Chapter Nineteen
Fireplace Apparition—Not a Normal Form of Communication
The worst of the conflicts settled, the couples relaxed around the warm fire. Hannah stood up and stretched. Hands on her hips, she leaned to the far left and then to the right. “Anyone want popcorn?” she asked, moving toward the kitchen.
“Sure. Want some help?” Brandy asked, unfolding herself and getting to her feet.
Before they could leave the room, flames suddenly crackled and popped in the fireplace, then a plume of dark-blue smoke curled around the blaze. Everyone in the room gasped except Tristian as a violent scene played out right in the middle of the raging fire.
****
“You wanted to see me, Baltizar?”
“Yes, Synn, I can’t believe you’ve lost the gryphon girl and her vampire boyfriend!” Baltizar raged, shooting exploding orange fireballs in Synn’s direction.
“Hey, back off. I’ll tell you what you want to know!” Synn screamed, dodging the fireballs and retaliating with shocking-blue lightning bolts.
“Brandy’s capture was your responsibility.” Baltizar’s face distorted with fury but his voice was deadly calm.
“It would’ve helped if you’d told me that her brother-in-law was not only a demon slayer but a damn warlock from the oldest, most powerful family ever known.” Synn deflected a blazing fireball back at Baltizar. The right side of his black robe went up in flames.
Ignoring her lucky shot, he eyed her menacingly. “How did Brandy make you?”
“I’m not sure she did. She and the vampire saw me in the mall after she returned. When I checked on them two days later, her house was empty. The vampire’s cabin was locked up with sheets over the furniture, and there was no trace of Stefan or Brandy. I called the radio station disguising my voice and was told Stefan was on a leave of absence.”
“She’s a talented gryphon, you fool. She knew what you were before you opened your mouth.”
“If they knew I was a demon, why didn’t they kill me?”
“I don’t know,” he said, momentarily rubbing his chin. “You have forty-eight hours to find them and bring Brandy to me. Otherwise I’ll kill you myself!” Baltizar took careful aim. A massive blazing red-orange glowing fireball shot from his palm and found its mark.
A horrifying scream escaped Synn’s throat as her flaming body writhed in pain.
“That’s going to leave a scar.” He grinned in satisfaction.
The scene faded within the curling dark-blue smoke, and the flames rose, engulfing the logs again.
****
Tristian stood. “Excuse me.” Quickly, he strode out of the room just as his phone rang.
Hannah and Brandy remained riveted to their seats. Stefan stood staring into the fire, privy to Tristian’s side of the conversation.
“Hello, Bruce. I was expecting your call…Yes, we all saw the images…I don’t know. The damn scene just appeared in the fire. Let me ask and I’ll get back to you…Yes, Brandy and Stefan are staying with us…They arrived a couple of days ago…I haven’t had time to call you. We’ve had our own family problems to deal with.”
There was a long pause as Tristian listened. “I know I should have, but I didn’t…What’s done is done. Let’s move on…Yes, given the situation, I agree that Synn will probably seek you out…She has no alternative; there is no way she can get to them here. That means that Baltizar will kill her unless you intervene…We were planning a couple of outings to keep up the ruse of normalcy, but we’ll wait till she is contained. Then we’ll leave town for a few weeks. Family business overseas requires our personal attention.”
Stefan moved toward the doorway, bringing Tristian into sight.
“I’m well aware,” Tristian said tersely, fisting his free hand repeatedly, punching the air and walking toward the door. “Things are different now. As you’ve told me repeatedly, I have a family to protect.”
Another short pause and Tristian blew out a breath. “It’s too late for that. We’ll do the best we can. How would you feel if someone told you that you shouldn’t have married Angelique?” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, it was apparent that was a bad example.
Tristian held the phone from his ear as a roar of laughter emitted from the phone.
Stefan covered a grin with his hand. These family dynamics fascinated him as long as he wasn’t on the receiving end of bad juju.
“Yeah, I know I did exactly that, but it was for different reasons than what we are talking about now.”
Another long pause. “I’ll call you back as soon as I explain this whole situation and get answers to your questions.” Tristian touched the screen, ending the call, and pocketed the phone.
When Tristian strode back into the room, all eyes were on him. “I assume that you heard my conversation.”
“Well, we heard mostly your side of the conversation. What the heck is going on?” Hannah wanted to know.
“Was that real?” Stefan asked, pointing to the fireplace.
