One Weird Message

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter One

 

 

Little known fact. Howard Richard Deacon III (Rick Deacon to his friends) liked to blog. He maintained a regular blog called Everything Werewolf by Anonymous_Wolf. It was also his email address. His closest friends knew about it because they had teased him about his ‘Werewolf Advice’ blog on a regular basis—when no one else was listening in. And Rick maintained this blog because he believed out there in the world there might be someone coping with a werewolf problem that needed factual advice on how to handle it. After all, who but an actual werewolf could give such perfect advice?

Rick, of course, was not an expert on all things werewolf. That was his father. Rick had only learned he was a werewolf during a rather nasty and unexpected transformation when he was thirteen years old which had terrified his in-the-dark mother, and had dismayed his werewolf father who had hoped his son would be human. Since then Rick was doing his best to prevent tragedy connected to werewolves—either for werewolves themselves, or for people who need to guard against them. There were, after all a lot of false stories about werewolves out there. And some true ones. Not all werewolves were the same, after all.

Currently he was writing up his latest article on the difference between a werewolf and a shape-shifter. He personally knew a handful of shapeshifters, some who were human (though most likely they had elvish blood in them somewhere, as humans really didn’t shapeshift unless they were under some kind of curse) and others who were clearly half-elf. He also knew a thing or two about the shape-shifting gifts of elves. And though Rick had bumped into faerie folk on occasion (as once a person’s eyes are open to the unseen world it never leaves you alone), he didn’t know any full-blood elves personally.

He typed:

 

“…The Legend of Lycaon creates a problematic exception to the general werewolf rule. If Zeus (who would be a ‘god-elf’) had indeed cursed a human to become a wolf as punishment for cannibalism, it can be safely concluded that not all werewolf origins are the same, and therefore variation is possible. That means some werewolves might in fact not be afflicted by garlic, honey, silver or even the full moon at all. Or, more likely, descendants of Lycaon (if they still exist) are not werewolves at all but technically lycaons or lycanthropes. One might have to rethink the term lycanthrope to describe all afflictions of werewolfism in this case. Perhaps witch-wolf would be a better term for wolves-turned-men—though there are more witch-wolves than lycaons. In fact, world-wide there are many were-animals such as were-jackals of Africa, were-tigers of Asia, and the Wendingo of North America....”

 

Rick paused there, thinking over his next passage. He wanted to share information about shape shifters he knew personally without supplying too many details that would give them away. They needed their privacy after all.

 

“…It seems that curses are what makes most were-beings. Yet a cursed transformation is not all that is required to make a were-being. A witch’s familiar would be a good example. Though technically not a were-being, as familiars’ clothing also transmute during their transformation, many have been humans and turned into animals to serve a purpose. I know a man who was turned into a cat by a couple of witches to become their familiar. I also know a familiar who was turned into an owl for the same purpose. Also, unlike were-animals, familiars are kept ‘tame’ with the use of a trigger word which enacts the transformation against their will, and they have no allergies as a side-effect to their curse. Were-beings are triggered by natural phenomena, and are wild.

“But this is still not the same as shape-shifters. Shapeshifters are not cursed beings at all. They are genetically connected to demons or elves in some way—the most powerful shape-shifters of all. Let’s take the god-elves into account. The strongest and most powerful elves posed as gods to the human populations in ancient history. Zeus, Ra, Odin, Vishnu—all elves with insurmountable power… at least in the view of human beings who are not magical at all. God-elves like Zeus had numerous affairs with humans, shapeshifting to deceive many mortal women while creating ‘demi-gods’. I happen to know a handful of so-called ‘demi-gods’ who are nothing more than half-elf, half-human. Some can shape-shift very well. Others merely have power over the elements. But they know the source of their abilities.

 

His website email pinged. An email popped up. Rick peered at it, but did not open the file yet. His mind was still on shapeshifters, and he needed to get the thought out before it faded away.

 

“But if a half-elf ends up having descendants, sooner or later the history of where their abilities come from becomes a thing of myth or legend. Usually their kind are considered to be merely gifted humans. They are often called Spirit Warriors. Spirit Warriors usually have the gift of shapeshifting into various forms—mostly animal—usually used in combat. I know two individuals like that. One is a formidable Spirit Warrior of the Navajo people. I can mention him here (but won’t name him), as he is well-known in the SRA for his gifts. But the other is still learning about his abilities, as he does not know the entire story of his ancestry or the breadth of his capacity.”

 

The email pinged again. His thoughts were lost.

Sighing, Rick opened the email.

It was from someone called AMonkK@. He looked at the subject heading. It said:

 

Need Paws-on Help from A_Wolf.

 

Reading the email, Rick was immediately intrigued.

 

Dear Anonymous_Wolf,

I have truly enjoyed Ur insightful & informative blogs. I M writing 2 U, however, concerning a serious pack problem I have here in China. I M writing 2 beg U 2 come 2 China—Jiangsu provenance specifically—& 2 bring Ur friends of the 7. It isn’t just a wolf problem I have—though I hear rumor of killer wolves in the provenance—but many things besides. Something is wrong w/ the tigers. There is rumor of dragons & demons also. 2 prepare Ur-self B4 coming, please read Journey 2 the West, by Wu Chengen. It will orient U 2 the culture & the kinds of demons U may encounter that R not in Ur continent.

This is a serious matter, but I believe U R the best equipped 2 help us w/ it. Please arrive in Shanghai & travel north in2 Jiangsu 2 throw the demons off the scent. Please reply 2 this email & tell us when U R coming. A Buddhist monk will B sent 2 meet U @ the airport 2 give U more information.

Please come quickly.

Sincerely,

A MonkK

 

Rick was stunned. He read over the part about a pack problem and wolves, never mind the ridiculous abbreviations and numbers in the text. He knew a pack of wolves in Jiangsu provenance. But killer wolves? That didn’t seem likely. That pack was peaceful. It was also rare—as werewolves were hardly ever heard of in Asia and they had to be more careful. Weretigers really were more prominent.

He examined the email again. It had mentioned tigers. They were probably weretigers. But such would not be friendly to him. Maybe that was why the monk asked for him to bring his friends in the Seven.

Yet as Rick thought that, he paused. Very few knew Anonymous_Wolf was connected to the Holy Seven (who were actually eight individuals), and those few who did were either his close friends or extreme enemies. And an enemy would not ask him to bring the Seven with him anywhere. The Seven protected him, and enemies wanted him defenseless.

Rick glanced at his calendar. It was in the middle of the school year. Entirely bad timing for everyone on his side. But in China it would be their New Year. What did they call it? Spring Festival. That meant a busy tourist time on that continent. Lots of people moving about and going home according to his friend Chen. For some reason, Rick believed that the timing of this email was to bring them to China now at this very time for this purpose—to get lost in the crowd.

Could he trust this email? Was this a real monk? And why, if this monk knew about the Holy Seven, did he not go the Seven’s own website? It was easy to find on the internet, for pity’s sake. Semour had made a beautiful one, fully functional, to which they had been passing out emergency cards to different needful people they had come in contact with on their encounters.

