The Trouble With Tigers, page 16
The Hawk and Samson followed him into the jumbled remains of the compound.
A worried frown creased Dutch’s forehead. “How many souls do you have to cross over?”
“A couple hundred. Some of them have been trapped for centuries.”
“Fuck! Forget that shit. I saw what you went through the last time. It’s too dangerous.”
“I have to try. They’re in so much pain.” My crystal in one hand, and the blessed cross in the other, I opened my psychic senses and cautiously reached out. The esoteric plane was an eerie, shadow filled void. The utter silence gave me the willies. As soon as the wraiths felt my presence, I knew they would come for me. God, I hoped I wasn’t making the biggest mistake of my life.
The quiet was abruptly shattered by the hideous howling of the damned. Out of the darkness hundreds of tormented spirits rushed me. Horrific scenes of their deaths slammed into my head. A groan tore from me. Too much. It was too much. The apparitions swarmed me and, as hard as I tried, I couldn’t break free.
I was dimly aware of Dutch holding me in his arms. “Fight them. Do you hear me? Fight. Don’t you dare die on me. I need you too much. Fight, dammit.”
My strength was fading. If I didn’t break free soon, I would join the spirits in this unending hell. “I know you’ve been watching over me Grandma Hester and I really need your help.”
The cross heated in my hand and I drew heavily on its energy. Seconds later a familiar power flowed into my mind and a crackling white energy barrier formed around me. I could breathe again. Think again.
As usual Grandma Hester was wearing a flowery hat, a bright pink polyester suit, her pearl necklace and those silly white gloves. I mentally clung to her ethereal form. “Grandma Hester, I’ve missed you so much.”
A ghostly hand stroked my hair. “And I have missed you, but child, I taught you better than this. You need at least three psychics to open a portal for so many souls.”
“It was a dumbass move, but I had to try. They’ve suffered far too long.”
“They have, but your death would have solved nothing,” Grandma Hester chided.
“You’re right. I blew it.”
“And badly frightened your man. He truly loves you.”
“And I love him.” I took a deep breath. “Before we do this, I need to know if you were murdered.”
“How I died is not important.”
“It is to me. Please, I need to know.”
“Your father killed the men responsible for my death.”
“What? He never said a word.” Boy, did I have a lot of questions for Dad.
“He said nothing to spare you and your mother. It’s done, and you need to move on,” Grandma Hester stated firmly. “Now let’s free these souls.”
The words flowed into my mind and together we chanted, “Miraculin sepulcrum ibidem solus novum. Domum rotundam vivtorie construxit!”
A huge glowing portal appeared over the compound.
I heard Dutch’s sharp intake of air. “Holy shit.”
The doorway’s iridescent glow drew the lost souls like a magnet.
“Go! Now!” I cried.
The spirits obediently ran into the light.
The portal vanished.
I sagged against Dutch in utter relief. We had freed them.
“I’ll be keeping an eye on you and your man,” Grandma Hester promised, and she simply vanished. I let out a long shuddering sigh. “That sucked big time.”
Dutch gently tilted my chin up. “Are you okay?”
“With a little water and some chocolate, I will be.” And Dad had some ’splainin to do.
“I almost lost you, didn’t I?”
“It got a little iffy, but Grandma Hester came to my rescue.”
Dutch gaped at me. “You’re dead grandmother?”
“I do talk to the dead you know.” I stroked his face. “Wanna make out?”
“Yeah, but not with your Dad around.” Dutch bent his head until his mouth just brushed my lips. “Stop trying to distract me. You’re never, ever doing that again. Got it?”
“Yes, snookums.” I rained kisses along his jaw. “Whatever. You. Say.”
Dutch stiffened. “Hostile ten o’clock.”
“My Dad’s not a hostile.”
“Are you kidding me? He makes Darth Vader look like a pussy.”
Dad walked over to the helicopter. “That was one hell of a show.”
“Grandma Hester helped and guess what she told me.”
“Fuck.”
Dutch arched an eyebrow in a silent query.
