Phoenix Reborn (Woodland Creek)(37)

“Really? And her husband?”

Hawke nodded knowingly.

“Well, well,” said Ashling. “Isn’t that interesting.”

“Not nearly as interesting as you. Now tell me again why you’re not naked?”

“Because you told me someone’s coming over and in my experience, greeting guests while nude is considered gauche.”

“Oh, right. Damn, I hate societal restrictions.”

Just then, the buzzer for the building’s front door sounded. Hawke sprang over and pressed the button, saying, “Come on up,” before the person on the other end was able to speak.

“So you’re not going to tell me what kind of pizza we’re getting?”

“Nope.”

“Fine, then.” Ashling continued milling around, looking for items that she could pack up. “Is this…” she began, but when she turned she saw that Hawke was occupied.

He’d opened the apartment’s door. In its frame stood a man, wearing a suit and tie. He handed Hawke a small white envelope.

“Here’s what you asked for,” he said.

“Thanks, Mike. For everything.”

“No problem. I hope it helps.”

The man turned and left without ceremony, and Hawke closed the door.

“Who was that?” asked Ashling.

“A friend,” said Hawke. “He brought us something.”

“I can see that. Are you going to open it?”

“Well, it’s really for you.” He handed it to her.

Ashling opened it slowly. It wasn’t an engagement ring; of that she was certain. So why the secrecy?

Inside she found folded a sheet of paper, inscribed with the words:

Matthew and Evangeline Jones

106 Dufferin Crescent

Bradbury, California.



“Is this — is this what I think it is?” Ashling asked.

Hawke nodded, apprehension engraved on his face. “Don’t be angry with me,” he said. “I thought you should know. You never have to contact them, if you don’t want to.”

Ashling put the envelope down and laid her hands on Hawke’s face.

“I’m not angry. And I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t know if I should ever go to them. But thank you for giving me the choice.”

“You’re welcome.” He kissed her. “As for the future — I see a farm, with sprawling fields. And I see frequent reports of fiery comet sightings above Woodland Creek.”

“Oddly enough, the fiery comet will always be accompanied by a beautiful Golden Eagle.”

“A Golden Eagle who loves that comet more than anything in the world.”