Chapter 5
Down to Business
As Arthur dialed Hannibal's number, Cas leaned on him and rested her chin on his shoulder.
"Don't worry so much. You know these guys. You said it yourself, they're like fathers to you, they will do what they have to in order to help and protect you."
Arthur smiles.
"Thanks, Cas. I appreciate your faith."
After 4 rings, Hannibal picks up.
"Yes?"
"Hannibal? Hey this is Arthur."
"Arthur! I'm so glad to hear from you! I'd ask how Crimson Beech is going for you, but we just heard about the fire. Are you and your mother OK?"
"Yeah we are just fine, we stayed safe throughout the ordeal. Actually, that's why I wanted to call you. We could use the teams' help, and I'd like to talk in person about it. I want to hire you guys."
"Arthur. You don't need to hire us. We can come down and help out. You need help with your house, or something I take it?"
"No, this is more serious than that, Hannibal. It involves the town and the fire. I don't want to say much more than that on the phone. All I am going to say is it's sketchy and something more than a high school student and a medical examiner can handle, if you catch my drift."
Hannibal's tone is very concerned and serious.
"What have you gotten yourself into, Arthur?"
"It's not just about us, it involves the whole town. And right now no one knows but a select few. Please, Hannibal. Even if you all don't come down, at least can you come talk with me?"
"No, we will all come. We're a team. And it sounds like you'll need us, I just wish I knew what we are dealing with here."
"If we were face to face, I'd just show you. But it's hard to convey over the phone, and I don't want too much said over the phone in case someone hears."
There is a long pause on Hannibal's end.
"And your mother knows what's going on?"
"Yes. She even agreed that calling you was the best option."
Another long pause.
"OK, Arthur. I trust Terri's judgment. Not that I don't trust yours, you know that. Just promise me you won't get into trouble till we get there. Which will be… Hang on a minute."
Hannibal's voice can be faintly heard in the background calling to Face and B.A.. Arthur shoots a mock pained look at Cas, who has since stood straight and put her normal intimidating look on her face.
"I'm sorry! People were walking by and I don't wanna look wimpy."
Before Arthur can call her out, Hannibal comes back on the line.
"Arthur, we will be there in three days. Face has some appointments he needs to wrap up, and B.A. has a full schedule at the garage tomorrow."
"And Murdock?"
Murdock grabs the receiver from Hannibal.
"Ya I'm here, cowboy! Howlin Mad and ready to break bad!"
Hannibal grabs the receiver back.
"Murdock… Anyway, Arthur, can you stay out of trouble until we get there?"
Arthur looks at Cas with a devilish grin.
"I think I can manage…"
"Don't just think Arthur. Do it. We can't help if you're in a world of trouble."
"I promise nothing is gonna happen in three days that will cause any trouble. Mom and I will make sure of it. Thank you, Hannibal. I'm hoping you can help with this. It's really important."
"Arthur, you're like a son to us. We will help you anytime. Near or far. Tell your mother hi for us and we will see you soon."
"Will do, later, Hannibal."
Arthur hangs up and turns back to Cas.
"What's this crap about looking wimpy? You realize you could NEVER look wimpy. You're the epitome of bad ass. And grumpy. And mean-looking."
Cas shoves Arthur playfully as they walk into the café.
"OK, You started off great. Then you just tanked it."
"But I'm not wrong. You walk around like the world is your enemy."
Arthur thought about it, and realized, they kind of are. Cas whispers the same into Arthur's ear.
"Well they kind of are, if you think about it. To the uneducated world, we are demons. Hence the secrecy."
"I guess you're right."
Astoria picked a table far in the back as to be as far from any listening ears as possible.
Arthur pulls a chair out for Cas and sits down after her. Everyone talks in a hushed voice, barely audible.
"I talked to Hannibal. He says 'Hi'. The team will be here in three days. I am thinking I will introduce the vampire-ness to them alone first. Well, not alone, I'll have Cas and Mom with me. Then once they're on board, we will call a meeting at the Nexus…"
Lewyn interrupts with a pained expression.
"Not that I don't appreciate you taking initiative, but you have to leave such planning to Astoria and I."
Astoria picks up where Lewyn ended.
"I agree with Lewyn for once. They may be your friends, but this is very much our town to lead and protect."
Arthur sits back in his chair as the waiter comes by with a pitcher of water and glasses.
"Do we know what were having, or do you need a minute yet?"
Astoria and Lewyn order first, and then around the table.
"I'll have your steak dinner, and I'd like it as rare as possible, please."
"Same for me, please."
