Two Steps Forward, One Step Back (3/4)
Helena had taken Myka to a local department store where she had made her try on five different dresses before they agreed on one. She had been completely indifferent to Myka’s eye rolls and huffing and instead delivered compliment after compliment until Myka was blushing a healthy shade of pink.
“No we’re not taking this dress because it makes my ass look good,” Myka hissed and disappeared into the dressing room again after getting some help with the zipper. Helena had tried to come in with her but Myka had sternly refused. Helena understood her need for distance and did not push. Not yet.
Finally back in the car with the new dress in a garment bag in the back seat Helena turned to Myka and smiled. “How about some lunch?”
Myka nodded.
“How hungry are you? Could you wait about an hour or so?”
“That’s fine.”
“Then I know just the place.”
Helena took Myka to Laguna Beach. They had enjoyed a wonderful lunch during which they chatted about all sorts of little things, both trying to keep the conversation light. Helena watched Myka intently as she spoke, delighting at the emotions showing on her face. She was more like the old Myka in this moment and it made Helena very happy. She reached out and tucked a stray lock behind Myka’s ear, watching the sun reflect the different shades of red in Myka’s hair. She smiled at her when Myka looked up at her.
“Let’s go for a walk, darling.”
They strolled along the walkway at the top of the cliffs with the beautiful sandy beach below. Myka smiled and grabbed Helena’s arm when she spotted a hummingbird. “Look!”
Helena smiled and turned her hand so she could take Myka’s. To her delight Myka squeezed her hand. They continued their walk along the rose garden and down to the beach. Taking off their shoes they strolled along the waterfront hand in hand. Once they reached the end Helena steered Myka to a spot where they could sit down. She sat down behind Myka and wrapped her arms around her, resting her chin on Myka’s shoulder. They looked out over the Pacific Ocean in silence, each lost in her own thoughts.
“Thank you,” Myka finally whispered.
“You’re most welcome, darling.”
“It still amazes me how well you know me even after all this time. That you know just how to touch me and hold me to make me feel safe,” she whispered.
Helena turned her head and kissed her cheek.
“I’m scared Helena.” The words were whispered so softly they almost disappeared into the soft breeze.
“Scared of what darling?”
“To come back. How can I face them? I left like a coward.”
Helena gently grasped her chin and turned her head so she could look into Myka’s eyes. “They love you. They know that you were hurting. They forgave you for whatever you’re worried about a long time ago.” When Myka didn’t respond she pushed on. “If it had been Pete or Claudia who had left like that, would you not want them to come back? To help them heal?” she asked softly.
“I would,” Myka said softly. “I’m just so ashamed and feel like an idiot.”
“But you were right to trust me darling. I know it didn’t seem like that at the time when you left, but if you had waited a day you would’ve realized that you were the only one who was right.”
Myka frowned. She had not really thought about the situation that way. “I guess if you put it that way.”
“They were really angry with me. I thought Claudia was going to claw my eyes out. Good thing I’m stronger than her,” Helena said with a chuckle. Myka laughed and then got silent.
“Even Artie came around eventually. He’s really been there for me,” Helena said with a sigh. “One night when I was ready to kick the computer all the way to the other end of the warehouse he just grabbed me and pulled me into his arms,” she smiled at the surprised look on Myka’s face. “It’s true, papa bear can actually hand out hugs in extreme situations,” she said and winked at Myka. “Anyway we sat down on that awful little sofa he has in the office and he just held me as I cried. Through my tears and me hitting him on the chest he just stroked my hair and held me close. I think I finally fell asleep in his arms. I heard him say my name and looked up at him. You will find her was all he said and then he smiled at me. I cried and laughed until he finally pushed me up, and once again turned back into grumpy bear as Claudia calls him, muttering about me getting all emotional working late in the office,” Helena said.
Myka laughed. “I can see him doing that.” She smiled at Helena. “I’m glad that the two of you worked it out. He’s a wonderful man.”
Helena nodded. “His social skills are questionable, but I guess he does rise to the occasion from time to time.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s getting late darling. I think we need to get back.”
Myka got up and held out her hand to Helena. She pulled her up and held her in a tight hug when Helena’s body collided with hers. “Thank you.”
Helena inhaled the scent of Myka’s hair mixed with the ocean breeze. She closed her eyes trying to memorize the moment. “I can’t begin to describe the feeling inside of me right now darling. To have you back, even if it’s just like this. It’s more than I ever hoped for.”
