Becks 10 Find a Balance

All clean and shiny now, and yes mom is too if you wondered! We go to the dining room for a small feast and a large palaver. Sun asks where I learned that move and says it was quite good. I tell him from Bitsy and he looks her way. Bitsy says right away she never showed me that one and I grin.

"Tried to use it on me once, didn't you?"

Bits laughed "I had forgotten! And my brother has never studied ballet so he had no defense! It is priceless!"

Sun ruefully said it is true, he never studied ballet but perhaps he should to save himself future indignity! Bitsy related how that one worked out and said perhaps he would end up working to create a new type of embarrassment and we all laughed a good deal. I told them a week from Saturday I am having a party to celebrate Sarah finishing her residency and beginning her new career and it will be at the Salem shelter.

Pixie clapped and said she loves that and they are happy to pay for the party too! Which Bits nods for. And said that is exactly the kind of balance I need, to keep my life and work happy and functioning well. And she is glad I am finding my balance! Sun rubbed his head and said he thinks I may have found that some time ago and laughs.

Bits shoots him a look and says no, the balance between personal and official. Because it is how one has a happy existence. Sun looks around at five naked women who are clearly happy at the moment and laughs. She laughs too and says he may be right but I should try to remember that anyway, it is important. We chat some more and she asks what I came up for, is it important?

I tell her about the murder path I have discovered and Bitsy says that is bad but people die, also kill each other a lot. I explain that is true but it appears that a single person has been killing women of a specific type for over 100 years. That gets her attention. And Sun's as well. And does not take long for all to feel that the killer must be other, ie: not fully human.

Sun echoes what I have heard already that it would be strange for most Fae as it appears to be organized. Same victim, same time of year. I stopped him as something happened in my head.

"Think about that. Same victim plus same time of year! Now, with a human serial, the victim choice reflects someone who had a profound effect on your life. Is that possible for a Fae with a human victim? And why mid spring or mid fall? Even though all the bodies were not found quickly it does appear that is when the deaths occurred. Why would a non human follow this path? Anyone?"

Sun said "Some sort of ritual, perhaps. And no, I have no idea what sort. Just a thought, really."

Cherry Bomb shook her head and said she only knew humans, other than anyone here.

Pixie also said she had no help to offer but would keep thinking about it. And mom cleared her throat.

"I know I am only human, and only learned about other sorts of people even existing last night but did you think it may be two?"

Everyone started somehow and I asked what she meant.

"Well, it seems you have one victim type, that is a fact. But you have two locales, really. From Hyannis to P-town, and also from Westport to Fall River. This may be me, but that feels like two individuals killing."

Sun stood and bowed to her "Clever Charlotte! I think none of us would assume that type of collaboration between Fae for a long time. And yet, I hear truth ring in your words and feel you have shown us what we can not see. Sister?"

Bitsy stood and bowed as well. "Charlotte the lovely one, who gave us our Becks now you give us knowledge and discernment. I say now that you are a sage of my realm and offer you a boon. In addition you will now have a room here suitable to your person and I give you this to allow you access to myself and Pixie at any time. I believe you know how this works?" and hands mom a jade coin with her ideogram on it.

Mom looked stunned, probably only to me. I do know her well. And said "I am afraid you may honor me too much, Bitsy. I will always help if I can but I am only a woman, so may not always be able to help very much."

"No, wondrous Charlotte I fear we honor you too little but it is what is in my power currently. And I will speak to my mother about that and soon."

Sun laughed "No, sister. We will speak to our mother about the wondrous Charlotte and pretty Becks as well. Any human who can defeat the Monkey King deserves some notice, I do believe!"

Bitsy smiled "Agreed, brother. And we must also speak of the divine Sarah! Whom you and mom will love equally I do believe!"

They then spoke for a moment in some language, possibly Japanese but not my specialty. I have a little Spanish and no Asian languages at all. But after a minute Pixie said "Hey!" and they stopped and looked at her. She smiled and pointed to the rest of us and they looked maybe embarrassed?

