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“They do?" I said.
"Yes. They told me to pass the message along to you." Henry sighed.
"It's not what you think."
"What do I think?"
"Kyle Boschman and Chad Miller were acting suspicious, before going into the boy’s locker room. Officer Maguire followed them. I got curious because at the game on Friday, those two were handing a kid white pills. When I confronted them, they claimed they were breath mints. I didn't believe them and hit the pills into a mud puddle. They got pissed at me and left."
"Rumors are racing you're the one who hit Officer Maguire over the head in the locker room."
“Do you really think I’m capable of overtaking Officer Maguire? The guy’s twice my height and a trained cop.” I shook my head. "A shadow was behind him. But Henry I can't say if it was a person or a monster. That's why I was vague when Officer Maguire questioned me." When Henry remained quiet, I added, "I'm the one, who got Officer Maguire help. I'm the one, who came to his rescue after he got hit. And those cowards, Kyle and Chad, took off running. They drove away when I walked home. They’re involved selling these pills. They're into it up to their eyeballs."
Henry licked his lips and ventured into the kitchen. He grabbed a sports drink to replenish his electrolytes, a habit he picked up since making varsity football in his sophomore year. He slapped mustard and mayonnaise on bread and added roast beef. "Mom and Dad are going to be mad."
"Why?"
"Because you're getting too involved with Gramps and his case."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, come on David. How stupid do you think we are? We know you've been helping him with a case, and it has to do with these pills and weird creatures." Was he jealous? Did he really want to be in my shoes right now?
I bent my head and rubbed my neck.
Henry sat at the table with me and snatched my bag of chips, pouring a pile on his plate.
"What am I supposed to do Henry? Gramps needs my help. He's too weak to do it on his own. And when Tom Stevens went missing—”
"Gramps’s partner’s missing?"
Crap. I let it slip. I sighed. "I found him. He's not doing well."
Henry shook his head and shoved half his sandwich in his mouth.
I needed to call Gramps and see how he and Tom were doing. I found my phone in my coat pocket and punched a few buttons to dial Gramps’s house.
“Who are you calling?”
I shook my head.
A weak voice answered. "Hello?"
"Hey, Gramps. It's me, David. I called to see how you're feeling."
He released a sigh into the phone. "I'm okay. Just tired."
"How's Tom?"
"Not good."
I hesitated. "Do you think he'll make it?"
"I hope so."
"Does Sabrina know?"
"Yes. She’s at the hospital with her mother."
"I'll run there tonight." I wanted to see Sabrina again.
"Good idea."
"Hey, Gramps. I had a run-in today.” I quickly relayed what had happened.
"Don't worry David. I'll talk to Hoss and see where we go from here."
"Okay." My parent's car rumbled into the garage. "I've got to go now. I have homework, and I'll go see Sabrina and her mom."
"Sound good." Gramps rang off.
I shut my phone off and fell deep in thought.
"What is it, David?"
I bit my lower lip. "I have to stay on this case, Henry. Gramps sounded drained. I think he's overdoing it too soon after the heart attack. Don't tell Mom and Dad. Please?"
Henry thought it over. Right before our parents entered the house, he said, "Okay, but be careful."
I nodded.
The door swung open. Mom walked in first, followed by Dad.
"Hey," I said.
"What are you boys doing?" Mom asked.
"Homework," Henry pushed away from the table. "I'll be in my room studying."
Mom dropped off bags of burgers and fries. I opened one each. I devoured the food while I finished the English homework. "Mom, Sabrina's dad’s in the hospital. I was going to see how they’re doing."
"Oh, that's terrible. What happened?" she asked.
"I'm not sure."
"How'd you hear he was hurt?" Dad bit into a burger.
"Gramps."
"Hmm. You've sure been spending a lot of time with your grandfather." Dad pulled the sides of his mouth back.
"I'm trying to keep him from overdoing it."
Mom snorted. "Good luck."
Dad, an older version of Henry, tall and athletically built, he and Henry acted alike. Dad had been a good athlete and played football at the University of Washington, which was why Henry had to make it there. Henry had the grades, but the competition at a Division One school was tough. His biggest threat came from California. He’d undoubtedly start his freshman year at Washington State University, and possibly schools in Oregon. But Henry wanted to go to the University of Washington because Dad played there.
As for me, my goals fell far shorter than Henry's. I wanted to get my degree in Criminal Psychology or Criminology, and hopefully get a job in Gramps’s agency. Of course, between Hoss and the other goons, I was making more enemies than friends at the office. But they needed a powerful wizard, one to replace Gramps. There weren’t too many of us around.