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“Where did it take place?” Stefan asked, raising a dark brow as he crossed his arms across his chest.
Tristian raked his fingers though his hair and sighed. “All in good time. First, I need to know if Synn was the girl from Montana?”
“Yes,” Brandy and Stefan answered simultaneously.
“Okay, let me make one more phone call and I will explain everything.”
“No, how about you explain everything first and then…” Stefan growled, standing up and stepping directly in Tristian’s path.
“Because if I don’t get your answer to my boss, things are going to go south in a big way.” Tristian moved menacingly toward him.
Stefan remained standing in the arched doorway of the room. Tristian stood there only a moment. His eyes flicked to Hannah, then he pulled the cell phone out of his pocket, touched the screen, and put the phone to his ear.
“Bruce, yes, Synn is the girl from Montana. Now, I really have to go. I’ll talk to you later. Tristian opened his mouth as if to retort, paused, closed his mouth in a firm line, and listened to the voice on the other end.
Finally, Tristian interrupted. “I know, but I have my own set of problems demanding my immediate attention. Once those are settled, then we’ll discuss the others. If you don’t like it, you know where to find me.” He angrily ended the call and shoved the phone in his pocket. He took a long breath and let it out slowly, regaining composure and exuding an air of calm control once again as he turned to the others.
“Stefan, sorry if you feel I’m keeping you in the dark. It’s going to be a long night, so please try to be patient. The scene you just witnessed is real and took place in Hell within the last few hours. It was a communication sent to me by Bruce out of Washington, D.C. When he saw the scene and heard your names, he immediately forwarded it to me, which is what you just saw.”
“Bruce is married to your sister, Angie, right? The one we rescued a while back,” Stefan clarified.
“Unfortunately, yes,” Tristian grumbled. “Now, mind if I continue?”
“No, go right ahead,” Stefan suggested.
Just then the doorbell rang.
“This is not what I need right now.” Tristian strode to the entrance and yanked open the door. Bruce stepped inside, grasping Tristian by the shoulder. “This matter is too important to wait.”
“Welcome, Bruce. I’d rather you let me sort my family situation out before you force me to handle ours.” Tristian yanked his shoulder out of Bruce’s grip and stepped back. Off-balance slightly, he fell backward, his elbow shattering the glass door of the antique china cabinet standing against the wall. The wood groaned under the sudden impact, and crystal stemware tumbled to the floor, sending shards of sparkling crystal skittering across the polished oak floor.
Bruce reached out to steady him as Tristian waved his good arm toward the door, closing it with a bang.
Bruce’s eyes glowed a bright orange tinged with red, but he moved out of Tristian’s way. The doorbell rang again. Hannah looked puzzled and started for the door. Tristian reached for the door, jerking it open. His eyes rounded as he stared at his sister. Angelique sprinted through the door into the room.
She grabbed Bruce’s arm. “What in Hell’s fire are you doing here? You said you were going to let Tristian handle his family matters before complicating things further?” Her tiny, lithe body quivered with anger as she flung her long blonde hair back and glanced behind Bruce to survey the damage. With a wave of her arm and words muttered quietly, the crystal shards reformed into stemware and returned to the shelf. The glass in the china cabinet door flew back into place before she turned her attention back to Bruce. “Explain yourself,” she demanded, tapping her tiny foot impatiently.
Bruce calmly put his arms out in front of him, palms out. “Tristian had a clumsy moment as I arrived.” Bruce raised an eyebrow, shrugged, and smiled innocently at Angie. “I don’t have to explain myself to anyone. However…”
Angelique narrowed her eyes at Bruce. “Is that so?” She looked from her husband to her brother and then to Hannah. “What happened here?”
“Tristian opened the door. I gripped his shoulder to get his attention. He wrenched his shoulder away, lost his balance, and smashed an elbow into the china cabinet,” Bruce said matter-of-factly. “I reached out to steady him and…”
“Okay, so why are your eyes still whirling orange in anger? You know the minute you walk in this house your powers are useless. She placed her hands flat on his chest and glared up at Bruce, who was way over a foot taller than her five feet two inches. “You and Tristian have been getting along so well. Now this!”
“Nothing’s changed,” Bruce said smoothly. “It was just an accident. Nothing more. I promise.” He turned to Tristian for confirmation.
Tristian brushed the dust off his clothes and nodded in agreement. “Everything is fine,” he said through clinched teeth.