Rick pulled his emergency card out of his wallet and admired it. It was glossy, white and gold with a huge number seven on the front side with little ancient Egyptian inscriptions, and on the back was their website address. Rick actually had a handful of them which his best friend Andrew Cartwright (whom he called AB, a.k.a. Abey, since childhood—but he asked everyone to call him Andy) had given him to pass on to worthy and needful people he came across. Rick mostly passed them onto worthy ghoulies he knew (Ghoulies were either students of, or alumni to, Gulinger Private Academy who had supernatural weirdness in their lives. He was technically a ghoulie. And so were most of his friends.).

Rick clicked on Reply to the email. He typed in:

 

AMonkk,

Give me a moment to contact my friends of the Seven. And I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Anonymous_Wolf

 

And he clicked on Send.

It was all he could do until he knew more.

Then he picked up his phone and texted:

 

AB, I got a weird email from a monk asking for help in China. He is asking for the H7 and somehow knows I am connected with u. Call me as soon as u can. I have a feeling this might actually be important.

 

He sent it.

Staring at his blog, Rick started to type once again.

“I have, however, seen his potential. And I have a feeling that a trip to his homeland might awaken his latent abilities…”

 

He didn’t know what else to write. His thoughts on the subject had already slipped away. Rick decided to put the rest off until after lunch. Besides, the email and blog put his friend Bai Nian Chen in mind. He had not seen Chen since last winter break over a year ago. Chen was three years his senior, and Rick had met him when he was in eighth grade and Chen was a junior at Gulinger High. And though they were friends, Chen didn’t keep in touch as much as his other Gulinger buddies. Chen had issues, their pal Tom frequently said (usually with a wry, if not manic, smirk). And thinking on Tom, Rick nodded to himself. Tom would also be useful in China—if only the CIA would be willing to give him a vacation for a week or so. Perhaps he could just convince Tom to sneak off. Tom was like that.

The most difficult group to grab would actually be the Seven themselves. All of them were studying in the university. Well, most of them. Jessica Mason, Andrew’s girlfriend and the only gal in their eight-person group, was training with the NYPD homicide division now. And Peter McCabe was currently abroad somewhere in Italy with soccer training. He also claimed to be interning with an archaeology professor in Rome—but sometimes Rick figured Peter was just pulling their legs about that. He couldn’t see how Peter could do both at the same time, even though Peter now had a Bachelors in Ancient Languages and Archaeology. And Peter claimed to be going for a Master’s degree while also going pro with soccer. It made no sense. And of course there was Michael Toms, who was doing the same thing as Rick, studying for his MBA—only Michael was still training with the SRA (Supernatural Regulator’s Association). Just that very thought made Rick’s skin crawl. He liked Michael, but he hated that Michael worked alongside and with Rick’s worst enemies. The only good Rick saw in Michael working with the SRA was that Michael could at least make them fight fair. But honestly, the most difficult one to bring to China might be Andy himself. The guy needed a break. But he was now in med school, and that took all of his time and energy—literally. Jessica complained that he didn’t even have time to skype with her anymore.

Rick’s cell phone pinged.

Picking it up, he saw he got a text from Andy:

 

Howie, kinda busy right now. How urgent is this?

 

It figured, Rick moaned. One, because his best friend was never going to stop calling him Howie instead of Rick like he asked, and two because he knew he was going to get this kind of answer. He texted back:

 

The fact that he asked me to contact u is a sign that it is very urgent.

 

He sent it.

Then Rick decided to text Tom Brown:

 

Tom, are you in the mood for a China adventure?

 

As he sent it, Rick smirked to himself. It didn’t take much to egg on Tom Brown. He was half-imp half-human, which meant he loved trouble and the word adventure got him excited. His sneaky gifts were perfect for the CIA—as he could walk through walls, go semi invisible, fly, and command a horde of invisible imps to do his mischievous bidding—but his personality was anything but perfect for that organization. Tom was the living embodiment of anarchy. And though he liked being sneaky, doing whatever he wanted, and causing trouble, he was not malicious. He was also quite brilliant when he wasn’t distracted by that horde of invisible, screaming mischief-causing imps.

Tom texted back immediately:

 

Did you say China? How soon?

 

Rick snickered. And then he thought a little more deviously and texted back:

 

 I need to convince the 7 and Chen to join us. If u can do anything short of destroying their lives to urge them to come, I’d appreciate it.

 

Tom texted back:

 

The 7 scare me. But I can convince Chen at least.

 

Sighing, Rick replied:

 

Ok, do that. I’ll keep working on the 7.

 

He should have known his friends in the Seven even frightened Tom. There was something about the Seven that intimidated everyone. They emanated power in a quiet, often understated yet forceful way. Most of them felt older than time—including his best friend Andrew. Rick felt less uncomfortable with Jessica and Peter than the others. Those two at least felt their age. The other guys had older souls which when they gazed at the world, felt like they were weary of all the ‘petty things’ of the modern age. It was a good thing they were his friends. Otherwise Rick would be terrified of them as well.

Andy texted back:

 

Post it on the site and we’ll get back to you.

 

Ugh. Rick groaned. Apparently his friend was extremely busy.

Rick opened another window on his computer and put in the web address. The website came up after a few seconds. His internet was lagging a little. Rick peeked to his roommate who was studying seriously at his desk. Though Rick could have easily moved into a private apartment while going to school, he had learned he was actually safer living among his fellow students. Hunters could not walk onto campus armed—and his classmates often protected him from his famous allergies as many of them had their own.

The website popped up.

The front page was elegant and utilitarian at the same time. It gave no revealing details about who was in the Seven, but it did provide an overview of what they did. Their credentials as official UN sanctioned supernatural regulators were displayed next to a list of questions for newcomers and a log-in box for VIPs. Rick put in his password for that. He was immediately taken to a chat screen where he could ‘voice a concern and make a request for help’. Rick opened his email window again and brought up that email from the monk. In the subject box for the Seven’s website, Rick typed in:

 

I just got this email today through my blog. I think it is legit. Contact me ASAP, as I’d like to arrange a trip soon. If school is a problem, I can arrange someone to stand in for you in your classes to video record and take notes.

Rick.

 

Then he cut and pasted the email from the monk.

When he clicked on the Submit box, Rick sat back. He still didn’t feel satisfied, though. Something nagged at him, telling him that several in the Seven would debate this email before giving it urgent consideration. And he had begun to feel it needed urgent consideration. It was bothering him.

So Rick went back to his email and opened the window for a new message. He wrote:

 

Guys,

I hate to nag, but this feels critical. I would not bug you at all if this wasn’t important, but I really would like you all to come to China with me to deal with this monk’s problem. Check your website for the copy of the letter I got. I am going to China with or without you, as I do need to visit a few business contacts there anyway. And if this means I only bring Tom Brown, then so be it. He has already agreed to go. I may be bringing another friend also, as he might be a help since my Chinese is still rudimentary. The trip should take about a week at the most. I’ll handle all the flight, hotel, and visa arrangements. Don’t worry about money.

