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"What happened and who do we contact?" the fire chief demanded as he approached.
"Hell if I know. We just high-tailed it out of there before it went up. I'm Chris Larabee, I own that fireball," Chris growled.
"Name's Kyle Martin, I'm the local fire chief. Everybody all right?" the stranger asked calmly.
"We aren't sure yet," Chris admitted shakily.
A huge blue flame burst through the rubble and shot into the air some 60 feet high, interrupting any comment the Chief might have made.
"Looks like a gas main went!" the fire chief gasped.
"The house hasn't been hooked into the gas lines for years according to the lawyer and reports I got," Chris spoke up.
"Call out the specialists, looks like a gas deposit broke through" Chief Martin ordered one of his men.
"You're damn lucky to have gotten out," Martin hissed.
The "Amen!" that Josiah murmured was echoed by many of the survivors.
"Part of our group was on the other side of the house. Could you please check to see if they managed to get out as well?" Ezra leaned forward and asked worriedly.
Martin waved a fireman over and a search was put under way. The chief pulled out a pen and pad out of his pocket and asked softly, "Names?"
"Mary Travis, a reporter with the Denver Chronicle. Ivy Miller, a student at Denver University, part of an investigative team, and Cedric Kilkenny, also a student at the university. Captain Martin, I should warn you that young Cedric is the son of Senator Kilkenny. I would hate for anyone to be injured due to the arrival of the press and any distraction they might cause." Ezra said.
"Thanks for the heads up," Martin groaned. "Better let the EMS look you over."
"Vin needs to be on oxygen, he's having respiratory problems," Nathan muttered worriedly.
"No problem," Martin nodded and spoke into a handheld radio. In no time, Vin and Nettie were on their way to the hospital in an ambulance.
"Ez, Mary and the others are dead," JD reminded with a hiss.
"Yes, Mr. Dunne, and just how do you propose to explain their demise? Do you truly wish to endeavor to persuade the authorities that the HOUSE did it?" Ezra asked curiously.
"Well, the house did do it and they didn't get out," Chris reminded.
"That is indeed a fact, Mr. Larabee. However, I would prefer NOT to spend my recently hard won freedom incarcerated in the local asylum discerning butterflies from ink blots." Ezra pointed out to the small group, speaking softly enough not to be heard by the approaching figure.
"It's just too hot. We're going to make sure the fire doesn't spread, but we need Hell-Fighters to cap that well." Martin apprised Chris of the situation, before once again moving away, shouting orders to his men.
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"I want everyone checked out at the hospital," Nathan growled.
"I'll come in after I watch the damn house finish burning."
Chris and the remainder of his group sat watching as the house was turned to ash in an amazingly short period. The fire crews stood by helplessly, unable to stop the flames until there was nothing left, even the foundation stones succumbed to the heat and crumbled into rubble. A column of bluish flame burned in the center of the ashes.
"Am I the only one that saw it?" JD asked in a harsh whisper.
"Big red and gold lizard, with wings, spitting fire? Nope didn't see a thing," Buck snickered.
"The pissed off dragon?" Larabee chuckled weakly.
"Or perhaps Mr. Dunne was referring to the ghosts fleeing the premises?" Ezra suggested, satisfaction evident in his tone.
"The Dragon destroyed the cornerstones," Josiah sighed in relief. "The anchors are gone, Ella has lost her power."
"I saw something," Bruce admitted.
"Professor?" Angel nudged Sydney Crooks.
"Real, it was real wasn't it?" Sydney whispered. His eyes looked huge and panicked in the dimness.
"Mutha, I would strongly advocate that you remove any diminutive treasures that perchance wandered into your pockets during our little adventure," Ezra's voice was carefully controlled.
"The house is destroyed, there is no power connected to them now, darling boy," Maude sniffed.
"I believe he maybe in disagreement," Ezra responded, looking up.
Everyone glanced up to see what had caught Ezra's attention. A huge scaly head over hung the road peering down on them.
"Maude, give the nice dragon the pretties," Josiah ordered shakily.
