Dark Angel

1. Blueprints to My Heart-2

That night a storm blew in raining sheets of steel, pounding the rooftop. Limbs from the oak tree kept scraping the window and casting shadows in my bedroom. And then adding the lightening streaking the menacing sky and thunder roaring, it all kept me buried under my blankets shaking. Storms in this weird state had no mercy for its inhabitants. That was the one thing I disliked about Louisiana.

Giving up on the fantasy of sleep, I high-tailed it downstairs to put on a kettle of water to heat. I figured a cup of Dom’s chamomile tea might soothe my restlessness. I’d just settled down at the table, looking over one of Dom’s gardening tip magazines, when I heard light footsteps. I peeked over the rim of the mag, and in walked Dom, dressed in his night robe.

“Hey, Dom!” I smiled warmly. “You couldn’t sleep either?”

“Oui,” he answered in short. “Jeffery will be joining us momentarily. We want to show you something.” Dom’s face seemed strained.

“Okay.” The magazine no longer held my interest as I tossed it aside and folded my hands. Dread had a bad habit of knocking at my door too frequently these days. I took a sip of my hot tea, trying to hold my panic in check. My fingers started strumming the table to keep myself from a full-blown breakdown.

The clock’s ticking echoed through the house relentlessly. Tick-tock-tick-tock. Time seemed to stand still as I kept checking the grandfather clock. Unable to stand the wait any longer, I caterwauled, “Oh, for heaven’s sake! What the hell is it?” I exhaled an irritated breath.

I’d no longer evinced my impatience when I’d heard Jeffery’s bare feet padding down the stairs. My breath stopped in my throat. I wasn’t sure if I was relieved to have the suspense end more than hearing the disquieting news. The minute Jeffery shuffled into the kitchen, my worries ballooned. My eyes homed in on a white envelope, grasped in his hand.

“Don’t get your panties in a wad,” Jeffery snipped. “I ain’t breakin’ my mofo neck!”

“What is so important that it can’t wait till morning?” At that moment, I wished I were anybody but me. My stomach clenched.

“You’ll see… ” Jeffery buzzed, “But you need to chill! We want to see too!” Jeffery huffed, handing the plain envelope to me. It was nothing out of the ordinary. Merely a plain white envelope addressed to me. “It was left on our porch step today.” Jeffery urged me to open it by swishing his hand at me. “Open it!”

“Okay!” I glared at him. I tore open the envelope and pulled out a letter. I unfolded it and began reading it silently:

My darling, Stevie,

I have our daughter. I finally managed to escape the clenches of my family, but Dawn and I are still in hiding and must remain for an undisclosed time until it’s safe. Be patient my dear. We both want you with us. We are family, and she misses her mother. Go to St. Louis Cemetery tomorrow at midnight. Meet me at Marie Laveau’s tomb. Wait there, darling. Don’t tell anyone of our plans, and especially the Zophasemin you’ve been keeping company with. Trust no one. I love you, and I can’t wait for you to be in my arms and meet our child for the first time.

Forever love,

Aidan

Wide-eyed, I looked up at Jeffery and Dom. Their faces were etched in curiosity as they sat in dead quiet, staring at me. Jeffery broke the stupor between us first. “What does the letter read?” His voice rose an octave.

I sat there for a minute, trying to decide what I should say. If I revealed the details, I might put them in danger and risk losing my daughter forever. That wasn’t an option. I squirmed for a believable lie while I feigned a smile. “Oh, this is a reminder from Val. That’s all.” I shrugged, nonchalantly. I wadded the letter up and stuffed it in my pocket.

I sensed that Dom and Jeffery didn’t believe me by the glance they shared. Dom cleared his throat and added, “As I always say, ‘Chacun a son gout’” (Each to his own). However, if there is something risqué you are embarking on, you should inform us.” Dom’s gentle eyes glistened with concern.

“Guys,” I sighed sharply, “Sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone.” I pulled from the table.

“Wait,” Jeffery called out. “At least leave a note for us to find. If you encounter any trouble, we need to know your whereabouts.”

“That’s a good idea! I’ll make sure to do that.”

“Excuse me, missy,” Jeffery’s chagrin pierced the atmosphere.

I knew that tone all too well. “Yes.” I tilted a sideways glance, not fully facing Jeffery.

“Where shall we look for this note,” he asked very innocently.

“Oh no, you don’t!” I stared at my friend. “If I tell you where the letter is, you won’t wait. You’ll snatch it up as quickly as my back’s turned. I’ll have it in a place you’ll least expect, and when it’s time to read the note, there will be a sign. You’ll know when it happens.” I grinned.

Jeffery threw his hands up in disgusted resignation. “You is too sneaky for your own mofo good! Don’t go off gettin’ yourself skinned alive, chile! There is tacky people out there who will cut you as to look at you.” Jeffery let the anger pour.

I took a deep breath and said, “C’est la vie, Jeff!” (That’s life) I shot back.

“You, my friend, are becoming more of a diva than even me.” With that said, Jeffery pursed his lips and left the kitchen, stomping up the stairs like a jilted lover, leaving a trail of curses in his wake.

Shortly after Jeffery’s departure, Dom pulled from his chair and began with a gloomy sigh, “We knew what we were getting ourselves into when we opened our lives to you. We are well aware of how the Family operates. They are a bete noire.” (a black beast) Dom gave pause. “Jeffery and I have avoir le coup de foudre (fallen in love with you). We only want what’s best for you, my dear.” Dom came around the table and squeezed my shoulder and made sure I looked into his warm eyes. “Don’t shut us out completely.” He smiled, and without another word, he went to seek his disgruntled partner.

I swallowed the knot that lodged in my throat as I listened to Dom’s footfalls fade. I never doubted Dom’s and Jeffery’s devotion. Still, it was nice hearing it.

Though my decision might’ve been right, it wasn’t an easy one. Despite my better judgment, I felt guilty. They both have stuck their necks out for me. That was all the more reason why I had to protect them at all cost.