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CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Twelve hours later

Monday mid-morning

March 31 – 10:05 P.M. MDT
Denver, CO

Alex sighed.

Back to Joiner.

Back to work. Secure in her basement office, Alex spent the morning with the quiet solace brought by a map of a section of North Korea. Joseph had decided they needed a better work environment. The men spent the morning setting up the carriage house. Alex had to smile at their work. The carriage house was clean, furnished, and ready for action.

Her desk was located on the second floor between Matthew and Joseph’s desks. Raz’s desk sat collecting dust in front of her. She heard the laughter and conversation of the men hard at work around the carriage house.

Right now, she was waiting for the arrival of her key witnesses. Bobby Lopez and his daughter, Beth Ann, had been interviewed by the Texas Rangers. Their report told her everything she already knew. Tristan Joiner had come to live with them last fall. He was a good kid, blah, blah, blah.

She’d checked on Tristan this morning. He and the other children were malnourished, beaten and more puzzling, suffering from Mercury poisoning. They were alive, if only barely, in a secure hospital in Texas.

Alex blocked the mothers from seeing their children. Until she had satisfactory answers, the children would remain safe and secure. The last thing she wanted was to release the surviving boys only to have them held hostage again.

“Krystal Jo Joiner is here, sir.” Larry stuck his head in the door. “She’s been escorted to the bedroom with the table in it. Downstairs.”

“Thank you, Sergeant,” Alex said.

“Oh and sir?” Larry asked. “She’s pissed off.”

“So noted, Sergeant,” Matthew said.

Krystal Jo Joiner was her other key witness. Why weren’t her male Joiner children held hostage? She was so indignant during her interview with the Texas Rangers that they didn’t get much out of her.

“You coming Joseph?” Alex asked.

“No, I need to work on the Weasel’s file,” Joseph said. “I’m compiling the information you received from the Weasel with the Joiner information. I meeting with James in about an hour to go over the information SIS has on the Boy Scout.”

“Troy?”

“He’s made headway on the Fey bank account. He said it should be ready by this afternoon.”

“Good,” Alex nodded. “Vince?”

“He’s working with the Texas Rangers on the bombs in the Mariscal Mine. They aren’t sure how the bombs were ignited.”

“Larry seems quite chipper.”

“He’s researching Joiner’s holdings while his honey studies for her exams.” Joseph smirked.

“His honey?” Alex raised her eyebrows.

“Don’t worry fairy godmother. He has a crush on your Helene.”

“A crush?” Matthew laughed. “He worships the very ground she walks on.”

“Anyway, nothing happened last night. Or so her father said. By the way, Ben said he was returning to Paris. You know how to get a hold of him?”

Alex nodded.

“Weasel then?”

“Weasel it is,” Joseph said.

She looked at her watch.

“When Robert Lopez and his daughter get here…”

“White Boy and Trece are on their way with them,” Joseph said. “Trece says Bobby’s a great guy. They want to play cards. So don’t worry. We’ll let Trece and White Boy entertain them for a while.”

“Those boys come in handy,” Matthew said.

“We need to talk about the men.” Noting Alex’s dark look, Joseph said, “Later.”

“Later,” Alex said. “Krystal Jo then Bobby and Beth Ann.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Joseph said.

“Thanks.”

Alex touched his sleeve. He looked up and smiled at her. She nodded. He put his hand over hers in a gesture of support.

“I always hated Joiner.”

“I know,” he said. “See you in a bit.”

Alex and Matthew walked down a short hallway to a straight flight of stairs.

“How are you feeling?” Matthew asked.

“Yes,” Alex said.

She turned down the hallway to the small bedroom on the first floor. Matthew laughed.

“Good answer.”

“And you?” Alex asked. She nodded to the Texas Rangers standing next to the door.

“Yep,” he said.

She smiled.

“At least you don’t smell anymore,” he said under his breath as they walked into the room.

A medium sized blond woman stood with her back to the door. She was staring out the window at the melting snow in their backyard. Wiping her eyes, she turned to watch them enter the room.

“Hello. I’m Lieutenant Colonel Alexandra Hargreaves and this is Captain Matthew Mac Clenaghan, US Army. You may call us Alex and Matt.”

“Are you going to tell me what the hell is going on?” Krystal Jo Joiner asked. “The police came… and I don’t know where my boys are… and…”

She sniffed at a tear then squared her shoulders. Her eyes sparked with strength.

“What has Cee Cee Joiner gotten us into this time?” she asked. Her voice was as fierce as her Texas accent deep.

“May I get you some water or iced tea?” Alex asked.

“You can bring my babies to me,” Krystal replied with a shake of her yellow hair. “They have never been away from me.”

Alex smiled.

“Matthew, can you bring us some iced tea and some cookies?” Alex asked.

Matthew nodded his head and left the room. They’d agreed that Krystal might feel more comfortable speaking with a woman, but Matthew refused to let Alex work alone. Matthew left to let Alex get started.

“Please sit down,” Alex said. She indicated a chair at a small square oak table. Krystal took the chair nearest her and Alex sat across from her.

“I’m not sure what to call you. Do you go by Krystal? Krystal Jo? My bunkmate at basic was from Texas. She said people’s second name was very important to Texans.”

Shaking her head, Krystal furrowed her brow.

“Is this a joke? I’m arrested, my babies are God knows where and you want…”

Raising her eyebrows, Alex smiled at Krystal.

“I’m sorry,” Krystal said. “I’m too exhausted and worried to remember polite conversation. What was your bunkmate’s name?”

“Catherine Susan Lesser. Cathy Sue for short. She would squint her eyes at anyone would called her ‘Cathy’ and not ‘Cathy Sue.’”

“What happened to her?” Krystal asked.

“She met,” Alex’s voice changed to imitate Cathy’s accent, “the sweetest boy.”

Krystal smiled at Alex’s imitation.

