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Sister Zara walked up to the car. The tall girl she met in the nurse’s office at the high school walked directly behind her. She was just maybe two inches shorter in height than the old sister. Velvet stared at them amazed at how remarkably they appeared so similar. Tall, dark and strong. Yes, the girl was powerful. Velvet noted the machete strapped on her back. A warrior? Why did Sister Zara need a show in power upon her arrival?
“Who’s that girl?” Omar asked. “She’s looks just like the crone.”
“I’m not sure. I met her briefly at the high school. I couldn’t tell if she was cool or hostile. Omar, I’m going to walk inside on my own strength. Don’t assist me unless I fall or faint.”
“Got you. You ready?” He got out and went around to her side to open her door and offer her his hand.
“Sister Zara,” Velvet said and bowed her head waiting for the crone to respond to her greeting.
“Velvet.” Sister Zara actually smiled before she cast her eyes on Omar. “This one is an improvement.”
“This is Omar Henderson. He’s a detective with the Fairlight PD.” She turned to Omar and said good bye. It didn’t feel right. Sister Zara walking around with a novice and smiling at people. Approving of a normal. “Omar, I’ll call you in the morning.”
“Okay, but I thought I’d see you to the door at least.” He felt the tension in her, she surmised. Lately, he was good at reading her vibes. He mouthed the words, “You all right?”
“I want you to leave now.”
“What’s the hurry,” the girl said. She wore white leather pants with a midriff tank top and high heels. She stepped in front of Omar blocking him from the car. “I’m Jezebel,” she told Omar. “Teen witch extraordinaire.”
“Omar, get in the car and leave. Now.” Jezebel was trying to probe him. Testing her skills apparently for the benefit of Sister Zara. Her apprentice? “Stop it, Jezebel.” Void of her powers, she had to rely on regular human strength which undoubtedly wasn’t enough to even budge the young witch. But Jezebel wasn’t going to disrespect her and violate Omar while she just stood there and watched. “You better think about when I’m not low in power, little girl!”
“Velvet!” Sister Zara clapped her hands to separate the younger women. “Jezebel, it is time you returned, my dear.”
“Yes, mistress.” She turned to Velvet. “I’ll be seeing you later, big woman. Count on it.” Fleet and strong came to Velvet’s mind as she watched the teenager break and run.
“Do you remember her?” Sister Zara asked.
“She’s a student at the high school where I confronted the Avaricites.”
“Before that, dear. Think.”
“I never saw...”
“I said, think!” Sister Zara thumped Velvet’s forehead with a hard finger. “Daughter of Joy, what has become of you? If Mahalia could see you now.”
“Where is she?” All at once Velvet knew the sister was in contact with her great grandmother. “I want her with me. I need her.”
“I would not put her through it.”
“Through what?”
“The sight of you!”
“Are you keeping Big Mama from me on purpose?”
“How much disappointment is she supposed to take because of you?”
“That’s enough of that,” Omar said. “What are you trying to do to her?”
“Omar Henderson, why haven’t you told her?” Sister Zara asked as if Omar was not just confronting her.
“Excuse me?”
“Young people and their secrets. Tsk, tsk.” Sister Zara walked straight past them shaking her head. “Just remember, love does not conquer anything.”
“What the hell was that?” Omar asked after Sister Zara disappeared into thin air. “What was she talking about?”
“I’m not sure.” Badgering me is one thing, she thought. Why include Omar like this? Why would Sister Zara even want to meet a normal? Fun and games? No, Sister Zara was testing her for a reason. A reason she could not fathom at the moment.
“Vee, are you sure you want to stay here? That old lady and that girl...”
“Don’t scare me.” Realizing she sounded boastful, she added, “I respect their strength, but I won’t be bullied by an obvious attempt at intimidation.”
“Here,” Omar reached under his pants leg and pulled out his throw away. “Take it.” He shoved it in her hands. “That girl had a sword. You need a weapon that can counter speed and strength.”
“I doubt I’ll need this, but thanks.” She placed the gun in the back of her waistband under her blouse. “I am concerned,” she confessed. “I’m not convinced Sister Zara is doing the most she can for my case. I feel like she’s holding back for her own purposes and designs.”
“Maybe you should speak to Miss Hazel before you undergo anymore treatments. Your grand is clairvoyant. If you were in danger, wouldn’t she be picking up those vibes or something?”
He was right. Even if Zara could block or mask her intentions, Hazel would still get a feeling about it. Unless, she was in on it. How far would Hazel allow Zara to abuse her only grandchild in order to get her powers back? Velvet recalled how much Hazel had to talk and beg the sisters to consider her case. Of course, then her health was touch and go. There was always the chance during normal recovery, she’d get pneumonia or something. Perhaps Hazel had no real choice but to go along with Zara in order to save her grandchild’s life. Or maybe there was nothing going on. Sure. Right.
“I want to take the next treatment as scheduled,” she decided. Sister Zara had clearly shown her hand on purpose. The next move was up to Velvet. “I believe they are up to something, but not my treatments.”
“Like what?”
“I have no idea. Omar, did you notice something else about Sister Zara and Jezebel?” She watched his face closely. He took a second as if to consider his reply.
“They, um, they look like you. I noticed it right away. Especially Jezebel.”
“Yeah, it’s what I thought the first time I saw her. She seems to have a personal relationship with Sister Zara.”
“What’s going through your mind, Vee?”
“Wild stuff, Omar. And whatever it is, I think Grandma and Big Mama knows about it.”
“Tell me you don’t think your catching fire was part of it.”
“No. I do think they are taking advantage of my weakened condition to get me back into the castle. Grandma pushed for it real hard.”
“Okay. You think there is something going on, but you don’t think you are in any danger?”
“Right.” Omar was frowning so hard his lips became a thin line. “Not dangerous, but maybe life changing.”
“I have to tell you, girl. I’m getting bad vibes about leaving you here.” He looked over at the castle, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Got your cell phone?”
“Yes.” She took his hand before he wiped his mouth again. “Omar?”
“What, babe?”
“Don’t get all anxious over this.”
“In other words,” he smiled a bit ruefully. “Don’t start drinking.”
“I’m not going to nag you about it.”
“The drinking is under control.”
“I wish I’d kept my suspicions to myself until I knew more.”
“No, babe. I’m fine. But I’m going to always worry about you.”
“Well, now is not the time to worry. Will you come back for me later?”
“Nothing can keep me away.”
“Oh, you are so sweet.” She put her arms around his neck and gave him a big kiss to say good bye. “Eleven o’clock, okay?”
“Okay.”
She left him standing next to his car watching her tread up to the house. Today was the first day she was able to climb the steps on her own. The first day she needed no assistance period. Funny, it occurred to her in the last few days she’d gotten used to being handled and supported so gently and lovingly by Omar. He’d offered her all of his free time and personal comfort. Holding and soothing her while she slept dreaming of catching fire. Waking up in his arms, knowing she was safe and sound was worth more than she knew she could ever repay him.
He loves me, she thought as a servant opened the great door before she knocked. He loves me and he’s good for me. Most of all, he’s here.