Sleeping Beauty
Chapter Four
Standing outside of LAX airport, Percy stared down at his phone. Looking around, he sighed and shook his head as Aphrodite emerged with a small group of men following her. Even in her simple blue jeans, pink top and pink sneakers and sunglasses, men still flocked to her.
Shaking his head, Percy sighed loudly. Taking a hint, Aphrodite waved her hands and the men finally left.
"Sorry, so who are we waiting for?" Aphrodite asked.
Before Percy could say a word, a honk reached their ears as a car rolled up in front of them. Percy leaned in as the window rolled down. He smiled seeing a familiar face.
"Get in you two, the woman said behind the wheel.
Percy got in the passenger seat while Aphrodite got in the back.
Once their seat belts were fastened, the woman pulled back on to the main road and continued driving.
"Ah, Poseidon's favorite," Aphrodite said.
Yolanda cringed hearing those words, but she said nothing back as she kept her eyes on the road.
"I have to say, I wasn't expecting to get a text from you," Percy said.
"Well, I wanted a day at the spa, but hey we all can't get what we want," Yolanda said sarcastically.
"Alright… I get it, so why are we here in California?" Percy asked.
"Well, it all started while I was getting a massage...
Flashback:
Sitting in the chair at the massage spa waiting room with her eyes closed, Yolanda sighed. She was looking forward to this for a while. Poseidon had promised her a spa day after solving another case. She was going to get the complete package. Yolanda smiled as she imagined a seaweed wrap, mud bath, and the new coffee steam room. Today was going to be the best day ever, or at least that was what she thought.
As another sigh left her lips, Yolanda's nosed twitched, for a rather interesting scent reached her nostrils. As the scent loomed around her, she opened her eyes and sat up. Her eyes wandered over to where the scent was coming from. Yolanda's eyes narrowed at seeing two women tugging on a crescent moon shape bottle.
"No…come on, not now," Yolanda pleaded.
As the surrounding people grew more anxious, Yolanda sat back down as she continued to watch the women fight. Moments later the bottle dropped and slid on the floor, stopping right at Yolanda's feet. Sighing, she looked down at the bottle that glistened in front of her. Shaking her head, Yolanda sighed as she picked up the bottle.
"Looks like I won't get my spa day after all,"
End of Flash back:
Stopping at a red light, Yolanda opened the glove compartment and pulled out a moon crescent shaped bottle. She handed it to Percy just as the light turned green.
Looking at the bottle with the lavender spray cap, it read moonlight serenade.
"The moment I touched it, I knew I had to find you," Yolanda said, as she continued driving.
Percy kept looking at the bottle as he held up his nose and took a whiff, shaking his head he coughed.
"Wow, that's strong," Percy said as he handed it back to Aphrodite.
The moment Aphrodite touched the bottle, her body jerked. When she took a whiff of the perfume, her hands shook and eyes widen. Her eyes flickered at the scent of a creamy vanilla sandalwood with a hint of black amber tickling her nose hairs. That's when she knew her plan had truly backfired.
Yolanda glanced in the rear view mirror before pulling over into the parking lot. Once she placed the car in park, she turned around and looked at the goddess, who couldn't stop trembling.
"Say it," Yolanda said.
"It's Selene…" Aphrodite uttered.
"What?" Percy asked, perplexed.
"Oh, no, this is not good. I am in so much trouble," Aphrodite mumbled.
"Not yet… luckily the perfume hasn't gone worldwide. It's only here in LA."
"Hang on, what's so special about this perfume? Yeah, it's a powerful scent, but that's all it is right?" Percy asked.
"No… that is Selene's scent," Yolanda said, looking back at Percy. "Each God and goddess has a scent unique to them. When inhaled by mortals, it acts as a drug, one they can't get enough of and would even hurt others to get."
"Our essences do not affect those who are gifted like your friend here, same with demigods," Aphrodite said.
Percy nodded. Glancing around the parking lot, he spotted a tall gray sliver building a few feet away. That read in white letters Dunn Fragrances.
"CEO Seth Dunn, son of Vaughn Dunn, now controls Dunn Fragrances. He started production on Moonlight Serenade over a week ago," Yolanda said.
"Guess he's making millions, huh?" Percy asked.
"Try billions," Yolanda corrected.
"For now, it's only here in Los Angeles. There's no word on when it will be distributed worldwide," Yolanda said.
"Okay, so we find Selene and destroy the perfume." Percy said, followed by a sigh. "This is getting more complicated by the moment."
Yolanda looked at Aphrodite, who remained silent. Turning back around, Yolanda looked up at the rear-view mirror. She spotted Aphrodite wiping away a few tears before looking at the floor of the car.
Starting up the car, the three of them left the parking lot, heading toward the beach area.
Silence filled the air. Percy scratched his chin, thinking about what their next move should be. While Aphrodite sunk further into her seat, regretting her decision. If only she was more patient, they wouldn't be in this mess.
Walking out of the shadows in the parking lot, Mr. C's eyes narrowed as he watched the car drive away. A small smile spread across his lips as he tightened his grip on his cane.
"I was wondering when someone would arrive." Mr. C whispered.
Raising his arm, Mr. C opened his hand as a black orb appeared. It grew in size as it transformed into a crow with glowing red eyes.
The crow squawked as it looked back at its master. Mr. C. smiled as he gently pets its head. Squawking once more, the crow took flight, following the red car.
"I will be keeping my eyes on you," Mr. C whispered, before stepping back into the shadows.