“Somehow, Cathy Sue happened to get pregnant after we received orders to go to Bosnia. She got out on a medical discharge. They live in San Antonio. He works for Whole Foods Corporate office.”

“Everyone calls me Krystal,” she said. “Joiner is my father’s name. Not Cee Cee’s name. Our grandfather’s were cousins. You probably know this but I’m an insurance agent. That’s how I met Cee Cee. I manage the insurance plans for Pecos Oil.”

“And?”

“And what?” Krystal’s blue eyes raked Alex’s face. “You’re the girl who beat up that guy in the parking lot. I wondered if you were injured. That’s some cast.”

“I had surgery yesterday.” Alex raised her aluminum and gauze arm in her blue sling. “I’m hoping to get a real cast tomorrow.”

“Looks uncomfortable,” Krystal said.

“Yeah,” Alex shrugged. “Shall we?”

Krystal nodded.

“What’s your relationship with Cee Cee Joiner?”

“He’s the father of my children,” she said.

The door opened and Matthew came in with glasses, a pitcher of ice tea and a plate of lemon drop cookies.

“You have to try these.” Alex picked up a cookie. “My brother-in-law is a baker. He made these last night. Matthew, Krystal wants to know why she’s here.”

“Cee Cee Joiner’s male children have been kidnapped.”

Matthew gauged his voice for maximum impact. They had to know if she was involved.

“What?” Panicked, Krystal jumped to her feet.

“You didn’t know?” Alex asked.

“Some man called on Friday to ask about the boys… when they were born… where they went to school… stuff like that. He said he was from Homeland Security. I called the police to make sure he was legitimate before I answered even one question. Did he kidnap my babies?”

“Please sit down,” Alex said.

“My boys… Are they safe?” she asked.

“Your boys are safe,” Alex said. “They are with Cathy Sue. Last time I checked, they were playing Guitar Hero with Cathy’s boys. Cathy lives in a gated community but to be safe, there is a Texas Ranger with the boys. It’s my understanding that he sucks at Guitar Hero. But you didn’t hear it from me.”

Krystal looked from Alex to Matthew then sat down again.

“Why am I here?” Krystal asked.

“Cee Cee Joiner’s male children have been kidnapped,” Matthew repeated. “All of them except your boys and his current wife, who is pregnant with a male child. They didn’t get him either.”

Krystal’s lips dropped in a pensive frown.

“When?” Krystal asked.

“Tristan is the only one we have good data on because a missing person’s report was filed.”

“By Bobby Lopez?”

“How…?” Alex started.

“I manage their health insurance. I know all the dirt,” Krystal said. “Tristan’s lived with them since Cee Cee fired Bobby from Pecos Oil.”

Alex blinked.

“Didn’t know Bobby worked for Pecos Oil?” Krystal asked. “He worked for them since he was fifteen years old. Started in the oil fields. Tristan went missing? When?”

“Around Christmas,” Alex said. “We rescued Tristan, Cory, Cody, and Kyle last night.”

“Cee Cee has a few more boys. Let’s see… There’s Daniel and David…and Marvin, of course. What?”

“Ma’am, Daniel, Marvin and David are dead,” Matthew said. “And…”

Krystal gasped in horror. Her hands flew to her face. With her nose and mouth covered by her French manicured fingertips, only her eyes showed her shock.

“We aren’t sure Cory will make it. Cody and Tristan have been poisoned with mercury,” Alex said.

“Tristan is older, bigger. The doctors expect him to shake the mercury. However he’s been beaten. He’s in reconstructive surgery now and…”

Matthew stopped speaking in response to Krystal’s increasing distress. They had planned on pounding her with the facts to break the truth from her. That wasn’t going to be necessary. His voice softened.

“But Cody is very ill and Cory is only two years old.”

“Cory was always sickly. He has bad allergies and asthma. Oh God…”

Krystal wept in earnest. There was no mistaking her reaction. Krystal Joiner had no idea the children were kidnapped.

“I know I’m not helping,” Krystal said. She swiped at her tears with her hands. Matthew held a box of tissues out for her. “I loved those boys. My boys will be heart broken. Poor Sue Ann. Daniel and David were her life.”

Krystal squinted her eyes with determination then squared her shoulders.

“You want my help figuring out what happened,” Krystal said. “Let’s get the bastard who did this. If you can beat up that big guy, I bet you’ll find out who did this. Ok, what can I do?”

Krystal reached for a cookie. She bit into the cookie as if she was biting into this problem.

“What do you know?” Matthew asked.

“Nothing,” Krystal replied. “I had no idea the boys were… well… wait a minute.”

Krystal tapped her upper lip with an index finger.

“We usually get together with all of Cee Cee’s kids, and their Moms, for the holidays. We Moms hate Cee Cee so much that we are actually pretty good friends. Well… the wives are very tight. A couple of the other mothers work for Buffy. She’s Cee Cee’s first wife and acts like the Queen of the Joiner harem. I’m not a part of the inner circle. After all, I have a job. But they usually include us in their holidays. We saw everyone at Thanksgiving but at Christmas… Huh.”

Krystal lapsed into silence while she finished her cookie.

“What?” Alex asked.

“We were supposed to get together before Christmas. Tristan was going to be home. My boys worship Tristan. We usually meet at Buffy’s house. This year, she canceled at the last minute. I figured she was mad that Tristan was living with Beth Ann. But… Why wouldn’t she tell everyone?”

“We don’t know,” Alex said. “The Texas Rangers are interrogating the mothers. We spoke with all of the mothers on Friday. They denied their children were missing.”

“Every single one,” Matthew said.

“That is… odd.” Krystal lapsed into silence again. “I was relieved we didn’t have to go to Buffy’s house. She can be impossible. We had such a nice Christmas this year… just me and my boys.”

“How are you and your boys different from the other children and mothers?” Matthew asked.

