Fusion Page 3

  “Pffft! You look fine,” Ali reassured me.

  I laughed. “Not! But thanks. Sweet of you. Sorry about not showing up to the game.”

  “What do you mean?” Maria asked. “I saw you there.”

  “Oh. Yeah. I mean to cheer. I was horribly late.”

  Ali looked over at Maria… yet another one of those knowing gazes. I was getting pretty sick of them. “What’s that all about?” I asked sharply.

  “You were thinking of cheering?” Ali asked.

  “Yeah! Of course.”

  She stared at me, obviously at a loss for words.

  “We should talk about that,” Maria said. “Did you go skating?” She pointed to my jersey.

  “Yes, and yes, and—” I stopped talking when David took my elbow and pointed me to the patio doors, which were sliding open.

  A little snout peeked through, followed by a tiny dog, who trotted into the room and stopped in front of me. A Chihuahua. It sat down and watched me. And I watched it, not knowing quite what to make of the little dog. Mom and Inez had walked in behind it.

  Then I suddenly heard a squeal, and Ella launched herself at the dog, who erupted in a mess of excited licks and enthusiastic wagging. Mom burst out laughing as the two of them rolled on the floor. I could hear Kellan’s chuckles from behind me.

  “That’s the visitor I wanted you to meet, Arizona,” David said.

  “The dog? Why? Is it for me?”

  “No. But she did live with you for the past year. Her name is Gertrude. Do you remember her?”

  I shook my head.

  Ella had finally stopped rolling around and was now sitting on the floor with the dog—Gertrude—in her lap. The dog eyed me again, waiting for me to do something. I looked around. By the expressions on everyone’s faces, they were all waiting for me to do something.

  “Come pet her,” Ella said.

  I walked over slowly, so as not to frighten the dog, and kneeled down in front of her. Her nose twitched, so I extended my arm and let her sniff my fingers. Then she got up and walked off Ella’s lap and raised her face up to stare at me intently. I smiled at her. She put her front paws on my knees and stood up on her hind legs. Then she touched my nose with hers.

  Olivia fixed her eyes on the blank screen of her computer monitor. The black screen exuded a false sense of peace, a deceptive lack of activity. One click of the keyboard was all that was needed for it to purge all of its demands at her. There would be hundreds of emails to read, to reply to, to deal with. She wasn’t quite ready for that, so she pushed her chair away from her desk, got up, and walked to her office window, taking in the thousands of twinkling stars adorning the clear October sky.

  A sharp knock interrupted her sudden impulse to make a wish. She laughed. A wish upon a star? Now that was just silly. After checking the security monitor, she pressed the buzzer to let Larry in. “What are you doing here so late?” She pointed to the clock.

  “Four in the morning, already? I’ve had a lot of stuff to take care of with you being away. Anyway, what are you doing here? I saw your lights on. How are you feeling?”

  “Much better. I decided to pop in to try to start catching up, but I haven’t even turned on the computer yet.”

  “This time of night?”

  “I needed to clear my head, and this place always helps me do that. I thought if I got back into looking at some everyday work, I could stop thinking of all the unexplainable things for a while.”

  Larry nodded and made himself comfortable on the couch.

  Although Olivia had driven to Ames to be on her own for a while, Larry’s company was never a burden. It never had been. Larry was a constant, he never changed, and she could trust him completely. He didn’t say anything, and neither did she, sharing the comfortable silence.

  She poured a couple of glasses of wine and handed one to Larry, sitting down next to him. Like her, Larry had just very recently learned that his late wife had been a Wanderer, and his son was paranormal as well. “How are you coping?” she asked.

  “Same as you, I’m guessing—by burying myself in busy work.”

  “What a pair!” She sighed.

  “Kellan called. He told me that Arizona was reunited with Gertrude this evening.”

  “Yes. I was very uncomfortable when Inez told me that was about to happen. I couldn’t really see the point. We have Arizona back. That’s all that matters.”

  Larry eyes widened. “All that matters? That doesn’t sound like you at all, Ollie. Surely you want to get to the bottom of what happened, if only to prevent it from happening again?”

