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Chapter 53: Who Raised Me?
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Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 54: About His Family
"Most people have a house down the Shore."Trent chuckled. "I prefer a second place in the city to my suburban residence. I'm not much of a beach person so no house in Jersey.""Are you from this area originally?""Born and bred.""And your family is still here?" she asked. They hadn't left the car. Trent turned to her and nodded. "My sisters are still here. My parents went to Florida.""That sounds familiar. My parents have been talking about that." Then she remembered that her parents were missing. Her heart hurt a little bit. As if sensing her distress, Trent squeezed her hand. "We'll find them. Let's get out of the car before it gets hot."She climbed out and followed him to an elevator. He put the card into a slot and the elevator motor started up. The doors opened a moment later. Trent motioned for her to enter before him. He punched the button for the top floor. The doors closed and Trent stood in the middle of the elevator, taking up a lot of room. She hadn't realized how big
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 55: Her Parents Found
"We found them.""Are they alive?""Yes. Tex used facial recognition software to find them at the airport. They were booked on a flight to Haiti.""Haiti?"Sean, the middle Foley brother, interjected. "It seems to be a goblin stronghold. They came as aid workers after a bad hurricane and have never left.""Wasn't this like what we found in that warehouse?" Trent asked. "Kel's wife and all that.""Yes."Trent had been part of a rescue mission to save some kids who were going to be trafficked out of the country."To Haiti, we found out later," Declan, the youngest Foley, said. Trent looked at each of the men. "I don't know about you, but in my background there are no coincidences."The men all agreed. The Foleys had been involved in some cases that didn't make it into the newspaper. Deke himself had save his wife from her goblin adoptive father. They'd all had their run-ins with bad guys and Deke wondered why now. "Seems like things are ramping up," Deke said. "Between what my wife and
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 56: They've Talked to Everyone
Trent sat in his living room having gotten a few hours of sleep. Only the light outside the windows told him that it was evening. Beth emerged from the hallway that led to the bedroom. She was sleep tousled, but awake and looking around. He flipped mindlessly through channels, but turned it off when he saw her. "You need food?""Coffee would be great.""There's some in the kitchen."She returned to him, a mug in her hands. She settled on the couch diagonal to the chair he occupied. "I talked to Maggie."He nodded. "I called Kel. I figured they would want to know. I advised them not to cut short their honeymoon.""Especially since we don't have a credible threat against me."Trent sighed. "Do you agree the situation at the party and the situation with your parents are odd?""Yes, but do they have anything to do with each other?""I don't believe in coincidences, Beth. They just don't happen."She shrugged then remained quiet. He wished he knew what was going on in her head. If he did,
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 57: He Needed Help
Trent hated asking for help? How odd for someone trained in the military. They had to be a team from what she understood. He wasn't willing to let her be on his team. "Sit on the bed."He was too tall for her to deal with while he was on his feet. When he sat he was eye level with her. "Who used this hospital? I've never heard of it.""It's for people who are willing to pay and not use insurance. It's also used when a big name wants privacy."He nodded as she unwrapped his bandage. The burn didn't look much better than when she'd wrapped it the first time. "You are not healing. Let me have a doctor look at it.""Is it infected?""No.""Then no doctor."She frowned at him. "Then let me get some topical antibiotic." She left him in the room and returned with an ointment. She slathered it on as he winced a little then she put a fresh bandage on it. "There. All better.""You sound like my mother did. She would kiss it too.""You want me to kiss it?"Her heart stopped as he stared at her f
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 58: Beth in Danger
"You are," Donal said. "This arrest is just one of many that is going to happen. And if you make a statement to the cops you will have a bullseye on you.""I'm willing to take that risk. I should have gone to the cops," Beth said."You were scared," Trent said. Most people would not have handled the disruption to their lives as well as Beth had. She shrugged. "Have you found my parents?"Tex shook his head. "They are well hidden wherever they are, but if they are anywhere near here I'll find them Beth."Sean handed Beth a phone that couldn't be traced. "Thanks," she said. "I put Maggie's number in there and Trent's and of course ours," Sean said.She nodded. "Can we go make that statement?""Sure. We'll see you all later. I'll have my phone on. Call me day or night."Donal chuckled. "You don't understand that Tex may call you in the middle of the night. He'll be up with that new baby of his on his shoulder trying to get to the sender of the text."Trent shrugged. "It's important so
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 59: Digesting the Reality
"Yes," Donal said. Beth tapped a finger on her bottom lip. She looked pointedly at Donal. "Are you a supernatural being?"Trent dodged that bullet for the moment."Yes. I'm a gargoyle."She crept close to him as if he were going to explode any minute. "You're a gargoyle? Like those things on the tops of buildings?""Something like that," Donal said. Trent admired his patience. Beth took two steps closer, studying Donal. "You can shift into a different form?""Yes."She cocked her head. "Would you do it for me?"Donal flicked his gaze to Trent who nodded. "Yes." Donal rose. "Don't be afraid. I will look scary, but you are in no danger."She nodded, wrapping her arms around herself her, gaze never leaving Donal. "I have to take off my clothes to do it," Donal said. "I'm a nurse. I've seen naked people before."Donal disrobed and transformed. Beth's eyes widened. Trent just hoped that Donal's claws didn't rip up his couch. Beth reached out her hand and touched Donal. Trent admired he
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 60: Fairies
"Because Maggie is a fairy. I'm not supposed to tell you, but we are at war. With the goblins. They are taking over the world one institution at a time. We have to stop them and you knowing that Beth is probably a fairy will hasten that along."Trent studied him. "You think Beth is a fairy?""Yes. I don't know for sure. Only you can know that. She is probably your fairy or descendant from the fairy that your gargoyle ancestor protected."This was a lot to handle. Deke was a down-to-earth guy. He didn't have flights of fancy so why would he tell Trent this story? None of it made sense, but then again his need to protect Beth made no sense either. This could be his explanation. He wasn't sure he was ready to accept that.He glanced at Beth who paced near the stage. Maybe it did make sense?***So far the night had gone well. Beth was about to start her second set. Trent hadn't had to turn anyone away. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the entertainment instead of just having music. That ma
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 61: Flying Over the City
Beth was thankful that she wasn't afraid of heights and under different circumstances she might have enjoyed the flight over Center City. Instead she'd been terrified. Now she paced in a room in a house in West Philadelphia. A row house and they were on the end. She'd had the state of mind to memorize where she was. She didn't have her phone. It was still at Grotesque. Or wherever Trent was, she was sure. She'd learned early on not to rely on her parents so even if she knew where they were, she wouldn't have expected them to help her. She was on her own. Looking around the room, she was on the second floor. Out one window was a roof that she could jump onto, but could she jump down from there? Who waited for her at the bottom? Not knowing what was going to happen, she needed to take action. It was part of her training as a nurse.Standing by and awaiting her fate wasn't in her makeup. Her parents had never understood that. Standing a little back from the window she observed the yard
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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
