The three other spirits rose and surrendered their crystals to the priest. They seemed to look around.
“Tell them that the other two are imprisoned inside the house,” Cid said.
Father Santos cleared his voice and told them this in Castilian Spanish.
The first spirit spoke in kind, “We are the servants of Gadus, queen of the demons.”
“Did you volunteer to be sacrificed for your queen’s consort?”
“We are her servants. We did not volunteer.”
“I can bring the light, or do you still wish to serve your queen?” Father Santos asked.
“We wish to find the other two, and then we will make our decision.”
“Very well, as long as you behave yourselves, you may travel with us into the house.”
The spirits seemed to jump into the crystals. They returned to their blackened hue. Father Santos removed a white cloth he had in his satchel. He put the crystals in the cloth, chanting something in Latin that Cid was not familiar with. He tied the handkerchief up and placed it into his trouser pocket.
“Gentlemen, let’s go into the house. I hope you’re feeling strong. I fear we are headed into a storm. A storm of which I do not know the outcome.”
“What fun would that be?” Murphy asked no one in particular.
~
Kiki and Alan waited for the congressman and Miss Gee outside. Kiki stood away from the shadows of the house, trees, and even Alan’s shadow. He teased her by making shadow bunnies that chased her shadow up and down the stately porch.
The tension eased from her shoulders. She pinched his arm. “Shame on you.”
Cid and company walked out of the walnut grove and over to where they were standing. Murphy and Father Santos walked into the house without speaking to either of them. Carl shifted uncomfortably on his feet.
“Was it something I said?” Kiki asked.
Cid set the doubled paper bag containing the broken jars down before speaking. “Don’t be offended. They’re escorting some spirits inside. Hypothetically, we could have released the four sacrifice victims who were chained in the grove.”
Kiki frowned briefly, turned, smiled, and said, “They aren’t mentioned in our contract. I take it they are now in the house, which means we can’t fool with them.”
“We can’t,” Cid said. “Father Santos however can. For some reason, he isn’t keen at the moment. I think we have time to come to some kind of agreement with the Atwaters.”
The sound of an approaching vehicle stopped their conversation. It was a cream-colored sedan driven by a liveried older man. Inside the backseat were two people.
“Dare we hope it’s Miss Gee and the congressman?” Alan asked.
Their question was answered when the driver opened the door and the two aforementioned beings exited.
“This is above my pay grade,” Carl said and excused himself. “I’ll be in the workshop packing my tools.”
Cid made motions that he was going to leave.
“Stay,” Kiki said. “Alan, please go and warn the others inside.”
Alan did so.
“Hello, we meet again,” Arnold said.
“Congressman, Miss Gee, I’d like to introduce you to Cid Garrett,” Kiki said.
Cid shook the hand of the congressman and touched the ends of the gloved hand of Miss Gee.
“You have a very strong support system,” Miss Gee said, staring at the angel sword tucked in Cid’s belt.
“I’m fortunate to have had the counsel of many. And the intelligence to listen to them.”
“And what have you learned from your support system?”
“That appearances can be deceiving. Never to cast judgement on a being because we were raised differently. To honor love in all forms.”
“What of obsessive love?” she asked.
“Is that love? I’ve always thought it fell under control.”
Miss Gee’s eyes flashed. “Arnold, Calvin was not wrong when he spoke of Mr. Garrett.”
“How do you know Mr. Franks?” Kiki asked, taking back control of the situation.
“He and I have sat through many a state dinner together,” Arnold answered. “He’s been an ear when I’ve needed one and has, on occasion, opened his deep pockets to support many of my projects.”
“I understand you’re stepping down,” Cid said.
“I thought that it was time. Bridgeton seemed to be ready to pick up the mantle. His views are different but seem right for the present and possibly the future.”
Cid pressed his lips tightly together.
“Speak.”
“It’s not my place,” Cid said.
“I can see you have reservations,” Arnold said. “Speak your mind without fear of reprisal.”
“I don’t know Bridgeton. I’m not sure we’ve even exchanged words. I just know that he may be a vessel for August. I think you should be wary.”
Arnold looked at Miss Gee.
“What is your proof?” Miss Gee asked.
Cid opened the bag and poured the glass at Miss Gee’s feet.
Kiki’s eyes got very big and she made sounds of apology. “I’m so sorry! Cid, what has gotten into you?”
“No, it’s alright,” Miss Gee said, taking off her glove. She touched a large piece of glass and looked up at Arnold. “We need to go inside.”
Cid stooped to pick up the glass.
“Leave it on the doorstep so Bridgeton will know we know all about his lies before he tells them,” Miss Gee said.
“What lies?” Arnold asked as they walked by Kiki.
“What have you done?” Kiki hissed at Cid.
“I’m bringing a little clarity.”
“At what cost?”
“There comes a time when you have to stop thinking in dollars and cents,” Cid scolded.
Kiki frowned and looked up at Alan who had just stepped out the door. “I thought I had. It’s amazing how easy it is to fall back into bad habits.”
They walked into the hall in time to hear Arnold say, “Bridgeton did what?”
“He attacked one of the contractors with a heavy jar.”
“Is this true?” he asked Kiki as she entered the house.
“My plumbing contractor, Wayne Shipley, is in the local hospital if you want to check for yourself. All I know is, Wayne
