Love, Lattes and Angel Read online

  Molita shrugs. “Who is to say where a spirit chooses to call home? If you prefer, I will call her mambo sur pwen Angel Bronte. Bronte was her name when her spirit resided in my manman’s body.”

  “Actually, I would prefer that you call her Angel.” Piper’s arms circle our daughter protectively.

  Pressure builds between my eyes. I never saw this one coming. “Listen, Molita...”

  “I am Mambo Molita, but since you are Mambo Angel Bronte’s biological father, you may call me Molita,” she says with a magnanimous sweep of her arm.

  “Thanks. Could we table this discussion? Right now we need to get some clothes for Angel, some food, and figure out a place to dock the boat.” Not to mention a way to get it out of the sand.

  “Come with me.” Molita turns and walks off, not waiting to see if we follow.

  Piper and I stare at each other in indecision. Angel tugs on my hand. “Come on, Daddy. Mambo Molita wants to help us.”

  I look at Piper. She shrugs. Right. What are our options? Trudging through the glistening white sand, we follow Molita to a small pink house with a white picket fence and orchids of every color blooming profusely around it.

  Entering the cottage, Molita calls out, “Aunt, come quickly, Manman has returned in the body of this beautiful little girl.”

  A lovely, statuesque woman, her skin the same exquisite shade of golden brown as Molita’s, comes out wiping her hands on a bright orange dishcloth. “What are you talking about?”

  Molita draws Angel forward. “Look, it’s Manman.”

  “Are you certain?” Her glance sweeps over us before coming to rest on Angel. There it stays.

  “Aunt, she knew about Manman’s death. How it broke my heart.” She taps her breast with her fist.

  “She could have picked that up from island gossip.”

  “They were washed onto the island this morning. There’s been no chance to hear gossip.” She lowers her voice and says with a tinge of awe, “They survived a squall in the Devil’s Triangle.”

  The aunt’s head jerks up and she turns her attention to me. “Is this true?”

  “Yes.”

  “Still, that does not make her Mambo Bronte.”

  “She knows I will fall in love with a blond-haired, blue-eyed warrior.”

  Again the image of Tyler flashes in my mind. Even though Tyler never walks away from a fight, I’m not sure I’d call him a warrior.

  “I bet it’s Uncle Tyler, Daddy,” Angel mentions again.

  If it’s true, life could get very complicated.

  The aunt turns to Angel. “Tell me child, who are you?”

  “I’m Angel and I’m sorry for your loss. It must be difficult to lose a sister that you shared the same womb with. Please go ahead and see to your gumbo. It smells delicious. I wouldn’t want it to burn.”

  The aunt’s eyebrows soar then settle. She bends down to Angel’s height. “And do you like gumbo, little one?”

  “I don’t know. I just recently came off formula. I had a growth spurt in the Bermuda Triangle.”

  Her eyebrows that have just settled go up again. She looks at Piper and me.

  Piper nods.

  I say, “I’m not sure I can explain it and I’d rather not try.”

  Straightening, she says, “I’ve lived here most of my life, and I seldom hear of anyone surviving bad storms in the Triangle. Usually they just disappear.”

  Remembering the spears of lightning and the watery vortex, I say, “I wasn’t sure there for a while that we would.”

  “Where were you heading?”

  “Further south.” I keep my response vague.

  “You survive the Triangle and end up in Caicos. My niece may be right. At the very least, you have powerful connections with the spirits.”

  “They need a place to stay,” Molita says. “The cottage is available.”

  “We can stay on the boat,” I put in.

  Ignoring me, the aunt glances at Molita. “Of course, if that is what you wish.”

  “Yes.” Molita’s bright gaze returns to Angel.

  Things are quickly slipping beyond my control. “I really need to get my boat squared away.”

  “We can do that too. In fact, I’ll call some friends to move it for you. There is a place about a mile from here where you can dock it. Just give me a minute. I need to turn off the gumbo then I’ll walk with you to the cottage.” The aunt holds out her hand first to Piper, then me. “I’m Mina.” After introductions are made, she strolls from the room and reappears moments later. We follow her and Molita next door to an identical cottage.

