Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence Chapter Ten
Title: Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence
Author: Alex Foster
Category: General
Word Count: 50,000+
Rating: PG-13
Summary: A trip home for the holidays turns into a race to protect a young special from The Church of the Nephilim. Claire/Gretchen/Elle triad relationship.
Contains: Polyamory, established relationships, original characters, cursing, misogynist language, threats of violence to a child, sexual situations, descriptions of violence.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by NBC. No money is being made and no infringement is intended.
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Chapter Ten
"I told you," Gretchen said, tugging at her sleeve, "that I feel fine."
Elle glanced back and forth between her and Claire who was changing clothes. "No dreams or white eyes?"
"No and not that I know of." She blinked in Elle’s direction. "Still brown."
Claire hooked her bra much to Elle’s disappointment. "How about the off center feeling? Still feel that?"
Gretchen shook her head. "I’m a little dragged out, but nothing like before. This might actually be stress. I feel like I’m firmly in my own skin."
"Good." Claire pulled her dress on and adjusted the waist. "It’s a Hanukkah miracle."
"Or a Village of the Damned reject messing with us."
"Even if it was-"Gretchen reached over and straightened Elle’s collar-"it’s over now. We helped him and he undid whatever he did to me."
Claire turned to face them. "How do I look?"
"Like a fine Gentile woman. You both do."
The three of them had dressed in their respectable best for the menorah lighting. Gretchen and Claire both wore black dresses with long sleeves. Elle wore black pants with a gray button down shirt. The Jewish tradition book Elle had been reading had two chapters on this night and Gretchen had given them an overview on what would happen.
"Okay. Let’s get this simkhe on the road!"
"Elle."
"I know. I’m sorry."
The three of them filed out of the small bedroom-removing the cot would help with floor space but none of them wanted to be the one to try and explain to the Bergs why they didn’t need it-and started down the stairs.
"You know," Elle said, "if you were a special I could have suggested some awesome special bars back in Baltimore."
"Well we can still go," Gretchen said. "I’m tri-curious."
Martin spotted them first and jumped to his feet. Like them, he was dressed for the occasion with a button down shirt and suit coat. A tie would have ruined the slacker look though. He shot them a questioning glance.
Gretchen gave him a subtle double thumbs up and he let out a long breath.
The living room was dimly lit and welcoming. A fire in the fireplace provided much of the light, as did several candles in the foyer. A lovely smell of dinner came from the kitchen-Lillian must have been to the deli again for homecooking.
Howard peered out from the den and joined them. "Hey, baby girl." He hugged Gretchen and kissed her head. "Feeling better?"
"I am, daddy, thank you. Much better."
Elle stared at them for a second. Visions of her father dancing in her head. She wondered what Bob Bishop would think of all this, of his little girl at a candle lighting ceremony with her two girlfriends. The only thing he and Howard Berg would probably agree on is how much they disapproved of each other.
Lillian came into the living room from the kitchen. "Are we ready?" she asked. "It’s just about dark out."
The family menorah was on a small table next to a window facing the street. Elle and Claire fell a step behind the entire family as everyone gathered near it.
Howard moved to begin, but Martin spoke first. "I’d just like to say how happy I am that big sis decided to come back this year." He easily looked over Gretchen’s head. "And brought her awesome extended family with too."
The corner of Elle’s mouth twitched more at the shadow that flickered across Howard’s face rather than the sentiment.
"And here is to many more," Claire said, also looking at Gretchen’s father. Elle fell just a little deeper in love with her for that subtle dig. Point for the cheer captain.
Lillian placed the first candle in the rightmost position of the menorah and picked up the Shamash. Obviously familiar with the family tradition, Martin leaned forward and took hold of it, as did Gretchen. Elle and Claire wisely hung back.
Howard struck a long match and said, "Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
"Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, she’asah nisim l’avoteinu, b’yamim haheim bazman hazeh.
"Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, shehekheyanu, v’kiyamanu vehegianu lazman hazeh."
He touched the lit end to the Shamash, snuffed the match, and then also placed his hand on the candle. Together the family lit the first Hanukkah candle.
Lillian placed the Shamash in the center of the menorah.
The family took a moment to enjoy the sight. Reflected in the windowpane, Elle could see both the menorah and Gretchen’s face. Her eyes were closed and her lips moving slightly. She was praying, Elle realized. Wow.
Religion wasn’t really a thing for the three of them. She knew Gretchen prayed sometimes but never really saw it like this. It made her feel…she didn’t really know how.
Claire’s fingers found hers and wrapped around them, squeezing slightly. She understood and that was good enough.
The moment was broken a minute later by a knock on the door.
Martin started for the foyer, but Gretchen stopped him. "I got it."
Not really paying attention, Elle kept her fingers locked with Claire and began leading her back to the dining room. At least tonight’s gathering wouldn’t be as awkward as the previous evening. Having backup was always best.