Wordlessly, Maude emptied her pockets of small expensive items and left them lying on the road. The giant head lowered and a small stream of golden flame bathed the baubles. A large clawed 'fist' was gently lowered to the pavement where it opened, depositing several items on the blacktop before the creature simply vanished.
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"It's amazing that anybody got out," the fire marshal walked over to the group once more, shaking his head, totally unaware of the dragon's visit. He turned to speak with Chris after, once more, taking in the destruction. "Looks like the place was built over a gas deposit. It must have finally broken through. I've called about getting a crew in to cap it. You'll have to see about getting a pump put in yourself. Insurance should cover the capping, but I imagine getting a well head and pump put in will be up to you," the fire marshal said. A call on the radio about an abandoned Ferrari had the Marshall hurrying off.
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Wordlessly, everyone stared at the unmarked spot where Maude had dumped her ill gotten gains, not even a scorch mark had been left behind.
"It's the stuff Vin left in the window sills," Casey announced, looking at what the dragon had left behind.
Buck reached down to pick up the watch, but jerked back, recalling JD's violent reaction to the items.
JD huffed, "The dragon wouldn't have left them if they weren't for us." Reaching down, he brushed his fingers over the items. "A feeling of contentment and peace," Dunne looked up with a grin before handing Buck his watch. JD held up the mortar and pestle then handed it to Nathan. Taking the items into his hands, a thoughtful look crossed the healer's face. Josiah smiled, and a contented sigh escaped his lips upon taking the old cross from Dunne's grasp.
"I wonder? He had three sons and a daughter. You think maybe we're related?" JD looked down at the badge in his hands.
"I'd be willing to wager in the affirmative, Mr. Dunne," Ezra nodded.
"Nothing of Standish's or Larabee's though," Buck muttered.
"I think there is," Chris answered thoughtfully. "Ezra's cards."
"I agree that the cards were Ezra Standish's, but what did your predecessor have to do with them?" Ezra looked puzzled.
"Can I see them?" Chris asked.
Ezra removed the box from his pocket and offered the deck to Larabee. Chris moved closer to one of the work lights and examined the box.
"Thought so," Chris pointed to the carving.
"I don't see anything," Buck grumbled.
"It's seven interlinked circles." Chris smiled faintly, tracing one of the carvings.
"Grits!" Ezra chuckled, staring at the familiar box, now able to see the hidden design.
"1881cl," Larabee pointed out the date and letters. "Ezra, Josiah, Nathan, Buck, JD, Vin and Chris," Larabee pointed out each carefully hidden name on the carved rings. "Vin's 'Pony' was marked with the date and CL the same way. Chris, the gunman, carved this box too."
"Strange, does anyone else find it rather amazing that our group contained a counterpart to each of the seven men in that book we found?" Bruce questioned.
"More a case of history repeating itself, kid" Buck muttered.
"It was Mrs. Travis, she did her research. Any good journalist would." Jock Steele's voice pulled the group from their musings.
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"I don't want anything to do with this place. I never did," Chris growled.
"Accept the insurance settlement. Then give the ground back to the Ute's," Josiah suggested. "It used to be a burial ground. I imagine they'll want to re-consecrate the ground."
"That sounds like a real good idea," Buck nodded.
"You know that gas leak looks to be just about where the main staircase was." Angel smiled shakily as a coughing fit shook her frame.
Josiah pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, offering it to Angel, not noticing the small piece of paper that fell to the ground.
"Josiah, I think you dropped . . ." JD's voice stopped abruptly upon contact with the paper he now held out.
"Chris, I almost forgot, you might want to see this," Josiah offered the crumpled sheet of paper from Vin's pad.
"I sure as hell don't need any reminders, preacher," Chris snarled.
"Look at it Larabee, really look at it," Josiah ordered. "Hold it up to the light backwards so you can read it."
Chris grunted, snatching the page out of Josiah's hands. He held it in front of one of the work lights set up by the firemen and began to read.
"Read it out loud Chris," Josiah urged gently.
"JD go home, Buck go home," Chris began reading aloud. Abruptly Chris' voice broke, "Elf go home? I don't understand," Chris said bitterly. "We didn't find his body."