"Don't stay out too late. It's a school night," Dad said.
"I'll be back in a couple of hours." I pulled my keys from my pocket and headed out the door. Mom allowed me to drive my motorcycle when I paid for the gas. I had half a tank. I stopped at a sub sandwich shop on my way and bought a couple of sandwiches, sodas, and chips, secured them in a pouch on the back of my bike, and drove to the hospital.
Sabrina and her mother waited on the same floor Gramps had been on. An open doorway led into the waiting room area to the left of the nurse’s station. Sofas and padded chairs lined the perimeter, covered in orange, brown and yellow material. Again, the faeries skittered along the base molding and shimmered along the wall. When they reached the top, they paused. A beautiful fairy with long black hair, big brown eyes, dark complexion, sheer white wings with a red cross woven into them, carried a bag with her and whispered with the two fairies living here. I thought back to my books and ran through my mind the millions of words I had read on magic and magical creatures. She was a Laminak, a fairy from the Basque region of southern France and northern Spain. They typically lived underground in castles and were known to have healing powers. I hadn’t seen an existing one before. Had she come to help Tom? Did her bag contain healing fairy dust? Seeing her, I had hoped he would survive. Had Hoss summoned them?
The ivory walls reflected the overhead lights, and soon the fairies turned into sparks and melded into the plaster and paint. Windows offered darkness evening brought. During the daytime, it overlooked a back parking lot, nearby doctor’s offices, and an assisted living facility. The waiting room was empty except for Sabrina and her mother, who sat in silence, worry etched on their faces. Despite the blue pantsuit, Sabrina’s mother wore, it had wrinkles in the jacket, and her short golden hair needed the use of a brush.
"Hey." I held the bags up. "You two hungry?"
Sabrina introduced me to her mother, Paula Stevens, a lovely woman, which Sabrina resembled with fair skin, blue eyes, and a petite build. Sabrina wore jeans, sneakers, and a long-sleeved pink shirt. Bags hung under their eyes, their lids at half-mast as if they had been up all night. They gratefully took the food and drink. I ambled over to a chair adjacent to the couch they rested on and sank into it.
"How is your father doing?" I asked.
Sabrina lifted her shoulders. I wanted to put my arm around those shoulders and give them a squeeze, but I didn't, once again chickening out. I convinced myself it wasn’t the right time.
"The doctors are hopeful. It was sweet of you to come by and check on him." Paula added with a slight smile, "And Sabrina."
"My grandfather wants to come by—”
"He was here earlier." Paula curled her hair behind her ear.
I let them eat, leaned back in the chair and remained quiet, my gaze steadily returning to Sabrina. She remained quiet, too quiet. I didn't know what to say. Hoss stood at the door opening. He jerked his head to the side for me to meet him over by the elevators. I excused myself and told Sabrina I’d be right back.
"Yes, Hoss, Boss, Sir?" Yep. I was back to my sarcastic self. It was so easy with this guy!
He growled at me. "You're in trouble at school."
"No, I’m not."
He acted as if he didn't hear me. "I don't know why, but I took care of it for you." He flared his nostrils. "I guess I owed you since you helped with Tom. Course we could have done it on our own."
I grinned to cover my irritation. "I'll remember that the next time we're chased by a monster-sized Chupacabra with powerful wizard magic."
Hoss squeezed his lips into a tight line. The guy couldn't bring himself to say thank you.
I forced a laugh. "You can't stand the fact I saved your butt."
"You're a pipsqueak, in a lot of ways." Hoss semi-smiled.
I placed my hands over my heart. "Ouch. That hurt."
Hoss released another “Lurch” growl.
"Are you sure you're not part chupacabra? You sound like one."
The muscle along his jaw flexed as he ground his teeth together.
This guy was way too easy.
"I'm stuck with you on this case. Your grandfather is too fragile; his powers are too weak. I need you. But I'm the boss, your boss. Got it?"
I brought my brows together and pursed my lips. "Do I get paid for this? My parents wanted me to get a part-time job. If I got paid for this, they'd get off my back." Okay. My parents didn’t ask me to get a job, but I figured if I had to put myself in jeopardy, I should, at least, get rewarded.
Hoss glanced away as if it took every ounce of his being to stay patient with me. I got that reaction a lot from adults. He returned to me. "You start at the bottom of the pay scale."
"Well, it doesn't seem fair when I'm risking my life to save humanity." I tilted my head.
"Take it or leave it," he snapped.
"I'll take it. So what's next?"