Rick

 

He sent it as spam to every friend in the Seven, plus Tom and Chen. He then emailed Chen, forwarding the email from the monk to him also. After that, he tagged on his remarks:

 

Chen, this is a chance to reconnect with your roots. It has been ages since you have been in China, and Tom and I will be with you. I really need a translator, though, and someone to explain Chinese demons to me. I don’t know a thing about it. Also, could you help me find a copy of that book the monk mentioned? I’ve never heard of it. Seriously, I need your help with this.

Rick

 

He sat back and stared at that email then pressed Send. All he had left was to wait.

Arrangements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Two

 

 

Peter responded first.

 

Howie, I wish I could just drop everything and come to China. I do. It sounds cool and interesting, and yeah, important. I’ve read Journey to the West, and if you are dealing with the demons in that book, you will have your work cut out for you. Problem is, I can’t. I really can’t. I am stuck in serious research here in Rome, and I think I may have found a huge connection to the Holy Seven’s patron elf—Yes, we have one of those. Mr. Jones made it clear to me before he got sick last year that it was important that we find him or her. It is critical that I stay here and continue my research. Sorry.

Peter

 

Rick moaned. Peter was probably just completely engrossed in his soccer training. Yet, Rick’s eyes drifted to the P.S. under the email, and he snorted, reading it.

 

P.S. And I am NOT just making excuses to keep in my football training.

 

Yep. Peter knew what everyone was thinking. And football…. That’s right, Peter had adopted the British name for the sport. The soccer snob. Of course Peter was definitely going pro. And… he probably was telling the truth about his research. Peter was the Seven’s supernatural expert as such kooky things had always been an obsession of his.

So, Peter was out. That was a shame. Peter was actually one of the most even-headed and grounded members of the Seven. He was the easiest to reason with.

The next email that came was from Semour.

 

Howie—So, you’ll send someone to video my classes and take notes? Can you get them to upload and send them to you so I can study in my spare time? I’ve got a heavy load this year. It’s going to get me into a good engineering school for my Master’s, you know. I can’t go without this guarantee. Sir Cooly

 

That was a ‘Yes.’ Semour was coming. Good. Semour was terrifyingly skilled as a warrior, and incredibly smart. He was also physically the youngest of the Seven, though in spirit much much older. Rick replied to the email with the reassurance that he would do exactly what Semour needed. He just needed a copy of Semour’s course schedule and syllabus.

Two emails came at once, almost like they knew they were sending at the same time. James Peterson and Daniel Smith often replied in tandem, as if those best friends had never been apart. James’s email came in first.

 

Howie,

Here’s the thing… I’m not in class but doing in-the-field training right now. If you can just speak to my supervisor and get me a week leave, that is all it will take. You get me that, and tell me what I need to pack, and I’ll be there quicker than Swift.

Sir Strength Heart

 

Rick chuckled and replied that he would promptly contact James’s supervisor and his boss and arrange for a short leave. He even suggested paying James’s trainer to borrow him for a time. But being there quicker than his friend Swift (who was Daniel)—that was unlikely. Daniel’s email said:

 

Rick. Let me get this straight. A Buddhist monk writes in native English with texting abbreviations, somehow knows about us and you, and is talking about wolves, tigers, demons, and DRAGONS—and you don’t find that suspicious? Or is it that what makes you think this is so urgent? I’ll tell you what… I will come. I can get notes from my classmates. But I need you to help me with something for Silvia. Her mom is no longer sending her money—on orders from the coven—and they are watching Dad’s every move because they don’t want him to help her. If you can pay her rent for this month—she’s at a new place, hiding from the coven—then I’ll hop on a plane right now and drag whomever I can with me.

Swift

 

Rick stared at that one. He had heard Daniel’s half-sister Silvia Lewis was trying to leave the coven, but he had not been sure if it was true. Yet if she had taken his advice (through a friend) to contact her half-brother Daniel for help, then maybe it was possibly true. And though Rick’s instinct was to distrust a powerful witch like Silvia, something in him said helping Silvia here was a win-win situation. He also stared at that last part. Daniel must have known he would have trouble getting some people to come on this trip. The guy was so quick-minded. His nickname fit him to a T. Daniel was also one of the few who honored (or tried to honor) his request to be called Rick rather than Howie—his childhood nickname.

Emailing him back, Rick asked him to help him get Andrew and any other feet-dragger to come. He also asked for where he could send the money for Silvia’s rent.

After he sent that, he got an email from Eddie.

 

Howie, I don’t need someone standing in my place for notes or anything. You keep forgetting I am training with horses out on a ranch now. Just tell me what we need and what kind of excuse I can tell my supervisor. If someone is calling for the Seven, I’ll be there.

Sir Strength Heart

 

Smiling at that response, Rick sighed. Admittedly, he wasn’t as close with Edward White as he was with the others. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the guy. He just had so little in common with him. But Eddie was probably one of the most dedicated to the Seven’s purpose, and he hardly let his personal concerns get in the way of his duty. Eddie could be counted on.

But then Michael Toms email arrived.

 

Howie—I gotta say, this is really bad timing for me. I am stuck in the middle of an SRA training that I am not allowed to opt out of. Believe me, I already tried before emailing you. I will see what I can do to leave this thing early, but for now you should not wait for me.

Michael

 

Irritated, Rick wanted to chew Michael out about his priorities. They honestly had the most in common. Michael Toms, whom his pals in the Seven liked to call Sir Longshanks, had been Rick’s friend for a long time—as they walked in the same societal circle as wealthy heirs to corporate power. But Michael’s connection to the SRA really did chafe Rick. The Seven had told him it was necessary they had a representative in the SRA and Michael was a volunteer. But Rick’s experience of being relentlessly hunted by members of that particular organization every single full moon, made him worry that the SRA would influence Michael rather than him influencing and using the SRA.

But he had to let it alone.

Jessica’s email came next.

 

Rick,

I am so so so sorry, but I can’t go to China with the rest of the Seven. We are in the middle of a serious homicide investigation right now, and I have to be here. JJ and Matthew are working the case with me, and they need someone to deal with demons, as we have run across a serious possible demon crime mob that is manipulating humans and running a possible drug ring. I was about to bring it up with the Seven, or your friend Tom, actually—as this seems more like an FBI kind of thing. But Tom is CIA, isn’t he? Anyway, I cannot leave right now. If and when we conclude this investigation, I’ll contact you ASAP if you still need me. Sorry again.

Jessica

 

He sighed heavily, staring at that email. Jessica didn’t ditch out of things unless she really had to. The fact that she mentioned Joshua Johnson and his friend Matthew Calamori was proof she wanted him to double check her claim so he knew she was not lying. And he knew why, too. Jessica was furious with Andy, and she really was not in the mood to see him. Andy had, after all, made it clear he was ‘too busy’ to skype her. She made the air quotes when she had said it. And if he was ‘too busy’ for her, then why did she bother waiting for him? She wasn’t a pet dog.

Rick kept trying to tell his best friend that if he didn’t pay attention to Jessica he was going to lose her as a girlfriend. But Andy never took his advice seriously. The saddest part was so many guys in the Seven would have loved to have Jessica as their girlfriend, but none dared make a move as long as their leader Andy still thought they were together—and that included Rick, his friend Matthew, and a few others who thought Jessica was amazing.