  Molita lingers in the doorway. “Manman and I lived here.” Her eyes fill and she walks quickly away, followed by her aunt.

  Angel runs through the rooms. Piper and I follow more slowly. “A kitchen, living room, bath, and two bedrooms. It’s perfect.” Piper revolves on her heels taking in the cozy, white-washed living room with bright-colored prints hanging on the walls. “Though, it could be a little crowded when the rest of the crew arrives. Speaking of which, I’m going to see if I can get a signal and contact Tyler or Amy to see how Gramps is doing.”

  “Sure go ahead.”

  She pulls her phone out of her pocket and walks into one of the bedrooms. I open the shuttered window, breathe in salt, and stare at the sea. As beautiful as California and the Bahamas are, this may be the prettiest place I’ve ever been. The view out the window is pristine, white sand and clear, blue ocean. Just looking at it calms me.

  I decide to try a new means of communication. Let’s go to the beach, Angel.

  “Great idea, Daddy, let’s go.”

  We grin at each other. The telepath thing has its advantages.

  I tap on the bedroom door and when I open it, point in the direction of the beach. Piper nods, and Angel and I hurry out. Angel takes off running and I chase her, reaching out and tickling her as her legs churn up the sand. It’s amazing how quickly her body has picked up on muscle coordination and control. She shrieks with laughter and runs faster.

  After we catch our breath, we pick up conch shells lying on the beach. She carries them in the bottom of Piper’s T-shirt, hiking it up nearly to her waist.

  “Not a good idea, baby. As soon as your momma’s done with her phone call, we’ll go buy you some clothes.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with our bodies, Daddy.”

  Spoken like the little water sprite she is. “That’s true. But considering the culture we live in, there’s certain parts of it we don’t expose.”

  “Okay, Daddy.” She stops for a moment and her attention goes inward, and then her eyes open wide and a smile the size of a crescent moon crosses her face. “They’re letting Gramps go.” She drops the bottom of the T-shirt and shells scatter across the sand as she takes off racing toward the cottage.

  Piper comes running toward us. “They let him go.”

  “I just heard.”

  She glances at Angel and smiles.

  “They’ll be leaving within the hour. They were a little surprised to hear where we were.”

  “Did you tell them how we got here or about Angel or my arm?”

  “No, I just said to be aware of the Devil’s Triangle.” She stops smiling. Worry shadows her face.

  “We’re living proof it’s not always a bad thing.”

  “You’re right.” She makes an effort to turn up the corners of that luscious mouth then grabs Angel’s hand. “Let’s go buy you some clothes.”

  We walk back to the cottage, grab our sandals, and meander down the cobblestoned sidewalks of the little town we’ve landed in. The heat from the pavement seeps through the soles of our shoes. I carry Angel till we find a small store where we can get her sandals and clothes. From there we stroll along the streets taking in the wonders of another world.

  Angel stops to look at a window that has a turquoise necklace with a heart on it. When I see it’s caught her eye, I buy one for her
and one for Piper. They’re mere trinkets but my girls love them.

  Molita is waiting for us when we return. “I’m calling the spirits tonight. I would like you to come to the ceremony, Mambo Angel Bronte.”

  Piper shifts uneasily beside me. I’ve heard about some of the rituals. Who hasn’t? “I’m not sure it’s a good idea, Molita.”

  Angel slips her hand in mine, “I’d like to go, Daddy.”

  I look at Piper. She thinks it through then says to Molita, “Only if we go with her.”

  “Of course, I’ll leave directions to the clearing. Come around eleven forty-five.” Molita bends down to admire Angel’s necklace. “It’s quite pretty, Mambo.”

  Angel fingers it. “My daddy bought it for me. I’m never going to take it off.”

  Molita smiles. “You love your family very much. You always have. Strong family ties are a blessing. I’ll see you tonight.”

  After she leaves, Piper draws Angel to her. “Just because Molita thinks you’re her mother reincarnated doesn’t make it so.”

