The Fate of the Muse

chapter TWENTYEIGHT

RESOLVE





We sat down to coffee the next morning, smiling shyly at each other. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but now that I’d agreed to share the apartment with him, something had changed between us. We skirted around each other gingerly, uncertain as to how we should behave. Everything felt new and awkward, and I kept catching Ethan watching me when I wasn’t looking. It was more than a little bit alarming.

I poured some milk in my coffee and looked up to meet his eyes again, “You know, if we’re going to do this, you have to let me pay the rent too.”

He shook his head no, “I can manage.”

I reached for my purse, pulling out the fat envelope of cash that I’d been hauling around, slapping it down on the table, “I want you to focus on school. I insist.”

He looked surprised at the amount, studying me with his brows knit together.

“It’s mine,” I said defiantly, “And it’s just been piling up… Susan’s gallery owes me another two thousand already.”

“I don’t want your money,” he said proudly.

“I thought we were supposed to be getting married… Doesn’t that make it our money?”

“We’re not married yet,” he said.

“Ethan… just take it, okay?” I paused, finally bitterly voicing one of the things that had been making me uneasy, “It’s like people are just throwing money at me… The paintings are only selling so well because of the whole… you know… muse thing.”

His eyes softened, “Don’t be ridiculous!” he said, “Your paintings are awesome. Everybody really likes them.”

I cast him a cynical look, for no matter how nice he tried to be, I knew that everything I did was colored by the strange powers I’d never asked for.

He smiled grudgingly, “You shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“You and your horses,” I said sarcastically. He just grinned at me.

I snorted in irritation, unfolding the paper and snapping it open. What I saw made me forget all about how bull-headed Ethan was being about money.

“Four Dead In Tragic House Fire” the headline screamed, and I felt sick to my stomach as I read the grim details.

“What would your dad think if he found out you were paying my rent?” Ethan kept protesting, but I was no longer listening to him.

The story went on to say that the bodies were burned beyond recognition, and that dental records were being used to identify them. The lone female victim was identified as recently elected Congresswoman Watson, victim of a home invasion robbery at her family’s lavish beach house. Several weapons were recovered at the scene, but an exact cause of death would never be known.

The three men were presumed to be the suspects, and I didn’t doubt that they’d find long criminal records for each of them. I shuddered with revulsion when I remembered the cold, dead glint in their hardened eyes. If a completely emotionless, sociopathic nature was what it took to be immune to muse powers, then how did you explain Ethan?

“If I were him–” Ethan stopped when he saw the look on my face.

I handed him the paper and he read it, frowning. He finally put it down and reached across the table for my hand, “Maybe that’ll teach Edwards to leave you alone now.”

I sighed, “He’ll never give up on Nixie.”

“But she’ll be okay, right? I mean, you warned her mother…”

“Sister,” I said absentmindedly, thinking about what Evie would make of Nathan Edward’s evil plans.

“What?”

“Nevermind,” I said.

“I hate it when you do that,” he replied.

“Do you know what I hate?” I asked with an exasperated look, pushing the cash towards him.

He looked at it, thinking, “We’ll see,” he said in a conciliatory tone.

My phone rang in Ethan’s room and I got up to answer it; it was Cruz. Brad had spoken to his father, telling him that he that we had unwittingly stumbled into a robbery. Since none of us could prove anything against the Edwards family, both Cruz and Brad pretended to know nothing, and truthfully, there was no reason for Cruz to know any more than he already did.

The guys were going to lunch with Evie today too, and Cruz asked me what I was going to wear, excited about taking Brad to meet his benefactor. I was surprised to find Cruz as resilient as the mermaids, seemingly unaffected by his ordeal. I suppose love really did conquer all.

I felt like I was a million years older, with the weight of the entire world bearing down on my shoulders. I told Cruz I’d be on my way up to the city soon, hanging up the phone with a sigh.

Ethan appeared in the doorway, “Who was that?”

“Cruz,” I told him. “I guess him and Brad are going to Evie’s too.”

