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Chapter 23: Aftermath
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Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 24: Stone Savior
Billy Malone was missing. Kel Halloway had never thought about having kids of his own, but he loved the boys in his Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood. Especially the redheaded boy who wasn't part of the game Kel was currently playing. He probably shouldn't read too much into it since Billy was a foster child, but his absence didn't sit right with Kel.With his involvement in Grotesque, a pop up nightclub he didn't work an everyday job. The bar was only open once a month so he was around during the day for the kids. With summer break in full swing and the humidity not yet fully hit, he loved being outside in the park. Some of them had absent fathers because of jail or divorce. Others had dads who worked a lot.He'd met all the parents so they knew he wasn't some predator. They were all comfortable with him playing football in the park with their sons. Except for Billy's foster parents. They'd remained elusive. Kel hadn't been able to meet them."Hey Mr. Halloway, throw the ball."He
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 25: Late for Her Appointment
Maggie O'Grady was late for an appointment. Of course. She seemed to always be a day late and a dollar short. The fact that her boss, Chelsea Buck, knew it didn't help."These kids depend on us, Maggie. You need to take more pride in your work."That she was late because of another child didn't hold any weight with her boss. She had a set amount of time to sit with each kid, and the fact that Maggie wanted more didn't matter. There were too many kids in the foster program for any one of them to get any special attention.The only thing that buoyed Maggie today was that she was on her way to see her favorite child. Billy Malone was a bright and energetic early teenager. She figured he was poised for his growth spurt and she was happy he'd found a good foster home.At least on the surface, it seemed like a good home. Something bothered her each time she visited him, but she'd seen no signs of abuse so she couldn't pull him from it. Besides, those foster parents took the hardest cases so
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 26: Trust Your Gut
The neighborhood was quiet. The heat of the day was upon them, but Kel didn't mind. He'd been in worse places while in the military. A hot day in Philadelphia was not even in the top twenty of the most awful places he'd seen.Still. He didn't want to get involved. He'd been in the thick of things flying in the Air Force. His post-military life had been laid out to go to work with the nightclub then live a quiet life making furniture. He liked it that way. He stopped in the middle of the block. What was he doing? Billy Malone was none of his business. Kel fisted his hands, trying to deny that he felt a special affection for the boy. He saw a lot of himself in the boy and he wanted to guide him. No, Kel. Don't get involved. Don't. He turned back to his house, but his heart wasn't in the idea of leaving this alone. He sighed. "Damn it."He spun back around. He had to take action. If something was wrong with Billy Malone, Kel needed to fix it. He'd heard stories of how badly foster chil
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 27: She Wasn't To Be Messed With
If Maggie were anyone else but a Philadelphia-bred orphan, this man might intimidate her. He was a head and half his chest taller than her. He had a quiet presence that probably parted crowds. In a dark alley, she might be afraid of him or want him on her side.Right now she didn't want him taking control of this situation. "I've already done that."He paused with his booted foot on the bottom step. Who wore boots in the summer time? Her feet were already sweating in her pumps. "And what did you see?""I could only see the hallway from here.""Was there anything in it?""No, but that isn't odd. They live a Spartan life," Maggie said.He glanced at the door then turned his gaze to her, his husky blue eyes studied her. Without another word, he reached up and pressed the doorbell. As if him pressing it would have more of an effect. That the occupants of the house would say, "Clearly that was a man summoning us so we must answer."She sighed. Most of the time when she dealt with men like h
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 28: His Idea
Kel looked down at Maggie, trying not to notice that she did indeed have a few freckles that dotted her nose. Or that her eyes sparkled when she was angry. "How far are you willing to go to find Billy Malone?"She shifted her purse further up on her shoulder then crossed her arms. "What do you mean?""The only way we'll find evidence of what is going on is to get inside the house."Her mouth dropped open. "Are you suggesting we break in?"He shook his head. He wasn't going to get involved in this, but if she benefited from it so be it. "I'll break in. The door will be unlocked when you try.""That's not legal. I work for the city, Kel. I can't break the law.""You won't be. You can walk around the block if you want. I'll do it so that you won't be a witness."In the silence of her deciding, he heard the traffic on the street. Cars beeped. A siren wailed in the distance. This neighborhood was out of the throes of the city, but close enough that the noise could be heard from here. His ho
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 29: Where's Billy?
"Yes."Maggie rounded the second corner and stopped, leaning on a lamp post. A call with Chelsea was always draining. "Well, he's getting to that age. Almost a teenager.""He hasn't even had his growth spurt yet. He isn't that close to being a teenager. Look, Chelsea, I've been doing this for a while."Chelsea had been promoted over Maggie and she liked to think she didn't resent it, but she did. Especially in situations like this. Chelsea didn't have her experience. Maggie suspected she'd traded some kind of favor to get the position. "Don't lecture me, Maggie. I know all about your background."Maggie counted to ten, keeping her Irish temper in check. "I'm not lecturing you. I just think I'm closer to this case than you are.""Maybe too close. Should I assign another case worker to Billy?"Maggie's heart seized. No. That couldn't happen. Billy was special. Billy was hers. "No. I don't think I'm too close, Chelsea.""Then let it go for today. Walk away this time and try again later.