“I’m financially independent. That’s probably the biggest difference. I don’t get money from Cee Cee. My father was in insurance. I joined his practice after college and I took the practice over when he died. I owned my own house when I met Cee Cee.”

“How… I mean…”

Alex started then stopped. She wasn’t quite sure how to ask Krystal why she had a relationship with the awful Cee Cee Joiner. Krystal laughed at the look on Alex’s face.

“Cee Cee can be fun. After my Dad died, I felt very alone in the world. I took over insurance at Pecos Oil and I met Cee Cee. It happened like one, two, three, four: Daddy falls over dead; take over his large insurance practice with this huge oil contract; meet Cee Cee Joiner; get pregnant. I think everything happened in less than six months.”

Krystal shook her head then took a drink of iced tea.

“You aren’t from Texas.”

“We are not. Why?” Alex asked.

“This tea is not sweetened,” Krystal smiled.

“Would you like some sugar?” Matthew asked.

“No, thank you,” Krystal said. “Ok, why Cee Cee? Cee Cee isn’t the kind of man like I bet you are Matthew. No, he’s not kind or thoughtful. He could care less about anyone but himself. But he made me laugh. He took me out on the town. He’s fun in bed.”

“I knew he was married… It’s not my proudest moment.” Krystal shrugged. “I got pregnant with Lance and Cee Cee started bossing me around. I needed to do this and that and whatever else for his child. That was it for me.”

“How…?”

“Sperm bank,” Krystal said. “I didn’t want Lance to grow up alone and I wanted them to have the same father so we would look like a family. Stupid huh? Cee Cee banked sperm so I used it to have Jason. I’m not sure Cee Cee even knows.”

“How did you arrange it?”

“He signs a lot of insurance papers for me. I slipped the permission form in with the papers. He spends about two minutes signing thirty pages of insurance forms. We have no relationship. Here. Sign these papers. Thank you. That kind of thing.”

“Do they have much interaction with their father?” Matthew asked.

“No. They see him once a year at the most. Cee Cee says he loves my boys but I think that’s because they don’t cost him any money. Cee Cee loves himself and money. That’s all.”

Not sure where to go next, Alex was about to terminate the interview when Krystal began talking again.

“Cee Cee has life insurance policies on all of these boys. Not the girls, only the boys. Could he have…?”

“Anything is possible, ma’am,” Matthew replied.

“I’m sorry. I want to be helpful but I’m kind of grasping at straws,” Krystal continued. “You know, Cee Cee had mercury poisoning once. We had to petition the insurance company to cover it. He picked it up in some South American country… Peru, I think. Shale oil. At least that’s what he said. With Cee Cee, you never know. We were seeing each other at the time. He stayed with us. My housekeeper and I nursed him back to health. Oh… I probably shouldn’t have mentioned her. She’s not legal.”

“We’re only interested in finding out what happened to these boys,” Matthew said.

“What can you tell us about your housekeeper?” For the first time, Alex’s pulse quickened. Something about the housekeeper was important. Alex had to work to keep the excitement from her voice.

“I don’t know what there is to tell. Her name is Luana Melo. She’s from a small village in the Brazilian jungle. I met her… oh… about a year, maybe two, before Daddy died. She was twelve and I was twenty years old. I was in Rio for Marti Gras. I found her on the street. She was selling… well… She was selling herself. I… bought her.”

“So you and she…” Matthew started.

“Oh no,” Krystal said. “We aren’t lovers, if that’s what you were going to ask. We were standing on the same street corner. I felt a strong connection with her. People talk about soul mates or whatever. I felt like I’d known her all my life. I paid her pimp for the weekend then brought her back to Texas. She’s stayed ever since. Her sister, Yaritza, came to help when Lance was born. Yaritza lived with us until Jason was five or six. She married a guy from Columbia. We had the reception at our house.”

Alex nodded her head. The wheels in her head began to spin. People can get mercury poisoning from burning shale oil… but that’s only done to create electricity… which they do in Brazil. Mercury is released when they extract oil from shale. It’s almost impossible to extract fuel from shale oil with out creating an environmental disaster. Brazil also has enormous shale oil reservoirs.

“I don’t like the look on your face, Lieutenant Colonel Drayson. Luana is a saint. She would never hurt a fly, let alone a child.”

“She wouldn’t happen to be from the Amazonas Basin? Near the center of South America?” Alex asked. The first time they rescued Cee Cee Joiner, he had run a foul of the people of the Amazonas Basin.

“How did you know?” Krystal asked. “Her family still lives near the border of Brazil and Peru.”

“Lucky guess,” Alex said.

“Are we done?” Krystal asked.

“For now,” Alex replied.

“Alex?” Krystal called. “Isn’t there more that I can do?”

“We’d like you to stay in Denver for now. We’ll take care of the arrangements. We may need to speak with Luana and maybe Yaritza. But not right this minute. Thank you for your assistance.”

“Luana won’t speak to you. We have a plan so she won’t be deported. She went into hiding when the police came to the house. If my boys are playing Guitar Hero, they won’t miss me for days. Why don’t I get her and bring her here?” Krystal asked.

“That won’t be necessary,” Alex said. “I apologize for keeping you.”

Krystal Jo Joiner hugged Alex then whispered, “I know you’ll sort this out.”

Alex nodded then followed Matthew out of the room. She gave the Texas Rangers instruction to take Krystal to a hotel downtown. At least she would be comfortable while she waited.

“What do you think?” Alex asked.

“What you see is what you get,” Matthew said. “I think she’s on the up and up.”

“Me too,” Alex said.

“And that means?”

“Fuck if I know,” Alex said.

A loud cheer came from the front room.

“Bobby Lopez?”

“Probably,” Matthew said.

Shaking her head, Alex followed Matthew to the front room.

F

Learning to Stand is the second novel in the Alex the Fey thriller series
written by Claudia Hall Christian.

The novel is available in paperback at Amazon, our store, your local library and bookstore.
Entire chapters are be published at
StoriesbyClaudia.com and AlextheFey.com.