Myka stiffened when she finally understood Helena’s deepest fear. She pulled away and grabbed her face. “You thought I was dead, didn’t you?” she whispered. Helena nodded and a tear rolled down her cheek. Myka pulled her back into a hug and caressed her hair. “I’m sorry. I was selfish. Though in my defense, I thought you had played me the entire time. I was so angry with you.”
Helena nodded. “I know. Perhaps the anger is gone now and I can work on rebuilding your trust in me?”
Myka nodded. “I’m not angry with you, but I’m still hurting inside. I need time Helena.”
Helena pulled away and nodded. She held out her hand to Myka who took it without hesitation. They walked back to the car in silence.
*** *** ***
Helena zipped up Myka’s dress and met her eyes in the mirror. “You are gorgeous darling,” she said and arranged Myka’s curls over her shoulders. Myka smiled at her.
“You’re not so bad yourself, for a hundred and fifty year old woman.”
Helena made a face at her in the mirror. “Glad to see that your sense of humor is intact.”
Myka smiled and looked down and then met her eyes as she chewed on her lip.
“Give me a hand please,” Helena said and turned her back at Myka. Myka held the dress together and slowly pulled the zipper up the back. She pulled a little on the fabric and then grabbed Helena’s hair that she had pushed out of the way over her right shoulder. She sighed as Helena’s hair fell in heavy waves down her back.
“Your hair is just as gorgeous as I remember it,” she mumbled.
Helena smiled and caressed her cheek. She took a step closer and looked Myka in the eyes. She started to lean closer but stopped when she felt Myka stiffen. With a sigh she let go of her and moved away.
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled. To have something to do she put on her shoes, feeling a little more in control with the increased height that brought her to Myka’s eye level.
“It’s okay Helena. I know that this is hard for you too,” Myka generously acknowledged. “I wish that I could just let go and forget about everything that brought us here, but I can’t. Not until I can make some sense out of it. I can’t just turn my feelings on and off like that. I realize that you never turned yours off, which must be difficult now.”
“Not as difficult as if I had never found you again,” Helena said softly. Myka nodded. “So, anyway, we’re going to an event at a local art gallery. The artifact we are looking for is a pallet knife. Do you know what that is?” she asked Myka. She shook her head. “It’s a tool painters use instead of a brush, or to mix paint with. Normally it’s quite harmless, but this particular one is sharp. It used to belong to Van Gogh.”
“Is that what he used to cut his ear off with?” Myka asked with a gasp when the pieces fell into place. Helena nodded.
“It makes people want to hurt themselves. Especially those who are in severe emotional distress.” She sighed. “I don’t think I need to point out to you that both of us could be extremely attracted and susceptible to its power, but I’m saying it anyway. For once I really want us to stay together instead of searching separately. We need to be strong for each other. I just hope that we won’t both succumb to its alluring song.”
Myka gently touched her arm. “We can do this Helena. Ever since our first case together we’ve been able to figure things out together. We make a kick-ass team, you and I.”
Helena chuckled at her description and nodded. “We do darling. All I’m saying is that I really need you tonight. I know it’s been a while since you did this kind of work, but I am fully confident that you are still as sharp as ever. There’s no one I would rather do this with, than you.”
Myka smiled and nodded. “We do make a good team.”
“And a gorgeous couple too,” Helena said and laughed. “You are my date, just so you know. The gallery is in West Hollywood and the crowd will be heavily samesex based.”
“That’s fine, but let’s try not to show any affection of the explicit kind while in public, okay? You know I’m not really comfortable with that even under the best of circumstances.”
“My shy darling,” Helena said and caressed her cheek. “I will try and not ravage you in public. It will be hard, but I think I can do it.”
Myka rolled her eyes.
*** *** ***
Myka smiled and shook hands with several people as Helena, or Jaime as she had to remember to call her circulated the room. It struck her that Helena had not explained why she tried to impersonate some British actress. She glanced at her when she heard her laugh. She was talking to a petite blonde while sipping champagne. Myka strolled over to a painting, reading the name and description. Her eyebrows shot up when she saw the price tag. The ugly thing was outrageously expensive. She glanced at Helena over her shoulder. She was still talking. She continued around the corner where more artwork was displayed.
