinctively to rub the button held on her wrist by a simple bracelet.

“What’s going on?”

“I… Well…”

“Jillian Roper,” Megan said. “You’re going on your first real vacation since you were a kid. And it’s exactly how you wanted it. We’re coming along tomorrow. The rest of our family will be there this weekend. Delphie and Sam will be there when you get there. Was there someone else you wanted to go on your honeymoon with? Because I’m sure Jake will make that happen too.”

“No, Sandy, Heather and Tanesha can’t come,” Jill said. “They have stuff they have to do here. We’re planning a trip in August before Tanesha starts med school.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

“You remember when I was in Santa Monica before?” Jill started. She blushed.

“I remember,” Megan said.

“It was the best night of my entire life,” Jill said. “We’re going there tonight. What if… You know, it’s not that great or…”

Megan laughed.

“Maybe it’ll be better,” Megan said. “You can be more honest, more yourself. I bet you’ll have a wonderful time.”

“What if I don’t get pregnant?” Jill asked.

“What if you don’t?” Megan smiled.

“Jake really wants a bigger family,” Jill said.

“You have lots and lots of time Jill,” Megan said. “You’ve been married less than a year.”

“But if we don’t have another baby then maybe he’ll find someone else.”

Megan laughed at Jill’s confused, heart broken face.

“This is why you’re not pregnant,” Megan said. “You’re too worried about him leaving.”

“You don’t understand,” Jill shook her head slightly. “You and Tim have been together forever.”

“Listen,” Megan said in her older sister voice. “I completely understand. You guys have been through a lot. This secretary thing is really awful. I know why you have doubts. If Tim had this kind of scandal, I’d be freaked out too.”

“You would?”

“Sure,” Megan said. “I have a big life – three kids, nice home, good job, everything I could want – but Tim is the cornerstone of everything. If some woman said all the crap that secretary said about Jacob, and text messages and whatever else, I’d be really freaked out.”

“What would you do?”

“I’d take a page out of my brave sister Jill’s book,” Megan said. “I’d talk to my husband. I’d listen to my heart and I’d move on. What is it that you told me? ‘I can always leave later.’ That’s what I’d do. And who knows? Maybe it would turn out to be really good. Like it has been for you and Jake.”

“Really good?”

“You’d never take this vacation if this hadn’t happened,” Megan said. “Jake would still be working crazy hours. In some ways, the secretary did you a favor.”

“She did?” Jill’s eyebrows rose with doubt and surprise.

“Yes, she got Jake out of Lipson so you guys can really have a life,” Megan said. “It’s what he’s always wanted. Now you can build a life together.”

Biting her lip, Jill nodded. The doorbell rang.

“That’s Jake,” Jill said.

Megan hugged Jill.

“Go and have a great time,” Megan said. “Some things are meant to be. Why don’t you get the door?”

Megan called Katy while Jill opened the door. Jacob stood at the door holding a single white rose.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

With her hand pressed to her heart, Jill nodded. Katy ran up to say good-bye. After lots of kisses and hugs, Katy wiggled away. Laughing, she ran back to playing with her cousins. Megan gave Jill a knowing smile and closed the door behind them.

With one last look at the door, Jill followed Jacob to the car. He opened her passenger door. The slip of tulle she wore as a mask the last time they went to Santa Monica lay on the seat.  Picking it up, she sat down in the seat. Jacob went around the back of the SUV. When he got in the car, he was wearing his mask.

“Are you ready?” he repeated.

Seeing him in the mask, her heart all but exploded in her chest. All anxiety and fear disappeared. She was ready. When she put her mask on, he laughed.

~~~~~~~~

Denver Cereal is a serial fiction set in Denver, Colorado.
You can get your daily dose of Denver Cereal at DenverCereal.com
Chapters are posted on Saturdays on this blog.
Download your free electronic copy of Denver Cereal, the beginning.
Like printed books? Go here or Amazon for a print copy of the Denver Cereal;
Go here or Amazon for the recently released Celia’s Puppies.
Claudia Hall Christian is a novelist.

Previous Chapters
Recap of the Beginning and character summary
Looking for the beginning? Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and NINE

Monday evening — 6:45 P.M.

“You’re his…” the Emergency Room resident said.

Sandy, Jill and Jill’s mother, Anjelika, were sitting in a family waiting area at Denver Health when the resident approached. He was looking for Charlie’s mother. Sandy jumped to her feet to speak with the resident, but he recognized her from the newspaper stories about her father. The resident didn’t want anything to do with her. Sandy wrapped her arms around herself for comfort.

“Sister,” Sandy said.

“Where is his mother?” the resident asked.

“She’s out of the picture,” Sandy said. “I’m all he has.”

“I don’t think I can give you an update. I…” the resident started.

“Listen,” Anjelika smiled her beautiful smile. “The mother doesn’t want her children. And we are paying your bill. In order to pay that bill, we need information to make decisions.”

Taken back by Angelika’s beauty and elegance, the resident stumbled over words.

“Uh… We could get in real trouble. We’re only supposed to release information to legal guardians or…”

“I see,” Anjelika smiled again. “May I speak with your supervisor? We were told that we needed to make decisions right away. That is, of course, after my daughter guaranteed payment.”

“He’s sixteen,” Seth’s deep voice came from the door. “You don’t need a guardian to make his medical decisions. Since I assume he’s unconscious, his next of kin will have to decide for him.”

“Seth!” Sandy said.

Seth hugged her.

“How is Charlie?” he asked.

“We don’t know,” Sandy said. “This… doctor won’t tell us.”

“Detective O’Malley, Denver PD,” Seth said to the resident. “The nurse told me there was a family meeting going on. There is a police investigation into this matter. Will you give me the information?”

“Uh,” the resident blushed then nodded. “The boy’s in pretty bad shape.”

“Can you be more specific?”

“He’s been injecting methamphetamines for some time,” the resident said. “He’s dehydrated and malnourished. He was badly beaten by multiple assailants. His organs are bruised. His spleen needs to come out and possibly a portion of his intestines. His liver is bruised. We won’t know his virus status until tomorrow.”

“What about his head?” Sandy asked.

“He seems to have protected his head,” the resident said. “He has some cracked ribs, one broken.”

“Is that why he has a cough? Was spitting up blood?”

“He has pneumonia,” the doctor said. “His lungs are inflamed from smoking meth. He probably has a bleeding ulcer. Most meth addicts do. We won’t know until we do more tests.”

“Does he need surgery?” Anjelika asked.

“We can’t do anything until he’s stable,” the resident said. “His biggest problem right now is that he’s coming off the meth.”

“Broken bones?” Anjelika said.

“Except for the rib, cracked,” the resident said. “Right humerus, femur, malleolus, couple of spinous processes. His right side saw the worst of the beating. Listen, we see these kids all the time. They get high and beat on each other for fun.”

“For fun?” Sandy’s face reflected the horror she felt.

“They come in beaten up, leave and come back again. It’s like a revolving door.”

“Have you seen this kid before?” Seth asked.

“I haven’t but he’s been here before,” the resident said. “About six weeks ago. High on meth, of course. He’d broken a clavicle, his collar bone. His mother filled out the paper work then left him here. Skipped out on the bill.”

“We’ve already agreed to pay all the bills,” Jill said.

“His collar bone never healed so he’ll need to get that set.”

“We’d like you to take good care of the boy,” Anjelika said.

“Right now, he has to stabilize,” the resident said. “But he doesn’t have much a chance. He’s a street kid, a meth head no less. You need to face the facts. These kids don’t get better. They only get dead.”

“My boyfriend, uh, husband was a street kid,” Sandy said. “He’s the CEO of Lipson Construction now.”

“That was then. You probably don’t have AIDs either,” the resident sniffed at Sandy. “Life on the streets is meaner, harder, and more severe now. Most kids die. We see families here all the time. They get their kid better and a month later the kid is back on the streets.”

“Why do you think that is?” Seth asked.

“It runs in families,” the resident said. “Child prostitutes, street kids. What do you expect? People like you are throw aways, garbage.”

Sandy recoiled as if she’d been hit. As if to protect her, Anjelika pulled her into a hug.

“I think we’d like another doctor,” Jill said. “In fact, since I’m paying this bill, let’s see what your attending has to say. Better yet…”

Jill was about to dial her cell phone when a familiar Englishman stuck his head in the room. Jill smiled at Dr. John Drayson. He was their friend Alex Hargreaves’s husband, and a vascular surgeon. He worked at Denver Health.

“I just heard about Charlie,” Dr. Drayson said in a clipped British accent. He looked at Jill and Sandy. “What’s going on here?”

“This creature just told us that Charlie was a throw away,” Jill said. “Like Sandy.”

“He did?” Dr Drayson gave the resident a hard look.

“Doctor, he…”

“Why don’t you give me a minute?” Dr. Drayson asked. “I’ll check in on Charlie and get you another doctor.”

Grabbing the back of the resident’s jacket, Dr. Drayson pulled him out of the room. They could hear their terse conversation as they walked down the hall.

“What do we do?” Sandy asked.

“We trust our friends to help us,” Anjelika said.

“And we wait,” Seth said. “Can I bring anyone coffee?”

“Please,” Anjelika said. “For everyone.”

Seth nodded.

“It’s going to be a long night,” Anjelika said.

Jill, Sandy and Anjelika settled in to wait.

