Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Family Business Part 2: Séance in the Shop

 The latest in the life of Em De Mone... 


Séance in the Shop 

The sun warmed my face as I headed toward the building. It was the first week of November and still in the 80s. A cool breeze gave the subtlest hint of fall. Las Vegas sure was different than upstate New York.

A shadow passed under the sun, darkening the desert. With it, a cold hallow reminder of that Fetish and Fantasy Ball only two nights ago. Cursed party-goers were forced to remove their own eyes after their arms morphed into jagged ice cream scoopers. The horror of it had sat in the pit of my stomach ever since, but that nightmare had been the tip of a much larger problem. One my Demon Peace Keeper family needed to solve, which was why I was here today. 

I reached the glass door of the mystical shop and my reflection stared back at me. I tucked a few stray hairs and sighed. I was out of excuses. That’s when I saw him, leaning against an open garage door, coffee mug in hand. 

I froze.

He called out, “They’re over here.”

I gulped and walked toward him. He was huge, looming over me by at least half a foot. Opposite his shaven head was a long pointed beard, braided and tied together with a sliver of leather. His eyes bore into me, “You’re her, aren’t you?”

“I…um…” I fidgeted. Completely unprepared, I couldn’t even organize a response. “Who…”

“Lovie!” Granny said. Dressed like a teenager in her black lace-up boots, worn jeans, and Led Zepplin t-shirt, she hurried out to greet me. Suddenly, she stopped and took a step back. I think she wanted to hug me, “I know this is all new to you, but now that you’re here…well, I’m just glad you’re here. Paddy, meet your granddaughter. Emmie.”

“Hey,” was all I could say.

“She’s the spitting image of Sarah at that age,” He stared at me. Hard. “She sure looks like she belongs to us.” 

I gulped again. I wanted to tell him my name was Em…just Em…not Emmie, but I couldn’t form enough saliva to make my words.  

“You had her tested though, right Letti?” He asked.

“I did, Paddy, just to appease you. I mean it’s more than obvious…just look at her…” And she beamed at me. Her big toothy grin showed off the red lipstick smeared all over her teeth. 

I wanted to do something, respond in some way, say anything, like ‘what test’? But they unnerved me with their stares. 

“Alright, if you say so. Do you need any help with this Wellman thing?” Paddy asked and took a drink from his coffee mug smudged with grit and grime.

“Maybe. Let me see what’s going on.”

“Okay,” he leaned over and kissed the top of Granny’s head, “Keep me posted.”

“Will do,” Granny watched as he walked away, then grabbed me and pulled me down the long well-lit hallway, stopping at the last door on the left.  “Down to business, Lovie. Violet will fill you in. I’ll be back soon. There’s coffee and donuts.”  She said and scurried off.

The meeting room was surprisingly cozy. Violet sat at the table with her legs crossed, slurping whatever was in her big styrofoam cup. Setting down her book, she looked up with a smile, “Morning.”

“Hey,” I said happy to see her. She was a cool chick and already knew about my witchy-demonness. I loaded my black coffee with sugar, grabbed a blueberry donut, and took a seat.

Violet’s gaze followed me. Being pretty terrible at relationships and not knowing what to say, I gave her a nod and shoveled the donut into my mouth. All at once. Instead of showing a bit of dignity and wiping the crumbs from my mouth, I got up, grabbed another donut, and shoveled it in, again, like some sort of heathen.

“How do you eat donuts like that and look like you do? Violet’s eyes danced. “I gained two pounds just watching you eat.” 

 “Honestly, I think it’s the demon metabolism,” fell out of my mouth, along with some bits of donut. I was mortified.  

Violet hid her amusement with kindness, “I’ve heard that. I mean just look at your Granny.”

“Yeah,” I said, quickly changing the subject now that my mouth was empty. I nodded to the corner of the room where Rose stood on her cell phone, head bent in serious conversation, “Speaking of grannies, everything alright with yours?” 

