Raven’s Personal Log 24

Raven’s Personal Log 24

My arm slipped nicely in his arm. Arm and arm we walked to the Hunt house. His lovely green hair contrasting mine. Such a hard life the green gave to its people, a smile crept across my face as stood before the door looking into Tom Mason eyes. “Trust me they will accept the new you. Just as I do.” I wrapped my arms around him in a warm embraced. I rapped on the door my keys lost in my pockets.

Icehawk shouted, “Pizza’s here!” He glided over to the door, whipping it open. “About time… Hi, Raven, what’s up?” Taking a step back he held the door open.

“Lots of things.” I smiled brightly as I entered dragging Tom in tow.

“Oh, God, she takes me literally.” Ice shook his head, “Hm … Normally I’d say look what the cat dragged in … But he isn’t here.”

“Where’s the team?”

Icehawk shruged “Hiding so I pay for the pizza? I am NOT putting bird seed on the pizza!”

I inquired, “How was the trip with Pam?”

“Not long enough” Icehawk smirked “but I have plans … we still didn’t get to Disney World.”

“You still have the 2nd month option right?” I asked.

Icehawk grinned, “And hoping for more. Raven … she’s soooo different from the girls I usually meet.” Ice eyed my friend and commented, “I am not sure I would go with the green hair … it’s a little out there.”

“Oh, my manners.” I introduced them, “Tom this is Icehawk.” I raised my voice and yelled, “CAT ARE YOU HOME??”

Cat’s voice drifted from the upper level, “Yep, I am.”

“GET YOUR FUR DOWN HERE!” I called back.

Icehawk offered a hand to Tom.

Tom took his hand firmly and shook, “Hi.”

 Ice eyebrow raised as I called to Cat, “Damn, Raven, what Archer do to the quiet little girl I fell in love with?”

 I laughed as I stroked Ice’s cheek; “She is still in me. I am just so full of news to share today. Is Blue or Hawk around, or Iron or Titan?”

Cat jumped down the stairs and says, “Fur here.”

“Anchovies on your pizza only, Cat.” James jested.

Cat grinned. “Blue is a little down. He’s feeling blue.”

Blue looked up from the couch, “Am I that easy to miss?”

“Titan is at the All Star game … they’re in the second period.” Icehawk shook his head, “Very poor, Cat. Let’s leave the pun-ishments to me.”

Cat put on his innocent face, “Who me?”

“This is my friend Tom. I want him to join our team.” I interrupted their humor? “Any one object?” Icehawk raised a hand. I was surprised at the hand, “What? You don’t like him or something?”

“Aren’t you.” Icehawk pulled from his memory, “What’s his name … the spy guy. What the hell are you doing with us?” Icehawk murmurs “We need a danger room …”

“It’s Saber.” Tom spoke his other name.

“I asked him to join us,” I responded.

“Why?” questioned Icehawk

“He is a friend.” I smiled at Tom. “He can help us. We need the manpower.” I move my hand over the wound just below my breasts. “I don’t want to get gutted again.”

“What can ya do, Saber?” James started the questions

Blue piped in, “Any special skills?”

“I was hoping he could be proven today.”

Icehawk asked, “What did you have in mind, boss lady?”

“Well to start off.” I dropped a business card on the table. “Took this off the guy that tried to handcuff you a while back.”

Saber looked at the card

It read:
First Round Inc.
Pick your opponent. We deliver.
(206) 345-9783
first_round@battlegrounds.com

“Think that could have something to do with the phone calls?” I inquired. “Than Linda begged me to find out about Proguard Security Services.”

Icehawk grined, “You want I should like break in at the place?”

Saber suggested, “Well maybe we should check out Battlegrounds,”

“Pro Guard?” Icehawk scowled, “When did she ask you?”

“Seems three of them men recently walked from the police station after some one arrested them.” I looked to Ice, “Recently. She is scared. Seems they are not pleased with her and ummmm. Well, let’s just say my company got the general details for there services. They specialize in executive protection and investigation consulting. Also they have alarm response teams. Then there is the normal security too malls, rentals, apartments, and special events. I have an appointment for tonight.”

Icehawk asked, “We going for a frontal assault?”

Saber stated, “Not if we don’t have to.”

“Anyone considered breaking in?” suggested Icehawk.

I continued revealing my information; “It is a bit strange that half of the VIP’s that have switched Security Company’s where kidnapped and or hurt after leaving Proguard services.”

