Parenthood Rated PG
Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 9:02 pm
Parenthood
By Ella 713
Rate PG
Chapter I
Boys Will Be Boys
Beth was exhausted. She knew that motherhood wasn’t going to be easy, but trying to keep an eye on a vampire child was border line impossible. Gabriel required constant supervision. Just yesterday he latched onto the Fed Ex delivery guy’s leg when Beth was signing for a package. The man was understanding and made a comment about boy will be boys. But if he only knew! While other mothers could put their little ones in a crib with a pacifier and catch a few zzz’s, the last time Beth attempted that, Gabriel had scaled down the fire escape and drained a neighbor’s cat!
Mrs. Owen was still putting up flyers all over the neighborhood asking for information about her missing “little cleo”
And then there was the issue of Gabriel’s size. At just a year old, he looked like a child who was at least 3 years old. If he kept growing they would have to relocate. Mick walked in and Beth could have jumped up and down with glee that is, if she had the energy to jump. Mick saw the look on her face and after giving her a quick kiss, told her to go rest and that he would take care of Gabriel. Beth hugged him and went up stairs before Gabriel would notice that she had gone. Mick picked up his son and started to toss him in the air which Gabriel loved! Mick wished he could take him to the park so that he could get burn off some of his excess energy, but that would be a disaster and most likely the end of someone’s life. Maybe he would consult with Balthazar. After Counsel had been destroyed, Ansgar had nominated Balthazar as the Governor of the West Coast and Josef as Sheriff of Los Angeles. Maybe one of them could recommend a vampire nanny of sorts if there was anyone like that around.
Josef had a lot on his mind. Since accepting the position of Sheriff he had very little time to devote to his investment firm. And let’s face it. There’s never any money in law enforcement! His day suddenly got brighter when Isabelle walked in. She was now his second in command and no longer a cleaner. She walked into his office wearing a form fitting black pinstriped skirt suit that showed ample amounts of cleavage. He jet black hair was pulled back in her usual ponytail.
“You know, you’re not a cleaner anymore you can wear something other than black”. He joked.
“I forget” she shrugged. “Clothes are tiresome in any case. I’d prefer to wear none at all” she said walking towards.
“Now that I think about it, I think I would prefer that as well” He said standing up to kiss her. She stopped him.
“Business first. I have hired you and assistant.” She placed a file in his hands. “His name is Michael Rubin and he graduated first in his class from Darthmouth, and a master’s degree from Yale. He was working for Deloitte Touche but he really wanted to work for you.”
“Isabelle, I don’t need an assistant” Josef said although he was impressed with this particular applicant.
“What time are you meeting with Saunders and Goldberg?” she asked. Josef smiled. This was a trick question.
“I don’t have a meeting with Saunders and Goldberg” he said smugly.
“Then why are they in the main conference room?” she asked as she clicked the security systems camera on his desk to show a somber looking group of business men sitting in his conference room. Josef immediately began to straighten his tie and put his jacket on. Then he started to frantically look for his files when Isabelle opened his office door and showed nerdish hawk like looking young man standing in the doorway.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Kostan! I can’t tell you what a thrill this is for me” he said holding out his hand. Josef said nothing but walked passed him. Michael hurried beside him.
“Sir, I have the Goldberg files waiting for you in the conference room along with the acquisition contract.” He said. Josef stopped and looked at him.
“Alright. Come with me and don’t say anything!” Josef said.
Did Isabelle have to be right about everything?
Beth woke up and heard nothing from downstairs. She hurried down the stairs praying that Mick had not taken Gabriel outdoors. She stopped when she saw Gabriel sleeping peacefully on the sofa while Mick was working in his office. She tiptoed over to Mick.
“Well that’s just perfect. With me he doesn’t rest all day, you come home and he decides to sleep” she smirked.
“Well, at least you got to sleep the whole night” Mick said while still typing.
“What are you talking about?”