But Jessica was tired of Andy taking her for granted. One day she would snap, and that would cause a huge rift within the Seven. Rick didn’t want to see that happen. They were his friends, and the world also needed them to stay together.

Finally Andy emailed him.

 

Howie! Seriously, do you have to nag? Why can’t this wait until spring vacation?

Andy

 

Rick clenched his teeth, staring at the email. He typed back immediately:

 

Are you the leader of the Seven or not? Focusing entirely on your degree in medicine when you have a duty as one of the Holy Seven to protect the world from supernatural danger is beyond pathetic. To quote Eddie, ‘You are a knight. Act like one.’ Or I will have to take your sword and do the job myself. You go back to being a boring self-absorbed human being, and I will join the Seven as their leader… like Bruce Wayne leading the Justice League.

Rick

 

He sent that email with a vehement punch of the button.

Immediately another email popped up. It was Chen.

 

Did you have to sick Tom on me? He won’t leave me alone now, and I have work. He’s gonna get me fired.

 

Rick stared at the email. It was so blunt. Tom was right. Something was up with Chen. He was more distant than ever. Rick wondered what happening with him.

He replied to the email.

 

Chen,

I did have to sick Tom on you. Sorry. This is urgent. If he makes you lose your job, I will help you find a better one. Please come on this trip with me to China. I am trying to bring the Seven along as well. Please keep in touch, as I feel it in my gut that this is urgent.

Rick

 

After sending it, an email from Andy popped up. He must have been at his computer looking at email that very moment.

 

Holy crap Howie, Where is all this anger coming from? I am NOT a self-absorbed human being. But I have to think about my future. Med school is extremely hard. Everyone in the Seven knows I can’t go off on missions until I finish it. Why don’t you get it?

Andy

 

Rick messaged him back:

 

I. I. I. Me. Me. Me. Do you want to know why I am angry? I am angry because you have tunnel vision. I am angry because Jessica is angry. What kind of boyfriend are you, the way you treat her? If she were my girl, I’d want to talk to her every day. Besides, this trip is important.

 

Rick’s cellphone pinged. He got a text from Tom.

 

Okeydokey about Chen. What do you want me to bring on this trip?

 

Texting back, Rick smirked. He was glad he could count on Tom.

 

Week’s worth of clothes. If you have Chinese yuan, bring it. Anything useful you can find about Jiangsu provenance in the CIA database. And anything you know about Chinese demons.

 

When he sent it, his email popped up three different messages. One was from Semour with the info Rick needed. The other was from Daniel, giving him an address for Silva’s rent. The last one was from Andy.

Rick opened Andy’s first.

 

Howie, what do you mean Jessica is angry? I should be angry with her for all the guys she flirts with at work. That’s all she ever writes about—the guys at work. Matthew this and JJ that. I don’t think she remembers that we are dating.

Andy

 

Rick moaned, shaking his head. And yet, he smirked. When Jessica had complained to him about how Andy was no longer skyping her or even emailing her as he was ‘too busy’, he suggested she keep emailing him rather than keeping silent, and just talk about the guys she was spending time with—to make him jealous. Rick was hoping Andy would see that Jessica had lots of options and he would quit taking her for granted.

At least the jealousy part worked.

The problem was, sometimes Andy did get so self-absorbed that he hardly noticed the effect he was having on others. This wasn’t the first time people had to wake him up to the realization that he was acting like a total jerk. It was shame. Andy had hardly learned his lesson and had to keep going over the same mistakes. Perhaps the only way he would learn this valuable lesson was if he lost Jessica.

Rick typed back:

 

AB, It would be your fault if she found other men interesting. If they are willing to show her attention where you will not, who can blame her? You can’t call what you are doing with her dating if she never sees you. Rick

 

He sent it. He wanted to rattle Andy’s cage. Andy had no idea how good he had it. It made Rick rage because he knew that for himself he didn’t have much of a choice when it came to love. Not that many women were not interested in him, but that as a werewolf he had to be careful. And as a Deacon, hunted each and every full moon—bringing an innocent woman into that sort of life was cruel.

Besides, there was that other thing. That one nagging, primal, addictive temptation which he had been resisting since he was eighteen when he had fallen in with a pack of werewolves in Alabama… and had gotten a she-wolf pregnant. Daisy. For all he knew, his future mate had been chosen that day and he had no other options but Daisy—regardless that she had miscarried. He was still constantly fighting the urge to leave everything and go back to the pack. To go back to her. The saddest part of it all was that what drew him to her wasn’t love. It had been entirely animal. And he hated the idea of his future life being empty of the deep satisfying bond of love he had seen between other human beings.  

So of course he was mad at his friend for taking Jessica for granted.

He answered Semour’s and Daniel’s emails next, taking down the information. Chen sent an email while he was transferring money to Silvia’s account for rent. Rick opened it.

 

Fine. I will come to China with you if it will get Tom off my back. And if I do lose my job, you have to find me one with better pay and benefits.

 

Fair enough, Rick thought, staring at the email. He replied to the affirmative, then he counted up those that he knew for sure would be coming. Semour, Eddie, Daniel, and James. That was about half of them. He wanted Andy, who might remain stubborn and not come—but he knew for certain he was not going to get Jessica, Peter, or Michael. So counting Tom and Chen, he had six people for sure coming, not counting himself. Seven total. That wasn’t too bad. Tom and Chen were decent substitutes. Rick now just needed to reserve one of his family’s jets for the trip. There was no way he was going to bring all his sword wielding friends onto a commercial flight. He didn’t want trouble with getting checked luggage getting lost. And the airlines certainly would not let them carry their swords onto the plane.

But first thing was first. He selected their departure date. Then he emailed the monk back.

 

AMonkK,

I’ve spoken with the Seven and a couple other friends who might be of help, and we will be arriving in Shanghai Sunday afternoon or evening. I will give you our itinerary shortly. We are taking a private jet, so I will have to text you our actual entry gate when we arrive. Or we can meet at the doors of the airport. Please give me the name of our contact there and how I can reach you once we arrive.

Sincerely,

H. Richard Deacon

 

He didn’t usually put his real name on his Anonymous-Wolf emails, but he was positive this monk already knew who he was.

The email storm was nearly over. All he had to do now was inform those who were coming their departure time and date, arrange for each of their needs while they were gone, and then get their passports so he can get tourist visas for his friends and a business travel visa for himself. Rick busied himself with this work when his phone rang.

Rick picked it up. “Hello?”

<< Alright. Let’s have it out. Why are you ragging on me so much? >>

It was Andrew.

Sighing, Rick replied, “I told you in the emails. I need you on this trip and you are neglecting Jessica.”

<< Neglecting?! Howie! I have med school— >>

“And so does Hanz Johaansen, but you don’t see him neglecting Eve McAllister.”

Andy went silent on the other side. Then he murmured, << Eve is a dangerous demon. She could rip his heart out if he upset her. >>

Rick snorted. “And Jessica isn’t dangerous? She could rip your heart out too—though maybe not as literally. I’m telling you, Abey. You are taking her for granted. Women need attention. If you don’t give it, you will lose her.”

