2005
GRAVEYARD SHIFT
CHAPTER 24 -Dangerous Moves-
"You know it's a bad when the bird singing outside your window is a vulture, but it's worse when you get to work and find a '60 Minutes' news team waiting outside your office."
"Move it! Excuse me! Argh! To be taller!" Lina grumbled.
After the play and after the sprinkler system had been shut down, Lina had to fight her way through a crush of girls wanting Xel's autograph. There were plenty begging for Valgaav and Zelgadiss' too, but that was a less important matter to Lina. Like waiting for him at the Cavern, once again she wasn't the center of attention. She wanted Xel's smile directed at her and her alone. She wanted to hear his voice whispering in her ear. She wanted to feel his touch. She wanted him exclusively. She wanted to be with him and him alone, the sole object of his adoration. But there he was, surrounded by enthusiastic devotees.
Xel had an arm draped around one girl's shoulders, and he was absent-mindedly stroking her arm. The producer was thrusting his way to the zombie boys in an attempt to nail down these particularly popular young men for his new venture. Soon the shouting, pushing, and damp press of bodies was more than Lina could stand. The term "womanizer" came to mind. "To hell with him!" Linamuttered crossly to herself and turned away, hurting.
Xel searched the hall for Lina, but couldn't see her distinctive hair anyplace. "Move over, honey," he told a girl blocking his view. She wouldn't budge, though, so he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her around to the side. "What was that?" he asked the producer to repeat what he had said.
Xel appeared to be happily soaking up the attention without her so Lina located Gourry standing outside the jostling crowd. "Take me out of this madhouse, okay?"
"Sure, Lina, I can do that. Yeah, it's too crowded in here. I see Valgaav, but no Zel. I was gonna call them later anyway. I'm dropping Filia off at her place, and she's already outside." Gourry pointed to one of the exits, and Lina led the way.
Zelgadiss poked him in the ribs. "I think you just lost your girl."
Xel stiffened and stared into the distance. There was Gourry touching his Lina, escorting his Lina out the door. He didn't notice that Filia was there at the tall man's side as well. "Get your fuckin' hands off her," Xel hissed between clenched teeth. "Listen, I can't concentrate in here. I'll have to get back to you later," he told the producer as he tore himself out of the fray.
"Guess we'll be in touch," the man returned with a frustrated sigh.
Filia was already waiting in Gourry's car and settled comfortably in the passenger seat up front, which meant Lina had to crawl in back. It wasn't a big deal, but only a few days before, it would have been her up front next to Gourry and Filia scrunched in back. It felt unfamiliar and a little novel, Lina decided, but she felt stranger still when Gourry stopped at her house first.
"See ya later, Lina," Gourry said with a friendly wave. He backed down the driveway and sped off to Filia's home.
Her, Lina! If he was going to spend any time visiting afterwards, it was not going to be at her place; it was going to be with Filia. Lina considered that to be unusual, bordering on the bizarre. Even when they weren't dating, Gourry had always gone out of his way to find time for Lina.
Lina had many thoughts troubling her. She had to accept that Gourry was over her, because she was a realistic girl and because she had Xel with which to replace him. Okay, she could do that; however, she thought Gourry had gotten over her pretty fast. Had Filia something to do with that? Could they possibly be more than boss and employee, or co-worker, or work partners?
Also, there were disturbing concerns over Xel's behavior tickling at the edge of her mind. Could she ever trust him to be true? She nearly gagged realizing what she had thought. The concept of "being true" was from some romance novel, wasn't it? Lina's musings were interrupted by an insistent knock on her door. "Yeah? Who's there?"
"Lina, it's Xel. Can I come in?"
"Xel? I thought I left you back at the theater." She had meant her words to sound harsh, but there was also a detectable tone of relief as a smile spread to her face.
"You did, but when..." He paused to alter his wording from "Gourry led you out" to "I couldn't find you, I left, too." That said, Xel wasted no time playing hard-to-get games. He took her in his arms and kissed her possessively, a hand buried in her hair as the other clasped her firmly to his chest.
Lina returned his kiss, then wiggled back to look at him, her Xel, and thought he never looked so good to her before, ghastly makeup and all. "I can tell. It was stuffy, wet, and I needed the air."
"And Gourry brought you home, I suppose?" Xel pushed. The man wasn't in the room, but he wasn't sure why.
"Him? Yeah, he's taking Filia home," Lina said easily. "Hey, you know, I'd never kissed a zombie before now."
"Ah, the makeup." Xel touched his face and smeared his ghastly makeup. The tension eased from his jaw and he smiled, relieved to know that Gourry had other duties to perform elsewhere. "I didn't even stay to take it off and clean up."
His answer pleased Lina. She smiled brightly and the cloud of doubt lifted between them. "Would you like to use my shower?"
"Okay, that would be nice. Care to join me?"
Lina caught the glint in his eye, and laughed. "Heh, heh, not this time. It'd take all night to dry my hair. No, you go ahead."
"As you wish, but, Lina, promise me I can stay the night?"
That was more like it. He was nearly begging for her. "I'd like that, sure." She smiled thinking he'd probably kiss her feet, if she asked. Worshiped like a goddess, yes, and after that, she would let him claim her as his and his alone.
Xel was a quick study and knowledgeable teacher. She grew more responsive under his hands, but she knew the best for her was yet to come. As passionate a person as she was, Lina was still too inhibited to enjoy sex to the fullest. Lina learned to anticipate his climax by slowing her movements and drawing out the moment for him. Her reward was his wide-eyed look of astonishment moments before he cried out deliriously and collapsed into a panting, sweaty, heap. And when they reopened, his eyes candidly exposed his heart. There was no secretiveness or cunning or artful pretending; there was no time-- just affection, raw and honest.
