Chapter LXXXV

Charisma sat at her desk the following morning... eyes focused on the work she had to do while her mind remained on the events of the previous day.  Opal had informed her that Brianna’s personal assistant had returned her call with the news that Brianna was apparently incommunicado, but that they had scheduled lunch for the two of them the following afternoon.  Though disheartening it hadn’t been an outright refusal, and that had spurred her into making the phone call to speak to Okasa.

And hadn’t that been quite the eye opener??  It had also been most distracting, and Charisma had been hard-pressed to get her mind back on track by the time Kent and Adam had returned from the museum.  She smiled wistfully – that had been very entertaining as Adam had felt the need to recount every single moment of his experience.

Like a wind-up toy though, the moment he’d wound down Adam crashed and was tucked into bed to sleep the night away.  Only once that was done did they sit down and work out a schedule between them.  Then Charisma gave Kent back the signed papers, and he looked his question at her.  Because while he’d absolutely expected her to sign them eventually, Kent hadn’t actually expected eventually to be as quick as this.  Charisma had clasped her hands together tightly and kept her eyes focused on them as they rested in her lap. She sighed.

“I think it’s for the best... for now,” she’d elaborated, not meeting his eyes.  “I do love you, Kent, but you’re right.  I’m not in love with you, and you shouldn’t be held back from finding the happiness you deserve because I can’t seem to get my act together.  This will give you the legal right to start looking without either of us having to worry about the ramifications of infidelity. And it will force me to really examine my life... decide what I want out of it and how best to go about it.”

“You’ve given this some serious thought,” he replied as he tucked the papers into his coat pocket.

“I have,” Charisma had agreed without hesitation.  “It’s about all I’ve thought of this week when I haven’t been worried out of my mind about criminals trying to mug my friends.  But please don’t tell my constituents,” she’d added with a hint of a smile.

“Scout’s honor,” Kent had replied with a grin, holding up three fingers.  Then his expression turned serious.  “I want you to know that I won’t do anything to embarrass you, Charisma.  So even if I find someone else to share happiness with, I won’t bring it into our home.  You’ll know first, and then we’ll go from there.”

Charisma hadn’t answered; simply nodded her head, and Kent gave her a brief embrace and brushed her cheek with his lips before he’d left without another word.

Now Charisma sat staring at the documents on her desk, not seeing them.  She wondered what she had done to have found a man like Kent.  With almost anyone else there would have been fights and recriminations and scandal.  Instead there was kindness and understanding and thoughtfulness.

A knock on her door brought her out of her brown study, and Charisma jerked to attention and straightened the various bits of legislation on her desk before she slipped her glasses from her face and placed them on the pile.  Then she called out, “Come in.”

“Senator Tagherty?” Opal greeted as she stepped into the inner sanctum.  “Senator Maxwell is here to see you.”

“Thank you, Opal.  Please show her in.  And will you please confirm lunch with Senator Walker and my two o’clock with Senator Phillips?”

“Yes ma’am,” opening the door wider for Laura Maxwell to enter Charisma’s office.  Laura waited for Opal to shut the door behind her before she peered at Charisma through narrowed eyes.  Charisma returned the look with an arched eyebrow and Laura smirked before taking the proffered seat in front of Charisma’s desk.

“For someone who’s doddering, you’re looking quite well, my dear,” Laura greeted with a smirk.

Both eyebrows shot into Charisma’s dark hairline.  “Excuse me?”

Laura snorted.  “Scott Patterson is making loud noises about becoming the chair of your committee.”

“Excuse me?”  Charisma leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest.  “Why?  It’s not like it’s a major committee.  And how is it I’m just now hearing about this?”

“Because it’s something he doesn’t have and it took it this long to make it to me,” Laura replied.  “Besides, it’s more of the same for most of us as far as he’s concerned – not worth noticing.  Especially for someone like you, Chari – you’re as untouchable as anyone I’ve ever seen.”

“And if I wasn’t?”  Seeing the confusion in Laura’s eyes, Charisma sighed and elaborated.  “If I wasn’t untouchable... if I wasn’t squeaky clean – what would happen then, Laura?  Would Scott Patterson be noticeable then?  Would I still enjoy the backing I have now?”

Laura frowned.  “Stop talking in riddles, Charisma and spill.”

Charisma uncrossed her arms and folded her hands on her desk.  “Kent and I are legally separated.

He filed for separation several weeks ago – I signed the papers yesterday.”

“What?  Why?”

“Let’s just say he had his reasons and I agreed.”

“Is it anything that could be detrimental to you as a candidate?”

Charisma gave Laura a droll look.  “Is there anything that couldn’t be twisted in one fashion or another to make it a detriment, Laura?  The real question is do I care of it does.”

“And do you?”

“I don’t think so,” Charisma replied slowly.  “It’s nothing I would be ashamed of if it came out, but not something I want to share with the rest of the world either.”

“Charisma – you know nothing stays private in the world of politics for long.  If you want this to work out in your favor then you need to make a choice to share it with the world sooner rather than later.  I’m not saying it would be career suicide to let someone else break the story, but your hopes for the White House will pretty much go up in smoke.  If you get ahead of the curve, however....”  Laura shrugged her shoulders and let the silence speak for her.

“So you think my constituents will be more forgiving of a perceived lapse in family values if I am upfront and honest about it?”

“I think your record will speak for itself and putting the news out there yourself means you’re willing to accept responsibility for your mistakes.”

“And if I don’t believe it’s a mistake?”

“The public doesn’t have to know that.”  The pause that followed was thoughtful, and Laura watched Charisma as she considered the words that had been spoken.  Finally Charisma bridged the silence.

“Aren’t you going to ask me what Kent’s reasons were?”

“Why?  They have no bearing on the strategy you need to overcome them and put them behind you.”

“How can you know that if you don’t know what they are?”

“Because with the right people in your corner, anything can be spun to make you out to be a hero or a paragon or the wronged party – whatever it takes to keep you in office.”

“You really think it’s that easy?”

“It can be – it just depends on how we spin it.  As interesting as all this is, however, it’s not the reason I’m here.  Let’s get down to work.  We can come back to this later.”

“Or never,” Charisma offered with a fake smile of interest.  Laura just raised an eyebrow.

“Oh no – we’re going to come back to this.  We’re not losing a strong, viable candidate to bad politics.”  Laura gave Charisma a sharp look.  “We’re too close to making this dream a reality.”

Charisma had to wonder just when her dreams had changed.

************

Brianna looked at her daily schedule and sighed again when she saw that it was time for her to head to the dining room to meet Charisma for lunch.  Yesterday this had seemed like a much better idea – and while she still took comfort in the fact that they would be in a professional setting surrounded by their colleagues, she still felt a twinge of distress at meeting with Charisma at all.

Still Indi had followed her directives to the letter so with a hint of trepidation stirring in her belly, Brianna rose from behind her desk and readied herself for luncheon with Charisma.  Besides, she reminded herself firmly, it wasn’t anything I hadn’t already determined to do before I came to this God-forsaken place, with a grim smile on her lips.  Of course that had been before the up and down debacle that renewing her acquaintance with Charisma had become.

However, she had determined this course when she accepted the appointment so Brianna straightened her shoulders and exited into the public area of her office.  Her staff looked up briefly, then most returned to the work they had in front of them.  Only Indi stood and accompanied Brianna to the door waiting for instructions.

“I should be back shortly,” Brianna said.  “What’s on tap after lunch?”

“You have a committee meeting at one-thirty and another at four.  And Senator Maxwell has asked for a few minutes of your time as has Senator Patterson.”

Brianna grimaced.  Though she’d been introduced to Laura Maxwell, she really didn’t know her particularly well.  However, she had no real reason to turn down her request, and it never hurt to know people.  Scott Patterson, on the other hand – he was becoming a thorn in her side and Brianna was loathe to give him the time of day, much less anything of substance.

“Tell Senator Patterson my schedule is full today, but if he’d like to meet me in the dining room when lunch is over, I can give him a few minutes on my way back from there.  As for Senator Maxwell, see if she’s available to meet after my second committee meeting.  I’d like to actually have time to offer her a drink.”

“Will do, Senator,” Indi said.  “Enjoy your lunch.”

Brianna rolled her eyes and smirked, but Indi could see the hesitation in her eyes.  But before she could comment Brianna opened the door and headed out towards the Senate Dining Room.

Charisma was walking down the hallway ahead of Brianna, and she didn’t slow down or turn around when she heard the door close behind her.  Instead she continued down the hall, almost slumping in relief when Brianna called out to her.  Turning, she stopped and waited for Brianna to join her.

“How are you?” Brianna asked casually, and Charisma could have cried at the awkwardness that was so thick between them.  She took a deep breath and shrugged.

“I’m not sure, honestly.  Ask me again sometime – maybe I’ll have an answer by then.”

Brianna’s brow furrowed.  Despite everything – despite herself – it hurt to hear the lost tone in Charisma’s voice.  She wondered what had happened besides the obvious that she had been a part of to have beaten Charisma until she admitted defeat even in the tenor of her voice.

“Is everything all right?”

Charisma sighed.  She supposed it would be better to tell Brianna herself than having her find out through the grapevine or worse though Charisma knew from experience that the grapevine could be bad enough.  Still.... “Kent and I have separated.”

Brianna blinked.  Of all the things she’d expected Charisma to say, that hadn’t even been a consideration.  “I’m sorry?” she replied.  At that moment they reached the maître d stand and were shown their table without delay.  Only when they were seated and their orders given to the server did Charisma resume their conversation.

“Were you asking me or telling me?” Charisma asked drolly.  Brianna scowled, having already put her response out of her mind as she wondered what had happened to cause Charisma and Kent to split... even if it was only separation and not divorce.  Charisma smirked at Brianna’s lost expression.  “You said you were sorry, but it sounded more like a question than a statement.”

“Oh.”  Brianna bit her lips and thought about her response.  “I guess a little bit of both.  I am sorry about your separation unless it’s something you wanted?”

“I didn’t ask for it, but I can’t disagree with Kent’s reasons for wanting one.”

“And is that why you wanted to meet for lunch – to tell me about your separation from your husband?”  Brianna’s confusion was self-evident.

“Not at all – it just occurred to me as we walked over that you deserved to know the truth before it goes viral so to speak, and I wanted to be the one to tell you.  I know what happens to the truth when it comes through the grapevine around here and eventually this will make its way through the grapevine.  The Senate is filled with a bunch of nosy old hens and it’s a wonder they can get any work done with the amount of time they spend gossiping with each other.”

“Bitter experience?”

“Something like that,” Charisma replied with a grimace.  “Maybe I’ll tell you about it some day.”

“Sounds like something that might have to be put in that tell-all book,” Brianna said with a wry twinkle in her eyes.

Charisma snorted.  “People would never believe most of it wasn’t made up out of whole cloth.”

“Yeah... there does seem to be an abundance of BS around here.”

“Too bad it’s not as useful as real cow manure – at least that serves a purpose.”

Brianna laughed, startling a smile out of Charisma.  She covered her mouth when she realized she was attracting attention.  “I’m sorry, but that was funny.”

“And unfortunately true.”

Brianna waited for the server to put their plates in front of them before she looked at Charisma again.  “So what did you need to discuss, Charisma?  From what Indi told me, you felt it was urgent.”

“Why am I not surprised to see the two of you having lunch together?” Senator Patterson commented loudly as he approached the table they were seated at.  “I was going to see if you’d be willing to make our appointment a working lunch, but obviously I’m too late.  When you finish your business with Senator Tagherty, please feel free to join me.”  Before either Charisma or Brianna could comment, he sketched a slight bow in their direction and moved to his own table.  They watched him go and then exchanged glances.

“Would you rather...?”