<< What makes you the expert? >> Andy sullenly replied.

Groaning, Rick decided to be a little petty as he replied, “I’ve actually ‘been with’ a woman. I know firsthand if you don’t give a woman attention, they get really upset.”

<< You’re not counting Daisy, are you? That she-wolf wanted you only for— >>

“I know,” Rick growled, hating the topic of conversation though it was necessary. “But even she demanded that I give her attention.”

<< But you have been ignoring her for the past four years, and you know she hasn’t given up. >>

Rick growled lower. “But Jessica isn’t Daisy. If you ignore her—”

<< I’m not ignoring her! >>

“If you are too busy for her, that is the same thing,” Rick snapped. “She will look somewhere else.”

<< So Matthew— >>

“No,” Rick moaned. “Matt would never cross that line, though likes her. But I do know there are guys lined up who would want have her if she ever decided you were not worth the effort.”

Andy did not respond.

“Most of them are waiting for if you ever break up,” Rick added.

<< Who? >>

Shrugging, heaving a sigh, Rick said, “Think about it. The other guys in the Seven adore her. And Jessica would get with a guy she gets along with best. But none of them will ever make a move because of you. Except maybe Peter.”

<< Peter? >> Andy sounded shocked.

“Oh, come on,” Rick said with a huff. “She and Peter are great pals. He treats her like a person and pays attention to her. And he’s not scared of you.”

Andy said nothing. Rick hoped his friend was thinking about how fragile his relationship with Jessica really was. But Rick added, just to push him over, “I’d love it if Jessica wanted me, as you know I like her. The only reason I never make a move is because I know she still likes you—even though she is really ticked off at you right now.”

<< She told you that? >>

Groaning, Rick replied, “Of course she did. She and I talk. And she complains about you being ‘too busy’ for her. Dude, you are killing your relationship. And not just with her, but also with the Seven. Isn’t the strength of the Seven in your unity? You cannot afford to be ‘too busy’. There are things you must take care of in life no matter what. Relationships are one of them.”

Andy did not respond.

“Come on this China trip. You need to take time to reprioritize,” Rick said. “You are getting too wrapped up in yourself again.”

<< Howie… >> Andy moaned, preparing to make excuses again. 

“No. I am your best friend, and I care about you. You need to do this.” Rick waited for his response.

He got a lot of silence.

“I need to get visas, so decide now,” Rick said.

Andy groaned. << Fine. But you’d better send someone to record and take notes in my classes. And I’ll be missing labs, you know. >>

“It will be worth it,” Rick said. “And I will take care of everything.”

He hung up.

Feeling lighter, Rick counted Andy into his list of people. That made eight total. And he went back to getting everything arranged. He had to get couriers to collect their passports for their visas, have all the paperwork filled out and signed. And then, of course, were the hotels they would be staying at. He had to set up a tour. He also had to create a legitimate reason for him going to China besides touring with friends. It was suspicious during the middle of the school year, after all.

So Rick called his father. “Dad, I hope I am not interrupting anything, but I need to use one of the family jets for a journey with the Holy Seven to China.”

His father was speechless for a second. When he replied, he said, << Say that again, and slower. >>

Sighing, Rick then explained the email from the monk to his website, how he had arranged everything and what he had promised the others. Then he added, “Dad, I need the big jet, as we need to travel to Shanghai.”

<< You would have to submit a flight plan with air traffic and arrange with the pilot for the trip. It is not the same as hopping into a car and going off on a road trip. >>

Heaving a sigh, Rick nodded. “I know. I know.”

<< You must keep this legal. >>

“I got it,” Rick said. Then he added, “I also need an excuse to visit our factories in the Jiangsu provenance area. That’s where the monk needs us.”

<< Our sister companies in Hangzhou need to be inspected, >> Mr. Deacon said.

Rick moaned. “But that’s west. We are heading north from Shanghai.”

<< You should visit the pack in Jiangsu then. Our business deals with their small town company is a fair enough excuse, >> Mr. Deacon said with serious contemplation. << I’ve noticed some trouble with their output lately. Something is wrong over there. >>

“I intend to visit them. I think they are the wolves the monk mentioned in the email.”

<< But I don’t want the Seven to know where they live. >>

Rick nodded to himself. Neither did he. As much as the Holy Seven were his friends, he knew they were suspicious of werewolves and they did not like the idea of werewolf packs. The only reason they knew about the Wolverton pack and Daisy was because his father thought it better that they protect Rick from that pack rather than protecting the pack.

“I’ll just bring Tom and Chen with me to visit the pack then,” Rick said

<< You know the Seven will get suspicious. >>

“Not if I visit other places while I am there,” Rick said. “I can have them investigate the area while I visit the pack and say I need Chen for a translator and Tom as a bodyguard.”

<< One of your friends might insist on coming anyway. >>

“Tom is enough of a bodyguard,” Rick muttered. “I can remind them.”

<< Alright. Would you like me to make the fight arrangements then? You can handle the visas, I gather. >>

Breathing deep, Rick nodded. “Yes. I am already working on that.”

<< Good. I’ll contact you when everything with the flight is settled. Make sure your visa lasts longer than just a week. You never know how long such a trip might take. It is Chinese New Year over there besides. Be prepared for crowds and dress warm. Jiangsu can still get chilly. >>

“Will do.”

And the call ended.

Rick stared in front of him and added up all the things he had to get done for the trip. As thought about this, he realized this was the first time he had organized something on an international level for the Seven. It made him feel a little odd. Almost… mature. Responsible. It wasn’t that he never had been mature or responsible, but Rick had been battling self-confidence issues since his huge mistake with Daisy. But as he looked at what he had just organized, a rush of satisfaction and pride swept over him. Maybe he wasn’t such a screw up after all. Maybe he could accept that his father’s confidence in him wasn’t misplaced. He had been feeling that for such a long time since his encounter in Wolverton, believing that it was unwise for him to become the CEO of Deacon Enterprises after his father retires (or is killed by a hunter). He had felt so unworthy. But now, maybe he was.

Finishing off the arrangements, making sure he didn’t miss a detail, Rick smiled within himself. This would probably be the first of many trips he would set up as the Seven was growing up and no longer bound to their one town. When they had helped in Randon’s town to prevent the emergence of another witch haven, it had been one of their first excursions together since they were verified by the UN way back when they were still sixteen. That had only been accomplished by a few phone calls and free time due to midterms. And they still had not all been together.

The Seven’s division during college had been a strain which weighed heavily on the minds of concerned members and friends also. And that, Rick believed, he had to do something to rectify. Just like Andy’s relationship with Jessica, Rick was protective of the Seven’s need to keep together.

His father called back.

<< Your flight had been arranged. You leave Saturday evening, at six. Contact the others and send a car for them to take them to the airport. >>

“Got it.” Rick heaved a breath for strength.

<< You’re doing good, son. Keep at it. >>

And that was the best thing he had heard all day.