The next day they slept in late and messed around until afternoon. After that they took a drive through the country to enjoy the first fall colors. "Shall we buy a few apples?" he asked while slowing by a farm stand.
"And fresh-roasted peanuts to snack on?" Lina added hopefully. "Sure, that ought to hold us until we find a cozy place to stop for dinner." She found a stump to rest on and watched while Xel nosed around the outskirts of orchard.
How she admired his lithe body undulating beneath his clothes, especially since she could picture him naked. Her infatuation was getting out of control. Xel looked so good walking under the golden maples, that it made her heart flutter to watch him. And as the sun sank low, casting long, purple shadows across the pumpkin patch, his dusky pants, shirt, and hair melded into the landscape, mysteriously disappearing. Her breath caught and she shivered. She wanted to be with him all the time and hear his voice and feel his touch, and that could pose a future a problem. What if she were to lose him? "Get real, Lina. Just how long do I think we can last, anyway?" she said to herself. In her heart she wanted to believe they were meant for each other.
He reappeared carrying a handful of acorns. He was polishing them between his fingers as he approached. As he looked up, his amethyst-colored eyes caught hers, and he smiled. The warmth welling up inside nearly made Lina burst with joy. "It's frightening to feel so needy," she silently admitted. "But you really need his affection, don't you Lina Inverse?"
Lina resented having to need anyone, but the feeling was fleeting, this time when a strong arm drew her into a warm hug. "Ummm, are you cold, or was that a shiver of delight? No, you must be chilled with just that t-shirt. Funny, isn't it? Wasn't it only a week ago that we were sweltering and now the nights are getting cold? Oh my," he gasped slightly, "are you trying to squeeze all the air out of me?"
"Just shut up," Lina murmured into his chest, "and hold me." Lina trembled, experiencing all over again the rush of excitement she felt at his touch. He needed her too, she was certain, and that madeher needinessall more equal and acceptable.
Their drive was lovely and the dinner deluxe. Lina enjoyed the older man's taste in entertainment. It was a far cry from the high school hangouts she was used to, and he was teaching her immeasurable amounts about the world of adults, like how to eat without drawing attention. Xel never said a thing, but he adapted to his role model position naturally, treating her with respect and adoration at all times. She was definitely falling in love, and hard.
When it was time to leave, they drove the long, leisurely route back to town, not stopping until they reached the parking lot of the mortuary. "Vacation's over," Lina sighed.
"Or think of this as a few days between vacations, if that helps."
"Yeah, okay. Hey who's that?"
"Crap. You know it's a bad when the bird singing outside your window is a vulture, but it's worse when you get to work and find a '60 Minutes' news team waiting outside your office." Xel strode quickly to intercept the strangers lurking outside the locked door. "Hello, are you looking for someone in particular?"
A lady dressed in a well-tailored business suit met his handshake and smile with strong ones of her own. "Hi, I'm Charlene Dunn from the Seyruun Weekly. I'm here to interview a Mr. Valgaav Rubyeye. Might that be you?"
"No, I'm Dr. Xel Metallium," he said, smiling charmingly and squeezing her hand lightly but not releasing it.
"I could interview you, too," she offered. The cameraman closed in on the two of them, an attractive opening clip.
"Well, that depends. Do you know how many doctors does it take to screw in a light bulb?"
"Ah..." She had no idea where this conversation was leading, and she was struck dumb when she caught sight of Zelgadiss illuminated as he passed under the outside lamp.
"Ah, well, let's see what one of our other employees has to say. Hey, Zelgadiss, how many doctors does it take to screw in a light bulb?"
"Three. One to find a bulb specialist, one to find a bulb installation specialist, and one to bill it all to Medicare," Zelgadiss answered automatically. Xel and Valgaav had been teaching him parts of their lines. "Of course..." Zelgadiss took a couple steps toward the door, and paused. The corner of his mouth turned up, he looked slyly over his shoulder, gauged his timing, and then finished his thought. "It depends on whether it has health insurance."
Charlene and her crew laughed nervously. It was late; they were clustered outside a mortuary with young morticians telling weird jokes, all which contributed to their discomfort. Zelgadiss' unorthodox appearance took the stock-beautiful people by surprise. Xel squeezed her hand, but the reporter was not reassured by this and tugged to free it. At that moment, Valgaav chose to jump athletically into view to complete the scene.
"None," he said. "Doctors only sign the death certificate and phone the mortuary."
"Well, they might do something." Xel pretended to look offended. "They could tell it to take two aspirin and come 'round to the surgery later. Or... they could diagnose depression and prescribe benzo diazapines."
"Sure," Valgaav said with a shrug. "But the better question is: How many undertakers does it take to change a light bulb?"
"That's easy," Xel said with a chuckle. "None. They'd just paint them black and go on using them."
Again, the cameraman laughed partly at the jokes but mostly at the comical delivery. Lina used the opportunity to set things straight. Putting a hand possessively on Xel's shoulder, she introduced herself. "I'm Lina Inverse and we're about to go in to work now, so if you'll just step aside I'm sure Valgaav will be take over from here. Come on, Xel. Let him deal with the talking head."
Xel dropped the lady's hand and smiled. Yes, he would have to give up flirting for awhile, if he were to keep Lina. "And that was my girlfriend, who also works here. It was nice to meet you, Charlene."
