CONSPIRACY 6: Vengeance is mine

Arf, arf, arf.” Poppy was barking loudly. He was restless. He was running back and forth. Back and forth. He would eventually pull my dress with his canine teeth telling me that there was an intruder outside. He scratched the marbled floor with his pointed claws. Tongue wagging and saliva dripping.

“Hush. Quiet. You are so noisy” No matter how I reprimanded him, Poppy never stopped barking.

I whispered to dad. “Papa, there was someone outside.”

“Eavesdropping?” I’ll check that out.” Dad snapped.

Dad stood from his chair and went directly to the door. Poppy with tongue still wagging and breathing profusely ran after dad.

“Poppy you stay here.” I warned him but the dog ignored my warning.  Then he came back and bit my dress with his teeth. He was pulling me to follow him outside. “You are tearing my lovely dress.” I shouted at him. The dog did not listen at all. He kept on pulling my dress with his teeth. He wanted me to go with him so I succumbed. My heart beat fast as I went outside the house. I could hear it beating loudly that almost going out of my chest.  I was scared that something wrong might happened to dad.

When I was outside I saw dad talking to a little handsome boy like my age. He was wearing khaki shorts, blue stripes t-shirt, white tennis shoes and a white cap that matched his shoes. There was a bag pack on his back. When he saw me, he smiled coyly at me. His dimples were deeply set both on his cheeks. He had a darker shade of blue eyes. I smiled back at him. His deep set dimples reminded me of the boy I saw 2 years ago tagging along with Mrs. Barbara Richards. He had grown taller than me. About 3 inches.

“Jazz come here. I’d like you to meet Adam Richards.”

“Hi, how are you?”

“Great.” He answered but he was avoiding my eyes.

“What brought you here kid. Your mom might be looking for you now.”

He did not answer dad. He went straight into the house. I mean their house. “Gosh. Arrogant. Spoiled brat. What do I expect from a kid born with a silver spoon? Misbehavior.” I said to myself.  

“This is my sanctuary before. When the basement was constructed, I abandoned this place and stayed in the basement because dad said, I’ll be safer there. It was one boring life in a basement albeit it is equipped with high tech gadgets and equipment. It was boring life when you only see the world virtually in those large monitor screens.” He had sarcasm in his voice. Eventually he was right because I experienced that too. This was our topic a while ago before this lad interrupted us.  Soonest possible should the best option.

Adam went to the living room and occupied a large leather couch.  He got a miniature CD inside his bag pack.  He gave the CD to dad. “Dad managed to copy the blueprint of the project that you had been working for 2 years. The ALPHA OMEGA XXX Project. He destroyed the original copy. . He wanted me to give this copy to you and if anything happens to us, you continue the project. Here also are his recorded instructions. There is a secret tunnel going out from this house. You can go out from here clandestinely without being noticed by the agents and spies or whoever with evil claws ready to demolish us.  Below this large couch is the door to the tunnel. Just removed the carpet and you’ll see the entrance.”

Dad was dumbfounded for few minutes. “Does this mean that we need to leave early or we still need to spend Christmas here?

“You have to leave at night time.” Adam instructed.

Then he gave the bag pack to dad. “There is money in the bag pack and credit cards. You can use that while on escapade and until you and your family can find a place to settle.”

I was amazed by Adam’s consummate ability to comprehend even the most complicated scenario. I scanned his brain. He was bugged. There was a small microchip implanted in his brain. His brain could store thousands of information but still acted with human with feelings and emotions.  I glanced at dad. We stared at each other. “Jazz, that is what her father wants me to do.” Dad communicated to me silently.

“I understand dad.”

“You must come with us Adam. Whatever inheritance your father left is due for you.”

“I can’t leave my parents and then he wept.”

I pity Adam. He had no choice but he was too young to be entangled in the mess of conspiracy. Mom was right. What does it profit a man, if he loses his own soul? There was no peace at all. And, this was also the beginning that our lives would be embroiled. To die or to live was the only ultimate option.  I rather chose to live and protect the people I loved.

Adam stopped in front of me and said “Goodbye, Jazz. Till we meet again.” His voice sad and shaking.   He was about to go back to the mansion when I tall black man towering 6’5” feet blocked his way. His lips were thick. He had a huge body. I believed he was formerly a boxer. That was the first time I saw that guy. It sent signal of danger to my brain. He could easily demolish us with his bare fist.

“Eric what’s wrong.” Dad asked the tall guy.

“We have to leave now. The FBI agents are about to raid this place. Blue wants you to bring Adam. He is giving us 30 minutes to leave and he’ll blow this place. No traces should be left. No blueprints of the project should be salvaged.”

Adam was weeping so loud. Eric had to carry him. The poor kid had no strength to walk anymore.

CONSPIRACY 5: Vengeance is Mine

Jazz, lunch is ready. Is your dad here already?” Mom shouted from the kitchen. I could smell the aroma of pork barbeque and carrot-mongo sprouts lumpia. Filipino recipes that mom learned from grandma. Mom also cooked fried red rice with green peas and sweet corn toppings. Of course, there was always a red wine served for dad. Dad said that red wine had a good amount of antioxidants for the body. He was correct in some way but dad was using the red wine as a brain booster. He could be compared to Edgar Allan Poe whose brain worked excellently when intoxicated but dad managed taking wine. I never saw him like a drunken master. When it comes to the kitchen, mom always knew best. She was tetchy mom in the kitchen. It was in mom’s blood. Grandma was a great cook itself.