  Did she? Olivia took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Get to the bottom of what? The mess of a life she’d been catapulted into? Was there even a way to make sense out of all this? How could she entertain fitting paranormal elements into her normal life? “I don’t even know what normal is anymore,” she said out loud. “Larry, there is no making sense out of all this. Is there?” She felt the frustration in her eyes shine through.

  “Ollie, I understand your struggle with accepting not just the possibility, but now the fact, that paranormal beings exist. And not just exist, but that your life is so intimately entwined with theirs. To move forward, you’ll need to stop fighting your natural tendency to try to scientifically explain their existence for now, and instead, deal with how their existence affects you and the people around you—Rupert, Harry, Arizona, and Ella, in particular. Do you see that?”

  Olivia nodded slowly as she processed what Larry was saying. He was right, as usual. Going down the path of trying to explain the existence of Wanderers would be an enormous undertaking. It would be something she might be able to do in conjunction with the SETI Institute. That was, after all, the hub for extraterrestrial science. She shook her head. This wasn’t even that, though. This was terrestrial… the Wanderers weren’t from outer space but were part of life on earth. She had to freeze her thoughts from forming hypotheses and designing studies that would allow her to study them. That would be all-consuming. And there were more important things that needed her energy at the moment—her children, her husband. The only way to be effective would be to follow Larry’s advice—learn to live and deal with the new challenges that lay ahead for her family.

  She turned to Larry and sighed. “Yes, you’re right. Right now, I need to deal with the immediate challenges. I don’t understand those, so I guess I really need to find out what I am supposed to do. I wish Rupert hadn’t left in such a hurry. He didn’t get a chance to tell me anything.”

  “He left?” Larry asked.

  “Yes.” Olivia updated him, describing the visit from Jagger.

  “That sounds serious. I can’t imagine him leaving you so soon after your discharge from the hospital. I thought Spencer had offered to handle things until you recovered?”

  “I am guessing that whatever it is must be very important. His dark demeanor unsettled me.”

  Larry’s face grew grave. “I wonder if this will affect Kellan? He’s still with Arizona, right?”

  “I don’t know, but he was when I left to come here. Call him?”

  As Larry reached for his cell, a form took shape in front of them. They both got to their feet and hurriedly stepped behind the couch. Olivia watched the form become defined until a young man was revealed. A Wanderer.

  “My apologies. Did I startle you?” The young man with ginger curls and wide blue eyes took a few steps back.

  Larry moved forward so that he was shielding Olivia. “Yes. This is a high security building. We aren’t used to visitors just popping in. Who are you?”

  “Please don’t be afraid. His Highness sent me.”

  Rupert? Olivia emerged from behind Larry and stared at the ginger boy. He couldn’t be much older than Harry, and he was clearly a Wanderer. “Where is Rupert?”

  “He was in London when he summoned me. My name is Bruno. I have been sent to be your Wanderer.”

  “My Wanderer?” Olivia repeated, slightly bemused.

>   “Yes. I have been asked to stay by your side.”

  “Oh? Why, and for how long?”

  “Until I am asked to do otherwise,” he replied.

  “Why would I need a Wanderer by my side? What is going on?”

  “You are our queen,” he said simply.

  Olivia looked at him blankly, then laughed. “Your queen?”

  “Yes, the queen of the Wanderers.”

  “That’s ridiculous. I can’t time travel.” She accepted that Rupert was now the leader of this paranormal group that seemed to live among them, but for her to be counted among them was absurd. And to be suddenly deemed their queen? Just silly.

  “I understand your surprise. His Highness told me that you didn’t yet know and that this would be your response. He asked me to appeal to you, to trust in his judgment, and to humor him for now.”

  Olivia felt slightly annoyed. Isn’t that what she’d been doing since he’d asked her to come find him two years ago? Hadn’t he promised to be open with her? She closed her eyes. His intentions had been honest, but time had not allowed him to update her. She wondered if this was going to be a regular thing—him disappearing at the drop of a hat to whatever Wanderer emergency was in session. That would be unacceptable. He had to find a way to keep her informed.