~~~~~~~~

Monday evening — 7:30 P.M. PDT
Hollywood, CA

Expecting to find Mike on the other side of the door, Valerie came out of the bathroom without a towel. She’d just taken a quick post-set shower. His eyes were full of promise when she laughed and closed the bathroom door on his face. He’d promised to order dinner while she showered.

And she was starving.

They were staying in six hundred square foot garden cottage at the Chateau Marmont. Puzzled, she peeked into the bedroom.

No Mike.

Her bare feet left moisture marks on the dark wood floors as she padded around the little cottage. He wasn’t in the living room watching hockey. She knew he wasn’t in the kitchen. Turning in place, she trotted back to the bedroom for her clothes. She grabbed a pair of jeans. Unable to button them, she grabbed a pair of workout pants and a T-shirt.

Mike had spent the day painting in the hotel’s gardens. Maybe he’d returned to see the gardens. She was about to leave the cottage when she saw Mike’s art supplies tucked away in his usual military neat stack.

Not sure what to do, she sat down on the couch and waited. She was just about to call home when she heard Mike’s key in the door.

“Oh you got dressed,” he said. He looked genuinely disappointed. “Sorry.”

“I was worried.” She ran to his arms.

“Yeah, sorry,” he said. “I heard Wes was in the bar here and decided to go have it out with him.”

“How did that go?”

“He’s on his way to the hospital,” he said. “I guess the police will be here soon.”

She pulled back to look at him and he laughed. She slapped at him until he pulled her back into his arms.

“I went to call for dinner and I realized there was a message,” he said. “I wasn’t in the room all day. After you called, I dropped my painting supplies and went to get you. Anyway, the front desk said they signed for a letter for me. It was in their safe.”

“Safe?”

“Right,” Mike said. “I should have realized it would be a cluster fuck. I did see Wes on the television while I was waiting. That guy is a real tool. What did you see in him?”

“He wasn’t you?”

“Ah,” Mike laughed. “I was waiting at the desk so long that they’re going to serve us dinner on the porch. It’s not sushi though. Do you mind?”

“What are we having?”

“Burgers,” Mike said.

“I was just craving a burger,” Valerie said.

“I know,” Mike said.

“Mind reading?” Valerie asked.

“Listening to you talk to yourself in the bathroom,” he said. Mimicking her voice, he said, “Now Valerie, you cannot have a burger or you’ll never fit those pants.”

“Well I won’t!” she laughed.

“You’re pregnant, Val,” Mike said. “At some point, you’re going to look pregnant.”

“Hmm,” Valerie said. Trying to avoid talking about her expanding size, she said, “What did you get?”

“Burgers,” Mike said. “Fries, beer for me.”

“You got burgers from the hotel safe?” Valerie asked.

“Oh, I got the check from the Denver Art Museum,” Mike said. “Wanna see all the zeros?”

Valerie nodded. Mike pulled the check out of his back pocket. They ogled the amount.

“They took twenty percent,” Mike said. “I thought that was worth it.”

“Totally worth it,” Valerie said. “What are we going to do with it?”

“Well…” Mike looked away from her and shoved the check back in his pocket.

“What?” she asked.

“Since we don’t really need the money,” he said. “I mean, you’re making great money, and we live in the Castle, and with the sale of Lipson Construction, and the increase in rehab business work and…”

“We have plenty of money,” Valerie stepped back from him. “What’s going on Mike?”

“I was thinking of giving the check to Otis, my grandfather,” Mike said.

“Why?” Valerie asked.

“My step-dad took all that money from him,” Mike said. “Even though this is only a fraction of what he stole, I thought maybe if he had some of it, he wouldn’t be so mad at Mom.”

“He doesn’t seem mad at Anjelika,” Valerie said.

“Mom told me the money is a big issue in their relationship,” Mike said. “It’s not like he blames her. He’s still trying to make up the loss to his partners.”

“His mafia partners.”

“I guess it’s dumb,” Mike said. “I want Mama to feel free, happy. That’s all. I know she feels bad.”

“You’re a very sweet man,” Valerie said.

“Otis is coming to Denver to see us before the baby is born,” Mike said. “I thought we could give it to him then.”

“Sure,” Valerie said.

“Sure?”

“Sure,” she said.

“You think it’s dumb,” Mike said.

“I think you’re a very sweet man. If you want to give this money or all of our money to your grandfather, I don’t really care.”

“What do you care about?” Mike asked.

“Food,” Valerie and Mike said together. They laughed.

“When did you say dinner was coming?” she asked.