"There was no body to find. Your brother didn't die in that house. Somehow, he got out." Josiah grinned widely.
"Elf is alive," Chris said softly. "My God, Elf is alive!" Chris' legs folded and he crumpled to the ground, it all becoming suddenly so clear.
"Where is HE!" Buck demanded wildly.
"There's a name missing on that list," Josiah waved toward the crumpled paper Larabee held tightly in his fists.
"ELF! Tanner is Elf, but how?" Chris whispered.
"We might never find out, but does it matter? Let's go see your brother." Josiah prodded Chris to his feet, urging him toward the van.
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Chris hesitated at the door of Vin's hospital room. Is this some kind of cruel trick or are you really Elf? Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Chris stepped in.
Chris' eyes flashed with rage, taking in the restraints tethering Tanner to the bed. "Why?" Larabee demanded.
"They wouldn't let me go back with him," Nettie's voice shook as she endured the grasp Vin had on her hand even in his drugged state. "He didn't understand and got scared when they tried to put in an IV. He kept pulling off the oxygen mask. When one of the interns tried to pin his hand, he bit him." Nettie's soft chuckle at Vin's determination, ended with a sob.
The physically and mentally exhausted woman raised her head and she shared a devastated look with Chris. "I'm going to loose him this time," she said with certainty. "With his history, they'll send him to some center for the mentally disturbed. He'll never come back." Nettie whispered, tears now streaming down her cheeks.
"He didn't 'hurt' any body?" Chris asked hoarsely, darting a quick glance at the security guard stationed in the hall.
"He didn't have the strength to 'push'," Nettie answered softly.
"Nettie, what happened to Vin's hands? It's important," Chris asked quietly.
Nettie's voice broke, "Vin was born with shadow digits. Perfect in every way, but an extra little toe on each foot and an extra finger on each hand."
"Like Elf," Chris said hoarsely. "They looked perfectly normal, just extras."
Nettie nodded and sighed, stroking the restless Tanner's arm. "As near as the investigators could piece it together, Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, Vin's foster parents, were trying to remove the evil from Vin. Beatings, starving, they kept him in a tiny closet for years. There wasn't room for him to stretch out when he laid down in there. He slept curled in a knot for the longest time after I brought him home. Torture, just years and years of torture. One of them decided to make him 'normal'." Nettie swallowed hard, her voice dropping to a whisper. "They cut off his fingers with pruning shears! I guess they never looked at his feet. They didn't hurt them. Then they threw him back into that closet. He almost bled to death. Infection . . .fever . . . guess that's when his 'talent' manifested."
"He killed Eli Nichols and three of his sons." Nettie admitted softly, looking into Chris' eyes, searching for condemnation. She found none.
"If Ma Nichols hadn't been declared insane, she'd have been sentenced to no more than ten years. The way the system works, that means she'd have been out in five, even less if she was well behaved or the prison crowded. Of course, there is always shock probation. After all, the poor woman lost her husband and three grown children." Nettie hissed bitterly.
"We need to get a DNA test done," Chris snarled.
"You think he might be your brother." Nettie studied Chris intently. "Before you start making all kinds of decisions, you need to think about it. Vin's 'damaged' inside and out. Dr. Sanchez said there's a chance the boy might get better, but he might not. You saw what Vin Tanner is capable of. Are you ready to deal with that on a daily basis? He's already connecting with you. If you can't make that kind of commitment, then don't let him depend on you."
"Yeah, I think he's Elf . . . I know he's Elf! Hell, I don't care if he's Elf or not, I'm not letting him go without a fight," Chris straightened his exhausted body, preparing to stand up to the old woman and anyone else dumb enough to get in the way. "Tanner is going to need both of us. I've got the money to provide for him. You've dealt with the system; do I need to get a lawyer tonight?" Chris asked determinedly.
"Sasha Haufman, she's helped before. I think he's your Elf too," Nettie's shoulders straightened and the fight came back to her tired grey eyes.
"Haufman," Chris nodded. "DNA tests, what else?"
"A court order preventing the removal of one, Elvin Tanner, from Ms. Wells care! I presume you still remain the guardian of record?"