Terri is next, followed by Gabriela.
"I'll take the chicken salad, please"
"Chicken strip basket for me please"
Arthur and Cas share a glance. Cas pipes up first.
"I'll take a bacon cheeseburger with jalapenos and an order of jalapeno poppers."
"I'll take the same, but I'd like cheddar and Swiss cheeses instead of American. Thank you."
The waiter leaves with the order, Terri and Gabriela eye the couple with surprise. Gabriela breaks the silence.
"Cas, I'm not surprised, but Arthur? I've never seen you eat spicy food."
Terri adds.
"You two must want a stomach ache or something."
Astoria interjects with vampire lore.
"Most vampires wouldn't even sit down at a restaurant like this. We do it for appearances once in a great while, but not often. The food doesn't feed us like it does for humans. It does, but at a much lesser capacity. It's more for personal happiness and flavor. Blood is our main diet. It's what gives us strength and nourishment."
Gabriela adds to Astoria's lesson.
"Also, a lot of cooked and processed food uses spices and seasonings. Most are OK to eat, but anything containing garlic can get us sick real fast. And that's why I mentioned it to Arthur. Because we don't know what's in the breading of the jalapeno poppers. Its probably fine, but you never know."
Cas grins.
"I like to live on the edge."
No one else smiles in return. Arthur comments.
"Well if I get sick, I know why."
"I've eaten them here before. It will be fine."
Arthur nods to Cas, taking a swallow of water before checking his surroundings and continuing.
"OK. Back to our discussion. I am not trying to overstep here, guys. But if I am to convince The A-Team that vampires exist, and that the Creator exists, then I have to do so my way. They don't know you and without properly being introduced, they may act defensively. I don't want that. Now as far as Nexus meetings are concerned, I was just suggesting that, not ordering you around."
Cas grins and adds her own comment.
"Even though that would be awesome as hell…"
Astoria and Lewyn glower at Cas momentarily, then address Arthur. Astoria gets defensive.
"You just handle your friends and we will do the rest."
"Astoria, please. Tact. Arthur, I really want this to go off without a hitch, so I am appointing you to handle this situation, but we need to communicate. No making any decisions without conversing with Astoria and I. No exceptions. You will have both of our numbers in your phone, and you need to use them. Aside from whatever you do to convince your friends to help, everything else goes through us. I trust you can agree to that?"
Astoria grumbles.
"You're giving him too much power."
"At least until we have the backing of his friends. Arthur is right. He needs to do this his way to get them involved."
Arthur weighs in.
"Astoria is right to be worried. But Lewyn is right in his strategy as well. That's what makes you two being coven heads work. All angles are covered. In the end though, all you're doing is supporting my cause for unification. You're working together without even knowing it. And I think it's great. There is always going to be jeers among Clements and Venandis. Just as the jocks always make fun of the nerds and so forth. I will just say, my intent isn't to take over here, rather eventually work with you as a team member."
Astoria huffs out a response.
"Things have been this way for centuries. You really think you can just come in and change them?"
"Not without a vote, no. But its my platform, because both covens have a lot of good points and views. And times have changed. Let's work together openly, rather than with all this resentment."
Lewyn and Astoria look to each other. Arthur can see they both respect his stance, even if they don't agree with it. Lewyn speaks.
"Let's wait with the political speeches until after we solve this Creator problem, shall we?"
Everyone murmurs in agreement. The waiter brings the plates out, and then leaves before Astoria begins on a new subject.
"Since Adalhard made a stink of us burning down the school just before the Fall Formal, we are going to be holding it at the community center next weekend. At first I disagreed, but then I realized I have to do something to keep these kids wrangled in until they transfer schools in a couple weeks."
Gabriela defends herself.
"It wasn't just me, the whole student government body was upset."
"Whatever. It doesn't matter, as long as it gives the kids something to keep them occupied. That brings me to my next point. Morgan, Harlow, I am ordering you to help Adalhard and her crew this week. A week isn't much time to put together a dance, and especially in a different venue. At least until your A-Team arrives. And after they're situated, you can continue with anything that needs to be done in the meantime."
Cas is overcome with disgust, as Arthur remains calm and emotionless.
"Do you hate me, Astoria? Why?"
Gabriela counters.
"Oh, c'mon, Cas! We could really use the help! Libby and I had plans drawn up for décor ideas, and now they're dust along with the school. And because the community center is smaller than the gym, we have to get creative. Having yours and Arthur's minds on deck will be invaluable."
"I don't think my ideas will fit into your formal dance, Adalhard."
Arthur leans forward, catching Cas' gaze.