As if to answer her call, there was a knock at the door. Room service had set up dinner on their private patio. Surrounded by blooming flowers, their conversation about money disappeared in a pregnant woman’s delight for a well cooked burger and the pleasure of each other’s company.

~~~~~~~~

Monday evening — 8:35 P.M. MDT
The Castle, Denver, CO

“If I do this, I’ll need your help,” Jacob said.

“Clearing ghosts?” Delphie laughed. “You do not. Celia was always better at it than I ever was. You need to practice.”

Jacob poured another glass of wine. Holding up the bottle to Delphie, she nodded. He poured a glass for her. They were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the proposal to rehabilitate haunted houses.

“Practice?” Jacob asked. “What’s that?”

“You’re lazy with your psychic skills,” Delphie repeated what she’d said a thousand times. “When was the last time you meditated?”

“Today,” Jacob said. “With my daughter.”

“I think that’s called ‘taking a nap,’” Delphie said.

Jacob laughed.

“Ok,” Delphie said. “I’ll teach you what to do. We can practice clearing a few houses and see how we do, how you like it.”

“That’s the point,” he said. “I don’t know if I’ll like it.”

“I don’t think you’ll like it,” she said. “In fact, I think you’ll hate it.”

“Why?”

“You really like the present,” Delphie said. “You’re not even a big fan of reminiscing about old times or talking about traumatic memories. Ghosts are all about who they were, what they did, and what happened to them. It’s part of why they’re stuck here. They’re stuck in their own memories and past.”

“Hey speaking of what happened to them,” Jacob said. “Didn’t you and Mom clear a few ghosts out of here?”

“Four or five,” Delphie said. “After you opened the second floor, I did a few more.”

“Did you clear the ghosts of the people buried under the chapel?” Jacob asked.

Delphie’s eyebrows shot up with surprise. She nodded to Jacob.

“I bet you’re right,” she said. “I never thought of it. Your Mom did most of the work. She had a real knack for it. She felt like she was helping souls.”

“Didn’t she keep a ghost journal?” Jacob asked.

“She did,” Delphie smiled. “Jake. I wonder where those are.”

“All of her journals are in a chest in the basement storage,” Jacob said. “Want to go look?”

Delphie nodded. With Jacob leading the way, they went to find Celia’s ghost journal.

~~~~~~~

Monday night — 9:35 P.M.

“Hey,” Dr. John Drayson gave Sandy’s shoulder a little shake.

“Sorry, I must have dropped off,” Sandy said.

“You’re here by yourself?” he asked.

“Jill had to go home. She has to work at Pete’s tomorrow night and…” Sandy said. “I made her go home. Anjelika will be back with Jill’s car. Seth walked them out. He had to let his dogs out. They’ll be back.”

Dr. Drayson nodded.

“How’s Charlie?” Sandy asked.

“He’s stable,” Dr. Drayson said. “For now. He has a long way to go but he’s young and strong. The drugs are out of his system and his body is rallying.”

Sandy nodded.

“He’s awake,” Dr. Drayson said. “He’s asking for you. Would you…?”

Sandy stood.

“I’ll take you back. You’ll only have a few minutes. But I thought you’d want them.”

“Of course,” Sandy said.

Sandy followed Dr. Drayson to Denver Health’s Intensive Care Unit. Walking back, she remembered taking a similar walk to see Aden when he was in a similar condition. In that moment, she wondered why she spent so much time at the ICU. Was it God’s curse on her? Was it the men in her life?

Like a voice screaming inside her head, she heard, ‘It’s the drugs.’ In her heart, mind, body and soul, she knew drugs were at the root of Charlie and Aden’s trouble. Aden had gotten clean. Aden had created a full life filled with opportunity and love.

Would Charlie?

Unwilling to answer the question, Sandy swore she would take her Alanon meetings more seriously. She reminded herself that she could only work on herself.

But she wanted Charlie to live! She wanted Charlie to be clean! She wanted Charlie to grow up! She stopped walking to catch her breath.

“Are you all right?” Dr. Drayson asked.

“Just a little emotional,” Sandy smiled to reassure him.

“Addiction is heart breaking.” His kind cobalt blue eyes seemed to know her pain.

She nodded. They continued walking through the ICU.  Dr. Drayson pointed to a bed near the front of the hospital. In the dim light, her mind played a trick on her. She saw her little brother as he’d been when he was three or four. He used to have terrible nightmares. He’d cry out in his sleep and she’d go in to comfort him.

Sandy blinked and Charlie’s broken body appeared. He had tubes and drains coming from every direction. Like Aden had, this tall, strong boy looked small and broken. Dr. Drayson nodded toward a blue plastic chair and Sandy sat down. He gave Sandy a soft smile and stepped away.

Sandy picked up Charlie’s hand. He opened his eyes to look at her. She smiled at him.

“Mom?” Charlie asked.

“Jill called her,” Sandy said. “I’m sure she’ll be here in the morning.”

Charlie chuckled at her lie. His chuckle became a deep chest rattling cough. A nurse arrived. She injected something into Charlie’s IV and waved Sandy onto the bed.

“Feel really sick,” Charlie said.

“You’re pretty sick,” Sandy said. “The doctor told me you were strong and young. Are you strong, Charlie?”

“I’m not strong, Sandy,” Charlie gave her an ironic smile. “I want to die.”

“I know,” Sandy said. “I hope you don’t.”

“Why?” Charlie asked. “I’m a total fuck up. Everything I’ve ever done is fucked up. At least if I die, I’ll be with Dad.”

Sandy wiped a tear from his face.

“I’d miss you,” Sandy said.

“You haven’t seen me in months,” Charlie said.

“I’d still miss you,” she said. “Sissy would miss you.”

Charlie closed and opened his eyes at her.

“You can name your baby Charlie,” he said. “And the baby will have a fresh start.”

“You can have a fresh start, Charlie,” Sandy said. “You can completely reinvent yourself. People do it all the time.”

“Who? Who do you know that fucked up as bad as me and did all right later?”

“Me,” Sandy said. “And I was fucked up worse than you.”

Charlie looked at her for a moment. His eyebrows twitched as he tried to work out her words. Then, a dawning realization worked across his face. He nodded.

“If I can do it, you can do it,” Sandy said. “Will you try?”

“I’ll try, Sandy,” he said. “I don’t want to die.”

“Now?”

“Did I want to die before?” he asked. “I go back and forth. Try me in another minute. I’ll want to die again.”

Sandy smiled.

“Do you think Daddy loved me?” Charlie asked.

“I do,” Sandy said. Hearing a noise, she looked up to see Seth. “Do you think Dad loved Charlie, Seth?”

“Your father adored you, Charlie,” Seth said. “The day you were born was literally the best day of your father’s life. He fought cancer for years just to spend the time with you.”

“I miss him,” Charlie said.

“I do too,” Sandy said.

“Me too,” Seth said. “But we have to soldier on together. That’s what your Dad would have wanted. For us to be together.”

Charlie nodded slightly.

“Listen Charlie,” Seth said. “I was thinking. When you get out of here, why don’t you come and live with me? I have enough room. I was thinking your sister could move in too.”

“What about Mom?” Charlie asked.

“Maybe we’ll get her some help,” Seth said. “We’ve all been grieving your father too long. It’s time to live with his memory instead of hiding from his ghost. What do you say, Charlie? Would you like that?”

Charlie nodded. Sandy looked up to see a doctor and nurse standing next to Seth.

“Time for sleep, baby Charlie,” Sandy said.

“Will you sing for me?” Charlie asked.

Sandy began singing ‘Hush little baby’ like she did when he was a baby. Charlie smiled. The doctor injected medication into Charlie’s IV. Charlie sighed. With a slight smile on his face, he went to sleep. Sandy leaned down to kiss his cheek.

“Love you, Charlie,” Sandy said.