“I see you have an eye for art,” a male voice said behind her. She looked at him over her shoulder. “I’m Max, and this is the highlight of my exhibition,” he said and gestured to the painting Myka had been admiring.
“Nice to meet you. I didn’t expect to actually get to meet the artist,” Myka said and smiled at him as she shook his hand. She glanced down just in time to see an angry red scar on his arm before he pulled his sleeve down. “Are you hurt?” she asked concerned.
“Just a stupid accident. Cut myself on the box cutter opening a new shipment of canvas,” he said with a nervous laugh. Myka’s senses were instantly alerted.
“Is your studio here?”
“Upstairs. I’m really lucky to be an artist in residence here. They have had an artist in residence ever since the gallery opened some seventy or eighty years ago. I think. Don’t quote me on that. For all I know it might be fifty and this was just swamp land eighty years ago,” he said and laughed. Myka chuckled. No matter what, she liked this guy.
“Myka, there you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you, darling,” Helena said and laughed as she linked her arm with Myka. She kissed her affectionately on the cheek. “You know how much I miss you when I can’t feel you beside me,” she said with a giggle and nuzzled her cheek.
Max laughed. “I assume that you are the charming Myka’s partner,” he said and shook Helena’s hand.
“Her fiancée actually, darling. She’s about to be my blushing bride. We’re getting married back in England this summer,” she said and gazed adoringly at Myka who did indeed blush. “Isn’t she just beautiful?” she sighed.
Max chuckled. “Congratulations ladies. And yes, she is just as stunning as you. Perhaps I can talk you into buying each other a wedding present?” he teased.
Helena laughed and put her hand on his arm and squeezed gently. He winced as she accidentally touched his injury. “Oh I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize that you were hurt,” she said apologetically. He waived it away.
“Sweetie, Max got hurt by accident in his studio. He cut himself on a box cutter. Please be careful when you touch people. Not everyone is as touchy feely as you are,” Myka said and smiled at her. “Max was just telling me about his studio upstairs. Apparently this gallery has had an artist in residence ever since they opened.”
Helena squealed with joy. “Can we see it?” she asked and beamed at Max. “I have always wanted to see a real artist’s studio. It’s just so romantic, don’t you think? Like those starving artists in Paris back in the day.”
Max looked around for a moment hesitating answering her.
“Darling, it would only take a moment,” Helena said and leaned closer to him. He nodded.
“Okay, but just a quick look around. I really need to be down here. My agent will have my ass if he notices that I’m gone.” He grinned. “Which would be very bad for me, since we share the same bed. And a sulking queen is one of the most annoying things in the universe!”
Helena and Myka laughed. Helena gently touched his back encouraging him to climb the stairs for the second floor. She shot Myka a quick glance. Myka nodded.
“Max, why don’t you tell me a little about what you’re working on?” Helena said and linked her arm with his. He smiled.
Myka watched as the two of them slowly walked around the studio. She glanced around trying to look for brushes and paint. She noticed the small table close to the main canvas and strolled over there. A quick glance told her that there were only brushes there. She looked up when they turned in her direction.
“I was just looking at your paint. It’s always fascinated me how artists can see colors that no one else can see. I see green and red, but you probably see a hundred different other colors that you can get from mixing the two.”
Max chuckled and nodded. “That’s true. And you know there’s not just one green or one red, there are hundreds of different shades.”
Myka nodded. “There you have it. The artist’s eye versus the muggle.”
Max laughed.
“A little Harry Potter reference. I see that you at least have an imaginative mind, even if you’re not an artist.”
“So tell me more about this series of paintings?” Helena coaxed him. He smiled at her upturned face that looked at him with such adoration. Myka chuckled. Helena really was a good actress. Perhaps she should consider changing career to something less dangerous? She took a deep breath and glanced around again. Her eyes fell on an old sink in the corner. Old jam jars were lined up above it and in one of them sat a pallet knife with a plain wooden handle. She moved towards it. Suddenly she felt a surge of something and a wave of pain crashed down over her. She whimpered softly as she reached for the knife.
“No!” Max cried out as Myka’s hand closed around the knife. Helena ran across the room to Myka but it was too late. She was already holding the knife in her bare hand. Helena whipped out a pair of purple gloves and slipped them on, not bothering to explain to the confused Max.
“Darling, give me the knife,” Helena said softly.