 “Not sure,” Violet said, glancing at the table, “She’s checking on a friend of hers.”

“I hope everything’s okay,” I said and followed Violet’s eye line to the stuff sprawled on the table, “What’s all this?”

“This is what was left behind by Danny Wellman. Scattered in his space where he was staying with his mom.” 

Spread out before me: a lighter, a few coins, four 20-dollar bills, eight ones, a $100 chip to the Luxor casino, a pay stub, and a pack of matches. It all seemed oddly impersonal, “How will this help?” 

“We spent all of yesterday trying to get into the astral plane, the one we sent him to,” Violet’s brow furrowed, "and we can’t."

“That doesn’t make any sense. You created it for Danny. How does one overpower your origin?” I studied the table, looking for anything that didn’t belong.

“That’s what I thought, too, and one of the reasons you’re here,” Violet broke into a grin, “We need your witchiness for a good old-fashioned séance.”

“Seriously?” My heart pounded. I’ve only read about them, never actually been involved in one. “YES!”

Before I could ask for details, Granny opened the door and walked into the room, “Alright, how’s everyone doing on their coffee? Are we ready to get started?” 

“Em’s all caught up,” Violet said, “Kinda.”

“Good,” Granny said, then looked at me, “You sure you’re okay with being our fourth?”

“Absolutely.”  Was she kidding? I was thrilled to be a part of something magical. “Connecting with the elements should heighten our power, especially since the plane isn’t cooperating.” 

“My thoughts exactly,” Violet’s face lit up with excitement as she reached into her satchel. She pulled out an altar cloth, four candles, a pack of matches, and a handful of crystals.

She unfolded the cloth on the table to display a pentacle. Then she placed crystals along each of the five points and a white candle in each corner. 

Rose returned to the table, took a seat, and rubbed her temples. 

“Rosie?” Granny said. I could hear the concern in her voice, “Everything okay?”

“There was a fortune teller that didn’t show the night of the Fantasy Ball. And now she’s MIA at a Wiccan circle she sponsored. So no, it’s not okay, but it’s not a Wellman issue. I’ve got folks looking into it. It’s handled.”

Violet gave her grandma a worried look, “You up for a séance?”

“Yes dear,” Rose said.

Violet lit the candles and took her place at the table. 

We all reached for one another. The moment we joined hands, encircling and closing the space, earthly vibrations pulsed through me. 

“Who wants to ground us to this plane?” Violet asked.

“I do,” I said with confidence. 

“I’ll take water,” said Rose.

“Fire and I go way back,” Granny squeezed my hand and cackled, “I’ve burned a few bridges in my day.”

A collective nervous laugh heaved from us all. I was scared but also exhilarated. At this moment, I was utterly accepted just as I am. 

Violet squeezed her hands, and we all vibrated, “Ready to start, Em?”

I cleared my throat and spoke with intent, “I call upon the element of Earth to ground us here. May we stay secure in our own time and bodies as we connect to another plane.” I squeezed the hands I held, as gravity tightened its hold. 

“I call upon the element of Fire. May it guide us and light our way into another realm.” Granny said, and a ball of light ignited in our circle.

“I call upon the element of Water to add power and strength to our connection with another realm.” Rose said, and the walls of the room whirled around us.

“I call upon the element of Air to lift us into the spirit realm so we may commune with the deceased Danny Wellman. Danny Wellman, come to us now.” Violet squeezed, and everything vibrated and pulsed with energy.

In unison, we spoke, “Danny Wellman, come to this plane. Danny Wellman, enter the here and now.” Repeating it over and over, getting louder and louder, the room vibrated and shook. We were close.

Then things went sideways and something was very wrong. My hands burned and my chest heaved. I closed my eyes to push past the pain and hold tighter. We didn’t stop. We only got louder. Finally, we broke through the barrier. The room stilled.