Seth helped Sandy off the bed. They hugged and began to walk back to the waiting room. Once there, they settled in for what was surely going to be a long night.

~~~~~~~~

Monday evening — 10:05 P.M. MDT
The Castle, Denver, CO

“Found it!” Jacob said.

Covered in dust and cobwebs, he and Delphie had spent the last hour and a half going through the storage area looking for Celia’s ghost journal. He gave Delphie the journal.

“That’s it, isn’t it?” he asked.

“This is it, but…” Delphie said.

“But what?”

“The pages are torn out.” Holding the book up, Delphie touched the ragged edges of the torn pages. “The ones about the ghosts in the Castle.”

“What?” Jacob asked.

“What exactly,” Delphie said.

Denver Cereal continues next week…

~~~~~~~~

Denver Cereal is a serial fiction set in Denver, Colorado.
You can get your daily dose of Denver Cereal at DenverCereal.com
Chapters are posted on Saturdays on this blog.
Download your free electronic copy of Denver Cereal, the beginning.
Like printed books? Go here or Amazon for a print copy of the Denver Cereal;
Go here or Amazon for the recently released Celia’s Puppies.
Claudia Hall Christian is a novelist.

Previous Chapters
Recap of the Beginning and character summary
Looking for the beginning? Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and EIGHT

Monday early morning — 5:25 A.M.

Jill woke with a start. She wasn’t sure what had startled her, but Jacob wasn’t in bed. She lay there for a moment before remembering that he wasn’t working at Lipson Construction anymore.

“Jacob?”

Hearing an odd sound, she got out of bed to find him.

“Jacob?”

Jill checked Katy’s room. Sometimes when Katy had a vision, Jacob would stay with her until she was settled.

No Jacob.

Wandering out into the main loft area, she turned off a light in the kitchen. Jacob wasn’t in any of their living areas. She turned to look at the rooms. He’d been so excited to have another child. Maybe he was planning a nursery. She stuck her head in the empty room.

No Jacob.

She heard the sound again. Thump, thump, thump.

The door to her office was closed. She always closed her office when she was done with work or school work. Standing at the door, she paused.

What if he was doing something she didn’t want to know about? She’d heard all kinds of stories about men who went to chat rooms or played games on the Internet or maybe he was downloading porn.

She heard the sound again and smiled. The sound was Sarah, Jacob’s Labrador’s tail hitting the floor when she wagged. Thump, thump, thump. Jill opened the door.

Jacob was working on her computer with Sarah under his feet.

Of course.

Less than a week after being forced out of Lipson Construction and Jacob was working again. Jill laughed.

Hearing her laugh, he looked up.

“Hi,” he said. He held an arm out and she tucked herself into him.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Uh,” Jacob looked at her then at the blueprint on the computer screen. “Downloading porn?”

“Don’t read my mind,” Jill laughed. He kissed her then looked back at the blueprint.

“Where’s that?” Jill asked.

“It’s a new rehab,” Jacob said. “The building is in the middle of nowhere. It was a debtor’s prison for the North Animas valley. A guy I know wants to move it to a lot in Denver. Since the building’s condemned, he can pick it up for a song. He wants us to rehab it. If it works, there will be lots more where this comes from. He’s scouted houses all over Colorado and Wyoming. Old mining houses, these debtors’ prisons, abandoned schools, stuff like that. He secured a parcel of land out on Stapleton to make an old town. You know with the ‘e’s.”

“Olde Towne Stapleton?” Jill asked.

“I think it’s Old-y Town-y,” Jacob laughed. She smiled.

“What does he want from us?”

“You caught that too,” Jacob said. “He’s been bugging me about this for at least a year. I have the same feeling – he wants something. He finally came out and asked.”

“What does he want?” Jill repeated.

“A couple things,” Jacob said. “He definitely needs rehab and design help. He plans to condo everything, even the businesses.”

“But he needs financing,” Jill said.

“No, financing he has,” Jacob said. “He has a banker in his pocket. He even has a board of directors behind him.”

“A lot of people can do his rehab work for a lot less money,” Jill said. “We’re kind of a specialty shop.”

“He wants special services,” Jacob said.

“What?”

“Ghost removal,” Jacob said.

“Is that all?” Jill shook her head.

“Pretty incredible, right?” Jacob asked. “The buildings are supposed to be haunted. That’s why he’s able to get them so cheap. He’d heard from someone that I’d cleared out some nasties from a rehab and contacted me. That’s why I haven’t done it yet.”

“And this morning?”

“I don’t know. He called yesterday while you were working on the wallpaper,” Jacob said. “I told him I’d take a look at the plans and talk to my associates. Aren’t you glad you got up?”

Jill smiled.

“He’ll pay double our rates,” Jacob said. “That’s how cheap he can get these buildings. Most of his costs are in moving the buildings. And…”

His voice trailed off as he looked at the building plans.

“Jacob?” She touched his shoulder.

“Oh, sorry,” he said. “Mom used to have this thing about ghosts. She said they were tortured, frightened souls who needed our help transitioning. There were a few here when she bought the place.”

“I wonder if they were from the bodies,” Jill said.

“Probably,” Jacob said. “We’ll have to ask Delphie. She and Mom transitioned them.”

“Can you do that?” Jill asked.

“Sure,” Jacob said. “Delphie has a knack for it. Of course. But…”

“You’re better at it? I could see that,” Jill said.

“Why?” Jacob asked.

“You like people and people like you,” she said. “You’re a natural born leader. People feel safe around you. I don’t know why dead people would be any different.”

Jacob fell silent. His attention shifted back to the building plans.

“What’s the problem?” Jill asked.

“I don’t like the work,” Jacob said. “It’s too spooky, too weird. I feel… dirty when I do it.”

“You’d have to come out about your skills,” Jill said. “That feels weird.”

“Not really,” Jacob laughed. “I can always blame Delphie.”

“Then what?” Jill smiled.

“I guess I wonder why I don’t get into this business,” Jacob said. “The profits are… enormous. Our merry household has the skills.”

“So why don’t you?”

“Doesn’t seem right to profit off the demented dead,” Jacob said.

Jill kissed his cheek.

“Plus, there are plenty of haunted buildings here in Denver,” Jacob said. “The Peabury’s up for sale again. There’s a resident spirit there that Delphie’s had at least one run in with. The Croke Patterson just sold to a guy who’s clueless about the demons in the basement. Hell, those poor girls who died at the Lumber Baron could use some peace. They’re sideshow entertainment for the amateur ghost hunters twice a week.”

“You’d put all those ghost hunters out of business if the girls were at peace,” Jill said.

“That’s actually a good reason to do it.”

“Why not try it and see how you do?” Jill asked.

“Yeah, why not?”

“And?” she asked.

“I’m both intrigued and repulsed at the same time,” Jacob said.

“Sounds like you need more time off.”