  “I know, Momma. But it makes her so happy.”

  “It sure seems to. But vodou can have a dark side to it, baby. I just don’t want you caught up in anything that could have a negative impact.”

  “Now that would depend where it’s directed, wouldn’t it?”

  Piper gives me a confused look.

  Angel says matter-of-factly, “Daddy’s thinking of Dr. Stranger and Mr. Craven.”

  I wish she hadn’t picked up on that. “Yes I was.”

  “We shouldn’t use people, Daddy.”

  “I have no intention of it. But maybe there’s something that we can learn from Molita that will help keep us safe.”

  “You mean me.”

  “I mean you and your mommy. And you, young lady, need to find a way of filtering so that you aren’t always jumping in other people’s heads. Some things aren’t meant for you to hear.”

  “I don’t know how to do that.” She looks distressed.

  I hug her. “Not to worry. This is all very new. You’ll figure it out with time.”

  She stiffens in my arms. “Whales are heading toward the beach. We have to turn them back.” She pushes away from me and hurdles out the door.

  “She can hear marine life too?” Piper’s eyes are wide.

  “That poor kid. Do you think she hears a gazillion voices at once and has to filter through them? That would make me crazy.”

  “I have no idea, but right now, we’ve got to catch up with her.”

  We streak to the beach, tossing clothes and sandals as we go. Clear water splashes on our ankles then our knees before we dive into the water, swimming for all we’re worth. Angel is far ahead of us. “She swims like a fish.”

  “A very fast fish,” Piper mutters, pushing harder.

  “Look. Up ahead.” A pod of whales breech the water. One blows. “Oh my God.” My blood freezes.

  “Angel! She’s dead center!” Piper cries out.

  Angel is darting in and out between the giant creatures. We swim faster, harder. As we near their beautiful, melodious voices, so unique to whales, drift to us.

  Treading water, Piper places her hand on my arm. “Joel, listen.”

  I nearly shake her off, intent on getting to my daughter, when I see Angel’s mouth move and hear the same whale song from her lips as the giants around her are singing.

  I look at Piper, stunned. “She can communicate with them. Seriously communicate.”

  “I see that.” Her voice is faint. She turns toward me, amazement on her lovely features. “Is there anything our child can’t do?”

  “It’s like spawning a marine super-child.”

  At that moment, the whale closest to Angel begins to sing again. Angel responds in their tongue and climbs up on the whale’s back. The whale whacks his huge fluke in the water, showering Angel, and then takes off. Our daughter’s bell-like giggles carry to us on the soft sea breeze.

  “She’ll be fine.” I believe it, but it’s still a little unnerving to see your child go flying through the water on the back of a whale. She’s wearing a little crop top with the back cut out and spouts water from her blowhole much the same as the whales. Piper shakes her head in wonder.

  “Like mother, like daughter.” Pride swells my chest and moves up my throat making it difficult to swallow.

  Piper paddles closer until there’s just a hair’s breadth between us. “This may be one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever experienced.” Gently, she pulls my head down and places her warm, salty lips on mine.

  As the water tongues us, I pull her close till we’re skin to skin, nothing between us, her breath mine, my breath hers. We drift downward, her hair floating around us like honey-colored seaweed. The kiss goes on as we sink deeper.

  My hands trail over her slick, wet body. Sweetness turns to desire. The kiss deepens, becomes feverish. Her hands clasp my butt and pull me against her. I slide mine into her suit. For all the time we’ve spent together, I’ve never touched her intimately. The heat of her silken skin scalds me and my heart’s wild beating pounds through my blood in a primitive wanton song.

  A tiny school of yellow fish swims by. One brushes my arm before it darts off. It’s a miniscule interruption but enough to turn me from the insanity I was headed for. Angel. Tyler. What the hell am I doing? Gently, I pull away, take Piper’s hand, and head for the surface.

  My gaze never leaves her. Her dazed, heavy-lidded expression turns to one of horror. As soon as we break water, I say as she opens her mouth to speak, “Don’t say you’re sorry. Just don’t say it.”

  I turn my attention to the whales. They’re deeper out, farther from the shallows, except one that is coming in our direction. It stops. Angel leans over and places her cheek against its head then slides off and swims toward us at amazing speed.

  “Did you see the whales?” Her smile glows with wonder and joy.

  “What were you saying to them? Your mom and I had no idea you could communicate with whales.”

  “I didn’t know I could either. But I can. I think I can talk with any creature.”

  “Angel Super-girl.” I pick her up and toss her in the air. She laughs hysterically. I catch her and do it again then say, “Saving creatures is what we do. You could no more ignore those whales than you could stop breathing. But you need to wait for your mom and I, not just take off. You could have been hurt.”

  “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, Daddy, but you are too slow. It might have been too late.”

  Piper snorts and turns away, shoulders shaking.

  Geez, nineteen and being told by a six-year-old that I’m slow. “Only because you shoot through the water like a torpedo. I appreciate that compared to you, I’m a slug, but you still need to wait for me, understand?”

  “If I can.”

  My mind whirls. This child before me was a baby a few days ago and has the mind of a young person. How can I expect her to react like other children? “At least let us know where you’re going before you rocket off.”

  “Of course, Daddy.”

  “Race you back to shore.” She takes off like a bullet.

  I quiver like a hunting dog, ready to bolt after her. Slow indeed.

  “Joel.”

  I sigh and let my muscles relax. I didn’t have a prayer of catching her anyway.

  “How can we keep her safe? Keep that bright spirit untarnished?”

  I take her hand. “I promise you, as long as she lives I will protect her.”

  “You got her out of the lab.” She smiles softly.

  “I wouldn’t have been able to without Tyler.”

  “Ah.”

  I can’t look at her. “I owe him her life, Piper.”

  “We,” she emphasizes, “owe him a great deal, but if he hadn’t come through, you would have found a way.”

  Her belief in me both buoys and humbles me. “Yeah, but he did. And he got you out of the
labs. At one time, I was willing to ignore that, but my debt has mounted to the point I can’t anymore. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  “Yes.” Her features are expressionless, the color that was there a moment ago gone.

  I fight the words back but they erupt from my throat. “Do you love him?”

  “It doesn’t matter, does it? You’ve already made up your mind for both of us.” She turns from me and swims after Angel.

  Chapter 7

  Piper

  I fight back tears that threaten to choke me. Heat washes over me in a hot wave of shame. What was I thinking, throwing myself at Joel when I’m with Tyler? Even the gentle pull of the waves lapping against me can’t relieve the pressure in my chest. I love Tyler. And I’m attracted to him. It’s just that the attraction doesn’t course through my blood in hot spiraling spurts and punch me in the pit of my stomach. I can’t help what I feel for Joel any more than I can help chuffing from my blowhole or breathing.

  The first time I laid eyes on him it was like falling into the ocean, like calling to like. Mate to mate. How do I fight that? I give in to the hot pressure behind my eyes and let the tears flow. If I’d never met Joel, Tyler would be my heart’s desire. But if I’d never met Joel there would be no Angel, no darling daughter and that would be unacceptable. I pull air deep into my lungs and let it out. I have to face the fact there’s no future with Joel. I could never hurt Tyler. The kiss was just a momentary madness that I won’t give in to again.

  As if in response to the cry from my heart, Angel’s head pops up, and she bullets toward me. Without a word, she puts tiny arms around me. I pat her head, trying to stop the hot salty tears raining down and plopping on her head.

  She pulls back. “Daddy loves you.”

  Does he? Yes I think he does, but I’m not sure whether it makes it better or worse.

  “Daddy just wants to do the right thing.”

  And kissing me when I’m with Tyler isn’t the right thing. Her wisdom humbles and startles me. It’s as if she’s maturing before my eyes. I swipe at my cheeks with my fingers and give her a watery smile. “That’s pretty profound for a six-year-old.”

  “I’m not really six.” She floats beside me.