“No Helena, it’s no use. You can’t save me. It hurts too much,” Myka whispered; her eyes on the knife as she brought it to her arm.
“Myka!” Helena snapped. Myka looked up at her and a tear fell from her sad eyes. “Fight it, darling. You know that this isn’t you.”
“It will be so much easier for everyone if I’m no longer here,” she whispered. Helena took a step closer, her hands held up in surrender in front of her.
“Darling, I don’t know what I would do if I lost you. I need you. You know what happened to me when I lost Christina. Without you I have no reason to live either.”
“It hurts Helena,” Myka sobbed. Helena moved with the speed of light and snatched the knife out of Myka’s hand. She took a few steps away from her and Max and pulled out a bag. She turned her head away when it sizzled and crackled as the knife was neutralized. Myka flinched as she came out of the spell of the knife. To Helena’s surprise Max showed similar symptoms.
“What the hell just happened?” Max asked confused.
“Radioactive residue,” Helena explained.
Max frowned. “You’re not really an actress, are you?”
Helena smiled. “I’m afraid not. I’m with the Secret Service. And that’s all I can tell you. Oh, and I will be taking this with me.”
Max nodded. “Please do. I never want to see that thing again.” He pulled up his sleeve to show her the still healing scar. “I did this to myself with it the other day when I was freaking out over the show. Then when all the confirmations started to come in I felt my confidence return and the need to hurt myself disappeared. It was so strange,” he said and shook his head in disbelief.
Helena nodded. “I’m glad that you didn’t get hurt more than that.” She looked at Myka who was leaning against the wall. “Myka, darling,” she said softly as she slowly walked over to her. Myka was crying silently. Helena wrapped her arms around her and felt Myka cling to her. “Hush darling, I’ve got you. Everything will be fine.”
“I assume that you will be leaving now,” Max said. “If you prefer, you may use the back entrance.”
Helena looked at him and smiled. “Thank you, that’s very considerate of you. I appreciate that.”
“This way ladies.”
*** *** ***
Myka was silent during the ride back to the hotel. Helena glanced at her now and then, but she was looking out the window, lost in thought. Helena gently took her hand and led her through the hotel and up to their room. She unzipped Myka’s dress and it fell to the floor. She slipped a t-shirt over Myka’s head and pushed her into the bathroom. She watched her carefully as she removed her makeup and brushed her teeth. She finally left her alone for a moment and waited impatiently for Myka to come out of the bathroom. She watched her walk across the room and slip into bed curling up in a fetal position. She sighed as she watched Myka withdraw again. She managed to get out of her dress without help and made quick work of her nightly routine before slipping into bed next to Myka. She gently touched her shoulder.
“Myka, are you sleeping darling?” she asked softly.
“No,” came the whispered answer.
“Please look at me.”
Myka slowly rolled over and faced her.
“Darling, I’m so sorry. In retrospect I realize that I should never have put you in that kind of situation.”
Myka nodded. “I’m weak.”
“No, no, no,” Helena said quickly. She cupped her chin. “You are sensitive to certain powers right now because you’re under a lot of emotional stress. You are not weak darling.”
Myka sighed.
“If you had not been there, it might have been me. I think I might be even more drawn to it considering my age and the years of built up anger and fear that I carry within me.” Her honest words seemed to jolt Myka out of her funk. She grabbed Helena by the side of her face.
“No Helena, you’ve moved past that. You’re strong again. There’s nothing you can’t do.”
Helena laughed and hugged her. “That’s my girl. Thank you for coming back to me. I was so worried that I had lost you inside that head of yours.”
“I guess I need to learn that I can’t always be the strong one,” Myka said softly.
“That’s what partners do for each other darling. They are strong for each other.”
“We did make a good team, didn’t we?” Myka mumbled.
“Yes we did.” Helena kissed Myka’s cheek and smiled at her. “Will you be all right here for a moment? I need to call Artie.”
“What will you tell him?” Myka whispered.
“Only the basics. Found it, and neutralized it.”
“Snagged it and bagged it, you mean,” Myka said with a little smile.
Helena chuckled. “In Claudia speak yes, that’s it.” She gently caressed Myka’s hair. “Darling, should I ask him to book one or two tickets?” Myka was silent for a long moment. Helena continued to caress her hair as she waited for her to make up her mind.
“Two.”