  She looked up at Bruno. “So, you work for me?”

  “Not exactly. My orders come from His Highness, but I have been asked to keep you safe and assist you if I can.”

  “Good. Well, the first thing you can do is wander—is that the right term?—me to Rupert.”

  “That is the right term, but I am unable to do that at present. My apologies for letting you down.”

  “Why not?”

  “My orders are to make sure that you stay in Mountain View until His Highness says otherwise.”

  “You sound more like a jailor than someone who has been sent to protect Olivia,” Larry said.

  Bruno pulled at his red locks, looking despondent. “That’s not my intention. This is purely to keep Her Highness safe. I am not privy to what’s going on, but whatever it is will keep his Highness busy, and he wants to make sure that his family is safe.”

  Olivia put her hands up in resignation. “Okay, let’s not make this complicated. It’s late, and I was about to head home soon, anyway. I’ll make up a guest room at the house.” She turned to Larry. “Are you going to check in on Kellan?”

  “No need,” Bruno said. “Kellan is over at Constance’s house with the others. We’re supposed to go over there. You are welcome to join us, Dr. Fox.”

  “Constance? Does she have more information about what’s going on?” Olivia asked.

  “I don’t know. I’ve just been asked to bring you over there.”

  “I’ll drive,” Larry offered as Olivia grabbed her Birkin.

  “No need. I’m happy to wander you both over—”

  Olivia shook her head. “No, let’s just drive.” She wasn’t ready to be wandered anywhere—other than to Rupert. She led them out of her office and made her way to Larry’s Bentley.

  Ten minutes later, they sat around Constance’s stone fire pit, cozy in the walled patio area of her backyard. Olivia looked around at the serious faces—Kellan, Harry, Inez, David, Constance, Morgana, and two men she didn’t recognize. She assumed they were Wanderers.

  Constance smiled at her. “Welcome, Olivia and Larry. Thanks for bringing them, Bruno. Olivia, Your Highness, I am honored to have you in my home. As you may know, I am the leader of the Wanderers in our area, and this is the rest of the Elder council.” She nodded toward the strangers. “You already know Morgana. Let me introduce you to Lars and Javier.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Olivia said as they got up to shake Larry’s and her hands.

  Constance waited and then continued. “I have been asked to gather this group and we’re expecting Am—”

  Before the name was out her mouth, Amadea appeared in front of them. Olivia got to her feet and embraced her mother-in-law. “I am so glad to see you! Do you have any idea where Rupert’s gone?”

  “This must be so difficult for you, dear,” Amadea said kindly. “Have a seat. I don’t have a lot of time, but I will try to put your mind at ease as much as I can.”

  As Olivia sat back down between Harry and Kellan, Amadea surveyed the group. “Constance, thank you for getting everyone together, and thank you all for coming. As you know, Spencer and I have retired, and Rupert is now in charge. However, because of Olivia’s accident, we’ve stayed on to help out while she recovers.” She looked at Olivia. “We were hoping that you’d have Rupert by your side during this time. Unfortunately, something has come up that requires the attention of the global sovereign of the Wanderers. I do not want to frighten you, but I want you to be sufficiently aware of the gravity of what’s happening. Please take all the security we put in place seriously.”

  “Is my family in direct danger? Does this have something to do with that man—Potomal, I think Rupert said?”

  “There is more to it than just us being in danger, but yes, Rupert and your family are in danger.” Amadea’s poker face set in a mask. “Ollie, I can’t discuss the details with you now.”

  “I thought I was the new queen, so why not?” Olivia countered.

  “You have still to be sworn in. We’ll take care of that as soon as this emergency is over. In the meantime, please understand that we’re all working to try to get back to normal.”

  Olivia nodded. The last thing she wanted to do was hinder whatever was going on. Her questions would have to wait.

  Amadea smiled, her gratitude shining through. “Okay, on to business. I have to get back to London very soon, so I will hand over the orders from Rupert. Bruno, you already have your assignment and are clear?”