“Beth….uh it’s tomorrow. You slept the whole night and the following day. You were beat, so I stayed home and took care of Gabriel.” Beth couldn’t believe it. She hadn’t slept that long since she was pregnant. Rubbing her eyes she looked at the clock and Mick was right. It was 8:30pm the next night!
“Look babe, I know how tiring this has been for you and I know that we wanted to do this all on our own, but I think we need help. I’m going ask Balthazar to intervene”
‘Mick, really I’m fine. I can do this. I just need to find my own rhythm. Trust me in another week Gabe and I will be going…..to the zoo!” Mick knew the real reason for her hesitation. Beth didn’t trust anyone. After what had happened with Bromfield and The Counsel, she wasn’t about to let anyone associated with them get their hands on her son.
“Ok. We’ll give it another week” Mick agreed.
Josef was looking at the land proposal on his desk. Lawrence Clayborne a real estate developer was trying to reverse a land treaty law awarded to the Pechanga tribe. Noka Gilfillan, the tribal Chief (and vampire) had enlisted Josef’s intervention to deal with the situation. Isabelle came into his office.
“Michael has taken care of all the banking transaction for the month. So Kostan Inc. is running like clockwork.” She said. “Josef. What is troubling you?” she asked walking over to sit in his lap.
“I’m bothered by this proposal” he said sliding the document over so she could see it.
“Who is this Clayborne?” she asked.
“Wealthy heir apparent to the Clayborne Textile fortune. After his parents died, he ventured the family funds into real-estate development. He’s been pretty successful. He claims that this particular piece of land was owned by his family and that he has the right to build on it.”
“He wants to overturn treaty law? He sounds very foolish”
“That’s what worries me. Foolish people often attempt foolish things. Noka won’t stand for much” Isabelle nodded in agreement.
Gabriel was behaving very well today. So well in fact that Beth thought she could run a few errands. First she went to the bank. Gabriel was quiet the entire time that waited in line. So Beth was feeling very good about taking on a trip to the post office. Gabriel was standing patiently at her side. Beth saw another child in line who was causing the mother no end of grief and Beth was just so happy that her little angel was behaving himself. Beth was next in line and wanted to send her packages right away before her luck ran out. She had just paid for everything when she looked down at Gabriel and saw that he was no longer there.
Beth looked around frantically. She went from one end of the post office to the other, asking every stranger she saw if they had seen a little boy with a bright red sweatshirt and bright red sneakers. She finally turned round a corner and saw Gabriel running in her direction with a big smile on his face. Beth scooped him up and hugged him tightly.
“Gabriel! Don’t ever do that to mommy again!” she said sternly. Gabriel sensing that his mother was displeased laid his head on her shoulder and put this thumb in his mouth. She left the post office and headed for home glad that nothing major had happened. Perhaps she could handle things after all.
Later that evening when Mick came home Beth gave him a big kiss.
“Okay. I’m not going to say I didn’t deserve that but what’s up?” he asked.
“Oh nothing. I just had the most amazing day with Gabriel. We went to the bank and the post office without incident, and right now he is asleep in this room.” She said smiling smugly. Mick smiled.
“That’s great! Maybe that was just a stage he was going through”
“You know, I was thinking the exact same thing. Like the terrible two’s or something. In any case, I’m going to get a glass of wine and relax for the first time in…well….since he was born!” Mick turned on the TV to watch the news.
“Our breaking story tonight. A young woman was found murdered in the bathroom of the North Alvarado post office this afternoon with severe lacerations to her neck and face. The police are not ruling out the possibility of a dog attack but more details will follow” Beth was just coming out of the kitchen when she heard the report. The wine glass fell out of her hands and landed with a crash on the wooden floor.
Beth told Mick what she thought happened and he placed his head in his hands and closed his eyes. If they went to Balthazar he would most likely take Gabriel from them until he learned control and Beth would not stand for that. Finally he raised his head and said.