“I can’t tell you how happy that makes me,” Helena said and kissed her cheek. With a last caress she got out of bed and grabbed her Farnsworth.
Continued in Part 4
“No we’re not taking this dress because it makes my ass look good,” Myka hissed and disappeared into the dressing room again after getting some help with the zipper. Helena had tried to come in with her but Myka had sternly refused. Helena understood her need for distance and did not push. Not yet.
Finally back in the car with the new dress in a garment bag in the back seat Helena turned to Myka and smiled. “How about some lunch?”
Myka nodded.
“How hungry are you? Could you wait about an hour or so?”
“That’s fine.”
“Then I know just the place.”
Helena took Myka to Laguna Beach. They had enjoyed a wonderful lunch during which they chatted about all sorts of little things, both trying to keep the conversation light. Helena watched Myka intently as she spoke, delighting at the emotions showing on her face. She was more like the old Myka in this moment and it made Helena very happy. She reached out and tucked a stray lock behind Myka’s ear, watching the sun reflect the different shades of red in Myka’s hair. She smiled at her when Myka looked up at her.
“Let’s go for a walk, darling.”
They strolled along the walkway at the top of the cliffs with the beautiful sandy beach below. Myka smiled and grabbed Helena’s arm when she spotted a hummingbird. “Look!”
Helena smiled and turned her hand so she could take Myka’s. To her delight Myka squeezed her hand. They continued their walk along the rose garden and down to the beach. Taking off their shoes they strolled along the waterfront hand in hand. Once they reached the end Helena steered Myka to a spot where they could sit down. She sat down behind Myka and wrapped her arms around her, resting her chin on Myka’s shoulder. They looked out over the Pacific Ocean in silence, each lost in her own thoughts.
“Thank you,” Myka finally whispered.
“You’re most welcome, darling.”
“It still amazes me how well you know me even after all this time. That you know just how to touch me and hold me to make me feel safe,” she whispered.
Helena turned her head and kissed her cheek.
“I’m scared Helena.” The words were whispered so softly they almost disappeared into the soft breeze.
“Scared of what darling?”
“To come back. How can I face them? I left like a coward.”
Helena gently grasped her chin and turned her head so she could look into Myka’s eyes. “They love you. They know that you were hurting. They forgave you for whatever you’re worried about a long time ago.” When Myka didn’t respond she pushed on. “If it had been Pete or Claudia who had left like that, would you not want them to come back? To help them heal?” she asked softly.
“I would,” Myka said softly. “I’m just so ashamed and feel like an idiot.”
“But you were right to trust me darling. I know it didn’t seem like that at the time when you left, but if you had waited a day you would’ve realized that you were the only one who was right.”
Myka frowned. She had not really thought about the situation that way. “I guess if you put it that way.”
“They were really angry with me. I thought Claudia was going to claw my eyes out. Good thing I’m stronger than her,” Helena said with a chuckle. Myka laughed and then got silent.
“Even Artie came around eventually. He’s really been there for me,” Helena said with a sigh. “One night when I was ready to kick the computer all the way to the other end of the warehouse he just grabbed me and pulled me into his arms,” she smiled at the surprised look on Myka’s face. “It’s true, papa bear can actually hand out hugs in extreme situations,” she said and winked at Myka. “Anyway we sat down on that awful little sofa he has in the office and he just held me as I cried. Through my tears and me hitting him on the chest he just stroked my hair and held me close. I think I finally fell asleep in his arms. I heard him say my name and looked up at him. You will find her was all he said and then he smiled at me. I cried and laughed until he finally pushed me up, and once again turned back into grumpy bear as Claudia calls him, muttering about me getting all emotional working late in the office,” Helena said.
Myka laughed. “I can see him doing that.” She smiled at Helena. “I’m glad that the two of you worked it out. He’s a wonderful man.”
Helena nodded. “His social skills are questionable, but I guess he does rise to the occasion from time to time.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s getting late darling. I think we need to get back.”
Myka got up and held out her hand to Helena. She pulled her up and held her in a tight hug when Helena’s body collided with hers. “Thank you.”
Helena inhaled the scent of Myka’s hair mixed with the ocean breeze. She closed her eyes trying to memorize the moment. “I can’t begin to describe the feeling inside of me right now darling. To have you back, even if it’s just like this. It’s more than I ever hoped for.”
