CHAPTER 24

 

 

 

BINKY CARLLETON WAS in his glory. The snapshot of the Illusionist making out in the park had made him a thousand bucks and given him instant notoriety. Several magazines had contacted him, offering more money if he could furnish more pictures. To make things even better, he had received an anonymous tip that Ms. Lysanne was going to be at the park around 6 p.m. with her mysterious girlfriend.

At 5:45, Binky positioned himself behind some shrubbery and waited. Nervously, he checked the settings on his camera, knowing he would only have a few seconds to snap pictures before being discovered. Minutes later, his subject strolled down the sidewalk with her arm wrapped around a shorter blonde.

"This is great," he muttered, already thinking about how he would spend the money he was going to get.

When they sat down on the same bench as in the original photo and started kissing, Binky adjusted the focus and quickly snapped two shots. Several people strolled by, glanced at the two women, and smiled before continuing on their way. One woman noticed the cameraman and frowned.

"Paparazzi," she said, disgustedly. She walked over to where he was hiding, stood between him and his subjects, and pointed her finger accusingly. "You should be ashamed of yourself, young man. Spying on people like that. What would your mother think?"

Realizing he was busted, Binky decided it was time to leave. Scurrying off, he kept his head down in case anyone else was looking. Had he looked back he would have seen a pair of green eyes and a pair of icy blue eyes following his furtive movements as he disappeared into a small crowd.

"I figger he done got what he needs."

"Looks like it. Now he'll get what he deserves. Let's go home. Yemaya and Dakota will take it from here."

Anxious to develop the two photos, Binky rushed back to his apartment. At the entrance, several people were milling around, some looking at photos they were holding. As he approached, a woman dressed in a green jacket and khaki slacks looked up and pointed at him.

"There he is!" she yelled.

Surprised, Binky stopped and stared at the group. Cameras appeared and the familiar click of the shutters chattered ominously. Unsure of himself, he pushed past them and disappeared into the building.

"That's weird," he said aloud to himself.

A small photo lab had been set up in his spare bedroom. He unloaded the camera and began the slow process of developing the film. Fifteen minutes later, he stared in satisfaction at the prints hanging on the clothesline.

"The papers are going to love this."

Later, after sliding the dry photos into a brown folder, he put on a light jacket and left his apartment. At the front door, he was again met with the sound of several cameras clicking and a few flashes.

"Aren't you the one who took the pictures of the Illusionist?" asked a man holding a microphone.

"Yeah, that's me. Why?"

"You're famous now," another cameraman said.

Feeling suddenly important, Binky grinned and posed for a few more pictures before finally trying to call it quits. When new photographers appeared, he frowned and hurried away.

This is crazy,he thought.

Twenty minutes later, he was walking toward the entrance of the National Exposure when he noticed another group of photographers by the main entrance. Ducking his head, he tried to sneak past them but found it impossible. The familiar clicking was getting annoying.

When he finally managed to get inside, the secretary of the editor-in-chief motioned for him to follow her. Leading him to Larry Dunbar's office, she knocked once on the door and then opened it.

"He's here, Mr. Dunbar."

"Show him in," a deep voice said.

She signaled for him to enter and quietly shut the door behind him.

Larry Dunbar was a short, balding man in his sixties. As editor-in-chief of the National Exposure for fifteen years, he enjoyed the power of his position. Few people dared to challenge him, and those who did were usually subjected to a form of harassment that proved effective but wasn't illegal. Dunbar would send the paparazzi to hound them, their family, and friends. No place was safe or sacred. Soon, the constant attention became unbearable, and his enemies would give up and call a truce. Dunbar gloried in his victories, knowing he had the power of the press behind him. Today, he wasn't very happy.

"You see those assholes outside?" he asked angrily.

"Yeah. I guess I'm famous, huh?" Binky said, smiling smugly.

"Famous my ass. They aren't interested in you. They're after me."

"Well, they certainly were interested in me at my apartment and when I arrived here."

"Those assholes have been following me around for two days. Everywhere I go, there are people taking pictures. I can't even take a piss in the bathroom here without checking the stalls."

"I didn't realize one photo would create such interest," Binky said. "This is really great."

"Great? Listen, you jerk. You may like the thought of being hounded by these creeps, but I don't. I like my privacy."