Icehawk added, “And they are paranormal too.”

Saber commented dryly, “Surprise.”

I confirmed, “Most of the Special Officers are.” From my cloak I pulled out pamphlets and price listing from the company. “Another funny thing, look what is the email is for both of them? Proguard Security@battlegrounds.com, first_round@battlegrounds.com. That’s all I came up with. Except they threatened Linda and demands a performance from Pam.”

“Cute.” Icehawk face became grim, “Cat, looks like you and I have a common foe.”

Cat jabbed the air, “I guess I have new sparring partners. Can I talk to them? I’m sure they won’t bother us again.”

Saber covered my hand; “You will need back up. Things can go wrong … you know.”

His eyes was filled with worry as I looked into them, “I won’t be telling the team if I could do this alone.”

“What are you thinking about?” Saber turned his eyes.

Blue commented, “I guess I have to pull that AK-47 Hawkins gave me out of storage.”

Icehawk questioned, “Have you told that guy in black what you are going to do, Raven?”

“Of course … not.”

“Why not?” he preyed

“Something’s I think we can handle on our own.” My mind swirled in mix emotions. “Thorne gave me and Cat the authority equal to the local police long ago.”

Saber grinned, “Lock and load, it’s about to drop in to the Pro.”

“We need a plan.” I was unsure of my rough draft, “Any ideas?”

Saber suggested, “Well we need some recon.”

“I guess I can keep watch.” Offered Cat.

Blue joined in, “Hawkins would be willing for aerial, and I could possibly get blueprints.”

Plans where being etched slowly out. I left the Hunt leaving the recon up to them. I need to tend to other business. Somehow I should have know better, things had gone to smooth. Blue went on line and cracked into a secured section of the website. It contained many in-combat photos of the team. Cat went to a shop and bought a disguise and headed to Proguard alone. Do to Jerome’s sharp eyes, he was able to inform the others of Cat’s plan.

I was not there but the story has been recited to me so many times I feel like I had a window seat in this drama. Simon went into the Pro Guard Security off. He wore a blonde wig; brown contact lens and Linda lightened his skin tone. He filled out an application using the name Luke Smith. He added two years to his age and changed a few facts but he included his skills. He was taken to a back office and was introduced to Dale.

Dale greeted Simon. He started asking him questions, the biggest was, “First I need to know how you heard about us?

Simon replied, “I saw a couple of your guards spend a lot of money at the liquor store I figured you pay well.”

Dale took an uneasy breath as he pressed a button under his desk. “And they where in uniform?”

“Yes. “

“Which liquor store?”

“The one on first and main.” Simon said off the cuff.

“What was your name again?”

“Luke Smith.”

Dale spoke at the phone, “Belle.”

Belle slide through the door, her dark red hair accenting her pale compaction with large reddish brown eyes. Her sweet southern draw accenting every word she spoke, “He lies on ever thing. So sweetie, you going to start telling me de truth?” Belle took control over Simon’s mind. He hands move to the mic on his neck and raised it to her lips. “We have your playmate and we are not amused.”

Icehawk radioed, “Is that you Belle?”

“Ooo, the sweet Icey man,” Belle moaned into the mic, “I know that voice.”

Icehawk radioed “Nice to finally hear your voice … in person. So, whatcha got?

“Someday sweet Icey,” Belle grinned as she spoke, her mind plotting, “I have your fuzzy one. To bad you don’t.”

Icehawk replied, “Might be neighborly of you to return him…in one piece.”

Belle seized her moment, “Depends on whatcha offering.”

“Whatcha need?” radioed Icehawk.

“OOO sweet Icey boy, not over the air wave,” Belle radioed, “Well we could meet. Lets say six tonight.”

“Then how can we deal?” Icehawk replied, “Oh, come on, you think I am going to waltz into range of your sweet thoughts?”

“You want your fuzzy one back?” Belle spoke clearly, “Meet me at six at the four seasons in the restaurant.”

Icehawk responded, “I could ask a friend to see you….” His words hit empty airwaves as the mic went dead. Icehawk looked over at Saber. “I’m fucked. Belle is a major mentalist. She has Cat and wants to meet me.”

Saber responded dryly, “So.”

“If I go, she’ll have me dancing a jig.” Icehawk hoped, “You have any mental defense?”

Slowly Saber shook his head as he spoke, “Well what other options do we have?”