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 30: No One Home
"Well fudge cakes," Maggie said. Kel stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe, his largeness filling the space. His hands hung loosely at his sides. "Do you want to come in?"Should she ask him how he managed to get in?"You should probably make the decision quickly before someone notices that we're inside."She nodded and climbed the steps. He didn't move. "What?""Last chance. You can walk away," he said. He didn't know her so she shouldn't be insulted. "I can't walk away, Kel. He's one of my clients. He's a kid."He nodded as if he understood. He moved out of her way and into the house. She entered it, her breath held, but there was very little furniture. She'd been in the living room when Billy had been first placed in the house. There'd been a whole living room set in there. Unless they had redecorated in a minimalist style, it was obvious they'd moved out. Which wasn't allowed without letting her know. She sighed. "He's gone.""Yes. Are you sure this is as big a dea
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 31: He Needed Backup
Kel saw Maggie to the bus stop and after she climbed onto the next bus, he pulled out his phone. This wasn't a job he wanted, but he wasn't going to do it alone.He punched in the numbers for Foley Security. They were three brothers and a sister who did security for high profile clients who wanted low-profile security. He and his fellow Grotesque owners had helped them out when more bodies were needed. They'd tangled with a few goblins lately and would know if this was part of a bigger event. "Foley Security," a female voice said. "Heather speaking."It wasn't Aileen, who had once been a bouncer for Grotesque. Business must be good enough that they'd hired a receptionist. "I'm looking for Donal. Or Tex.""Which one sir?""Donal.""He's not in the office today. I can put you through to his voicemail," she said."Then Tex.""Let me see if he's free. May I tell him who is calling?""Kel Halloway."She put him on hold and thankfully crappy music didn't come over the line. Just silence. So
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Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 103: Aftermath
Dani woke late the next morning to the scent of coffee and pancakes. It all smelled good, so she pulled on sweats and headed in the direction of aroma. Ben stood in front of the stove wearing a pair of jeans and a worn t-shirt. He wouldn't have looked any better if he'd been in a tuxedo.She paused in the doorway and watched his efficient movements. He was humming while he worked. As if a load had been taken off his shoulders. There were no reminders of his wounds from last night."Hi," he said, turning to her.She slid into his arms as if it were the most natural thing. They'd been through something together. Even if they didn't have a bond before, the events of last night would have cemented one between them. "Hey.""You okay?" he asked."I'm okay. Not sure where I go from here," she said.He had one hand on her back and the other on her hair, stroking it. As if he knew she loved it. "One foot in front of the other."Dani's phone rang. It was the college. "Let me take this." She move
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 102: She Was Here
Dani was close and that made Ben want to turn, but something was holding him back. Was there some magic in this room that kept his abilities at bay? He didn't know that could happen. He'd never heard of it and it was a disturbing new twist to a goblin's power. He'd have to ask Donal when they arrived. Which he was pretty sure they were going to do.If Dani was here, she'd been brought here by the good guys. At least he hoped. The men playing cards had left. He could feel his wounds healing, but not as quickly as they should have. Something was definitely blocking his powers. A goblin flung open the door to the room. This one's stench was as bad as the rest of them.He wore a suit in his human form, but it didn't mask his evil. Ben glanced up at him with his one unswollen eye. This wasn't going to end well for the goblins, and if he could, Ben would extract as much information from them as possible. They still thought they were winning.The good guys were going to win again. Ben had no
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 101: Saving Ben
Dani heard the words he didn't say. They could kill Ben and it hurt her heart. She flinched at the idea that he would no longer be around. "I get it. I'm sorry I'm dragging my feet."Donal put a hand on hers. "We understand, we just want to get Ben."She nodded. "So do I." She shook herself. "So, I have to be touching Ben for our power to work?""Yes, and he needs to be in gargoyle form.""There's nothing else I need to do?" she asked.She looked at each one of them. As much as she couldn't grasp it all, she wanted the whole story. All of it."Just hold onto Ben."***Dani bounced around in the front seat of the van as Tex drove it from paved streets to ones with potholes and ruts. For the taxes they paid, the roads were the worst. Of course, this was an area that had been abandoned and maybe those companies renovating the warehouses would do the same for the roads."Not too much further. Can you feel him?"She nodded. Ben was in pain. She knew that, but he hadn't given up hope. It was
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 100: You're a Fairy