While Zelgadiss and Xel began a particularly messy autopsy, Val settled on a tall stool under the hot lights and worked at looking intelligent. Charlene kept her back to the work being done in the morgue while straightening the lines of her shirt and preparing her introduction into the camera. "Ready to roll."
"We're at the Rubyeye Mortuary and Funeral Home in Seyruun. Today, I'm speaking to a very handsome young man. Let's begin with your name."
"Valgaav Rubyeye."
"Okay, Mr. Rubyeye..."
"Ah, that's my dad. Just call me Valgaav, please."
"Certainly. Well then, Valgaav. Tell me what your position is."
"I'm a licensed funeral director, but mostly I'm in charge of the graveyard shift embalming and autopsy room."
"And how many years in have you been in this position?"
"A couple, but I've done various jobs here for about six years. It's a family business. Has been for three generations, now."
"Tell me about that."
"The Rubyeye Mortuary and Funeral Home was established in 1917 by the Honorable Shabranigdo-- my great-grandfather. In those days, embalming was done in the home of the deceased. Around 1945, the year my grandfather, Shabranigdo Jr. – he had the same name, you see– was born, the funeral home became the site of embalming and funeral services. My father took over the business in 1980. In 1999, I started my official training and working part time, though I'd been doing stuff for him longer than that. So far this year, business is up a bit because we hired on a full graveyard shift doing crime scene investigative stuff and started pickups."
"That makes you how old?"
"Nineteen, almost 20."
"Only nineteen? Then you're still in school, or are you working here full time?"
"I graduated high school early, so I've had a couple years of college at the University of Atlas City. The mortuary science degree I got on the job so I'm board-certified."
"How did you get your current job?"
"My dad owns and operates the funeral home. So nepotism, I guess," he added with a shy grin.
"What was your first job?"
"My very first? Well, I remember helping dress the bodies with my older brothers. I was about 6 years old and my Dad would say "Mind over matter. Let's get this done and go eat supper." Sometimes I didn't really feel like eating much. But I didn't start the embalming part, which was the date I was giving you, until I was 13."
"Your brothers aren't in the business any more?"
"No, it didn't suit them, or they didn't suit Dad. It's not for everyone."
"What are your hours these days?"
"Mine are from 9 PM to 5 AM, Monday through Friday, but the business runs basically 24/7, never know when someone needs us. The sooner we start the process of embalming the easier it is, so we go out any time of the day or night and take the body to the funeral home and embalm it. Autopsies take longer and get scheduled."
"What's the first thing you do when you get to work?"
"Usually read the obituaries in the paper to see what everybody else is doing. And, that was a joke. Really." He blushed slightly, cleared his throat, and then continued. "Um, actually, I change into coveralls and check the work listed on the clipboard."
"What time of day do things get tense in your job?"
"Tense? Basically anytime. Back a year or so ago, the most tense time was when I was here by myself and I'd have to embalm, meet with a family, do some supply ordering, and then some emergency autopsy would come in. Now, I got lots of help and the tension is mostly between them."
Both their eyes traveled over to where Xel, Zelgadiss, and Lina were in a conversation over a cadaver. "If you're having a good day at work, what is it that makes it good?" she asked.
"When people are pleased with the way their loved one looks in the casket. If they can have a good picture of the person in their mind it helps to bring the reality of the death home to them, so I try to make the person look as much like they did in life as I can. I don't do the dressing or makeup; our funeral director likes to do those finishing touches, and he's really skilled at it. If it's been an autopsy, then finding the cause of death, which will put the deceased's relatives at ease, is rewarding."
"Do you ever have to take work home?"
"I tend to leave the dead lie; I usually don't take them home with me. Trouble is, my current roommates are relations and also working nights with me. Not that we talk work, but they come home with me, if you're tracking me." Xel and Zelgadiss starting laughing in the background, so the taping paused for a few minutes to wait them out. "Come on, guys! Shut up so I can get done with this, okay?" Valgaav cried out.
"Yeah...fine..."
The camera began to roll again. "What does your job contribute to society?"
"Well, if it's done well, I hope it contributes to the honoring of loved ones in a meaningful and respectful way. If you can't face death, you can't really face life."
"Do you expect to finish your working life in this career?"
"I would say probably in some capacity. It can be a very high-stress job, and I can see myself becoming even more stressed when my father retires, if I keep at it. He's 45 years old, and I think when you spend you whole life caring for others and working closely with people in intense pain, it can wear on you. I have other ideas for the future, maybe, too."
"Hypothetically speaking, if you could have two more careers, at any time, what would they be?"
"I'd like to be a forensic anthropologist someday and/or a professional actor-singer – you know, like a rock star."
"Rock star?"
"I'm in a play now, and a musical number is part of the role. It's been more fun than I ever expected."
"Is that what do you do to relieve stress, then?"
"No, not really. Actually, I climb rock walls a few days a week and I try to think positively about things. And there's my favorite quote from my dad: 'Don't run if you don't have the ball.'"
"So, your father must be your workplace hero?"
"Yeah, definitely my dad. He has high standards and excellent character. He makes me proud to be in the funeral business, and, although he has his faults, working for him has been the greatest learning experience I could have."
"What's an unforgivable trait in a colleague?"
"When they don't care about the family, when all they care about is the bottom line and are careless or callous about the deceased."
"When you have one of those days when you think you can't face the job again, what gets you out the door and off to work?"
"The outside chance that I may be able to help someone get through a difficult time. Well, either that or my cousin, Xel, over there, who usually drives us." He smiled behind his hand.
"Speaking of getting out the door," Lina muttered.
