Chapter 85 [Talon—Twenty Minutes Before That]

Dubois held the door for Katrina. He peered inside to check on the crowd. "Doesn't look too bad yet."

She frowned. "I would think you'd like an establishment to be occupied. In fact…." Her words trailed off. Sensitivity discerned the residual background noise therein. "By the goddess, David! It is as you said!" She walked about the sparsely-occupied eating area. "So Mistress Anne was here."

"Several times. The Countess stood right where you're standing. You can ask Dr. LaFontaine." He could see the patrons' eyes watching them. "Let's order. Nosy ears are picking up on what they shouldn't."

She nodded. "Of course. My apologies." Her eyes wandered over the menu board. "There are so many choices! Ichabod thinks Starbucks is amazing!" She glanced at him. "He loves that mocha coffee. He sends his gratitude."

"My pleasure. That stuff is one of my favorite blends." He noticed his niece. "Hi, Short Stuff! How's everything?"

"Great, Uncle Dave!" Miranda waved to Katrina. "Glad that you made it in here, Mrs. Crane! What can we get you?"

"There are so many choices." Katrina frowned. "I wish I could blend in something with gingerbread."

Miranda smirked. "Gingerbread latte it is. Uncle Dave, your usual?"

"That'd be great. So you doing all right? Sorry. I've been busy the last few days." He paid her a ten. "Maybe an oatmeal cookie for Mrs. Crane? That M & M cookie's calling to me."

Miranda snorted. "I'll bet it is." She stuck the ten in the register and put three singles in the tip jar. "You spoil me."

"Uncle's job, Toots. I get to embarrass you too from time to time." He sighed. Contentment bubbled up inside of his heart. "You don't know how much your Aunt and I missed you."

"About as much as I missed you. I'm so glad you're here." Miranda watched him frowned. "Uncle Dave?"

Disturbance jolted him. His eyes narrowed. He glanced around. "Sorry. I could've sworn I felt something."

Katrina leaned close to him. "You did. I felt it too." She noticed Gwen in the corner. "Perhaps we might see to Miss Stacy?"

"Given certain people's history, that'd be a good idea." His hand started to itch. "Let's get over there."

"I'll have those cookies and drinks right over." Miranda watched them head for the corner table. Not now! As with them, she knew the energy too well. She glanced toward the plaque. The emerald sheen started around it. Which one of the Cheer Squad is here now?

Gwen skimmed through the next day's assigned readings. Most of it only required a quick review. She scribbled a few notes to herself. She took another hit from her ginger tea. Aromatics calmed her. She checked her watch. Peter should be getting out pretty soon. I hope he had a good day. I can't wait to see what he gets out of that journalism class. She surveyed the café.

Around her, Transition was in play. The afternoon flock of Crows had yet to congregate there. A few middle aged and older patrons stretched their last refreshments before that point. Miranda and two other girls cleaned the counter and checked their pastries over.

Dad, it's weird. We lived in New York for my entire life. There's something about Kansas though. Wish I could put my finger on it. She set her pencil down. Peter at least has some options. Could he come here? Can we leave our friends? What about the Bugle? What about Aunt May? She bit her lip.

"Gwen? Mind if we join you?"

"Hmm?" She glanced up to see Dubois and Katrina watching her. "Oh! Mr. Dubois and Mrs. Crane! I'm sorry. I was just out in the ozone."

Katrina glanced at him. "I'm afraid I do not follow."

"I meant I was deep in thought, Mrs. Crane." Gwen stacked her book and notes. "Would you join me? It'd be nice to talk with you before you leave."

"I shall be here until tomorrow morning. How fares your apprenticeship?" Katrina studied the younger woman's face. She could see Tension clearly etched therein.

"I think I'm going to like it. Today was Peter's first day. We'll see." Gwen looked to him. "Mr. Dubois, are you all right?"

"Just a little headache. It's nothing." He shrugged off the notion on the surface. Yet he felt a familiar and most unwelcome vibe somewhere in town. He sighed. "And this was such a nice day too."

"What? I didn't zing you or something. Gosh! I'm sorry." Gwen exhaled a deep breath.

"It's not you, Gwen." A spasm jolted his entire body. He saw the lights flicker. The plaque's glow could now be seen. "Great! Now that creep?" He hissed.

Miranda rushed over. "Uncle Dave! Are you all right?"

"Nah…." His lip coiled about itself. "The Puritan's 'ere! Keep Gwenie 'ere!" His voice rasped and grated. "Dam' Puritan Boy!" He ground his teeth. The tell tale snarl escaped his lips.

"Yer w' me, Toots!" The Child jumped to his feet. "'Mon! Need ta feed! Then Ah got me a twit!" He stalked across the room.

"What is he…?" Gwen narrowed his eyes. "Miranda, I don't…"

"Mrs. Crane, you'd better stay with him. I know exactly what he's doing." Miranda shook her head. She grabbed her cell.

Katrina rushed off after him. She felt the energies' intensity climbing around them.

"Lex Luthor."

"Mr. Luthor, it's Miranda at the Talon. Something's going on. The Big Kid's out. He's talking about a Puritan Boy. He's heading for the plaque."

Lex rolled his eyes. "Keep the other patrons back. That creep's somewhere around here. You be careful. I'll be right there."

Miranda hung up. "Gwen, you're staying right there." She craned her head. Worry burned at her.

This wasn't going to be good….

"David! Please! You cannot…!" Panic unsettled Katrina. She wished she could call Ichabod for advice. She caught up to him at the plaque.

"AIN'T BIG BRO!" The Child narrowed his open left eye. "GITTIN' SOME! AH KNOW WHERE THAT SCUZ IS!" He held the glowing scar up for view. Then he slapped the hand against the plaque.

The café took on an emerald hue.

"YEAH! THERE IT IS! 'MON!" He drank in the dark energies. His fingers flexed in and out.

Katrina stepped into Shadow's obscurity. She erected a glowing barrier to contain the building discharge. Guide my hand, mother! Cybelle, I could use your aid!

Dark fire consumed him. His mind slipped further and vanished. Crimson glowed in the eyes.

Katrina's eyes stared. "He…he…"

The demonic entity glared at her. Its hand grabbed onto her coat. It felt its quarry. It felt its fellow pueri dolorum. In a dark fiery flash, it vanished along with the surprised priestess.

Le Destroyer had returned…. Pain was about to spread….