Ethan made a sour face, “I’m curious to see what Evie thinks about Brad. They should keep an eye on him.”

“They?”

“Evie and Boris. You should tell her everything you know about his father. They can help watch over you too.”

I cringed, for it was annoying, the thought that I needed to be “watched over” like a child. I was on the verge of adulthood and being made to feel more helpless than ever. My father would be home soon, and I wondered how much he needed to know. As much as I missed him, the last thing I wanted was him hovering over me too.

Ethan bent down and kissed my cheek, “There’s a lot of work at Lue’s today. I have to get going.”

“Me too,” I said glumly, looking at the clock on the wall. I grudgingly got up to go.





Ethan pulled up at Abby’s, killing the engine and scooting over on the seat. He wrapped himself around me with a happy look on his face, “I can’t wait until my Dad clears out for good, so we can start moving your stuff in.”

“I’ll have to leave some things here… to keep up appearances,” I said with a twinge of guilt.

He smiled slyly, “How will you get by without all your clothes?”

I opened the door, slipping out of his arms and turning to glare at him, “Am I going to have to put up with your sarcasm every day?”

“Yes,” he said, smiling even bigger. He pulled me back by my fingertips and kissed me goodbye, “Call me when you get back?”

“Okay, I’ll see you later,”

Evie would expect me to dress for lunch, so I rummaged through my rack of clothes, finally settling on a stunning new dress that I’d never worn, biting the tags off with my teeth. An image of Lorelei biting a writhing fish popped into my mind, and I grimaced. I smoothed my hair and put on some make-up, admiring the way the silver threads in the dress looked a bit like scales. Did everything in the world have to remind me of mermaids?

I slipped on a pretty pair of silver sandals and set out to deal with Evie. As much as I wished I could avoid the whole topic, I was curious to hear her plans for dealing with Edwards and Olivia. Evie always had a plan.

The drive to San Francisco was over too soon, and I pulled up to Evie’s building to find the garage attended by a strange man. I tensed up, instantly on guard. I lowered the window a tiny crack, locking the doors as he approached me. He was tall, with close cropped hair and eyes covered with mirrored lenses. He wasn’t nearly as wide as Boris, but he had the same sort of stance. Ramrod straight spine, coupled with an economy of movement; it was a military bearing.

He leaned in towards the window, “Marina Vanderpool? I’m the new valet, Paul. Evelyn expects you… please allow me.” He held out his hand for my keys.

“Where’s Boris?” I asked suspiciously, looking over his shoulder. I put the car into reverse, poised to escape.

The man smiled broadly and nodded, “Very good.” He pulled out a phone and dialed, snapping it shut immediately and standing back with his arms folded across his chest. The phone in my purse rang, and I jumped. It was Evie.

“I’m sorry to have to frighten you sweetheart, but we’ve added a few new security measures. Boris wanted to test you– and I’m very happy to say that you passed with flying colors!”

“Whoopee,” I said dryly.

“Let Paul park the car and come up. We have a lot of ground to go over before lunch.”

When the elevator doors opened I stepped out into Evie’s open arms. Her familiar perfume enveloped me, giving rise to a big lump in my throat. As much as I tried to fight it, Evie had the power to make me feel like I was a small child again.

“Thank God you’re alright,” she said, equally emotional.

We walked to her apartment arm in arm, and she led me to a small table set up for tea in the in the library. We sat, and she poured us each a cup, looking up at me with serious eyes.

“I didn’t even see it coming,” she said, “I truly thought she was my friend. I never dreamed I’d lose my intuition this late in life.”

My heart went out to her, for I knew that Olivia’s treachery was doubly painful. Evie’s confidence was completely rattled; it was an especially hard blow for one who was used to being in charge of everyone and everything.

“Nobody knew,” I said soothingly.

“You did,” she said meaningfully, “Olivia… of all people! I’ve known her for years. When I think…” her voice trailed off. She had tears in her ice blue eyes.

I took her hand, “I’m sorry Aunt Evie.”