Charlene took the hint, and the interview came to a close. She thanked them all for sparing her some of their valuable time, shaking hands with Valgaav and nodding to the others elbow deep in gore. The crew wrapped and carried out their equipment with dispatch; they'd seen enough and smelled enough of the cadaver to hasten their retreat remarkably. Valgaav walked them out of the building, waved politely, and parted at the outside door.
When he returned, Zelgadiss and Xel were discussing their current autopsy. "Cardiac arrest is what kills nearly everybody. That isn't the point. What caused this woman's heart to stop is the mystery," Xel was telling him.
Valgaav suited up in the changing room, and prepared to take over for Xel. He felt Lina's eyes watching him closely. "I suppose you're wondering why that happened. Well, I have no idea why Dad does that, but every year he gets someone to come interview me that way."
"I'll bet it's to drum up some business," Lina offered.
"Or to drum up some hot looking babes for you to date," Xel added maliciously.
"I'll collect the gastric contents and see what I can see," Zelgadiss said in a raised voice, disrupting what he thought might turn into an argument, and carried his gruesome load to the sink.
"Yeah." Valgaav smiled suddenly, however, and chuckled at the two different but likely explanations. "Probably so."
"Anyway, we're on the countdown now until summer's over," Lina said cheerfully as she sauntered over to where Zelgadiss was removing the stomach contents. "Minty fresh!" Lina commented with surprise.
"Yeah, that's a new one on me. Can't complain, though."
"You say mint?" Xel asked. "See if you can find some leaves, but even if you can't, save the stomach liquid. I have an idea." He ripped off his gloves and got the phone to the police. "Investigator Evins? Yeah, I'm Xel at the Rubyeye funeral home and I'm doing an autopsy on a woman here tagged with your ID on the paperwork. You found her? Yeah, she just came in this day about noon. I wasn't on duty. Did you search her trash? Kitchen. Yes, I'm wondering if you discovered several used tea bags or a near-empty tin in her cupboard. In particular, a type of mint tea. Yeah, I'll hold."
Val was suited up and continuing where Xel had left off. Zelgadiss was muttering to Lina. "She must have eaten the stuff. I can't believe she swallowed these many leaves sipping tea. There, that's all of it."
"Want me to weigh that for ya?" Lina asked.
"Thanks, sure, then record the number on the form and show it to Xel." At Zel's nod, she carried off the stainless steel bowl.
"You found an empty box of what? Pennyroyal. Yeah, that's a member of the mint family. Some drink it to break up gas and prevent nausea. It really is only toxic if its oil is ingested in large amounts. Hold on. What have you got for me, Lina?" Xel's eyes twinkled as she neared him. "Okay, thanks. That much? Oh my... Yes, the deceased swallowed a great deal. Well, it induces abortion, but in massive quantities it can cause cardiac arrest. Probably, but we'll test for pregnancy, too. Sure thing. Bye."
They completed the autopsy, closed her up, and sealed the case. Another death and mystery solved– the last for this team. After that, the last few days of work were uneventful. Everyone was consumed with preparations for the "Wolfpack Party," as it had become known.
Xelloss arranged for airline limousine pick-up of all the participants in his little caper, their bags, and the boxed equipment. Since most of the stuff had been collected and stored compactly in the days prior, the van stopped at Valgaav's first for loading. Valgaav, Xel, and Zelgadiss were done in five minutes, and then it was on to Gourry's apartment. Gourry carried out a backpack of clothing as well as a long gym bag, which wasn't filled with athletic gear. His treasured heirloom rifle wouldn't leave his sight, if he could help it. Each of the girls brought along a single, small carry-on bag, due to weight and space limitations on the private jet.
"We'll stop at the private hangars, where cousin Sherra has the jumbo version of our jet ready. You can see it beyond the repair sheds." Xel was excited or nervous or both and kept up a constant patter all the way to the airport. "Looks like excellent visibility. 'Course, it's fall and the best weather on the island is in the fall. Dry. Warmer and drier and with less fog. Fog's the worst. Landings are close to impossible if the fog's dense."
"Would someone find him a magazine and distract him?" Filia asked.
He was unstoppable all the way to the private hangar. Sherra was waiting at the plane and greeted them professionally. She directed her passengers to the steps leading to the cabin, and showed them where to stash their belongings while a two-man ground crew stowed the boxes in the underbelly hold.
"Fasten your seatbelts, everyone. We have clearance for take-off."
The sky opened before them, wide, blue, and clear. Seyruun was reduced to a toy town, then disappeared altogether as the plane rapidly gained altitude and distance. Sylphiel blanched dramatically and clung to Zelgadiss' arm. She had started out that morning feeling queasy, another confirmation that she was indeed pregnant, and the flight only worsened it. Knowing that she hadn't confided in Zelgadiss, the baby's father, added to her anxiety. Everyone else gripped the armrests.
"Steep climb," Gourry yelled.
Xel twisted around in his co-pilot's seat to face the passengers. "Regulations to clear the city with a minimum of noise," he shouted over the engine roar.
Lina grinned. "I love this part!"
The rapid acceleration took them far over the land. The ocean appeared on the horizon as the plane leveled off at cruising altitude. Sherra gave them a 'thumbs up' sign and clicked on the intercom. "Okay kids, that's over. We'll be traveling for a few hours so sit back and enjoy the view."
"The scenery is lovely, if you like endless expanses of blue sky and blue water," Filia commented to Gourry.
Gourry took one look past her shoulders. He had never flown before, and when separated from the land with firm ground beneath his feet and no visual frame of reference outside, Gourry felt a tinge of vertigo. He paled drastically, then confided, "Guess I'm not much for flying either."