“Let’s call Josef. We can’t leave him out of the loop” Mick picked up the phone and pressed in Josef number.
Mick! How’s the happy family?” he asked.
“Josef we’ve got a big problem and it involves your namesake”
Mick told Josef what had happened thus far and when he was done Josef said.
“I’m just leaving the office. I’ll come right over” and hung up. Mick placed his hands on Beth’s shoulders.
“Don’t worry hon. Josef will think of something”
Josef knocked on Mick’s door but did not come in immediately. Gabriel had a knack for throwing himself full force on the first person who walked through the door (hence the unfortunate biting of one Fed Ex delivery man) so Josef was always cautious when entering.
“He’s asleep Josef” Beth whispered. Josef relaxed. No sooner than he had walked in the door Gabriel flew out of his room. Josef stood behind Isabelle trying to avoid the attack. As Gabriel came straight for Isabelle’s leg. She stood very still, pointed at him and said.
“NO!” Gabriel stopped almost frightened and walked slowly over to Mick never taking his eyes off Isabelle.
“How did you that?” Beth asked in amazement.
“You must let him know that you mean what you say. He will understand” Isabelle said still staring at Gabriel until he hid his head behind his father’s back.
“You’ve gotta teach me how to do that” Beth said.
“Of course” said Isabelle. She called Gabriel’s name. “Come” she commanded. Gabriel left Mick’s side and walked over to her. She held out her hand and he placed his small hand in hers. They both walked over to Beth.
Mick wasn’t sure how Beth would take to the cleaner. Sarah was her best friend and to see Josef with someone so soon after Sarah’s death angered her a bit. But under the weight and frustration of taking care of Gabriel she was willing to accept help.
Josef and Mick watched the tow women together.
“Finally.” Josef said. “I thought she was going to give us the cold shoulder treatment forever”
“Come on. Losing Sarah was a big deal for her. You have to give her time”
“Yeah I know. But I’ve got a great idea. Why not let Isabelle watch Gabriel? Give you two some time alone?”
“I don’t know Josef. Can you spare her? I know how hectic things are trying to run your company and handling all the vamp issues that were handed to you”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got some whiz kid who’s going to help me out at the firm so I’m covered”
“Do you think Isabelle would agree?”
“I really don’t see why not” Mick thought about it for a minute then walked over to Beth.
“Hey babe, Josef has suggested that maybe Isabelle could watch over Gabe and train him. She does seem to have a way with him” Mick watched Beth knowing she would say no.
“Oh Isabelle could you?” Beth said instead. “You’re great with him and if you could teach him not to attack everyone in his path I would be forever grateful”
“Of course Beth. Don’t worry” Isabelle said gently.
“We’ll I’ll be damned” Josef said chuckling to himself.
Lawrence Clayborne was pissed. That land had always been Clayborne land. Bought and paid for outright by his great-great-great-great grandfather Percy Clayborne. It wasn’t until that bastard O.M. Wozencraft signed the treaty with the Pechanga tribe that they lost the land. And what were the Indians doing with it? Building a worthless casino! So limited was their scope that all they could come up with a damn casino! In the middle of the damn desert! His plans for the land were to build a mall that would rival the Mall of America in Minneapolis! Now people would definitely travel the desert for that. There would be first class shopping. Barney’s, Cartier, Brooks Brothers, while offering 5-star dining options. Wolfgang Puck had even promised to open a dining establishment within the mall. And the only thing holding him back were the damn Indians!
