Vintage

The Hard Truth

Jade hated warm sour cream canapés.

Was it really that hard to make these delicious little treats?

Goodness, the Watcorp Corporation donated a significant amount of money to secure their presence for the night. At least, someone had the brains not to serve sparkling wine but the one and only real champagne. Jade closed her eyes, savoring a delicate blend of flavors.  The expensive brew was a heady solution for her problems, no- one problem… Myron. He looked amazing in his black tux standing next to the blonde moron.

“Don’t drink on the job, Jade.”

Claire couldn’t resist an opportunity to chastise her younger sister. She despised the effort that Charles placed on his wayward child. Jade couldn’t adapt to protocols, wouldn’t try to conform. Yet, Charles adored his wild child. He would never admit to it, but it was the truth. Jade‘s exploits brought a smile to his face, but he scolded her because he feared for her death. Donovan was his heir and pride and joy. Jade was his heart. Claire was used as his springboard, his voice of reason. It grew tiresome, having to direct Charles and controlling his actions.

Jade’s green eyes roamed over her sister.

How the hell did she get her expense account?

Her Dolce and Gabana black lace sheath was impeccable on Claire. Her long wavy blonde hair hung over her shoulders. Charles would have screamed bloody murder if she purchased a 2000 dollar dress. However, Claire was able to get anything past dear old Dad.

“I have to mingle, and be sociable, my darling sister.”

Jade noticed something flare in her brown eyes. Claire recovered quickly. A tight smile formed on her beautiful face. “Be careful when you drop your guard, dear one.”

Jade lifted her glass. “Of course, I’m always ready for anything.

“Really,” Claire inquired.

Kira didn’t relish overhearing Jade and Claire’s conversation. The sisters looked like Ying and Yang as they stood bickering in sharp elegant whispers. Claire donned her usual black widow attire, deeply expensive and striking.  Jade was her polar opposite in a white Aidan Mattix dress with one sleeve decorated with ruffles and rosettes. The short bottom of the dress barely covered her slender thighs.  Kira watched her tapping a silver Miu Miu peep toe pump as she dealt with Claire’s acid barbs. Her ears throbbed from frequencies of their words. Claire had a haughty rich voice, but it rung the fine bones in Kira’s ears. Jade‘s annoyed voice was sharp and low. Kira flinched in pain as she walked across the room. She ignored Donovan and Evan’s eyes on her back as she approached Jade and Claire’s sisterly nuclear meltdown.

Jade could feel Kira’s touch on her cool skin, and she allowed Kira’s warmth to seep into her soul. She knew that she could ignore Claire’ barbs if someone had her back and Kira always did. Jade smiled prettily, “Of course, Claire, I’ll lay off the fermented grapes.”

Claire stiffened; she hadn’t expected defiance from Jade. Part of her wanted a verbal battle to exert her dominance over her younger sister. She eyed Kira darkly. That girl had too much influence on Jade and Donovan. Did she ever tire of being everyone’s moral center?

Claire’s eyes roamed over Kira. Considering her usual second fiddle attire, Kira did look the part for a society event. Her unruly hair was tightly contained in a chignon with a few curls framing her face. She wore a one sleeve light gold sequined dress that exposed tone brown legs.

“Kira,” Claire sarcastically noted, “your shoe taste has improved.”

Kira’s eyes dropped to her black strappy stilettos. “Wow, what an insult-compliment combo, Claire.”

Claire was truly annoyed; she wanted Jade to defend her lackey. This night tried her resolve.

“I think Kira looks spectacular,” a deep voice drawled.

Jade smiled at Luke over Kira’s head. A mischievous gleam in his dark brown eyes, she watched Luke pull Kira towards the dance floor. Quickly, Jade searched for her brother. She hummed when she spotted his scowl.

You earned it, dummy.

“Warn them not to date,” Claire ordered, stomping away.

Jade smiled as her freedom returned to her, noting the unfolding scene in front of her, that it was only right for her to annoy Donovan. It was the line of command. If Claire annoys her, then she has every right to press Donovan’s nerves. Elegantly, Jade crossed the floor to stand behind her brother as Luke held Kira close on the floor.

“They are an amazing looking couple.”