"Forgive the intrusion," a new, accented, voice said. "But the light just looked so warm and inviting. Plus, I do love a religious ceremony."
Warning bells went off in Elle’s head. She spun and saw a man she didn’t recognize standing next to Gretchen in the doorway. He had one hand poised near Gretchen’s arm but didn’t touch her. It took Elle only a second to see him as a special and a second after that to look at his blue eyes and feel the way the air around him charged to know what he could do.
Gretchen stood ramrod straight next to him, doubtlessly aware of what he could do as well.
Power raised through Elle but she held back; there wasn’t a clear shot between her and the newcomer.
"Who are you?" Howard asked, coming forward. "What do you want?"
Blue white power jumped from the special and caught Howard across the face. The force of the blow was enough to knock him back and leave a red burn behind. Lillian screamed and ran to him.
"I want you all to sit down," he said and then made eye contact with Elle. "Not you though."
Two others followed in his wake through the still open front door. A slim woman and a plain looking man. Both specials. The man had some heft but he wasn’t there as muscle. Neither of them were. The first special with his hand next to Gretchen acted as though he was more than capable of subduing everyone in the house.
"Who are you?" Claire asked, managing to keep her voice steadier than Howard’s had been.
"I am that I am," the newcomer said.
Martin tried to step in front of Elle but before she could raise a hand to stop it lightning caught him full in the chest. He flew back and crashed into the coffee table, shattering it.
Elle thought he was dead at first but then saw that the power hadn’t been at full strength. It singed clothes and skin but didn’t burn deep enough to do serious damage. He groaned and rolled onto his side.
"I will not repeat myself," the special said. Then to Lillian added, "If you move I’ll kill your husband first." He looked at Howard. "You move and I kill her first. If the boy moves I’ll kill him straight up. Understand?"
Both nodded.
He smiled warmly at Claire. "I heard you paid a visit to the New York branch. News does spread fast. I see you already have a faith but perhaps you could be persuaded to see things my way."
"Get away from her," Elle said. "Both of them."
He regarded Gretchen for a moment before turning full attention to Elle. "And yet another note in your Company file…interesting reading by the way."
"I don’t really give a crap. Leave them alone."
"Oh, I will. In time. We have business first."
Elle’s mind raced as she searched for options. She didn’t have a clear shot at any of the church people; Claire was to her right and the Bergs to her left. If she could move a few paces forward the sofa would provide a little cover to the Bergs. Then if Claire could get Gretchen out of the way fast enough…
"There." He pointed to a small end table across from the menorah. It was in the foyer and had a few days worth of mail next to a vase of flowers. "That will do nicely. Be a dear, Claire, and fetch that for me. And if you don’t I’ll take the skin off your girlfriend’s arm." His fingers wrapped around her forearm, ready to pull down.
Claire snapped a panicked look at Elle-her father’s training probably showing her the crossfire problem. Elle gave her a nod.
"What do you want?" Moving carefully, Claire walked to the end table.
"Oh, I think you know. Something was stolen from me today and when I tried to get it back my car was hit with a bolt of lightning. My friend was also hurt in that little incident-something I am trying to rise above right now." A blue eyed gaze flicked in Elle’s direction. "And what a coincidence that you, someone that recently showed interest in my organization, and a fellow electrical manipulator just happen to be in town. You are going to give it back to me."
They were followed somehow, Elle knew. The church traced her back to the Bergs. But they didn’t have Stephen or West.
Claire slid the pack of mail aside and picked up the flowers.
"Take them out. You only need the vase."
Elle noticed a box with the rest of the mail. Heavily sealed with clear shipping tape and addressed to herself care of the Bergs-grandmama’s cookies.
"Good. Now take the water and pour it over Bishop’s head."
"What?"
His grip on Gretchen’s arm visibly tightened; she only kept silently moving her lips. "Do it and I’ll let her go."
Elle caught Claire’s gaze and said, "It’s fine. I can make do without my ability." She dropped her gaze to the box and then back again, willing her to catch the unspoken message.
Claire nodded minutely and started forward.
"Hurry now. Don’t want me getting twitchy."
Martin groaned on the floor and his parents watched the scene with expressions of horror and confusion. Elle felt them watching but ignored it and continued trying to come up with a plan. The box was just so far away.
Claire lifted the vase. "I’m sorry."
"Just get it over with." Elle refused to close her eyes but braced herself.
It was an icy cold shock that felt like a dull razor blade dragged over her exposed skin. Her hair was immediately soaked and dripped water down the collar of her shirt. Her ability, already close to the surface, recoiled and Elle cried out.
"Oh, you son of a bitch." Elle worked her jaw and sucked in a deep breath.
His pleasant smile returned. "Now we are on less of an even playing field. And a promise is a promise." He released Gretchen and casually shoved her away.