Myka stiffened when she finally understood Helena’s deepest fear. She pulled away and grabbed her face. “You thought I was dead, didn’t you?” she whispered. Helena nodded and a tear rolled down her cheek. Myka pulled her back into a hug and caressed her hair. “I’m sorry. I was selfish. Though in my defense, I thought you had played me the entire time. I was so angry with you.”
Helena nodded. “I know. Perhaps the anger is gone now and I can work on rebuilding your trust in me?”
Myka nodded. “I’m not angry with you, but I’m still hurting inside. I need time Helena.”
Helena pulled away and nodded. She held out her hand to Myka who took it without hesitation. They walked back to the car in silence.
*** *** ***
Helena zipped up Myka’s dress and met her eyes in the mirror. “You are gorgeous darling,” she said and arranged Myka’s curls over her shoulders. Myka smiled at her.
“You’re not so bad yourself, for a hundred and fifty year old woman.”
Helena made a face at her in the mirror. “Glad to see that your sense of humor is intact.”
Myka smiled and looked down and then met her eyes as she chewed on her lip.
“Give me a hand please,” Helena said and turned her back at Myka. Myka held the dress together and slowly pulled the zipper up the back. She pulled a little on the fabric and then grabbed Helena’s hair that she had pushed out of the way over her right shoulder. She sighed as Helena’s hair fell in heavy waves down her back.
“Your hair is just as gorgeous as I remember it,” she mumbled.
Helena smiled and caressed her cheek. She took a step closer and looked Myka in the eyes. She started to lean closer but stopped when she felt Myka stiffen. With a sigh she let go of her and moved away.
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled. To have something to do she put on her shoes, feeling a little more in control with the increased height that brought her to Myka’s eye level.
“It’s okay Helena. I know that this is hard for you too,” Myka generously acknowledged. “I wish that I could just let go and forget about everything that brought us here, but I can’t. Not until I can make some sense out of it. I can’t just turn my feelings on and off like that. I realize that you never turned yours off, which must be difficult now.”
“Not as difficult as if I had never found you again,” Helena said softly. Myka nodded. “So, anyway, we’re going to an event at a local art gallery. The artifact we are looking for is a pallet knife. Do you know what that is?” she asked Myka. She shook her head. “It’s a tool painters use instead of a brush, or to mix paint with. Normally it’s quite harmless, but this particular one is sharp. It used to belong to Van Gogh.”
“Is that what he used to cut his ear off with?” Myka asked with a gasp when the pieces fell into place. Helena nodded.
“It makes people want to hurt themselves. Especially those who are in severe emotional distress.” She sighed. “I don’t think I need to point out to you that both of us could be extremely attracted and susceptible to its power, but I’m saying it anyway. For once I really want us to stay together instead of searching separately. We need to be strong for each other. I just hope that we won’t both succumb to its alluring song.”
Myka gently touched her arm. “We can do this Helena. Ever since our first case together we’ve been able to figure things out together. We make a kick-ass team, you and I.”
Helena chuckled at her description and nodded. “We do darling. All I’m saying is that I really need you tonight. I know it’s been a while since you did this kind of work, but I am fully confident that you are still as sharp as ever. There’s no one I would rather do this with, than you.”
Myka smiled and nodded. “We do make a good team.”
“And a gorgeous couple too,” Helena said and laughed. “You are my date, just so you know. The gallery is in West Hollywood and the crowd will be heavily samesex based.”
“That’s fine, but let’s try not to show any affection of the explicit kind while in public, okay? You know I’m not really comfortable with that even under the best of circumstances.”
“My shy darling,” Helena said and caressed her cheek. “I will try and not ravage you in public. It will be hard, but I think I can do it.”
Myka rolled her eyes.
*** *** ***
Myka smiled and shook hands with several people as Helena, or Jaime as she had to remember to call her circulated the room. It struck her that Helena had not explained why she tried to impersonate some British actress. She glanced at her when she heard her laugh. She was talking to a petite blonde while sipping champagne. Myka strolled over to a painting, reading the name and description. Her eyebrows shot up when she saw the price tag. The ugly thing was outrageously expensive. She glanced at Helena over her shoulder. She was still talking. She continued around the corner where more artwork was displayed.
“I see you have an eye for art,” a male voice said behind her. She looked at him over her shoulder. “I’m Max, and this is the highlight of my exhibition,” he said and gestured to the painting Myka had been admiring.