“My grandmother was murdered.”
“Damn.” Dutch hugged me. “I’m sorry sweetheart. Does she know who killed her? Were the suspects ever arrested? If not, I’ll find whoever did it.”
“That’s not necessary. The suspects have been dealt with. Right, Dad?”
“This isn’t the time or place to discuss this,” Dad growled.
“You’re right, but we will talk later.”
Dad’s mouth tightened into hard line and he changed the subject. “We found General Brendan’s body.”
“How about Kuti’s?” Dutch asked.
“No sign of him.”
Samson and the Hawk approached the helicopter cautiously.
The Hawk stared at me for a long moment. “What are you?”
“Think of me as a medium. I helped those poor lost souls cross over.”
“Harry said you could talk to the dead, but I didn’t believe him,” Samson said.
I cocked my head as Grandma Hester whispered, “Fourteen armed men are approaching on motorbikes. It’s best you leave now.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Dutch’s eyes widened slightly. “What did Grandma Hester say?”
“Incoming bandits. We need to skedaddle.” I buckled my seatbelt.
Dad planted his hands on his hips. “How many?”
“Fourteen heavily-armed bad guys. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of getting shot at.”
“I have what I need. Let’s go.” Samson got in and buckled up.
Putting his flight helmet back on, Dutch connected his safety line and manned the machine gun.
The Hawk grabbed a flight helmet out from under the pilot’s seat and announced, “I’m flying, I have more combat experience.”
Without a word, Dad took the co-pilot’s seat and fiddled with the radar. “Bogeys are two clicks out.”
The helicopter lifted off.
Feeling a little ornery, I mentally linked with the flock of vultures perched on top of the clock tower and projected the thugs’ images into their little minds. “Go sit on their heads.”
The flock of vultures obediently did as I asked.
Dutch raised his binoculars and started laughing. “Vultures fourteen. Bad guys zero and their motorbikes are toast.”
“You know that old Marine saying? Mess with the best, die like the rest?”
“You’d give Attila the Hun a run for his money,” Dutch said.
“You bet your ass I would. Did you manage to find us a flight out of Bahawalpur?”
“The Hawk graciously offered us a ride home on his private jet,” Dutch said.
I smiled sweetly at Samson. “Unlike some, the Hawk shows his gratitude.”
Samson gave me the stink eye.
I gave him the one-finger salute. After all we had done for him, Samson refused to take us home, or even say thank you.
The Hawk competently landed the gunship at the Bahawalpur International Airport and escorted us to his Gulfstream jet. “Your luggage is already onboard, and the pilots have been instructed to fly you back to Phoenix. There will be a short layover in Seville, Spain for refueling. If you need anything, just ask the flight attendant.”
Wow! We had a flight attendant. Color me impressed. “It’s been a pleasure working with you.”
The Hawk bowed his head in acknowledgement. “The honor was mine. Have a safe journey home.”
He shook hands with Dutch and my father and left.
I glanced over my shoulder. My jaw dropped as the Hawk coldcocked Samson, dropping him like a rock. “Whoa!”
“Come on sweetheart, we’re keeping the flight attendant waiting.” Dutch held out his hand.
I took his hand. “When we get back, we’re going to Hilberto’s.”
“Damn right we are.”
Dad stopped dead at the hatch and let out a whistle. “This aircraft is loaded with goodies. Like a bedroom, shower and full kitchen.”
The Flight Attendant smiled. “Please take a seat. We’ve been cleared for takeoff.”
“Move it, Dad.”
Dad was like a kid at Christmas time. “We’ve got ourselves a multimedia theater too.” He picked the chair with all the controls on the arm.
I sat down on the plush leather seat and smiled. “This is the way to travel.”
Dutch took the seat next to me. “The Diamondbacks are playing the Yankees tonight. Think we can get the game?”
“Oh yeah, the Gulfstream is wi-fi compatible and has a satellite dish.” Dad said.
The Flight Attendant closed and locked the hatch. “Please fasten your seatbelts.”
