Depart the Darkness Read online

  “Get a room,” Xander said good-naturedly.

  “Good idea,” I agreed. I took Miles by the hand, and dragged him toward the door. “They need to talk, anyway.”

  “Okay then,” Miles smiled. “See you guys later.”

  “Later,” Xander said. He looked at Jenny questioningly as she told us goodbye, then turned back to him.

  We stepped into the hall, and I looked over my shoulder as we passed by the windows. I couldn’t hear what she said, but Jenny was talking, Xander was smiling, and they both looked glad. I felt satisfaction.

  “I do like my truth ability,” I shared with Miles, as we continued on our way.

  “So do I,” he smiled. “But what prompts you to say that?”

  “Sometimes it allows me to help my friends understand themselves better. I know what to say, because I know the truth, even if they’re confused.”

  “But if they don’t know the truth, how does that work?”

  “It doesn’t. But people can know the truth and not understand it. What I hear and see isn’t all jumbled and mixed up with feelings.”

  “Interesting. So… can you explain that a little more?”

  I thought for a second while we waited for the elevator to arrive.

  “I have my own feelings. But the truth doesn’t. It’s just… the truth.”

  “Feelings are what, a perception of the truth?” Miles wondered, trying to think that through and understand.

  “Yes, I think that’s right.”

  “So you get the straight truth, perceptions not included,” Miles summed up.

  “Right.”

  “And what about your own perceptions?”

  I frowned a little as I considered that.

  “I do have feelings in response to what I learn. But it’s separate from the truth I hear and see. My feelings don’t alter the truth.”

  “It must be fascinating to be you,” Miles said. “I wish I knew what that was like.”

  “Same here. I’d love to know what it’s like to do all of the amazing things you can do.”

  “But… you said your feelings don’t alter your view of the truth. If that’s the case, why have you ever felt jealous or insecure about my past? You know everything I’ve told you is the truth.”

  “That’s just it. You told me the truth. It wasn’t revealed to me.”

  “And somehow that’s different,” he stated.

  “The truth I perceive, is mixed up with my feelings. The truth that’s revealed to me however, is… the truth. It’s plain, not… colored.”

  “So you’d find it more reassuring if I lied to you,” he said. I glanced up at him quickly and saw the laughter in his hazel eyes.

  “I wouldn’t. Not for long.”

  “Good, because I don’t intend to start.”

  The elevator swished open. We stepped inside, and Miles’ phone vibrated. He looked at the screen, and I watched for his reaction. There was excitement in his eyes as he glanced at me.

  “It’s Jackson,” he said, then answered. “Hey, Jackson. What’ve you got?”

  Miles listened, while I chafed, wondering what our investigators turned up.

  The elevator reached our floor, and we went inside our suite. We sat on the couch and I tried to listen in, but didn’t catch enough to have any idea what Jackson was saying. Only that he had a lot to say.

  Chip stood and shook, then walked to the couch and sat on the floor beside me. He rested his chin on my knee, and I gave him a good petting while I waited.

  “That’s great,” Miles said. He looked pleased, and intrigued. “I’d like to know why. Not enough to take my wife to a bar, though. Is he always this good?”

  I gave Miles a funny look. What in the world did Jackson tell him?

  “Really,” Miles replied to… something, and he looked even more intrigued. “I’d like to hear more about this sometime. I can’t imagine a more perfect fit. So what about Phillip?”

  Miles listened while I pet Chip, and tried to be patient.

  “Great. Thanks, Jackson. Talk to you soon, then.”

  “Well?” I wanted to know, as Miles returned his phone to his pocket, and settled on the couch with his arm around me.

  “Phillip knows the house is being watched. Not by our people, but by the others. The threatening glare he gave to the guy watching, is a strong indicator of how he feels about that.”

  “But that’s all he did?”

  “That’s all.”

  “They aren’t there for his protection or his family’s, then,” I concluded.