Noka Gilfillan had aspirations. His grand-father Harry Gilfillan had been the tribal chief for over 50 years. His own father had no interest in being a part of the tribe or their heritage. He took his wife and son and left the reservation for city life and that is where Noka was raised. He went to public school and even graduated college, but he knew that it was not his mission in life to squander his education on the rich. The soul of his tribe called to him though he had never met any of them. His mother shared the stories of their culture with him. And when he had learned that his grandfather had died he moved back to the reservation to claim his rightful place as tribal chief. It was while driving back to the reservation that he saw the beautiful woman stranded by the side of the road. She said her transmission blew out and Noka believed her and offered her a ride to the next town. The next thing Noka remembered was waking on the side of the road with his mouth on fire Noka knew the stories of the fire thirst. He knew what the woman had done. And that it was that knowledge that stopped him from becoming a hellish rogue.
It was Noka’s idea to build the casino and it had been a huge success. And as time went on he expanded even more. He put together tour groups where tourist could see actual native ceremonies and eat native foods. They were constantly booked year round. His next move was to build a hotel. And now this Clayborne fellow comes and says the land belongs to him. That would be over Noka’s dead body! And he had no intention of dying.
Chapter II
Isabelle Poppins
Mick heard a faint knocking at the door. He looked at his clock. It was 7am. He shuffled downstairs to open the door and found Isabelle standing there.
“The little one must know routine” she said and walked into Gabe’s room and woke him up. Gabe cried but for a moment and upon seeing that it Isabelle, he instantly stopped. Isabelle bathed him and got him ready for breakfast. Mick watched in wonder.
“Mick get some rest. The little one and I will be fine” Mick went back upstairs to lay next to his wife.
Isabelle picked Gabriel up and took him with her. Fastening him in the car seat she purchased last night which was unnecessary but she did not wish to be stopped by the police, she sped off.
“Okay little one. Today you will learn what you are” she said.
Samuel Blackwater hated the reservation. He always had. He hated growing up there, he hated they way people stared, and he hated the stereotypes. Every season their home would be flooded with idiots and their idiot children who would come to you and say
“How” Everyone in the tribe had a chance to leave when Clayborne had made his offer. It was enough money for everyone in the tribe to go where ever they wanted and build a whole new life. Then Noka came back talking of pride and culture! He had grown up in the city and never had to see the ruins and poverty that came with life on the reservation. Claybornes’s offer was as good as anything they had ever seen. And now it was it was all ruined for casino and selling wooden drums! So when Clayborne found him one day and told him that he would give him $250,000.00 to help him get that land. Samuel agreed. He would have more than he could ever spend and they would all have nothing!
Isabelle was approaching the Redwood National Forest. She drove around until she found an unpopulated spot. She took Gabriel out of car and they walked into the forest. She stopped down in front of him.
“Everything that is here is yours.” She said sweeping her elegant hand towards the woods. “Listen” she said and pointed to his ears. Gabriel stiffened and she knew he had heard something near by. Gabriel’s fangs lengthen and he took a step in the direction of the noise. He hesitated and looked back at Isabelle. When she nodded, he took off. Isabelle followed but not too closely wanting him to find his own rhythm for the hunt. She spotted Gabriel about 50 yards ahead draining a gray fox. When he was finished Isabelle walked over to him and wiped his mouth with her handkerchief.
He stiffened again and Isabelle allowed him to hunt once more. She found him hovered over a small rabbit. When he was done and tired and full from the hunt, she scooped him into her arms and walked back to the car.
They were almost back to Los Angeles when Isabelle’s phone began to ring.
“Yes Josef” she replied
“I need you at the Pechanga reservation” Josef said.
“On my way” Isabelle looked back at Gabriel. “We are going to have an adventure little one!” she said. Gabriel smiled brightly at her.
Isabelle pulled up to what used to be the casino but was now a smoldering pile of rubble. She took Gabriel out of the car and began to walk around.
Josef saw her and Gabriel approaching and immediately wanted to turn and walk away, but Gabriel walked up to him and held out his. Josef shook the little boys hand and looked at Isabelle.
“Okay. Total transformation” he said.
“Clayborne?” she asked.
“Most likely. Noka wants me to overturn his proposal without question. But I need proof before I can make a decision like that”
“By the end of the day” Isabelle said and turned to walk away with Gabriel.