"Who are the boys Officer Maguire was questioning before he got hit?"
"Two jerks. Kyle Boschman and Chad Miller. They hang out with Jerry Hadler and Shelby Baxter, two more guys I think are taking the drug."
"Anyone else?"
"Yeah. Two football players turned into chupacabras when I pissed them off, after the football game."
"Imagine," Hoss said in his deadpan voice. "You pissing someone off."
I ignored his barb. "They tried to give my brother the drug. I knocked the pills out of their hands and crushed most of them. The two changed."
"They bite you?"
"No. I shot them with my magic, and they ran off."
"Anyone see?"
"A teacher at the school might have seen it because he came through the doors a few seconds after the fight and the chupacabras ran out the door he opened."
"Who's the teacher?"
"Mr. Valdez. He acted as if he didn't see a thing. In fact, he joked we were trying to fight off two dogs with drumsticks."
Hoss's head tipped back, and his thick brows came together. "You mean he wasn’t surprised to see two dogs in the school attacking two students?"
"A little." I slightly changed the subject. "I have a few questions myself."
"Shoot."
"Do I get a gun?"
"You don’t need one. You have your wand."
"But I’d look cool, especially to the ladies." I raised my brows a few times.
Hoss shook his head. "Are you the only pain the butt, who has these special powers? Or can I find someone else?"
"Sorry. I'm the only pain in the butt."
Again, he gave me the Lurch groan.
"Seriously, though. When a kid changes are they conscious of it? Or do they black out? Rumors at school say kids think they're having a hallucination or a dream."
"Doesn’t that answer your question?"
"No. When those two guys changed and attacked us, they became animals, and I don’t think they recognized us. I mean, they attacked my brother, and everyone loves my brother, especially the football players."
Hoss rubbed his smooth chin. He didn’t answer me.
"Does it change a person after they’ve taken the drug?"
"Not sure."
"What are you sure about?"
"Whoever brought this drug here wants to start a new order of chupacabras."
"Why?"
"Because they are practically extinct. If he changes enough of them, he can rebuild. He goes after athletes because they are physically active and can build a strong pack."
"So if they continue to take the drug will they eventually change with no way back?"
"It's what our evidence shows."
I swallowed. "How many pills do they have to take?"
"Several each day for a month."
"I don't know any girls who are taking the drug. So they're not at the stage of building a pack. At least, I don't think they are. Who knows? Maybe we should ask your friends from the agency. They'd probably know."
Hoss's head tipped back. In a deadly tone, he asked, "What friends from the agency are you talking about?"
I hesitated. Crap! "Didn't Gramps tell you?"
"Tell me what?" he snapped. A family of four strolling by glimpsed in our direction, and then continued on their way.
"A couple of goons have been following me around town, trying to get information from me. The other day they came to my parent’s shop when I was there alone. And this morning they, uh, stopped me in the school parking lot. They told me if I didn't give them names of students who were taking the drugs, they'd eat me. Eddie turned into an insect-creature thing with this long neck and antenna’s."
Hoss gripped the front of my jacket and curled the material into his hand. "What'd you tell them?"
"I gave them Jerry Hadler and Shelby Baxter’s names. Nothing more."
He released his hold, shoving me back. He muttered something under his breath. "Why'd you tell them anything?"
"They were going to eat me, “I squeaked, and quickly cleared my throat. "Sorry for wanting to stay alive." I frowned. “Weren’t they with your agency?”
"Did anyone see them talk to you?"
"Yes. Officer Maguire."
Hoss's eyes slit. "Next time they come near you call me immediately. Got it?"
"Not that you’ll get there fast enough to keep them from killing me! And I don't have your number."
Hoss scratched it on a business card. "This is my private cell. Just a few people in the world have this number, so don't give it to anyone. And for God's sakes don't use it often, only in emergencies."
"Okay."
He abruptly walked away, punching in numbers, and glued his phone to his ear, barking into it.
I returned to Sabrina and her mother. They had finished their sandwiches and chips. "Feeling better?"
"Yes. Thank you." Paula smiled at me. "It was considerate of you to get us something. I see you're a lot like your grandfather."
"It sounds like you know my grandfather pretty well.” I was surprised.
"Of course. He comes over for dinner once a week. He and Tom discuss office matters outside the office." She took a napkin and pressed it to the corners of her mouth. “I see you’ve met Hoss.” She nodded in his direction.
“You know him?”
“Of course. Tom has worked with him for years, not as long as your Grandfather has, but many years.”
“I don’t think he likes me much.” My gaze wandered over to Hoss.