“I am here honey. Hmm the foods smelled so exotic. You always pampered me with exotic Asian foods.” Dad touched his stomach with his right hand in a rotating manner, signifying that he was really starving. Dad for sure was starving. He worked likely for 8 hours with no rest at all. He was workaholic. In between works, he never ate solid foods. Just juice or plain water would do good to him. He was extremely precise and careful with every project he devoured. Very perfectionist! He doesn’t like to commit mistakes for he knew that project would be aborted. It was his source of earning. He was paid in millions which he safely deposited in a bank.  If there was an error, he made sure that it could be rectified right away.  For the entire years of his marriage life, dad was a chameleon. He lived in camouflage. All mom thought that we were poor.

Dad kissed mom on her forehead. Mom reciprocated dad by hugging him tightly around his waist. They were sweet and romantic couple all these years. Along their marriage life, they had shortcomings like such any other couples also but dad always made sure that whatever the cause would be patch-up. Dad hated divorce. He grew-up with strong conviction that marriage works when both parties knew how to give and take.  I guess with dad’s age, he was more mature and logical in dealing with relationship. Mom was young and tends to be emotional sometimes. Despite of their age gap, dad knew mom’s Achilles heel. Knowing mom's weakness, she could be easily appeased. Besides, dad loved mom so much.

“You better take a bath before eating. You smell stinky.” Mom instructed dad.

"I need a second opinion."

“Jazz, come here. Do I smell stinky?” asked dad.

Before I could answer, mom winked at me which meant I should agree with her

“Yah papa, you smelled like you have not taken a bath for years.” I almost giggled.

“My gollies, both of you are conspiring.” Dad raised both of his arms and fled straight to the bathroom.

While we gleefully ate our lunch, dad was discussing the possibility to mortgage a house and lot in a due time after he was done with his contract with Mr. Richards. We stayed in the 20 acres of land of Mr. Richards for 2 years. The lot was barricaded with 10 feet walls. Closely well-guarded and closely monitored by CCTV camera. Mr. Richards hired private bodyguards for his safety and that of his family. Although, Mr. Richards does not intrude into our privacy dad felt that I need to have sense of belonging. Although, I was an extraordinary kid, dad felt the urgency for me to breathe life outside of the walls. Go to school, gain friends and live a normal life.

“I had a private conversation with Blue that once I am done with the project and the contract ended, we will find our own place under the sun. We need to have our own privacy. At first, Blue was forlorn to hear about this plan. He much relies on my abilities but he said that he understands whatever decision I make. He further said that the wind blows where it pleases. He embraced me tight with teary-eyed.”

Dad paused for a moment and took a piece of fresh lumpia in his mouth. “Magnifico. El almuerzo fue muy delicioso"

After gulping the lumpia, dad continued, “Blue has the delusion to be the richest man in USA and the world. He is giving signs to the perpetrators of his parents that time will come that he’ll have his vengeance. He believes that the government had something to do with his parents’ death. A CIA conspiracy.”

“A CIA conspiracy theory? What has the government do with his parents death? Sounds scary enough that it pushes adrenalin to my brain! What made him suspect that?” questioned mom.

“Because of the pot of gold in the oil mine hidden below the ocean.  The information leaked to the government. The government had a keen interest and wanted to confiscate the bullions of gold deposited below the ocean. Blue’s father opposed this. He concealed the map. Before the incident, his father stored the information in a microchip and gave it Blue. Blue kept the microchip for years without the hint of being suspected.”

“The story sounds preposterous that I only see in the movie but it blew off my mind. If there is a kernel of truth to this, then Blue’s life is at stake too like his parents. Apparently, if he wants the CIA or whatever not to be suspicious then better not haul those bullions of gold. For what does it profit a man if in gaining the whole world, he loses his own soul.” Mom had to quote a passage from Mark 8:36.

 Mom had a point. Dad was about to add more but opted to shut his mouth in order not to make the story long. There were some truth behind that mom did not need to know. Maybe at the right time. But I knew because of my telepathic memory. I was reading dad’s mind. It stigmatized him that he had to invoke me.  “Stop reading my mind.” It was transmitted to me without uttering any words.  I bowed my head and continue eating.

“Something wrong, Jazz?  Mama seemed to notice.

“No mama.” I lied and pretend not to hear their discussions.

“If we leave what about the lot my parents own? There was a concern in mom’s voice.

“Honey, you have to forget about the lot. We have to get out of here after my contract ended for Jazz sake. We cannot stay here for the rest of our lives. We need to have our own that we can call HOME.” Dad’s tone of voice rose.

Mom was silent for a moment.                                           

“I don’t mean to raise my voice honey. You must understand. I don’t want to get entangle if ever the government would be suspicious about Blue shenanigans.” Dad was apologizing. Dad and mom disagreed to one point sometimes but mom knew dad was right. His instinct was always right. Dad was an expert in psych war being at that an ex-military man.  

In whisper mom said, “Yes, we’ll leave.”

Chapter XXXII: The Legacy: The Dawn of the Fallen Angels

I remained standing in the middle of road. The incandescent lamp posts were beginning to die. In a matter of minutes, the electric lights went out. A total black out! A total blackness! Everything was hallowing. I was like an owl watching the night. My eyes could penetrate the darkness. Every movement. Every single noise!

After few minutes of total black out, I heard the noise approaching me. I saw a group of drug addicts tripping with their 1000 cc Honda motorcycles. They were stoned with cocaine most likely. Their eyes red and bulging. The motorcycles cylinder made cacophonous noises. These kiddos were between 15-18 years old. Only few years my senior.  Just by looking at them, they were spoiled brats. Born with silver splatter in their mouths. Their parents were wealthy family in Thessaly who owned trading garments and shoes. Behind them, were teenage girls wearing skimpy dresses. Their skins and breasts exposing. Their breaths smelled marijuana. Their lips were painted with red lipstick. And almost selling their souls to these spoiled brats. “Poor souls,” I whispered. 

