Chap.5
I looked at the ground. I had wanted to keep our identities a secret but with this lady it seemed impossible. "If you're a Mysteria, how come you look as if you've been on the run for the past few months?" I continued to look at the ground as I told them. "We have been on the run." All in order to avoid detection. "We can't afford to be found. Not with…" I shut my mouth faster than a cat with tuna. "With..? With what?" Eliza pressed. I shook my head slightly. My brothers were snoring quietly now. Matt pulled out a chair and fell into it. "Wow…you're a … geez! Why couldn't I figure it out?" I smiled slightly, even though that smile was a mockery of itself. "Because I didn't want you to know. With all respect of course sir." It had been four hours now since we arrived. We three talked amongst ourselves to see if there were any places we could hide, undetected. "My place is secure; no one would think to look for you at my place." Eliza offer with genuine warmth. It was around five in the morning now, with the suns weak rays lighting the world. I considered Eliza's offer. "I don't want to be a burden miss Eliza, and I certainly don't want my brothers to be one either." She laughed. "You won't be, don't worry you'll be fine. But if you know how to cook; I suggest that you save yourself from my efforts. I smiled warmly. "No problem, you just have to put up my…exotic skills." We shared a smile. Matt seemed relived that it was with someone he worked with on the daily. "Good so that's all in order, who are you waiting for anyway?" I let my eyes narrow. I looked around quickly. I went to the door and looked around the hallway for a moment. Then I went back to them, where they sat, and I whispered: "Artemis LaBery." "The lawyer?!" Matt yelped. Eliza looked more then surprised. "He's practically my uncle, and he has been looking out for me and my brothers when mom and dad were to busy or if we were going to be stuck with out aunt." They exchanged glances at this point. I noticed this. "What?" I asked hesitantly. Eliza voiced her thoughts. "Was this aunt part of the reason you're in hiding?" oh she was smart. "Um...well y'see…ah…well that is…yes." My yes was barely even a whisper, but she heard it anyway. "I see. No worries no one will even know you're here except for me and Matt, plus Mr. LaBery." I smiled at her and him. They so understanding: I was half afraid that this was a dream. Moments it seemed later the door was opened and some secretary walked in. "A Mr. LaBery is here for a Miss Tamwood?" I stood. "Oh sorry, I'm Tamwood." I said sheepishly. She gave a small smile. "Don't worry; he didn't cause us any problems." I shook my head and smiled lightly. He walked in. "Tammy girl!" "Uncle Art!" I flew into his arms for a hug. One that I hadn't felt since my parents had died. "Are you in trouble? What did you do this time, hm?" I giggled. "Nothing. Stop worrying. Detective Matt Bluestone took care of me and my brothers, when some guy tried to get violent…" he gave Matt a very shrewd look. "You took care of my girl here?" I blushed. Matt was dumbstruck, but he nodded his head anyway. Uncle walked over to him and shook his had heartily. "Thank you, thank you! I'll see to it that your boss hears praise for you!" Matt just kept nodding away. Eliza was watching the whole thing with hooded eyes. He turned very sharp eyes to me now. "Have you found a place that is well hidden?" "Yes sir, she has. I offered up my place. Nobody would think to look in a third floor apartment in the lower side of Brooklyn, by the wharf, and whatnot." Eliza said happily. I think she was just happy that she was going to have some company. My uncle thanked her as well. "Good, good that's all in order, so how do you propose that we do this, Miss Mysteria?" I started. I wasn't used to be called that yet. I thought about it. "First off lets get into a routine that we think will fit everyone's schedules and then we'll think of a plan of action. I want to get the low on what's been happening while I've been out of the main picture. I want to know who, how and what people have been up to. Starting today." I know I sounded like a mob boss, but that's what I did best. I was a leader born to be, and I would use that power to keep my loved ones and friends safe. Eliza, Matt, and uncle looked on with approval. "Well said, Tammy girl. Let's get to it then. Miss Mazza, do you need anything while my niece and her brothers stay with you?" "Not a thing sir, I'm always prepared for this sort of thing. No worry." Uncle nodded and turned to Matt. "And you? Do you need anything for your services rendered?" Matt shook his head. "Nope, I'm just happy I was able to do a good thing." Uncle nodded and bid me farewell, and he swept out the door. It was noon now. My brothers started to stir. I went to them. "Well good morning sleepy heads. Sleep well I take it?" I said wryly. They rubbed the sleep out of their eyes. "Sissy…" I sighed at the use of that particular nickname. "Where are we?" "Right now? We're at the police department and soon we're going to put you both in the bath, and new cloths. How dose that sound?" "Sounds ok..." a big yawn followed Roy's statement. I laughed so did Eliza. "Boys, this is Miss Mazza. She's been nice enough to offer her place for us to stay. Are you going to talk to her at least?" I chided them gently. Roy got up first. He was the shyer of the two. He hid behind me for a second, and then went to her and shook her hand. "Thank you Miss Mazza." He ran and hid behind me again. Cale was next. He shook her hand as well. "Thank you Miss Mazza…" Eliza giggled. "No Miss Mazza, just Eliza." We all nodded. Ok then. Let's go. We need to get you guys settled, and I need some shut eye." I nodded vigorously for the latter. So we all trooped out, Matt parted ways to go to his apartment for some sleep too. The first place we stopped at was a clothes shop. "Go find whatever you need. You can pay me back latter." I nodded and went to find some sturdy outfits for myself and the boys. I found some flares that were sturdy enough for engineering and grease satins, but comfortable enough for everyday wear, four pairs. I also found some t-shirts and tank tops, along with some sleep wear. I found my brothers eight different outfits to start with, clothes that could take a drubbing and still be fine. I picked out some combat boots, and a sturdy pair of running shoes. My brothers just got some rough and ready shoes. I knew what to look for, so we were in and out. Then we stopped at a strange place, and I and the boys were told to wait. And so we did. She was gone for about fifteen minuets and she came back. I didn't ask about it and she didn't bring it up. "What do you want me to call you?" she asked me. "Tammy or Tamwood. My brothers are just Roy and Cale." "Got it. Um…I keep some pretty odd hours, do you mind if you had to fend for yourselves for a few hours every night?" I shook my head. "No, I don't mind, as long as you have the internet..." she laughed. "Sure I do. What do you plan on getting done?" my features hardened. "I'm going to get a small shop going, and we'll see where that takes us." And that was that. By the time we got to her place it was dinner time, and close to sun down. Neither had she or Matt know of my abilities. I hoped to keep that silent for as long as possible. Dinner was simple and soon the boys were in the bath and I was helping with laundry. Time was passed in an amiable way. And soon enough it was dark out. Eliza said she had errands to run, and that she would be back. I nodded and off she went. I went out onto the balcony after the boys were asleep, and did some serious thinking.