“Hello, Angie,” Hannah greeted her sister-in-law while moving closer to examine Tristian’s elbow where blood was seeping through this shirt. “It’s been a rough night for all concerned.”
Angelique turned, noticing for the first time there were others in the room. With a nonchalant wave of her hand, she said, “Too much testosterone in this room, as usual when you get my husband and brother in the same room. Sorry for the intrusion.”
Hannah grinned, nodding her head. “Angie, Bruce, this is my sister, Brandy, and her friend, Stefan. They are visiting with us while we make plans for Christmas, maybe in Ireland.”
“Oh, I remember Stefan. Assassin to the Vampire Council, right?” Angie said.
Bruce glanced in Stefan’s direction again, and recognition shone in his eyes as they blatantly swept over Stefan’s scars, visible above his collar. “Well, well, we meet again. Stefan Talltree, isn’t it? And rescuer of damsels in distress,” he teased. “Seriously, I owe you a debt of gratitude for rescuing my Angie.”
Stefan’s eyes steeled as his face went blank. “Former assassin. And you’re right, last name is Talltree.” Of all the things to keep catching up with me…Good thing I came clean with Brandy.
Bruce raised an eyebrow. “Ah…yes, I remember Lady Rose mentioned that at Angie’s and my wedding. My mistake.”
Brandy just shook her head. Stefan knew further explanations would be required before this bit of information would go away.
“Now that everyone’s calmed down, what is so important that it couldn’t wait till Tristian had solved his family situation and was ready to discuss the mounting demon one?” Angie glanced up at Bruce, her gaze softening.
“Tristian indicated over the phone his family would be leaving for Ireland soon. That has traditionally been a safe place. However, I’ve recently learned of unexplained deaths in London and Dublin in recent weeks. We’ve lost a watch demon, a warrior faerie, and a witch along with a couple of unknowns that have lived there for centuries.”
Stefan let out a low whistle. “That’s bad.”
“Demonic activity seems to be increasing worldwide, making Ireland as dangerous as anywhere else, which leads me to believe the dark demons are getting desperate. I thought this was something my security specialist should know immediately.”
“Why didn’t you say so?” Tristian demanded.
“I tried. You hung up on me. Therefore, I felt an immediate visit was necessary to impress upon you the urgency of the situation. I am still your boss. However, my temper flared. For that I apologize.”
“Understood,” Tristian said.
“If we went to Ireland, all of us along with my family residing there could be in danger?” Brandy asked, a crease forming across her forehead.
Bruce rocked back on his heels and tented his fingers. “It depends on how you want to look at it. The time has come that everyone related to those of us in power need to be aware of the danger. Hannah and Brandy, your family in Ireland must be told one way or the other. Their relationship to you and Tristian is easily traceable.”
Hannah crossed her arms across her chest and stared at Tristian, an “I told you so” expression on her face.
“Your choice—either you explain that Tristian is a demon hunter and what is going on in the world by phone, or you make a holiday out of it, telling them in person. As I see it, it’s the only way to keep everyone safe.”
Stefan moved toward Bruce, extending his hand. “I have a couple of things I’d like to clarify.”
Bruce tilted his head amicably. “Well, at least someone in this family has manners.” He grasped Stefan’s hand in a strong handshake, squeezing down hard. “Good to see you again.”
Stefan returned the favor twice as hard. Bruce grinned and released his hand but said nothing.
“We don’t need to cancel our trip to Ireland. If I understand you correctly, there is no greater risk than here,” Stefan confirmed.
“Armed with the knowledge of what is going on, that’s exactly right. We have additional eyes and ears in the British Isles now. They haven’t seen or heard any further signs of underworld activity. Should Synn come to us, we’ll be able get a lot more information. By the way, are there any other humans in your family other than Tristian?”
“No,” Brandy said. “Hannah and I are the only ones in relationships outside our kind.”
“That’s putting it mildly.” Laughing, Bruce looked from Brandy to Hannah. “You girls really preferred something different, huh?”
“No more than you apparently did,” Brandy shot back, her eyes blazing with contempt.
Bruce raised his hands palms out in surrender. “Take it easy—I meant no harm—merely an observation.”
“Mine too,” Brandy said, smirking.
“I think preying on a family of gifted gryphons will be difficult. Especially when that includes a vamp with assassin skills and a weapons cache, who doesn’t sleep much, and a powerful warlock in that group. If you really want to go, be careful and keep in touch. Don’t go anywhere alone. There’s safety in numbers. You won’t have the protection of this house, but that’s the only difference. The choice is yours. I believe Tristian will agree with my assessment.”