“Nice to meet you. I didn’t expect to actually get to meet the artist,” Myka said and smiled at him as she shook his hand. She glanced down just in time to see an angry red scar on his arm before he pulled his sleeve down. “Are you hurt?” she asked concerned.
“Just a stupid accident. Cut myself on the box cutter opening a new shipment of canvas,” he said with a nervous laugh. Myka’s senses were instantly alerted.
“Is your studio here?”
“Upstairs. I’m really lucky to be an artist in residence here. They have had an artist in residence ever since the gallery opened some seventy or eighty years ago. I think. Don’t quote me on that. For all I know it might be fifty and this was just swamp land eighty years ago,” he said and laughed. Myka chuckled. No matter what, she liked this guy.
“Myka, there you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you, darling,” Helena said and laughed as she linked her arm with Myka. She kissed her affectionately on the cheek. “You know how much I miss you when I can’t feel you beside me,” she said with a giggle and nuzzled her cheek.
Max laughed. “I assume that you are the charming Myka’s partner,” he said and shook Helena’s hand.
“Her fiancée actually, darling. She’s about to be my blushing bride. We’re getting married back in England this summer,” she said and gazed adoringly at Myka who did indeed blush. “Isn’t she just beautiful?” she sighed.
Max chuckled. “Congratulations ladies. And yes, she is just as stunning as you. Perhaps I can talk you into buying each other a wedding present?” he teased.
Helena laughed and put her hand on his arm and squeezed gently. He winced as she accidentally touched his injury. “Oh I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize that you were hurt,” she said apologetically. He waived it away.
“Sweetie, Max got hurt by accident in his studio. He cut himself on a box cutter. Please be careful when you touch people. Not everyone is as touchy feely as you are,” Myka said and smiled at her. “Max was just telling me about his studio upstairs. Apparently this gallery has had an artist in residence ever since they opened.”
Helena squealed with joy. “Can we see it?” she asked and beamed at Max. “I have always wanted to see a real artist’s studio. It’s just so romantic, don’t you think? Like those starving artists in Paris back in the day.”
Max looked around for a moment hesitating answering her.
“Darling, it would only take a moment,” Helena said and leaned closer to him. He nodded.
“Okay, but just a quick look around. I really need to be down here. My agent will have my ass if he notices that I’m gone.” He grinned. “Which would be very bad for me, since we share the same bed. And a sulking queen is one of the most annoying things in the universe!”
Helena and Myka laughed. Helena gently touched his back encouraging him to climb the stairs for the second floor. She shot Myka a quick glance. Myka nodded.
“Max, why don’t you tell me a little about what you’re working on?” Helena said and linked her arm with his. He smiled.
Myka watched as the two of them slowly walked around the studio. She glanced around trying to look for brushes and paint. She noticed the small table close to the main canvas and strolled over there. A quick glance told her that there were only brushes there. She looked up when they turned in her direction.
“I was just looking at your paint. It’s always fascinated me how artists can see colors that no one else can see. I see green and red, but you probably see a hundred different other colors that you can get from mixing the two.”
Max chuckled and nodded. “That’s true. And you know there’s not just one green or one red, there are hundreds of different shades.”
Myka nodded. “There you have it. The artist’s eye versus the muggle.”
Max laughed.
“A little Harry Potter reference. I see that you at least have an imaginative mind, even if you’re not an artist.”
“So tell me more about this series of paintings?” Helena coaxed him. He smiled at her upturned face that looked at him with such adoration. Myka chuckled. Helena really was a good actress. Perhaps she should consider changing career to something less dangerous? She took a deep breath and glanced around again. Her eyes fell on an old sink in the corner. Old jam jars were lined up above it and in one of them sat a pallet knife with a plain wooden handle. She moved towards it. Suddenly she felt a surge of something and a wave of pain crashed down over her. She whimpered softly as she reached for the knife.
“No!” Max cried out as Myka’s hand closed around the knife. Helena ran across the room to Myka but it was too late. She was already holding the knife in her bare hand. Helena whipped out a pair of purple gloves and slipped them on, not bothering to explain to the confused Max.
“Darling, give me the knife,” Helena said softly.
“No Helena, it’s no use. You can’t save me. It hurts too much,” Myka whispered; her eyes on the knife as she brought it to her arm.