“I am not blind. I don’t need editorials.”

Jade puckered her red painted lips. “I don’t know.  Luke is handsome and dapper in his tux. The lights sparkle on Kira tonight. She’s like his golden girl. They could really be the It couple.”

Jade smiled when a vein popped in Donovan’s neck. Sensing her victory, she continued her game. “Can you imagine Luke and Kira’s kids? With his charming gleam and her sweet bounce, they would make shampoo commercial kids.”

Donovan turned his sable head viewing his sister with distaste. “Gee, maybe if you marry Myron your kids will have Dumbo ears.”

“I’ll staple them down. Besides I’m not giving life to anything made by Myron.”

Donovan straightened his posture. “Do your job.” Donovan gave the dancing couple one last look before he strode away.

“Donovan,” Jade called.

“What?”

“Put a ring on it, and you won’t have these problems.”

Jade wished she kept her mouth shut when something dark ignited in his blue eyes. He quickly recovered his composure.

“Anything else? I suggest you start working, and stop gossiping, Jade.”

Jade snapped her fingers. “Yes, master.”

Frustrated, Donovan shook his head, as he marched out of the room.

 She motioned to Kira with her hand when the music stopped. Luke brushed a kiss across her palm. Kira shook her head before she hurried to meet Jade.

“I need a potty break.”

Jade guessed that the curator of the museum spent more on decorating the potty than Charles spent on gardens maintenance for Watcorp. Not to mention that lovely taupe butter cream leather sofa in the salon to the loo. You could have a wonderful nap on it; plus, when you woke up you’d have that Picasso hanging right in front of you.  Digging her heels into the plush carpets, she turned to Kira.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m taking a breather. Slow night. Besides, who sells radium at a gala? Just silly.”

Kira shrugged.

“Just saying.”

Kira’s clutch hummed, causing her to eye it warily knowing it was Donovan’s tone. Her thumb traced over her clutch.

 Jade pointed to Kira’s clutch. “Luke made him seethe with jealousy. He wants to play kissy face, and lure you back into a love web.”

A corner of Kira’s mouth turned down. “He said a bunch of awful things.”

“Did you slap him?”

Kira shook her dark head. “I can’t strike Donovan.”

Jade leaned back, “Well, grab a flute of champagne. Take a deep sip. Throw the rest in his face. Then… grab him and kiss him. Take control.”

Kira looked uncertain. Jade‘s plans always had collateral damage.

“Do it. First, read the text.”

Kira fished around in her purse until she found her iPhone. She quickly read a message on it.

“He wants to meet at the Diamond exhibit.”

“They are a girl’s best friend.”

Kira nodded tightly as she clacked towards the exit.

“Be brave. Don’t give in.”

We can be old maids together. Goodness knows that I’m going to be alone for life.

Jade closed her eyes briefly. She knew that she needed to make peace with Myron. She jumped on a chance to push him away. She was surprised when he pushed back. Most men caved under her snotty remarks.  She had grown weary from being haunted by her past. She needed to handle her business like Kira.

Jade was prepared to find her business leaning against a wall. His black tux accentuated his trim form making his blue eyes penetrating. He had that uncanny talent to make her feel exposed and safe.  As she walked towards Myron, she wished that she had her shrug to cover her shoulders. Her skin felt chilled-maybe, it was the champagne clouding her head.

His eyes caught Jade as she attempted to ignore his presence. Brushing her hair from her face, Jade strolled by Myron. Her heart sank when he didn’t grab her arm. Sucking her lip into her mouth, Jade walked hurriedly in the direction of the Gala.

“Is something on fire, Jade? Should we add it your growing bill?”

Ignore him.

”Have you checked your area? This isn’t a social call… we are working, not mingling.”

Staring at Myron, she hated the smirk on his face like he had the answers to everything in her life.

“I’ve completed my scans. There is nothing to report.”

Jade froze when Myron took small steps towards her. She kept her gaze steady as his stance was deadly like a panther deep in the jungle. Her green eyes clashed with his icy blue.

He trailed a finger over her beaded straps. Her pulse jumped as heat ignited in her body.

“This dress looks amazing on you.”

“Thank you. Not too bad yourself.”

 Brushing past her, Myron flicked her chin. “I’ll see you back at base.”

