Chapter 12: Family Quarrel
After lunch, Maia changed into a suit. When Sam asked why she getting so dressed up, she explained she was meeting with a classics professor. Luckily, Sam was too drowsy to question her further. Peter had left once Neal fell asleep. Chloe and Peony visited both men midday and Peony promised to keep watch during Maia's absence. Tatyana was keeping Sam company.
As Maia reviewed her list, she tried to put a lid on her jittery nerves. If Electra suspected her, the consequences would be severe, but that no longer seemed very important. She'd been able to perform a little penance and for eighteen hours she'd been free of Electra's hold.
The previous evening, she'd sneaked a mouthful of the potion for herself just before performing the spell on Sam. She'd been so preoccupied with treating the others that she hadn't noticed the impact on herself till late at night. She could have cried aloud when she realized the potion had worked. She and Electra were no longer able to communicate telepathically.
Additional verification came in the morning when Electra summoned her via a text message. It was the first time in countless ages she'd resorted to an external means. Maia managed to stall her till the afternoon. She lingered over a gentle farewell kiss to Sam, hoping it wouldn't be the last one she gave him. He'd smiled at her in his sleep. If her plan failed, that would likely be her last sight of him. If so, it was a good final image. No matter what happened to her, he'd have Dean and his friends.
She took a taxi to Columbia and went to Hamilton Hall where the Department of Classics was located. Before teleporting, she checked her appearance in the mirror of the ladies' room. The severely tailored lines of the Armani gray suit would meet with Electra's approval.
She took a breath and focused . . .
When she materialized in Electra's office at her bookstore, the goddess was pacing, her face rigid with anger. Crowley gave a brief nod from his position in a chestnut leather wing-back chair. He was smart, not saying a word.
Maia strode up to her. "When did you notice our link was severed?"
"Just before I texted you."
"Can you reach your other sisters? Alcy? Gemma?"
"Yes. Apparently you were the only one targeted. Have you attempted to reach into Sam's mind?"
Maia shook her head.
"Do it."
Maia took a seat on the sofa and closed her eyes. There was no need to pretend. Instead, she accentuated her effort to contact him, wrinkling her brow in frustration, before finally giving up. "I can't either. What could have caused this?"
"We've become the targets of sabotage, but it appears to be only of select victims. I can no longer reach either Sam or Neal."
"Electra tried connecting with various protégés," Crowley added. "The only severed links are to you, Cheekbones, and the Moose." He turned to Electra. "Who else besides you can break links?"
Electra sat down beside Maia. "My father is capable of the act but he hasn't descended to Earth in millennia. I refuse to believe he would stoop to something so low."
"But Thanatos would," Maia suggested, seizing the opening Electra had provided.
Her face flashed acknowledgment. "Of course! It has to be him."
"And who, pray tell, is Thanatos?" Crowley prompted when Electra didn't explain further.
"Electra's brother," Maia explained. "He rules over Oblivion."
Crowley waved his hand in a circle. "Don't stop there. Is Oblivion a delicious variant of Hell? Did Junior supplant Hades as the ruler of the Greek underworld?"
Maia flicked Electra a glance before replying. She appeared to be tolerant of his questions. "Oblivion is a separate domain within the underworld. It's inhabited by the souls of vampires, dark witches, and ghosts who refuse to pass on. Usually, those are vengeful spirits who hold such a strong grudge against whoever killed them that they become trapped in Oblivion."
"In his own world, Thanatos is quite powerful," Electra acknowledged grudgingly.
Crowley raised a brow at her admission. "Does he ever journey to Earth to see his beloved sister?"
"I haven't been subjected to his malicious schemes for eons."
"The last time the two confronted each other, they caused Mt. Vesuvius to erupt," Maia added. "After that, Erebus demanded they stop interfering with each other."
"I haven't contacted him since," Electra said. "Why would he want to provoke me now?"
Maia pretended to mull over possibilities although her answer was already prepared. "Your power has recently grown much stronger. He could be jealous."
"How would he hear about it in Oblivion?"
"Perhaps he decided to end the truce. He could have sent a demon to spy on you." Maia sneaked a look at Crowley. Did he suspect her? He was eyeing her appraisingly but he might simply be considering how he could benefit from the revelations.
"I can understand why you'd be targeted," Electra said. "Of all my sisters, you're the only one who lives close to me. But there are very few who know about my links to Neal and Sam. Besides the three of us, only Gemma and Alcy are aware, and they would never betray me."
"You left somebody out," Maia pointed out. "Scarbo."
Electra's eyes widened. "What are you implying?"
"Thanatos could have cast a spell on him. He may have established a link." She composed her features into what she hoped was a look of fear. "Thanatos can make soul-orchids in Oblivion. Who knows what binding spells he's capable of?"