“Myka!” Helena snapped. Myka looked up at her and a tear fell from her sad eyes. “Fight it, darling. You know that this isn’t you.”
“It will be so much easier for everyone if I’m no longer here,” she whispered. Helena took a step closer, her hands held up in surrender in front of her.
“Darling, I don’t know what I would do if I lost you. I need you. You know what happened to me when I lost Christina. Without you I have no reason to live either.”
“It hurts Helena,” Myka sobbed. Helena moved with the speed of light and snatched the knife out of Myka’s hand. She took a few steps away from her and Max and pulled out a bag. She turned her head away when it sizzled and crackled as the knife was neutralized. Myka flinched as she came out of the spell of the knife. To Helena’s surprise Max showed similar symptoms.
“What the hell just happened?” Max asked confused.
“Radioactive residue,” Helena explained.
Max frowned. “You’re not really an actress, are you?”
Helena smiled. “I’m afraid not. I’m with the Secret Service. And that’s all I can tell you. Oh, and I will be taking this with me.”
Max nodded. “Please do. I never want to see that thing again.” He pulled up his sleeve to show her the still healing scar. “I did this to myself with it the other day when I was freaking out over the show. Then when all the confirmations started to come in I felt my confidence return and the need to hurt myself disappeared. It was so strange,” he said and shook his head in disbelief.
Helena nodded. “I’m glad that you didn’t get hurt more than that.” She looked at Myka who was leaning against the wall. “Myka, darling,” she said softly as she slowly walked over to her. Myka was crying silently. Helena wrapped her arms around her and felt Myka cling to her. “Hush darling, I’ve got you. Everything will be fine.”
“I assume that you will be leaving now,” Max said. “If you prefer, you may use the back entrance.”
Helena looked at him and smiled. “Thank you, that’s very considerate of you. I appreciate that.”
“This way ladies.”
*** *** ***
Myka was silent during the ride back to the hotel. Helena glanced at her now and then, but she was looking out the window, lost in thought. Helena gently took her hand and led her through the hotel and up to their room. She unzipped Myka’s dress and it fell to the floor. She slipped a t-shirt over Myka’s head and pushed her into the bathroom. She watched her carefully as she removed her makeup and brushed her teeth. She finally left her alone for a moment and waited impatiently for Myka to come out of the bathroom. She watched her walk across the room and slip into bed curling up in a fetal position. She sighed as she watched Myka withdraw again. She managed to get out of her dress without help and made quick work of her nightly routine before slipping into bed next to Myka. She gently touched her shoulder.
“Myka, are you sleeping darling?” she asked softly.
“No,” came the whispered answer.
“Please look at me.”
Myka slowly rolled over and faced her.
“Darling, I’m so sorry. In retrospect I realize that I should never have put you in that kind of situation.”
Myka nodded. “I’m weak.”
“No, no, no,” Helena said quickly. She cupped her chin. “You are sensitive to certain powers right now because you’re under a lot of emotional stress. You are not weak darling.”
Myka sighed.
“If you had not been there, it might have been me. I think I might be even more drawn to it considering my age and the years of built up anger and fear that I carry within me.” Her honest words seemed to jolt Myka out of her funk. She grabbed Helena by the side of her face.
“No Helena, you’ve moved past that. You’re strong again. There’s nothing you can’t do.”
Helena laughed and hugged her. “That’s my girl. Thank you for coming back to me. I was so worried that I had lost you inside that head of yours.”
“I guess I need to learn that I can’t always be the strong one,” Myka said softly.
“That’s what partners do for each other darling. They are strong for each other.”
“We did make a good team, didn’t we?” Myka mumbled.
“Yes we did.” Helena kissed Myka’s cheek and smiled at her. “Will you be all right here for a moment? I need to call Artie.”
“What will you tell him?” Myka whispered.
“Only the basics. Found it, and neutralized it.”
“Snagged it and bagged it, you mean,” Myka said with a little smile.
Helena chuckled. “In Claudia speak yes, that’s it.” She gently caressed Myka’s hair. “Darling, should I ask him to book one or two tickets?” Myka was silent for a long moment. Helena continued to caress her hair as she waited for her to make up her mind.
“Two.”
“I can’t tell you how happy that makes me,” Helena said and kissed her cheek. With a last caress she got out of bed and grabbed her Farnsworth.
Continued in Part 4