Before Binky could reply, they were interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

"What?" Dunbar yelled.

His secretary opened the door and stuck her head in the room. "Sorry, Mr. Dunbar, but there's a Ms. Lysanne and a Ms. Devereaux waiting to see you."

"Shit. Show them in, Denise. We might as well make a party out of this."

The door opened, and two women stepped past Denise and walked confidently toward the two men. The look Yemaya gave Binky sent chills down his back. She removed the envelope from his hands and pulled out the photos. After giving them a cursory glance, she handed them to Dakota.

"It looks like he's trying to pawn off some more fakes."

Dakota glanced at the pictures and smirked. "This doesn't even look like you. I can't believe Dunbar was taken in by the first ones." She sneered and tossed the photos on the editor's desk.

"Hey, those are real," Binky said.

"Yeah, right," said Dakota. "And just when were these taken?"

"Today. A few hours ago."

"Interesting. Well, not to burst your bubble, but Ms. Lysanne and I were in meetings with several newspaper editors all day... well-known and respected editors. I'd be happy to have them confirm this if you want." The glance she gave Dunbar spoke volumes. "So you see, if these were taken today, it couldn't be us."

"These are you two. You're just trying to pull something." Binky looked at Dunbar for support.

"Not at all," Yemaya said. "I can assure you that the photos you took today and the ones this newspaper published are not of us. Neither Ms. Devereaux nor I have ever been in that park. In fact, we weren't even in town the day you snapped the other picture."

Turning toward Dunbar, who had been sitting quietly through the discussion, she placed her hands, palm down, on the desk and leaned toward him. Icy, pale blue eyes burned angrily at him.

"Mr. Dunbar, I have no idea what you paid this man for that picture, but one thing I do know and can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, is that those women in the photo are not us. That means you and your paper are liable for defamation. You have two choices. You can print a front-page retraction, or my attorney will be in contact with your attorney tomorrow morning."

Dunbar snorted. "I'm not afraid of you. I've taken on bigger fish —"

"Then you're a fool," Dakota said.

"I'd be a fool to let two bitches try to threaten me. This comes under freedom of the press, and I know how to use it to my advantage."

Binky opened his mouth, and Yemaya turned her gaze on him. Flinching, he snapped his jaw shut, looked away, and swallowed loudly.

Dakota noticed the change in Yemaya's expression and knew Dunbar was in trouble if she didn't do something fast.

"Mr. Dunbar. Perhaps, before you put any more of your foot in your mouth, you should give your boss a call."

"I don't need to talk to him. I have full autonomy in my job."

"Had," Yemaya growled, struggling to control the beast raging inside of her.

"Huh?"

"Had, Mr. Dunbar. I had a very interesting conversation with Larry Smilax about an hour ago. It seems that he likes his privacy more than you do, and he isn't so anxious to go to court over this, especially after he confirmed what I've just told you."

"Hey," Binky said, "something stinks here. How'd you know about the photos if it wasn't you?"

"I guess we have the same anonymous source." Yemaya gave him an almost evil smile.

"You set me up."

Yemaya's smile widened, and then she turned back to Dunbar. "I suggest you call your boss and talk to him. Afterward, you can call my attorney and go over exactly what you will be saying in your retraction. And just in case you believe you can intimidate me the way you have others in the past, I suggest you reconsider. You would be wise to remember I specialize in making things disappear, and I doubt if too many hearts would be broken if you were one of those things."

Dunbar sputtered noisily. Yemaya straightened up and turned to look at Binky.

"As for you, I believe you need to find another occupation. Once Mr. Dunbar prints the retraction and the details of you pawning those fake photos, I seriously doubt anyone is going to want your services."

She took Dakota's arm, escorted her toward the door, and opened it.

"And, Mr. Dunbar, you and your friends— if you have any — and your family might as well get used to those photographers outside. They're going to be around for a very long time. Maybe it will make you think twice before you put someone else through the same type of misery."

Dakota laughed softly at the sour expression on the editor's face. "You might want to get a refund from Binky, here," she said. "No reason for him to profit from all of this."

Dunbar's glare was enough to tell Binky he was in big trouble. Satisfied, Yemaya and Dakota left.

"I can't believe you threatened him," Dakota whispered.

"It wasn't a threat. Just an observation."