I fluttered my eyes open and caught the gasp in my throat. A huge gust of air breezed into the room, blowing out the candles. There before us, wafting in mid-air, was Danny Wellman’s apparition. But this version of Danny Wellman was a shadowy sliver of the one I witnessed less than 48 hours ago.  

This astral projection was a tormented spectacle. His mouth had been sewn shut, and a straight jacket restricted his arms. His body thrashed about wildly as his eyes screamed in pain. Anguish filled the room. It was palpable and welled up within me, suffocating me, like a heavy blanket. 

Clinging to a trickle of air, I tried to hang on the hands in the circle. Eventually, my body gave way. My vision blurred and I let go. We all did. 

Danny’s apparition faded, but not before he stilled and focused. Narrowing his eyes, he studied the table. The pack of matches levitated into the air. Every match in the pack spontaneously ignited, then burned out, and fell back to the table. Danny disappeared. 

The room filled with air and the lights blinked on. Granny reached for my hand and squeezed, “You did great, Lovie. You okay?”

I wasn’t sure I was okay, but I was here and breathing. In and out. All the air I could handle. I nodded. It could have gone worse. 

A vibration came. Rose reached for her phone. A voicemail. She got up to listen to it. 

“Okay, so that was crazy and terrible. What do you think happened?” Violet asked, reaching for her styrofoam cup.

“Someone knows we’re looking for them, and they don’t want to be found,” Granny said. “Where’d those matches come from?”

“That’s some dark dark magic to not only penetrate your astral plane but then imprison Danny like that,” I said, reaching for the crispy matchbook, “Manny’s Old Town Saloon and Gambling Hall.”

“Looks like we’re headed there,” Granny said. 

“My fortune teller friend is officially missing,” Rose said, returning to the table.

“I know Miranda. She’s very powerful. I wonder, if…” Violet’s voice trailed off as she looked at the leftovers of Danny’s Wellman’s life sprawled on the table.

“She’s tied to this mess, after all,” I finished Violet’s sentence.

“Change of plans. Violet and Emmie, you check out the Saloon. Rose and I will look into missing Miranda. Tonight. Report back here at midnight. Okay?”

Good thing I was off work at the Foundation Room tonight.  I had a demon killer to hunt. At a Saloon.

To Be Continued

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Family Business Part 1: Mystics and Mechanics

 The latest in the life of Em De Mone... 


Mystics and Mechanics

There it was. Smack in the Mojave Desert on the outskirts of Las Vegas. One large building. Two shops: Mystics and Mechanics. A garage on one side. Crystals and juju on the other. It belonged to my ‘family’, a term I use lightly. 

They wanted me to be a part of it. Well, the old woman did, and I had to admit I liked Granny. I hadn’t met my dad or most of the others yet. In addition to a dad and a Granny, I had a grandfather a few aunts and uncles, and some cousins. Then there was also some extended family club.

Truthfully though, I’m 24 and at this point, I’m not sure I want a dad, let alone an entire family. The other side was retched, what if this one is too? After foster care and having to banish my mother into another realm, with sisters I never knew I had, family really wasn’t my thing.

As I sat in my little  Saturn, turquoise and surprisingly inexpensive, I stared at the building. My knee bounced uncontrollably as I  gnawed on a hangnail. I’d only been here once before, and I’d fled in a hurry confused and overwhelmed. Since then, I’d tried to block these people and this part of my life out of my mind, until Granny turned up at that Fetish Ball two nights ago. Now that I’ve seen real people scoop out their own eyeballs, everything was different.

I pulled down the visor to check my reflection and procrastinate. My gray eyes stared back at me as I straightened my short, spiked hair. I was in way over my head. I missed my witch school in upstate New York. It was safe and I had friends. Magic was out in the open. It had been fun while it lasted but turns out I’m also half-demon, on my dad’s side. 

Well, when that discovery came to light, things got weird, and rightfully so. I was freaked out by the other side of me, too. Demons, by nature, are evil and loathsome creatures, but I don’t feel like a heinous beast.