Xel turned his head back, a bemused smile plastered on his face. "If you ever want to try a hand at flying a plane yourself, you just have to ask. I could take you for a roll." He and Filia exchanged nasty faces.
"I don't know how you all can stand the man," Filia muttered, and then pulled the shade over her window and shut her eyes for a rest.
Amelia was jittery so she chattered to Valgaav, who, in turn, looked enviously over at Zelgadiss. Zelgadiss had on a headset and had his head back and eyes closed with Sylphiel resting on his shoulder. He appeared perfectly happy in quiet repose. "Amelia, hey, leave some for later, okay?" Valgaav said with a quick smile. "Here, you just try and get a little sleep now. We have a long day and night ahead of us." He pulled her into his chest and whispered, "Sleep..."
She giggled but obeyed, because what he'd said was right. "Sleep, okay."
Lina had a seat to herself, since Xelloss was in the cockpit, so she stretched out across two seats and flung an arm over her eyes. She wanted to dream about flying to distant lands and starting a life of adventure. She could picture Xelloss at her side and smiled contentedly. Yes, she could fit him nicely into that schema, and with that pleasant thought, she fell instantly to sleep.
"You certainly have collected an eclectic bunch of friends," Sherra said to her older cousin.
"One never knows whom it is that you might need in a pinch," Xel replied.
After an uneventful landing, Sherra ripped off her pilot's headset, flipped on a touring cap, and pulled on her driving gloves. "All up for the cottage tour? Okay then, please exit to the right and climb aboard the island van."
"She's in a good mood," Lina said to Xel.
"Yeah, well, if we fail and I get killed then she's in line for the inheritance." He wasn't being serious, but Lina's sudden look of concern made him think again of what he had just said. "Just kidding, Lina. I'm sure Sherra has no claim or even an interest in this place. Tell you what. Why don't you and I ride in my car?"
"Okay," Lina agreed, her worries eased for the time being. She had avoided thinking about the dark reality of their adventure. The possibility that someone could be hurt or killed was too awful to consider. They were all far too young to die.
"Damned, bumpy ride," Lina complained to Xelloss.
"It's worse for those in the van, if that makes you feel any better." Xelloss nodded to the van they were following.
"A little." The car lurched over a heavily pocketed stretch of roadway. "This is out of the way," she observed.
"Which is good for us. This is the road to the family shrine."
"Doesn't see much traffic."
"No one comes this way. There's access into the crypt from the labs, but it wouldn't be wise for us to try that route again. No lab visits. Not with this crowd. There it is- our cabin."
The cottage was at best a neglected, rustic cabin. "Just stow the stuff as fast as possible," Xel told them all. "We should find the shrine while it's still light out."
The cartons of equipment had to be opened and the items organized. They used the 'kitchen' area of the cabin to spread out and re-sort the items into backpacks. In addition to his family heirloom rifle, Gourry brought supplementary hunting knives to distribute. Zelgadiss showed off his box of guns and ammo from his parent's storage locker. Valgaav had accessed his father's gun collection. Taken as a whole, it was an impressive show of potential force.
Lina and Amelia were excited to get a handgun, a knife, and a rifle; that is, until Xel showed off his 44 magnum– his weapon of choice. Lina demanded a trade: Gourry's 33-odd for it, but he refused in the nicest way possible.
Lina gritted her teeth and tried one more time. "I'll offer you whatever you want."
"I've already had everything I want of yours." He winked to prove it was meant in jest, but Lina pounded him repeatedly with her fists. He didn't give in, though. Lina calmed somewhat knowing she'd get it from him eventually, when he was less cocky.
Filia admitted to being a fair target shooter, and accepted the loan of one of Valgaav's, if anyone trusted her not to pull it on them, instead of protecting them. Xel and Valgaav were well aware of Filia's allegiance to Milgasia's clan, and that she was assigned to watch Xel. Xel wasn't thrilled by the prospect. "I consider you to be in the way. In fact, Amelia has standing orders to shoot you if you try to undermine my efforts."
"Don't think you can intimidate me, you creature of the dark," Filia responded. "I just offered to my help and all you can do is to threaten me?"
Sherra halted the heightening animosity before a fight broke out. "He doesn't mean it. It's just his twisted sense of humor. It's almost sunset, guys. You better hurry!"
"Suits me!" Filia sniffed. "Bastard," she hissed beneath her breath.
"Bitch," Xel grumbled in a low tone.
Sherra led them along the weedy path to the shrine. "I timed the walk. You can get there in ten minutes at this pace."
"We'll run back, then, if we start to lose our light," Xel told her. Her meaningful look startled him. "What? You hear something I might need to know?"
"Possibly. There are rumors, and that's all, nothing I've seen or know for a fact. But what I heard from a guard friend of mine is that there is a clone of Rezo."
Zelgadiss exploded. "Clone! That's not possible! That kind of research isn't ... isn't... They're years away from creating anything like that!"
"Well, apparently not Zelas' 'they.' The story was that there are lots of clones working in the prison. Ones that were created as part of her other testing program..."
"Her search for unending life," Xel put in.
"I'll bet that's what we saw. Those creepy things lying in those tubes. Clones," said Lina.
"Could be."
"Are you sure the clone's Rezo? Why him?" Zelgadiss asked.
"Did you know your grandfather's legally blind?" Xel asked.
Zelgadiss stopped dead in his tracks and turned toward Xel. "Where did that piece of info come from?"
"It was on his work record along with the DNA screening. He's been going blind for years. I suspect it's a side effect of the drugs. Imagine that! What if after all the youth and beauty it preserves, it turns out to blind the poor users? It's no good after all."
