“You’ve been listening in?”

“More like you’ve summoned me without being consciously aware of it.”

“I really need to learn to rein in my powers,” Clara whined.

“Unless you were looking to have an audience.”

If not for that smile creeping over Eleanor’s lips, Clara would have missed the attempt at humour. While Eleanor made light of the situation, the
implications that the angel had been summoned while Clara was in flagrante was more concerning. That’s reason enough to blush.

“Well, I apologise for that,” Clara said. “I’d be careful about repeating this in front of Evelyn, she might get ideas.”

“I doubt she needs any,” Eleanor replied as though teasing.

“True,” Clara said.

“I’m going to war,” Clara said. “None of those bastards will be left alive by morning.”

“Are you?” Evelyn asked.

“I could never leave those monsters alive to prey on other women,” Clara said.

“Monsters…” Evelyn repeated. “What do you know about them?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are they vampires?”

“Not directly,” Clara answered.

“That’s fair,” Evelyn said. “Do you think these monsters might be werewolves?”

“Doubtful,” Clara finally answered.

“So, we are two-and-oh on a threat,” Evelyn said through the kitchen window as the water washed away the evidence of Clara’s divided affections. “What about ghosts, or ghouls? What are the odds?”

“I don’t…know,” Clara said.

“Exactly,” Evelyn replied in a neutral manner, desperate to avoid the I-told-you-so tone. “Have you considered that these monsters might be human?”

She passed by a chain coffee shop, which brought back memories of Elizabeth introducing her to the modern experience. She confirmed there was no one behind her and slowed to a stop. Her eyes lingered over the sign, permitting the memory to wash over her.

“I miss her,” Clara whispered.

Clara was in a lull, so she ordered two drinks. They would still be hot when she reached Evelyn to discuss what was going on with Julia.

While waiting for her order, another message came in. She was shown a map preview. At the default scale it might as well have been in Antarctica. There were few roads, and only one settlement was visible.

Clara walked until she reached a street that led further uphill. She had to wait a bit, a delay brought on by a delivery truck and an inexperienced valet blocking the way. The language was colourful and included swear words in three distinct languages. If I wasn’t in a hurry, I’d be impressed.

A mother turned to face the ongoing drama taking place behind Clara. That smile faded away, worried that this disagreement might soon explode.

“Viens,” her maman said. “Let’s go this way.”

Clara watched mother and child fade into the distance. Soon after there came the distinctive chirps of a patrol car. Fear of an impending arrest took the fight out of them. Despite all the shit she had to deal with, her mind continued to linger on what her life might have been like with children. Di Mi! Like I need to add more on my plate.

With the help of an officer, the truck and car were sorted out. Now that she had a clear path ahead, Clara pushed on and took a left at the corner. From here it was uphill most of the way. She did not mind, because the physical exertion would keep her grounded.

“Maman,” a girl said. “Is this your hotel?”

That voice broke through her mind focused on the verbal fusillade. She turned away from what promised to be a battle royale and looked upon the young girl with curly brown hair and big brown eyes holding her mother’s hand.

This child was clearly a younger version of her mother. The elder looked up to the sign her child was pointing at, which showed the hotel’s name with gold lettering on a black background.

The mother smiled and kneeled to be at eye level with her daughter. She brushed away a stray curl and kissed her daughter tenderly on the forehead.

“Non, Tessa,” her maman replied. “It was named after a famous poet. One of our ancestors.”

“Really?” Tessa asked.“Yes, really,” her maman replied.

Clara accepted the call and placed it against her ear. She knew this call originated from a satellite phone and expected a delay. So she opted to wait for Julia to say something. We don’t need to cut each other off.

“I need help,” Julia whispered.

Once more, suspecting something and having it confirmed were entirely different matters. Actually hearing those three words strung together soured the contents of her stomach.

“Did someone forget to look after their friends?” Ethereal taunted. “Again?”

“I think they’re human traffickers…and there’s no way I’m getting out of this,” Julia added.

Even though Julia was whispering, she was on the cusp of panic. That additional detail did not help her maintain a steady heart rate.