  “Either that, or he’s extremely ungrateful, which in this case is extremely unlikely. Jackson confirmed that Phillip leaves for work at seven-thirty and comes home for lunch at twelve-fifteen, just like Steve said. He went straight there and back, no detours.”

  “Then let’s plan on talking to Lorna tomorrow morning at nine o’ clock,” I proposed. “That’ll give us plenty of time, and it isn’t inhumanely early, either.”

  “I’ll let Steve know to give her a heads-up,” Miles replied. He took out his phone again, and sent a text. “Otherwise, she isn’t likely to answer the door.”

  “So now, tell me the rest,” I said, when he was through. “I’d particularly like to know what you’d like to know, but not badly enough to take me to a bar.”

  A smile flashed across Miles’ face.

  “I wasn’t trying to drive you crazy with curiosity. I’m glad to see I didn’t, you still look sane. In the interests of keeping you that way, I’ll tell you, but I’m going in chronological order, so bear with me.”

  “Alright, I’m bearing,” I said. “Barely.”

  “Good,” Miles smiled, then got down to business. “When one of the other watchers was relieved of duty, one of ours followed him.”

  “Can we do a group A and group B, or something like that?” I requested.

  “I’ll do better than that. Jackson’s nephew, Jack, is also a PI. Jack followed Guy One, from Group B, after Guy One’s shift ended. Guy One went to a hamburger bar for lunch, and Jack struck up a conversation somehow.”

  “That could’ve gone badly,” I frowned a little.

  “And yet it didn’t,” Miles said. “By the sounds of it, Jack would’ve made a successful con man. He uses his powers for good, though. He usually works missing person cases, what do you think of that?”

  “Really?” I was intrigued now.

  “Really. Something to keep in mind, as we get the Bannerman Foundation’s missing persons division set up. But back to what I was saying, Jack won the guy over. What he learned, is that Guy One is a bouncer at a local club. He and some of his coworkers were hired by a couple of guys who work at Intersect.”

  “In what capacity?” I wondered.

  “That, Guy One doesn’t know. He does know they pay in advance, they’re part of a group from Intersect that meets there every Wednesday after work, and they go by the names Joe and Frank.”

  “Those are fairly generic names,” I commented.

  “And, may or may not actually be their names, at all. Guy One was more interested in the extra cash than he was with who was doling it out. He did want to know why Joe and Frank want Phillip followed, and the house watched. He wondered why their instructions include making certain Phillip knows about it. Their explanation is that Phillip owes them money, and their goal is to intimidate him so he’ll pay it back. Guy One pointed out that he could be more persuasive than passive about it, but they didn’t take him up on that. For now, they’re sticking to intimidation.”

  “If Phillip owes anything, it doesn’t show up on his credit report,” I said, mulling it over. So if they’re telling the truth, then it would have to be a personal loan. Or a gambling debt.”

  “Right. If they’re telling the truth.”

  “And you think Jackson’s nephew can get the truth out of them as well as I can?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. Miles hesitated for just a second.

  “No. I don’t. Not with your abilities.
As long as people lie, no one can get to the truth better than you. However, whether Jack is successful or not, he won’t give Joe and Frank a reason to suspect they’re being investigated. The plan is for Jack to be at the club this Wednesday when the Intersect group arrives. He’ll mix in with the group, and see what he can find out. As a single guy, he’ll blend in a lot easier than a married woman and her husband would.”

  “You’re right. We’d be so out of place. It wouldn’t look right for me to be talking to other guys in that setting, either.”

  “Exactly.”

  “And it would make no sense, when the guy I’m with is as drop-dead gorgeous as you are,” I said, giving him a melting look.

  “How did I not see that coming,” he said, and smiled.

  Chapter 5

  The puppies were played with, and the dogs were walked and fed. The cats were firmly established on our bed in their locations of choice, preparing to take yet another nap. The suite was straightened, a few items of business concerning the Lodge were taken care of, and Miles and I were on our way down the mountain to Glen Haven and our meeting with Lorna Edmunds.

