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Chapter 79: She's Gone
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Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 80: Back to Philly
Pete flew back to Philadelphia. He couldn't find Jenna without help—or at least, he couldn't save her without help. Professor Sather promised to keep his truck in a barn, so no one would see it. Pete could retrieve it later.Jenna was his focus. Even if he didn't stay with her, he wanted her safe. That was his mission. Landing on the roof of Trent's building, Pete transformed back into a human and pulled on some clothing. No one could have seen him in the darkness, but he glanced around anyway before heading to the floor where Foley Security was located.When he arrived, the three brothers were in the conference room. Containers of food were scattered on a sideboard and his stomach rumbled. He'd intended to eat on the road, then didn't drive back."Hey," Donal said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Help yourself."Pete filled a plate, but only because flying always made him hungry. All he could think about was Jenna. Where was she? Was she hurt? He could have saved her if he hadn't lef
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 81: Saved
Jenna heard the noises outside as she stared at the piece of paper in front of her. They would come for her. She was sure of it. She just didn't know who would get to her first—the goblins or the gargoyles. Pete and Donal burst into her lab. Shots were fired down the hallway outside. She rose ready to do what they said. "You have an escape route?" Donal asked."We'll have to wing it since we don't know what they have covered.""There's a bathroom next door that has a window in it. Not huge, but I think we could all shimmy our way through it," Jenna said.She'd tucked away that information for later use. Now seemed to be a good time to bring it out. Pete and Donal looked at each other. "I don't have a better idea.""Then let's go," Pete said. He grabbed Jenna's hand, dragging her to the door. She dug in her heels. Now as a good a time as any to test her hypothesis. "Wait."Pete looked back at her, concern etched into his forehead. He did care about her, but now was not the time to ex
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 82: Findings Confirmed
Jenna disconnected with Pierce promising to stay in touch. Donal studied her. "What?""My friend in the FDA has confirmed my findings. He's also had his house vandalized and been mugged.""You don't think it was a coincidence," Donal said."What wasn't a coincidence?" Pete said taking the seat on her other side. She eyed him. "That my friend in the FDA has confirmed my results."Donal and Pete exchanged a look. Pete cleared his throat. "Then I guess you have to stay in hiding.""Forever? I can't do that," Jenna said. She wanted to live, but not if she was looking over her shoulder all the time. "There is another way," Donal said. She looked at him, hoping he really did have a way out of this. "Go ahead.""Deke's wife has been running a podcast exposing all sorts of government corruption. She's stopped short of exposing supernatural, but I feel as if this is up her alley. I could put the spotlight on you and make it harder to threaten you.""I don't like it," Pete said. "You don't
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 83: The Envelope
Jenna wanted Donal to read it before she accepted the offer. It had arrived in her mailbox by snail mail only the day before. She didn't know anything about the company and couldn't find much on the internet. A few weeks ago, she wouldn't have thought anything of that. Now she was suspicious and wanted Tex's skills to assure her this offer was for real. But first, the interviews. She entered the offices and was greeted by Sean. He was the quietest of the three brothers. He held a baby in his arms. The little one gurgled at Jenna and for a moment she pondered what it would be like to have a child. She paused in front of Sean. "Hi," she said."Hey. Babysitter called in sick.""He's cute.""Liam's his name," Sean said tucking his son under his arm. "The cops are waiting for you."She paused. "They are okay?"He chuckled. "No goblins. They wouldn't have made it in the door.""Good to know."He led her into the conference room. Two serious men sat talking to Donal. Which one was her lawye
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 84: Fairy Revealed
"That's where I was heading, Jenna. You're a fairy. Pete should have told you this. This was his job, but it fell to me."Jenna stared at him waiting for him to laugh. He didn't. His gaze hadn't ever been this serious, his green eyes studying her."I'm a fairy?""Many years ago, gargoyles and fairies created an alliance. Some gargoyles were elite and assigned to specific fairies. Time has forgotten that, but the descendants of the gargoyles from that part of Ireland still have a fairy whom they are supposed to protect. They are fated to be together."Jenna didn't know what to think of this. She'd always thought of herself as different. Could this be the explanation she'd been looking for? "I'm going to have to digest that for a moment.""Take your time. It's a lot to take in. I can give you my wife's phone number.""She's a fairy?""Yes."Wait. That meant…Pete?"Pete's my gargoyle?""Yes."***Pete stared at the text, making sure he had the right address. He'd made a decision. It hadn
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 85: Stone Sentinal
The livestream was done by a guy who loved conspiracy theories. Dani could stomach his love for them only so much, but they did provide easy material for her class, so she always listened on her commute home to her apartment.She picked up the El from the University City station and settled into her seat. Now she could pay attention to what was being said."We're live with BJ, a YouTuber who runs a channel about conspiracy theories. I'm Jay Brinker and we'll take questions in the next hour. BJ, we're glad to have you on.""Thanks Jay. Glad to be here.""When did you first get started studying conspiracy theories?""When did I first question the narrative? I think I always questioned things, which didn't make any of my military years easy. My father was one to question things. He always taught us to see beyond the surface of things.""So, your father was a big influence on what you do now," Jay said."Yes. His interest was long before the internet, and for him researching was much harde
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 86: Goblins?
"I'm not going to slander anyone, but imagine someone you normally trust. Someone who has put themselves in a position of power. They are most likely goblins.""People of power?" Jay asked."Think about anyone in a position of power and trust. They are most likely goblins or working for them," Ben said."That sounds paranoid."Ben shrugged. "Think what you like, but it will all come out eventually.""Okay. We're ready to take calls. Our first caller is Dani Walsh. She's a professor at Philly College. That name sounds familiar. Hey Dani, you're on the air.""Hello Jay. Thank you for having me. I want to get right into things," Dani said."First tell me why I know your name," Jay said."Because I just put a book out about how conspiracy theories are critical thinking gone wrong."Ben had heard of her and had purchased her book. It was always good to know what the opposition was doing. In this case, this wasn't her fault. Unless she was a goblin, she'd been brainwashed like the rest of th
Gargoyles in Uniform Chapter 87: Reprimanded
Dani didn't see what had been wrong about it. She was known as a debunker of conspiracy theories. Her class on it was always full."Let me be frank.""Okay. Go ahead."Dani had no idea where she was going with this. She hadn't done it on her time at the college. She'd been at her own home."I don't like the idea of the debate."Dani studied her boss for a moment, attempting to see beyond the words. She couldn't come up with anything. "Why not?""Well, I've talked to some of the trustees and they agree with me.""Agree with what? You haven't said why you don't like it."This was frustrating. This woman had risen to power and there had been questions about how. Dani had never let the gossip influence how she dealt with her boss. A lot of women were accused of sleeping their way to the top. The fact that it still was used as an excuse in the twenty-first century was sad."We think this debate will shine a negative light on Philly College.""Are you telling me I can't do the debate?""I ca
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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