When they saw me, they stopped driving their motorcycles. Their motorcycles shrilled and they kept on making revolutions before they stopped the engine. The cylinders spilled carbon monoxides. The air was contaminated with carbon monoxide. Once inhaled could destroy the lungs and could cause lung cancer.  These spoiled brats were juvenile delinquencies. I don't know what Kalil would do with them. If I could save their butt tonight, I could one hell of bravado. I wanted to know how Kalil could turned them into a living zombie. 

One said, “Hey miss, are you looking for fun tonight?”

I ignored them instead and  walked away. One guy grabbed my hand. “Oh you are so sexy. Big butt, nice waist…seductive pair of breasts, nice figure….” His hands begun to run over my body.  

“Stop!” I warned him. 

“Oh common, stop resisting. Just enjoy what I am doing.”

I was already furious that I wanted to shatter his brain out of his skull but I remain calm.

I smiled at him and spoke. “Well, if you can beat me in a race I’ll be yours to tonight.”

The guy eyes blinked in excitement.  “Deal,” he said.

“The guy had so much lust in his mind.” I murmured.  

“You need a motorcycle?”

“Not necessary. I just run as fast as I can. So you have to catch-up with me.”

“Run?”  he laughed. “Common you are kidding. You know I can easily catch-up with you.”

“Then you have to try.”

“This is fun.”

I noticed that his companions were also excited about the race and started to speak. “I bet on you buddy.I'll expect you win the race and for sure, you land in a bed of roses with that pretty gal.” They all giggled maliciously. 

One guy said, “You have to run fast really girl."  He had so much mockery on his voice. The girls behind them laughed and blew smoke out of their nostrils. I stared at them sharply. The girls avoided my stare. 

“Your name?”

“Abby,” I answered.

“Landon here.” He offered me a handshake which I refused. 

“Now let’s begin the race but you need to go first.”

“Me first?” A sound of shock in his voice.

“Yes, now go.”

There was a trace of confusion on his face. He asked me, "Hey gal, are you sure about this? Do you need a bike? Are you crazy?

With sternness in my voice I said, "I am not crazy. If you want to win. Start the engine."  Landon saw my eyes flaring red.  That scared him and off he drove the motorcycle as fast as he could. 

"Opps there you go." 

Alan was watching me silently in the stillness of darkness. He was beaming with a smile. "You are so cunning Abby."

CONSPIRACY 4: Vengeance is mine

Chapter 4

We were ushered by the guard inside. When we stepped inside, the mansion was an orchard of varieties of tree bearing fruits. Oranges, apples, pears, nuts, sugar maple. Far right, were plantations of strawberries. On the left end, grapes in different varieties were cultured for wine production. Hundreds of employees were scattered doing their respective tasks. Such an enormous piece of land.  Sad thing, there were thousands of melancholies mellowing like a billowing of the winds when the night falls. Such a lonely place to live despite of the opulence of the owner.  I shrugged my shoulder. When we reached the guest room we were told to wait. The guest room was spacious and made of one way mirror walls. Really sophisticated design.

We waited for 30 minutes. 30 minutes turned to an hour. A grumpy old man came in.

“I am sorry to keep you waiting. The boss is not here yet. You know, there is an opening salvo in the city of one of his business associates. He and his wife are special guests. Most probably, they will be back at night. You may come back tomorrow.”

“Liar! He is here.” I talked to myself.

“No, we wait. No excuses. We need to talk to the owner before the night falls." Mom was so stubborn.

“But Mademoiselle.” Quoted the grumpy old man.

“Now you are talking in French.” Still talking to myself.

Mom said sternly, “We wait.”

The grumpy old man had no choice but left.  He took a capsulize elevator down to the basement.

"Sir, they are adamant to leave. That lady demanded to have a personal talk with you about the land she said that you grabbed from her parents.”

Blue arched his thick eyebrows upward and touched his chin before he talked. “What? I am not a grabber. That stupid lady she should never accused me. I bought the lands legally. I’ll handle this myself. Thank you, Marco. Now you can leave and prepare us a dinner.”

Blue had to peep first at the one way mirror before he entered the guest room. Blue abhor people intruding into his tranquility whenever he was at his home. Although, he engaged in doing philanthropic endeavors there was still a sneering arrogance in him. He doesn’t treat hoi polloi inside his mansion except for media purposes. Except for pufferies, a strategy that he usually enjoyed to let the people buy him  The man standing at his back seemed familiar to him but he wanted to make sure that his hunch was right. When dad turned around, Blue was shocked. It was Malcolm Peters. Blue hired dad before to work in an electromagnetic project in one of his oil expeditions in the ocean of Texas. Indeed the project turned out to be stupendous. He paid dad six figure. Roughly estimated to $500,000.00. What happened to that gargantuan money was a big question to Blue because he thought that dad was still a poor man. Without the knowledge of anyone, dad deposited the money in one of the stable banks in Los Angeles. Dad pretended to live a frugal life.  Not even mom knew this. 

“Malcolm what are you doing here?” There was an excitement in Blue’s voice.

“Blue, what are you doing here?

“I own this mansion and the 20 acres land.”

Dad almost gulped. He never expected to meet Blue again. That was approximately 10 years ago that he done a project with Blue. That project changed his status as one of the affluent man in Texas.   "My wife's parents owned a piece of land before in 20 acres of your land. I heard his brother, Cain sold the lot to you.”

