Chapter 41

“Okay ... Go for it.” I was willing. I knew my life in this world was over. If Jim can go adventuring with skinny cows...

What was said ... after I got over the retching caused by them separating in to seven individuals. “We know where to get you fixed.”

And I was in the Princessapality ... we were ... all of us. The eight ... me and them.

“Selene Dent ... Abby Austin ... Selene, Abby ... Abby, Selene ... Selene is a Flintkote. A Flintkote International Flintkote...”

Selene said, “Jesus girl ... what happened? You look like you were struck by lightning.”

Seven said, “Got it in one, kid. Lightning strike while drunk.”

“So?”

“Send or take her to Crossroads.”

“Can I even do that?”

“Tyche could. Have you tried?”

“No ... I don’t have a portal. JW does ... erm ... Surprise does ... I think. I suppose I could ask Junior.”

“What? Good gods ... what happened to you?” Junior noticed me.

I was still in my hospital gown ... what little was left of my posterior was exposed to perusal. Yeah ... blew my ass off. The two guys ... Six and Four were keeping me upright. If they let go I collapse like a rubberband ... or a rapidly deflating balloon ... except I won’t fly around the room.

“Lightning strike.”

Selene said, “Junior ... Abby, Abby ... Junior. Junior, Abby needs fixed. Do you have a Crossroads Portal?”

“No ... Surprise does.”

So ... Selene has this watch ... it’s a very nice Patek Philippe Grand Complications Sky Moon Tourbillon manual wind watch. It is clunky ... a mans watch ... It is also the only one. The outside is original ... the guts are made somewhere else.

Last appraisal? right at 4 million. That was from a Paris Jeweler. She had a buyer.

Selene spoke to her watch.

While it was summer in Australia ... it’s gawd awful winter in Michigan. Surprise was in her shop building Farr 3.7 meter racing sailboats.

She took one look, “Which one of you is going with her?”

“All of us.”

“Who is the hero?”

Adam ... Surprise’s off again on again boyfriend with benefits stepped in the door.

The Seven pointed at him.

“Sure ... Adam ... we need to go to the Cat.”

Four hours later ... shoveled clear of snow ... we all held hands and passed through ... all of us ... except Adam. The Seven two males must be heroic ... they made it.

“Tyche ... wait ... you’re not Tyche ... Selene?”

Introductions managed to include me.

Seven said, “You three go see Sam while we discuss a rescue with Eva”

“Hello,” said the room. “You are...?”

“Abby Austin.”

“Hello Six and Four ... if you guys are here I must assume the girls are out with Eva. Let’s get Miss Austin in the healer and you out there looking after your interest.”

I settled into the vat ... tub ... healer. Although it looks empty ... it’s not. Before I could really examine it ... I woke up. Funny ... I didn’t know I was asleep.

There is a mirror on Sam’s door.

Hmm.

I look like me ... but not. I’m better ... a better more perfect me.

“Thank you Sam.”

“You’re welcome, Abby. You were a challenge. We’re going to send you home ... your party is still out.” That was followed by a truly evil laugh. I have a feeling I don’t want to know.

I was gone fifteen minutes ... fifteen ... just fifteen. The others followed me out.

Seven said, “I’ll never get used to that.”