  The snow glowed brilliantly in the morning light, but the sun’s rays had no further impact on the frozen landscape. As cold as our nights were this time of year, it would take an awful lot of sunshine in order for the earth to begin to thaw again.

  “How perfect is this,” I said, as Miles parked in front of Mi Coffee es su Coffee.

  “Isn’t it,” Miles agreed. “We won’t have far to walk, our vehicle won’t be parked in front of the Edmunds’ house, and you’ll have your latte to keep your hands warm.”

  Miles got out. I gave the shop a good look, as I waited for him to come around and open my door for me. I was pleased with what I saw.

  Instead of tired, worn, and as if it once saw better days, the shop was now fresh and inviting. Our design firm came through with flying colors once again, creating a quaint, cozy atmosphere that was big on curb appeal. The carved wooden doors, new siding and window frames, covered porch entrance and new sign, promised respite and a variety of coffee beverages and pastries, to those who would enter. Through the windows I caught a glimpse of the renovated seating area, where contented customers sat in the comfortable chairs and enjoyed their orders. Several had laptops in front of them, taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi.

  “It looks great from the street,” I commented, as I took the hand Miles offered, and stepped out onto the sidewalk. “It’s much more appealing than before.”

  “You’re not the only one who thinks so,” he agreed, glancing toward the steady stream of patrons entering the shop through one of the double doors. Through the other, happy customers came back out again, bearing steaming cups of their favorite coffee drink. Miles looked satisfied. “It’ll be a while before we get back what we put in, but if this is consistent, then operating costs are more than covered.”

  “It’ll be consistent,” I said with certainty. “The coffee here is exceptional. It always has been, but now the outside of the shop draws people in, rather than turning them away.”

  We walked the brief distance to the shop, and Miles opened the door and held it for me. I felt positively intoxicated by the scent of roasted coffee which met us, as we stepped inside. The sight of cinnamon rolls, fresh out of the oven, made my stomach growl.

  “Let’s stop back in again after we see Lorna,” I suggested, and Miles smiled. He didn’t reply though, instead he waved to someone on the other side of the shop.

  I followed his gaze and saw two friends of ours, Delia and Pete, sitting at one of the tables. They returned our smiles, and waved back. Pete motioned for us to join them.

  “I’ll get your drink if you want to say hello,” Miles said, then glanced at the owner, who was hurrying our way. “It probably won’t take me long.”

  “Okay,” I smiled. I squeezed his hand, waved to the man, and joined our friends.

  “It’s so good to see you!” Delia said, standing to give me a hug.

  “Yeah, you too, and congratulations!” I replied enthusiastically, looking at the engagement ring she wore. “When did this happen?”

  “Yesterday,” Pete smiled.

  “He tried to wait for Valentine’s Day,” she added, as we each took a seat. “I’m glad he didn’t.”

  “I can imagine,” I said.

  “I figured it didn’t make sense to leave the ring sitting in the box for another three weeks,” he reasoned.

  “Of course not,” I agreed. “Have you set a date?”

  “We’re working on it,” Delia answered, glancing at Pete. “Maybe August, before school starts.”

  “In the fall semester when Miles and I, Jenny and Xander, and John and Annette are back on campus, then we won’t just have couples basketball. We’ll have married couples basketball.”

  “Sounds great. We’ve missed our games,” Pete admitted.

  “We should set one up,” Miles said, as he pulled up a chair and joined us. He set my latte in front of me, and I took a sip and sighed with happiness.

  “Delia and Pete are engaged,” I told him.

  “Congratulations,” Miles smiled, and he and Pete shook hands.

  “Thanks. I’m real happy for us,” Pete grinned, and the rest of us laughed.

  “I know the feeling,” Miles said, squeezing my hand. “We’ll talk to the rest of our two teams and see if we can’t organize a game.”

  “Sounds great,” Pete replied.