“Who? Cain? Oh yes Cain. She convinced my wife, Barbara to buy the lot. At first Barbara was hesitant. Cain told Barbara that it was with the consent of his sister, Sabrina. Cain urgently needed the money. He smuggled cocaine. That was his business. His lovely wife, Dorothy divorced him two years ago. He turned hell to be crazy about Dorothy for divorcing him. Changing him with another man who can carry his ass for a living. You see Dorothy is a femme fatale. Any man desires her. He was depressed and resulted to drugs.”

“ That bitch,” Mom was furious.

“Barbara is your wife? Barbara Sanders is your wife?

“Yes.”

“She was my best friend since were kids. Her house was just a block away from us. Our path separated when we were in college. Since then, we never heard from each other. I read in the news that he married a wealthy man, an oil magnate which turns to be you, Mr. Richards.  I was indeed happy for her but I felt that I have to keep my distant because of the parity of gap between us. You know like the story of the Prince and the Pauper.”

“Oh small world after all. She talks much about you,” beamed Blue. His nicotine tainted teeth showing. He was a smoker to his name.

“Good to see you again Blue.” Dad and Blue shook their hands firmly.

“Good to see you too.”

“I think we don’t have other choice but to look for a new home here in Council Bluffs, honey.”

“No no no. You can stay here. I built a small cottage at the back of the mansion. Just a walk away from the mansion.  It consists of 3 rooms, living room, dining room, laundry room, kitchen, and 2 bathrooms. And plus factor, you’ll be safe here. There are lots of criminals lurking around waiting for their prey.” 

I felt Mr. Richards had a kind-hearted soul. I felt also that he needed dad. 

"I am not afraid of criminals, Blue. We are such of burden if we opt to stay here.”

A gorgeous woman came-in.  Dressed in black Prada dress. Slim. Slender legs. Lips covered with thick colored fuchsia lipstick. She walked like a model. What money could do? What money could buy?

“Darling, who are you talking to?”

“Barbara.” Mom almost shouted.

“Oh Jesus, glad to see you Sabrina after all these years.” They hugged each other.

“You looked so beautiful.” Mom mused.

“No Sabrina. Being beautiful is in the heart. You know that. I admired you always for that. I am just lucky to wear expensive dresses.” Barbara whispered into mom’s ear.

Conspiracy 3: Vengeance is mine

Mr. Richard’s mansion was located in a 20 acres of land in Council Bluffs. Council Bluffs was the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa. It was the east bank of the Missouri River. This was where Barbara lived with her parents before she married Blue. When her parents died, Blue decided to move their residency to Council Bluffs. Away from chaotic life. Away from leeches. Away from fake friends. Council Bluffs was quieter place after all if compared to Dallas. He developed the small piece of land. He bought the lands next to it. Persuading the neighborhoods to sell their lands. The price was always right. Blue was not shrewd when it comes to money but money was always a powerful weapon to persuade people. Soon the small piece of land turned out to be a carnival of 20 acres. The mansion stood elegantly in the middle of the 20 acres land. And the vast and beautiful Missouri River was meeting the 20 acres of land.

When dad retired as a professor in UCLA, he and mom decided to raise me in Iowa. From the small apartment they were renting in Los Angeles, they packed their belongings and headed to Council Bluffs to astonishment of mom  her brother, Cain sold the small land of her parents to the owner of the big mansion. She was outraged her brother did not inform her. She was outraged that upon returning to Council Bluffs would make her family homeless. Cain could never be found. After he was paid, he fled. No one knew his whereabouts. Tears ran down her cheeks. 

Dad comforted him. “Honey, everything will be okay. We better stay in the hotel for a night then we’ll look for a place to start our life here.”

“Not that honey. It was my parents’ only property. It means a life blood. I have to speak to the owner.”


“But….” Dad hold mom’s left hand. Mom slipped away. It was too late for dad to prevent mom.

Mom pushed the doorbell button attached to a 10 feet wall several times. This alarmed the private guards inside. The gate guard almost at his late thirties wearing a black uniform, greased hair and a square face opened the gate and shouted at mom, “What do you want.”

“I need to talk to whoever is the owner.”

“He is not here.” The guard said curtly.

“Let me talk to the owner.” Mom pleaded.

The guard pushed mom away.

My mom was off balance and she fell at her butt on the cemented ground. Her legs spread and her elbows bruised. Good thing, mom was wearing denims. Dad was furious and was  about to punch the guard with his closed fist but he was too fast. He took his gun from his holster the side of his waist  and pointed the gun to dad.

“Don’t move or I shoot. You’ll be dead in a minute.”

I saw everything. I trembled. My entire body shook. Beads of sweats were falling from my forehead. I felt an eminent danger. I don’t want my parents to die…..that was all in my mind.

I concentrated. Still body shaking. I could feel the fire coming out from my eyes. In few minutes, I set the gun on fire. The gun burned in his hand. I twisted his brain. He was screaming in sever pain.

“Jazz, stop.” I heard dad warning me.

“But papa”

“You have to stop Jazz. Take control. Take control”

I controlled by emotions and stopped

“Take it easy. Take it easy. Dad and mom are okay.” Dad plead. He knew I could afford to cause harm when provoked.

 I told the guard. "Don't ever dare to treat my parents malevolently. Do what my mama said." My eyes flaring at him. My body temperature rose. My blood under my skin was boiling. 

The guard was frightened and ashen face. He led us inside.

Chapter XXXI: The Legacy: The Dawn of the Fallen Angels

I passed by Joey’s room. I heard him snoring loudly. “Lazy angel.”

Instead of going to my room, I went to the rooftop. I made surveillance with the use of my telescopic eyes and my bionic ears. Everything was quiet. Behind the stillness of the afternoon, I could feel some unscrupulous movements somewhere.  I said, “Zombies?  A human made zombies? Apocalyptic zombies? How many human lives are they going to steal their memories? This is insanely dastard act to do with humans.”