  He nodded.

  “Harry, you will stay home for now. I do realize you want to head back to college, but your father wants you to remain in Mountain View.”

  Olivia noticed her son’s disappointment, but he didn’t argue.

  “We will send someone to cover you, but Bruno will keep an eye on you in the meantime, Harry.”

  Amadea turned to Olivia. “Alexa is on her way to cover Ella.”

  “Oh, good. Ella’s been saying how much she misses Alexa. She’ll be pleased to see her again.”

  “It will be difficult for Alexa to cover Ella at school,” Amadea said, “but we are working on a solution.”

  Olivia nodded.

  “David, you’ll be with Arizona as usual.”

  David nodded but looked pensive and unhappy, staring down at his shoes and fidgeting. Olivia caught the look that passed between him and his mother.

  “Problem, David?” Olivia asked before Amadea could move on.

  “No, Your Highness,” he said, his expression proving otherwise.

  “David, I’ve known you for a long time. What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing, I will carry out my assignment as ordered.”

  “Actually,” Kellan said, “I’d prefer to do it, if it’s okay with you.” Kellan looked up at Amadea.

  Amadea raised her eyebrows. “I wasn’t expecting this. What’s the issue, David? You are Arizona’s Wanderer, right?”

  “Yes, and it’s not a problem.”

  “Why can’t I do it?” Kellan interrupted. “Arizona and I spend a lot more time together than she does with David. I would prefer it.”

  “Amadea? Surely that’s okay?” Olivia agreed.

  Amadea shook her head. “Kellan does not have a Wanderer connection with Arizona. David will be able to keep her safer.”

  David turned to Kellan. “That’s true, but we can work together. Main thing is to keep her safe.”

  “Good. Now that we are clear, I’ll get back to Rupert and let him know that everyone is covered.” She got up from her seat.

  “Wait,” Olivia said quickly. “I need to know where Rupert is. How is he? When will he be home?”

  “He is fine, just very busy. He’s in London at the
moment, but is leaving for St. Moritz tomorrow morning. I promise that he will come home as soon as he is able. In the meantime, carry on as normally as you can.” With that, she faded and then completely disappeared.

  I stared into her big brown eyes, wondering what was going on in her little head. The depths of her eyes pooled an ocean of wisdom and thoughts that I felt she wanted—needed—for me to tap into. We sat on my bed, inches from each other, not touching but completely engrossed in one another. Her nose suddenly twitched, and she sneezed, her eyebrows rising into a comedic arch. Her somber mood was suddenly replaced by one of bewilderment, one that I couldn’t help but giggle at. She shook herself and rolled over, clearly looking for a belly rub.

  But I was afraid to touch her. Just hours ago, contact with her skin—her fur—had transported my mind into random flashings of disjointed image clips all coming at me at a speed that made me feel unbalanced, like I was in a free fall into nowhere. I had instinctively moved away from her, hoping to make the flashes stop. I had no idea what I’d seen. The images changed so quickly. In my panic, I hadn’t taken the time to try to remember any of them.

  Everyone’s eyes had been glued to me as I stood up and moved away from Gertrude.

  “What happened?” Mom had asked.

  I had been vague. Not on purpose, but because the incident itself was unclear. Thankfully, they hadn’t pushed me. David’s mother diverted our attention by asking us to get seated for dinner.

  After dinner, Mom had given us—Ella, me, and the dog—a ride home from David’s place before she drove to her office, leaving Grandma in charge. Gertrude hadn’t left my side, refusing to stay with David even though he’d been pretty insistent. No, Gertrude had been determined, and we gave in and let her follow us home thinking that she could have a playdate with Tallulah. Tallulah had been overjoyed to see her, jumping all over Gertrude in excitement. Gertrude had indulged her, playing a game of mock chase until Ella settled Tallulah down and took her up to bed. Instead of following them, Gertrude had stayed by my side, and I let her, feeling oddly comfortable with her. She even followed me into the bathroom while I showered, snoozing outside the stall.