Two heads swung in unison toward the door.
Ezra Standish, unashamed at listening at the door, stepped into the room; he closed the door firmly in the security officer's face. His damaged arm was now casted properly and resting in a sling.
"Yes," Nettie answered sharply. "I don't think your supposed to be in here, fancy pants."
"Dr. Ezra P. Standish the sixth, Esq. attorney-at-law, I am on retainer for Mr. Tanner at this time," Ezra's smirk revealed a glint of gold.
"Well, Hell!" Chris breathed.
"Now Ms. Wells, did you attempt to explain Mr. Tanner's condition to the hospital staff?" Ezra asked.
"Of course, they wouldn't listen to a word I said. They actually had me escorted out by two security guards when I wouldn't leave Vin." Nettie calmed her temper when Vin grew agitated.
"Were you consulted about Vin's treatment? No? Then I'll start by pressing charges against the hospital and its staff." Ezra looked thoughtful. "Drs. Sanchez and Jackson should be consulted immediately, since they are Mr. Tanner's primary care physician and his psychiatric councilor. Now, may I enquire as to whom is trying to institutionalize our young friend?" Ezra snarled dangerously.
"Social Services," Nettie looked hopeful.
"The same Social Services which declared Mr. Tanner, 'failed to meet criteria' and would no longer provide a stipend for his care? The ones, that in addition, placed him in such an environment as to cause him physical and mental harm?" Ezra demanded.
"That was child welfare, but they're a department of Social Services," Nettie explained.
"Yes, I do believe I'll need to review Mr. Tanner's case and the system's subsequent handling. There would appear to have been a case of malfeasance and criminal charges may well be pending." Ezra smiled faintly and gave a dapper two fingered salute before leaving the room.
"Why do I feel like the world just turned topsy turvy?" Nettie muttered.
"Cause it has," Chris commented, looking relieved. "Is it alright for me to come close?"
"All you can do is try. I think Vin would like having you near," Nettie grimaced, wriggling her fingers in pain at the desperate grip Vin maintained.
"Hey Pard, you need to lighten up. You're hurting Ms. Nettie," Chris coaxed.
Tanner's eyes slowly blinked open.
"I've got your back Vin, it's alright now," Chris moved slowly, but started removing the restraints.
"Chris," Vin sighed before closing his eyes once more, the tension disappearing from the slender body now that he was safe.
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6 months later
The survivors of that last weekend at Petrie's Folly gathered to watch the ceremonial blessing of the grounds and banishing of the dark spirits to their own places. Beautifully decorated costumes were worn by the native dancers. Singers and drummers preformed in the cleansing rituals.
Bruce was there looking almost buff. JD and Casey sat together on a blanket, while Angel and Tony visited quietly from another blanket. Nathan and Josiah were talking quietly with a much happier looking Sydney Crooks.
"Who's the lead dancer? He's dressed different than the others," JD asked.
"His name's Chanu, he's from New Mexico; not sure what tribe. Strong medicine people run in his line. They act somewhat like circuit riding preachers." Josiah answered.
"Is Jock Steele going to be here?" Angel asked uncomfortably.
"He sent his regrets. His book tour is taking longer than anticipated," Sydney Crooks rolled his eyes.
"At least he changed our names and the location in that fairy tale he wrote," Casey huffed.
"I think Ez had a lot to do with that," JD snickered.
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"Hi, Vin, Chris," Tony and Angel called to the approaching pair.
"How are you two doing?" Chris asked warmly.
"We're doing real good," Angel smiled widely, wrapping her arm around Tony's waist.
"Vin, do you remember Tony and Angel?" Chris coaxed.
"Yes . . . little . . . sister?" Vin peeked through the curtain of his now much longer hair.
Angel laughed in delight. "You're going to have to wait for her to grow up some. That's Hope. Over there, in the blue dress."
Chris smiled at the bright eyed little girl.
"Not . . . Elf . . . Billy," Vin clearly enunciated.
"I think you're right little brother, she's just about perfect for Billy," Chris laughed, grasping Vin's shoulder.