Although stealing memories of human minds was the best resolution to end evils according to Kalil, this was still inhuman act. Nobody had the right to steal memories of humans. A sane man should never do this cowardice. Kalil had the power to manipulate humans as long as he wanted. As long as he was pleased! Angels had a belief system in them like ordinary humans.  And Alan was his son. Why was Alan communicating with me? A trap perhaps. Every time I want to penetrate more information more about Kalil and about Alan, I was blocked. Does it mean to say that their power were stronger than mine?

I remained seated on the roof top for most likely 2 hours. It was only 4:30 pm but the dark started to set-in. The sky was covered with black clouds. Oddly, the colors of the surroundings were red and brown. The formation of the clouds was getting thicker. The winds were strong and blowing stubbornly in circulating manner. If not controlled could produce hurricane. I could hear once again people below screaming. “Hide, tornado, tornado is coming.” The whooshing noise of the wind was whistling loud...going around and around in circle.  

I bent  my right knee. I arched my back  slowly and lower downward my head. The gusty winds blew my hairs in upward direction.  With a maximum speed, I jumped swiftly into the formation of the black clouds. I was swallowed.  Behind, the clouds, I unleashed all my energies. I felt that someone was strangulating my neck in a form of a cloud. I unleashed again my energies and the black clouds were dissolved.  Then there was light again. I heard a laugh. “Not over yet Abby.” It was Kalil voice. I chose to keep silent instead of retaliating him. 

I remained seated at the rooftop. Everything turned to normal again but the night was coming nearer. I summoned the fireflies to form words in the sky like this: “Go inside your houses. Danger is coming. Shut your doors.”  Using my telepathic skills, I made sure that they read the message loud and clear. Despite of the waning I sent, there were still people  scampering on the streets. Half drunk, stoned, prostitutes selling their flesh and criminals who were taking advantage of darkness. 

It was almost 6:30 P.M. I jumped from the building. All was quiet except that I heard some babies crying. I walked around every skimpy alleys of the streets with momentum speed. In  couple of minutes I was done with my roving.  Everything was normal. I had not encountered bunch of zombies.  I saw a striking guy behind the lamp post. I was curious. I went near to the post. To my surprise, it was Joey.

“What are you doing here,” I asked

“Watching you, princess.”

“You are not a lazy angel after all.”

“Hahahaha,” we laughed together.

“Something unusual,” inquired Joey.

“Yah. They are coming.”

“You need my help?”

“No, I can manage.”

“Remember, I am watching you.” Joey vanished.

Joey went back to the headquarters. All of them were planning meticulously to test Abby’s ability to control her powers which was turned out sometimes to be out of proportion. 

“Have you seen what he did to the dark clouds,” asked Kalil.

“Yes,” answered John.

“That was stupendous. I could not almost move manipulating those clouds. She was so strong. She was siphoning all the cosmic energies. Unbelievable.” Kalil was stunned.

"We need to push through with the plan and make it fast. We come to the final test as planned. Joey, you need to block the telepathic power of Abby.  I sensed that she knew that this was just a part of the game. I sensed that he knew Kalil was not a nemesis after all. When she passed this test, then we have to move her to Paris. There lies her greatest responsibility. She has to know what is in this legacy thing." Zar stressed. 

Chapter 2. CONSPIRACY: Vengeance is mine

Chapter 2

“Jazz, don’t go near the pool. It is dangerous there. If you want to play, just play near the house. I’ll be cooking for our lunch. Okay?”

“Okay Mama. I’ll play with Poppy.”

Poppy was a cute furry white poodle with snout nose, pointed mouth and standing ears. I often communicated with Poppy. If he sensed something wrong, he would wiggle his ears and wagged his tails. Barbara gave this to mom last year. Still mom’s best friend. They would eventually tease each other and their laughter gave life to the melancholic atmosphere surrounding us. His 5 year old son tagged along with her. That was the first time I saw his son. We just stared with each other. Then he gave me a big smile. I saw his dimples. He was a coy child. He didn't speak any words at all. I smiled sheepishly back at him. That was our first acquaintance. After that, I never saw her son. I don’t even know his name.

“Hey Poppy, can you look after dad? Mom is worried.

Poppy happily wagged his tail and kissed my cheeks. “Geek, you smell awful. Alright, I’ll give you a bath later. Don’t go close to the pool.” Poppy obediently left. He ran perpendicularly as if he was avoiding a land mine. Beneath the ground, he smelled electric wires going to the pool. He was precautious. “Smart dog,” I said. Dad told me once that he implanted a device inside Poppy’s brain for security reason. At my young age, I don’t seem to mind.

Dad was a retired military man. He was an electrical engineer but also had keen interest in the field of genetic engineering. He ostentatiously studied genetic engineering during his free time. He was a genius. He found out that genes could be cloned or altered. 1This involves using recombinant nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) techniques to form new combinations of heritable genetic material followed by the incorporation of that material either indirectly through a vector system or directly through micro-injection, macro-injection and micro-encapsulation techniques.

The stunning result of his researches and experiments were that, he could create a genius human species that has the ability to preconceive – to see, to touch, to smell, to feel, to read human and animal minds. He could born a person with telekinetic and pyrokinetic abilities. He was so excited about the result of his research. When he opened this up to his peers, they were so skeptical and they told him that dad was crazy. Dad was frustrated. He resigned from his job and enlisted himself in the Arm Forces when World War II broke. He was deployed in the Subic Bay, Philippines. He felt in love with a Filipino woman. They were about to get married in a civil rite ceremony. Along the way to the City Hall, the Japanese abducted his fiancee, raped and killed her including her parents. Dad had no other choice but to accept his fate and asked for re-assignment. 

