Heaven's Dragon

The Plan

Adalene gathered Charles and Maxwell to our room.

"What's goin on, Olivia?" Charles drawled while sprawled across our couch.
"Can he be trusted?" I respond, indicating to Maxwell.
"Charles has spoken with me, and I am in full support of whatever you need," Maxwell states diplomatically.

I glance at Adalene for confirmation. She gives me a small nod, so I continue. I tell them everything, how we need to get Gus out and get him back to the caves. I explain my plan. At midday, we leave. It will be good to have a guard with us, for the extra layer of trust from Luke. We will fly the plane to New York City, say that Gus is a servant accompanying us. Then in the middle of the night we break for West New York, where the caves are. What could go wrong?

"You are crazy, madam Olivia," Adalene says with a shake of her head.
"Downright nuts," Charles comments, "but I'm still in with you all the way kiddo."
"As am I," Maxwell adds.

I take a deep breath.

"Thank you. I don't know what I would do without you all," I say.

Charles and Adalene smile and nod, while Maxwell shifts uncomfortably.

"Say, I'm tired. I'm going to bed," Maxwell mumbles as he stands.

Charles glances at him and adds, "Oh! So am I!"

Adalene and I exchange a look.

"Maxwell, 'say', what were you and Charles up to when I came and got you."

Charles freezes as Maxwell turns bright red.

"Nothing. Good night!" Maxwell huffs as he and Charles scramble out the door.

Adalene and I look at eachother and laugh.

"What's with them?" I ask.
"As you Americans say, they are... um... oiseaux et abeilles... ah! Lovebirds."

I giggle with Adalene at the thought.

"At least they're happy," I comment.
"That is true," she responds, "And I wish nothing but the same for you."

Her words hit me as she shyly smiles in my direction. I awkwardly laugh and give a small smile in return.

"You are sweet, Adalene."
"Anything for you, Madam Olivia."

Adalene opens her mouth to say more, but closes it and turns to her bed.

"Goodnight, Madam Olivia." She squeaks.
"Goodnight Adalene," I respond as she turns over and closes her eyes.

I take to the bed next to hers, running my hands over the soft silk sheets. Cameron would have loved them. Cameron. The motel room. The scene that was there when I last went. What was that? I haven't thought about it since I arrived in New York City. I make a note to ask about it in the morning. My eyelids fall shut and I think of Cameron's eyes the moment before I fall asleep.