We went back to English and Bits took over, not surprising. After more discussion it was decided that I need to investigate more, perhaps check with this Amy I mention. And since it is summer, we have a few months minimum so perhaps I can also work on my duties and my life also? Sun says even though it may be to his personal distress I should continue sparring with his sister as well and laughs. We spoke of more mundane things and I said I would see more of the shelters this week. Bits told me to remember that even when she seems distant, she values me greatly. I ask if we are having a moment and she says she may be losing her touch if I need to ask!

"But I think we had a "moment" when we first met, and it was a lucky moment for us both, Becks. A moment the stars aligned for good purpose."

What can you say to that? I hugged everyone in sight (and that Cherry Bomb is so cute, I bet she is habit forming!) and then we left. Riding down 128 mom said almost the same thing. Told me that Cherry Bomb was sure a cutie! I said I thought so too and mom said she bets everyone does. Instead of home she said we should stop by the lab and see Louis. OK, mom has an idea and I'm game so I head to the lab in Cambridge. Not too far from Grendels and don't worry, you will never see it unless they want you there. BD has many facilities and this one is both special and very private.

We of course had no problem and Uncle Louis and Gunnar were both pleased to see us. Mom told Louis my problem and asked if he can make a detector for any non human life forms? Especially ones that appear normal, as anyone can spot a werewolf! Gunnar grins and says that they won't like it either and laughs. Yes, his sense of humor is more gruesome than mine! Imagine that. Louis smiled and not for the joke. He asked me to come over and after looking asked for my left bracer so I took it off and gave it.

He smiled at mom as he worked "Don't tell anyone Charming Char, but I gave our Becks the full military model. And I have been adding that in for select teams, so it is just an adjustment -- there it is!" And handed it back. "Becks, if you get within 20 feet of a nonhuman your left arm will feel warm. Just like the children's game, closer equals warmer, farther is cooler. Not warm enough to burn, so don't worry. Will that help?"

I said "Enormously, Louis." then thought of something. "Is there an off switch? Because recently I was the only human in a fairly large room of people and it would be distracting at best, I think."

He looked at me and I was wondering if I was being annoying. Then he spoke up. "No more "uncle" Becks? It's true, you are too old, especially when I see you standing next to your sister like this!" He chuckled and showed me a small button I had not noticed, probably the point really. I said that was perfect and the Greene sisters want him and Gunnar to come to a party for Sarah a week from Saturday. He laughed and said they will not miss it.

I stopped to say hi to Gunnar for a moment and asked if he had any connection to the state police forensic units. He said "I know a guy" and soon was giving me Amy's name and her office and home numbers! I said thanks and said I actually knew her slightly. He asked how and I grinned.

"She used to pull me over to check out my butt!"

He laughed "That would be the Amy I know for certain, kid. She's good people, you can trust her." A big statement from Gunnar.

Which made me think. He used to have a partner here who I had not seen for a while. Not my type (obviously!) he was handsome, smaller than Gunnar and who isn't? Also looked like he was carved from very hard stone. Looked like attitude and was so pretty for a guy I called him UA. For Ugly Asshole. So I smiled and asked where old UA was these days?

Gunnar paused for a second then said not to worry because I won't see him again. Interesting because of the pause. He thought about not answering and then told the truth or some of it. So UA is in a ditch somewhere? Pretty sure it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. And yes, I try not to be a hypocrite. Also did not call him UA because I thought he was a nice man. So bye bye and all done. I thanked Gunnar and said I will see him next week or sooner, then had another thought. Because he knows the most interesting people.

"One more thing? Ever meet a fellow named Sun, has a long tail? Ever spar with him, uncle?"

Mom had left Louis and was nearby.

"Becks kicked his butt not too long ago, Gunnar! Be proud!"

Gunnar who is often as stone-faced as Bitsy looked at me and grinned. "Truth, Becks? You beat him fair?"

I grinned too. "In a ring with 4 judges, Bitsy being one of them, Gunnar. So did I do OK?" Old game from when he started teaching me.

He smiled "Fresh out, Becks. I owe you a cookie for certain. Excellent!" And that word was the highest praise he had ever given me. It made Louis look even though he had missed most of the chat. I bet he would be grilling Gunnar once we left. When we did mom directed me to a deli she likes. Not far and while upscale not too steep on prices either.