"Yeah, right. Do you think he'll try anything?"

"No. Men like him are cowards. Besides, he likes his job too much to ignore his boss, and for all his arrogance and blustering, Dunbar isn't a stupid man."

"I'm not so sure about that, but I'll take your word for it. So what now?"

"I was thinking," Yemaya said, raising one eyebrow and smiling smugly "There's a certain hotel not far from here that's still holding three days of reservations in my name. How about we go pack our bags and make use of those rooms? We might as well get our money's worth if I'm paying for them anyway."

"Works for me," Dakota agreed, happily.

*  *  *

Hours later, Yemaya and Dakota arrived at the hotel, luggage in hand. Scamper was at the counter going over the list of customers and the next day's schedule.

"Ms. Lysanne, Ms. Devereaux, I wasn't sure you were coming back."

"And waste all that effort you put into making those room changes?" Yemaya said.

"Well, things happen. I can always cancel them."

"No need, Scamp. We've decided to stay here a few more days and take advantage of your kindness."

"That's wonderful! Oh, a package arrived for you yesterday. I wasn't sure what you wanted me to do with it, so I just held on to it."

"A package?"

"Yeah. It's from the, um, you know, the shop I recommended."

Yemaya looked at Dakota and lowered her voice. "This should be interesting."

Once in their room, Dakota unwrapped the package and opened the box. Inside was a bottle of warming massage oil, a DVD called "Lip Service, the Cunnilingist's Guide to Stroking," and a small finger vibrator, batteries not included. Searching frantically though the box, Dakota couldn't find anything else.

"Can you believe this? No batteries. You'd think they'd buy batteries." She slammed the empty box on the bed.

"Batteries?"

"Yeah. Vibrators don't work without batteries, you know?"

"So who needs a vibrator?" Yemaya walked over to the bed and pushed Dakota backward.

"Uh..."

"Uh?"

"Uh, well," Swallowing hard, Dakota stared into the bluest eyes she had ever seen.

"Maybe I need to refresh your memory."

"Uh."

Leaning down, Yemaya placed her lips next to Dakota's right ear and exhaled softly. Dakota shivered.

"Cold?" Yemaya whispered, her voice low and husky.

"Uh..."

Laughing, Yemaya pushed herself off the bed and slowly undressed, her eyes burning with desire. When she removed her bra and panties, Dakota jumped up and tore off her own tee shirt, pants, and underwear. She tackled Yemaya, and they both fell on the bed and broke into giggles.

"Do you think they have hidden cameras in the room?" Dakota asked, teasingly, glancing at the red light glowing on the smoke detector. "I've always been suspicious of those things."

"If they do, they're about to get the show of their lives." Yemaya bared her teeth in an animal-like grin. Stretching her long body over Dakota's, she straddled her lover and lowered her breasts and stomach until the two bodies barely touched.

Yemaya sliding up and down against her a few times was more than enough to make Dakota gasp. Her skin tingled from the slow caresses of the nipples gliding gently across her skin. Already she could feel the wetness building between her thighs, and she squirmed.

Yemaya smiled her satisfaction and pressed her body firmly against her lover. "Anything special you want?" she whispered softly.

Dakota swallowed hard and nodded. "Yo... you."

Yemaya's eyes narrowed. She was more than satisfied with the response. Nipping Dakota's neck playfully, she proceeded to work her way down her lover's throat and sucked at the pulse at the base of her neck. Feeling Dakota shiver, she moved slowly to her breasts. Tugging gently on the left with her teeth, her low growl turned into a soft purr when Dakota groaned.

Yemaya slid farther down, her wet tongue making its way toward the blonde curls several inches below the slightly rounded stomach. Placing her cheek on the warm, soft belly, she rubbed her cheek back and forth, luxuriating in the feel of the satiny skin.

This is paradise,she thought, anticipating the next few hours of lovemaking.

Although Dakota couldn't read her partner's thoughts, she wouldn't have been surprised to know they mirrored hers. Shifting slightly, she stroked the dark head resting on her stomach and inhaled deeply. Her eyes closed in anticipation of her lover's next move. Surprisingly, it wasn't quite what she expected. Yemaya suddenly sat up and looked around the room.

"What now?" She growled and focused her gaze to the left side of the bed. The beast inside her stirred nervously and huddled in the dark recesses of its lair. It wasn't happy and neither was Yemaya.