She composed herself, “I suppose that money really is the root of all evil.”

“Why the Edwards family? Are they really all that rich?”

“I’m afraid so. And powerful. We’ve just recently come into some inside information about a secret research facility, a medical lab… a real chamber of horrors.”

My eyes flew open, “That’s where they were going to take me!”

“Yes, well, Barbara’s first official act as a congressional representative was to appoint the new director of a multi-million dollar laboratory. Outwardly, it’s supposed to study marine life, but our source has informed us that they’ve been working to set up an area within the facility… devoted entirely to imprisoning and experimenting on mermaids.”

“I know what they’re after.” I said with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I told Evie what I knew about their plans to capture Nixie, and she was more shocked and outraged than I’d ever seen her before. Edwards’s quest for immortality at the expense of an innocent life disgusted her.

“Eternal life… I suppose it’s the one thing that money cannot buy,” Evie mused, “How could Olivia be involved in something so awful! I know I’ve been terribly naive, but I never believed one of our own kind could be so… cruel. How could I have missed it?”

“I’d never have guessed if it wasn’t for Marissa.”

“Marissa?”

“She was the one that told me, right before the council meeting. She warned me to leave right away. She said that Olivia was dangerous.”

“But how did she know?”

“It came to her in a vision… like the ones I have.”

She nodded, taking a moment to digest the news, “That explains a lot. Olivia insisted on coming back with me… to meet you…” Evie started getting maudlin again, “She had me completely fooled.”

“What are you going to do about her?” I asked.

“There’s not much I can do,” she said ruefully. “I’ve reported her to the council… But she has many powerful friends there. I’ve no doubt she’ll deny having anything to do with the Edwards family, and once again, we have no proof.”

“What about Brad?” I asked her, “Do you trust him?”

Evie looked thoughtful, “I have no idea. I have people looking into his background, and I expect a report within the week. I also have a little test of my own planned for him.”

“A test?” I asked, surprised. She no longer has faith in her instincts, I thought.

“You’ll see,” she smiled at me.

“What are we going to do about his father?”

“I’ve had the building and my plane completely cleared of all bugs. Olivia helped me choose it…”

“I’d like to learn how to do that,” I said.

“Boris and I have decided to increase our security team. I now have an expert on weapons and surveillance… We can arrange some lessons if you’d like.”

“You mean that Paul guy?”

“Among others.”

Evie reached over to the table and rang a little bell. Within seconds, Boris appeared in the arched doorway of the library entrance. I heard a scuffling noise and looked behind him to see Yuri shuffling along on crutches. He looked at me with a sheepish smile.

“What in the–” I scrambled out of my seat in shock, looking back and forth between Boris and Evie.

Evie spoke calmly, “Relax Marina, I know it must come as a shock to you, but we believe that Yuri no longer poses a threat. I thought it best not to break the news of his defection over the phone.”

“Are you kidding me? Defection?” I remained poised to leave.

“Yuri is working for me now. Really darling, have a seat and let me explain.”

She gestured to the chair opposite hers, and I finally sat down unhappily.

“Boris has put Yuri has through an intensive interrogation, and he’s provided us with some extremely valuable information. He worked for Edwards for many months, and knows a great deal about his operation.”

“How do you know you can trust him?” I asked, looking over at him suspiciously. One of his legs was in a cast, and the whole side of his face was scraped and bruised. He hung his head like a dog that had been scolded.

“Boris assures me that his allegiances are totally switched, and he has some excellent combat and weapons skills. Remember, you did tell us that he saved your life… right?”

“Yes,” I said grudgingly, “But I still wouldn’t trust him.”

She turned towards the men, “Boris, does Yuri have something to say?”

“Da,” he said, turning to Yuri with a few words in Russian.

Yuri swang his crutches a few steps closer to us, addressing me, “I very sorry, Marina.”

Our eyes met, reminding me of the last frightening time I’d looked into them. I stared speechlessly, shocked that he’d even survived the tumble down the cliff. He seemed sincere, but I just turned to look at Evie incredulously.