"Billy? Mary Travis' son?" Bruce Babcock asked hesitantly.
"Yeah," Chris's proud gaze settled on the excited boy walking between Buck and Nettie.
"How is he doing?" Professor Crooks asked in genuine concern.
"He has sad days, but he seems to be happy living with his grandparents." Chris sighed.
"A lot of changes for you, Larabee. How are you holding up?" Sydney asked kindly.
"It's never boring," Chris chuckled. Reaching over, he ruffled Elf's hair.
"So, Vin really is your brother." Bruce said in amazement.
"Yeah, he is." Chris' face relaxed into a wide smile.
"Brother," Vin patted Chris' arm possessively. "Stay . . . with . . . Chris, now," Vin spoke. There were long pauses, but each word was enunciated clearly. "Ms. Nettie . . . takes . . . care of . . . Cowboy . . . too."
"That's what I heard," Prof. Crooks waited patiently for Vin to finish. "I'm glad to see you doing so well."
"Uh huh, Preacher . . . helping . . . ." Vin scowled in frustration. " Chris . . . need . . . word."
"Connect?" Chris suggested patiently.
"Connect," Vin smiled widely.
"EZ!" Vin called excitedly, pulling away from Chris and reaching out for the approaching Standish.
"Ez-ra, Mr. Tanner, my name is Ezra," Standish huffed in pretended aggravation.
"I know," Vin smiled mischievously. "Ms. Maude . . . you come," Vin smiled happily.
"Of course I did, darling. How are you?" Maude turned loose of Ezra's arm to hug the slender youngster.
"Happy," Vin wrapped his arms around Maude and lifted her off her feet in an exuberant hug.
"So am I," Maude laughed happily as Tanner spun her around.
"Mutha, your manners, after all, appearances are everything," Ezra teased.
"Ezra, my darling boy, stuff it." Maude smirked.
"Ah can't take her anywhere." Ezra shook his head.
The whole group broke into laughter and settled down to watch the rededication. Troubled eyes studied the gas well; very little signs remained of the house itself.
"Seems like a bad dream, sometimes," Tony admitted.
"Nightmare," Crooks corrected.
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Vin and Chris finished their lunch and strolled around the peaceful grounds.
"Mr. Larabee and Mr. Larabee. I am Chanu. I thank you for returning the burial ground to the people." The now blue jean and T-shirt clad Indian Dancer joined the pair and walked beside them.
"You're welcome, call me Chris, my brother Vin," Chris answered politely.
"Shaman!" Vin stopped in his tracks and began rocking on his feet.
Chris' brows drew down in concern. He's been doing so well lately.
"Yes," Chanu smiled.
Vin reached into his pocket and pulled out a cloth bag, offering it to Chanu.
"Tobacco? Chayton Larabee, what is it you seek?" Chanu waited patiently.
"Tanner, I'se Vin Tanner. I didn't mean to hurt the little fella," Vin spoke with a Texas drawl.
Oh God! He's channeling again. Chris' heart began to pound.
"How did you harm the boy?" Chanu sat down cross-legged in the grass.
"He, Elf . . . opened my medicine bag." Tanner drawled as he sat down beside Chanu.
Chris' eyes widened and he sank to the ground to join the pair, listening intently.
Vin's voice was very soft. "She had to be stopped. She were dead all that time, still she was ruinin' lives. She done caused enough grief. Tha boy was gonna die . . . tha witch was gonna have his pa kill him. Damn fool thought she'd trade Elf fer his other boy Adam," Vin's eyes held tears as he tried to explain. "He were kin," Vin darted a look at Chanu.
The shaman nodded, "Blood calls to blood. You entered the child."
"Yeah, knowed I shouldn't have. I jist couldn't let her have him." Vin hissed desperately. "He was too little ta understand what were happenin', just knew he were hurtin' and ugly things happenin' all around him. I come to him when he needed help. Then he found Adam's pony, that'd be my Chris's boy, and latched on ta somethin' familar leavin' mah harmonica behind. I never figured on his momma. Woman was like a grizzly. That bastard had done left her fer dead and she come after him. Cut his throat pertectin' her boy. Momma . . . Salvia found us and carried us out somehow. Member a doctor . . . she hid us from . . . tha Witch. Salvia always knowed I'se in her boy. We'd talk sometimes whilst tha little one slept."