“NO!  No,” a little less forcefully, lowering her volume as well.  “As awkward and uncomfortable as this is,” motioning between them, “it’s not painful.  If I have to sit through a meal, things are liable to turn painful... for him.”  Brianna smirked at Charisma’s raised eyebrow.  “You know how I feel about politics,” waiting for Charisma to nod.  Brianna jerked her head in Patterson’s direction.  “He refuses to understand that.  And if he continues to try and schmooze me, bad things are going to happen.”  She stabbed her fork into her food and began to eat.  Charisma raised her eyebrows, but attacked her food with far less vigor.

“Fair enough; he’s managed to piss off a better part of his colleagues in the Senate – why not you?”

“Why me?  Even if I was interested in politics, I am the absolute most junior individual here.  The only reason I’m on the committees I am is because of Richard Whitman’s seniority status.  Even if I was to run for re-election, I wouldn’t be on those same committees when I came up for assignment.”

“He’s trying to bring you onto his side.”

“He’s a moron, and I don’t have time for morons.”  Brianna focused on her plate for a long moment, chewing slowly as she brought her breathing under control.  Finally she looked back at Charisma.  “Sorry... I must be PMSing.”  She blew out an impatient breath.  “You want to tell me what was so urgent that we needed to have lunch together?”

Charisma frowned, wondering what had happened to change Brianna’s attitude.  On the other hand she’d gotten more friendliness than she’d expected.  She pushed her plate away and took a deep breath before speaking.

“First of all, I want you to know that this is coming from me – not Mama, not Paddy and not the boys.  They don’t know anything about this.”

Brianna’s eyes widened,but all she said was, “Okay.”  She nodded her understanding.

Charisma nodded as well.  “Good,” breathing deeply.  “I would like you to reconsider your decision to cut yourself off from the family or to keep the family out of your life.”  She held up her hand before Brianna could say anything.  “Let me finish please,” waiting for Brianna to nod.  “My family... our family....” motioning between them.  “My family is your family, Brianna – don’t pull away from them because of me.  None of you deserve to suffer through a separation like that.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why would you do this?  Why would you care?”

“I know what it’s like to not have you in my life – I don’t want my family to have to learn that lesson especially because of me.  You’ve always been a part of them even when I didn’t know it.  That shouldn’t have to change because of my issues.”  She paused and Brianna continued to wait, wanting Charisma to have her full say before she spoke.  Eventually Charisma looked up from the table and met Brianna’s eyes again.  “This is going to sound... hokey, for lack of a better word.  Mama understands – she understands better than I do actually.  She’s hurt and upset about it, but she understands and she’d never do anything to change your mind.  In fact if she finds out about this conversation, I’m liable to be in for a dressing down of epic proportions.”  Brianna snickered and Charisma gave her a wry smile.  “You know it’s true.”

Brianna nodded her head in concession.  “I’m not sure I think that sounds hokey though.”

“I’m not to the hokey part yet.”

“Oh,” motioning for Charisma to continue.

“So Mama understands and I’m sure she’s made sure Daddy and the boys understand too.  I know they’re not happy about it, and Kay is simply furious, but they’re all adults and they ‘get it’ even if they don’t like it.  The kids on the other hand... Brianna, you’ve been part of their lives since before they were born.  How do you think they feel about the fact that you’ve simply disappeared from their lives?”  She paused to clear her throat.  “Even my son - Adam has only known you very briefly... just a few short months.  And already he thinks the sun rises and sets with you.  When he and Kent ran into you the other day outside the Gallery, I heard about it for days.  And when they went to the Natural History Museum, all he could talk about was getting the chance to see you again.”

Brianna pinched the bridge of her nose between her thumb and forefinger and sighed.  “Charisma, what’s your point?”

“My point,” Charisma replied with a hint of impatience, “is that if you mean so much to my son who has only known you for a few months of his life, how much more do you mean to our nieces and nephews who have grown up with you and known you their whole lives?  I understand why you feel the need to separate yourself from me, and by extension, the family.  I am asking you to reconsider the family part of the equation.  They don’t deserve to be abandoned by you in your effort to avoid me.  You can continue to see them like you always did.”

There was silence for a long moment.  Brianna kept her eyes closed and the bridge of her nose pinched.  Finally she rubbed her eyes and looked up at Charisma.  “Is that it?”

“That’s all I had to say, yes.”

“Thank you for lunch then,” Brianna said as she stood and pushed her chair in.  “If it wasn’t all pleasant, at least it wasn’t all uncomfortable either.  Give Adam a kiss for me and tell him...,.”  Brianna shook her head.  “Never mind.  Goodbye, Charisma.”

Charisma was torn between the desire to follow Brianna and demand to know what she was going to say, and the need to keep the fragile truce they currently had in place between them.  Before she could give either course of action much thought one way or the other, Scott Patterson had jumped up from his chair and had joined Brianna in exiting the dining hall.  Charisma sighed.  She’d done the best she knew to do – the rest was up to Brianna.


Chapter LXXXVI

“Brianna?” Esmeralda asked as she poked her head into the inner office.  “Is everything all right?”

Brianna glanced back at Esmeralda just briefly before she returned her attention to darkness of the world outside her window.  “Are you a native of this area, Esmeralda?”

Esmeralda frowned, but shook her head.  “No.  Saphira and I had a friend who was in trouble so we moved here to help out.  But we’ve been here for a while – why do you ask?”

“What did you think of this place when you first moved here?  Were you in awe of its beauty or were you mostly disgusted by the waste?  Did you like it or was it barely tolerable?  And has your opinion changed the longer you’ve lived here?”

All Brianna’s questions were asked while she still faced the window and Esmeralda studied her stiffened back.  She began cleaning and Brianna continued to face the window, knowing Esmeralda was considering her response.  After some minutes had passed, Esmeralda took a deep breath to speak.

“Well, I can’t say that we were thrilled to be here except that our friend really did need us and we were able to find employment fairly easily.  And we needed that after having given up everything to be together.”  She paused.  “I do like the monuments and museums – they’re nice to look at and it doesn’t hurt that they are free as well,” she added honestly.

“What else?”

“Don’t take this the wrong way because I really do enjoy my job, and I like the Senators I work for.  But I don’t like the game playing and I don’t like the politics.  There’s too much self-interest here and the people who get hurt by it aren’t the ones playing the games.”

“What would you do if... if you hadn’t come here to help your friend, where would you be?  What would you be doing?”

Esmeralda actually stopped cleaning and scratched her head in thought.  “I dunno – I never really gave it much deliberation.  It wasn’t how things panned out so....”  She shrugged.  “I really don’t know.”

Brianna turned from the window and uncrossed her arms as she moved behind her desk once more.  She seated herself and folded her hands on the desk then stared at Esmeralda intently.  “I want you to think about it... really give it some consideration.  If you and Saphira hadn’t moved here to help your friend out, what would you have done instead?”

Esmeralda held Brianna’s eyes for a long moment, then resumed her work.  “What about you, Brianna?”

“Hmm?  What about me?”

“Would you still be in the DA’s office?  You know it’s just as political as Washington.”

Briana chuckled.  “Well, it certainly can be.”

“Were you happy?”

“As the District Attorney?” shrugging when Esmeralda nodded.  “It had its moments, but I was much happier as a prosecutor in the courtroom.”

“Will you go back to it when you’re done here?”

“I don’t think so,” Brianna replied, shaking her head.  “I think I’m going to retire from public service and move into the private sector.  Maybe I’ll teach.”

“Would you enjoy teaching?”

“Probably not as much as other things, but I think I’d do all right.”

“I’m sure you would,” Esmeralda offered with a smile.  “You seem to be one of those lucky individuals who always tend to land on their feet.”

“Better that than my ass,” Brianna smirked.  She watched as Esmeralda began to pack up her cart.  “So still no answer for me?”

“Well, I really can’t say for sure what we would have done.  I think it would have depended on our opportunities.  I probably would have ended up as a cashier at the local discount store because of my lack of education.  But,” she added, holding up her hands before Brianna could speak, “if we’d been given the chance, I think Saphira would have gone into law enforcement.  Hunter wasn’t that far off the mark where she’s concerned.”

“And you?”

“Me?  I... I don’t think I have any....”

“C’mon, Es,” Brianna cut in. “You had to have wanted to do something when you were a kid – doctor, lawyer, Indian chief?”  Esmeralda raised an eyebrow at the last and Brianna smirked in response.  “Okay, maybe not the Indian chief.  Teacher, writer, astronaut?”

“Now you’re just being ridiculous,” Esmeralda offered, but she gave Brianna a smile so she’d know there were no hard feelings.  “I really didn’t think about it much.  My life was pretty well set from the time I was a child – I wanted to be Saphira’s mate.  Everything else?”  She shook her head.  “It is what it is, and I can’t regret it as long as I have Saphira.”

“I’m not sure I understand your thinking, Es, but as long as you’re happy, I guess it’s all good.”

“It is,” Esmeralda agreed. “What brought all this up anyway, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Brianna turned her attention to her desk and started shutting things down and gathering things up in preparation of leaving for the night.  “Any number of factors,” she answered.  “I’m sure you heard about my luncheon with Charisma today,” looking up to see Esmeralda nod.  “And I know you’ve heard about Scott Patterson’s ambitions.”  Another nod.  “Then we have Laura Maxwell who appears to be grooming Charisma for her run for the White House – I don’t know really.  It all just converged and got me to thinking.”

“Does it bother you?”

“Excuse me?  Does what bother me?”  Brianna gathered her belongings and walked to the door.  She opened it and motioned Esmeralda to go through ahead of her even as she waited for Esmeralda to clarify what she was asking.  Esmeralda continued pushing her cart to the outer office door, leaning against it as she spoke.

“Charisma running for the White House?  Or Laura Maxwell being the one to propel her there?”

“Es, Charisma Tagherty has had her eye on the Presidency for longer than either you or I have known her.  She had already been working for it for years by the time that I met her.  I can’t really comment about Laura Maxwell.  Tonight was the first time I’ve exchanged more than passing platitudes with her.  But if she’s able to make Charisma’s dream of being the first female President a reality, then I say more power to her.  Maybe government would work better if it was run like a household instead of a country club.”

“So you don’t mind...?”

“Es, I appreciate that you understand the real situation between Charisma and me more than almost anyone else in the world.  I love her... I always will.  But you need to let go of the idea that I have any sort of undue influence on her actions or that whatever Charisma does has the least bit of impact on my life any more.  I have, and that’s not going to change.”

“You really believe that?  No matter what?”

Brianna motioned her to back up just slightly so she could get between the cart and the door.  Then she pulled the door wide and waved Esmeralda out ahead of her.  “I know it to be true, Es.  No matter what.  I can’t pretend anymore.  Coming here taught me that.”

Esmeralda shook her head slowly.  “I’m sorry to hear that, Brianna – I truly am.” She cleared her throat and looked back at Brianna who had started down the hall towards the elevator.  “Goodnight, Senator Walker.  Have a good evening.”

Brianna turned and gave her a jaunty little wave.  “You too, Es.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Esmeralda continued back up the hall wondering what Charisma thought of the whole situation, but a knock on her office door showed her to already be gone so Esmeralda finished up her work so she could go talk to Saphira.

************

“How’s it going, Joe?” Esmeralda asked when he poked his head into the window opening separating the kitchen from the counter.

“Can’t complain, Essie.  You’re looking better.”

She smiled.  “I’m feeling better every day.”  She leaned against Saphira when she wrapped an arm around Esmeralda’s waist from behind.  “Hey, Love.”

Saphira gave her a light squeeze and brushed her lips across Esmeralda’s cheek.  Then she patted Esmeralda on the behind and nodded her head towards the counter stool.  Esmeralda frowned at the lack of vocal response.

“Everything all right?” she asked quietly, catching Saphira’s hand in her own.  Joe peeked out from the opening again when Saphira padded into sight.

“She’s all right, Es.  Some kid clocked her across the throat earlier, and this is the first chance she’s had to really rest her throat.”  He chuckled and Esmeralda cocked a questioning eyebrow in his direction.  Saphira just glared and shook her head.  “I wish you could have seen it, Es.  One minute this kid was screaming bloody murder and the next he’d popped Saphira right in the voice box.  I don’t know what she said to him and his parents, but that brat didn’t make another sound the rest of the time they were here.  And not only did they not try to skip out on their bill, I’m pretty sure they left a hefty little tip.”