Join the Alex the Fey Facebook Group

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

Learning to Stand is the second novel in the Alex the Fey thriller series
written by Claudia Hall Christian.

The novel is available in paperback at Amazon, our store, your local library and bookstore.
Entire chapters are be published at
StoriesbyClaudia.com and AlextheFey.com.

Join the Alex the Fey Facebook Group

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

Learning to Stand is the second novel in the Alex the Fey thriller series
written by Claudia Hall Christian.

The novel is available in paperback at Amazon, our store, your local library and bookstore.
Entire chapters are be published at
StoriesbyClaudia.com and AlextheFey.com.

Join the Alex the Fey Facebook Group

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

CHAPTER Twenty-EIGHT

Three hours later

Sunday afternoon

March 30– 3:35 P.M. MDT

Buckley Air Force Base Jail

Alex rubbed her sunburned nose. Caught up in John’s presence, she hadn’t realized she was getting so much sun. In the small capsule of time, she soaked up every morsel of her lunch and husband.

Of course, the MPs caught up with her and she was whisked back to a quiet corner of the Buckley jail. Trece and White Boy stood with their backs against the bars of her cell. With a Trece and White Boy wall to the world, she sat on the bed in her cell.

At least Trece wasn’t talking.

She debated whether to celebrate the quiet with a nap or work on the pocket computer her Sergeant had smuggled her. Her arm throbbed. No pain meds in jail. Thanks to Bestat, her abdomen felt whole and strong.

Closing her eyes, she tried to force herself into sleep.

The moment her eyes closed, her mind filled with sadness. Simon. The boys in the tunnel. Raz. Forcing the sadness away, her mind jumped to the puzzle of Cee Cee Joiner. She shook her head. No Joiner. With a will of their own, her eyes drooped. And her mind wondered about the betrayer.

Crap. Even exhausted, she couldn’t sleep.

Turning on her handheld computer, she read Larry’s report on her resignation from Homeland Security. She saw an email from Troy at Raz’s bedside. The Joiner witnesses, Buddy Lopez, his daughter, and Krystal Joiner, were on route to talk to her. Everything was on track.

That is, if she ever got out of this cell.

“Very interesting,” she heard an English accented man’s voice. “But Her Majesty is not interested in local police or politics. This order? You will notice the signature. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II doesn’t really track Denver Police issues. Personally, I doubt she cares.“

“Yes sir.”

“Her Majesty’s Secret Intelligence Service is taking custody of this witness and Robert Powell. I will take custody of him when he’s ambulatory. I will take custody of my witness today.”

“We need to confirm…”

“Do what you must,” the voice said. “I will wait with my witness.”

Trece and White Boy stiffened on guard as the British intruder approached.

“Da nuit Alex. Look at these guys! You do like the beef,” the man said in Irish Gaelic. Switching to English, he said, “Don’t worry gents. I’m an old friend.”

“And that means what to me?” Trece snarled.

“I’m not going to kill The Fey.”

Alex went to the bars.

“Lieutenant Colonel, do you know this man?” White Boy asked.

“I can’t see him,” she said.

White Boy shifted to his left leg so she could peek between the men. In the dim light, she saw a medium sized blue eyed man.

“I knew you weren’t dead,” she laughed. “I just knew it.”

“You see!” the man said. Laughing, he added, “I’m hard to kill.”

Trece did something she’d never seen him do. He took out a pocket computer then asked the man for his thumb print. The man puzzled for a moment at Trece then gave him his thumb. Trece watched the screen then nodded. He stepped aside.

“Fancy guards you have Alex,” the man said.

“Captain Ramirez? Captain Blanco? I’d like to introduce you to the illustrious James Kelly,” Alex said. “You know him as James Bond.”

“THIS is James Bond?” Trece almost giggled with glee.

“He is.”

FFFFFF

June 2002

Prague, Czech Republic

“I have him!” Alex squealed into her cell phone. She was imitating her basic training bunkmate Cathy Sue’s heavy Texas accent. “He’s so handsome and very big. You don’t think he’ll be too big for me.”

“Good work, Alex,” Charlie O’Brien said.

She had purchased a week of sex with James Bond from two Czech mobsters. A thousand dollars bought a week for one British Secret Intelligence Service Agent named James Kelly. Now she had to make his freedom a reality.

“Well, you say that,” she continued. “You know how much I love James Bond.”

Alex had just finished scrubbing away the filth which covered his body. The last seven months of captivity had taken a strong, vibrant man to skin and bones. At least he hadn’t been tortured. She left him soaking in a fresh bath while she checked in.

“You have five days,” Charlie said.

“That’s the great thing,” Alex said. “He looks exactly like him. Yeah, totally hot.”

“You’re grossing me out,” Charlie said laughing. “The room has audio surveillance.”

“I thought so too!”

“Remember, they are hoping to gain a hostage, not lose one.”

“He does!” Alex said. “I’m going to have myself a good time.”

“Get out if it gets bad.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said. Hearing the agent groan, she added, “Got to go! My man is ready for me.”

Helping him to sit on the commode, she pushed up her left sleeve and pointed to her blue fairy tattoo. The agent ran his fingers over the blue lines while she dried him with a towel. As if he was working something out, his eyes looked away then searched her face.

Smiling, Alex winked at the agent. His eyebrows furrowed in a silent ‘what?’ She began her audio porno performance.

“Oh… oh… oh. Yeah that’s it. You’re so big. Oh don’t hurt me.”

Surprised, the man’s mouth dropped open.

Alex gave him a toothbrush then helped him stand to spit in the sink. When he was clean and feeling more human under her gentle care, Alex screamed a fake climax, flushed a condom down the toilet and left the wrapper in the trash. The agent clapped his hands in quiet appreciation for her performance. She curtsied then helped him to the bed.