When the World War II ended, he returned to California. He taught Electrical Engineering in UCLA and still pursued his research in genetics. Dad also taught Philosophy and there she met mom in that subject. Mom was of mixed descendant. His mother was Filipino and his dad was of German and American descendants. Knowing that she had Filipino blood, dad courted her. Dad was reminded of his Filipino fiancee. Although dad was at his 40’s, mom fell in love with him. Dad had well-built figure. Tan skinned, auburn hair, dark blue eyes and intelligent. Mom was only 22.

I heard Poppy barked. “Arf, arf, arf..” And I heard dad’s full tone voice. Poppy was encircling around dad’s long legs. Poppy was too jubilant to be with dad and for successfully bringing him with us. By barking he meant mission accomplish.

I shouted, “Papa.”

I saw the eyes of dad sparkled while he embraced me. From time to time, he caressed my long auburn hair. I was a female counter part of dad. I looked like exactly like him. “Jazz, you made Poppy looked for me?” dad asked.

I spoke softly. “Mama was worried. She is often worried when you go to the mansion.”

“Do you feel something wrong, Jazz?”

“I can feel that my body is sipping an electromagnetic energy. Poppy can feel that too.”

“Papa, I don’t want anybody to hurt you. I promised that.”

“No one will hurt me, Jazz. No one! Once my service is no longer needed by Mr. Richards, we’ll leave this mansion. I promised you that.

1Source: Genetic Engineering, Wikipedia

CONSPIRACY: Vengeance is Mine

Prologue

There was a big blow that punched my heart when I saw him the other day. He was not the same guy I've known before. Shy but amiable. Deep inside him he was cloaked with ambition. That was the only driving force he had to be on top. And he did make it. I was happy to see him in his crowning glory. Days and years passed. He was no longer the guy I have known before…a shy and amiable creature. When he passed by me, he acted that he never saw me at all. Absolutely, he avoided me. As he walked away, I followed him with my eyes. My skin began to shiver. I sensed something wrong. I clinched to my feelings. My heart bolted. A sharp dagger was pierced into my heart. I was wounded like a soldier. I don’t like to speak what I saw. No one would believe me. All they knew that I was a dumb girl with nuts over my head. Some say I had bipolar depression. I know one thing I was close always to my sanity. What I knew I had the precognitive ability to hear, to see, to smell and to touch. I know what I saw was going to happen. How soon? Ditat Deus.

The Dark Secret

Chapter 1

It was exuberant morning of December 24, 1965. It was one day before Christmas. As part of tradition, I was thrilled hanging my sock at the Christmas tree expecting bigger gifts from Santa Claus. It had been a make believe story that when a kid behave throughout the year, Santa Claus would reward expensive gifts. If a kid was naughty, Santa would erase the name in the list of recipients. It was always a make believe story that I was holding for years but every year, I only received three apples inside my sock. We were poor family then. My mom worked as a nanny to rich family, Mr. Blue Richards. Mr. Blue Richards was an heir of an oil company in Texas. His parents died when he was 25 years. The cause of death of his parents was unknown. According to mom, Mr. Blue Richards parents were killed in a car accident when he was 25 years old. Others said, Mr. Blue Richards parents were ambushed. Everything was just pure speculations. The truth about the sudden death of his parents was still a mystery up to now. Mr. Blue got married at the age of 30. She married Barbara Sanders from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Barbara was one of the employees of the Richards Oil Company in Texas. Barbara graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It was her first job in the Richards Oil Company. He fell in love accidentally with Barbara Sanders in hot breezy afternoon. He had an argument with her for disobeying his orders. Blue thought that he was a man because she was wearing a helmet. Blue was so raged and lambasted Barbara. Barbara freak-out and yelled. “There are hundreds of people in that rig. If you are going to pull the string, all those men will be dead.” She took her helmet and threw it away. “I quit this job. You are so inhuman.” Blue was speechless. He never saw such a beautiful and courageous woman in his entire life. He courted Barbara. It was whirlwind courtship. Barbara could not resist the charm of Blue. Besides, she was two months pregnant.

Barbara was the best buddy of mom since they were kids but they separated ways when they were in college. My mom's house was just block away from Barbara. Mom took a nursing course in UCLA. For some twist, mom did not finish her nursing course. He fell in love with dad. A retired military man. About 20 years older than mom. In April 7, 1965 I was born to a poor happy family. We lived inside the compound of Mr. Blue Richards. His mansion was so huge with 15 rooms and hundreds of chandeliers hanging. These rooms were occupied by his private bodyguards. Mr & Mrs. Blue Richards and their newly born son were stationed in the basement.   On the roof of the mansion were satellite disks. About four disks were rotating – each one getting its radio frequency from the satellite in the outer space. In the basement, there were monitors, computers, high tech gadgets and the spacious little home of Mr & Mrs. Richards.  The monitors served as surveillance to all the businesses own by Mr. Blue Richards. There was also a massive swimming pool. It looks like an ocean because there were ebbs of tides. The swimming pool was controlled by electromagnetic field below the ground attached to the basement. I fancied that water was the source of power in the basement. Sometimes, if I came close to the swimming pool, I heard a humming sound. The guard would whisk me away telling me that it was too dangerous for a kid to go near the pool. I could feel the electromagnetic energy sipping my fragile body. I bolted away. 

”Jazz darling. Can you carry this bag of grocery inside?”

I was happy to get the manila bag from mom’s arms.

“Where’s your dad?” Mom seemed worried.

“He was at the mansion a moment ago. Mr. Richards needs his service. Something to do with military tactics. That’s what I heard.” Mom pretended to smile. I knew she was upset.

“What are you preparing for tonight Mama?