 

 

Leaving on a Jet Plane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Three

 

 

They arrived at the airport through slushy roads and heavy snowfall. Rick wrapped his scarf tightly around his neck as he climbed out of the vehicle. He glanced it at Henry as he shut the door, but Henry hopped out the driver’s seat to get Rick’s bag from the trunk.

“Henry, I can get it,” Rick said lifting his wheeled suitcase and backpack out from the back.

But Henry shook his head, taking both and lifting them to the curb for him. “No, Rick. This is my job. You should never deprive a person from his job.”

Rick hung his shoulders, gazing at their family’s steward with pain. “Henry…”

“You be careful in China,” Henry said, gazing on him with fond worry. “Don’t do anything impulsive.”

“For pity’s sake, I won’t,” Rick said, rolling his eyes.

“And don’t stay with any wolf packs alone,” Henry added.

Rick winced. Henry was one of the few who knew the entire story about Daisy and Wolverton. He had been there when Rick was coping with his initial separation from her, and Henry knew the severity of his addiction to that she-wolf. Henry didn’t want the same thing to happen again. Wolf packs, after all, were always looking to improve their gene pool.

“I promise,” Rick said contritely. “I will be there with Tom Brown. And Tom will be able to help me curb any crazy temptation—if ever one arises.”

Henry reached out and hugged Rick. It wasn’t often that he did that, but when he did, Rick held on. He had known Henry since he was little. Henry had been the one who had been there during his first wolf transformation. Henry knew the pain he was going through, though he was an ordinary human being. But Henry was such an understanding and sympathetic human being who had helped him so much. In a way, Rick had seen Henry as the big brother he never had (even though Rick actually had 3 older brothers of whom he had not known about until he was seventeen. But that was a whole other story).

“I’ll be careful,” Rick said. “Most of the Seven are coming with me, including Abey.”

Henry snorted. Pulling back, he said, “Then you’ve got your hands full.”

Rick laughed, nodding. Henry also knew Andrew rather well and he thought of him as a snot-nosed, punk kid who had been a troublemaker with Rick.

As Rick got his luggage set on the curb, Chen and Tom’s car pulled up. Tom politely opened the door for Chen then hopped out like Peter Pan, hands on hips and a grin on his face. He was the same impish punk as ever—platinum blonde hair standing up like a punk rocker, his orange eyes masked by sunglasses—only taller than the last time Rick had seen him. He was wearing a suit, looking unusually classy for a guy who preferred ripped jeans and a hoodie. Rick peeked around to see if Tom’s hand-sized wings formed lumps on his back or if somehow Tom had figured out how to make them lay flat.

There were bumps. They looked like suit wrinkles, though, and not like he had two living appendages straining to move under layers of cloth. Of course the suit jacket wasn’t exactly fit to size. It was a little larger.

Chen, however, looked genuinely harried and worn. His skin looked yellower than normal and his eyes had an almost blank stare to them. It was like the real world had not been kind to him and he was barely holding it together. Chen had fared well in college. People didn’t touch him if he didn’t want them to when he was living on campus, but Rick could see his personal space was not being respected in the working world. Chen desperately needed that personal space as he was a tactile telepath who could read the past of people upon physical contact. Of course that was not his only gift. Bai Nian Chen was also a Spirit Warrior whose unique gift of shape-shifting came with an obnoxious side effect. If he collided with or was pressed against another human being, he automatically transformed into the animal of that person’s Chinese Zodiac year. Rick wondered if a thick coat in winter helped prevent transformations, as Chen was going to need help keeping human form in a crowded Chinese street during the New Year celebrations.

“Hi, Chen!” Rick waved to them to get their attention.

Tom skipped on over as Chen went for his bag. “What? No ‘hi’ to me?”

Chuckling, Rick nodded. “I’m glad you could come, Tom. What’s with the suit?”

Looking up and down himself, Tom laughed. “Oh. That. Work uniform. They require I look like this, and I forgot I was wearing it. I will change on the plane, if you want.”

Rick shook his head. “No. That’s ok. It just looks like it would be uncomfortable for you.” He gestured to Tom’s back.

Tom laughed, nodding. “Yeah… It itches.”

Snickering, Rick shook his head. Itching. He was sure Tom ached to take off that jacket and stretch his wings.

Another car pulled up. Out came Daniel. He looked different from the last time Rick had seen him. All his acne was gone, and he had chin scruff. In a way, he looked like a hipster as all his clothes were wrinkled and worn. His brown hair was longer, and he was wearing new glasses. Daniel was carrying his sword in his hand when he climbed out of his car, and he waved to them when he saw them.

Tom hopped up and dashed over to see him. He and Daniel had been friends since their first meeting in New York City in the summer when the UN acknowledged them. Chuckling, Rick smiled. It amazed him how much Tom had taken to his friends in the Seven, despite the fact that they scared him. Then again, Tom could hear all their temptations and he knew they were genuinely good people, leaving him nothing to really worry about.

“I need to go,” Henry said with a nod to Rick. “You take care.”

Rick nodded back. He watched Henry get into the car then pull into the crawling traffic, passing through the airport roads. He was soon gone.

“So,” Chen walked up to him, pulling his bag with him. “Is there food on this flight? And are the chairs small?”

Turning around, Rick smirked at Chen. “We will be flying via Deacon private jet. So not only will there be food, but the in-flight movie will be of your own choosing, and all seats are first class.”

Chen grinned with relief. “Good.”

James arrived, and soon after, Semour. James looked leaner—a bit like a lumberjack cliché really—and Semour looked paler than normal (he was the same coloring as Tom except for the eyes), though he was also growing a goatee which made him look like a ghost version of the Sheriff of Nottingham. As they were unloading their luggage, Eddie showed up. Eddie seemed the same as ever, only taller and more filled out in the shoulders. His brown hair even had the same boring trim cut as he wore in high school.

Rick kept his eyes out for Andrew. He was the only one left. Had he backed out? Was he going to renege on his promise?

Yet Andy’s car (not long after Rich thought this) drew up to the curb—and James with Daniel cheered. “Yay! Red’s here!”

“Finally,” Semour said with an old-man tone in his voice.

“Good,” chimed in Eddie. He turned with a look to Rick. “Now we can go.”

Chen lifted his eyebrows, gazing back at young men from the Seven, whom he had never met until now. He peeked to Rick as he watched Tom stroll among them comfortably and catching up on what they had been doing since their last meeting—which had been ages ago. Semour kept his distance from Tom while James rolled his eyes at him. But all of them gathered their bags and joined where Rick was waiting on the curb.

“Ok, we’re here,” Andy said, his tired blue eyes wearily gazing at Rick, his short red hair a little unkempt. “Where to?”

Rick could tell Andy was still sore about their argument on the phone. But it had to be said and there was no taking it back.

Nodding to them all, Rick took out from his coat a large packet of envelopes that carried their passports and travel information. He handed them out. “Take these and keep them safe. When we arrive in China we still have to go through customs. I will have a case which will hold your weapons as we pass through customs. However, if we have trouble, I hear that your UN verified Id. cards will be the most valuable on this trip and can probably get us local help.”

They nodded, taking back their individual documentation.