Esmeralda turned a look on Saphira who had the decency to look sheepish.  Esmeralda just shook her head.  “What am I gonna do with you?” she asked with a wry smile.

“Love me for the rest of your life?” whispered.

“How about forever?”

“I like the sound of that,” Saphira replied, brushing a kiss across the knuckles of the hand she still held in her own.

“All right you too... enough mush.  A man could drown in it around here if he wasn’t careful, and I got plans with my girl tonight.  Now grab your food and sit up to the table and eat.  I’m almost done back here, and it’s getting on to time for you girls to head home.”

“Thank you, Joe,” Esmeralda said prettily.  Saphira just rolled her eyes and took the plate, releasing Esmeralda’s hand and grabbing two empty glasses and filling them with milk.  Soon they were digging in and Joe smiled as he watched them from the kitchen.  Neither of them was speaking, but plenty seemed to be getting said anyway.

It didn’t take long for them to finish up and Saphira passed him the dirty dishes.  Then he walked them to the door to lock up behind them, and they were on their way home.

Esmeralda shared her conversation with Brianna as well as the gossip she’d heard about Charisma.  Saphira didn’t really have any comment to make on either issue – even if it hadn’t bothered her to talk - though she winced when Esmeralda shared Brianna’s renewed determination to keep herself out of Charisma’s orbit.

“I know there’s nothing else we can do at this point, but honestly, all it feels like we’re doing is marking time,” Esmeralda said plainly.  “I wish I knew what He was waiting for.  The sense of impending doom is hanging over everything like a pall at this point, and the stress of it is gonna drive me crazy.”

“You’re already crazy,” Amber stated with a rakish grin as they entered the house.  Saphira reached out and smacked her in the back of the head.  “Hey!” glaring but stopping her retaliation when Esmeralda stepped between them.

“That’s enough... both of you,” she commanded, looking back and forth between them.  Her gaze settled on Saphira.  “Go get a hot shower, Sweetheart.  Maybe that will help relax your throat.  And you,” turning to Amber.  “What are you doing home this time of night?”

Amber looked closely at Saphira, noting a slight bruise mark on her neck.  “You okay?”  Saphira nodded but moved to follow Esmeralda’s directive.  The truth was it hurt a lot and she was tired on top of everything else.  Amber made a grab for her arm, but Esmeralda intercepted it.

“I’ll tell you all about it,” she told Amber.  “Go on, Love.  I’ll just be a minute.”

Saphira went into their bedroom and closed the door.  Amber put her hands on her hips.  “All right... so?”  Esmeralda gave Amber a brief overview of Joe’s accounting of events.  Amber laughed.  Esmeralda crossed her arms and waited for Amber to take a deep breath and shake her head.

“I’m not laughing that Saphira got hurt, but I do wish I had been there to see her in action.  It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that part of her.”

“I know.  I miss it too.  Now – why are you here instead of keeping an eye on Charisma?”

“She’s still with Opal and Turq; apparently she’s resumed some of her after-hours schmoozing.”

Esmeralda’s eyebrows went into her hairline.  “Well, that explains why I didn’t see her tonight.  I wonder if this was already on her agenda.”

“I don’t think so.  I went to the house earlier when Ame was putting Adam to bed.  Opal had called to let her know they were going to be late.  Ame’s supposed to call me as soon as Charisma gets home.  Because she’s gonna need to sleep even if she stays at the Tagherty house.”

“Right... of course,” glancing at her watch.  “Although maybe you should go on over there.  As late as it is she should already be in bed.  Otherwise she’ll never be able to keep up with Adam tomorrow even with a half-day of school.”  Amber’s eyes widened when she checked the time and nodded frantically.  Esmeralda smiled.  “Okay, I’m gonna go take care of Saphira.  Let me know if....”

“I will, Es, but you know we’re so far out of this all we’re doing is babysitting at this point.”

“I know; it doesn’t lessen our responsibility though.”

“I suppose,” Amber shrugged.  “Now go look after Saphira before she comes looking for you.”  Esmeralda nodded and turned, entering the bedroom without a backwards glance.  Amber waited until she closed the door behind her before scrubbing her hands over her face and heading out towards Charisma’s house.  With a little luck Ame was already in bed asleep and all Amber would have to do would be wait for Charisma to arrive home.

************

Saphira was already curled up in bed with her eyes closed when Esmeralda finally entered the bedroom to stay. Saphira had still been in the shower when she’d originally stepped inside the room so Esmeralda had decided to fix Saphira a cup of hot tea with plenty of lemon and honey.  She didn’t think it had taken that long, but....

“You gonna bring that over here?” Saphira whispered hoarsely into the dark, “or you gonna make me get up and get it myself?”  Saphira gave Esmeralda a crooked half-smile and Esmeralda grinned back as she moved towards Saphira’s side of the bed.

“I thought you might be asleep already.  You didn’t stay in the shower very long.”

“Too tired.”

Esmeralda frowned and set the mug on the bedside table, then leaned forward and brushed her lips over Saphira’s forehead.  “You don’t feel feverish.  You sure you’re all right?”

“Just tired... and sore.”

“All right,” kissing her lips softly before standing and moving to the other side of the bed.  “Well if you think you can drink the tea, it should help with the pain and the swelling.  Otherwise give me five minutes and I’ll join you.  Sleep is probably the best thing for you,” shaking her head when she heard the deep, rhythmic breathing that signified that Saphira was already asleep.

Esmeralda quickly went through her nightly routine, absently giving thanks that she was once more able to provide help and comfort when it was needed as opposed to being the one constantly in need of it.  She eased her side of the covers down and slipped into bed next to Saphira, smiling when Saphira naturally turned and tucked herself into Esmeralda’s embrace.

Then she closed her eyes and joined her mate in the land of Morpheus.

************

The next couple weeks followed the same pattern except for the luncheon meeting between Charisma and Brianna.  There were committee meetings and legislation and votes, but Charisma and Brianna managed to remain off each other’s radar.  It wasn’t hard, really – there was so much work to do, and since Charisma had returned to making connections in the evenings at least once or twice a week, they had very little opportunity to run into each other.

Brianna still hadn’t called Okasa.  It wasn’t the fact that she didn’t believe Charisma – she did.  Charisma had never been able to lie to Brianna even when they had first met.  No, it was more that Brianna wasn’t certain she was willing to risk everything again.  She missed the Tagherty family, but she was adjusting to life without them in it.  She didn’t want to have to get used to it again.

So things went along as they had been until one evening when they both happened to be in the Senate office building when Rick came upstairs looking for Esmeralda.


Chapter LXXXVII

Brianna’s day started the same way they had since coming back from the holiday break – early into the office to read over whatever legislation was on tap for the day, followed by committee meetings and personal meetings and voting roll calls....  The list went on and on.  She always tried to wait for Esmeralda to show up though.  There was always something of interest to discuss, whether it had to do with what Brianna was currently engaged in or their past histories or their plans for their little bit of leisure time.

Charisma was also on a routine very similar to Brianna’s though she did not always remain in the office in the evenings anymore.  Laura had convinced her to get out and mingle with her colleagues more often.  For although Charisma had the backing of several of the major players in the Senate, if she was serious about making a run for the White House she was going to need more movers and shakers in her corner when the time came.  Still she made time to be on hand two or three nights a week to talk to Esmeralda.  She found her days and weeks tended to go much smoother when they shared a bit of girl talk together.  It wasn’t as though they talked about anything pressing or important, but just having that time with one another gave Charisma immeasurable comfort.

So it was that several weeks after Charisma’s talk with Brianna in regards to her involvement with the Tagherty family, both Senator Walker and Senator Tagherty were waiting in their offices for Esmeralda to arrive.  Though Esmeralda was quiet, she could be heard making her way along the hallway slowly if you knew what to listen for and both Brianna and Charisma did.  And they were both in their offices patiently waiting when the sound of a ruckus brought them out into the hallway.

Esmeralda had completed almost half the offices on the floor when Rick emerged from the elevator almost running and calling out her name far louder than the decorum of this place demanded.  Esmeralda turned to shush him, but one glimpse at his face made the blood drain from her own face and her legs shake.  She grabbed the cleaning cart for support and waited for Rick to reach her.

By that point not only had Brianna and Charisma made it to their hall doors but so had the other few Senators who were also working late.  They all stood back waiting to see what had brought Rick, who up to that moment had been a quiet, by-the-book individual, running and yelling through the halls of the Senate office building.  He didn’t even notice them he was so focused on Esmeralda. 

When he reached her she clutched at his arm with one hand, knowing whatever he had to say didn’t bode well for her.  Then the words came out of his mouth and only his grip on her kept her from falling to the floor.  “Es, it’s Saphira.  She’s....”  He stopped and shook his head, willing the tears not to come.  She gripped his arm tighter and he struggled not to wince at the pain.  Instead he focused on what he needed to say.  “I don’t have any details; all I know is she was just rushed to the hospital at Georgetown.  Es... they don’t expect her to make it.”

Esmeralda stared at Rick like he was speaking a foreign language – a fact that should have been funny given the number of languages she was fluent in.  But it wasn’t funny and it didn’t change the fact that she was having trouble processing what he had said.

Fortunately Charisma and Brianna recognized the signs of shock and took charge as a team much in the same manner they had done during their college years.  Charisma called Turq to pick them up immediately while Brianna called for a police escort to get them to the hospital as quickly as possible.  One of the other Senators had gotten Esmeralda a glass of water and another brought out a chair for her to sit in.  Charisma called Matilda and Brianna called the hospital and as soon as Turq beeped that the car was out front, they got one on either side of Esmeralda and headed for the elevator.  “Rick, you’ll take care of things here?”

“You don’t be worrying none about that, Senator Tagherty.  We’ll take care of this business.  You just look out for Es and let us know....”

“We will,” Brianna assured him as the doors closed. 

They were seated in the back of Charisma’s limousine with Esmeralda between them when the startling sound of sirens brought Esmeralda’s head up.  There were no tears – there was nothing at all.  And that look scared both Charisma and Brianna, causing them to exchange worried glances.

“What did Matilda say?” Brianna asked.

“Not much – it was hard to make sense of what she was saying.  Apparently Saphira just collapsed... no warning, no nothing.  Joe called the paramedics while Matilda called Rick. What did the hospital say?”

“Only that things looked grave.”

“Why this?” Esmeralda whispered so softly both Charisma and Brianna nearly missed her words.  “Why now?”  She looked up, eyes unseeing on the roof of the car.  “You can’t need her more than I do.  You don’t love her like I love her!!!  WHY??” almost screaming.  “Why are you doing this??”

Brianna grasped Esmeralda’s hands and Charisma cupped her face.  “Es... ES... ESMERALDA!” blowing lightly into Esmeralda’s face to force her to take a deep breath.  “C’mon now – you need to stay with us here.  We’ll be with you every step of the way no matter what.  But you need to stay here with us now, all right?”

Esmeralda looked between them and blinked, then looked between them again, actually seeing them this time.  Brianna gently chafed some warmth back into her ice-cold hands and Charisma’s thumbs gently traced over her cheekbones.  Esmeralda looked at them a final time before closing her eyes and swallowing hard.  “All right,” she whispered.

Then they were pulling up into the emergency room entrance, and that started a whole new commotion.  Their arrival precipitated by the police escort caused an immense amount of confusion and upset and angered a number of medical personnel. That in turn caused the nurse at the desk to refuse to give Esmeralda any information, claiming her right to be recognized as Saphira’s mate was irrelevant.  Even protestations from both Brianna and Charisma did nothing to get them the information they needed.