By Ella 713
Rate PG
Chapter I
Boys Will Be Boys
Beth was exhausted. She knew that motherhood wasn’t going to be easy, but trying to keep an eye on a vampire child was border line impossible. Gabriel required constant supervision. Just yesterday he latched onto the Fed Ex delivery guy’s leg when Beth was signing for a package. The man was understanding and made a comment about boy will be boys. But if he only knew! While other mothers could put their little ones in a crib with a pacifier and catch a few zzz’s, the last time Beth attempted that, Gabriel had scaled down the fire escape and drained a neighbor’s cat!
Mrs. Owen was still putting up flyers all over the neighborhood asking for information about her missing “little cleo”
And then there was the issue of Gabriel’s size. At just a year old, he looked like a child who was at least 3 years old. If he kept growing they would have to relocate. Mick walked in and Beth could have jumped up and down with glee that is, if she had the energy to jump. Mick saw the look on her face and after giving her a quick kiss, told her to go rest and that he would take care of Gabriel. Beth hugged him and went up stairs before Gabriel would notice that she had gone. Mick picked up his son and started to toss him in the air which Gabriel loved! Mick wished he could take him to the park so that he could get burn off some of his excess energy, but that would be a disaster and most likely the end of someone’s life. Maybe he would consult with Balthazar. After Counsel had been destroyed, Ansgar had nominated Balthazar as the Governor of the West Coast and Josef as Sheriff of Los Angeles. Maybe one of them could recommend a vampire nanny of sorts if there was anyone like that around.
Josef had a lot on his mind. Since accepting the position of Sheriff he had very little time to devote to his investment firm. And let’s face it. There’s never any money in law enforcement! His day suddenly got brighter when Isabelle walked in. She was now his second in command and no longer a cleaner. She walked into his office wearing a form fitting black pinstriped skirt suit that showed ample amounts of cleavage. He jet black hair was pulled back in her usual ponytail.
“You know, you’re not a cleaner anymore you can wear something other than black”. He joked.
“I forget” she shrugged. “Clothes are tiresome in any case. I’d prefer to wear none at all” she said walking towards.
“Now that I think about it, I think I would prefer that as well” He said standing up to kiss her. She stopped him.
“Business first. I have hired you and assistant.” She placed a file in his hands. “His name is Michael Rubin and he graduated first in his class from Darthmouth, and a master’s degree from Yale. He was working for Deloitte Touche but he really wanted to work for you.”
“Isabelle, I don’t need an assistant” Josef said although he was impressed with this particular applicant.
“What time are you meeting with Saunders and Goldberg?” she asked. Josef smiled. This was a trick question.
“I don’t have a meeting with Saunders and Goldberg” he said smugly.
“Then why are they in the main conference room?” she asked as she clicked the security systems camera on his desk to show a somber looking group of business men sitting in his conference room. Josef immediately began to straighten his tie and put his jacket on. Then he started to frantically look for his files when Isabelle opened his office door and showed nerdish hawk like looking young man standing in the doorway.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Kostan! I can’t tell you what a thrill this is for me” he said holding out his hand. Josef said nothing but walked passed him. Michael hurried beside him.
“Sir, I have the Goldberg files waiting for you in the conference room along with the acquisition contract.” He said. Josef stopped and looked at him.
“Alright. Come with me and don’t say anything!” Josef said.
Did Isabelle have to be right about everything?
Beth woke up and heard nothing from downstairs. She hurried down the stairs praying that Mick had not taken Gabriel outdoors. She stopped when she saw Gabriel sleeping peacefully on the sofa while Mick was working in his office. She tiptoed over to Mick.
“Well that’s just perfect. With me he doesn’t rest all day, you come home and he decides to sleep” she smirked.
“Well, at least you got to sleep the whole night” Mick said while still typing.
“What are you talking about?”