“My contact in Jiangsu provenance is sending another monk to meet us in Shanghai. But in the meantime, he recommended we review Chinese demons and study the story called Journey to the West. I Googled it, and apparently it is the legend of the Monkey King, and there are a lot of movies about that which I think can help,” he said. “I downloaded them so we can watch them during the trip.”

Chen raised a hand.

“Yes?” Rick looked to him.

“I don’t really think watching a movie is going to prepare us for real demons,” Chen said. “I mean, all those werewolf movies out there are total garbage and you know…”

Rick nodded, chuckling appreciateively. “Yeah… I thought about that. Do you know the story at all?”

Chen shrugged. “I think my parents told it to me when I was little. But the witch that took me away and raised me didn’t want me to be educated in anything of ancient China as she said it ‘clouded my vision’.”

“The witch that raised you?” Daniel inquired, peering curiously at him.

“Oh, that’s right. You haven’t met yet,” Rick said, turning to the others. “Everyone, this is Bai Nian Chen. He’s a friend from Gulinger. He’s a Spirit Warrior.”

“No, I’m not,” Chen muttered.

Tom and Rick looked at him.

“Of course you are,” Tom said, smirking at him. “You can turn into a heap of—”

“Not always,” Chen muttered again. He then looked to Tom and Rick. “I kind of lost touch with my ability over that when I started work.”

“Ah, you’re just worn out.” Tom almost wrapped an arm around Chen’s neck to give him a noogie, but Rick prevented him. If Tom had embraced him, Chen would most likely have turned into a tiger and that would have caused a huge scare in the airport.

Chen looked to Rick gratefully, shooting Tom a dirty look. “My work sucks, ok? But it keeps me from starving.”

Rick blinked at him. His mouth opened to ask about that, but Daniel cut him off. “You can turn into a heap of what? Do you know Tommy Whitefeather?”

Chen rolled his eyes, moaning. “No. I never met him. But I used to be able to transform into every animal in the Chinese Zodiac at will when I was back in school.”

The members of the Seven raised their eyebrows, impressed.

“You really are worn out,” Rick murmured, wondering why. “Maybe you should quit that job if it is messing with you like that.”

With a dirty look, Chen said, “Easier said than done. Not all of us have a guaranteed future.” He then pointed to the main building. “Shouldn’t we be boarding a plane now?”

The bitterness in Chen’s voice was palpable. But Rick decided they could talk about it later as, despite his attitude, Chen was right. They had to get going.

Rick led the way.

“Have you been here a lot?” James chuckled as Rick proceeded at a quick pace though the airport, the rest of them dodging the crowd with effort.

Nodding without looking back, Rick said, “Of course. Dad makes me attend conferences representing Deacon Enterprises all the time. I’ve got frequent flier miles now, though I have traveled on regular airlines from time to time. We will have to ride out onto the tarmac to get to the plane, but a driver is already waiting for us.”

“It must be convenient having a job that pays for all your airfare while letting you go to exotic places,” Chen muttered.

Shooting him a look, Rick said, “Chen, if you want a job at Deacon Enterprises, just say so. I’m sure we have a place in our company for someone with your skills.”

Chen stared, speechless. Apparently the idea of asking for a job from his friend had never crossed his mind. He walked a little faster, keeping up with Rick now. “Are you serious?”

Rick nodded.

They approached the edge of the terminal where a staircase led down to a set of doors for their ride. They skipped security only because they were taking a private jet.

“I mean serious, serious,” Chen said. “As in you are literally making that offer. Now.”

Rick nodded again, looking to him and opening the door for them. “Yeah.”

Chen stared, going through the open gap.

Tom chuckled, striding on long legs to match Daniel’s lengthy stride as they went through. Everyone else walked together, Andy taking up the rear with a peevish glower on his face. Under his red hair and freckles, he looked particularly sullen if not downright unpleasant—which was unusual for Andy who had been voted “Most Liked” back when they were in high school. He was another person Rick needed to have a long talk with.

“Look,” Rick said to Chen as they stepped out into the snow again. “You hate your job. It obviously isn’t working out for you. You’ve got a decent degree at a good university and steady work history. And we need people in our company who would also protect our secret. If you want a job, I can get you one within our company.”

Chen looked likely to faint with relief. “No kidding. Oh man, you have no idea how much I needed to hear that.”

Rick patted him on the shoulder as a covered tram rolled up to the slushy curb. He gestured for them all to climb on. The attendants working that area heaved bags onto the cart behind the tram.

“Is that a sword?” one of the attendants asked, pointing to the one Daniel was carrying.

Daniel and the others looked at it.

Rick blinked at it and then the attendants. “Yep.”

“That has to be checked,” the attendant said.

Rick shook his head. “No, it doesn’t. He is going on my plane, and he has a license to carry. I’ll allow it.”

The attendant stared at him, then stared more, his eyes widening on Rick. “Pardon?”

Sighing, Rick took out his wallet and showed him his driver’s license. “I am Howard Richard Deacon the Third, and I am allowing them to carry swords onto my plane.”

“But what if—”

“They are my friends,” Rick said, sighing heavily. “I trust they won’t go after the pilot or me with those swords. You can calm down.”

The attendant stared at him, blinking. He thought about it, then shrugged. They weren’t paid to mess with luggage for private jets. They were to just assist in the loading.

Once Rick stepped onto the tram where everyone was already seated, and the bags were all loaded, they took off across the tarmac. It was cold and windy as they rolled along over the salty damp, as ice had been regularly cleared. Andy was next to Rick as they went. He leaned over and said, “Bruce Wayne, huh? Or are you really Tony Stark? It is like you are walking around declaring you are Iron Man with all that ‘they can carry swords onto my plane shtick’.”

Turning one eye on him, Rick said, “Would you prefer that I let him take your sword?”

“I put my sword into my bag,” Andy replied tersely. “Which is what Daniel should have done.”

“Whatever,” Daniel called up.

James snickered.

“My point is,” Andy said, “Chen was right about how convenient it is for you to just walk around without a care about your future. You’re pretty secure in it.”

Turning to face him, Rick glared hard on his best friend. “Do you really think I don’t care about my future? Abey, you keep forgetting I am a werewolf. I don’t have a secure future. I could get shot next full moon. Dad could get shot next full moon and the company’s board of directors could stage a coup where I lose everything.”

“A coup?” Andy gave him a wan look. “You aren’t a prince in a kingdom.”

“Practically,” Tom shot up.

Andy glanced back to him sharply. “You keep out of this.”

Tom stood out of his seat and said, “Hard to. Your imps are shouting all sorts of things. I haven’t been this entertained since I-don’t-know-when.”

“Don’t take your frustration out on Tom,” Rick snapped at Andy also.

Andy grumbled, “Well, it is like you ordered us all here.”

Moaning, Rick replied, closing his eyes. “Fine. Just stay behind. If you are going to be like this, then you shouldn’t come.”

For a second Andy looked like he would jump off the tram and do just that. However, a sulkier look settled on his face as he said, “I said I was coming.”

Everyone was silent.

Except Tom. “So, wolf boy, what kind of food will be on this flight? Please tell me it isn’t just a choice between chicken and fish.”