In something of a daze Esmeralda left them arguing with the desk nurse while she went to sit in the waiting room.  The charge nurse had just come out from the back and noticed the lost, forlorn look Esmeralda wore.  She put the chart she was looking at in its appropriate spot before walking around the commotion at the desk and wandering over to take a seat beside Esmeralda on one of the hard chairs.

“You okay?” knowing it was a stupid question but needing something to open the conversation with.

“No,” Esmeralda replied starkly.  “She’s gone and they won’t even let me see her to say goodbye.”

The charge nurse covered Esmeralda’s cold hands and turned to face her more directly.  “Who?”

Esmeralda turned and met the nurse’s compassionate brown eyes with empty green ones.  It was all the nurse could do to contain her gasp.  “My mate... Saphira.”

“Are you Esmeralda?”  The blonde head nodded.  The nurse made a decision.  “Come with me,” rising and offering Esmeralda her hand.  Esmeralda looked at her a long moment before comprehension dawned.  She took the nurse’s hand and let her lead her to the back.

Meanwhile Charisma and Brianna had tired of dealing with the bigotry of the desk nurse and they’d each placed a phone call that caused the hospital switchboard to light up like a Christmas tree.  Only once they were off the phone did they realized they had somehow lost Esmeralda, but before they could cause even more of a disturbance, the charge nurse returned and took them both by the elbows despite their protests.

“Do you know...?”

“Who do you think...?”

“Before either of you finish those thoughts, Senators,” the nurse said firmly, “I’d like to remind you that this is a hospital and there is such a thing as bad publicity in politics.”  They exchanged glances and immediately deflated.  “Thank you.”

“I’m sorry, Nurse....”  Charisma paused and looked at the woman’s nametag.  “I’m sorry, Nurse Walters,” Charisma apologized with Brianna nodding her affirmation.  “Nurse Ratchet over there is being impossible about letting Esmeralda back to see Saphira and on top of that, we seem to have lost Esmeralda as well.”  Charisma pushed her hands through her hair and took a deep breath in an effort to bring herself under control.  Brianna reflexively placed a calming hand on Charisma’s back and the effect was instantaneous as both women perceptibly relaxed.  Nurse Walters noticed but didn’t comment, focusing instead on easing their minds in her own way.  But first....

“May I ask how you two are related to either Esmeralda or Saphira?”

Brianna and Charisma looked at one another before Brianna said, “They are very dear friends... almost like family.”

“They ARE family, if you ask my mother,” Charisma added when Nurse Walters frowned.

“Then perhaps you should be making phone calls instead of upsetting the entire trauma department.”  Walters held up her hands before they could object.  “I understand you’re just looking out for Esmeralda, but she’s already in the back with Saphira... saying her goodbyes,” she added when they opened their mouths to speak.  “So maybe you might want to start taking care of the things that need to be done to ease Esmeralda’s burden a little.”  And with those parting words Nurse Walters turned and headed to the desk, ready to remind the nurse there what being a caring professional entailed.

Brianna and Charisma stared at one another, equally ashamed of the uproar they’d caused and dismayed at the fact that Esmeralda was suddenly without her other half.  Still the charge nurse had made an excellent point – there were others that needed to be called and made aware of the situation and there were any number of things that could be taken care of without Esmeralda’s input.

“I’ll call Mama,” Charisma offered quietly.  Brianna nodded. 

“I’ll try to get in touch with Ruby, then see if I can locate Matilda and Joe.  I thought they’d have been here by now.”  Brianna looked around.  “C’mon... we’re really not supposed to use these in here and there’s not really a reason to upset the applecart any more than we’ve done already.  Besides, I’m sure Nurse Walters will come find us if Es comes out before we’re done and I need some air.”

Charisma nodded.  “I’m with you.”  They turned and together walked out the emergency room doors.  Charisma took a deep breath, then winced at the scent of oil and gasoline and stale cigarettes.  “Do you really think she will?”

Brianna looked up, frowning.  She’d been engrossed trying to figure out where to call next if Ruby didn’t answer at Esmeralda’s home.  “Do I think who really will what?” she finally asked, shifting her attention back to Charisma and the conversation at hand.

“Do you really think Esmeralda will really leave Saphira’s side before she’s made to - even if she’s already... you know, gone?”

“I think when the time comes, we’re going to need every ounce of persuasiveness to get her to leave so make your call.  We’re going to need everyone on our side we can get.”

Charisma nodded her agreement and pressed a button before lifting the phone to her ear.  This was one phone call she’d never expected to make.  Then Okasa was picking up the receiver and Charisma turned away from Brianna to relay the wretched news to her family.

Brianna meanwhile had dialed Esmeralda’s, hoping beyond hope that Ruby was home and awake or at least close enough to a phone to answer it.  She still had no idea where else to try if Ruby wasn’t home.  Then all her worries were invalidated when a sleepy voice picked up the receiver.

“’lo?”

“Hello, Ruby?  This is Brianna Walker.”

The change in Ruby’s voice was abrupt and Brianna could hear her throwing the covers back and rising from the bed.  “Senator Walker?” her voice was calm though Brianna detected the slightest hint of a tremor. “What’s wrong?  Has something happened to Esmeralda?”

“Es is fine,” Brianna assured Ruby, hearing her sigh of relief.  “Ruby... it’s Saphira.  We’re here with Es at Georgetown University.  I don’t have any answers yet, but it doesn’t look very good at all.  I thought you’d want to know since you’re their family.”

“You’re right... I would,” wondering why Turq hadn’t called.  “It’s going to take me a little while to get there, but I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“I’ll have Jas come and pick you up, Ruby; don’t you worry about that.”

“Thank you, Senator.  I’ll see you soon.”  And the line went dead before Brianna could respond.  Ruby looked around her room, filled to its tiny brim with nosy, concerned Angels.

“Ruby?” Indi asked.  The older Angel held up a hand and shook her head, silently asking for a moment.  Jas’ phone rang and she answered it, her replies brief to the barked out instructions on the other end.  When she was done, she hung up and all eyes turned back to Ruby.

“You wanna tell me what that was all about?” Jas asked looking at Ruby. 

Ruby shook her head.  “I’m as in the dark as to what’s happening as the rest of you.  Apparently something has happened to Saphira.”

“That was Brianna,” Jas continued, pointing to her phone.  “I’m supposed to take Ruby to the hospital as soon as she’s ready.” She looked down at herself.  “I better go get dressed,” said as she left the room.

“What about the rest of us?” Opal asked.

“I think it would be perfectly acceptable if you all showed up,” Ruby offered as she stripped out of her pajamas and slid into some of her rare ’civilian’ clothes.  “I mean, it would be natural for Turq and Jas to have placed a call to Brianna’s and Charisma’s personal assistants to let them know that something was going on, right?  Just use the Metro or a cab and don’t show up together.”

“Speaking of....” Opal growled. “Why didn’t Turq call us?  Or why didn’t Amber or Coral...?”

Ruby glowered as she stepped into her shoes.  “I dunno,” she bit off fiercely as she finished buttoning her coat.  “But I certainly intend to find out!”

Jas reappeared at the door just then and Ruby nodded approvingly.  Then the two of them made their way downstairs and outside.  It was only when they heard the outer door close behind them that Opal and Indi exchanged glances.

“I’m a little confused,” Indi said as they headed back towards their rooms to get dressed.

Opal laughed, though there was no humor in the sound at all.  “Only a little?”

“For now,” Indi replied seriously.  “Does this mean the Father really made them mortal when he took everything away from them?”

“It certainly looks like it,” Opal said grimly.  “I wonder what happens to Angels when they die.”

“Opal, what’s going to happen to Es?  Being separated from Saphira briefly nearly killed her.  This will....”

“I know.  C’mon... let’s get there.  I’m sure we’ll be sorting this out for days.”

************

Matilda and Joe came rushing towards the emergency room exit, slowing when both Brianna and Charisma extended an arm, signally them to wait until the Senators were no longer on the phone.  Matilda saw the tears beneath the surface on their faces and automatically reached for Joe who clutched her outstretched hand in support.

“No,” she whispered brokenly.  Charisma and Brianna both nodded.  “Oh no... no.  What happened?”

Brianna shrugged.  “We don’t know yet.  It’s only due to the compassion of the charge nurse that Es was even allowed into the back to say her goodbyes.”

Matilda’s eyes hardened.  “Excuse me?”

“Let it go, Matilda,” Charisma instructed firmly.  “Nurse Walters made sure she got back there and we have other things to concern ourselves with at the moment.”

“What’s more important than making sure...?”

“She’s right, Mama,” Joe replied before Matilda could finish her question.  “We need to do what we can for Essie right now.  We can worry about the bigots later.”

Matilda let out a frustrated sigh.  She knew they were right, but it did nothing to dim the righteous indignation she felt.  She made a mental note to find out what had happened and have a word with somebody later.  For now though....  “Okay... you’re all right,” taking a deep breath and pushing the tears she felt burning to the back of her throat.  “What can we do?”

“Wait,” Charisma said.  “I’ve called Mama and she’s going to inform the rest of the family, but it will take some time for them to get here.”

“Jas is on her way with Ruby, and I called Rick and let him know that Esmeralda would be out on bereavement leave.  The only thing we can do right this minute is wait for Es to come out from the back and be here to support her when she does.  If we’re lucky maybe someone will tell us what happened to Saphira, but it’s not like we’re actually entitled to any answers.”

“And tomorrow we’ll do what we can to ease Es’ burden,” Charisma added.

“I don’t think that’s gonna be possible,” Ruby spoke as she approached the small group.  “The only time Es has been without Saphira it nearly killed her, and that was simply banishment... an enforced separation; not something as permanent as death.”  She sighed.  “I’m gonna go in and see what I can find out,” she added with little hesitation.  As one body the rest turned and followed her in.

No one was particularly surprised when Nurse Walters appeared at the desk when Ruby asked for information.  Walters motioned her around the desk and through the double doors she’d taken Esmeralda beyond some time earlier.  They had just disappeared when Turq and Jas entered the waiting room, each taking a seat with the small contingent.  In another few minutes Opal stepped in from the emergency entrance and then Indi came around the corner from the direction of the main doors.  Rick was the last to arrive while Ruby was still in the back with Esmeralda and the nurse, and he took his place within the silent group.

Then they waited.

************

“I think she’s still in shock,” Nurse Walters told Ruby in a hushed voice as they approached the small alcove Saphira’s body had been placed in to wait its trip down to the morgue.  “She hasn’t said a word or shed a tear that I can tell, and we’re going to have to move Saphira’s body to the morgue soon.  The ME still has to do an autopsy to determine the cause of death.”

“Must you?” Ruby asked with distaste and a hint of apprehension.

Walters nodded.  “Unfortunately yes – it’s the law in sudden death cases like this.  I’ve tried to give Esmeralda time to say goodbye, but....”

Ruby shook her head.  “I don’t know if she can, but I’ll do my best.”  Then they reached the alcove and stopped at the sight that met their gaze.  Esmeralda had crawled onto the gurney and curled herself around Saphira’s body, gently tracing her features.  Nurse Walters and Ruby exchanged alarmed looks, then walked swiftly towards the heartbreaking tableau, knowing the next few minutes were going to be extremely hard and hoping to be the support Esmeralda would need to get through them.


Chapter LXXXVIII

“Es?” Ruby asked quietly.  “Es,” she repeated a little more firmly.  “It’s time to say goodbye to Saphira so she can rest.”

“She’s already resting, Ruby,” Esmeralda replied, her eyes never leaving Saphira’s still face.  “See?  I’m just gonna stay here with her.”

Ruby bit her lip.  This was going to be harder than she’d expected, and she’d expected damned near impossible.  “Honey, you can’t stay with Saphira now,” she offered gently.  “She’s gone to see the Father and you can’t go with her.  You have work to do here, remember?”

Nurse Walters frowned at the words passing Ruby’s lips.  As comfort went they left a lot to be desired.  And they didn’t seem to have the necessary effect either; Esmeralda simply closed her eyes and clasped Saphira’s cold hand tighter. 