The simple activity of moving from the bathroom to the bed used what little strength the agent gained from the warm bath. He collapsed in the bed and fell fast asleep. Alex set up an antibiotic IV, a catheter, and kept him comfortable with pain medications. The agent would not move from the bed for three days.

Changing into a T-shirt and jeans, Alex retrieved her psychology texts from her suitcase. She hoped to spend the next few days studying for her Ph.D. exams while the agent recovered. Propping her legs on a coffee table, she settled in with her books. Near midnight, she checked the agent and gave him more pain medications. After another round of fake sex, she fell asleep on the couch.

The days passed. Alex woke at dawn, showered and studied while the agent slept. Every couple of hours, she continued her audio sexual performance. Alex assured anyone listening of the agent’s sexual prowess.

By the evening of the forth day, Alex needed to get the agent moving. They would escape the hotel and meet up with the team tomorrow evening. She stopped the agent’s pain meds around noon but he hadn’t woken. She was going to have to wake him.

Reaching to touch his shoulder, the agent grabbed her arm and flipped her under him. He pressed his forearm across her throat.

“Good morning,” she whispered.

His eyes gleamed with fear and fever. He closed and opened his eyes then shook his head as if to wake up. Seeing her for the first time, he raised an eyebrow then shifted to the bed.

“Sorry.”

She shrugged. “How are you feeling?”

“Worse… and better at the same time. Is that possible?”

“I’ve heard it before.”

“Will you help me to the toilet?”

She nodded. She unhooked his IV and removed the catheter. The agent sighed with relief. The agent stood, weaved, and then dropped to the bed.

Alex smiled and held her hands out to him. She pulled him to standing. With her arm under his shoulder, she helped him to the toilet then left him in a warm bath while she got his liquid food and medications ready.

He came from the bathroom with a towel around his waist.

Alex pointed to the ceiling then her ears signaling the audio surveillance. Nodding, the agent drank the Ensure and water she had set out for him.

“Clothing?” he asked.

She pointed to a pair of soft cotton sweats and an old soft T-shirt. She turned her back so he could dress. He touched her shoulder then pointed to the couch. She picked up another nutrition drink, as well as his meds, and sat next to him on the couch. He slipped his arm around her shoulders.

“When do we leave?” he asked in her ear.

“Tomorrow night,” she said. “You need to eat as much as you can keep down. Will you eat?”

She gave him the nutrition drink and a packet of raw almonds. She handed him some pain and antibiotic pills. They sat in silence while he ate. He washed the pills down with another bottle of water. He rubbed his stomach as if he was going to burst.

“We estimated you would need five days to be ready to travel. You need to rest and eat.”

“I’ve been here a long time.”

“Seven months,” she said. “We’ve been looking for you for two months.”

“How?” he asked.

“I paid a thousand dollars for your sexual services for a week.”

“And am I worth it?”

She laughed and began another audio sex performance. Smiling, he grunted in response.

“I need a favor,” he asked.

She nodded.

“Would you… I mean, if it’s not too much trouble, could you hold me?”

“Of course.”

Standing, she led him to the bed. Stepping out of her jeans, she slipped between the sheets and held an arm to him. He lay with his head on her chest and his arms around her waist. In her kind arms, his pain and despair came forward. With a heavy breath, he began to weep. She stroked his hair and shoulders until well after he fell asleep. She drifted off to sleep with him lying against her shoulder.

She woke around midnight to find him watching her. She smiled and retrieved more food and medication. He drank the nutrition drink, took his meds then made a wobbly trip to the restroom. He was sound asleep when she went through another round of audio sex.

Waking at dawn, she moved from the bed and he opened his eyes. He watched her walk to the bathroom. His eyes remained on her while she dressed in her jeans and T-shirt. He watched her pull pieces of a handgun from the lining of her suitcase. With quick practiced motions, she assembled the handgun. She was screwing a silencer onto her 9 MM Glock when there was a brush against a connecting door.

Alex began an audio sex performance to cover the sound of her cocking the gun. With her gun in her left hand, she flipped open the lock to the adjoining door with her right. While continuing her performance, she opened the door to a mocking Jesse.

He carried a large duffle bag into the room and took her suitcase to the other room. Before closing the door, he held his hands out in a ‘show me’ gesture.

Alex screamed her Texas orgasm.

Shaking his head, Jesse closed the door. Alex flipped the lock and set her handgun down. While the agent watched, she retrieved more food and medications from the duffle bag. She brought the food to the bed.

“What is your name?” he propped himself against the headboard.

“It’s better if you don’t know. People call me ‘Fey.’ That works.”

He nodded.

“Promise me,” he said. “If I don’t make it, promise me that you’ll remember me.”

“Oh, I’ll remember you.”

He laughed at her tone.

“Sleep,” she said.

“Would you mind? Please… don’t leave me. I cannot take being alone.”

“You must eat.”

She gave him another nutrition drink and his medication. He ate then made a less wobbly way to the bathroom. Settling back in bed, he held the covers for her. When she lay down next to him, he shifted to his side and kissed her lips.

“Please don’t,” she said.

She pressed him away from her with the palm of her hand.

“Married?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Happily?”

“Very.”

“I’m sorry about that,” he said. He stroked her face. “I’d marry you too.”

“Sleep,” she said. “We move tonight.”

“Stay with me?”

“Yes,” she said.

He was already asleep. She got up to get her books. Leaning against the headboard, she moved his head to her lap. She woke him at noon for more food and meds. He seemed to want to chat, but his eyes sagged within moments of eating. She took the empty nutrition drink from his hand then settled in to study. When the day moved to evening, she woke him by getting out of bed.

“We need to get going,” she whispered.

While he showered, she worked to get ready. Taking the parachute from the duffle bag, she laid out his body armor, jeans and long sleeved shirt then helped him dress. He was almost dressed when there was a tap on the door.

“It’s time to go,” she whispered.