  “I can hardly wait,” Delia added. “We’ve missed seeing you guys on campus.”

  “Yeah, us too,” I realized. “Although, we’ve been so busy the last three weeks, I forget most of the time that classes are even in session.”

  “Speaking of busyness, I hate to cut this short,” Miles said, “but if we don’t get going we’ll be late for our appointment.”

  “You’re right,” I noted, glancing at the clock on the wall. “It was great seeing you both.”

  “Yeah, you too,” Delia replied.

  “And thanks,” Pete said, serious now. He looked over at the owner and his wife, who were busily tending to their customers.

  “You don’t need to thank us,” Miles said, just as seriously.

  “Yeah, I really do,” Pete insisted.

  “If it makes you feel better, then okay,” I said. “You’re welcome.”

  “It does,” Pete said firmly. “If you didn’t step in, they would’ve had no choice but to sell it to that holding company. So… thank you.”

  “Thank you, for suggesting they contact us,” Miles said. “Consider us even.”

  “I don’t know,” I said, taking another sip of my latte and rolling my eyes in ecstasy. “I think we should thank them some more.”

  Everyone laughed, lightening the mood. We said goodbye, then went on our way.

  Cold winter air met us at the door of the shop, and we stepped out into the frozen world. We followed the sidewalk to the intersection, and when the light changed, crossed the street. The businesses on the other side soon gave way to the residential area where the Edmunds lived.

  “The best part of having money—besides not worrying about how to survive, anyway—is being able to help other people,” I said with satisfaction.

  “It’s a Bannerman tradition I’m happy to continue,” Miles agreed. “Thanks to you, I know whether to buy a floundering business or assist the owners in making it successful once again. There’s no risk involved, since we only invest our financial resources in people we know to be honest. I’m thankful Pete’s aunt and uncle chose to contact me, rather than take Ames’ offer out of desperation.”

  “They’d be even more desperate now, if they had,” I declared. “How does his holding firm get away with what they do? Making false promises in order to convince people to sell, is coercion!”

  “And yet if it isn’t written into the contract…” Miles pointed out. “There’s not a lot that can be done.”

  “And who has the money to try anyway,
when they lose the job they were assured they’d be able to depend on! I’m glad we already knew United Innovation’s modus operandi, after looking into them when they first expressed an interest in buying several of our companies.”

  “Not that I would’ve sold, regardless of what was turned up. It isn’t as though we need the money. Our employees, however, do need job security.”

  “They know we’re loyal to them, and that’s why they’re loyal to us. That’s the truth.”

  “And that’s the way it’s going to stay,” Miles said, guiding me around the corner and down a side street. “It’s been a couple of months since Ames’ holding company last approached us with an offer to buy one of our businesses. I’d like to think they’ve given up on accomplishing that. They might as well.”

  “Why is it so important to Ames to acquire one of our companies, anyway?” I wondered.

  “Is it?” Miles replied. “Or, does his determination stem from wanting to expand his holdings to include Glen Haven.”

  “And since we practically own Glen Haven, that’s why we’ve been contacted multiple times.”

  “That’s my conclusion,” Miles said.

  “Well… he’ll just have to be satisfied with owning Castle Pines, or else try and assimilate some other city.”

  “You’re making me think of Star Trek,” Miles smiled.

  “I was thinking of the Borg when I said it. Is this the street?”

  “Yes, and we’re being watched. Act natural.”

  The way he said it made me laugh, and he smiled.

  “Perfect.”

  I casually gave the surrounding area a look.

  “Nice houses,” I commented, my gaze passing over the guy sitting in the vehicle parked across the street.

  “Whether they own or rent, the Edmunds are doing well to live here. This is the one we want,” Miles indicated, and we followed the walk toward the front door of the Edmunds’ home. Or house. It didn’t sound like much of a home, the way Steve described it.

  “I hope this isn’t too early for her,” I said with concern, noticing that all of the curtains were closed. “Did Steve text back and say he talked to her?”