“I’m done, Ruby.  There’s nothing left for me to do.”  She flinched when Ruby laid a warm hand on her chilled skin, but there was no way to pull away from the touch without disturbing Saphira.  And Esmeralda was loath to do that – it would make this whole situation all too real.

“Es....”

“No, Ruby.  Just leave me alone.  Please – just leave me alone,” the last a bare whisper.

“Oh honey... I can’t.  We have to let the doctors take Saphira to find out what happened, and you need to come with me so....”

Esmeralda opened her eyes and Ruby felt the flames sear her even as she strove not to flinch away from the raw fury she could feel emanating from them.  She’d never seen Esmeralda truly angry before... not even when she and Saphira had been separated the first time.  So she held on and met Esmeralda’s stare, hoping beyond hope she could keep Esmeralda grounded.

“I know what happened, Ruby.  He took her from me.  He took her from me and now she’s gone!!” 

“Don’t you want to know why?”

“No,” the voice dead.  Ruby watched the fire in the green eyes extinguish itself, leaving only emptiness behind. “It doesn’t matter why; it only matters that she’s not here anymore.” Without another word Esmeralda closed her eyes and turned her face back into Saphira’s neck.  She didn’t even have a chance to register the pinprick as Nurse Walters administered a sedative.  And she never felt them move her to another gurney.  They got her settled, and the nurse motioned to the interns who had been standing down the hallway waiting for her signal.  One took charge of rolling Saphira’s body to the elevator to take her to the morgue; the other started pushing Esmeralda towards a cubicle in the emergency room area.  Nurse Walters took Ruby by the arm.

“C’mon – let’s go tell your friends what’s going on, then you can come back and sit with Esmeralda until she wakes up if you like.”

“What happens then?”

“Well, once Esmeralda is awake, you can take her home.  As soon as the autopsy is complete, someone will be in touch to find out where you’d like the body to be delivered in preparation for burial or cremation.”

“Will we be told what happened?  What the cause of death was?” Ruby clarified at Walters’ frown.

“Yes.  In fact, the attending should be out to talk to everyone before you leave.  I think she had some questions.”

Ruby nodded.  “All right.  I’ll wait with the rest to talk to the doctor, then I’ll come back and sit with Es.  Can any of the rest come?”

“They’re not supposed to – family only, you know.  But I’ll see about giving them a minute to look in on her.  I think she’s gonna need all the love and support she can get to make it through this.”

“I’m not sure even that will help,” Ruby mumbled, but before Nurse Walters could question her further, they were stepping through the double doors into the waiting room.  As soon as they appeared, one whole section of the waiting area rose to their feet as though propelled by springs.  Walters patted Ruby on the arm.

“I’ll go find the doctor for you.”

“Thank you, Nurse Walters – you’ve been a treasure.”

Walters gave Ruby a smile and headed over to the nurses’ station.  Ruby took a deep breath and walked towards the small knot of people clustered together for moral support. 

“Es had to be sedated and she’s currently in one of the little rooms in the back.  The nurse said when it wears off we can take her home.  They’ve taken Saphira’s body down to the morgue for autopsy,” seeing every Angels’ eyes widened with a number of unhappy emotions.  “Apparently it’s the law in circumstances like this.  The doctor is supposed to come out and talk to us briefly as soon as the nurse locates her.”

“Can we go back and see Es?” Matilda asked, wiping her eyes.

“The nurse is gonna try to give everyone a chance to but no promises,” Ruby said.  “We’ve already created quite a stir here tonight and it’s not fair to the other patients and their families.  Truthfully I’m not sure Es is in a place to recognize anyone, much less acknowledge them.”

“Is she going to be all right, Ruby?” Brianna asked softly.

Ruby shook her head.  “I don’t know, Senator... I really don’t know.”

“And if you were to guess?” Charisma inquired.

Ruby sighed.  She didn’t want to get into this, but....  “Senator Tagherty, just being separated from Saphira made her so sick she nearly died from it because Es thought it was going to be a permanent situation.  But at least she had the assurance that Saphira was alive.  She had a sliver of hope and it still nearly destroyed her.  What do you think knowing Saphira is never coming back will do to her?”

“I think we’ll be keeping an eye on her,” blinking the tears from her eyes.  Heads nodded all around, then a throat clearing behind them caused them all to turn.  Standing behind them was a petite brunette woman, compassion plain in her tired brown eyes.  She looked at the group of people standing in front of her, noting the disparity of social classes represented.  It made her wonder, but she tucked the thought into the recesses of her mind to consider later.  For now she needed to talk to the family of the woman who had died so suddenly in her emergency room.

“Is one of you family to either Saphira or Esmeralda?” she asked, a slight drawl evident in her soft voice.  Ruby stepped forward.

“I am,” extending her hand.  “Ruby Angelo.  You’re the doctor that took care of Saphira?”

“I’m Dr. Terrell,” nodding as she took Ruby’s hand and briefly covered it with her left one in a gesture of sympathy and comfort.  “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, Dr. Terrell.  Do you know what...?

“We’re not sure, but....  Did Saphira fall recently?  Or take a blow to the head?”

Ruby frowned.  “No - she got hit in the throat several weeks ago....”

“She hit her head then,” Matilda broke in.  “When that little boy hit her, she stumbled and slipped... hit her head pretty hard, but she said she was fine.  There wasn’t any blood so I took her word.  Are you saying...?” covering her mouth in dread at the implications.

“We’re not sure at this point; we won’t know for certain until the autopsy report is done.  But I suspect she suffered from a brain hemorrhage.”  The doctor watched the horror dawn in Matilda’s eyes and continued.  “There was nothing you could have done; you wouldn’t have necessarily even noticed that there was anything wrong.  As I said, we’re not even sure that’s what happened.”

“But you believe it is, don’t you, Doctor?”

Dr. Terrell nodded her head.  “Yes, I do.”  She gently squeezed Ruby’s hand and released it.  “Are you going to sit with Esmeralda?”  Ruby nodded.  Dr. Terrell looked at everyone else.  “The rest of you need to go home.  There’s nothing else you can do here tonight, and I don’t need you filling up my waiting room.  Esmeralda will probably be out of it until much later today, and she’ll need you to be there for her then.  So go get some rest.”  No one moved and Dr. Terrell put her hands on her hips.  “It wasn’t a suggestion, ladies and gentlemen.  Ruby can stay, but the rest of you need to go home.”

Brianna and Charisma looked at one another a long moment, then turned to the others.  “You heard the doctor,” Charisma instructed.  “Everyone out.  Make sure Brianna or I have your contact numbers and as soon as we hear something, we’ll make sure everyone else is notified.”  She turned to Ruby.  “You’ll call one of us first.”  Not quite a command but not a polite request either.  Ruby nodded her acquiescence.

“Of course, Senator.”

“Jas, you remain here to take Ruby and Es home whenever they are ready to go,” Brianna instructed.  Jas nodded and moved back to take a seat in a quiet corner of the waiting room.

“All right,” Charisma said.  “Does anyone need a ride home?  It might be a tight squeeze, but I think we could all fit.”

“Joe and I drove over,” Matilda said with a shake of her head.  “But thank you for the offer.  You’ll keep us apprised?”

“As soon as we know, Matilda, so will you.”

“Thank you, Senator.”  She turned to Ruby.  “You’ll tell Es...?”

“I will,” Ruby promised.  Matilda nodded, then she and Joe headed for the exit.  Rick offered Ruby his hand briefly, then followed Matilda and Joe out the door.  Charisma motioned to Turq.

“Will you bring the car around, please?” she asked wearily, then looked at Brianna, Opal and Indi.  “Can I offer you ladies a lift?”

“Thank you, Senator,” Opal replied.  “Is there anything you need for us to take care of?”

“Nothing that won’t wait until tomorrow.  Brianna, would you like a ride?”

“I’d appreciate it, Charisma; thank you,” her voice beyond exhausted.  She turned to Ruby.  “Go be with Es; and if there’s anything we can do... anything you need....”

“Thank you, Senator... Brianna.  Thank you all. I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.”

They nodded and Ruby turned and followed the doctor back to where Esmeralda was ensconced.   Then they made their way out of the emergency room and into the limousine that Turq had pulled to the door.  A moment later they were leaving the hospital parking lot.

It was silent in the vehicle; everyone was too drained to do much more than stare out the window or swipe at the occasional errant tear.  Turq dropped Indi off first, then Opal.  Neither Brianna nor Charisma had the presence of mind to notice that Opal and Indi didn’t enter the buildings they were dropped in front of and Turq pulled away as soon as the car door was closed.  When the car was out of sight of the building, they disappeared completely.

Turq turned the car towards Brianna’s apartment building, knowing Opal and Indi were back at the hospital with Ruby keeping an eye on Esmeralda.  She was headed there herself as soon as she got the Senators home.

Brianna and Charisma didn’t say a word until Turq pulled up in front of Brianna’s building.  Then Brianna turned to Charisma and patted her hand for just a moment before drawing away and gathering her things.  “Thank you for the ride, Charisma.”

“It was my pleasure, Brianna, though I wish the circumstances were different.”

“Charisma....”

“Brianna, I hope we can be real best friends again one day but not at this sort of cost. I would never have had this happen to anyone – especially Esmeralda and Saphira; not even if it meant it would make things right between us.  That’s not what this was about.”

Brianna blew out a shaky breath.  “I know, Charisma.  You’ll call me if you hear from Ruby?”

“First thing – you’ll do the same?”

“Of course.”  Brianna stepped from the car, leaning down into the door Turq kept open for her.  “See you later today, Charisma.”

“Goodnight, Brianna.”

************

Charisma walked in the door to her silent house, closing the door and setting the alarm before trudging up the stairs.  She paused for several long minutes in Adam’s room, letting the peaceful rhythm of his breathing soothe her aching soul.  When she finally got her tears under control, she crossed the room and pulled the covers up over him and kissed him goodnight.  Then she left his room and headed to her own, only to be stopped by the sight of a disheveled Ame standing in the doorway of what was quickly becoming her room in Charisma’s house.

“Everything okay, Senator?”

Charisma shook her head.  “No – rough night, and the next few days will probably be equally as bad.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No, Ame – you’re doing enough already.  Just keep looking out for my son.”

Ame smiled.  “It’s my pleasure, Senator... most of the time, at least,” garnering her a tragic smile.  “I’ll let you get back to....”  Ame motioned vaguely around.  “Whatever you were headed for.  Goodnight, Senator.”

“Goodnight, Ame,” Charisma said, turning as Ame closed the door again.  She glanced at her watch.  She could probably reach Kent now, knowing it would have been a futile effort before.  Besides, her family should be arriving soon; no point in trying to sleep before they did.  Charisma grabbed her phone and started dialing Kent’s number, wondering if she’d get to see the bed before the sun came up in just a few, short hours.

************

“So what’s the story?” Ruby asked as Turq finally made her appearance in Esmeralda’s tiny enclosure.  Opal, Indi and Jas were already there though only Ruby was noticeable to the human eyes that periodically checked on her and her charge. As far as they knew Ruby was talking to Esmeralda in an effort to provide comfort.

“None of us knew what was going on until we got here, Ruby.  I got bits and pieces in the limo, but nothing I could really report on.  I tried to call to see if you could find out what was going on, but I couldn’t get through.”

“I was supposed to be waiting for a call to pick Brianna up,” Jas chimed in.  “She sent me out on some errands earlier, then told me to go home and wait for her to call.  It’s why I was at home instead of at the Senate Building. I think she’d been planning to go with Es to the diner.”

“What about Coral and Amber?  Surely they knew....”

Turq shook her head.  “Amber said they found out when Es did, but they were forbidden to notify any of us.  They were physically unable to do anything but stay with Brianna and Charisma.”

“That means that Ame, Mal and Jade are probably out of the loop as well.”

“Well that just sucks!” Opal snarled, and the rest looked at her wide-eyed.  “Oh, don’t any of you look at me like that and pretend that you don’t think the same thing.”  She focused her attention on Ruby.  “So what are we supposed to do now?”