“Beth….uh it’s tomorrow. You slept the whole night and the following day. You were beat, so I stayed home and took care of Gabriel.” Beth couldn’t believe it. She hadn’t slept that long since she was pregnant. Rubbing her eyes she looked at the clock and Mick was right. It was 8:30pm the next night!
“Look babe, I know how tiring this has been for you and I know that we wanted to do this all on our own, but I think we need help. I’m going ask Balthazar to intervene”
‘Mick, really I’m fine. I can do this. I just need to find my own rhythm. Trust me in another week Gabe and I will be going…..to the zoo!” Mick knew the real reason for her hesitation. Beth didn’t trust anyone. After what had happened with Bromfield and The Counsel, she wasn’t about to let anyone associated with them get their hands on her son.
“Ok. We’ll give it another week” Mick agreed.
Josef was looking at the land proposal on his desk. Lawrence Clayborne a real estate developer was trying to reverse a land treaty law awarded to the Pechanga tribe. Noka Gilfillan, the tribal Chief (and vampire) had enlisted Josef’s intervention to deal with the situation. Isabelle came into his office.
“Michael has taken care of all the banking transaction for the month. So Kostan Inc. is running like clockwork.” She said. “Josef. What is troubling you?” she asked walking over to sit in his lap.
“I’m bothered by this proposal” he said sliding the document over so she could see it.
“Who is this Clayborne?” she asked.
“Wealthy heir apparent to the Clayborne Textile fortune. After his parents died, he ventured the family funds into real-estate development. He’s been pretty successful. He claims that this particular piece of land was owned by his family and that he has the right to build on it.”
“He wants to overturn treaty law? He sounds very foolish”
“That’s what worries me. Foolish people often attempt foolish things. Noka won’t stand for much” Isabelle nodded in agreement.
Gabriel was behaving very well today. So well in fact that Beth thought she could run a few errands. First she went to the bank. Gabriel was quiet the entire time that waited in line. So Beth was feeling very good about taking on a trip to the post office. Gabriel was standing patiently at her side. Beth saw another child in line who was causing the mother no end of grief and Beth was just so happy that her little angel was behaving himself. Beth was next in line and wanted to send her packages right away before her luck ran out. She had just paid for everything when she looked down at Gabriel and saw that he was no longer there.
Beth looked around frantically. She went from one end of the post office to the other, asking every stranger she saw if they had seen a little boy with a bright red sweatshirt and bright red sneakers. She finally turned round a corner and saw Gabriel running in her direction with a big smile on his face. Beth scooped him up and hugged him tightly.
“Gabriel! Don’t ever do that to mommy again!” she said sternly. Gabriel sensing that his mother was displeased laid his head on her shoulder and put this thumb in his mouth. She left the post office and headed for home glad that nothing major had happened. Perhaps she could handle things after all.
Later that evening when Mick came home Beth gave him a big kiss.
“Okay. I’m not going to say I didn’t deserve that but what’s up?” he asked.
“Oh nothing. I just had the most amazing day with Gabriel. We went to the bank and the post office without incident, and right now he is asleep in this room.” She said smiling smugly. Mick smiled.
“That’s great! Maybe that was just a stage he was going through”
“You know, I was thinking the exact same thing. Like the terrible two’s or something. In any case, I’m going to get a glass of wine and relax for the first time in…well….since he was born!” Mick turned on the TV to watch the news.
“Our breaking story tonight. A young woman was found murdered in the bathroom of the North Alvarado post office this afternoon with severe lacerations to her neck and face. The police are not ruling out the possibility of a dog attack but more details will follow” Beth was just coming out of the kitchen when she heard the report. The wine glass fell out of her hands and landed with a crash on the wooden floor.
Beth told Mick what she thought happened and he placed his head in his hands and closed his eyes. If they went to Balthazar he would most likely take Gabriel from them until he learned control and Beth would not stand for that. Finally he raised his head and said.