“Yeah, knowing what your enemies are up to is a great advantage. I can weave a protection spell for our accommodations while we travel,” Tristian added reluctantly.
“Then anyone who knows either of you will need to be told you are going on…”
Tristian interrupted, “That won’t be necessary. Stefan and Brandy are just visiting and have taken leaves of absences from their employment until the first of the year. As far as my connections, I assume you’ll take care of those.” For the first time since Bruce had arrived, Tristian’s voice was civil and his face relaxed as he looked expectantly over at Bruce, who nodded agreeably.
“Hannah, you’re not friendly with any of your neighbors or people in the town that might notice you are gone? Appearance is everything. It can’t look like you’re running.”
“Well…actually, there is Jill and her husband, Evan, down the street and Willow’s parents, Birch and Freesia. I work from home or while traveling so no problem from my job. I’ll let them know we’re going to spend Christmas with family overseas.”
“That’ll work.” Tristian nodded in agreement.
“Mind if I ask, is it always this tense when you two are in the same room?” Stefan looked from Tristian to Bruce.
“Only when it’s personal, and this isn’t bad. No blood has been spilled.” Angie smiled. “It used to be a lot worse. Tristian didn’t approve of my choice of mates, and when I married Bruce, it was Tristian’s worst nightmare. You’d think I did it on purpose just to spite him.”
“You didn’t?” Bruce asked disappointedly, then grinned.
Angie raised her hand, threw her weight into it, and swung; Bruce ducked, grabbed her hand, and spun her round to face him, lifting her up off the ground and holding her close to his body as she struggled against him, giggling. She turned her face up toward his; their eyes met. There was so much love reflected in them toward each other. Then he brought his lips down on hers affectionately.
Stefan considered a cheeky response but was beat to the punch by Tristian.
He cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. “Get a room, guys, or let’s get back to business.”
She wriggled free of Bruce’s hold, looking at Tristian boldly. “Well, it looks like you have plenty. May we borrow one? A room, I mean.” Angie grinned wickedly as she dodged Tristian’s attempt to cuff her upside the head and leaned back against Bruce as he grabbed Tristian’s wrist in warning.
Pulling free, Tristian’s eyes narrowed, and Bruce raised his hand in surrender as Angie elbowed him in the ribs.
“Knock it off, you two. Stefan and Brandy are going to think you’re heathens when, in fact, you’re both professionals just blowing off a little steam out of the public eye.” She smiled sweetly, turning her attention back to her brother. “Please continue.”
Setting aside their personal differences, they finalized the plans, deciding that Tristian, Hannah, Brandy, and Stefan would fly to Ireland for Christmas. Bruce and Angie would handle things locally, with daily contact reports via phone or fireplace.
Hannah broke in, yawning wide, “It’s late, guys.” She shot Tristian a warning glance as she said sweetly, “Angie, why don’t you and Bruce stay with us tonight. We can finish this discussion in the morning when we are all fresh.”
Tristian nodded amicably. “As you noticed, we’ve plenty of room, and security is not an issue.”
“We’d love to,” Angie said with syrupy sweetness, grinning at her brother. “Tobi and Owen can handle anything that may come up tonight, and the salon is closed tomorrow.”
“Who?” Brandy tilted her head and cocked a brow quizzically.
“Tobi and Owen manage The Wycked Hair in D.C. for us. They’re demons but are also trusted friends and allies. Bruce has known them for—” Angie hesitated “—a very long time,” she finished awkwardly, shrugging.
The scowl on Bruce’s face smoothed out. The corners of his mouth slightly curved as Angie snuggled closer in his arms.
“You know what?” Brandy, smiling over at Hannah, her eyes sparkling with mischief, said, “It would be nice for all of us to get to know each other. Why don’t you two plan to stay here a few days? Go sightseeing with us.” Her eyes darted back and forth between Angie and Bruce. “It would set the stage for a family get together as we discussed.”
Stefan turned away to hide a grin he couldn’t keep from forming. Tristian looked less than pleased yet could do nothing about it. Then a thought occurred to Stefan. “That sounds like a fine idea. There seems to be precious little recreation done together as a family.”
“Shut up, Stefan!” Tristian hissed.
Stefan shrugged and stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets as he walked across the room to look out the window. His back turned, he grinned wide.