“Time off…” Jacob’s attention turned back to the plans. “Yeah…”

~~~~~~~~

Monday morning — 10:25 A.M.

“You sure you don’t want a donut?” Seth asked.

Delphie smiled. They were sitting in his police sedan next to the Platte River.

“Oh right,” he said. “Just had a stroke. No fat or processed food for a couple months. I remember.”

Delphie took a drink of her green tea.

“It’s just hard for me to imagine someone turning down a donut,” he said.

“How do you stay slender?” Delphie asked.

He laughed.

“I like you, Delphie,” Seth said. “Your relationship with that Sam guy. It’s solid?”

Delphie laughed.

“I run,” Seth said. “I used to be addicted to drugs. Alcohol. Women. A buddy and I quit together. We started running together. We used to run marathons.”

“What happened?”

“Don’t you know this stuff?” Seth asked. “Can’t you just…”

“I can, but I don’t,” Delphie said.

“Why?”

“It’s not very polite,” Delphie said. “In fact, it’s very rude. Plus, I like listening to people weave their own story. It’s much more interesting.”

“Oh,” Seth said. “My buddy died of lung cancer. He used to smoke a lot of everything before we kicked our mutual vices.”

“Sandy’s Dad,” Delphie said.

“Yep,” Seth said. “Anyway, I run about fifty miles a week. I like it. Gives me time to think. My only vices now are donuts, coffee, and now an odd affection for a woman named after a flower.”

Delphie smiled at him.

“You’ll find true and lasting love from someone who adores you,” she said. “But that won’t be me.”

“I guess I’m getting another dog.”

Delphie laughed. There was a tap on his window.

“You can go in now. I’m to escort you through the scene,” a uniformed police officer said. Nodding to Delphie, he said, “Ma’am.”

Delphie gave the young man a little wave. Seth and Delphie got out of the car and began walking toward the river.

“Ma’am, I hate to ask but could you…”

“Girl,” Delphie said. “You’ll have your boy next.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said. “That’s a relief for me.”

“Yes, I can see that,” Delphie smiled.

“Ok, this guy, David Craig, was out walking his dogs…” the uniformed officer said.

“Breeze and Chance,” Delphie said.

“Right, Labradors,” the police officer said. “He works at the Teatro so he comes down here early.”

“He doesn’t have anything to do with this,” Delphie said.

“You sure?” Seth asked.

“Positive,” Delphie said.

“So this guy’s walking his dogs and he finds a body,” the officer said.

“A body?” Seth asked.

“The dogs find something,” the officer said. “He doesn’t like the smell. Thinks it’s suspicious and has been around enough to know what can go on down here. He calls 911 then waits for us. You know how few people wait for us? Almost no one.”

Delphie smiled.

“Anyway, he takes the patrol down to the area,” the officer said. “And they don’t like the smell either so they call it in. Whamo, six bodies.”

“Exposed bodies?” Seth asked.

“Oh, no,” the officer said. “They were buried at different times too. In this weird pattern. I’ve never seen anything like it. The guys are saying it’s a serial killer. Is that true?”

“Probably,” Seth said. “Thanks. I’ll take it from here.”

The police officer nodded. Seth and Delphie continued walking until they reached a sandy path. Turning right, they walked under the Fifteenth Street bridge.

“Sandy and Aden just stayed at the Hotel Teatro,” Delphie said.

“Yes,” Seth said. “Coincidence?”

“Probably,” Delphie shrugged.

The slowed down at the open space area where the Coroner and her assistants were working.

“Are you picking up anything?” Seth asked.

“Just that a lot of people don’t want me here,” Delphie said.

“Seth! Delphie!” the Coroner said. “I’m glad you’re here.”

The woman waved them over to her.

“Same pattern, same number of bodies,” the Coroner said.

“But?” Delphie asked.

“Someone unearthed one of the more recent bodies,” the Coroner said.

“You mean it wasn’t buried,” Seth said.

“No, it was buried,” the Coroner said. “Someone unburied it.”

“Why? Would someone do that?” Seth asked.

The Coroner and Seth looked over at Delphie.

“He wants to be in the newspaper,” Delphie said. “He knows that we’ve found his…”

Delphie’s face went white.

“What?” Seth asked.

“He thinks of them as trophies or awards,” Delphie said. “The disgusting creature unearthed a body so he could be on the front page of the Denver Post. He’s furious that his handy work hasn’t gotten the attention he believes he deserves.”

“Then we won’t give him the pleasure,” the Coroner said.

“Any lock on who?” Seth asked.

“Just that he was here… Recently,” Delphie shook her head. “Breeze and Chance were chosen to find this.”

“Breeze and Chance?” the Coroner asked.

“The dogs,” Seth said. “How were they chosen?”

“I don’t know,” Delphie said. “And I don’t know why. This creature has some way of cloaking himself. I doubt even his victims know who he is.”

“Like Jack the Ripper,” the Coroner said.

“Jack the Ripper?” Seth asked.

“Jack the Ripper killed prostitutes, very young women in a highly populated area,” Delphie said. “Four of the murders happened in August and September. It was a particularly hot summer and everyone was outdoors due to the heat. Yet, no one saw him. Not a soul. He just appeared, killed and disappeared. No one knows why he started or stopped.”

Seth and the Coroner gawked at Delphie. Delphie laughed.

“I was the Oracle Taber,” Delphie said. “You’d be surprised at how many people, when faced with a true oracle, ask about Jack the Ripper.”

“And?” Seth asked.

“I personally think Jack the Ripper was Nessie,” Delphie laughed. “You know, the Loch Ness Monster?”

Shaking his head at her, Seth laughed.

“They’ll figure it out soon,” Delphie said. “DNA modeling or something.”

“But you know?” the Coroner asked.

“I’ve been told an answer,” Delphie said. “Which is something that hasn’t happened here. Yet.”

“The victims didn’t know their killer?” Seth asked.

“No, it’s more like they knew the killer but didn’t know he killed them,” Delphie said.

“What does that mean?” Seth asked.

Delphie shrugged. The Coroner leaned into Delphie.

“Is he here?” she asked.

“I can’t tell,” Delphie said. “I don’t think so. Mr. Craig may have seen him though. We should talk to him.”

“Will you help us identify…?” the Coroner said.

“Yes, I’ll be there,” Delphie said. “I’d like to see them… where they lay.”

The Coroner looked at Seth and he nodded.

“This way.”

Seth and Delphie followed the Coroner through the grim scene. When they had seen everything, the Coroner turned back to her work. Seth and Delphie returned to his car.

“This is the biggest case we’ve ever had. And the way these cases go…” Seth said. He turned on the car and put it into gear. “The FBI will be here today. They handle serial killers. That doesn’t mean it’s not our case. They come to assist. They’ll want to meet with you… maybe tonight.”

“Great,” Delphie said. “I don’t think we have plans tonight. Valerie is in LA so our lives are quiet for a moment.”

Seth nodded. They drove the rest of the way to the Castle in silence. Delphie was gathering her things to get out when Seth cleared his throat.

“I really do need your help,” Seth said.

“I know,” Delphie said.

Seth nodded and drove off.

~~~~~~~~

Monday evening — 5:30 P.M.

Molly laughed at something Pete said. Monday was their date night. Since Pete returned from prison, they’d been hot for each other. Something about almost dying had ignited Pete’s passion for Molly. And she responded in kind.

Stolen moments here led to groping in quiet corners there. Quickies led to mad, crazy nights in Pete’s apartment above Sandy’s salon. More than once, Molly was stumbling home as Sandy opened the salon on Tuesday morning. They had started tonight fast and furious. Lose and relaxed, they were on their way out for dinner.

“What’s that?” Molly pointed to something leaning against the salon’s front door.

“Stay here,” Pete said.

Pete opened the glass front door. With his foot, he nudged the pile of clothing. It moved. It was a person wrapped up in layers of clothing.