Evie nodded to Boris with a fond smile, “You may go now.” I watched them leave with a frown.

“Aunt Evie! You can’t possibly know–”

“Think about it,” she said soothingly, “There is nothing in this world more valuable than a man who is willing to die for you. Boris vouches for him, and that’s good enough for me.”

“Yeah…Unless he’s insane.”

“Are you hungry?” Evie asked, dismissing my fears, “The boys will be joining us for lunch any minute now.”

Just then, Cruz and Brad arrived, led in by Boris. Evie rose, and greeted them each with air kisses. I stood, and Cruz threw his arms around me dramatically, smacking real kisses on both of my cheeks. We were brothers in arms now, bonded by our mutual survival. He stood back to inspect me.

“You look good,” he cracked, “Stress must agree with you.”

“Lucky there’s never a shortage of that around here,” I said, glaring at Evie.

She ignored my look, locking arms with the boys, “Shall we? I’m absolutely famished!”

I looked over to see Brad watching me nervously, “How are you?” I asked.

He gulped, “Fine… Are you really okay?”

I nodded, “I’ll live.”

“Come now,” Evie said, sweeping us out the door. “The crab bisque at the Fairmont is simply to die for.”





I couldn’t eat, so I sat picking at my food and watching Brad and Cruz dish out the latest fashionista gossip to Evie. Once again, I was surprised at how resilient Cruz was, talking and laughing as if nothing truly awful had just happened. I thought of how I felt when I was around Ethan and it made perfect sense.

After lunch, we piled into the Rolls with Cruz behind the wheel. Evie leaned over and whispered something into his ear that made him smile with glee.

“Let’s do it!” he cried, pulling out into the heavy city traffic as boldly as a taxi driver. After a wild ride through the city we pulled up to a familiar little stucco house. I realized what Evie had in mind and smirked. Interesting.

“Where are we?” asked Brad.

“Madame Fatima’s,” said Cruz excitedly, “She’s an incredible psychic!”

“I might as well wait in the car,” I said, remembering Fatima’s reaction to me the last time our paths crossed.

“Not at all, darling,” said Evie, “As a matter of fact, Fatima specifically requested that I bring you. It seems as though she has something to tell you.”

“What?” I asked, suspiciously.

“If I knew that, we wouldn’t be here, now… would we?” She turned to Brad, “Madame Fatima is truly gifted. You simply must have a reading done.”

“Uh… okay,” he replied.

We passed under the large glass evil-eye that kept watch over the doorway, and filed into Madame Fatima’s small reception area. The Madame herself came to greet us, looking us over one by one.

“You,” she said, pointing at Brad, “Follow me.”

“Go!” said Cruz, pushing him forward, “You gotta try it!”

Evies ice blue eyes caught mine, and I realized that Fatima would be reporting directly to her. It was as good a test as any, I supposed.

After what seemed like a longer time than it actually was, Brad returned to take a seat. He was completely calm when he told us that she’d asked to see Evie next.

“Well… What did she say?” Cruz asked him eagerly.

“A whole lot of mumbo jumbo,” he replied, “You don’t really believe in all this stuff, do you?”

Cruz rolled his eyes, “Now you sound just like Marina.”

Evie came out briskly, sending me in after her. I wandered down the hall, curious, arriving in Fatima’s familiar mirrored room. She was already seated at her little round table, and she gestured for me to sit without looking up. The room was dark and stuffy, with the familiar heavy scent of cloves and sandalwood.

“The spirits have summoned you.”

“I thought they didn’t want to see me,” I said, slipping into the chair with my guard up, “Something about me being too powerful?”

She met my eyes with her lizard-like gaze, and I could see that I’d failed to upset her calm stony face in the slightest. Now I was nervous.

“Put your hands on the table, palms facing up,” she commanded, and I found myself automatically obeying despite my reservations.

She drew a deep breath, shuddered, and placed her cool, smooth hands on mine.