Turing around in his seat, Rick gazed plainly at him as he said, “Oh no. Of course not. You only get chicken.”

Chen smothered a snort. So did Daniel and James. Eddie and Semour rolled their eyes while Andy stared listlessly at the falling snow. Chicken was Rick’s favorite food, so it was possible he was serious while also joking.

As soon as they arrived at the private jet on the tarmac, they jogged to the stairs and up to the ready-open door.

“Hurry on and choose a seat. We have a long ride but plenty of room.” Rick waved to the aircraft, as if he needed to.

Andy was the last to go to the steps before Rick. He halted and said in a low voice, “Look. I’m sorry. I’m just so frustrated. I am working so hard and there is no easy out for me. And with you bagging on me about it—Howie, I am doing the best I can just to get by at school. And with you and Jessica—”

Rick held up a hand. “This conversation can be had later, because I don’t have the time to argue with you right now. We have to go. You can either stay here and keep doing what you have been doing, or you can come with us. Your choice.”

Huffing, Andy tromped up the steps. “I promised, ok?”

Rick followed, going up. A sulky promise felt worse than if he had just decided not to come.

Inside the plane there was plenty of room. Everyone had chosen a seat. Daniel and James selected seats in the back next to each other, chatting as old buddies who had long missed each other’s company. Eddie had found a seat along the wing, stretching out his lengthening legs and enjoying the space. Semour selected a corner where he could rest his head in such a way that it propped it up and all he had to do was sit there and silently watch the room. Chen found a seat not far from the door, a degree of claustrophobic anxiety in his eyes. Tom plopped himself on one of the nearest chairs looking like he had no intention of staying in one seat at all. And Andy found a seat at the other wing, a degree of consternation on his face. Rick set his backpack to the side and stood in the center of the cabin.

“Ok, here’s the deal,” he said, “This trip is about fourteen or more hours. We’ll be flying across the continental US to San Francisco, where we will be refueling. From there we will be traveling north over Alaska with a possible refueling in South Korea or Japan—I have to talk to the captain to make doubly sure—then we will fly down to Shanghai. We will arrive in Shanghai on Sunday. There we are supposed to be met by a monk who will hold a sign that just has the number seven on it. He will then take us to his monastery where we meet with the monk who contacted me.”

 Their eyes watched him intently. On Eddie’s face was amusement, mostly that Rick was being so serious and business-like. Semour listened like a soldier, waiting patiently for the complete information. The others listened with varying degrees of patient regard, though Tom was now attempting to read the emergency procedure manual from the seat pocket upside down. He was currently stroking the braille with closed eyes, guessing the letters.

“All of us will get the information we need at the monastery to find out what the problem really is and deal with it,” Rick said. “But while we are doing that, I also have to visit a few businesses in the area.”

“So you are using this trip to do work,” Andy said with a degree of bite.

Staring him directly in the eye, Rick replied, “Believe it or not, but I am actually quite busy with business and school at the same time. Dad would have done it, but since I was heading this way he wants me to do it.”

Tom raised his eyebrows, hearing Rick’s imps shout for him to just tell Andy off for being a total prick. But they were also telling Rick to just let out the complete truth that he needed an excuse to ditch them to visit the wolf pack. Tom smirked to himself, nodding once to Rick. Rick had learned ages ago that it was nearly impossible to keep a secret from Tom. But it was also handy to use Tom’s ability to hear invisible imps to send private messages.

“I think, mostly, the monk wanted me to bring you to China,” Rick said. “There isn’t a whole lot I can do if demons are involved. But you—that’s your duty as the Seven.”

“Darn straight,” Eddie spoke up. He shot a hard look at Andy. “And we should be doing our duty.”

Semour and James nodded.

Rick lifted his eyebrows. Apparently he wasn’t the only one who had been unhappy with Andy’s current attitude.

Daniel lifted a hand. “Uh… That’s fair enough. But are we at all stepping on the toes of any Chinese government group? I mean, the SRA and our government are practically married. Does China have an SRA that we might be offending?”

Shrugging, Rick lifted his hands. “I don’t know. Probably. So we might have to watch out for them too.”

“Maybe the monks are part of their version of the SRA,” Chen suggested.

They looked to him.

With eyes on him, Chen shrank back a little, yet he said, “Traditionally, monks handled demons. I mean there is Taoist alchemical sorcery in China—or was. And the story of the Monkey King is about Buddhist battles against various demons while on a journey to India.”

“I did research on that,” Daniel said, raising his hand again.

Rick smiled. Daniel would be the one, besides Peter, who would know and study about such things. His major was focused on Mythology and Occult mysticism. His intent currently was to become a professor while opening an occult book shop to keep track of witches and other dangerous folk—kind of like going undercover.

“I even brought a copy of Journey to the West for us to read,” Daniel said. “But I also did a web search about Chinese demons. I don’t know how accurate the facts are, as you know how ‘reliable’ the internet is, but it might at least give us an idea what we might come up against.”

They could hear the airplane engines start to rumble. The intercom pinged and the captain’s voice came up. Rick turned, looking in that direction though the captain’s cabin door was shut.

<< This is your captain speaking. We will be taxying on the runway shortly. If you could please take your seats and make sure your safety belts are fastened and tray tables are in the upright position. The flight attendants will instruct you on safety procedures. >>

Sighing, Rick sat in the nearest seat and followed instructions. As he did, he said to the others while the flight attendants were getting out their safety instruction supplies, “We’ll finish this conversation later when we are in flight at altitude.”

Most of them nodded.

But Tom. He thumbed to the attendants as he plopped into the seat he was just leaning against. “Are those chicks in the know about you-know-what? Or do they just think you and your dad are nuts when they overhear you two talking?”

“Those ‘chicks’,” Rick said with a dirty look to Tom, “Have signed confidentiality agreements and are paid very well.”

Tom raised his eyebrows, peeking back at the attendants who smiled pleasantly at him. He immediately buckled his seat belt.

Taking the pair’s compliance as cue to start, the flight attendants went through the routine procedures of showing the ‘what’s and the ‘how’s of emergency procedures for that airplane. James whispered to Daniel during some of it, asking about his flight anxiety while Daniel shushed him and told him he was stupid.

The plane rocked as they taxied onto the runway.

“Do you know what your monk looks like?” Andy hissed across the aisle as the flight attendants demonstrated the life preserver device in their seat.

Rick shook his head. “Nope. Honestly, I am flying blind here. I just know that it is imperative that we go.”

Andy shook his head, sighing. He finally said, “Look, I’m sorry I’ve been in such a bad mood. I’m just really upset. It’s Jessica. All her emails these days are about the guys she works with. And to top it off, she’s been writing me about Silvia Lewis.”

Rick’s eyes widened on him. “What?”

Nodding, Andy said, “Jessica has been telling me about her and Silvia and some other girl and all the things they have been doing together. Rick, I am afraid for her. Jessica thinks Silvia is going straight. She thinks Silvia is leaving the coven.”

“Silvia is leaving the coven,” Daniel cut in, calling up from his seat.

Andy looked back to

Impressum

Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 21.05.2018
ISBN: 978-3-7554-7897-3

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