Myron strode away from Jade without glancing back. She didn’t know how to process the feeling of being utterly alone again. Perhaps, she had pushed Myron too far.

 Myron wanted to grab Jade and kiss her senseless. He couldn’t do it; he needed to take a stand. Force her to deal with potholes in life. He needed to be the driver in their relationship for a while. He never minded taking a back seat to her needs, but yesterday she went too far. He increased his pace so he wouldn’t return to her and beg forgiveness.

“I’ll get him back,” Jade promised herself.

Fury erupted in Jade when she found Donovan, Luke, and Myron at ease, chatting in a dark corner. It would be easy to release her anger on Donovan. She couldn’t believe that he either sent Kira on a wild goose or it ended rather badly. Either way, her brother was a major arse. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with his brusque ways. At least, he could have sent Myron to check on her.

She placed a firm hand on Donovan’s shoulder, digging her sharp nails into his flesh. “Do you even care at all, Donovan?”

Donovan grabbed her fingers in a tight hold. Jade flinched slightly as she encountered molten fury in his blue eyes. “Damn it, Jade, we’re working. Will hasn’t detected any Radium. Nothing is going on at this gala. Nothing… but a huge hoax. Whatever it is, it’s not here. Think about the team, not your needs.”

Jade stepped back from her brother. The museum floor was really nice; it was shiny, expensive, and it was like staring into a mirror. She could see deep into her soul. Her eyes were like empty green Christmas ornaments, nothing there… just pretty. She had grown weary of playing this game. She couldn’t even focus on the mission, or their foe, despite the lack of one.

‘So, let’s find Dad, and leave.”

“I haven’t seen him all night.”

“What about Claire?”

“She spoke with Will earlier. Complained of a migraine, she returned to Watcorp.”

Her dark hair whipped up as she regained her composure. “Where’s Kira, Donovan?”

Jade noticed an odd look passing between the men. Luke tilted his head in confusion. Myron shrugged.

“Jade, she went to the lavatory with you.”

Her teeth clamped down on her bottom lip. “No, you sent her a text to meet in the diamond exhibit.”

Donovan frowned, shaking his head, “Impossible, I misplaced my phone.”

Jade backed away from the men. “She went straight to the exhibit, when she got the text.”

Jade quivered as fear raced up her spine. Speechless, she dashed towards the diamond exhibit.

Damn.

Jade‘s eyes widened as she inspected the damage in the exhibit. Clear shards of glass were on the wooden floor. Velvet chairs turned over. Drapes torn from its huge windows and she could detect a slight smell of smoke.  Carefully, she maneuvered around the destruction. She thought she stepped in water.  She clamped her eyes shut when she spotted Kira’s black sandal near the back of the exit.

Stepping over burnt shreds of paper, she crouched down and retrieved Kira’s shoes from the floor. Bile rose in her stomach as she spotted a few strands of dark curly hair. Jade frowned when she heard a faint moan behind her. She forced herself to carefully breathe in and out.

Her feet splashed in water puddles as she timidly walked toward the sound. She frowned when she spotted a pair of male legs, lifeless on the floor. She wrenched open her purse, and dug for her locator. “Barry, we have a man down in the diamond exhibit.”

Jade walked around a red leather sofa. Her mouth dropped opened when her eyes viewed her father pressing a hand over a bright red bloody spot on his shirt. Large beads of sweat covered his forehead; he flinched as he took a deep breath.

“Hello, Princess,” he muttered weakly. “I tried… to… save her. She… took her.”

Breathless, Jade dropped to her knees next to her father placing her hands over his bloody ones. She whimpered when his warm blood coated her fingers.  Tears slipped from her eyes.

“No,” Charles whispered. “Don’t cry for me, Jade.  Get Kira… save her….”

Charles cupped her face with a sticky hand. “Make… this… right… for me.”

“Daddy…”

Charles shuddered as pain racked his body. “I should... have told you… wanted to protect my children… hurt so bad to lose her… couldn’t save her.”

Jade couldn’t understand Charles’s rambling. She looked at him with confused eyes as she pressed hard against his gaping wound. “Kira?”

Charles’s head turned slightly. “Your mother…is not dead.”