And told me her idea. We can get Sarah a variety of sandwiches and desserts, and they will keep for a few days. And be new and different! Plus baklava! I told her she was a genius and she said "Like daughter, like mother" with a grin. We did it and headed for the Brigham with close to 20 thousand calories in my saddlebags! Parked in the garage and walked in through emergency. I saw Bonnie and she said Sarah just left to lie down but I can catch her. And is this my sister? I laughed, thanked her and said we will stop back once I feed the princess, making her laugh.

Sarah was still awake and I went to the bed pan to get her a coffee. I did ask if it would keep her awake and she laughed.

"Sweetie, amphetamines wouldn't keep me awake now! I'm running on nerves at this point."

So I got her two large coffees and an extra milk in case. Ran them back, literally. I found that even in a hospital, if a naked woman wants to run, no one tells her to stop! So I bounced right back to her and she smiled.

"You ran, didn't you! Was it fun?"

I said a few people did seem to enjoy watching and she laughed. "Same old Becks and I so love that!"

We talked while she ate and Sarah also said that mom was looking like my sister. Not my mom. What was I feeding her and can she get some, please? I said as far as we know it was just exercise and her face fell. Until I said not to worry as she was already beautiful and needs to stay that way. Then I got kisses and thanks for the goodies. And orders to go home. I said since she needs sleep even if it's just a few minutes I was out of here, but need me and I'm right back! Got another kiss for that and we left.

Mom and I walked back to the ER and found Bonnie. What I had not told mom was that my left arm warmed up when we got near her. I asked if she wanted to grab a coffee with us and she said why not, it was slow for a minute. Which I knew was a reality there. Walking to the bed pan I thought about how horny the sea women I knew were and guessed she may be one. But not a Ning-yo, she was too large a woman. Not fat, just big and beautiful. And that was my outside voice!

Bonnie smiled at me. 'No, I am not Ning-yo and how do you know about them Becks? And thank you for the sweet words as well."

We were there so we all ordered then went outside to sit with some privacy.

I said "You know a few things about me, Bonnie. I work for The Bitsy, and I know the Ning-yo clan near Wellfleet and Helen in Provincetown. Oh, and Jazz, or "Pirate Jazz" if you prefer. And I can sort of feel when some kinds of folk are near me."

She laughed "And you only thought of sea folk then?"

I laughed too. "Actually, all the sea folk I know are very horny, so..."

Bonnie laughed again "Ah, so my libido gave me away! Well, fuck me!" Grins at mom "Interested, sweet thing?" making mom laugh. And look interested.

I said "I never hear you sing, so not a siren, but maybe a selkie?"

"Mermaid actually, love. And no, my feet do not hurt, that was a foolish boy writing a story who didn't know any better." She also said she does need to get good and wet at least once a day and are showers not a wonderful invention?

Spur of the moment, plus hours of watching this woman care for others made me risk it and ask.

"Bonnie, would you be willing to help me with an investigation?"

She said of course she would but how can she help? I said with information mostly. Because I know there are a number of Fae races, but little or nothing about them. She said she can be my research assistant then and we made a date for later when she would be off work. Because this was going to be more than a five minute conversation. On the way back we saw ambulances rolling in and Bonnie said at least I get to kiss Sarah again, if I want to wake her up?

I did, and walked her to the ER too. Then took mom and went off to Salem. Where we stopped at the shelter to say hi. Mina and Sally each asked if this was my sister which made mom quite happy. Plus we all got to laugh, so good all around in my book! Mina introduced us to the few women guests at the moment and said I was the person who can help them with men. One tired looking woman asked if I was a relationship counselor and did not look like that was a good thing.

Sally smiled "Not at all Liz. Becks kicks them in the head until they go away. She is a different kind of helper!"

Liz actually smiled then and the other woman looked at me almost like she wished she knew me a lot sooner. Maybe I read too much from faces, but that was what she looked like just then. Like I was an ice cream melting in the sun and if she had just known I was there sooner. Ice broken we did chat some and I told both women that if they have any problems with men, tell Mina right away and she will call me, or they can call me too.