“Let’s call Josef. We can’t leave him out of the loop” Mick picked up the phone and pressed in Josef number.
Mick! How’s the happy family?” he asked.
“Josef we’ve got a big problem and it involves your namesake”
Mick told Josef what had happened thus far and when he was done Josef said.
“I’m just leaving the office. I’ll come right over” and hung up. Mick placed his hands on Beth’s shoulders.
“Don’t worry hon. Josef will think of something”
Josef knocked on Mick’s door but did not come in immediately. Gabriel had a knack for throwing himself full force on the first person who walked through the door (hence the unfortunate biting of one Fed Ex delivery man) so Josef was always cautious when entering.
“He’s asleep Josef” Beth whispered. Josef relaxed. No sooner than he had walked in the door Gabriel flew out of his room. Josef stood behind Isabelle trying to avoid the attack. As Gabriel came straight for Isabelle’s leg. She stood very still, pointed at him and said.
“NO!” Gabriel stopped almost frightened and walked slowly over to Mick never taking his eyes off Isabelle.
“How did you that?” Beth asked in amazement.
“You must let him know that you mean what you say. He will understand” Isabelle said still staring at Gabriel until he hid his head behind his father’s back.
“You’ve gotta teach me how to do that” Beth said.
“Of course” said Isabelle. She called Gabriel’s name. “Come” she commanded. Gabriel left Mick’s side and walked over to her. She held out her hand and he placed his small hand in hers. They both walked over to Beth.
Mick wasn’t sure how Beth would take to the cleaner. Sarah was her best friend and to see Josef with someone so soon after Sarah’s death angered her a bit. But under the weight and frustration of taking care of Gabriel she was willing to accept help.
Josef and Mick watched the tow women together.
“Finally.” Josef said. “I thought she was going to give us the cold shoulder treatment forever”
“Come on. Losing Sarah was a big deal for her. You have to give her time”
“Yeah I know. But I’ve got a great idea. Why not let Isabelle watch Gabriel? Give you two some time alone?”
“I don’t know Josef. Can you spare her? I know how hectic things are trying to run your company and handling all the vamp issues that were handed to you”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got some whiz kid who’s going to help me out at the firm so I’m covered”
“Do you think Isabelle would agree?”
“I really don’t see why not” Mick thought about it for a minute then walked over to Beth.
“Hey babe, Josef has suggested that maybe Isabelle could watch over Gabe and train him. She does seem to have a way with him” Mick watched Beth knowing she would say no.
“Oh Isabelle could you?” Beth said instead. “You’re great with him and if you could teach him not to attack everyone in his path I would be forever grateful”
“Of course Beth. Don’t worry” Isabelle said gently.
“We’ll I’ll be damned” Josef said chuckling to himself.
Lawrence Clayborne was pissed. That land had always been Clayborne land. Bought and paid for outright by his great-great-great-great grandfather Percy Clayborne. It wasn’t until that bastard O.M. Wozencraft signed the treaty with the Pechanga tribe that they lost the land. And what were the Indians doing with it? Building a worthless casino! So limited was their scope that all they could come up with a damn casino! In the middle of the damn desert! His plans for the land were to build a mall that would rival the Mall of America in Minneapolis! Now people would definitely travel the desert for that. There would be first class shopping. Barney’s, Cartier, Brooks Brothers, while offering 5-star dining options. Wolfgang Puck had even promised to open a dining establishment within the mall. And the only thing holding him back were the damn Indians!
Noka Gilfillan had aspirations. His grand-father Harry Gilfillan had been the tribal chief for over 50 years. His own father had no interest in being a part of the tribe or their heritage. He took his wife and son and left the reservation for city life and that is where Noka was raised. He went to public school and even graduated college, but he knew that it was not his mission in life to squander his education on the rich. The soul of his tribe called to him though he had never met any of them. His mother shared the stories of their culture with him. And when he had learned that his grandfather had died he moved back to the reservation to claim his rightful place as tribal chief. It was while driving back to the reservation that he saw the beautiful woman stranded by the side of the road. She said her transmission blew out and Noka believed her and offered her a ride to the next town. The next thing Noka remembered was waking on the side of the road with his mouth on fire Noka knew the stories of the fire thirst. He knew what the woman had done. And that it was that knowledge that stopped him from becoming a hellish rogue.