"Then it will be a challenge for you to work outside your comfort zone. No sense arguing it, we have been ordered by a coven leader."
Arthur looks over to a smiling Astoria. Cas looks forlorn.
"I don't even know what I can do to help. This really isn't my scene or cup of tea for that matter."
Arthur addresses Cas.
"Well, your first task is to think of a décor theme. Think of the décor style, colors and such. I'm tasking Gabriela with the same. And include your friends. Get some good ideas that you're proud of, and we can come together for a committee decision."
Gabriela is shocked.
"So when did you become the leader of a committee that I made months ago?"
Arthur barks out an authoritative answer, keeping his eye contact soft, however as to not scare her. Astoria is loving it, smiling big.
"I am leading this committee as of now. You may be class president, but I am leader of this committee. Since Lewyn and Astoria won't let me be a coven leader."
Arthur winks at Astoria as she bursts out in laughter.
"That's good, Morgan! I see you appreciate my brand of humor."
Lewyn is silent. He has a slight grin while shaking his head. Arthur looks between Cas and Gabriela for a response. Gabriela responds first.
"Alrighty, boss man. I cave."
"You really mean to say that I will have an actual say?"
Arthur addresses Cas first.
"Yes you will. And I will make sure of it. And Gabriela, don't scoff at this or take it lightly. I was serious about the times changing, and we are gonna show these old fogeys how it's done, starting with you two. We are going to work as a team, and anyone that you bring on board will adhere to that as well, or they can get kicked to the curb. So how about it? Do I have a Dance Committee, or do I have to do it all myself while you two sit and pout?"
Cas looks at Gabriela with determination. Gabriela returns it. They nod at each other. Astoria and Lewyn sit wide eyed at Arthur's show of force. Cas answers determined.
"I'm here for you, Babe. Lets do this. Are you with us, Adalhard?"
Gabriela nods.
"Absolutely."
Arthur smiles as he sits back in his chair.
"Good. Because I love it when a plan comes together."
Terri burst out laughing.
"You're excited to show your own team to Hannibal, aren't you?"
Arthur smiles. Gabriela is confused.
"I don't get it."
Terri clears it up.
"That line 'I love it when a plan comes together' is Hannibal's calling card. He always says it. And since Hannibal's the leader of the A-Team, Arthur is taking a page from Hannibal's book."
Cas gets it. She looks at Arthur.
"So if you're Hannibal in this team, who are we? I mean we haven't met them yet, but just humor me."
Arthur looks back at Cas.
"Well, you're B.A. You both are rough around the edges, impatient, and highly opinionated. But in a lovable way."
Terri interjects with a smile.
"Oh yeah, I totally see that."
Cas comes back wittily.
"Better be careful, then Arthur. I could leave you for B.A."
Arthur raises his eyebrows and hands.
"Well if you're into burly African Americans with mohawks, bad manners, and zero patience…"
Cas scoots over to Arthur and rests her head on his shoulder.
"Nah. You're stuck with me. You're the yin to my yang."
Arthur smiles. Gabriela asks her place.
"Who am I?"
Arthur ponders for a moment.
"I'd say you're most like Murdock. You take up any slack where it's needed, you're a team player, you're soft hearted and kind, and you're always looking at the good side of everything. At least, things that aren't personal. Actually, when he gets here, you should spend some time with him. You guys share a similar train of thought and he could help you with your negative self image."
Gabriela sputters for a moment.
"I… Well… Thank you Arthur. But I get a lot of my support from you."
"Maybe so, but I know Murdock can help too. He's gonna gravitate towards you, anyway. I can just tell. And as for "our" Face, I'd say Harrison is the closest, followed by Seth. They both can think up plans on the fly, and have the inherent ability to smooth talk or charm anyone out of anything. That's Faceman."
Everyone digs into their food. Not much is said. After dinner, Arthur addresses the girls.
"Cas, I'd ask Val, Scott and Margo to help you with your décor. Gabriela, I'd ask Libby, Harrison and Nicole."
Gabriela counters. I'm gonna leave Libby out of it. She has picked up a lot of hours at the arcade since school's out, so I don't know how much help she'd be. But I can always ask Jade and Aiden for help."
"Very well. Excuse me, I'm going to go pay the bill. I'll be right back."
Astoria calls out to Arthur.
"Not necessary. It's already been put on our tab. We have a running tab, and when we come in, it's automatically taken care of."
"I'll leave the tip, then."