“Coles law, beef stew, chicken soup, red wine and vanilla flavored ice cream."

“Mama, what do you think Santa would give me tonight?”

“Well Jazz, I guess Santa will give you an expensive dress and pair of shoes.”

My dark blue eyes turned big. It was a big moment for me to be rewarded with expensive gifts. I had always been an obsequious child. I deserved this after all.

Chapter XXX: The Legacy: The Dawn of the Fallen Angels

We were silent for a moment. Each one of us was enjoying devouring the exquisite taste of the gourmet foods served. From time to time, I was glancing at Joey. Not because I deserved an answer from him like where did he go when we were fiercely driving out the tarantula-cobra freaks out of Thessaly? Why was it that he doesn't care about me, about us?  This is the boggling question in my mind: If a warrior angel gets hungry since he was more of a spirit? The way I saw him he lavishly enjoyed the foods. Joey read my mind and started talking. “Oh now I am full. These foods are superb.” Then I heard him burped. I was amused that I started out to giggle.

“What’s funny, Abby?

“I was wondering if angels get starved or like to eat.”

“That would be unfair if I just stare at you guys greedily devouring the foods. It tasted perfect. Well blended. Palatable. Of course, I do love to eat. Thousands of years ago, we were the one propagating the earth. We planted different kinds of tree bearing fruits on the planet of the earth. We also raised and propagate animals. Be it in water, land or air.  During harvest time, we bring forth the harvest to God. The rest we stored and ate some.  Some we fed the animals. The harvest indeed was abundant and there was no more to fill the cup. God then decided to create humans in his own image and likeness. When humans were created, millions of angels got jealous. Human creations ignited a spark of discontent among angels. The rest, you know the story and I don't need to elaborate further. 

“Is that where the big bang theory emanates that the universe was created because of humans?

“There is no truth to a big bang theory. God existed before the universe. Even science cannot decipher how the universe existed. The universe is just an invention of human minds. The mystery of it cannot be defined by science. It is too perplexed to human minds because human minds are too small to grasp the truth of Divine Existence not unless you experienced the divinity of the Creator, you will never know the truth. The earth was the last planet He created.”

Joey was right. Even though I may be gifted with supernatural powers, there was something in divinity that I found it hard to put it into whole picture. There was still a hole deep inside me that I was trying to paint the picture clearly. I know that the supernatural powers that I possessed came from Divine Existence. There were also cosmic forces that surrounds my power. The big bang theory and the Divine Existence - so many speculations that came out from human minds. What was really the truth behind the Divine Existence? Why was there a Divine Existence? If I dug deeper and deeper, I could only see mass of void and darkness however far away from a distance, I could see striking bright lights. In that striking bright lights, there goes the mystery not in the void and darkness. 

We were delving deeper into the subject matter.  Joey was so upright and extraordinary intellectual. He could explain the existence of the universe, cosmology, Divine Existence, spirituality and name it all. When he explained, I can picture everything in my mind and boom – it drew me back to the past events of my life. My head was spinning fast. I saw dad chased by three armed men wearing mask. He was holding me tight. He wrapped me with his leather jacket against the coldness of the night. The rain was pouring devilishly and the lightning was bolting that made the earth shook. I saw no fear in dad’s green eyes. He turned around to the three mask men. His green eyes blazing. He whispered in my ears. “Everything will be okay baby.” He put me to the ground. “You have to hide somewhere. Go run.”  I ran as fast as I can. Suddenly, I felt someone lift me up. He had feathery wings. An angel covered only with white linen sheets. 

I knew it was Joey who lifted me up. I blurted “Thanks Joey.”

“The reason why I let Khail take care of you while I took care of the business. I thought that you don’t possess powers like us,” Dad explained.

So dad was reading my mind too. I felt that the discussion was getting under water. I might  be carried away. I might not be able to swim. I drastically changed the topic.

“I still need an explanation from you Joey. Where did you go? You don’t even bother to help us.”

Joey frowned and said, “Oh shoot, I need to go back to my room. I am sleepy.”

“No, angels don’t sleep.”

“I do. I am lazy angel.

“Good riddance, Joey.”

Well Joey was gone. We all laughed. Dad said, “You scared the hell Joey, Abby.”

“Well dad, I deserve an explanation and what did you do with those three mask men? 

“He never left you behind, you need to know that.” His voice was echoing in thin air and he was gone. My questions were hanging up in the air again. 

We’re back to 5 again without dad.

Chapter XXVIX: The Legacy: The Dawn of the Fallen Angels

It was a hell of exhilarating day! I surpassed the challenge but I knew it was not over yet. I transformed those fierce beasts into tamed fireflies. They were flying around Bethany Hotel.  Their abdomens were sparkling against the rays of the sun. If you looked at them far below, you would never think that they were fireflies but just like a gold dust up there in the sky. People passing by the hotel found this a strange phenomenon. Yet they could not find any explanation. Science would explain in a different way. A once furious beasts turned to fireflies were now under my spell. I knew another test was coming.  Maybe more intense that the first one.  I was always ready for the next level. It was registered in my cunning mind.  I wished I had pleased dad and grandfather. They were my knight in a shining armor. My tutelage. And Alan…? What happened to him after he was swallowed by a thick fog? A penny for my thought disturbed me. Immediately, I changed the course of the wind in my mind. Why worry about him anyway. He was exactly like me. Born with supernatural powers. Dad said he could take care of his self. I shove away this negativity.