We did and the jet taxied to the runway.
The Hawk must have some clout, because ten minutes later we were in the air.
Dad and Dutch immediately got a ball game on the big screen. Me? I settled for a shower in the huge bathroom and a nap on the king-sized bed. Crossing over lost souls was exhausting.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Mom, Jana and Tinkerbell were waiting for us at the executive terminal at Sky Harbor airport. As soon as we passed the security gate, mom launched herself at Dad. “I’ve been so worried.” She planted kisses all over his face.
Dad wrapped his arms around mom and thoroughly ravaged her mouth.
Dutch let out a whistle. “Didn’t know he had it in him.”
Tinkerbell yipped anxiously.
“I missed you too.” I dropped to one knee and held out my arm. “Come to momma.”
Tinkerbell raced over to me and excitedly licked my face. Arf. Arf. Arf.
“I know it feels like forever, but I was only gone a week. No. I won’t be going back there. Ever.” I picked Tinkerbell up and gave Jana a one-arm hug. “Thanks for everything. You’re the best friend ever.”
“Don’t you know it.” Jana cocked her head. “Girl, that is one nasty ass sunburn.”
“Tell me about it. Samson didn’t provide us with any sunblock.”
Jana looked around. “Where’s the ass?”
“He’s still in Pakistan. His men were injured in a raid,” Dutch answered.
Jana let out a disgruntled sigh. “I had the crematorium all set for the bastard.”
“If Samson shows his face in Phoenix again, he’s all yours.” I glanced over my shoulder. Mom and Dad were still making out like teenagers. “C’mon you two. I have a hankering for some Mexican food.”
Dad reluctantly released Mom.
Dutch whispered, “They always like that?”
“Oh, yeah.”
The baggage carousel began to move and out came our backpacks and a suitcase the Hawk had provided.
“My sweetie got both of you genuine Pakistani caftans,” I said.
Mom gave Dutch the evil eye. “Your father said he caught the two of you in the restroom being naughty. Sucking up won’t help.”
“Is that our luggage?” Dutch hurried over to the carousel.
“Coward,” I called after him, before setting mom straight. “We had a little makeout session. No items of clothing were removed.” And that was the truth.
Jana snorted. “I’ll bet.”
“Are you still a virgin?”
“Mom! Dutch didn’t take my virginity, so drop it.” My stomach rumbled loudly. “I’m starving. Let’s go.”
Jana grinned. “Nope, her cherry was done plucked a long time ago.”
Mom stared at me in utter horror.
“Before you get all hoity-toity on me, you and dad did the nasty before you were married. So, let’s not go there.”
Mom blushed. “It’s a mother’s duty to educate her daughter about sex.”
“I am not discussing my sex life with you.” I practically ran out the doors.
Arf?
“I’ll tell you about the birds and bees later.”
Jana giggled uncontrollably as she trotted after me.
Dad and Dutch retrieved our luggage and followed us out to Jana’s mortuary van.
“Shotgun,” I called and slid into the front passenger seat.
Jana got in and cranked up the air-conditioning. “Which Hilberto’s do you want to go to? The one on Glendale or the one on Thomas?”
“The one on Thomas. It’s closer,” Mom said.
Arf?
“Yes, you can have some shredded beef.”
Arf?
“And some chicken.” I stroked Tinkerbell’s head. “I really missed you.”
Tinkerbell gave me a doggie kiss.
Dad loaded the luggage into the trunk and got into the seat next to mom. Thank God, the van was had three rows of seats. Dutch had the rear seat to himself.
The Hilberto’s on Thomas had a shady patio with a misting system to combat the Arizona heat. Julio, the manager, was anal about having a dog in his restaurant and always made us eat out on the patio.
I groaned when I noticed the parking lot was full of motorcycles with the Hell’s Angels’ insignia on the gas tanks. “How about we go to the Hilberto’s on Glendale. I’m not in the mood for a fight.”
Jana parked the van. “Well, maybe I am.” She got out of the car and stomped inside the restaurant.