Arthur says standing. The waiter comes by, and Arthur stuffs a wad of bills and change in the waiter's hand. With that, the waiter smiles and puts the money in his apron. Everyone else stands and follows Arthur outside. Once outside, Lewyn and Astoria bid farewell and Gabriela checks her phone.
"Libby just texted. She's busy at the arcade and needs help. So I'm gonna head that way."
"Want a ride?"
Arthur asks pointing to the car.
"Sure, I guess it's not out of the way for you, is it?"
"Not at all."
Everyone piles into the car. Arthur starts it up and begins to pull out of the lot. He speaks to Cas and Gabriela.
"Now I know you two have different tastes in style. And while I said to pick styles that you like, keep in mind that it all has to be agreed upon. So while you work on your style choices, try to find things that appeal to the other's taste as well. It will make the decision easier."
Cas and Gabriela look at each other. They nod, but then Cas brings the discussion in another direction.
"Arthur, we need to talk while all four of us are together."
Arthur senses the urgency in Cas' voice.
"What's wrong, Cas?
"Well, we've noticed that you and your mom have been really quiet since… Well you know…"
Gabriela finishes the thought.
"Since you found out you're a vampire."
Arthur ponders it for a moment. Wow. They just got real personal real fast. Gabriela continues.
"We just want to know where you're at…"
Cas cuts her off. Not to take over, more to show the Morgans how much she cares for them.
"We just want to make sure you're OK and if you're not, that's fine. But we're here to talk it out. And it's OK to be mad, sad, whatever you feel."
Gabriela nods at Cas in agreement. They share a faint smile.
Arthur searches for the right words.
"Well, we've always been a rough and tumble family. Meaning we rolled with the punches life sent us and kept going. That's especially true of Mom, as she's raised me by herself almost all my life."
Terri gets a tear in her eye as she look at Arthur.
"Yeah I guess we have, haven't we."
Arthur continues after a quick smile to his mom.
"I guess I've always just put emotional grievances aside and dealt with them after the fact. After the storm, so to speak. Yeah, not the healthiest, but I don't ignore them. I just put away the lesser important things to deal with them later."
Gabriela speaks up.
"This is really important, though Arthur."
Cas adds.
"Yeah, even a hard ass like me knows so. Lewyn and Astoria don't deal with it and don't want any part in how anyone deals with it. They just think that new vampires should just accept it and live for the covens. But you being in my life is proof that there is much more that's important, not just the covens."
Terri questions aloud.
"What is there to be mad about? You guys care so much for my son that you saved him. That is something to be happy about. Not mad."
Gabriela and Cas look at each other. Arthur understands, though.
"Because Mom. My life is essentially over. My human life. I can't go to college, travel the world, or any of the things that kids dream of doing. I'm bound to the protection of Crimson Beech and it's ley line. I mean, sure. I can visit other ley lines, and there are quite a few. But I can't move to any of them without either them being an ally coven and them allowing it, or I'd have to leave Crimson Beech behind and join a different coven. And who knows what they're like in comparison to us, let alone allies. Furthermore, I am immortal. I will not age anymore. You will. Someday I'll lose you to old age. I'm a completely different being now. And I didn't exactly get a choice in the matter either. I technically died in the creator battle, but before my life slipped away completely, Cas and Gabriela made a decision to turn me. Against the plan. Without asking me. Or anyone. So yeah, now that I process it, I do feel the anger there. The sadness. But honestly, it's far outweighed by the joy in my life that comes from knowing I can still be here in this world with you, my kick-ass girlfriend and awesome best friend."
Terri is crying. Having it explained so calm and matter-of-factly, and by her own son is just too much. But it's exactly what she needed to hear. The hard truth.
"So you won't be able to have kids, either. No grand babies."
Cas is caught off guard, but powers forward with a response.
"Actually, it is possible. There have been instances in history where it's happened. But the probability is next to non-existent, think 1% or less, and it involves a ceremony performed by the coven leader. And that's if the coven allows it. They're perfectly happy making grown humans into vampires instead. But say the 1% chance is met, it takes 55 and a half years to conceive the baby. For us, the time is nothing. But for you, Dr. Morgan, well you'd be quite old, no offense."
Terri wipes her tears and smiles.
"None taken. And please, call me Terri."
"Can I call you Mom?"
Terri is overtaken by Cas' response as she shares a meaningful look with Cas.
"Sure! Absolutely. But what about if I wanted to become a vampire? I mean, I really don't take that too seriously because I can't fathom it just yet, but what if I were to do that willingly?"
Cas and Gabriela share an uneasy look. Arthur catches on.