"Unless that's what the clone is for. A way to correct the flaw." Sherra checked her watch. "Better move it, guys."
"I don't see why she thinks my DNA can provide some improved 'cure' because of something in the genes," Zelgadiss said, then set off after Sherra at a good pace.
The family shrine was an unimposing structure constructed from the same rock as the hillside into which it was built. A glimpse of slate roof could be seen over the surrounding stone wall. The wall was topped with black ironwork to discourage intruders, as was the solid-looking gate. They stood at the gate looking into the unattended garden beyond.
"It was once pretty," Amelia said generously.
"Good thing native plants are tough," Valgaav said. "A real tangle of weeds."
Zelgadiss looked dispirited. "I doubt anyone important is buried in that place."
"Everyone who dies on the island ends up somewhere here."
"That could be thousands of bodies you'll have to look through!" Amelia cried out.
"Not in the family part. We'll put off searching through the inmate tombs completely."
"Still, it doesn't look very big."
"Remember, I said this was a crypt. The burial chambers are all underground. We'll have to enter the catacombs to find the vaults."
"What else do you know about this place?" Sylphiel asked.
Xel smiled, happy supply them with plenty of details he'd learned over the past few days of searching. "In vaults containing burials after 1815, the better coffins should mostly have a lead component. Those might weigh more than a quarter of a ton, so we'd never be able to open them."
"Wouldn't you expect Dolphinia to be buried in one of those?"
"Yes, with a real headstone and foot marker-- unless she wasn't supposed to be found. I'm counting on that, too. I don't think mother ever intended anyone to locate and dig up her sister, so she would make her grave appear ordinary."
Lina asked, "So why bury her at all? Why not hide her body in a box or at sea or something that leaves no traces that can be brought back and traced to her?"
"Because she's also a superstitious woman who is unsure about the afterlife, and to be sure of her own future, would be afraid notto bury her here."
"Hnnn," Zelgadiss murmured, his eyes on the heavy chain and padlock holding the gate shut. "We'll need something to get past this."
Gourry and Valgaav both looked over the lock, which was rusted shut, and the chain was very thick. Valgaav shook his head. "I'll have to look over the cabin and see what there is to break it. Cutters of some sort."
"Tire iron?" Lina mused. "They still put those in cars?"
"Not mine," Xel said.
"We can check the van. You've seen enough? Think you can get here in the dark tonight?" Sherra asked them.
Xel nodded. "Thanks, we'll be fine. Now, as I was getting to..."
"Tell us on the way," Filia interrupted. She set off back toward the cabin, the others peeling themselves away from the mysterious gate to join her.
"Okay," Xel shrugged. "From what I could figure out from the scanty maps of the tomb, the uppermost layer of coffins within vaults will be hard to check because headroom is restricted. Oh, I suspect some of the burial chambers may be sealed– as in airtight. Maybe not. But once we break one open, the coffins are exposed to the air, and the decay processes rapidly affect both organic and inorganic materials, so we'll have to work fast.
"Where coffins are sealed within a vault via a front wall, it is sensible to dismantle the front walls of the vaults a coffin's depth at a time, inhibiting decay, if we have the choice."
Amelia shivered, but only partly from the steadily cooling air. The topic of exhumation was chilling. "So, what kind of...shape do you expect to find...what you're looking for?"
Xel embraced the moment. He was very knowledgeable on the subject of burials, as was Valgaav. The two had often discussed it over dinner. "Soft tissue may be preserved in sealed lead coffins, but it can also survive wooden coffins in earth. In most crypts the majority of the individuals will be skeletonized, but some individual burials will retain soft tissue. This all means that what we will be getting into, well, the condition and completeness of the human remains will vary enormously."
"Gods, I don't know how you can deal with this. How can you imagine digging around dead people like that?" Filia asked.
"I'm sorry that the processes of putrefaction on human remains are physically repulsive to you. Just be glad that there are exceptional people like us forensic scientists, forensic archaeologists, mortuary and medically trained personnel that do it for you," Xel snapped back defensively.
Valgaav was tired of their constant bickering. He cleared his throat. "Enough! You're forgetting what we're here for. I might as well tell you all what to look for. I did some research, too, and I wanna tell you about it." Everyone shut up and gave him their full attention. "All right. Well, it seems that DNA survives best and free from contamination in teeth and small bones. Hair is likely to be completely decayed, so don't count on finding that. So, it is recommended that two teeth, and in particular the canine teeth because they are simple in shape and easily pulled out, and two metatarsals from the feet or metacarpals from the hands should be removed. Don't clean the samples in any way. Just store them in these little plastic containers, which we'll put in the cooler as soon as possible and freeze."
Lina observed Xel fingering a sample face mask as he listened to his cousin. "Where did you get that from? I didn't see you bring that along," Lina said.
"I wasn't sure what we might need on this first visit. From my map, the gate wasn't barred and I was hoping to get a peek inside the catacombs. Shall I demonstrate how to put this on and adjust it to fit properly?"
Amelia giggled. "Have you been practicing to be a steward for the airlines?"
"No, do you think I ought to? It's not too late for a career change," he said, smiling.
"Yes it is," Lina said, pounding him in the arm. "Just forget her and get on with business."
"I think I'm done with our face mask system with air filtration to PP3 standard. Any questions?"
"Plenty, but they can wait," Zelgadiss muttered and picked up his pace down the path. "It's getting dark."
After that, everyone jogged back to the cabin. Sherra traded keys with Xel, wished them all good luck, and drove his car back to the garage close to the airstrip. Xel climbed into the driver's seat of the van. "Party time! All aboard the castle express!"