“You can’t stay here,” Pete said.

“My sister…” a male voice came from under the hood of a jacket. “Waiting for my sister…”

“The salon is closed on Mondays and Sundays,” Pete said. “Scram.”

“Pete!” Molly said. “That’s just a kid.”

“Molly, go back in the shop,” Pete said.

“Oh my God! That’s Sandy’s brother.” Molly kneeled down to peer at the face hidden in the hood. “Charlie?”

“Molly,” Pete groaned.

Molly gave Pete one of her fierce ‘stop it’ looks. He raised his hands and stepped back.

“Charlie,” Molly peered at his face again. “Pete, I don’t think he’s all right.”

“He smells like meth, pot and filth,” Pete said.

“I remember when you’d come to my bed smelling just like this,” Molly said.

“Molly…” Pete grabbed at his head. “I…”

She shook her head at him.

“Don’t be an ass,” Molly said. “Let’s try to get him inside.”

Pete dropped down next to Molly to take a real look at the boy. He pulled up one of the boy’s sleeves. Track marks and…

“He’s been beaten,” Pete raised his shirt. “Kicked. We’d better not move him.”

“Pete! I will not leave this child here.”

“I’m not saying to leave him,” Pete said. “We need to call 911. You go call. I’ll get some blankets for him.”

“Stay with him, Pete,” Molly said. “Don’t leave him alone. I can bring blankets.”

Charlie began a deep chest rattling cough. The boy began spitting up blood and vomit. Dropping down next to Charlie, Pete leaned the boy over his lap. He patted the boy’s back while he vomited between Pete’s legs.

“Go call!” Pete said.

Molly pulled her cell phone from her purse. Within minutes the police, ambulance and fire department were there. Sandy and Jill arrived just as the paramedics were loading Charlie into the ambulance. Sandy went into the ambulance with him.

“What happened?” Jill asked.

“We don’t know. We found him,” Pete said. “He was waiting for Sandy.”

“I’m going to meet Sandy at Denver Health,” Jill said. “Molly?”

“We can’t,” Molly said. “We used our out time.”

“Do you want to come?”

“I’ll stay with Pete,” Molly said.

“Good,” Jill said. “I’ll let you know what happens.”

Jill hugged Molly. With a wave to Pete, she got back in her SUV and drove off.

“Dinner?” Pete asked.

“We used our time,” Molly repeated.

“We can order something,” Pete said. He watched her face. “What’s going on?”

“I’ve never seen you… take care of someone… anyone,” Molly’s eyes filled with tears.

Pete pulled her to him. He held her for a moment.

“You’ve really changed,” Molly pounded on his chest. “Why? Why now? After everything that’s happened, why now? Why not for me or the kids or…?”

“All of this is for you,” Pete said. “The workouts, the meetings, the job, the sobriety, every moment of every day… it’s all for you.”

“What are you talking about? None of this is for me!”

“No Molly, everything I’ve done is for you,” Pete said. “I had this experience and…”

“What?”

He sighed.

“Just tell me,” she said. “I can handle it.”

“I remember… They were doing surgery on my brain. I had to be awake or sort of awake. The doctors were talking to each other. One doctors telling some story. I don’t remember what. And this creature came. The doctor told me it was a hallucination but I…”

“Creature?”

“It glowed white but looked…” he shivered. “It was a cross between a demon and an angel. Maybe it was both. It asked me what I wanted. I said I wanted my life back.”

“You always say that,” Molly said. Mimicking his voice, she added, “I want my life back so I can piss it away again.”

“That’s exactly what the creature said,” Pete said. “Were you there?”

Molly gave him a tearful smile.

“We argued,” Pete said. “The creature asked me, ‘Why should I give you your life back?’ I had no answer for him. None. And I was fading. Finally, I said ‘I want to spend every day making Molly’s life good’ or something like that. The creature said, ‘How?’ And my mind flooded with all the things you love – the kids, pink roses, spicy green chili, your friends, the smell of morning rain, numbers and…”

He stopped talking. Molly looked up into his face.

“And?” Molly asked.

“Me,” Pete said. “I finally understood how much you loved me. I don’t know why it took so long. I don’t but… “

Molly clasped him to her.

“I want to be the man you need me to be,” Pete said. “I can be loving. I can be strong. I can build things. I can be loyal, dependable, even reliable. Whatever you need, that’s who I’m going to be.”

Molly held him close.

“Well as much as an asshole like me can be,” Pete said. “I can’t really change that.”

Molly laughed.

“Come on,” Pete said. “I’ll show you my incredible Chinese food ordering skills.”

With a nod, Molly followed him back into the salon.