****
Icehawk had taken to the streets. He went to the hotel to find Pam had left the building. He went to the warehouse to find no Pam and instructed William to keep Linda in. From there he skated over to the Pro Security Building where Jerome was sitting on a curb. Jerome informed him that the red head had taken Cat a way and that she was going to the four seasons. Saber called on the radio to see why James was late. They agreed to meet at the Four Seasons. James gave Jerome a ride to the mall. They arrived fifteen minutes early. Again I am going on hear say but according to Jerome this is what happened.

****

Belle eyes watched the door. She smiled as James appeared and approached her table. “Hello, Belle, what can I do for you?”

“Have a seat sweeties.” Her southern accent flavored her words, “Such a nice Icey Boy, you are earlier.”

“Bar or table?”

“Here at this table.” She smiled. “I like the view.” She looked out the glass walls, she faced. Icehawk slide into a seat folding his hands on the table. “So Icy boy.” Belle took a drink of water. “I have been waiting for dis day.”

“Why is that?”
Belle smiled, “Come now icy boy. I thought you understood. Men da are so dense.”

Icehawk grinned, “Then enlighten me.”

“I wished ta spend some time with ya. Such a sweet Icey boy.” Belle laid her hand on his.

“No!” James pushed his chair back, pulling his hand free.

Simon walked in the bar using the fake ID that got him in last time. Icehawk caught sight of him and watched Simon from the corner of his eye.

“I really wanted.” Belle’s eyes followed James, “Dang boy, he wasn’t to be released for another hour.”

“Belle? What do you want? A bed mate? A toy?” James tried to stale her.

“If I wanted a toy.” Belle placed her finger to her lower lip running it across.

“Then a lover?”

“Ya don’t know a lady.”

“You are right.” James spoke, “I don’t…I don’t know a thing about you.”

“I know you.” Belle’s eyes sparkled, “I have been watching. Most dangerous thing is ta play with you but ta bad you won’t play.” Belle stood up. “Maybe we can dine later.”

“Afraid, Belle?” Ice voice chilled the air, “Afraid of what I’ll see?”

“Ya got friends around.” Belle turned letting her gown flare, the slit in the side of it showing off her leg. “Come with me.”

Icehawk stood up taking a step toward her. “Where to?”

“Ya will see.” Belle walked through the kitchen door. Icehawk followed, watching the way she moved. Belle looked over her shoulder, “Coming Icy Boy?”

Out the side door and into the parking lot they slipped. “Feeling better?” asked Icehawk.

“My car is there. Take a ride with me.” Bell moved to a red Corvette.

Jerome moved beside Simon, “Hey cat they went out the side door.” Simon looked at Jerome nodded, than raced out the side door.

“You still haven’t explained why, Belle?” Ice hawk moved next to the car.

“Cause I touched your mind and like it.” Belle looked at the side door; “Oh the kitty is coming.”

“Kind of hard building on that.” Icehawk looked at her, “Sorta like the rape victim falling for the rapist.”

Belle smiled, “but time is about to expire. Need you to decide.”

“What are my choices?”

Belle eyed saber coming out the side door. She flashed her blues to meet his, “Know me or fight me.”

“No match for you, babe. I know that already.”

Saber shouted, “Here I come.”

“Ride with me.” She quickly slide into the driver seat shutting the door.

Icehawk radioed “Stay back, guys. I have not been attacked.” He slid into the seat beside her.

“If you say so and there is sea front in Denver.” Smarted off
Simon as he transformed into Cat.

Belle throw it in reverse and squealed the tires as she throw it in drive.

Icehawk radioed, “She can only order me to do one thing at a time. Ease OFF! CAT.”

“She’s too powerful I can’t trust it.” Cat radioed as he ran after the car.”

(At this time I actually found my way.) I radioed, ” I am here guys where are you?”

Icehawk radioed, “And if she wants, she could tell you to stand still and let her run you over.” Belle smiled at ice as he spoke.

Cat’s radio informed me, “I’m south of the mall.” Cat yelled in his radio, “She would have to release you to do it. I don’t think she will.”

“Okay icy boy, I will let you out and you get rid of your friends.”

“And then what?”

“I will meet you at the park in front of the city hall. Din we can talk.”

“If I don’t show?” Ice hawk asked as Belle stopped the car.
Icehawk opened the door

“Din I know where I stand.” She smiled as he opened the door.

“Belle…I have a girl I am very interested in. I am not going to hurt her.”

“So! We will talk.” Belle eyes watched the rear view mirror; “They are approaching. My door.” Icehawk slid out of the car closing the door.