She pulled a parachute from the bag. He held his arms out so she could strap the chute onto his back. He buckled it tight. She put on her own parachute and tightened the straps.

“What are we doing?” he asked in her ear.

Taking his hand, she led him to the window. The ancient building clung to the edge of a deep tree lined canyon. In the cover of twilight, they would jump from their tenth floor balcony then parachute down the canyon to where her team was waiting for them. Alex saw a flash of light, Tommy’s signal, designating that the team could see her. Using American Sign Language, she told Tommy they were on their way.

“We jump to meet the team,” she said in his ear. “You jump first. I’ll free fall. Follow me to the team. We’re still at least two days to safety. Can you do this?”

“I’ll make it.”

“We’ll split up when we reach the team,” she said. “You’ll stay with the team while I continue by rail. I’ll travel with one of the team to cover for you.”

“When will I see you again?”

“When we do,” she said.

“Then,” he said. Before she could protest, he scooped her up in his arms and kissed her lips. She pushed at him but he held her in place. “Thanks.”

“Fucking MI-6,” she said.

She followed him out the window.

F

Learning to Stand is the second novel in the Alex the Fey thriller series
written by Claudia Hall Christian.

The novel is available in paperback at Amazon, our store, your local library and bookstore.
Entire chapters are be published at
StoriesbyClaudia.com and AlextheFey.com.

Join the Alex the Fey Facebook Group

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

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Five and a half hours later

Saturday night

March 29 – 11 P.M. MDT
Buckley Air Force Base

“I don’t get it,” Alex said. The Black Hawk began descending toward the Air Force base. “Where’s John? He always meets me when we get back. Especially on a Saturday night.”

“Something’s up, Alex,” Joseph said. “We’ve been trying to get in touch with your Sergeant. We lost connection about a half hour ago. Then… nothing.”

“What’s the media say about last night?” Alex asked.

“Texas Rangers saved four boys in Big Bend National Park,” Joseph said.

“Cell phones?” Alex asked.

“I wasn’t able to get the replacement phones before we left. Our bank account is fucked up.”

“The Fey Special Forces Team account? I totally forgot about that.”

“For the life of me, I can’t figure out what’s going on.”

“Boy Scout,” Alex said.

“Boy Scout fucked up.”

“Give the bank account to Troy,” Alex said. “He’s really good at that kind of thing.”

“Troy?” Joseph glanced at Troy. Troy was using his finger puppets Enrique and Frieda to embarrass Larry with their pornographic exploits. “You sure?”

“His last tested IQ is 187,” Alex said. “He’s a genius, especially with numbers. What about Vince’s phone? Wasn’t it military issue?”

“Vince’s doesn’t work – shut off.”

“From the electromagnetic pulse?”

“I called Nancy to check in after we reached the Hercules. Now it’s off. Your pocket computer?”

Alex pulled the computer from her back pocket. Flipping open the cover, she pressed a few buttons. Nothing.

“It’s not working. I mean it was an hour ago. It’s not now. But you know it breaks all the time. It doesn’t really mean anything,” Alex said. “Satellite internet?”

“Same thing. Last half hour or so.” Joseph shook his head.

“Zack?” Alex asked through the intercom.

“You better come up,” Zack said.

Alex walked down the hallway to the cockpit.

“Fuck! You smell! God damn, Hargreaves!”

“I’ve been worse,” she said. “What’s going on?”

“MPs are waiting for you. They’re going to arrest you for assaulting the Boy Scout. While you were getting pungent in the mine, the Denver Police went looking for you. When they didn’t find you, they assumed you skipped town. Of course, Gordon wouldn’t tell them your location. Samantha didn’t know. You’re a fugitive from justice, Alex!”

The co-pilot laughed. Alex sneered at him.

“That doesn’t make any sense,” she said. “I was just with the Texas Rangers. They could have arrested me.”

“What would you like us to do, Lieutenant Colonel?” the co-pilot asked.

“Do you still have the beach house in the Saint John?” Alex asked.

Zack laughed. Hoping to impress her, he told a twelve-year-old Alex he had a beach house on the island of Saint John.

“You may as well land,” Alex said.

“We gain nothing by avoiding the inevitable,” Zack gave her a Patrick Hargreaves quote.

Alex laughed. She turned back to the passenger compartment when Zack said, “Hey.”

Turning back to him, the co-pilot had taken over flying. Zack flipped his visor up and shut off his mike. He gestured for her to come close to him.

“Back there? Those last bombs? They were designed to kill you, Alex. Texas Rangers believe the captors were collecting on your contract. More money they could bleed from Joiner.”

“Nice to be popular. How did you find out?”

“Your Sergeant passed it along before the MPs shut him down. I think they arrested him.”

“I’ll take Trece and White Boy. They have badges that will make the MPs sweat.”

“You’ll be safe?” Zack asked.

She nodded. Walking back to the passenger compartment, Alex prepared for what was to come.

“Ah fuck no,” Troy said. Peering through the window at the MPs, he said, “There’s only one person they’re coming for.”

Before she could say ‘boo,’ the men had grabbed machine guns and jumped from the landing helicopter. She reached her hand out to Max.

“I can take your place,” Max said. “Who would know?”

“We gain nothing by…”

“Avoiding the inevitable,” Alex, Max and Colin said together.

“Can you stay with Raz, Colin?” she asked. “He’s terrified of this surgery.”

“Of course,” Colin said. “Julie’s mother is throwing another baby shower tonight. I’m happy to miss out on another shower! How much ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ does one guy have to do?”

“You’ll take care of the Homeland thing, Max? Please. For me?”

Smiling, Max nodded. They pressed their foreheads together. She hugged Colin and stepped out of the helicopter.

“Captain Ramirez? Captain Blanco? With me,” she said.

Trece and White Boy moved to either side of her.

“Stand down,” Alex called. “This is a paperwork snafu. I need you to continue our investigation while I get some rest.”

“Yes sir,” the men called.