Denver Cereal continues next week…

~~~~~~~~

Denver Cereal is a serial fiction set in Denver, Colorado.
You can get your daily dose of Denver Cereal at DenverCereal.com
Chapters are posted on Saturdays on this blog.
Download your free electronic copy of Denver Cereal, the beginning, and Celia’s Puppies.
Like printed books? Go here or Amazon for a print copy of the Denver Cereal;
Go here or Amazon for the recently released Celia’s Puppies.
Claudia Hall Christian is a novelist.

Previous Chapters
Recap of the Beginning and character summary
Looking for the beginning? Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and SEVEN

Sunday morning — 6:25 A.M.

“You don’t mind?” Aden asked.

They were riding the Hotel Teatro elevator down to the lobby.

“No, I’ll get the car,” Sandy said. “You have to be there by eight, right?”

“Sorry about that,” he said.

“I’m not,” Sandy said. “Last night was…”

Unable to find the right word, Sandy sighed.

“Yeah,” he said. “Totally worth today’s bullshit.”

The elevator stopped at the Lobby. Taking her hand, they walked to the front desk.

“I’ll be right there,” Aden said.

Nodding, Sandy walked through the lobby. She gave their valet ticket to the doorman. Because Aden was on house arrest, he needed to check in and check out of every location. He would check out of the hotel and check in with the Department of Corrections. He would then be given an hour of travel time. He had to get Sandy home and get back to the Department of Corrections by eight. If he was late, even one minute, they could arrest him and he’d go back to prison. Neither Aden nor Sandy wanted to take that risk. Sandy gave him a little wave and stepped out onto the sidewalk.

The morning was cool but not cold. The air was moist with spring expectation. The street was deserted and quiet. A cab slowed by in front of her to see if she needed a ride. Sandy blushed. Did she look like a prostitute after a long night? She pulled her overcoat close and turned away from the street.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a group of teenage boys moving in her direction. Tracking their motion, Sandy turned to her face them. The boys were laughing and weaving down the street. They looked as if they’d been out all night. One boy pointed, said something then laughed.

Sandy blushed. This had happened before. Strangers knew exactly who she was from all the press about her father and Aden. She was about to go back into the hotel when she heard a boy call her name. Turning toward the sound, she saw the boys push at each other. While the one boy slowed, the group of jeering boys walked by.

“Sandy!” the boy said.

Taking a martial arts stance, Sandy turned toward the sound.

“Are you going to hit me?” he laughed.

“Oh my God,” Sandy’s arms flew around her step-brother’s neck. “Charlie! What are you doing here? You smell like crap.”

Laughing, the boy held her close. At least six feet tall, he bent down to rub his face on her neck. She squealed. He laughed.

“You’re high,” she said.

“Yep,” Charlie said. “I’m high.”

“What are you doing here? How come you’re not at home?”

“Mom kicked me out.”

“What?” Sandy asked.

“She’s broke, said she couldn’t deal with my crap anymore. I was ‘too expensive’ for her.” The boy shrugged. In a moment, he shifted from a cocky street kid to Sandy’s little brother. His big dark eyes blinked at the pain that lay in his heart. “We got in a big fight and she threw me out. Changed the locks.”

“When?”

“About a month ago,” he said. “I went by your place to see if I could stay with you. There was some bitch there. She ran me off so I’ve been out.”

“Oh Charlie!” Sandy clutched him to her again. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not that bad,” he said. “I stay with the guys. We find places to stay.”

“How do you eat?” Sandy asked.

“We spare change,” Charlie said. “It’s not a noble profession like Dad would have wanted for me, but Dad’s dead.”

Charlie sighed. A storm of rage and sorrow moved across his face then he smiled.

“I stay high,” he said. “If Dad was here, everything would be different. Mom wouldn’t be so crazy. You’d still be able to see us. All that crap with your prick father… Is it true?”

Sandy nodded.

“Oh God, Sandy,” Charlie hugged her. The boy wept into her shoulder. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. Oh God.”

“It’s not your fault, Charlie,” Sandy said. “You were the best thing that ever happened to me. Period. You and Sissy.”

“Why won’t Mom let you see us?” Charlie asked.

“Money,” Sandy said.

“Of course,” Charlie said.

“Why does Mom need so much money? She has a good job. Dad’s pension pays her survivor benefits for you and Sissy,” Sandy said.

“She’s addicted to QVC,” Charlie said.

“What?”

“Yeah, it’s weird,” Charlie said. “Any moment she’s not working, she’s watching QVC. She buys things. Sandy, she doesn’t even open the boxes. She has like fifty of the same thing. The entire house is filled with crap. You remember how prissy Sissy is about her room?”

Sandy nodded.

“It’s the only empty space left,” Charlie said. “As soon as I was out, she started filling my room with crap.”

“You go back?”

“To check on Sissy,” Charlie said. “I walk her home from school. She gives me her lunch.”

“Sandy?” Aden glared at the filthy boy. He slipped his arm around her.

“Aden, this is my brother Charlie,” Sandy said. “You remember me talking about him.”

Aden’s face shifted to neutral.

“Nice to meet you,” Aden held his hand out for Charlie to shake.

“Hey, this is the gym guy,” Charlie laughed. “I knew I’d seen your face somewhere.”

Charlie shook his hand.

“Whoa, I didn’t notice the rocks,” Charlie said. “Did you guys get married?”

“A couple days ago,” Sandy said. “Not a church wedding. We’ll do that next year.”

“Good,” Charlie said.

“Listen, Lizzie, Seth’s daughter is staying at my place this summer. I talk to her,” Sandy said. “She had no right to…”

“Like I said,” Charlie said. “I’m doing all right. Summer’s coming and I think it would be nice to be out a while. Maybe I’ll come in this fall.”

Charlie hugged Sandy again.

“It’s really great to see you,” Charlie shifted to street kid again.

“Hey Charlie, quit talking to your girlfriend,” a boy yelled from the Denver Performing Arts Center. “We’re going to eat.”

“I should go,” Charlie said.

“My salon is on Colfax,” Sandy said. “Come by. You can at least take a shower. I can fix your hair.”

Charlie hugged Sandy close again. For a moment, like he had when he was a toddler, he rested his head on her shoulder. When the moment passed, the street kid returned. He raised a hand in good-bye to Aden and sauntered down the street.

“Charlie!”

Sandy ran after him. She pulled the cash out of her wallet and shoved it into his hand.

“I’m not Mom!” Charlie said. “I can take care of myself.”

Sandy smiled and he laughed.

“Thank you,” he gave her a smile. “I’ll come by the salon. Your car’s here.”

“Come by,” Sandy said as she ran back to Aden. “A shower, a meal, hard to beat.”

“Love you!” Charlie yelled.

“Love you!” Sandy yelled back.

Charlie ran off to meet his jeering friends. Aden held the passenger door open for her and she stepped into his SAAB sedan. He tipped the valet and took the driver’s seat. They had gone a few blocks before he spoke.

“You know that Charlie was high,” Aden said.

“Charlie has a problem with pot and meth,” Sandy said. “I paid for him to go to rehab a couple years ago. Mom pitched a fit so he didn’t stay the whole thirty days.”

“He can’t be around Pete,” Aden said.

“I know,” Sandy said. “But he can be around me.”

“Sandy, that’s not your little brother,” Aden said. “He’s a full blown street kid. There’s no way to know what he’s done to get drugs.”

“Speaking from experience?” she asked.

“Yes,” Aden said. “I am speaking from experience. And…”

He shook his head and fell silent. They drove a few more blocks.

“What?” Sandy asked.

“I don’t want you to be hurt,” Aden said. “He seems like a great kid. Handsome and strong. Smart.”

“He is a great kid,” Sandy said. “He and Dad were really close. He hasn’t gotten over Dad’s death. And Mom’s a wreck.”

Sandy sighed.

“What?” Aden asked.

“I’m overwhelmed with my own life and responsibilities,” Sandy said. “I don’t know what I can do for Charlie but love him and pray for him.”

“Did you give him money?” Aden asked.

“I did,” Sandy said. “And don’t tell me not to Aden Norsen. I know he’ll spend some of it on drugs. He’s my brother and I love him.”

“You know about tough love?” Aden asked.

“Yes, but not ten minutes after I stayed in a luxurious hotel where I was pampered by expensive food, spa services and amazing sex,” Sandy said. “I’m not tough enough to deny a hungry little boy.”

Aden smiled. He squeezed her hand.

We need to get him help,” Aden said.

“We?” Sandy asked.

“I’m married,” Aden pointed to himself then to her, “to you.”

“Oh,” Sandy said.

“We take on each other’s problems together,” he said.

“But I have to help myself first. Right?” Sandy asked.

“Right,” Aden stopped at the Park Avenue stoplight. He leaned over to kiss her.

“I feel awful,” Sandy said. “I had no idea he was out of doors. Mom wouldn’t let me see him or Sissy. I’ve tried over and over again. I should have tried harder.”

“He could have tried harder too. No one forces him to use drugs. Those are his choices. Plus…” Aden said. “He’s fifteen?”

“Just turned sixteen,” Sandy said.

“Out of doors isn’t such a bad place at sixteen,” Aden said. “He’s big enough to keep the predators away. I bet he’s having a grand time.”

Sandy shrugged.

“Don’t be sad,” Aden said.

“I’m all right,” Sandy nodded. “I’ve had a wonderful night. I’m a little tired… sore in great ways…”

He laughed. Pulling into the Castle driveway, he leaned over to kiss Sandy one more time. Grabbing her suitcase, she moved to get out of the car.

“Good luck this morning,” she said. “Let me know where you are.”

“See you soon.”

Sandy watched him drive away. With a sad sigh, she turned into the Castle.

~~~~~~~~

Sunday morning — 6:25 A.M.

Waking slowly, Jill rolled onto her side. Jacob scooped her over to him. She lay with her head against his bare right shoulder. Her fingers traced the scars left by the impact of a pipe wrench and seven surgeries.