"Then Momma . . . Salvia were kilt. A body ain't built ta handle two spirits this way. Boy almost spilt tha beans. Started to tell the lady police officer, his name were Elf, 'fore I 'minded him not ta call hisself that no more. Tell 'er 'Vin Tanner' I tolt him. Next thin' I know they's callin' us Elvin. Now jist what kind a sissy name is that, I wanna ask yah? Weren't strong 'nough ta take on tha witch then. Iffen I took over, it woulda kilt tha boy. So's we's both helpless. Then they give him to them crazy folk and it were jist too much fer ' im ta handle, so's he hid from everythin' including me. He started coming outta that closet after Ms. Nettie found us." Vin sighed trying to explain, to make things right. "We took care a tha Witch, Chayton and me. So's now I need yer help, Shaman. This ain't my time, I'm hurtin' tha boy bein' here. It's time fer me ta journey on. Kin yah free me, without harmin' tha boy?" Tanner asked.
"It is a good time for a cleansing," Chanu stood up. "Come, we will find a flute."
"Vin?" Chris asked faintly as they followed the Shaman.
"He's been growin' up fast yer Elf. He 'members yah and he trusts yah." Vin gave a lop-sided smile.
"What will happen to you?" Chris asked softly.
"They's a passel of fellas what's been waitin' a spell fer me ta turn up. Ole Chris is ne'er gonna let me live it down. Tha scout gettin' lost this way." Tanner's eyes danced with humor. "Rekin I'll just pertend they got lost instead."
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Chris watched nervously as Chanu washed Vin's hair while another man played a flute.
Chanu spoke quietly with Tanner for awhile before turning Chayton and pointing at Chris and giving him a gentle push to get started.
The slender man took a couple of hesitant steps then rushed into Larabee's welcoming arms.
"Cowboy?" Chayton patted Chris' face.
"Yeah Elf, let's go home," Chris hugged his brother.
"Yes, HOME!" Elf smiled happily and tugged on Larabee's hand, trying to hurry him.
"You need to put your shirt back on." Chris reminded. He's acting 5 maybe?
"Oh, Yeah," Vin flushed and spun around and went back to claim his shirt.
That's more like an older kid, maybe a teenager. Chris watched as Vin appeared to age before his eyes.
That wasn't there before! What in Hell is it and how'd it get there? Chris stared at his brother's shoulder and the design appearing on it as he watched. He raised panicked eyes to lock on Chanu's.
"He has been chosen. Raise the young dragon well." Chanu smiled and walked away.
Never a dull moment. Chris chuckled ruefully and ruffled his brother's hair when Elf hurried over, pulling on his shirt, covering the dragon tattoo.
Chris looked over to their waiting friends . . . no, these people were family now, he thought with a smile, as his brother ran ahead to bask in the love of the group.
Chris began to move forward, when he heard a voice behind him.
"'bout time Junior'."
Larabee spun, expecting to see Buck, but finding nothing. Looking over his shoulder, he saw his old friend, still standing with the others. Then, as if from a distance, he heard what sounded like men's laughter floating on the breeze.
A smile spread across Chris' face and he wiped a tear from his eye as he murmured, "Thank you, Vin Tanner. "
With a sigh, Chris turned his back on the past, once and for all, and moved purposely forward . . . toward the future . . . toward the warmth of his family.
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Notes from the author:
For those of you looking for mysteries within the mysteries
Adam-hebrew-of the earth
Aiken-old english-little adam
Barbara -greek- foreign woman
Chayton-souix-falcon
Christopher-greek-christ bearer
Ella-old english- foreign woman
Elvin-old english-friend of elves
Emma-latin-whole or complete (seems to be the most often used name for the original Vin Tanner's mother)
Kester-scottish-variation of Christopher
Sarah-hebrew-princess
Salvia-latin-whole
Serena-latin-variation of Sarah