"Why would he be interested in Cheekbones and Sam?" Crowley asked, looking incredulous. Maia had a moment of panic. Had she gone too far?
Electra exhaled wearily. "It would be just like him to latch onto something petty purely as a means to annoy me."
"Scarbo could have told him of your attachment to Neal," Maia suggested.
"And to you," Electra added.
"I assume the link to Maia is easily reestablished," Crowley said. "One bite, you taste her blood, and your bond is active once more."
"Your assumption is incorrect," Electra said brusquely. "Maia is not my protégée. My sisters are demigoddesses. The counterspell that was used not only severed our link but also made Maia mortal. Only at the time of rebirth—the spring equinox—are the stars in proper alignment to elevate a mortal." She turned to Maia. "My child, you'll have to wait to be reborn. You should treat that body carefully."
She was a mortal? Maia's heart stopped for a moment. Crowley flicked a glance at her as if trying to assess her reaction. She hoped all he read was despair. "Then how was I able to teleport here?"
"You have a little residual grace," Electra explained, "but within twenty-four hours you'll lose that and all your other powers. You'll begin to age. You'll be subject to human illnesses, wounds, and diseases." She stroked her cheek. "The months will pass slowly, I know. The hardships you'll face till your rebirth I'll consider as sufficient penance. Your recent insolence was caused by your infatuation. We'll talk about it no more."
Maia did her best to appear abjectly grateful while suppressing any hint of the joy she felt. "Scarbo will likely deny any involvement," she warned.
Electra turned to Crowley. "You pride yourself as an expert on demons. How do you advise I proceed?"
Maia anxiously awaited his response. Crowley despised Scarbo as much as she did, but she had no delusions about where Crowley's allegiance lay. What would he view as in his best self-interest?
"Lull him into complacency," he declared. "His treachery will then be more easily exposed."
Electra nodded. "Your advice has merit. It's time I have a little talk with Scarbo. Does he feel ignored?" Her lips curled in a way that chilled Maia's blood. "He'll no longer have cause to complain." She stood up and with a flick of her wrist vanished.
What did she intend? Establish a link to him? To Maia's knowledge, Electra had never drunk his blood. What would happen if she did? Long ago, she'd mentioned Scarbo was a unique demon, crafted by the god Dolos. Drinking blood could have unintended consequences.
Crowley sat down next to Maia. "These are dangerous times, little mouse. I find it curious that Thanatos only attacked Neal, Sam, and you."
"He may be in New York. His power could be geographically limited."
"But Electra has many other victims in New York."
Maia swallowed and didn't say anything.
Crowley smoothed his tie with one hand. "In this instance, Thanatos did me a favor. Electra has been much too obsessed with Neal. Severing the connection was a gift. With Sam no longer targeted, we'll be less likely to arouse the suspicions of hunters. Any ideas on how Thanatos was able to accomplish the deed?"
"Perhaps a potion or an infusion. Something could have been slipped into our food."
Crowley placed a hand around her neck and squeezed it gently. "You're mortal now. You'd be well advised to stay out of Electra's way and not annoy her."
She didn't need the reminder. Was that also a veiled threat to not displease him? "Did you speak with Electra about the marsh?"
He nodded. "You can count on Crowley to come through for you. A representative of the foundation contacted Columbia this morning."
No favors came without a cost, but apparently for the moment Crowley's interests aligned with hers, and she could breathe easier.
#
Neal was awakened by a rhythmic series of knocks in iambic pentameter. Mozzie didn't wait for an answer before barging in, not that Neal minded. It was his first chance to thank him.
"You were a lifesaver yesterday." He plumped his pillows and roused himself to look alert. He'd been asleep most of the day. Surely that would be enough rest for anyone.
"Tosh. It was my pleasure, although I was hoping to get just one more Goya forgery"—Mozz broke into a smile at Neal's moan—"but we'll discuss that later. I have spectacular news that won't wait. The marsh is saved! Maia's sister Electra arranged for her family foundation to provide the funds. The foundation notified the Office of Gift Planning this morning, offering to match the amount the university would have received from the developer. Columbia, as you can imagine, is thrilled at the resolution."
"How did you find out about it so quickly?"
"We were not without our supporters in Gift Planning. One of them called Janet with the news. I've already told Peony about it. She's eager to conduct another seance this evening. When Raincloud hears about it, surely he'll grant our request."
#
When Peter arrived at the inn for the seance, Dean was waiting for him in the front lounge. He didn't see Peony but Chloe was standing at the entrance to the sitting room, talking to a distressed-looking Maia.
Peter jerked his head in their direction. "Is there a problem?"
Dean glanced over at them. "Chloe's trying to convince Maia to attend the seance. Since she's the only one with firsthand knowledge of Electra's offer, Chloe thinks she should be present or the shaman may not believe us. Maia's skittish about the whole talking-with-spirits business."