Not doing much to slow her own fall, Gretchen would have hit the floor if not for Claire getting in her path. Both stumbled to the side, near the mouth of the foyer.
Elle’s hand came up on instinct and she had to fight back the urge to fry him where he stood. It was risky and doubtful she’d even manage a blast strong enough to overwhelm his defenses-if she could do it wet there was no promise the Bergs, Gretchen included, would survive as well.
Unperturbed he waited for her to lower her fist. "Wise choice. My wit aside, you may call me Light."
Elle ground her teeth. "I didn’t take anything from you. Light."
"I think you did. So as I have asked many times and in many homes before this one, where is Stephen?"
"Stephen? Who is that?"
Lightning flashed across the distance between them and lashed across Elle’s body. White hot pain exploded in its wake and she screamed, her knees buckling. "God!"
Light came forward. "Do not dare speak the Lord’s name in vain! There are plenty of people in this house I can kill to hurt you. Do not forget that."
Elle pushed to her feet and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. "Oh I am going to kill you."
"I don’t think so. Where is Stephen?"
"Why do you want little Damien? He isn’t much of a conversationalist, I can tell you that."
Light laughed and looked back at the two church members still standing by the front door. The slim sandy haired one just shook her head in answer to some unspoken question-Elle didn’t see much help out of this situation from either of them.
"Why am I never partnered with someone with a sense of humor?" Light asked the room at large. "At least Salt smiled occasionally."
"I think reality bending might be overrated," Elle said. "Too many comics hyped it up. I didn’t see the kid do much beyond creative house painting. What do you say we all just call it a day?"
"I like you," Light said. "It is a shame we’re on different sides in this war."
"I’m not on anyone’s side. And last time I checked it was a little rough out there for us but no one had declared war yet."
"Maybe not officially but this war has been going on for years now. Born from the arrogance of the first non that thought himself better than a special. You picked your side when you chose to deny God’s gift and waste your existence with nons. Behold your weakness." He gestured to the Bergs and Lillian flinched, expecting a burst of lightning that never came.
"You and I should be standing together as living proof of God’s power on Earth," he continued. "Instead you throw away your blessing for nothing."
"You never answered her question," Claire said, drawing Light away from the Bergs. "What do you want with him?"
"What greater proof of divinity than the power to rewrite what is?" Light spread his arms wide. "What wouldn’t we want with him. No harm will come to him, I assure you. He will be our figurehead, a prince of the church."
"A weapon," Claire finished.
Light’s tone dropped. "We are all weapons."
A creepy feeling began to spread over Elle’s skin that didn’t have anything to do with the water. She realized that Gretchen’s eyes were still closed and she was still whispering to herself. It wasn’t a prayer, she now saw.
Gretchen was saying one word over and over again. Stephen. Not a mantra but a plea.
Taking the Lord’s name in vain sounded like a really good idea again. Deciding she needed to get Light’s attention away from Claire and Gretchen, Elle said, "Okay, how about we leave them out of this and I take you to Stephen?"
Light seemed to think it over for a second. "No. Tell me where you hid him right now or I’ll kill one of these people."
Lillian gave a choked sob.
"He’s in the care of a Company agent on his way out of the state to a new safe house," Elle lied.
Light tipped his head and gave a half smile. "No." He looked back at the acolytes. "Crush the girlfriend," he said. "The non special one."
"Wait!"
The male acolyte came forward and grabbed Gretchen, yanking her away from Claire.
Before he could use his ability on her though, Gretchen’s eyes opened and that same uncomfortable feeling from Stephen’s house flooded the room. Her eyes were white.
She threw her head back and screamed. Power exploded in the house. Wind nearly knocked Elle from her feet and turned every knickknack, picture frame, and book in the room into a swirling tornado of blunt objects.
Seizing on the surprise, Claire dove for the box and shoved it across the floor toward Elle.
Elle went down, let just enough of a current jump from her hands to melt the tape. Just that little bit was enough to hurt like a mother but it was worth it when her hand found the reassuring feel of cold metal buried in the sea of packing paper in the box.
She jammed the clip home, came up to her knee, and in one smooth motion flicked the safety off and took aim at the man holding onto Gretchen. The gunshot was barely audible over the roar of wind. Her first shot shattered his shoulder and made him stumble back. Her second, third, and fourth shots caught him center mass and took away any chance he might use his crushing power on Gretchen.
Light wheeled on her, lightning already forming around his hands. Elle swung her gun around but knew he had her. Speed of light topped speed of bullet.
Get out!
The words came from the uncomfortable power swirling around and Elle felt them in her bones more than heard them. They made everything…feel wrong.
Get out!
A blinding blue flash lit the room and instead of the stinging feel of lightning Elle expected everything just stopped.
Light, the thin special, and the crusher Elle killed were gone. The wind stopped, swirling objects fell, and Gretchen collapsed.
And save for the ringing in her ears, everything was quiet.
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