“It’s been almost a year,” she said.

He turned his head to look at her.

“Did you think you would be here a year later?”

“I hoped, longed and dreamed I would be right here a year ago,” Jacob laughed.

She smiled. She kissed his lips. Resting back against his shoulder, her fingers continued moving along the scars.

“Do you still have the angina?”

“Yes,” he said. “But much less. Exercise is really the best thing.”

“What about the surgery?” she asked.

“I think I’ve had enough of hospitals for a long time,” he said.

“Wouldn’t the surgery stop the angina?”

“No guarantee,” he said. “The docs aren’t sure that’s a piece of metal from the pipe wrench. It could be something else against my heart. Could be a genetic defect. I’d hate to go through all the trouble for nothing. Everything in my life is in flux right now. I don’t think I need to add surgery to the mix.”

“But if it would make you better…” she started.

Seeing his puzzled look, she stopped talking.

“What’s bothering you, Jill?” Jacob asked.

“I just don’t know if it was worth it,” she said. “I wish I’d…”

Jacob sat up in bed. He turned to look at her. She sat up to meet his gaze.

“Life isn’t really a ‘tit for tat’ equation,” Jacob said. “I didn’t pay for this life with you by getting assaulted by Ashforth. It’s just something that happened on the road to being here. Like meeting in Santa Monica. Like moving back to Denver.”

“You make it sound like almost dying is just life, just happens,” she said. “If I…”

“Oh Jill,” Jacob said. “It’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything to make him hurt me.”

“It feels that way,” Jill said. “The least I could have done was heal your wound.”

“You saved my life,” Jacob said. “I don’t think you could have done more, Jill. You’re not God. You don’t control everything.”

“Oh, the God thing again.” She flopped back against her pillow.

“I’m looking forward to spending the summer with you and our daughter, Katherine. I’m very excited to hike, fish, play, work on some rehabs and whatever else life has in store for us.”

“I’m excited too,” she said.

“This year has been complete upheaval. Everything is different today,” Jacob said.

“Is different good?”

“This different is fabulous,” Jacob said. “I’ve never been this happy. I think everyone I know is happier than they’ve been in years and years.”

“I am,” she smiled at him.

He leaned down on his elbow.

“Then what’s bothering you?” he asked.

“I just have this feeling… like the other shoe is going to drop,” Jill said.

Jacob leaned over to kiss her lips.

“Could happen,” she said.

“You don’t think this crap with the secretary, me getting run out of Lipson Construction, you getting tortured by people’s cruel words… That’s not the other shoe?”

“That’s just life,” Jill said.

“Well, then, it will have to be a big fucking shoe,” Jacob laughed. “Mammoth, in fact.”

Jill laughed.

“As long as we have each other, we’ll be fine,” he said. “Do I still have you?”

“You do,” Jill said. “Do I still have you?”

“More and more every day,” he said. “We’ll be fine.”

“You don’t see…”

“I don’t.”

“But you can’t see your own future and…”

“There’s nothing coming, Jill,” he said.

“Just life,” she said.

“Just life,” he said.

“Good.”

~~~~~~~~

Sunday afternoon — 3:25 P.M.

When Noelle heard a car pull into the Castle driveway, she jumped up to race to the door. She opened the side door, looked out and closed it again.

“Nope, it’s not him,” she said as she returned to the Castle living room.

Sandy and Jill were clearing and cleaning up the final wreckage from Levi Johansen’s visit. The floors would be sanded and polished tomorrow. Jill had arranged for new furniture. But right now, they needed to finish taking down the hundred year old wall paper. Once the floors were done, the plasterers would repair the walls. Jill worked the steamer while Noelle and Sandy scraped the strips from the wall.

“Who’s here?”

“Mrs. Heather, Uncle Blane, and Mac,” Noelle said.

“You closed the door in their faces?” Giving Noelle a dark look, Sandy dumped the wall paper she was holding into a thirty gallon trash can.

“Not in their faces,” Noelle said. “They weren’t even out of the car.”

“Still,” Sandy said.

She wiped her hands on the jeans she was wearing and went to the door. Heather and Blane had already gone around the back. She shrugged.

“They must have gone around the back,” Sandy said. She turned into the living room.

“I’m sure they’ll find us,” Jill said. “Can you take this piece?”

Sandy scooted forward to catch a big piece of wall paper. Another car pulled into the driveway. And Noelle ran to the door.

“Nope, it’s Jake and Mike,” Noelle slammed the door closed.

“Noelle! You can wait for people to come in,” Sandy said. “Open the door. Go. Now.”

Noelle slumped back to the door.

“They went in the backyard,” Noelle said. “Daddy’s here!”

Noelle ran out to meet her father. She slammed the door behind her. They heard another car pull into the driveway.

“You can go,” Jill said. “I can finish this.”

“It’s Ok,” Sandy said. “Plus, I’m wearing his jeans. They were the only jeans that fit.”

Jill laughed. The women worked together in happy silence. They finished the rest of the room before they realized Aden and Noelle hadn’t appeared.

“Why don’t you go shower?” Jill asked.

“Sounds like everyone’s in the backyard,” Sandy said.

“I find out what’s going on,” Jill said.

Sandy nodded. She took the stairs two at a time. Waving to Nash and Teddy, who were playing video games, she jogged into her bedroom. She stripped off Aden’s pants and tucked them at the bottom of the laundry pile. She was sure he wouldn’t care, but he might. Turning on the shower, she defensively told herself that he could stand to be a little responsible for the baby. She laughed at her own justification.

A quick shower, led to dressing in a pair of pants she couldn’t zip, a long sleeved shirt and a big sweater. She looked like a bowling ball, but that would have to be all right. When she went out into the living room, the boys weren’t there. Neither were the cookies she’d made this morning. The boys must have gone looking for food.

Sandy pulled her wet hair into a ponytail, pulled on a pair of fleece lined boots and wandered down to the first floor. The entire Castle seemed deserted. She went downstairs to the basement but Aden wasn’t in his apartment. Honey and MJ weren’t in their apartment either.

Perplexed, Sandy went upstairs. She checked the main Castle living room. No one. Even the kitchen was still. Sandy looked out through the window in the door to the backyard. The backyard was set up for a party. Of course, every day Valerie was home was a party. Smiling, she walked out onto the deck.

“SURPRISE!” Everyone yelled. “Congratulations!”

Sandy was so shocked she took a step back.

“What?”

Aden came forward with a glass of champagne.

“They wanted to have a little party for us,” he said. “Everyone helped.”

He leaned down to kiss her.

“Are you all right?” Aden asked.

Sandy bit her lip to keep from crying. She nodded.

“We were doing the wall paper to keep me occupied?” she asked Jill

Jill nodded and gave her a hug. And the party began. The laughing, talking crowd of loved ones celebrated the first union of Aden and Sandy.

~~~~~~~~

Denver Cereal is a serial fiction set in Denver, Colorado.
You can get your daily dose of Denver Cereal at DenverCereal.com
Chapters are posted on Saturdays on this blog.
Download your free electronic copy of Denver Cereal, the beginning, and Celia’s Puppies.
Like printed books? Go here or Amazon for a print copy of the Denver Cereal;
Go here or Amazon for the recently released Celia’s Puppies.
Claudia Hall Christian is a novelist.