Dakota stared at the empty spot and frowned. "Are you okay?"

"I was." Yemaya glanced apologetically at Dakota and then back at the same spot. "Well. Do you need something, or do you just want to watch?"

Frowning, Dakota wasn't sure what to do or say next. The problem was quickly resolved when a white, ghostly figure shimmered into existence in front of them.

"Eeeek!" Dakota squealed and jumped backward. She grabbed the sheet and pulled it over her naked body.

"I apologize for the intrusion," the apparition said. "I needed to talk to you before I move on."

"You could have picked a better time," Dakota said.

"I didn't pick the time. It picked me."

"What does that —"

"I know you." Yemaya interrupted Dakota while closely examining her uninvited guest.

"Yes, we've met before."

Yemaya frowned. "In the sarcophagus. You were there with me."

It was Saira's turn to frown. During her visit with them in the spirit world, she had explained all of this. Perhaps their transition back to the mortal world had affected their memories. That would explain why she felt the need to return to them again. If they had forgotten their previous encounter, Yemaya would still feel uncomfortable not knowing what had happened during her illusion.

Saira nodded. "I almost cost you your life."

Dakota looked from the apparition to Yemaya and then back again.

"I felt you," Yemaya said.

"I distracted you. The air ran out before you could regain your concentration."

"Excuuuse me," Dakota said. "Am I missing something here?"

"Who are you?" Yemaya asked, ignoring Dakota.

"My name is Saira."

"Saira, and what are you?"

Saira shrugged. Even she wasn't sure exactly what she was. A few of those sensitive enough to feel her presence thought she was a ghost or energy left behind by some unhappy mortal. Others believed she was from another plane of existence or an alien. Picking up on Dakota's thoughts, she chuckled. Humans were enamored with the concept of ghosts. One day, someone would discover what they really were and mankind would never be the same.

"I'm not sure there's an answer to your question. I am what I am, just as you are what you are."

Yemaya nodded her understanding. Some questions didn't have easy answers. Somehow she knew Saira was referring to the beast inside her.

Mari is right about her, Saira thought. She is special... more, even, than I first imagined. "Anyway, I came to explain what happened to you."

Saira again described how her appearance had unintentionally disrupted the balance in Yemaya's time string.

Without waiting for their response, she began to fade away.

"I must leave now. Time calls me. I just wanted to apologize for disrupting your life. I never realized the effect my presence could have on mortals."

"Apology wasn't necessary. It gave Dakota and me a chance to take a much-needed vacation."

"Good. Then we'll leave it at that. Until the next time."

Saira vanished as quickly as she had appeared.

"Would you mind telling me what just happened?" Dakota wanted to pinch herself to see if she'd been dreaming.

"Now?"

"Now."

Laughing, Yemaya wrapped her arms around Dakota and pulled her close. "Okay... But this does not bode well for our relationship."

"What?" Dakota gave her a questioning look.

"Choosing talk over mad, passionate love. It sounds to me like the honeymoon is over."

Dakota snorted. "Not in this lifetime or the next. Now, quit stalling and start talking."

Leaning back, Yemaya pulled Dakota on top of her and proceeded to tell her about the incident in the sarcophagus. Seeing Saira had brought back the memories of what had happened. There would still be unanswerable questions, but she was confident that between the two of them, they could come up with some reasonable conclusions.

*  *  *

Mari and Maopa were relieved to see their descendants happily curled up in bed. Mari waved her hand across the Eternal Flame, and the images of the two women vanished.

"Looks like thangs turned out just fine."

"A good thing too, but I suspect we're still going to have some explaining to do once they get back to normal."

"Yep. They shore gonna be serprized when Tommy brings them newest toys we done ordered. It be a shame we can't gets him ta delivers them thangs here," Maopa said sorrowfully.

"There's nothing to say we can't make our own. After all, we're spirits. We can have anything we want in our realm."

A slight cough distracted them.

"If you'll excuse me, I think I have other things to attend to." Before either could answer, Intunecat disappeared.

"I'll be danged. I ain't never seen a spirit blush quite like that befer."

"Neither have I," Mari said with a laugh. She took Maopa by the hand, and the two spirits vanished, each one mentally designing what they hoped would be the ultimate toy.