It was Noka’s idea to build the casino and it had been a huge success. And as time went on he expanded even more. He put together tour groups where tourist could see actual native ceremonies and eat native foods. They were constantly booked year round. His next move was to build a hotel. And now this Clayborne fellow comes and says the land belongs to him. That would be over Noka’s dead body! And he had no intention of dying.
Chapter II
Isabelle Poppins
Mick heard a faint knocking at the door. He looked at his clock. It was 7am. He shuffled downstairs to open the door and found Isabelle standing there.
“The little one must know routine” she said and walked into Gabe’s room and woke him up. Gabe cried but for a moment and upon seeing that it Isabelle, he instantly stopped. Isabelle bathed him and got him ready for breakfast. Mick watched in wonder.
“Mick get some rest. The little one and I will be fine” Mick went back upstairs to lay next to his wife.
Isabelle picked Gabriel up and took him with her. Fastening him in the car seat she purchased last night which was unnecessary but she did not wish to be stopped by the police, she sped off.
“Okay little one. Today you will learn what you are” she said.
Samuel Blackwater hated the reservation. He always had. He hated growing up there, he hated they way people stared, and he hated the stereotypes. Every season their home would be flooded with idiots and their idiot children who would come to you and say
“How” Everyone in the tribe had a chance to leave when Clayborne had made his offer. It was enough money for everyone in the tribe to go where ever they wanted and build a whole new life. Then Noka came back talking of pride and culture! He had grown up in the city and never had to see the ruins and poverty that came with life on the reservation. Claybornes’s offer was as good as anything they had ever seen. And now it was it was all ruined for casino and selling wooden drums! So when Clayborne found him one day and told him that he would give him $250,000.00 to help him get that land. Samuel agreed. He would have more than he could ever spend and they would all have nothing!
Isabelle was approaching the Redwood National Forest. She drove around until she found an unpopulated spot. She took Gabriel out of car and they walked into the forest. She stopped down in front of him.
“Everything that is here is yours.” She said sweeping her elegant hand towards the woods. “Listen” she said and pointed to his ears. Gabriel stiffened and she knew he had heard something near by. Gabriel’s fangs lengthen and he took a step in the direction of the noise. He hesitated and looked back at Isabelle. When she nodded, he took off. Isabelle followed but not too closely wanting him to find his own rhythm for the hunt. She spotted Gabriel about 50 yards ahead draining a gray fox. When he was finished Isabelle walked over to him and wiped his mouth with her handkerchief.
He stiffened again and Isabelle allowed him to hunt once more. She found him hovered over a small rabbit. When he was done and tired and full from the hunt, she scooped him into her arms and walked back to the car.
They were almost back to Los Angeles when Isabelle’s phone began to ring.
“Yes Josef” she replied
“I need you at the Pechanga reservation” Josef said.
“On my way” Isabelle looked back at Gabriel. “We are going to have an adventure little one!” she said. Gabriel smiled brightly at her.
Isabelle pulled up to what used to be the casino but was now a smoldering pile of rubble. She took Gabriel out of the car and began to walk around.
Josef saw her and Gabriel approaching and immediately wanted to turn and walk away, but Gabriel walked up to him and held out his. Josef shook the little boys hand and looked at Isabelle.
“Okay. Total transformation” he said.
“Clayborne?” she asked.
“Most likely. Noka wants me to overturn his proposal without question. But I need proof before I can make a decision like that”
“By the end of the day” Isabelle said and turned to walk away with Gabriel.