I mean sure I’ve had terrible thoughts about others, even stolen once or twice, but evil? It was that stupid family reunion at school. Why didn’t I go to the secluded cabin up at the lake, like the Headmistress suggested? Why did I insist on staying on campus? Why did I ever let Connie talk me into doing that ancestry spell?

Once I’d discovered the truth, along with a small group of ‘friends’, it wasn’t long before news spread and fear set in. First, it was the stares in the halls, followed by the furrowed worried brows of the teachers and staff. Then it was the isolation in the library, the cafeteria, the great room, and pretty much everywhere. No one wanted to stick around to see how a half-demon, half-witch would behave.

 That school had been my first real home. It was the first time I’d ever had friends. It was the first time I’d ever felt safe enough to be me. But once people find out your family tree is a bunch of demons, residing in sunny Las Vegas and leading perfectly normal lives, like I said things got weird.

With little options, and a deep need to know more, I hopped a Greyhound across the country and found myself parked right where I was now. But that had been six months ago. And so much had changed.

I remember the first time I stepped foot in that building. Since I’m part witch, the mystical side was the logical choice. Even though I glanced next door at the garage. There were a lot of greasy people. Some were working. Some were standing around. Most of them looked strong and mean. I gulped and looked around for other customers. I mean this was a place of business, but I didn’t see any. 

Suddenly a man from out of nowhere stood right in front of me. “You have car troubles, ma’am?” He nodded to my Saturn. 

I was just a customer. I was just a customer. “Ah, no. I’m here for the crystals. A chick I work with said there were good ones out here.” I said, surprising myself with the smoothness of my voice. 

“Good stuff in there,” he nodded and scooted me along with his head. 

I smiled and hurried to the Mystical shop. As I pushed the door open, bells chimed and darkness flavored with incense streamed forth. With limited options, I stepped into another world. 

“Hello?” I called when I didn’t see anyone.

A woman came out from behind a curtain. A light shone on her face. I gasped. She gasped. We stood, staring at each other with wide, unknowing eyes. For a moment, I thought I had been transported to the future.

She looked just like me. Same eyes. Same cheekbones. Same jawline. Same forehead. Same lips. The same everything, only she was older with longer darker hair. She said nothing, although I could hear her mind flipping through possible reactions.

 I tensed. What if she charged at me? Oh shit. I just walked into a demon den. Why didn’t I give more thought to being attacked and mauled in the desert before this adventure?  Worry and angst pushed forward, welling up all around me, but I took a breath and let out a nervous laugh,  “Um…”

Older Me narrowed her eyes and pushed an odd smile to her lips, “Give me a quick second, I’ll be right back.” she said and disappeared behind the curtain.

Once she was gone, I spun around, looking for a weapon. There, ebbing and flowing, was a heavy lava lamp-looking thing. That would work. Then I reached into my bag and grabbed the smallest vial containing a purple liquid.  Instant Immobilization. I slipped it into my back pocket and stood closer to the lamp. I really wish I’d thought this through a bit better. 

The curtain rustled and my spine stiffened. Older Me, with her skeptical surprise, returned.  Behind her was an old woman with short gray hair, spiked very similar to mine, but with red tips at the end. She had the same gray eyes as me and Older Me. I gulped.

“Well, look at you…” The old woman said taking a slow walk around, eying me like a prized racehorse.

I resisted the urge to bite my nails but fidgeted from side to side. “My name is Em…

“You’re a De Mone, child. From the looks of the resemblance to Sarah here,” The old woman nodded to Older Me, “I’d bet you’re one of Sebastian's. I’m Granny. Come on in and sit for a second. Let’s have a chat,” she said, gesturing to a couch nearby.

That had been six months ago. Today, in the present moment, my other knee started to bounce. Now, everything was different.

Granny, who also went by Letti, short for her given name Scarlet, had reached out at least once a week since our first encounter. So far, I’ve dodged half of them and made excuses for the others.  I blocked them out, not because they didn’t want me, but because I  wasn’t sure I was ready for this big family with this big responsibility. 