Dani's thoughts immediately went to her friend with cancer. That was the biggest incident. It wasn't the only one. A few more flooded her brain. "Yes.""Well, those are your fairy powers. You can wish something for someone else and it comes true. Something good of course. You are unable to use your powers for bad things."Powers? She had powers? "Can I wish Ben back here?""It's not that simple," Sean said, taking up the explanation. "Because goblin magic is strong, you can't overcome it. Well, not alone."She sat straighter. "So, how can I?""With your gargoyle."She looked around the table again. "Ben?""Yes. Ben's your gargoyle," Sean said.Okay. She needed a little more. "Can you give me some background?""Back before humans—or we think humans with goblins' help—ruled the world, there was magic. Gargoyle and fairies formed an alliance against goblins. A few elite families of gargoyles were assigned to protect a specific fairy. That is still true, but most fairies have no idea they
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 99: Ben Gone
If Dani went downstairs to Foley Security, she might miss Ben.She should wait.She poured water into a mug and tucked it into the microwave for tea. Something was bothering her. Something in her soul told her that Ben was in trouble. She hit cancel on the microwave and took the steps one floor down.Foley Security was buzzing, but it was probably normal activity. The spouses had gone home. Ben and Dani knew when their interviews were. Donal had taken care of security for the ones they would have to do in person. The rest would be done remotely via Zoom in the office Tex had set up for them.Dani looked around, then finally asked the receptionist, "Where's Donal?""He's out meeting a new client.""Declan?""He's in his office. He might be on the phone," she said."Can I go back? I need to talk to him."She nodded as the phone rang. Dani slipped past her and down the hall, in search of any of the Foley brothers.Sean walked out into the hallway. Dani stopped. "I need to talk to you. Ben
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 98: Suspended
"Give them to me, and I'll not have you escorted off campus by security."The woman was a goblin. How hadn't Ben noticed that from the other end of the lecture hall? Maybe they were getting good at covering up their stench. "Let's go, Dani.""I'm not going to be run off campus that easily.""It's better if we go now."The dean shot him a glowering look. She knew what Ben was, and he didn't want an altercation in case any of the students were still lingering. Dani frowned then packed up her briefcase. "This isn't over.""Yes, it is."Wyatt was waiting outside. "Professor Walsh? What's going on?""I guess I'm suspended. Do me a favor? Keep questioning things," Dani said to him.Ben put a hand on her lower back. "It was worth a try, Dani. This place is crawling with goblins, so I guess they have infiltrated here also.""Let's talk when we get to the car," she said.Ben had to agree. He couldn't get them out of there fast enough.***Ben received the notice from YouTube the next day. They
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 97: Reunion
Meg hugged Dani. "You look as if you are carrying the weight of the world. You aren't alone anymore, Dani. We're all here."The idea warmed her. She hadn't had a tribe since college. Many of her friends had moved away to find jobs in other cities. She'd stayed put, thinking this was her home. It was, even if she had no family here. Instead of fostering new friendships, she'd launched herself into her career. Speaking engagements had followed, but her life was a little empty."That's nice to know, Meg. Thanks.""Ben might be done by now. He'll be looking for you.""Me?"She wasn't sure if he would be or not. She didn't know where she stood with Ben. Or exactly why it mattered to her. Before their event, she'd been happy to go through life alone. Sort of happy about it. Maybe she'd only been reconciled to the idea."Of course," Meg said."Why?"Meg just laughed, the sound a sweet melody for some reason. "Let's go find him. I'm starved and I hope my husband is back with breakfast."Dani's
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 96: Confession
"How much do you know?" Ben asked."Well, I know that goblins invaded the venue. We have several videos of that. And now that you put out that video of you changing to a gargoyle my boss has told me to step up our investigation of the goblins.""You've known about what is going on?" Ben said.He shifted in the chair he'd chosen. Dalton nodded. "They've been on our radar for a while. With you exposing them we suspect they will get more violent.""I certainly hadn't expected that reaction.""Don't feel guilty. You did what you thought was right. I get it. I'm sure it was cathartic to come into the light about who you are."Ben nodded. Dalton had said that wistfully. "You a supe?""Gargoyle, like you, except I'm of French ancestry not Irish. My family has been in the United States for years.""I had a buddy in the service whose family was from France. Paris. He was the first generation born here. Frenchie, we called him. He'd swear at us in French so we'd have no idea what he was saying."
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 95: Revealing
Ben would do everything in his power to protect his children, if he had them. Tex shrugged. "I think that you're doing the right thing. It is the only way to win this battle with the goblins."He shook Tex's hand. "Thanks. And Aileen?""My wife is on board with defeating goblins.""Good to know. Now let me think about what I'm going to say."Ben walked back in front of the camera."You haven't been planning this?""I have, Tex, but I never thought about what I'd say.""Say what is in your heart," Dani said from the doorway.Ben nodded. "I guess that's the best advice I'm going to get."Tex climbed up onto the table and sat behind the camera. "Well said.""You should go up, Dani," Ben said.She shook her head. "I've spent my whole life studying history. I want to be part of it now.""No pressure," Ben said, laughing."None meant, but this is huge, Ben," she said.He nodded. "Okay let's begin. I think I know what I want to say now."Dani cleared her throat. "I'll be right outside."Ben w