Oh, hell. Jana’s ex-boyfriend must have called again. “I’ll go get her.” I handed Tinkerbell to my mom. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’m coming with you,” Dutch said.
“Okay.” I walked into the restaurant and grinned. These Hell’s Angels were in their seventies.
“No, I don’t want a date,” Jana snapped and knocked an old geezer’s hand off her butt.
The old geezer leered. “C’mon baby, I can show you a good time.”
“No, means no,” Dutch growled.
An old fart wearing a black skull cap and a dirty tee-shirt with a skull emblazoned on the front, eyed Dutch. “I know you. You’re that cop who busted my son.” He waved his cane around. “I’m gonna beat your ass.”
I took the cane away from him. “You and what army?”
“Him.” The old fart pointed to someone behind me.
I turned. Fuck! The guy resembled the Hulk.
Dutch didn’t seem worried at all. “Hey Billy, how’s your mother doing?”
“A lot better. The doctor you referred us to really knows his stuff.”
The old fart snarled, “Well, whatcha waitin’ for? Hit ’em.”
“Grandpa gets a little cranky when he hasn’t had his nap,” Billy said.
“I don’t need no nap,” Grandpa grumbled.
“Yeah, you do.” Billy picked him up. “Sorry, ma’am.”
I handed him the cane. “Not a problem.”
He walked out with a loudly complaining Grandpa tucked under his arm.
“Dinner’s on me,” Jana said.
“Let me guess. Frederick called again.”
Jana scowled. “He wants me back.”
“Seriously? The dick married the mayor’s daughter and now he wants you as a side piece?”
“According to Frederick, what we have is special. He can’t live without me,” Jana said sarcastically.
Dutch rubbed the back of his neck. “Want me to talk to him?”
“No, we’ll deal with him,” Jana said.
“Skunk or pigeons?”
Jana smiled. “Skunk. Followed by an invasion of creepy crawlies.”
“Do you want the creepy crawlies to invade just Frederick’s home or his office too?”
An evil smile curved Jana’s mouth. “Both.”
“Done. I’ll take my usual and Tinkerbell wants shredded beef and chicken.”
“Fried ice cream too?”
“Hell, yeah. With lots of chocolate sauce.”
Dutch studied the menu and didn’t say a word.
I patted his butt. “I’ll go get us a table, hot stuff.”
“Yes, dear.”
I walked outside. Mom and dad were already sitting at a table.
“Everything okay?” Nosy didn’t even begin to describe Mom.
“Jana’s ex-boyfriend wants her back.”
Dad rumbled, “Didn’t he dump her for the mayor’s daughter?”
“He did.”
Mom handed me Tinkerbell. “What an awful young man.”
“Yes, he is.” I smiled at the thought of Frederick waking up to a bed full of creepy crawlies.
“I can have your father talk to him,” Mom offered.
“Frederick’s gonna reek of skunk for about a week and then he’ll be too busy dealing with an insect infestation to cause any problems.”
Jana and Dutch carried trays loaded with our food and drinks over to our table.
I took my plate of tamales. “Where’s the Pico de Gallo?”
“I also got you some strawberry and red bell pepper Pico de Gallo to try.” Dutch set two containers on the table.
“Thanks babe.” I spooned some on my plate.
Out of the blue, mom asked, “Are you a virgin, Dutch?”
Dutch choked on his beer.
I pounded him on the back. “Mom, that’s just rude.”
“I need to know if it’s necessary for your father to have a man-to-man talk with him.”
Dad smiled evilly.
“No! Not necessary,” Dutch gasped.
“Are you sure, honey? It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Jana broke into hysterical laughter.
Arf?
I put Tinkerbell’s dinner in front of her. “How many times did you do it with Dad before you were married? Once? Twice? Or a lot?”
“That’s none of your business,” Mom huffed.
“Exactly.” I turned to Jana. “How’s the weather been?”
“Hot.”
“The same in Pakistan.”
Mom stared at my ring finger. “When are you replacing that paperclip with a real ring, young man?”