Ruby shook her head.  “I don’t know, Opal.  First we have to get through the next few days.”

“You think she’ll survive it?” Jas asked quietly.

“She’ll survive for a little while,” Ruby said confidently.  “She’ll get through the funeral.  After that...?”

“What about the autopsy, Ruby?” This from Indi.  “Won’t that show the anomalies of Saphira’s angelic nature?”

“Indi, you know nothing will show up that He doesn’t will first.  But why are you assuming there would be any evidence of anything that wasn’t human?  Angels don’t die, and yet Saphira is dead just as though she had been born a human mortal.  I’d say that points to the sheer humanity of her nature.”

“I thought one reason Esmeralda refused continued medical treatment was a fear of someone discovering she was... well, for lack of a better description, abnormal.”

“That’s true; until today we had no reason to believe that He had removed their immortality when He banished them from home – especially since Es did survive her illness.  We all know that could have easily killed her,” watching heads nod.  “But a big reason for her refusal was the cost involved; they simply did not have the means to pay for more than she had already received.  As it was a majority of the therapy Esmeralda took was provided free of charge by a friend.”

“What a cluster,” Turq offered with disgust.

“Worse than before,” Ruby confirmed, “and it was completely snarled before this.”

“So we’re right back where we started, which is... what now?”

Turq snorted.  “I think if we knew the answer to that, we’d have gotten our happily ever after ending already.”  She looked around at the assorted machines standing quietly waiting to be called into service.  “Had anyone else here wondered if maybe Brianna and Charisma weren’t actually the real clients in this case?  After all, it’s not like they’ve been treated like any case I’ve ever worked on, and I’m betting the rest of you would say the same.”

“You think Esmeralda and Saphira...?”

“I think He’s got a lot to answer for at this point.”

“Careful, Turq,” Ruby warned.  “That is dangerously close to insubordination.  Lucifer was kicked out for less.”

“I’m not sure I care anymore, Ruby.  I’m not sure I can keep doing this... not sure I want to – not if He’s going to play games with people’s lives like this.”

Before Ruby could formulate a reply, Esmeralda blinked her eyes open.  She didn’t move or speak, but she couldn’t stop the silent tears from rolling down her face.  One by one each of the Angels in the room with her kissed her forehead, then shimmered out of sight until only Ruby remained.

“What say we get out of here, Es?”  Esmeralda sat up without a word while Ruby rang for the charge nurse.  The sooner they left the hospital, the better for all involved.


Chapter LXXXIX

The house was silent when they entered and Ruby chanced to wonder if the others had gone straight to bed when they arrived home.  She wasn’t concerned, however; she was much more focused on getting Esmeralda to her room and settled before she collapsed.  Because that is exactly what Ruby expected to happen – she’d seen what separation had done to them before.  Ruby sighed and walked beside Esmeralda until they reached the bedroom door.  Then Esmeralda stopped and Ruby was forced to stop as well... waiting for Esmeralda to give some indication of what was going on.

When she didn’t move... didn’t speak... for several minutes, Ruby finally took the bull by the horns and gently grasped Esmeralda’s jaw in her hand, urging Esmeralda’s eyes up until she could look into them.  Ruby bit the inside of her lip to keep her reaction from becoming visible.  Instead she took a deep breath, then whispered softly, “Es?   C’mon, honey... let’s get you tucked into bed.”

“No, Ruby,” her voice so low Ruby had to focus on the movements of her lips. “I have to do this by myself.  Don’t... please,” cutting Ruby off before she could begin to formulate a response.  “Nothing is going to make this better.  Please... just leave me alone.”

Ruby stared into dead, gray eyes – the color sucked out of them when Esmeralda’s inner light was snuffed out.  It took all she had not to shiver against the chill that set into her bones.  “All right, Es.  We’ll be here if you need us.  We’ll talk about the arrangements later?”

Esmeralda just shrugged and opened the door to the bedroom she had shared with Saphira since their exile in this place had begun.  It more than anywhere else had been their home and Ruby watched as Esmeralda stiffened her shoulders before crossing the threshold.  Then she closed the door behind her without a backwards glance and Ruby shook her head.  She turned and headed towards the kitchen.  Despite her exhaustion, she needed a few minutes to recoup before heading upstairs to try and get a little bit of rest before starting what promised to be one of the hardest days she had ever known.  And she knew they were going to get worse before they got better.

She wasn’t completely surprised to find the rest of the household there ahead of her.  What did surprise her was the utter silence they were sitting in as well as the fact that everyone was there... those who should have been on watch duty as well as Ame who had been woken out of a sound sleep by Amber as soon as Charisma had gotten her family settled and crawled into bed herself.  Now all eyes turned to Ruby, but before anyone could speak she held up a hand.

“I know we need to talk; I just need a few minutes...please.”

In answer the rest turned back to their coffee.  Amber poured Ruby a cup and set it down in front of her, squeezing her shoulder in support and understanding.  Then she took her place leaning against the counter once more and waited for Ruby to speak.

************

Esmeralda leaned against the door, her hand over her mouth though whether it was to keep from screaming or throwing up, she couldn’t have rightly said.  She breathed in, a sob settling in her chest as the aroma that was them settled into her lungs and on the back of her tongue.  She wanted to rail and rage and scream at the unfairness... at the injustice of His action in taking Saphira away from her again despite everything.  Instead she shed her shoes and climbed into their bed, covering herself in Saphira’s robe and wrapping herself around Saphira’s pillow.  Then Esmeralda closed her eyes and let the tears flow, never realizing when she fell asleep.

************

Okasa wasn’t surprised to find Charisma in the kitchen when they finally arrived in Washington an hour or so before daybreak.  It only took a glance to know that Charisma hadn’t been to bed yet, but no amount of coaxing from Okasa was able to convince Charisma to lie down for just a little while.  Finally Patrick stepped in.

“Princess,” garnering a small smile at the memories that moniker invoked.  “You need some rest if you’re going to be any good to anyone.  Mama and I will be here if Adam gets up before Ame gets here and….  What?” asking when Charisma shook her head.

“Ame is already here.”

“Of course... of course,” Patrick agreed.  “I wasn’t thinking.  However, we’ll still be here when Adam and Ame get up.  I’m pretty sure we can handle things for a little while so you can get some rest.”

“Daddy....”

“Charisma, please don’t be difficult about this.  Mama and I will catch a little nap later today while Adam is at school or when he gets a nap here... whatever,” waving his hand dismissively.  “Let us do this.  We’ll be there for you so you can be there for Esmeralda.”

“Kent should be here shortly.”

“And he knows how to find his way around, I’m sure,” Patrick said with a teasing smile that Charisma couldn’t begin to return.  He wondered but not enough to push at the moment.  Instead he put a hand on her back and gently guided her out of the kitchen and towards the stairs.  “Go.  We’ll call you if we hear anything.”

“What about the boys?”

“They’ll be here for the service as soon as we know when it is.  Now go.”

Charisma gave them one last look before she nodded, heading back upstairs to at least take a shower.  Maybe that would help her feel a little more like a human being.  She wondered how Esmeralda was doing and if Brianna had heard anything.  She shook her head, knowing that if Brianna had heard something... anything, she’d have called.  Despite their falling out - for lack of a better description - Charisma knew Brianna well enough to be sure of that.

Then she stripped down and stepped into the streaming water and put everything out of her mind for just a few minutes.  Maybe it would make more sense if she just stopped thinking about it for a little while.

************

“Are you okay?” Kay asked Brianna as soon as the door was closed behind them.  Brianna nodded and rubbed her itchy eyes.  Every time she closed them, all she could see was the deadness she’d witnessed in Esmeralda’s.  It made her shiver again and Kay caught the slight movement.  Without a word she wrapped her arms around Brianna and held her while she cried.

Kay maneuvered them to the couch and they collapsed on it in a tangle of limbs.  It was nothing they hadn’t done before, but it wasn’t anything they’d shared once they were no longer intimate.  And though it felt a little strange and kind of awkward, it was also comfortable and familiar and Brianna took solace in the gesture.

In a few minutes her tears slowed, and Brianna and Kay shifted until Kay held Brianna much as she would one of her children.  She brushed a kiss over Brianna’s brow and murmured, “You ready to talk about it now?”

Brianna snuggled her head under Kay’s chin, and Kay tightened her arms reflexively.  Brianna played with the tissue Kay had given her.  “I’m not sure what there is to talk about, Kay – Saphira’s dead.”

“I know.  And as sad as that fact is, I’m not sure I understand why this has made you as upset as it seems to.  Is there something about you and Saphira that I should know?”  Brianna jerked upright, nearly taking Kay’s head off with her own in her haste.  She glared at Kay who visibly flinched at the fire being directed out her from Brianna’s green eyes. 

“You know me better than that, Kay – or at least you should.  I don’t date other peoples’ wives.  I’m not a home wrecker!!”

Kay held up a hand in surrender.  “Hey!  It was just a question; you’re reacting pretty strongly for someone who was just a casual acquaintance.  I’m trying to figure out how to help.”

“She wasn’t just a casual acquaintance, Kay – she was my friend... she and Esmeralda both.  They treated me like family from the moment I met them.”  Brianna took a deep breath and the fire in her eyes was extinguished.  “I think I’m mostly crying for Esmeralda.  They were everything to one another, Kay.  You didn’t see how dead her eyes went when we discovered that Saphira was already gone.”

“We’ll be there for her as much as we can, Bri.  But there’s nothing we can do to make this better for her.  This is something Esmeralda is going to have to learn to live without for the rest of her life unless she decides that she is willing to settle for less than her mate.”

Brianna shook her head.  “She won’t, Kay; you know that as well as I do after Thanksgiving.  I’m not even sure she will live without this for very long.”

“You think she’s suicidal?” Kay asked with alarm.

“Not like you mean, no,” Brianna responded sadly.  “But I don’t think the will to live will last for very long either.  You haven’t seen her, Kay – something in Esmeralda died when she got the news and we didn’t even know Saphira was dead yet.”

“But Esmeralda did.”

Brianna nodded.  “It certainly seemed that way.”

Kay bit her lips thoughtfully, then finally shifted until she and Brianna were standing side by side in front of the couch.  “Lee and the kids will be here as soon as we know when the service is.  But for now, I’m gonna tuck you into bed so you can get a little rest.  Work will wait,” Kay assured Brianna when Brianna opened her mouth to speak.  “It’s not like it’s going to go anywhere and if it’s urgent, someone will call.  I’m perfectly capable of explaining there’s been a death in the family.”

They entered Brianna’s bedroom and Kay tucked her in tenderly, brushing a kiss over her forehead before reaching to turn out the bedside lamp.  Brianna stayed her action with a gentle grasp on her wrist and Kay looked at her with a question in her glance.

“Will you stay?  Just until I fall asleep?”  Brianna hated to appear so weak, but more than anything she didn’t want to be left alone.  Without thought Kay slipped off her shoes and lay down next to Brianna.  She wrapped Brianna in a spooning embrace, then leaned forward to whisper in her ear.

“Go to sleep, Bri.  I’ll keep the bad dreams away.”

“Thanks, Kay,” Brianna answered on a sigh and fell into sleep.  Kay lay silently beside her... keeping watch.

************

Ruby kept her eyes focused on her coffee cup as though it held the answers to all the questions she’d ever had about anything.  Finally though she blew out a breath and began to speak quietly.  “I know everyone here is angry and frustrated and in mourning.  So right here, right now, I’m offering every one of you the chance to speak without censure or prejudice.  Once each of you has had your say, I’ll say what I need to say and we’ll move on.  We have to,” Ruby continued when she sensed their desire to argue.  “Despite what we want or believe or feel at the moment, we still have a job to do.  And there is NO WAY,” looking up and pinning each of the others with a glare before she returned her gaze to her coffee cup, “Es is gonna suffer through this and us not finish what we started out to do.”