"I don't blame her. What we experienced last time was something I only expected to see as a special effect in the movies. It's unsettling for anyone."
Dean shrugged. "Hang around me for much longer and you'll get used to it."
Not something he wanted to contemplate. "How are the patients?" Peter asked, switching to what he hoped was a safer subject.
"Doing okay. The flu symptoms are diminishing and no one's watching cartoons or singing 'Happy Trails.' They wanted to be present for the seance, but Peony nixed it. She said their auras hadn't recovered sufficiently."
"Is that something we need to worry about?"
"Nah, I think it was just an excuse. Neither one of them put up much of a fight. They're too shaky to be up. Chloe checked on them a few minutes ago and they were both asleep. You hear anything more about that missing person in Inwood Hill Park?"
"He's still missing," Peter said. "That makes the eighth case we're aware of in the region between the university and the Harlem River and west to the Hudson River. Some of the neighborhoods have a relatively large homeless population. There could be more victims than have been reported to us."
By the time Peony was ready for them, Chloe had persuaded Maia to take part. Sam's girlfriend looked pale but determined in the candlelight of Peony's sitting room. She'd clasped Chloe's hand when she sat down and was clinging to it as if her life depended on it.
Peter took a seat next to Dean. Peony had once more draped her head in a dark silk turban. Mozzie often wore silver rings but now he had them on every finger. Around his neck was a silver bolo tie with a multicolor thunderbird clasp. According to Peony, silver enhanced psychic abilities. Did Mozzie's attire indicate he believed he had the Gift as well? Surely the gods wouldn't be so cruel.
Dean had told Peter that silver also had powers against supernatural foes. Silver bullets wouldn't kill vampires, but they worked against werewolves. There was a comforting thought. They might have leech-zombies and an ancient leech-spirit, but so far no werewolves in Central Park. Peter had learned to savor those small happy moments before they too vanished in a poof.
Once Peony brought in her cauldron, she and Chloe began to chant. Just as before, it didn't take long for the shaman Raincloud to make an appearance. When he emerged, he overlaid his ghostly presence in front of Chloe. Maia abruptly dropped her hand as if it had scalded her.
"Why have you called me?" Chloe asked in a low, emotionless voice.
Peony jingled her silver bracelets. "We have news. Weewillmeku's marsh will be preserved. We humbly beseech you to help us inform the great Weewillmeku."
"Many have betrayed us in the past. Why should I believe you?"
"Our friend can confirm this. Her sister saved the marsh. Look within Chloe's heart. You will see the truth about Maia."
Chloe was still a moment, then without warning the shaman rushed in front of Maia, who was now shaking with fear.
Chloe seized her hand and held it. "He won't hurt you," she murmured.
The shaman merged his presence with Maia, enveloping her in his mist, vapor, or whatever it was. Peter felt for Maia. He wished he could have been the one. Mozzie was fingering the rings on his left hand. Was that an attempt to placate the spirit? Peter was so far out of his depth, it was as if he was transported to another planet.
Dean shot Peter a worried glance. What if the shaman wasn't convinced? They didn't have any backup plan.
Then Maia spoke in a flat voice. "This one has Earth in her veins. What she speaks is the truth." Maia turned to face Peony. "I will instruct the women in the chant. Utter this prayer to Weewillmeku. He will understand."
"Do we have to say it in his presence?" Dean asked.
Maia didn't answer his question but continued to speak in a monotone. "At the moment the sun sets on the horizon, chant to Weewillmeku at his sacred ground. Pray that he will listen to your entreaty."
When Raincloud vanished, Maia sagged back into the chair, speechless.
"Did he give you the chant?" Dean demanded.
Chloe nodded. She uttered something incomprehensible.
"That must be ancient Lenape," Mozzie exclaimed. "Can you write it down?"
"I can," Maia offered.
"Better yet, record it," Dean said.
"But don't plan to use a recording with Weewillmeku," Chloe warned. "It won't work."
"How do you know that?" Mozzie asked.
She frowned. "I can't tell you how. I just know."
"I feel the same way," Maia said. "Weewillmeku is a very ancient spirit. I don't think he's evil. He's simply a force of nature, like a hurricane or tornado."
"Did the shaman convey any impression about the zombies?" Peony asked.
"Not to me," Chloe said. "Maia, anything?"
"They're Weewillmeku's servants," she said, focusing her eyes on the ceiling. "Humans that he's possessed to execute his will. Once he no longer feels threatened, he'll likely release them unharmed."
Peter had no reason to question her veracity, but he wondered where Maia was getting her ideas from. Had Raincloud told her or was she drawing parallels from ancient mythologies?
Mozzie placed his hands on the table and scanned each of them in turn. "We reconvene tomorrow at sunset."
And hope there aren't any other murders before then.