Her whole demeanor changed, just as it had the last time. A strange monotone voice announced, “Beware.”

I could have told myself that, I thought.

Fatima’s hands began to burn with heat as she drew another shaky breath, “Beware, your enemies are coming very close to you…”

She paused, listening like she was taking dictation, “There are two men, one dark, one light. One is there for good, one for evil. You are not certain which one you can trust.”

Brad and Yuri perhaps? I wondered.

She paused for a moment, breathing raggedly and continuing her warning, “There are two women, one dark, one light. One is there for good, one for evil. You are not certain which one you can trust.”

She stopped talking, and her breathing returned to normal. Her hands grew cold on mine and I looked down to see them begin to shake. The air around us cooled as well, smelling of eucalyptus, sand and briny water. Something started happening to Fatima’s face, and I watched in shock as her features blurred and shifted. I tried to pull my hands away, but they were pinned to the table with a force I was powerless against. I blinked my eyes, thinking I must be hallucinating, and watched in helpless awe.

As her features took on their final, shimmering shape she spoke, “Hey Dollface.”

“Stella,” I whispered.

She smiled warmly at me, her image flickering, “I’d listen to her if I were you, kiddo… This old dame is the real deal!” Her voice softened, “But I gotta shake a leg… You be careful… I’m sure gonna miss you… Goodbye Dollface…”

Fatima’s face reappeared, all the blurry edges coming into sharp focus. Her hands lifted from mine and her eyes flew open, darting around the room as if she’d just woken up in a strange place. I pulled my hands back as Fatima dropped her head into hers.

“Are you alright?” I asked in a shaky voice.

She looked up slowly, every last trace of color drained from her face. I sat quietly for a moment, dazed as well. Somehow, I knew that it was the last visit I’d ever get from Stella; it felt like a goodbye– the final one. I wanted Ethan.

“Thank you,” I said. I suddenly realized that this sort of thing took a huge toll on her, and I understood why she’d been so fearful of doing a reading for me before.

Her luminous black eyes met mine, and she inclined her head with great dignity, “Send in the boy.”

I rose and slowly made my way down the hall in a daze. Cruz looked up with an expectant grin, never having experienced a scary or negative reading.

“Well?” he asked.

“Your turn,” I replied, “I’m going to go wait outside.”

The air in the courtyard was cool and fresh, and I sat on a stone bench next to a mossy fountain. There was a nectar feeder hanging from the eaves of the little pink house, and I watched a hummingbird zip over to perch and drink from it. The tiny bird saw me and drew back from its meal, hovering in the air a few inches from my face as it chirped its annoyance at my intrusion.

It was disorienting, and for a moment it seemed as if all the world was water, and the bird was floating in the liquid sky. Evie walked out, breaking the spell.

“What did she tell you?” she asked with concerned eyes.

“I hope you’re paying her well.”

“Handsomely.”

“She warned me to look out for the bad guys.”

“Any details?”

Fatima’s words rang in my mind, “Fairly nebulous as usual… What did she say about Brad?”

She looked over her shoulder, “The relationship with the father is unclear,” she said, “But he does seem to be fond of Cruz.”

“I hope so,” I said gravely, “Because Cruz is in way over his head.”

Evie sat down next to me, taking my hand in hers, “Marina… darling, I hope you know that I only have your best interests at heart…”

“Yeah… I know,” I said, still thinking about Stella’s strange goodbye.

“Nice ring,” Evie said, eyeing my hand with an arched eyebrow.

“Thanks,” I replied, thinking about Ethan. I had to hand it to him; he knew she’d notice it.

I wondered what Ethan would make of Fatima’s cryptic warning. He would be glad that Evie was suspicious of Brad, but absolutely furious about the fact that Yuri had worked his way into Evie’s camp. I sighed, for the conflict between Ethan and Evie seemed destined to never end.

One step forward, two steps back.

Just then, Cruz and Brad piled out, laughing at some private joke between them.

I suddenly wanted to go surfing, but more than that, I wanted to go home.

I wanted Ethan.