Between Trece and White Boy, Alex met the Air Force MPs. She smiled when they attempted to handcuff her hands behind her back. Colonel Gordon batted them away.

“I’m sorry, Lieutenant Colonel Hargreaves,” Colonel Gordon said. “This was the best I can do.”

“No civilians?”

“You’ll stay in the Buckley jail until we get this resolved,” he said.

“I need to get my arm looked at,” she said.

She watched Trece and White Boy flash their black ops security badges. The MPs saluted the men.

“Shit, Lieutenant Colonel, your arm needs surgery. I’ll have the Medics look at it but you’re going to have to go to the VA in town,” Colonel Gordon said.

“I’d prefer to go to Anschutz with Agent Rasmussen?” Alex asked. “Please.”

Colonel Gordon looked away from her for a moment then nodded.

“You still have that fancy insurance?” he asked.

“Yes sir.”

“We’ll send you to Anschutz. A surgical team, including one Dr. Drayson, is set to work on him first thing tomorrow morning. I’ll have your Sergeant place the call. You’ll have to hang out here tonight.”

“Thank you, sir,” she said.

“We need to get her processed, sir,” the MP said.

“There was no way to avoid this,” Colonel Gordon said.

“I’m certain that’s true. Someone is pulling the strings.” Alex looked up into the face of her old friend. Under her breath, she asked, “Who is Geppetto?”

“I asked the same question,” Colonel Gordon said.

“And the King?”

“The Army is my King, Queen, my life,” Colonel Gordon said.

Alex startled. She watched his face harden, and then saw a smile creep across his face until it settled in his eyes.

“Enjoy your rest.” Leaning close to her, he added, “I’ll tell your Sergeant to leak your video to the ED at Anschutz. You’ll get star treatment.”

“Yes sir.” Alex laughed.

Walking between Trece and White Boy, Alex was almost to the MPs car when she heard the Black Hawk’s engine rise. She turned to see the helicopter take off.

“Where are they going?” Alex asked Trece.

“The men have a little business to attend to,” Trece said.

“Do I want to know?” Alex asked.

“About what?” Trece asked. He scooted in beside her in the back of the MPs car. “Did you know this base gives early warning for the entire theater?”

“I always wondered what that meant,” White Boy said.

“I’m not exactly sure, but I think they mean the entire United States,” Trece said. “I wouldn’t mind if one of those hot lady techs came to help me install my theater.”

“What theater… WAIT.”

“I’m glad you asked, Alex. This White Boy and I have purchased a home here in Denver.”

“A house,” White Boy said. “A swanky remodeled house.”

“A swanky house in the old Officer’s Quarters,” Trece said. “It’s called the Gallantry after some dead officer. I’m not quite sure who. We are sharing a SWEET bachelor pad. And…”

Alex shook her head. There was no way to stem the flow of words coming out of Captain Andrew ‘Trece’ Ramirez’s mouth. Never was, never will be.

“Damn Alex, you stink. What the hell?” Trece broke into her silence with a jostle of his shoulders.

“Wood smoke, sweat, panic, dirt, mercury mine, garbage,” she said.

“HEY.” Trece pushed on the MPs seat. “Can you open the windows back here?”

“She won’t escape?” the MP in the passenger seat asked.

“Nah, but at this rate we’ll die of stinkation back here.”

The MPs unrolled the window.

“Like I was saying, we bought a fine home on the old Air Force base.”

“Lowry,” White Boy added.

Alex sighed. The fresh air was wonderful. She rested her head against the seat and fell asleep to the droning noise of Trece’s chatter. She woke when they arrived at the jail. She fell asleep the moment the cell door closed.

FFFFFF

Five hours later
Sunday morning

March 30 – 6:30 A.M. EDT
Over Washington DC

“This is a test to see if you’re qualified for a position on the new Fey Team,” Joseph shouted over the Black Hawk’s engine. “In waves, I want twenty pushups. Everyone except Mac Clenaghan.”

Three at a time, the men pumped out push ups.

“Remove all but your tank tops,” Joseph ordered.

“Sir, no disrespect meant, but what are we doing?” Larry asked.

“We are going to pay a visit to a certain Homeland Security Assistant Director. I’m asking you to play the part of the new Fey Team,” Joseph said.

“And that means?”

“Vince? What does it mean?”

“You’re pumped, glistening but do not smell of body order, sir,” Vince said.

“Matthew?”

“You’re cool, distant and tougher than anyone else,” Matthew said.

“You don’t smile. You don’t speak to anyone other than a team member,” Joseph said. “No matter what, you’re tough and cool.”

“Max,” Zack asked over the intercom. “You’re sure of the address?”

“Yep,” Max said. “Google satellite shows enough room to land on the golf course.”

“How’s Alex doing?”

“She’s asleep,” Max said.

“Get dressed Max,” Joseph said.

Max changed into a pair of digital fatigues and a tank top.

“Where’s our glasses?” Troy asked.

Joseph opened his backpack. He passed out pairs of dark Ray Ban Wayfarer glasses.

“You wore Oakleys before,” Matthew said.

“New team, new glasses,” Joseph said. “Matthew, I want you to stay with the chopper. You don’t need the excitement and he’ll know you’re not one hundred percent.”

“Machine gun?” Troy began passing out Uzi machine guns. “Check that they are loaded, safeties off.”

“How do you know all of this?” Larry asked.

“Alex’s team dropped her off every time we’d get together,” Troy said.

“Me too,” Matthew said.

“Yep,” Vince said. “They dropped in once while I was on ship. Scared the crap out of everyone.”

“For good reason,” Joseph said. “Our image precedes us. This is our first ‘How do you do’ for the new Fey Team. We have to do this well.”

The helicopter descended onto a golf course.

“Your orders: You will not speak. You will not look at anyone. You will not smile. You are silent and deadly,” Joseph said. “You gain access to the building then hold the space for Hargreaves. This twin is your practice. Do. NOT. Fuck this up.”