Jade omitted a low shriek when Charles’s eyes closed suddenly. She sniffed in fear, but she could still feel his pulse. He wasn't dead… just unconscious.

 Barry was here, somewhere. He’ll heal daddy. Then, everything would be okay. My mother did this. My mother is alive.

Jade pushed herself from the floor, keeping an eye on her father to make sure that his chest rose and fell. Mindlessly, she stepped around when she reached the center of the room, taking a good look around the destruction of the room. She closed her eyes. Licking her lips, she proceeded to clear her mind of everything except the sound of time ticking somewhere. A slight tremor shook her red stained fingers. Needing to find more information, she harnessed her powers to get a full picture of what events created the destruction and injured her father. She pressed her feet hard against the floor as she felt her body dropping from her current present, and glimpsed into the past. She felt physically sick when her mind started to spin. Her chest heaved. Flinching, she opened her eyes to see Kira entering the diamond exhibit.

A wide smile developed as she searched for Donovan. Disappointment filled her eyes when she realized that Donovan wasn’t in the room. Her head hung in defeat, Kira pivoted on her heel to return to the party.

“Hello, Kira,” Iris, clasping her hands in front of her. “You have grown.”

Kira looked at Iris in disbelief. “Mrs. Watson?”

A pleased look covered Iris’s face.  “Call me Iris… or Raven. Come now, you’re special to my Donovan, aren’t you?”

Kira flushed from Iris’s personal question. “You died.”

Iris shook her blonde hair. “No, I was reborn like the phoenix. I was given another option like the one that I’m offering you.”

Kira stepped back when Bart entered the room. “I have a job, thank you.”

“Kira, Kira, I’m offering you a life, not a job with Charles... freedom. You don’t have to sneak around.”

Iris pointed to the massive diamond suspended in the air, protected by thick glass. “I need you to split that diamond. We could make millions…  Don’t look like a deer caught in the headlights or is it better, if I’m the hunter?”

“It was you at Watcorp.”

“Of course, it was me.”

“Why?”

“I needed to see Charles… family things.”

“You left your family.”

“I’m back.”

“Oh.”

Iris clapped her hands. “My, aren’t you adorable. You have an amazing gift to shatter things… and you can hear anything. We could sell secrets... oodles of fun and cold hard cash... power, my dear girl.”

Kira shook her head; she tried to walk past Iris. Her eyes suddenly turned to the corner of the room when she heard breathing. Her eyes widened when Charles stepped from the wall. She had never seen Charles uses his camo ability.

“Iris, let her leave.”

Iris smirked in disgust. “You can’t save people. I have buyers for that diamond. She’s going to cut it.”

Charles rush to stand in front of Kira. “Iris, she’s important to Donovan.”

Kira’s eyes popped at Charles.

“The one just like me.”

Kira screamed and dropped to her knees. Charles gave Iris a dark look. He crouched to place a gentle hand on her. “Kira, what’s wrong?’

“TICKING!”

Charles reached down to grab Kira when the glass container around the diamond exploded. Iris laughed with Bart as they stood protected from harm in a force field. Charles and Kira were thrown across the room.

“Get the girl, Bart.”

Bart nodded, picking Kira up from the floor. Her small body stiffened in his large arms.

“Forgetting something?”

Bart took a saucer dish from his pocket. His hand turned it into a sharp disc. He hurled it at a satin cord suspending the diamond. Iris raced across the room and caught the falling gem. She gave one last look at Charles as she departed.

“You might want to get that checked, darling.”

 Jade gasped when she floated back to the right time reality. Her white dress damp with water and Charles’s blood. She could hear male voices shouting.

“MY MOTHER IS ALIVE!” her screams echoed around the chaotic room.

She looked sadly in Myron’s eyes as a soothing blackness overtook her mind. His jaw set as he caught her before she hit the ground. Regret filled his mind, knowing that he could have lessened her pain had he revealed to her what he knew. Deep inside, Myron realized that she wasn’t ready to deal with her mother’s lies and rejection. His cool eyes surveyed the mess around them. He watched calmly as Barry placed a hand on Charles’s wound; a blue light shimmered underneath his hand, repairing the damage. They needed to regroup to save Kira.