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Angie sang. “Bruce, are you going to call Owen and let him know we will be out of town for a few days, or do you want me to call Tobi? They can open the salon and keep things under control till we get back.”
“I’ll do it,” Bruce said with a heavy sigh. “I don’t suppose there is any way of talking you out of…”
“Nope! It’s been a long time since we’ve spent time with family. I’m not going to give it up,” Angie said. “Besides, a little R&R is just what you need.”
“Okay, but I’ll need access to a secure communications line.” Bruce glanced over at Tristian.
“Got one here you can use.”
“Usually if I’m gone, you take over, but…a few days shouldn’t matter. I’ll just tell Owen in person and get my laptop.” Bruce stepped outside the house and walked down the driveway to a point where he could use magic and disappeared.
Hannah looked over at Angie. “Will he be gone long?”
“I doubt it.” Angie smiled.
“Good,” Hannah said, turning back to Brandy. “Would you come help me get a room ready for Angie and Bruce?”
“Sure.” Brandy raised an eyebrow in question.
“Hey, wait for me. You’re not leaving me down here with them!” Angie jerked her thumb in the men’s direction and bounded up the stairs to catch up with Brandy and Hannah.
Before the women reached the first landing, the atmosphere snapped, alerting Tristian to magic use, and a few moments later a light knock sounded on the door. Tristian waved his hand and the door opened. Bruce walked through the door and over to the group, laptop in hand.
“Keeps you on your toes, doesn’t she?” Stefan remarked to Bruce, watching with appreciation as the three women ascended the stairs.
“You have no idea,” Bruce mused, then smiled. “That’s what first attracted me to her.”
“I’m going to go on up to our room and wait for Brandy. Goodnight, gentlemen.”
A few minutes later, Angie leaned over the banister and called down, “Bruce, our room is ready. Wait till you see it. Hurry!”
Bruce nodded to Tristian and took the stairs two at a time to where Angie stood.
Tristian, still brooding, called up after Bruce, “What about Synn?”
“If she comes to us, Tobi and Owen can handle her till we get back. They are extraordinarily good at what they do too.” Bruce replied nonchalantly as he joined Angie and they ambled into their room and closed the door.
****
The dawn brought with it a multitude of colors spreading across the bright-blue sky. By late afternoon, the few white, fluffy clouds turned dark and ominous. Sheets of freezing rain pelted the roof of Tristian and Hannah’s home. The storm raged on through the evening. Thunder crashed and lightning crackled as it streaked violently across the night sky. Stefan couldn’t help but wonder if Mother Nature was throwing a temper tantrum, or was it something else? Magic perhaps? He leaned against the counter in the kitchen, observing everyone. Bruce and Tristian eyed the sky pensively. Oblivious to their concern, Brandy and Hannah cheerfully discussed the upcoming trip and the shopping that was necessary before leaving.
Over the next several days, Stefan watched as the animosity of Bruce and Angie’s arrival gave way to camaraderie and fun while the girls shopped for the trip and the guys talked shop and favorite vacation spots. He was surprised to find out Tristian owned a bungalow and private beach in Hawaii.
Tristian suggested an impromptu day ski trip, which was the highlight of the week as far as Stefan was concerned. Skiing was a favorite pastime before he was turned. However, the dinners out at the only upscale restaurant in Misty Harbor came in a close second. Not for the food, but kicking back and talking with everyone.
Stefan couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone to a theater, but he enjoyed the two movies Hannah suggested they see, especially the one about an actual hitman who was an accountant too. It had a great twist he didn’t see coming.
At the end of the impromptu family reunion, Stefan was sorry to see Bruce and Angie leave. She could be a hoot, and Bruce—he was dignified most of the time but wasn’t above joining in the spirit of fun, especially at someone else’s expense. Stefan chuckled and shook his head. A surprise turn of events, given the start of the visit. While the safety concern was ever present, a good time was had by all. The insight he gained would prove quite useful going forward.
Stefan’s concern about meeting Brandy’s large family in Ireland intensified as she delighted in telling him there would be a huge celebration. “With all of us home for Christmas, you can bet Ma and Da will throw a grand party.” She flicked her long hair over her shoulder and danced a jig. “Everyone living in our small coastal village off the Celtic Sea will be there. Shaughnessy’s has catered to magickind for as long as I can remember.” Brandy batted her long eyelashes at Stefan, smiling coyly.
Too soon for his liking, it was time embark on their Ireland adventure.