“You really think we can?” Amber asked wearily, scrubbing at her eyes with the heels of her hands.

“I think we’re so close I can see it.”

“Ruby, no offense, but we been this close for a while, and nothing has happened except one or the other of them walking away.  Why do you think anything’s going to change at this point?”

“I don’t know that it will, Opal.  But I can’t just quit now.  If I do... if we do, everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been through has all been for naught.  And despite everything I’m feeling at the moment – and believe me, there’s as much anger as there is sorrow – I have to believe it’s got to count for something.”

“And what about free will - their free will?  They’re the ones who‘ve chosen this path.  They don’t want to be together!  We can’t MAKE them choose otherwise.”

“No, we can’t, Turq.  But we can stay and do our jobs here until He calls us home.  At least we’ll be able to say we did everything we were supposed to... everything we could.”

Amber chuckled sadly.  “I can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but Saphira was right – we should have just smacked their heads together to put some sense into them and been done with this months ago.”  The rest smiled wryly and nodded their agreement.  “But Ruby is also right, much as it pains me to admit it.  If we quit now, everything we’ve put up with will be wasted effort.  Saphira will still be dead, Es will....”  Amber looked down at the table and sucked in a shuddering breath.  “I don’t expect Es to survive this.  I don’t think any of us do.”  She looked up and met the eyes of each Angel gathered in the kitchen, seeing the truth of her words reflected back at her.  “But even if she can’t finish this assignment, it somehow feels like we’d be letting her down if we just quit now.”  She held up her hands before anyone could comment.  “I know everyone here is frustrated beyond belief. And I know everyone would have preferred any number of things to have been handled differently... including His handling of Es and Saphira.  Wanting doesn’t change what is or what has already happened.”

“So we just go on like what, Amber?” Turq asked with more than a hint of ire in her tone.

“We mourn Saphira and we remain steadfast for Es.  We go on just like we have been – you keep driving; I’ll keep watching; Opal will keep assisting and so on.  When all is said and done, we’ll be able to say we did our jobs.  He won’t be able to find fault with us.”

“I’m not finding a lot of comfort in that right now.”

“None of us are, Turq,” Mal returned quietly.  “But Es won’t be able to find us lacking either, and for me that’s pretty important.”

Ruby looked around the room and saw the silent agreement.  She cleared her throat and waited until everyone was focused on her.  “Well, Amber covered about everything I had to say. Does anyone else have anything they want or need to get off their chest about this?”  Silence followed her query and Ruby nodded in satisfaction.  “All right then – we’ve all got work to do.  Amber, Coral and Mal – I think you should get back to your charges for now.  I doubt anyone’s going to be going anywhere this morning.  The rest of you – go on upstairs and get some rest.  If your bosses call, I’ll let you know.”

“What about you, Ruby?” Jade asked.

Ruby passed a hand over her eyes and shook her head.  “I’m gonna stay down here and keep an ear out for Es.  Matilda said the diner would remain closed until after the funeral.”

“Wow,” Jas commented softly. “Can they afford to do that?”

Ruby shrugged.  “I wasn’t gonna ask.  She said they would do it for any death in the family.”  She sighed.  “C’mon, you lot.  Nothing is going to make this better.  To bed with you,” gesturing to one half of the Angels, “and back to work with the rest of you.  Ame, are you...?”

Ame nodded.  “I have to since ostensibly I am already there.  You’ll let me know...?”

“Yes. The only reason I didn’t call last night is I had no real information to share and Adam had to come first.”

“I know, but finding out the way I did – I could live with never being caught flatfooted like that again.”

“I think we all could agree with that.  I certainly never expected....”

“Ruby?  What are we going to do about Saphira?” Amber asked, causing everyone on their way out of the kitchen to stop in the doorway and wait for Ruby’s reply.  But before she could answer, Amber continued her question.  “I mean... is Es gonna be able to plan a service for her?”

Ruby sighed.  “I don’t know, Amber.  It’s one of the things I need to talk to her about.  If she can’t, would you want to...?”

“Yes,” the answer quiet but emphatically stated.  “Saphira was my sister and that makes Es my family even beyond this,” motioning around the room.  “Even though I never expected to have to think about something like this, I would be honored to accept the responsibility if Es can’t bring herself to say goodbye.  We won’t leave folks hanging, Ruby.”

“All right.  Come see me when you get back from Charisma’s and we’ll start making some decisions if Es can’t.”

“She can stay,” Jade offered.  “I’ll go in her place.”

“Would you...?”

“Are you sure?”

Jade nodded and smiled sadly.  “Yes, I would and yes, I’m sure.  I haven’t done much during this mission except pick up the slack when I can, which hasn’t always been a lot.  This, however... this I can do and make a difference.”

“Thank you, Jade,” Amber said sincerely.  “I can’t tell you....”

“You don’t have to.”  She looked at Mal, Coral and Ame.  “C’mon, guys... we’ve got work to do.”  They waved to the rest and disappeared from sight.  Turq, Jas, Opal and Indi watched them go, then bid goodnight to Amber and Ruby, leaving them alone in the kitchen.  They turned to the process of cleaning up, using the time to give them some semblance of peace.  They’d shoulder their burdens directly, but it was nice to have a few minutes to settle themselves for the tasks ahead.

************

Kent wasn’t at all surprised to find Okasa in the kitchen with Patrick when he crossed the threshold into Charisma’s home.  He was a little more surprised when he was directed upstairs to get some rest, but figured he could at least take the opportunity to check on Adam and get a hot shower.

He looked in on Adam, smiling when he saw his son sprawled in the abandoned sleep of the innocent.  Kent pulled the blanket up over him a little higher and kissed Adam’s cheek before letting himself back out of the room.  He started towards his suite, then decided to check on Charisma as well.

A knock at her door went unanswered and he pushed the door open silently before crossing the room to stand beside the bed.  He noted how young Charisma appeared when she was asleep and felt a wash of love for her sweep through him.  He pushed her hair off her face, and Charisma blinked open sleepy blue eyes at him.

“Hi,” Kent said softly.

“Hi.  How was your trip down?” Charisma asked, blinking her eyes and unsuccessfully trying to stifle a yawn.

“Long.  I just wanted to see how you were doing.”

Charisma teared up but refused to let them fall.  She shook her head.  “Ask me again when I’ve had more than an hour of sleep.”

Kent nodded.  “I’ll let you get back to it then.  I’m sorry this happened, Charisma.  They seemed like such a lovely couple.”

“They were.  All I can think about is how Es is going to get through this.  What I would do if....”  Charisma broke off, realizing what she was saying and to whom she was saying it.  “I’m sorry, Kent.  I shouldn’t... I mean I....”

He gave her a wry smile.  “Why?  Charisma, I knew the truth before you did, remember?  Maybe you should take this as a sign... maybe you both should.  We only have this day... this moment... this breath – what gives us the right to waste it as though we were entitled to the next one?”

Charisma took his hand in hers and squeezed it.  “You would have been a great lawyer, Kent.  Maybe I should have you plead my case to Brianna,” closing her eyes and rubbing her forehead.  The action caused her to miss the speculative gleam in Kent’s eyes.

“Maybe you should go back to sleep for a little while.  Government business will wait a few more hours.  Do you know if any arrangements have been made?”

Charisma shook her head and snuggled further into the covers.  “Ruby promised to call when she knew something.”

“All right.  Go back to sleep.  I’ll be downstairs with your parents when you get up, okay?”  She nodded, her breathing deepening.  He brushed a light kiss over her hair and stood up. “Goodnight, Charisma,” he offered, then he slipped out the door and closed it silently behind him.


XC

It was close to noon when Brianna stumbled from her bedroom in search of Kay and food.  Fortunately, she found them together in the kitchen and she smiled at the happy memories the scents wafting through the small room brought to her mind.

“Is that really...?”

“Yes,” Kay said without turning from her task at the stove.  “And we need to seriously discuss your food situation here, Bri.  Fig Newtons, milk and wilted celery – are you kidding me?”

Brianna laughed and Kay shifted just enough to give her the stink eye.  Brianna held up her hands in surrender and tried to get her emotions under control.  “I’m sorry, Kay, but you sounded just like Okasa then... all ‘Mama Bear’.”

Kay raised an eyebrow.  “That would probably be the ‘Mama Bear’ personality that I’ve been working on since Michelle was born.  How’m I doing?”

“I’d say you were well on your way to becoming a professional.  A little more practice and you could be an All-American.”  Brianna smiled at Kay’s rolled eyes.  “Thank you for coming down, by the way,” she added seriously.  “You didn’t have to, but I’m glad you did.”

“When I got your call last night, I wanted to be here for you and for Esmeralda if I could.  Lee and I talked about it and we decided it was the right thing to do.  My secretary isn’t particularly thrilled, but when has she ever been?” asked with a knowing smirk that caused Brianna to shake her head.

“I can’t believe Roscoe hasn’t left you for greener pastures,” Brianna commented as she moved to set the table.

“You calling her Roscoe always used to drive Lisa crazy, you know,” Kay commented with a huff.

“Of course... that’s why I did it,” filling two glasses with ice and water.  She put them on the table, then moved out if the way for Kay to set the hot skillet between them.  Then they took their seats and began serving themselves.

“How are you?” Kay finally asked when the first of their hunger was sated.  “You look more rested, but....  What’s bothering you, Bri?  I get that you’re upset about a dear friend dying; that’s perfectly natural, after all.  But this is something else... something beyond that.”  Brianna glared and Kay covered her hand.  “This is your friend and ex-lover asking, Bri – not Dr. Williams.”

“Kay, you will always be Dr. Williams – you can’t help but.  She’s as much a part of you as Fontana is a part of me.  But I understand what you mean and I appreciate the concern.”

“Then talk to me, Bri.  I want to help if I can.”

Brianna sighed.  This really wasn’t something she wanted to get into with her ex-lover, but Kay was probably the only person in the world in a position to understand.  “I don’t think there’s anything you can do, Kay.  I just... I keep seeing the expression on Es’ face; the deadness in her eyes; hearing the anguish in her voice.”  She took a deep, shuddering breath and let her green eyes meet Kay’s brown ones, the tears shimmering.  “I can’t imagine, Kay.  If something like that happened to Cha....”  Brianna broke off and shook her head.  She would have stood and walked away, but Kay’s hand kept her in place.  She kept her focus on the table and chuckled mirthlessly.  “I don’t even have the right to think that way.”

“Why?  Why don’t you have the right to wonder, Bri?  When death hits close to home like this, it causes us all to rethink and wonder – to put ourselves in Esmeralda’s place.”  Kay waited a minute, and when Brianna didn’t reply she took a deep breath and resumed her line of thought aloud.  “Brianna, even though you and Charisma have never consummated the love between you, it doesn’t mean that you love her less.  If anything, Esmeralda’s loss simply highlights what you’ve never been allowed to share with her.  It certainly doesn’t change the fact that you’ve loved her for half your life.”

“It doesn’t change the fact that I walked away from her either.”  This time when Brianna tugged on her hand, Kay let her go, understanding the anxiety Brianna felt.  She watched as Brianna walked out of the kitchen and moved to stand in front of the windows in the living room.  Kay took her time cleaning up the kitchen, noting Brianna kept her attention on what was going on outside though Kay would have bet good money Brianna’s thoughts were much closer to home.

When the kitchen was spotless, Kay walked out of the tiny room, crossing to stand just behind Brianna without touching her.  “It doesn’t have to stay that way, Bri.”

Brianna was quiet for so long Kay wondered if Brianna had even heard her speak.  She opened her mouth to reiterate her words when Brianna’s soft whisper cut her off.  “I don’t know, Kay.”  She swiped at her face and turned back to meet Kay’s eyes.  “I’m going to go check on Es.  Would you like to come with me?”

“Yeah.  You want to shower first?”

“Go ahead.  I’m going to call Ruby and let her know we’re coming – see if there’s anything we can bring.”