The helicopter landed.

“Go.”

Throwing open the door to the helicopter, Troy led the wave. At the point of a V formation, Troy moved with practiced ease across the golf course to the home’s back entrance.

“What the fuck?” A man came to the entrance of the house. “You can’t land there. Who the fuck are you?”

While the men stood like silent pillars, Joseph walked from the helicopter.

“We have a confidential message for you, sir,” Joseph said.

Turning, he motioned Max across the golf course.

“Good God, Hargreaves? What the fuck is this about?” the Homeland Security Assistant Director asked. As Max drew near, the man realized he wasn’t Alex. “Who the fuck are you?”

“Max Hargreaves, sir. I’m here on behalf of Alexandra Hargreaves and Arthur J Rasmussen,” Max said. He gave the man two letters. “They are terminating their positions with Homeland Security. The letters have been emailed to the Secretary.”

Max turned in place to walk back to the helicopter. He did not respond to the Assistant Directors calls to him.  The men followed him. Larry was the last man into the chopper. He closed the door before the men started laughing.

“Very well done!” Joseph said. “Jakker, get us home!”

The helicopter began its flight over Washington DC to Bolling Air Force Base when they caught a shuttle home.

FFFFFF

Seven hours later

Sunday mid-day
March 30 – 12:04 P.M. MDT

Anschutz Medical Center

John had no idea why he was called out of Raz’s surgery.

Sure, surgery was going well.

And he wasn’t really needed.

But attending Raz’s back surgery was his way of being involved. In some small way, he was connected with his Alex.

No one would tell him where she was. Last he heard, she’d been arrested for assaulting the cretin Boy Scout. The very idea made his blood boil. Following the nurse into a private recovery room, he had to focus on the floor to keep from screaming: “What the fuck is wrong with people?”

He looked up when a woman cleared her throat.

“Planning our trip some place warm?” Alex asked.

In a breath, she was in his arms. In a moment, he was kissing her. He set her down and stepped back.

“I TOLD you,” Trece said. “You stink Alex.”

John had been so focused on the ground he’d walked right past Trece and White Boy.

“Sorry.” Alex wrinkled her nose.

“What IS that?” John asked.

“Fire smoke, bombs, mercury,” she said.

“And GARBAGE! I told her you were going to spurn her because of the stench. But she wouldn’t listen to me.”

John kissed Alex’s lips. With his mouth in her ear, he whispered that he loved her. He was glad she was safe. She kissed him then whispered how much she missed him in the dark. When they broke off, Trece was still talking.

“I’d think a woman would want to smell good for her husband but that’s how it is. Once you’re stuck with them, they let themselves go. I mean…”

Pulling her to him, he whispered ‘stuck’ in her ear. She giggled then whispered, ‘Twenty-eight days.’ He whispered, ‘Twenty-seven.’ She whispered that she loved him. He flushed, as he always did, with delight and passion. They kissed.

“I’ve got to cover my eyes around you guys,” he said.

“How is Raz?” Alex’s face pinched with worry.

“Really well, actually,” John said. “It’s amazing to everyone, but he’s going to be walking as soon as he’s out of anesthesia.”

“That’s very good news.” Alex sighed with relief.

“You’ve a new cast.” John reviewed the gauze and aluminum contraption encasing her left arm tucked into a blue sling. “Why the surgical cast?”

“I had surgery.”

“You did?!”

“I re-broke my arm in one of the blasts. They said my ulna was ‘scored’ from last fall’s adventures,” she said. “I’d probably have had to get surgery anyway.”

“But no infection?” John asked.

“No sign of infection. Thank God.”

Alex and John shared a look of relief. Alex had antibiotic resistant sepsis last fall. After four months of infection, she kicked the infection using a Chinese treatment her acupuncturist found.

“Shouldn’t you be out?” John asked. He stepped over to read her chart.

“They did locals and a spinal. Anything for a YouTube star.”

“But no shower?” Laughing, John looked up from her chart.

“No time. I’m still on the Joiner case,” Alex said. “I’m hoping for a real cast in a few days.”

“Not until the wound heals.”

“Lifestyle issues.”

John shook his head at the logic needed to keep her health intact.

“The docs told the MPs I needed time to come out of anesthesia. We have an hour or so.”

“Really?” He dropped the chart to hold her again.

“White Boy went out for a snack,” Alex said.

White Boy held up two bags from McDonald’s. John sputtered.

“I’m almost a vascular surgeon! I can’t eat fat laden food here! At the hospital! Where I’m hoping to get a placement! Holy Crap, Alex, what are you thinking?”

Alex smiled her crooked smile. Her smile made him laughed at himself.

“Can you stand her stench?” White Boy asked. “The docs said she can’t get the cast wet.”

John nodded.

“We secured a little patio upstairs. It’s pretty nice. White Boy and I will guard the doors so you guys can have some alone time.”

John’s mouth fell open in surprise. He hadn’t thought he would get time alone with Alex.

“Alone? Really?”

“She’s famous, Mooch,” Trece said.

Shaking her head, Alex furrowed her brow at Trece.

“Sorry, man, bad habit,” Trece said. “I can change. I will change. I’ll be better than I was before. Better…”

“Stronger, Faster,” Alex, John and White Boy joined Trece in his usual saying.

Walking down the hall toward the elevator, they laughed.

“How ‘bout them Texas Rangers?” Trece asked.

“They are impressive,” John said as they stepped onto the elevator

“Those good ole boys get the job done. I told Alex. I said, ‘Alex…”

The elevator doors closed.

F

Learning to Stand is the second novel in the Alex the Fey thriller series
written by Claudia Hall Christian.

The novel is available in paperback at Amazon, our store, your local library and bookstore.
Entire chapters are be published at
StoriesbyClaudia.com and AlextheFey.com.

Join the Alex the Fey Facebook Group

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.