Cat jumped over Ice onto the roof of the car. “Dam!” cursed Belle as she punched the gas. Icehawk formed a sheet of ice under Cat. Belle spun the car in a donut. Cat with his claw still in the roof of the car punched in the driver’s window.

Belle reached out with her mind and commanded, “Let go,” Cat jumped off of the roof. The smell of rubber filled the air as Belle raced from the parking lot.

“Ice you okay?” I called out as I ran into the lot, “Cat?”

“I’m Ok. Is Icehawk Ok?” Cat shook his head still a little dazed from his wild hood ride.

“Thanks for the back up.” Icehawk pushed off.

“Ice? I called after him, “Where are you going?”

Icehawk planted. “Can I get into the warehouse or shall I wait outside for Pam?”

“You have my permission to enter tonight.” I stated.

“I’ll wait outside for her then.” His voice shook as he pushed off.

I was confused; “I gave permission.” I shrugged my shoulders, “Cat I moved the meeting for tomorrow. Hopefully we can come together on this.”

****

To leave the story now would leave a lot unsaid. So many questions unanswered. Well Cat and Saber made it back to the hunt and I rejoined my beloved. Linda was more than happy to fill me in at the ending of this night.

*****

Icehawk slid to a stop at the door to the warehouse. Slowly he placed his hand on the doorknob reluctantly and stepped inside. A wash swept over him as he dropped into the grass, the falling back with his forearm over his eyes.

Pam smiled at James, Linda painting the last stripe on her cheek. Pam took her trench coat in hand and slipped it over her stripes. “Something wrong James?” she sat down next to him pulling his head to her chest.

“Tell me about Belle.” James said as he buried himself in her arms.

“Belle?” Pam asked, “Who is that?”

Icehawk looked up into her cat green contacts, “Where are you going?”

Pam blushed, “It was a surprise for you. Thought you would figure it out when Linda mentioned two hour date.” Her fingers ran through his hair. Icehawk looked at her, pain in his eyes. “Takes two hours to get this on.” The smile faded from her, “What’s going on?”

“I had the biggest scare of my life tonight.” He swallowed hard; “Didn’t William tell you?”

“Just told me I couldn’t let Linda out. We weren’t going any where any way.”

“Cat was taken by some people we are investigating. Pro securities. He’s okay.” He looked deep into her cat contacts as she brushed his hair. “Belle…the mentalist that has been playing with me. Wanted to see me as ransom.”

“What for?” Pam asked confused.

“That’s what I wanted to know but since these are the people that have threatened Linda and you.”

“What threat?”

“I decided to check on you…Linda? You didn’t tell her?” James was surprised.

“Am I being kept in the dark here?”

Linda crept up behind them, “Gee if I was to tell about every crack pot threat. She would never dance.”

Pam shook her head, “So am in the dark.”

“So I went to check on you at the hotel. You were gone, I guess I panicked.” James squeezed Pam tightly; “I went to the meeting, willing to give up everything to get you back daftly. I would have killed to get you out or spent every cent. When I got there, she wanted the one thing I wasn’t prepared to give.”

Pam urged him on, “What?”

“Me,” he paused, “she wanted me.”

“Gee, I don’t know what to say.” She tried to let the information sink in.

Icehawk covered her hand, “Me either. She wants to meet me tonight for some reason.”

“She is wanting you to meet with her? Are you going?’

“If you hadn’t been here? Yes! Now?” He kissed the top of her silky blonde hair, “I am afraid of her. She can make me do anything. I don’t like that feeling.”

“Now you know how it feels to be me.” Pam laid her head on his shoulder. James lifting her hand to his lips. “What man couldn’t make me, do what they wanted. One way or another. Why do you think we should get body guards?”

“Next time you need a body guard, you take me and with those ProSec guys. They want you to dance for them or they will hurt Linda.”

“WHAT!” Pam pulled from the sweet embrace, “LINDA!”

Linda grinned, “Hey! I told Raven. She will protect me. No sweat.” Linda jumped to her feet heading to the ladder, “Gee I hear Josho, see yeah.”

“Little shit.” Mummer Pam as she rested back into James arms.” Don’t worry, I got the Seattle Hunt to protect me.” Pam turned to meet his eyes as her hand stroked his cheek, “and you.”

Icehawk smiled as he looked down at his female kitty cat girlfriend, “Oh that just makes me feel all fuzzy.”