“All right.  I won’t be but a minute.”  Then Kay headed for the bathroom and Brianna walked to the phone to make her call.

************

“MAMA!!” Adam greeted Charisma when she stepped into the family room where they were all gathered.  She set her coffee cup down quickly to catch him in her arms and hug him close – so close that Adam started to squirm.  “Mama... too tight!” pushing to loosen her grip.

Charisma loosened her hold and kissed Adam.  “Sorry, Son.”  Adam rewrapped his arms around her Charisma’s neck and kissed her.

“Love Mama... Mama good.”

“I love you too, Son.  Did you go to school today?” watching him shake his head.  Charisma turned and met Ame’s eyes, then looked at Kent for an explanation.

“We decided to keep him home today since his grandparents were in town,” Kent replied.  “I thought maybe he and Paddy and I could go out for a little while this afternoon.”  Charisma just nodded.

“Has anyone heard anything?” seeing negative shakes from every other adult in the room.  “All right.  I’m going to call Ruby and see what I can find out.  Mama, would you like to go with me if Ruby thinks we could check on Es?”

“Yes, absolutely.” 

Charisma nodded.  “Okay... let me make my call and we can go.”

“You need to eat something first,” Okasa chided.  “And don’t stand there and even think about arguing with me.  It won’t take but a minute to make you up a plate from lunch.”

“Fine,” Charisma grumbled, knowing any debate would be met with more aggravation than she was in the mood to tolerate today.  Okasa headed to the kitchen and Charisma set Adam down.  He ran back to Ame, taking the controller from her and returning his attention to the learning game she’d put in for him to play.

Charisma watched him for a moment, then turned and headed for her office to make her call.  Patrick and Kent watched her go, then looked at one another.  Patrick cocked an eyebrow.  “Would you like to take that walk now?”

“I think that’s a good idea.”

************

Esmeralda felt the bed dip, but she kept her eyes closed.  She assumed she was still dreaming and saw no reason to leave a place where she could still feel Saphira’s warmth surrounding her.  Then the arms around her tightened and she felt the weight of Saphira’s wings drape over them. Esmeralda released a trembling breath and shivered when she felt lips ghost over her neck.

“Where do Angels go when they die, Love?  Did the Father let you go home?”

There was no answer, but Esmeralda hadn’t expected one.  Instead she willed herself to slip back into deeper sleep – into a place where she and Saphira were home together again.  She never felt the bed shift when Amber stood, nor did she hear the door close gently behind her.

Amber looked up when Ruby cleared her throat; she crossed the threshold, then let her body slump and shook her head when Ruby cocked an eyebrow at her in question.  Before either woman could speak, the phone rang and Ruby picked up the receiver.  She shared a very brief conversation with Brianna and hung up the phone.  Then she turned to Amber.

“That was Brianna – she asked if she could come by for a few minutes.”

“Why?  It’s not like there’s anything she can do.”

“She wants to check on Es... see for herself how she’s doing.”

“She’s dying, Ruby!  What’s to see?”

“Amber, it’s how humans mourn – you should know that.  How many years have you been doing this job?”

“Ruby, don’t.  Don’t act like there is some sort of protocol involved here that we’re supposed to be following.  This is nothing like anything we’ve ever dealt with – Angels don’t die and we’ve only ever had one other occasion to mourn.”

“I know, honey, but this is something we have been witness to for years.”

“Somehow witnessing didn’t prepare us for the reality of how this feels.”

“You’re right, Amber... it didn’t.  So maybe we should let the mortals show us how to bear this... how to grieve.  Maybe we can help each other.”

The phone rang again and Ruby snatched it from the hook before it could ring twice.  Another brief conversation and she was hanging up the second time, this time rubbing her forehead and releasing a long breath.

“Let me guess – Charisma is coming over too?”

“Yes.  She and Okasa will be here shortly.”  Ruby paused and tilted her head towards the stairs.  Amber frowned.

“Something wrong?”

“I don’t hear anyone moving around upstairs.  I’d have thought Jas and Turq would be getting a phone call... you know, to go pick up their respective Senators.”

“It’s not official business, Ruby.”

“Not like that’s always made any difference.”  Ruby waved her hands in dismissal and shook her head.  “It doesn’t matter – we need to get the rest of the girls up.  They can’t be wandering around here in corporal form.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Amber said.  “I need to get a little rest.”  She took a good look at Ruby.  “So do you,” gently cupping Ruby’s face.

“I will, Amber.  As soon as Brianna and Charisma have had their visit, I’ll go lay down.  I’m sure one of the girls not covering Brianna or Charisma will be willing to sit Shiva with Esmeralda for a little while.”

“Any of us will, Ruby,” Indi said from the doorway.  “We heard the phone ring; figured we better come down and see what was going on.”

Ruby quickly filled them in, and in only moments they had scattered to get dressed.  Shortly after that the house was empty - save Ruby in the kitchen; Esmeralda in the bedroom; and Amber tucked away upstairs. 

************

Brianna and Kay arrived first, scant minutes after the Angels disappeared around the corner.  Ruby accepted the hug that Brianna offered and took Kay’s hand when they were introduced.  She led them into the kitchen and Brianna set down the sandwiches she’d brought with her.

“How are you, Ruby?” she asked solicitously.  “I have a very good idea how Es is doing,” she stated, “and I intend to check on her as well in just a few minutes.  But you’re the one that’s going to have to be her rock until she can’t do this without Saphira anymore.  And knowing what’s coming doesn’t make it any easier.  So... how are you?”

Kay blinked, clamping her jaw shut to keep her mouth from swinging open. She was amazed to see this rarely exposed side of Brianna’s personality knowing Brianna didn’t like the vulnerability this kind of caring placed on her.  Kay watched silently and let Brianna comfort Ruby, knowing it was something Brianna needed to do for her sake as much as Ruby’s.

“I’m tired,” Ruby stated plainly.   “I’m tired and I’m angry and I hurt.  I hurt for myself because I’ll miss Saphira, but I’m aching for Esmeralda too and that makes the hurt worse.”  Both Brianna and Ruby were so focused on their conversation that they didn’t hear the light rapping on the front door, but Kay did.  She moved through the hall, knowing that anyone coming by today was either a friend come to offer comfort or someone that would need to be turned away until a later time.  Either way it was something she could do while Ruby cried a little of her distress out on Brianna’s shoulder.

Kay reached the front door and recognized Okasa and Charisma immediately.  She would have cursed under her breath but Charisma raised her hand to knock again so she yanked the door open instead, putting her finger to her lips.

A flash of surprise followed by a look of resentment crossed Charisma’s countenance for the split second it took for her to get her political mask in place.  Kay idly hoped one day they could work past that, but now wasn’t the time.  Kay gestured them inside and motioned towards the kitchen.

“Ruby is in there with Brianna.  We haven’t seen Esmeralda yet.”

Charisma and Okasa nodded silently, then followed Kay into the kitchen.  They removed their coats and placed them on an empty chair; Kay and Okasa stood back in unspoken support even as Charisma moved forward to embrace Ruby on the side opposite Brianna.

For a few moments there was just the sound of Ruby weeping; then she straightened and wiped her eyes.  Charisma accepted the tissues Kay passed her with a grateful nod and gave them to Ruby.  Ruby wiped her eyes and reached a hand out to cover first Brianna’s, then Charisma’s.  At that gesture both women took a seat at the table again, one on either side of her.  When Ruby remembered there were others in the room with them, she cocked an eyebrow at Brianna in question.  Brianna introduced Okasa, and Ruby invited them to sit.  The stillness was awkward and unnerving and Charisma cleared her throat to break it. 

“How is Es, Ruby?”

“Not well.  She went straight to bed when we arrived home this morning, and she hasn’t moved since then.  I’ve been in several times to check on her, but she’s still sleeping.”

“Have any arrangements been made?” Brianna asked softly.

“I’ve spoken to Saphira’s sister, Amber,” seeing Brianna nod in recognition.  “We’re still waiting to hear from the hospital about the autopsy results, but she called them earlier.  They should be able to release Saphira’s body to us by tomorrow morning at the latest.  I have already been in touch with the local funeral home.  Saphira will be cremated, and we’ll have a small service in two days.”

“We’ll let people know on our end,” Charisma said.  “I know there are a number of Senators who will want to be there for Es’ sake.  They were there when Rick came up to tell her the news.”  She paused thoughtfully.  “I never realized so many on our floor stayed late – I never saw them.”

“I doubt they saw you either, Charisma,” Brianna offered with a smile.  “After all, you were in the inner office working out of sight and sound of the rest.  They were probably doing the same thing.  I know I did.  It’s the best time of day to work and actually get things done – no schmoozing.”

“And it’s the only time of day to sit and chat with Es.”

“This is true,” Brianna agreed, then turned back to Ruby.  “Is there anything we can do?  Phone calls?  Arrangements?  A wake?  Sitting with Es?”

“Oh Brianna – you don’t know how much the offer means... all of it.  But I wouldn’t know who to call, and the arrangements won’t take too long.  The service is mostly so people can say their goodbyes to Saphira and speak to Es.  As for a wake....”

“Let us do something, Ruby,” Okasa piped in.  “We would be honored if you’d let us take care of the wake.”

“It’s not that I don’t appreciate the offer,” Ruby replied slowly.  “It’s just that I’m not sure Esmeralda would attend.”

“Ruby, if you’d like to have a wake, we’ll get Esmeralda there and stand by her for as long as necessary,” Charisma said.  “But it’s totally up to you; we’re here to help... not to make things harder.”

“I am grateful to all of you.  You didn’t have to be there last night and you certainly didn’t have to come over here today.  I can’t ask you to stop your lives for this.”

“What if we want to, Ruby?  What if we choose to be here to support Es the only way we know how?”

“I won’t say no,” Ruby answered.  “But I have to tell you not to expect much – I don’t think she’s said a dozen words to me since she woke up in the hospital earlier today.”

“I don’t think anyone here is expecting to exchange banter and dialogue, Ruby.  It would be enough to be there for her so she knows she’s not alone,” Kay said.  “This is the hardest time to grieve – when it starts to set in that this is reality now.  If we can make her burden easier to bear....”

Ruby smiled sadly.  “Have you been through this yourself, Kay?” she asked.  Kay shook her head and the sadness deepened.  “Then you have some sort of training – a doctor or healer?”  Kay nodded.

“I’m a psychiatrist.”

“No offense, Doctor, but you have no idea what you’re talking about.  She is alone now – her mate is gone.  There is no way to make that fact any easier to bear.  That being said, I don’t think there is any harm in keeping her company for a little while.  Maybe she’ll respond to one of you in a way she doesn’t seem to be able to respond to me.”

“How about if you go get some rest?” Brianna offered Ruby after an uneasy pause.  “There are enough of us here to keep an eye on Es and answer the phone if it’s needed. You need some sleep, and you’ve got friends here willing to help.”

“Yes,” Okasa said, jumping on the bandwagon.  She stood and extended her hand.  “C’mon.  I’ll make sure you get tucked in comfortably.  Kay can go sit with Es for a little while and Brianna and Charisma will take care of notifying the people they need to contact.  After that, we’ll take turns keeping an eye on Es until you get back up again, all right?”

Ruby blinked.  She was sure she should be arguing about this, but at the moment she was simply too tired to think clearly.  Instead she caught Okasa’s hand in hers and let the other woman pull her to her feet.  “I appreciate this,” she admitted softly.  “You don’t know how much.”

“I do,” Okasa confessed.  “Now let’s get to it.”  She turned and looked at Kay.  “I’ll join you shortly.  You two,” motioning to Brianna and Charisma, “go into the living room to make your calls.  No reason to disturb everyone with your talking.  C’mon, Ruby – let’s get you settled.”

Brianna, Charisma and Kay watched them go then traded bemused smiles at the way they’d been maneuvered by Okasa. But without argument they split up to follow Okasa’s directives.  At least it was a positive contribution they could make while they waited.

Part 16