As the van turned up the road, a soaring roofline stood out in sharp contrast against the fading sunset. The dark building looming out of the forest set back the party mood for some of the van's occupants.
Xel felt the oppressive mood settle upon the others. "It's better on the inside. I always told mother she ought to paint the place a brighter color or set out a few cheerful flower boxes. I know I will when it's time to sell."
Lina chuckled. "He's joking guys. It's actually just as inhospitable on the inside. Well, not the bedrooms, exactly, but the dining hall is. Are we going in there?"
"Let's see what's lit up. That's always a clue."
"The front door's lit. That's a good sign, right? Like we're expected?" Sylphiel asked.
"You think having Zelas Metallium expecting you to arrive is a good sign?" Filia asked.
Even Xel had no comeback for that. He hesitated at the door. He didn't know exactly what to expect from his mother tonight, but he knew her well enough to be mentally prepared for anything. He would have to be nimble-minded, and so would his cousin. Valgaav he could count on since the two of them had already considered a couple strategies, but he wasn't certain how the others would like their roles. Perhaps he should warn them.
"What is it?" Lina asked.
"I just want to warn everyone that a few spontaneous acts on my part and Valgaav's will take place. Before you get all excited, I don't know exactly what or when, but I can tell you why." He waited for everyone's undivided attention, then said, "It's even more important than ever to show Zelgadiss has support in high places– Gaav, for instance. And not my telling her. She has to see it for herself. Also, we might have to defer attention off Lina or on one of you, Sylphiel, for example. We don't want to make it easy for her to see a way to get at one of us through a weaker link."
"I'm not really sure I understand what you mean to do," Sylphiel said.
He and Valgaav exchanged looks and both smiled. "Let's keep it light. Think of this as an improv theater party," Valgaav said.
Their footfalls echoed along the cavernous hallway to the dining room. "Big place," Gourry commented. "Plenty room to swing a sword."
"Damn! I knew there was something this hallway was good for. Sword fighting!" Xel laughed and stabbed at a gloomy landscape painting with a pretend blade. "You ever learn fencing?" Xel asked.
"Learn it!" Lina butted in. "Gourry coached the team in high school, I mean there was a teacher there, but he knew everything. Zelgadiss and I got pretty good, wouldn't you say Zelly?"
"I thought we were very good. Only Gourry could beat us."
"You were good in archery, too." Amelia smiled and blushed at the memory of the handsome Zelgadiss with his arms wrapped around her to correct her hold. "I don't think I ever hit a bull's eye."
"It takes practice to develop the arm strength. You were a dead eye shot with the pistol on the shooting range, so you are skilled." He put that as kindly as possible, for him, but avoided her eyes. He had been aware of Amelia's infatuation with him when they were in archery class, but ignored her mostly. He hadn't been a good friend to anyone. Things had changed for him now. Only his true friends stuck with him through the awful recovery after the accident, and Amelia was one them. His eyes slid to meet hers, and he smiled. "After all the bowling, I'm sure your arms are stronger now. We ought to give it a try again sometime."
"What a good idea! I'd like that a lot, Mr. Zelgadiss!"
Valgaav closed in on his two friends. "You know they say three's a crowd."
Zelgadiss shook his head and parted from Amelia. He hadn't gotten far, when one of Valgaav's lanky arms caught him around the shoulders. Valgaav was chuckling as he extended his other arm around Amelia's waist, and together the threesome entered the dining room.
Xel and Lina were in the lead, followed by the threesome. Gourry, Filia and Sylphiel filed in last. The dining room table was laden with platters of roasted meats and vegetables, baskets of crusty rolls, and tureens of soups and casseroles. "Now that's a spread," Lina gasped.
"Is all this just for us?" Gourry asked with delight. His eyes flickered between the table and the owner of the castle.
Zelas rose from her chair, greeting her young guests. "Good evening. I wasn't sure what music you'd like so... Ah, there you are Xel, darling. Would you see to that for me? You...you fine, tall, young man. Yes, the food is all for you, so eat plenty and enjoy yourselves. No hard feelings for winning the bowling tournament. Now where is...?" She paused, her eyes darting over to Valgaav, " No, you're not Gaav's little boy, are you? Valgaav... I can't believe how you have grown. I last saw you when you were just a small thing. Same unkempt tuft of green hair, though. And so tall! Xel, darling, such nice tall friends you have. Too bad you take after your father in that respect." Zelas pulled Xel to the side. "I'd like to speak to Zelgadiss. You can arrange that, can't you?"
Xel shook his head, and said lightheartedly, "Well, I don't know. It depends upon Valgaav's mood. He's not a sharing guy, ordinarily."
Zelas looked over just in time to catch Valgaav pull the unprepared Zelgadiss into a kiss. "No. You didn't tell me he was a favorite of Gaav's son. " She frowned and searched her son's eyes for the truth.
Xel wisely kept them hidden under a fringe of hair. He also turned to block the view of Zelgadiss trying to punch Valgaav's lights out. "I was as surprised at the discovery as you."
"Rezo didn't care how I used his grandson. We had that obstacle out of the way, but my brother Gaav is another matter."
"He's such a dark horse."
"He can't be bought. That's my point. And he's got his own power structure to consider. How he got that high appointment in the Cepheid empire I don't know."
"Did you ever think his adopting Valgaav didn't cement his favor? Milgasia sends his people to Gaav for all their funeral business." Xel could sense his mother's growing dismay at this turn of events. He hoped he hadn't gone too far. He hoped that later she wouldn't try some act of desperation.
Zelas' eyes steeled into flint-like hardness. "So, how is that little girlfriend of yours coming along?"