Almost damn tired! Profusely soaked with our damn sweats! We all returned to our respective suites to take a shower and rest for a little bit.  I intend to eat sumptuous Italian foods later. I missed eating pasta garnished with Parmesan cheese and herbs on top of it.  Now I could feel my saliva was almost falling. I could taste the pasta just imagining it.  My room was just adjacent to my siblings and Joey. And speaking of Joey, he doesn't even care to show-up when were embroiled in rat-race with the freaking beasts. What happened to my warrior angel?  I needed to find that out. I had a difficulty reading Joey’s mind. He blocked me out.  I was about to knock the door of his room. A light bulb of message struck my head. Joey was not at his room. I decided to go straight to my room instead. I was sticky. The dirt almost consumed my clothes. “Oh yuck," I smelled awful. Besides, why should I bother about Joey if he doesn't bother either?

When I was about to enter my room, I heard a voice. “I am always with you. Remember that.”  “Cool Joey, you always blow my mind away. See you later. I need explanation from you.”

“I am scared to be reprimanded, Abby.”  His voice echoed and faded away. I shrugged my shoulders. He always acted strangely since the time I met him. A warrior angel with cuckoo on his head. "Ouch forgive me Joey," I murmured. "Stop accusing me, Abby," Joey reacted.  "Oh sorry, I am just responding out of the blues." I told Joey. "You behave like that much often. Have faith honey." "I have faith. You owe me an explanation,” I said.  Joey never responded. I knew he doesn't want to have arguments with me.

I filled the pink Jacuzzi pink tub with lukewarm water. Once filled with water, I poured hyacinth liquid soap. The aroma filled the air. The scent was invigorating. It seemed like my room was surrounded with hyacinth flowers. I loved pink, purple, red and white hyacinth. I was enjoying while imagining.  I couldn't wait to submerge myself in a tub so I took off my clothes. I stepped inside the tub. Lied down while my head was on the edge of the tub. I could feel the pores in my skin opened. It was relieving.  I sponged my copper colored skin with soap. I decided to stay for a while. I let my mind travel and wander. Finally, I felt drowsy. I had no choice but to close my eyes.

I was kinda on the alpha state of sleeping. Usually in my alpha state my creative visualization was hyperactive including my precognitive ability.  I saw myself standing between skyscraper buildings. The walls of the buildings were made of green colored fiber glasses which meant to say the buildings were made of sophisticated materials but tangible to destruction. Many more buildings were erected. Soon, I know I would take care of the legacy. I was destined to it. I was going deeper in my alpha state. Suddenly, I felt an urge of uneasiness. I sensed that someone was looking at me. I opened my eyes. No one was around.

I stepped out of the tub. I wrapped myself with a beige colored towel. Sped out of the bathroom in haste. Lo, in my bed there was a small note. I read what was written, “More surprise to come, Abby.”  I crumpled the note. I answered, “I am ready. Anytime! Anywhere! Any place!”  All of a sudden, purple petal roses were encircling in my room like a hurricane. They came from nowhere. It was a product of mind materialization. The petals piled up till they reached the roof of the room. They were behaving like this for few minutes.  The purple petals were multiplying to million folds. I gasped. This time they encircled me. My body was almost covered with petals. I shouted, “Alan.” Alan didn't answer at all. He acted deaf but I knew he was in my room playing mavericks with me.

There was a light knock at the door. When the petals heard the knock, they instantly disappeared from my sight. I was still holding the crumpled note in my hand.

 “Wait,” I said. I need to change clothes.

“Abby, just proceed to the Italian restaurant at ground floor. I ordered Orecchiette with Ricotta and Chard Pan Sauce. Your favorite Italian pasta. We will wait for you there. Just hurry-up.”

The voice sounded familiar to me. I shouted, “Dad, you’re here.”

“Yes, darling I am here to check out if you are okay. If your limbs and bones are still intact.”

“Hahaha,” I laughed loud. “Of course I am daddy. I am not a piece of junk."

“I’ll wait for you there, Baby.”  My daddy still liked to call me baby. My heart leaped. It was good to see dad again.

Then there was silence. I knew dad was already in the Italian Resto. He could move fast in split seconds and could pass through the walls.

The ambiance of the La Bethany Resto was striking. It reminded me of Italy. I and daddy lived in Italy for almost three years. The Italian people were friendly and religious. They were fun to be with. They loved to joke. Mostly, they were honest people.  I had a playmate there named Pablo. His father was an accountant and a computer savvy. He was working closely with my dad when it comes to the finances of Josephus Group of Companies. I heard that his father retired and Pablo took over his position. He followed his father’s footsteps. Dad gifted Mr. De Luca, father of Pablo a diamond ring which cost million dollars, a brand new house and luxury car for his honesty and loyalty. Dad was philanthropic by heart but devious to enemies.

I saw dad sitting at the far end corner of the rectangle red wooden table. A white china porcelain antique vase with red roses was sitting in the center of the table. Mom’s favorite flower. Sitting next to him was Joey. In front of Joey were Mikhail, Stephen and Darwin. There was one vacant seat reserved for me next to Joey. The Italian pasta garnished with herb and cheese was already served. The chili aroma filled my nose. I almost swallowed my saliva. My throat lumped.  Come along with pasta were red wine, potato salads with parsley and Hawaiian pizza. Seeing these palatable cuisines made me hungrier.

“Hi dad!”

“Hi my baby.”

I kissed dad on his forehead. Darn, who could ever say that dad was already in his 50’s. Angels never seemed to grow old. Only in years. Only in numbers.  And so with Joey and my siblings. They maintain their youthfulness and robustness in the passing of times. I winked at Joey before I sat next to him. He winked back and smiled. His angelic smiled could almost melt my heart. Who could ever believe that a dazzling guy sitting next to me was a warrior angel. I could see the halo on his head.

"Joey, say a little prayer before we eat," dad said.

"Bless us O Lord and this thy gift which we are about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen."