Chapter 01: The Twins

Linda and Jessie sat on the veranda of Linda’s new home and watched the gorgeous sunset of fiery orange colors as the sun sank into the sea off the west coast of Grand Cayman Island. The girls were sipping on piña coladas, Linda’s favorite new drink. Well, new favorite for the last forty-five minutes.

“So, Linda, you still haven’t told me what happened at the Banking Services Building and how you ended up with this mansion.”

“You know most of my past, so I’ll skip over rehashing all that. The deal was, the American Government was putting enormous pressure on the Caymans and other countries to disclose hidden bank accounts like mine. With just two days left in the year, we were literally out of time to do something about it.

“Bill Jordan gave me some choices to make. First, basically do nothing and end up being discovered by the American government with all that would entail. I would have ended up a prisoner of the government, doing whatever dirty jobs they needed while they researched my brain to figure out how I could do everything. Not a great choice. I don’t fancy myself the next James Bond. Or a prisoner. And especially not a research rat.

“The second choice I had was to renounce my American citizenship and become a Caymans Islander for real. That was attractive. I don’t really owe the Americans anything. But, Juan Gomez, you remember him, right? Anyway, Juan told me privately there is a good chance I would never be allowed back into the USA, and they would definitely put me under a microscope. Not something I really want to go through. There are ‘things’ best left hidden, like a certain castle in Bulgaria, some gangs in Australia, and the whole Los Angeles party.

“So, the third was the only acceptable choice for me. Give my money to the island government. I can easily live off the money I make playing golf, or I can just find another major drug dealer and steal his money,” Linda laughed.

“So you just gave billions of dollars to the government here? I can’t imagine doing something like that.”

“I didn’t exactly give it to them. First, I had to acquire a home of my own here on the Island. This very house covers that requirement. I set aside two billion dollars to remain in the central drawing account, one billion was required to keep the account open, but there are fees and such so I didn’t want the account to drop below the minimums. So, two billion in the actual account. That account is in the government’s name, but I can use it as long as it stays above the one billion. I straight gave away five billion to charities. The rest of my money I put into irrevocable trusts to fund all my ongoing charities. Any future money which I send to the main account that’s over the basic two billion, will be divided evenly between all the trusts. Unless I instruct Juan otherwise. I don’t really need that kind of money. Let it do some good in the world. That’s my philosophy,” Linda told her. “I still have my account here on the island with First Star Bank, too. That’s where my USA taxed golf money goes. I can safely spend all that money.

“The entire computerized history of my account at Franklin Bank and Trust was erased. It never existed as far as the world is concerned. The remaining sixteen billion or so, was given away or under control of the island government in the trust funds, and I’m on the Board of Directors. This way, the accounts are in the government’s name, not mine. I give the orders about the money, and, officially, it doesn’t belong to me. In irrevocable trusts it doesn’t really belong to the government here either. All they could legally take, if they decided to renege on their promises to me, is the two billion in the general account. I don’t think that’s likely to happen. I think they’re a little bit afraid of me.”

“So what about this mansion and the yacht?”

“Well, Juan is a big shot in the Banking Services Division now. He knew Franklin Bank and Trust had to foreclose on this mansion. The former owner somehow got himself killed in Varna and stopped making his payments. Seems he had a tampon stuck in his throat. Can’t imagine how something like that could happen. Maybe he was having kinky oral sex with his girlfriend. Really kinky. So, Franklin was convinced to sell me the house for the balance due plus ten percent. There might have been a bit of government pressure there. It’s valued at over eight million dollars, and I got it for just over one million. I used some of my golf royalties from Ping to pay for it.”

“And the yacht?”

“It was considered part of the property,” Linda giggled. “It came with the house. Juan used one of the Islands little known banking laws to get it for me. The yacht alone was worth a lot more than I paid for the house. The Franklin Bank planned to sell the yacht separately. Now, you’re the new Captain of The Lady Whisper, a state-of-the-art two hundred ten foot yacht. Which reminds me, feel up to some pirate hunting tomorrow?”

“Of course if we have enough time. How much is left on your vacation?”

“I’ve still got another week. We don’t need to be in the Bahamas until around the twenty-first of January. One more week here, and we can cruise over to the golf tournament.”

“I still can’t wrap my head around all the things you can do. If I had those powers, I’m not sure I could be quite so altruistic.”

“I was always a comic book fan. Spider-Man was one of my favorites. I remember what Peter’s uncle told him, something like: ‘With great power comes great responsibility.‘ I grew up being abused ‘n’ stuff, so I got to hating abuse, any kind of abuse. Now I can do something about it, and I am. Simple decision for me.”

“What about the ‘Angel?’ Are you going to try that any time soon?”

“Tonight. Let’s plan to watch the world news tomorrow,” Linda giggled. “In fact, I better take a nap. I might not get a lot of sleep tonight.” Linda drained her colada and headed off to the Master Suite in her new mansion.

I’m glad we told Jessie. She’s really a true friend, whispered Mouse.

We had to tell someone. Linda was stressing too much under all the pressure of being an Angel, Ret added. And Jessie really does have our back. All the way. Like she says, the only reason she’s alive is because Linda saved her and the Jellyfish from those pirates.

I still think we should have turned those pirates into shark bait and watched the fun, shy little Tink said.

Listen to little Tink! Girl, you can be pretty bloodthirsty at times, Linda told her.

Tink shrugged, I dissolve things. I’m the one who gets our hands dirty.

So, Kelly and Karen, ready for the big night ahead? I can still hardly believe what Karen is capable of! Linda exclaimed.

Kelly blushed and told them, Really if you think about it, the whole concept makes sense. It does to us, at least. Any place I can ‘see,’ Karen can move us there. Normally, I can only see about thirty to fifty miles away. But, any where we’ve been that had an emotional impact on us, I can also see, and Karen can move us. So, for example, I can see the alley where that guy Petey tried to rape us in Cauthen. I can see the Luau beach in Hawaii and the burning apartment building in LA, even if its not burning any more. Locations in Tijuana, Australia, and the castle in Varna. I can see where we found that Medicare guy in DC, and the slavers building in New York. If I can see it, Karen can move us.

So, where we going tonight? Ret asked.

I think New York City needs an Angel. Now let’s take a nap. I want us at our best tonight, Linda decided.

After a four hour nap Linda and the girls prepared themselves for a long distance trip. They had already tried the jump to several locations, but had just moved, looked around, and moved right back. This time Linda planned to stay for several hours.

Ladies, we need to make a new Angel. Mouse, give this Angel flaming red hair. I do mean fiery, burning hair. Five feet tall, and let’s wear a sexy red dress. Red wings this time and surround us with a halo of fire, Linda told them. The five girls looked at Mouse’s creation in the mirror, and, with minor changes, they were ready to go.

Kelly, prepare to take us to Times Square ... about fifty feet in the air. Tink, you’re on crime-name carving duty again just like in LA. Kelly and Ret find targets. Mouse, keep the disguise on. Karen, be ready to teleport us in and out, Linda handed out the Angel raid assignments, as she donned her winter clothing.

Ret, I want you to broadcast the message we all agreed on to everyone within range, Linda added.

Okay, Mouse. Say it, Linda commanded.

Showtime, Ladies! Mouse yelled.

The world shifted. The girls experienced moments of dizziness and disorientation. It soon passed, and they found themselves floating, visible to everyone, fifty feet in the air. Ret began searching for targets in the crowded Times Square area. She also began broadcasting the ‘Message of the Angel.’

Criminals, crooks, abusers and haters. You are no longer welcome in New York! Leave, change or die! For the people of my city, I don’t care what color your skin is. I don’t care what church you attend. You’re all brothers and sisters. Take back your city and take back your lives! Stop accepting politicians who lie and steal from you. Stop allowing criminals to pollute your bodies with drugs and steal your children. This has to end! Stop hating each other! Help each other! Together, you can do this! I believe in you, all of you!

Linda and Tink followed Kelly’s vision to the targets Ret found. People began to die. Evil, corrupt scum who preyed on the city of New York. They died as quickly as Ret could find them. Linda didn’t waste time. She killed. Evil died. Tink carved their crimes into their bodies.

The people of New York were astounded and stunned at first. Then they began to realize, New York City had an Angel! People in the streets began videoing Linda and the girls as they flitted about, appearing and disappearing. News teams showed up with their cameras and televised everything live to the world. Police sirens split the night as people chanted the Angel’s message, cheered and screamed their agreement and their anger. It was chaos. Pure glorious chaos as the people of New York determined to stop accepting the crap forced into their lives! To reclaim their city and their families! To demand honesty and fair treatment! They were no less vocal in their support of ‘The Burning Angel’ than Los Angeles was of their White Angel!

I think we’ve accomplished our mission, for now. This hornet’s nest is stirred up, Linda decided. Let’s rest for a minute on top of that skyscraper, then we can go home and sleep.

When Linda arrived on the roof, she found herself slammed down and unable to move. A force greater than anything she had ever felt was holding her still.

What? Ret, Tink, what’s going on? Linda yelled. I can’t move!

Ret told them, Something or someone is here. I’m unable to read its’ mind.

“Ah there you are little Angel. How quaint. A flying, crusading, Vigilante Angel. Know this Angel! North America belongs to me. No one else. We ignored you until the Angel showed up in Los Angeles. I almost caught you there, but you managed to escape me. It won’t happen again. I have you now, and I think I’ll share you with my brother and sisters. They will have as much fun toying with you as I will.”

“Who ... who are you? What are you?”

“We’ve been around for centuries. Long before Christ was born. We’ve been called many names over the millennia: Lucifer, Demon, Vampire, Dragon. The Aztecs, Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians called us Gods. Those were good times. The Aztecs sacrificed hundreds of thousands to appease me.

“We call ourselves the Ancient Ones. Each of us holds sway over a section of the world. North America is mine. And I don’t share. I’m very happy with the corruption and problems here. It’s so entertaining to watch. You’re not going to be allowed to change the status quo. I enjoy it too much to allow that.”

Can anyone do anything? He’s blocking my TK, Linda gasped.

I can’t read him, Ret moaned.

He won’t let us teleport, Kelly and Karen whined together.

Dissolve is blocked. I can’t affect his body. Too strong! Tink whispered in anguish.

Linda was fading from consciousness when she gasped out, Tinker Bell, shrink!

Little Tinker Bell noticed the creature wore a heavy gold chain around his neck, a strong leather belt, an expensive watch, and alligator boots. She shrunk them all. Rapidly. Faster than anyone could react. He was only protecting his body, not his clothing. He had no idea Tink could shrink his clothes. He discovered his mistake, too late. It was fatal.

Linda and the girls passed out.

Two hours later, Linda regained consciousness. She felt like a car had run over her. She had aches and pains in places where she didn’t know she had places! The Posse woke up with her and moaned. Shaken, Linda looked for the Ancient One. She saw his desiccated, shriveled body lying on the roof, ten feet away. His left wrist was crushed, where the watch had been. His head was severed by the now tiny gold chain. His belt was down to ten inches, virtually cutting his body in two. His alligator boots resembled a child’s shoes. They contained the remains of his crushed feet.

Karen and Kelly, can you take us home? Linda groaned.

Too weak. Need food and rest, They answered.

Tink dissolved the creature’s body and passed out.

Linda slept. Too exhausted for anything else.

At dawn Linda awoke feeling a bit better and with some of her strength returned. But she was consumed with hunger, and she was freezing. She’d used up too much of her reserves the night before fighting that thing.

Mouse. We need invisi to get downstairs and out of here. Then we need to find food and go home, Linda decided.

The girls took the elevator down to the lobby where a deli was serving breakfast. Jedi Linda took two apples and an orange. She slipped around the corner and quickly ate them then sat down to rest.

Ret, did you manage to get any information off that mess on the roof? Linda asked.

There was no answer.

Ret? Ret? Is she okay? Linda asked with concern.

She hasn’t said a word since the fight upstairs, Mouse told them.

She’s still with us. We would all feel it if she was gone, Kelly added. She and I work closely together, so I’m positive I would know.

Can you take us home now? Linda asked.

Kelly and Karen were silent for a full minute, testing their strength.

Yes.

The world spun and shifted. The girls arrived back in their bedroom at the mansion. They staggered over to the bed, fell on it, and into a deep sleep.

With time zone changes, it was still dark when Linda arrived back home. She slept for five hours and got up in time for breakfast. Ret woke up, too.

Are we back home? Ret asked.

Ret! You’re back! Are you okay now? Mouse asked.

Do you feel up to talking, Ret? Linda inquired solicitously.

Yeah, I think I’m okay now. I jumped into his mind when Tink attacked and distracted him. What a cesspool! Ten times, no, a hundred times worse than DC, Ret moaned.

You’re so brave, Ret. I could never have done that, whispered young Kelly. Tink, Mouse and Karen all nodded in agreement.

If we’re going to survive, I had to. We needed, and still need, more information about them, Ret answered.

So, what did you learn? Wait a second, let me get us some food from the kitchen, Linda said. She walked over to the intercom system and pushed three to speak with the kitchen. “Please send my breakfast up to my room. I’m going to eat here this morning.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Miss Jessica asked me to inform you: Lady Whisper is ready to depart whenever you are. She also wanted me to tell you she’ll be by later to talk.”

“Thank you,” Linda said, and mentally turned on the television set. Tell us what you discovered, Ret.

Not much. There are, or were, five of them till we killed that one. A brother controls Europe. One sister has Africa. Another sister has Asia, and the last sister has Central and South America. I didn’t get much from him. There just wasn’t enough time. He owned enough real estate, mostly in North America, to create his own country. Companies, corporations, stocks, businesses, you name it. If there is a profit involved, he has some. He owns Congressmen and Senators, judges, governors, prosecuting attorneys and cops. Just killing him frees them up from his control, or reveals them to the nation because he used blackmail to control most of them. That blackmail information was automatically released to social media if he died. Blackmail was his favorite control tactic, Ret replied. I also got one of his bank account numbers with the password. I don’t know the amount but it’s a lot of money!

Look at the TV, Mouse shrieked. That’s us!

Linda and the girls turned to the television and saw a CNN News Special Report playing out on a split screen showing both the Angel of New York and the Angel of Los Angeles, side by side. A scrolling tape along the bottom of the screen repeated the Burning Angel’s message over and over as she floated above Times Square in New York. At the same time, the other half of the screen showed the White Angel rescuing people from the apartment fire in LA.

“We are currently following two major stories. Most of you have already heard and seen the dramatic videos of yet another Angel, this one in New York City, dressed in red flames. In another major national story, damning information about thousands of elected officials is pouring out onto social media web sites. The information contains proof of malfeasance and criminal behavior. If this information proves to be true, many of our elected officials are going to find themselves behind prison bars.” Even the jaded News Anchor sounded excited and energized by all the unusual activity in the country.