Xel hid his expression as he gestured Lina's way and said loudly. "Lina? Oh, she and Gourry are going out, I think." Filia was the closest female. He made a quick calculation and then a rash decision. "Filia is my latest, right love?"
"What?" Filia gasped as she was unexpectedly swept up into Xel's arms. He held her to his chest and leaned into her ear, pretending to nuzzle her as he whispered, "Relax, play along." Aloud he said with a chuckle, "She's a little shy. This was to be our first date and we hadn't told anyone else. Sorry, Fil, to blow our secret."
Filia barely concealed her contempt of the man at that instant. One glance over at Gourry and Lina and their pleading looks to "play along" convinced her to breathe. "You should have waited, Xelly, or at least warned me first."
Xel noticed that his mother's concentration was on something other than Filia's words; she was staring at the pendant around her neck. What was that? The blue bauble signified something important. Damn, Cepheid shrine priestess of the highest order! Why had Filia worn such a thing to this? Here, where Zelas was almost certain to see the blatant warning: "Milgasia is watching you."
Xel was just about to concoct an explanation– something along the lines of: "Oh, you like the necklace? I got it in trade for a free burial"– when he noted a change in his mother's expression.
She smiled cunningly. "Xel, dear, can I have a word with you? Won't take but a minute. I'll let you have him right back, dear," Zelas said to Filia as she tugged on Xel's arm with two delicate fingers.
Filia pushed apart from Xel so forcefully that she nearly propelled Xel out of the room. Xel excused himself and stepped into the doorway. "What is it?"
Zelas smiled and patted his cheek. "I underestimated you dear. Here I thought you were bringing all these kids along for entertainment, but you have included a hostage. Gaav, the turncoat, and all the followers of Cepheid be damned."
Xel quickly came to grips with the new quandary. Lina was out of danger, Zelgadiss was safe as long as Valgaav was nearby, but he had put Filia into a very bad situation. Filia had come to save Zelgadiss and stop Zelas, was she now going to have to forfeit her life? It was a cost Xel might be willing to take, or would have been a few months ago, but since he had fallen in love with Lina, he cared about everyone in general. This adventure was getting more complicated and difficult than he liked. He should never had agreed to bring the girls along. "That is one way to look at it. You could also consider it preventative on Milgasia's part. If Filia discovers any possible danger here, Milgasia can have police forces sent in and bring the court action against the business. He could shut down all your operations. Just another possibility to consider."
Xelloss smiled beatifically. Zelas studied his face, weighing his loyalty and honesty. He appeared calm and unconcerned. From her point of view, Xel was strong-willed enough to defy her. He surely wouldn't bring the enemy into her home and rub her nose in it. He was too smart and obedient. She had always been able to depend on her son to come through for her. In the end, she believed that her son had to cope with Valgaav and Filia's presence the best he could, and so would she. However, she did not like how her son enjoyed springing little surprises at the last moment. "You have always had an unpredictable sense of humor. I don't like it."
Zelas looked askance at the alien looking young man beside Valgaav. She would have to make her offer to Zelgadiss quickly. "Bring Zelgadiss to me, without the other boy."
"Okay." Xel bowed slightly, and breathed a sigh of relief when he was out of earshot. "Hey, Zelgadiss! Come here." He dropped his voice, whispering, "Whatever she wants, tell her you'll think about it. Don't reject her outright." Loudly he laughed, "Mom wants a closer look at your hair. I think she's thinking of having hers done the same way."
Both Zelgadiss and Zelas denied the possibility simultaneously. It had been a silly thing for Xel to say, but it successfully lightened the mood and covered his anxiety. Zelas made pleasant conversation with Zelgadiss, but only received inaudible grunts and mumbling in reply. "Gaav has told me the nicest things about you. He's highly rated your work at the morgue. I'd like to offer you more variety and better pay. You could continue to work with Xelloss in the most modern facilities available."
Zelgadiss wanted to say flat out "no," but he heeded his cousin's counsel. It would make no sense making an enemy of the woman whose sister he was hoping to dig up. There would be time for that later when he helped shut down her sick laboratory operations. "I was planning to go to college starting next week, but your offer sounds interesting. I'd like to think it over."
"Of course. Sleep on it. I could have a tour arranged for you tomorrow."
"Which I would never return from, I'll bet," Zelgadiss thought to himself, but managed a weak smile and said aloud, "Thanks."
"Yes, you enjoy your weekend party, dear, and then Monday, we'll send back the riff-raff and get down to business. You'll be staying here at the castle, won't you?"
"Here?" Xel jumped in. "No, they are all excited about camping at the beach, since the weather is as good as it ever gets."
Zelas parted company a little while later. The kids nibbled or gorged, awaiting Xel's signal to leave. Gourry made his way over to him and said, "You had me going back there."
"Oh?" Xel thought a moment, but couldn't come up with what the other man meant. "How do you mean?"
"You and Filia. When you told yer mom you and Filia were, you know."
"Yes, well, I didn't want my mother to think she could get to me through Lina."
"Oh, well, that's good." Gourry smiled. "I didn't wanna haveta break your jaw again."
"Say what?" Then it dawned on Xel that Gourry must like Filia. "Oh, my... Sorry about that, really. I'll keep my hands off her from now on."
"Be sure you do." Gourry was still smiling, but his tone was serious. He dropped back, making room for Lina to clamp onto Xel's arm.
"What was all that about?" Lina asked.
"Male dominance."
"Oh, that. You know there is no such thing."
Xel smiled. "Not any more."
End Graveyard Shift 24.