"Mom, I get what you're thinking. But you're only being exposed to the good side of the vampiric nature. You're not seeing the constant desire of blood that's in the back of your mind. Sure you can suppress it. But there's more to it than that. You and Gabriela should talk one on one about her struggle with being a vampire. Her ancestors were vampire hunters. Vampires not only took her life away like me, but…"
Terri finishes the statement.
"They took her family from her too."
Arthur looks in the rearview at Terri.
"Yes. Now I won't pretend that things wouldn't be easier for us if you were a vampire. At least then Astoria and Lewyn could rest easier about you keeping the secret. But there is so much more to it than that."
Arthur pulls up to the arcade.
"I suggest you two talk the vampire stuff out soon. While it's fresh in your minds. But as for me, just know I'm dealing with it, and if I need you guys, I will come to you."
Cas leans over and kisses Arthur's cheek. Gabriela squeezes his shoulder before getting out of the car
"Thanks for the ride, you guys. And thanks Arthur. I'm here if you ever need to talk."
Terri says goodbye to Gabriela and Arthur starts off for his place. Cas shoots off a group text to the other Venandis about the dance planning.
"I'm going to meet everyone at my place for planning. You can come over too, babe."
Arthur smiles at her.
"Isn't that a little biased? I'd have to go help Gabriela too to make it fair."
Cas' face falls.
"Look, Arthur. I'm really out of my element. Maybe you've gone to dances before, but I never have. Hell. I only own one dress, and it's the one I wore to my turning ceremony because it was required of me. I could really use the help. I think the others have gone to dances before, but none of us can really picture what Adalhard would approve of. I guess you know her better."
Terri's interest perks up.
"Let's drop by the community center and get a look at what we're working with. Then we can get together and I could put some insight on what Gabriela might like. I kinda get her brand. I was a lot like her when I was younger."
Arthur and Cas look at each other.
"You want to help, Mom?"
"Hey. The more the merrier. Adalhard's done this kind of stuff forever, and if Mom understands her, it gives us a chance at finding stuff she approves of."
Terri beams.
"I'd love to help. I'm laid off and there isn't much else to do."
Arthur stops at the community center. It's locked, but a couple window shades are open that they can glance into and look it over. After snapping few pics on his phone, Arthur returns to the Packard. Cas gives an update.
"Margo and Scott don't want anything to do with it. Probably because they're off sparring somewhere. They're addicted to that damn fight club. But Val said she was kind of excited to help, and Seth said he would help"
Terri looks worried
"What fight club?"
Arthur looks at Cas, who looks worried. He winks at her and answers Terri.
"Remember that alley you found me in when I was grounded? That's the Venandi Boxing Ring. Vampires come from all over to fight."
Terri is astounded.
"Arthur Morgan, don't tell me…"
"Yes, Mom. I did fight. With Cas. It was all good fun and I met some vampires from Flagstone Cove. I'm glad I did, because now I had a say in giving them refuge. Since the Creator destroyed their ley line."
Terri gives Arthur some credit.
"Well you weren't seriously hurt, and if it made you some friends, then I guess I can't complain further."
Arthur hands off the keys to Cas.
"She's asking for her mama, I think."
Cas grins.
"I'll admit. I do like seeing you drive the car, but yes. I'd like to drive."
Everyone gets into the car and Cas takes off for her cabin. When they arrive, Val and Seth are waiting for them. Terri steps out of the car marveling at the quaintness of the property.
Val and Seth startle at the sight of Terri, But Cas puts them at ease.
"Mom's OK. She knows."
Val is completely blind sided.
"Mom?"
Cas fills them in while she unlocks the door. Terri smiles and pats them on the shoulders. Val tries to relax, obviously not used to the loving act. Seth, however smiles back.
"Good to see you again, Dr. Morgan!"
"It's nice to meet you, Val. And guys, Terri is fine. Only the Dynamic Duo has to call me 'Mom'."
Arthur and Cas give each other a cringe look.
"Seriously, Mom? How incredibly cheesy!"
"I'm with Arthur. That is certainly a dated nickname."
Terri waves them off with indifference.
"I don't care. You're my 'Dynamic Duo' And that's the end of it."
Arthur and Cas roll their eyes simultaneously. Arthur pleads with Terri, Cas seconds.
"Well can you just not say it outside of closed doors?"
"Please!"
Everyone laughs. Terri gets a childish tone in her voice.
"Oh, OK wittle pookies. I pwomise…"
Another round of laughter ensues. Arthur shakes his head, eyeing Cas. They are grinning at each other. Arthur winks at Cas.
"Well team, ready to show me what we can dream up for this dance?"