TUS NUA - ch 23

TUS NUA – ch 23

New Beginnings – Mia and Midnight

(*)(*)(*)

Mia agreed but offered the use of her phone. “There’s no use in you paying all those roaming charges for a cross-atlantic call. If you’d like privacy, come with me. You can use Aintin’s office.”

She led them to the back wall, pressed a small brick and watched as part of the wall slid to the side and created an opening. Mia began to retreat but said, “If you need anything, just call out. I’ll hear you.”

Midnight rubbed her sleek black head against Mia’s ankle. “He’s going to want to come here then he’ll need a calming spell.”

“Yeah, I know but let’s take one step at a time.”

“Are you going to listen to their conversation?”

“Midnight! No! You can be so nosy. Let them have some privacy. Good grief, cat!”

Midnight stuck her tail in the air and strutted away.

Meanwhile, Claire and her husband, Kieran called the precint where their son, John worked and after identifying herself, asked to leave a message. “Sargeant Timmons, please tell Johnny that we found his sister. We’re with her now. She’s safe and well and he call call me whenever he can.”

The police officer almost shouted,”Mrs. Verne, you found Sybil? Oh my God! That’s great. No, that’s better than great. Where are you. I can send a car to bring all of you home.”

“Sargeant Timmons, that would be a bit difficult. We’re in Ireland. Just ask Johnny to call me. I know he’s working but I think he’d like to know.”

He smiled and said, “So did we all. I’ll radio his car immediately. Thank God, she’s safe.”

Claire thanked him and knew that her son would call within minutes and sure enough, five minutes later, her cell phone rang.

“Mom, Sargeant Timmons said you found Sybil. Is that true? Where? He said you were in Ireland? What are you doing there?”

Claire laughed with delight. “Hold on a minute, Johnny, I have someone here that can explain all this better than I can. Her name is Mia. Just hold on while I get her.”

She walked to the door and it mysteriouly opened by itself. After walking to where Mia sat with her cousin Dara, Claire said, “Mia, I hate to bother you after all you’ve done but I have my son on the phone and well, I was wondering if you could answer a few of his questions.” She handed Mia her phone, then outstretched her hand to return Mia’s.

Mia knew Claire would have a hard time explaining everything so she agreed and took the phone.

“Hi John. My name is Mia Diehl and while this is a super long story, let me just say that Sybil is safe and sound. I’d rather not go into details on the phone but if you have a spare day or two, I can arrange to have you brought to us, to Sybil.”

“I have time coming. I’ll take a week. Just tell me what part of Ireland and I’ll get the next flight out.”

Mia lightly bit her bottom lip, then, making her decision, said, “I have a better idea. Go home and pack a light bag. I’ll meet you there in about, well, how long will it take you to arrange your time off and go home to pack?”

“Well, I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about but I can be ready in thirty-minutes.”

“Great! I’ll see you in thirty.” She clicked the phone off before he could ask any furtther questions. Looking around at her family, she was about to ask “Who’s up for a ride?” but then had a better idea. “Mrs. Verne, how would you like to come with me to get John?”

She watched Claire’s eyes widen with delight. “Oh, how I’d love that. Should I bring something?”

“Nope, not a thing and we won’t be long. I’m going to ask you for a huge favor. Well, okay, maybe two. Please try to keep him calm and keep him from asking too many questions. You know we’ll answer everything once we get back here.”

She hugged Mia and promised, “I’ll do my best,” then walked to where she left her husband standing. “Kieran, oh my love, she’s home.”

He smiled and kissed her cheek. “Go on, then. Go with Mia and bring John here. This will be a long night.”

Tauri vowed to have a small lunch ready for when they got back. “After all, supper will be a bit later on and you don’t want to spoil your appetites. Sybil is making Irish stew and home made bread tonight.”

“Oh heavens! Johnny will be delighted.” Turning to Mia, she asked, “Is it time to go?”

Mia smiled, “Well, we do have a bit of time yet, but, how about if we leave now so I can stop and pick up some New York bagels to bring back with us?”

Claire laughed and agreed saying that would be a wonderful idea.

“I guess I’m not going – again!” Midnight mourned.

Mia knelt down to kiss her cat’s nose. “Oh Midnight, it took you long enough to learn how to handle the ley lines and you still haven’t gotten used to the portals. I just don’t want to get you sick, again. Maybe tomorrow. We’ll take a short portal ride home so I can check on my garden.”

“Really, mo stor? We can try again?”

“We’ll keep trying short rides until you’re used to them.”

She stood then turned to Claire and said, “I think you remember the drill. Hold my hand.”

With her other hand, she tossed the orb in the air and as it descended, allowed them to be swallowed and transported.