Paula laughed. “He’s gruff with everyone at first.”
I plopped into the chair next to Sabrina, her eyes puffy and red. "He'll make it Sabrina. You'll see."
"Do you know something I don't?"
Should I tell her the Laminak fairy was here? I hesitated. "It's important to stay positive, for yourself, your mom, and your father. Your strength will give him strength."
"That's good advice, David.” Paula patted Sabrina's hand and stood. She dumped her wrappers and soda cup in a nearby garbage can and headed out.
"Where is she going?" I asked.
"Back to Dad's room. It's where we've been most of the time, but a nurse came in and wanted to take his vitals and asked us to leave." Her blue eyes met mine. "We hadn't eaten all day. Thanks."
"No, problem."
"You're a good friend, David."
Friend. That lonely word. One step away from you’re like a brother. We sat in silence for a few minutes when a bulk form blocked the door. I expected to see Hoss. Instead, it was Sam. He hesitated to come in. "Sam. What are you doing here?"
"Sabrina texted me that her dad was in the hospital. What are you doing here?"
"My grandfather works with her father, remember?"
The muscles on the sides of his eyes and mouth softened and his shoulders eased. "Oh, yeah." He moseyed over to me and sat on the couch next to Sabrina, but kept a foot space. "Thought you might want company."
Feeling in the way, I pushed out of the chair. "I'd better get going. I've got homework." I lied.
"Thanks for coming." Sabrina raised her hand.
"I'll check in with you tomorrow."
She nodded.
I exited the waiting room and paused at the elevator. I couldn’t stop myself from glimpsing back. Sam had engaged Sabrina in a conversation. She smiled at something he had said.
"Girl troubles." Hoss wore a grin on his face.
I glared at him but kept my mouth shut.
"Looks like he won."
"Why don't you shut up?" I curled my lip at him.
Hoss chuckled a low rumbling similar to thunder rolling in. "Not fun being on the receiving end, now is it?"
I changed the subject. "I don't get it. Why come here to the Northwest, far from South America, to turn kids? Who’s ever doing this could have chosen kids from California, New Mexico, or Texas, closer to the border? Why here?"
"Because of three things: mild weather temperatures, a plentitude of wilderness, and an abundant food source and water."
"Mild temperatures?"
"Yeah. Because the pill changes a chupacabra from human to creature. The animal retains some of its human-like qualities. The extreme hot temperature’s become hard for it to bear. They want to make a colony of these creatures here. Plus, the thick brush makes for good cover."
"Why Olympia?"
"Who knows? Maybe because it's where the culprit first got a job. The Black Hills Mountains in Thurston County are in our backyard, a good place for a pack to run undetected, and close enough to farms with food sources of goats and rabbits. And it stays pretty mild here all year."
"You think it's a teacher, who's behind this, don't you?"
"It makes sense. Easy access to kids. The person knows how to talk to teenagers and maybe seduce them into taking the drug."
"The side effects are addicting. Being able to run as fast as an animal, be strong as an ox, and run in a pack. Of course, Jerry and his buddies are taking it." I sniffed.
"You don't like those guys much, huh?"
"No."
"Do they bully you?"
"They try to."
"Why don't you use your magic on them?" Hoss asked.
"I can't."
"Is it against some wizard code or something?"
"Something like that."
Hoss snorted. "I'd blast them."
"Well, the next time you go to school with me, I'll point them out to you."
"I probably won't have to. Eddie and Frankie will most likely beat us to it."
The elevator door opened. I let the door shut without me. "What are you talking about?"
"Eddie and Frankie think once a kid takes the drug, there's no going back. They want to eliminate them."
"You mean—”
"Yep."
I shook my head. "That's illegal. That's wrong. That's murder."
"That's right."
"And I gave them Jerry and Shelby's names." The weight of what I’d done crashed down on me and lodged there. "I didn't know. I didn't mean—”
"There's casualties in every war."
"But this one can be avoided." I ran my hand through my hair and let it rest at the back of my neck. "Is there a way to change these kids back?”
"There might be if they're not too far gone."
The elevator opened once again. I stepped inside. I had met Hoss's sunglasses before I pressed the button and the doors closed. Climbing on my motorcycle, I zoomed out of the parking lot. On my drive back home, my thoughts returned to how I gave those goons Jerry and Shelby's names. At the time, I had no idea they’d planned on killing them. I had wanted those creeps off my back.
Now I found myself having to protect the bullies, who wanted nothing more than to beat me to a pulp.
Life sucked!