The De Mones isn’t your normal demon biker family. They’re Demon Peace Keepers. And I’m not entirely sure what that means, but it sounds like danger and drama. Whereas I walk more of a ‘live and let live’ path, as long as you’re leaving me alone. That’s what I know best.

I was born Mandalay Wollover and left by my mother in Central Park under a Blood Moon. My whole life has felt like one giant curse. So when the opportunity to become Em De Mone fell into my lap, I jumped at the chance to become her. Sure I longed to have a cool legit name, but more importantly, I wanted to belong somewhere, even in the smallest facet. 

Of course, at that time, I had no idea what the De Mone name meant in Vegas. Even now, I’ve only begun to scratch the surface. But as soon as I’d put the De Mone name on any application, doors sprung wide open. I went from slinging hash at Waffle House to serving cocktails at the top of Las Vegas at the Foundation Room. When I bought the Saturn, the car salesman literally shoved $1500 cash back into my hand. What was I supposed to do? That was the first month's rent, which I also lucked out on. Top floor, elevator, cats allowed, and a 2 bedroom for the price of a first-floor studio. I was so grateful at first, that I didn’t ask. Now, I’m not sure I want to know. 

At the same time, I had made some nice normal human friends, and it felt good to fit in, even if it wasn’t real. It takes a lot of energy to suppress both my halves. And I was doing it well, until…that damn Fetish and Fantasy ball.

Now as I sat here in front of Mystics and Mechanics again, I knew I needed to go in. I had to; there wasn’t another option. But I also knew once I did, nothing would ever be the same. Grabbing my boho bag and keys, I sighed and got out of the car. It was now or never.


Monday, June 6, 2022

What's Next for Em De Mone?


 

What comes after the Secret Life of Em De Mone?


Well, that’s the beauty of her story, it’s only just begun. I know where she ends up in a few decades, but it will be fun to explore how she gets there.


At the end of Secret Life, Em was headed out for pancakes with her Granny to talk about the family business. It didn’t take long for the next part of the story to take shape in my mind. 


An 8-part series aptly titled Family Business is coming VERY soon. I like to think (hope to the heavens) it’s a little ‘Supernatural’ meets ‘Sons of Anarchy’. Not only will it wrap up a few stray questions from Secret Life, but it will also tell a whole new story with brand new characters. 


Family Business is written in 1st person POV, so we will see this unfold from Em’s personal perspective. I tried to capture her inner fears, her strength, and her bad habits. 


For many years, I had the good fortune to live in Las Vegas, so this story has been quite a trip down memory lane during its development! However, most of the story is one gigantic figment of my imagination. 


Here is a tiny glimpse into Em’s world and her new, not-so-secret life…


Excerpt from Family Business:

As I sat in my little  Saturn, turquoise and surprisingly inexpensive, I stared at the building. I gnawed away on a hangnail while my knee bounced uncontrollably. I’d only been here once before, and I’d fled in a hurry totally confused and overwhelmed. Since then, I’d tried to block these people and this part of my life out of my mind, until Granny turned up at that Fetish Ball two nights ago. Now that I’ve seen real people scoop out their own eyeballs, everything was different.

I pulled down the visor to check my reflection and procrastinate. My gray eyes stared back at me as I straightened my short, spiked hair. I was in way over my head. Why on earth had I ever left my school in upstate New York where I was safe and able to freely practice magic?  

Oh yeah, turns out I’m also half-demon. When that discovery came to light, well, things got weird, and rightfully so. I was freaked out by the other side of me, too. Demons, by nature, are evil and loathsome creatures, but I don’t feel like a heinous beast…

Mystics and Mechanics (Part 1 of Family Business) coming soon. 

Stay tuned!


The Soul Takes Time

  📷credit: geralt In the Darkness of the New Moon, I'm embracing new beginnings, letting go of endings, seeing new perspectives, and fa...