Liz asked what if I don't answer, a good question as this type of problem often has a time limit. I told her in that case to call Mina and tell her you need me ASAP. Liz asked if Mina can contact me anywhere and I said no, but she can contact our boss. And she can reach out to me anywhere, and quickly too. That impressed Liz. I was glad to see the reassurance make her feel better and hoped she didn't have to make that call. For her sake, not mine. I almost enjoy beating down an a-hole who hits women. As Bits might say it feels balanced to me.

Once they went to do whatever they do, Mina asked if I want to see the clinic, which is coming along very well.

Sally said "You're going to adore the ambulance, Becks! It came yesterday and I hear from the boss you get to drive it."

We walked out the rear door and across the yard, thru a gate and into the new clinic's back door. And got a tour. This was the main treatment room and just off it was a sitting area for family or even Sarah between patients. And she had an office with a lovely cherry wood roll top and a comfy looking desk chair. And a well padded cozy wingback for reading or for a guest. On that floor there was also a large bedroom suite with a bath and a king size bed.

Mina smiled and said that was for me and Sarah when we had patients staying here. So we were between the door and the people. I said that sounds like Bits' thinking and she said I hit that nail square. Thinking of other phrases she used I asked out of curiosity if her father was a carpenter? She said he was a cabinet maker, and an itinerant preacher. And a werewolf hunter but not very successful and his god did not help him out very much.

'Which is why I am not a Christian, and doubt that old man exists at all. But I have seen The Bitsy, Sun Wukong and once the Queen of the World for a moment. I do believe in them and they all actually help people!"

I said they do, and I hope to meet Bits' mom one of these days.

Mina smiled "I would not be surprised if you meet her next Saturday. This is a very large deal for our Bitsy and her mom loves her a great deal. And likes to see what is happening too just like we do."

I said I hope so because her family is very interesting. Sally asked if it was true that I sparred with Bitsy's brother, the Monkey King and even won?"

I said yes, but he was very good, and I was sure he can beat me with a staff. Probably. Mina said "But Sun Wukong is the premier fighter in the world, or one of them! How did you vanquish such a one?"

"I cheated!"

"You what? How? And how could you even.."

"Easy peasy, Mina. I used a trick he did not know. Yet. Next time I will need a new one or he will win. You are right, though. He is a good fighter, hard to beat."

Mina looked upset and Sally laughed and told her not to take it personally. And suddenly Bits' head was there, smiling in the air at us.

"Hey, Mina, even my brother can be beaten. I know you have a soft spot for the guy, but it's true. And you know how they say no matter how good or fast you are there is someone better? That's true too and you're looking at her. Say hello to Becks, who will always be that someone who is better and faster. And just might save your ass because of it too!" And vanished, which she does once she makes her point.

Sally laughed "People come and go so quickly here!" and we all laughed which dissolved any remaining tension.

Mina actually took my hand as she said "Sorry Becks. I think Sun is a very special person and I guess I was feeling upset that you beat him. But I know you are a very special person too, plain human or not. And I want to be your friend, not your enemy."

I smiled and said that was easy, and by the way Sun would laugh at her for getting mad just now, the same as he laughed at himself when I beat him!

Mina smiled "You're right, that would be just like him, he finds the jest in everything."

Sally grinned "Mina wants him to find something in her too, but not a joke! Still fun though I bet!"

Mina blushed and said "Sally!" but denied nothing.

I smiled and said we should see what else is here and a moment later Sally showed us the patient's recovery rooms and then walked us back down. Back in the treatment room Sally took us through a larger than normal door and into a hallway. It extended beyond the corner of the house to connect with the garage and I saw the ambulance for the first time. I may have made sounds, I'm not sure. I do know that for at least a minute I just stared!

At the 1957 Fleetwood ambulance, black with a white top and all shiny and looking brand new! Then Mina handed me the keys and said Pixie says I am the authorized driver. I took them, walked over and kissed the hood saying "Hello Morticia!" And got looks from both women.

I said "She needs a name! And she is so Addams family! And Morticia is the one who solves the problems and fixes things!" They were both agreeing it was perfect when I climbed into the driver's seat. I put the key in and a mini Bits appeared, floating above the wheel! Not just a head, a full person, about ten inches tall!