Brianna Winters (winters__breeze) wrote in birthrightrpg, @ 2022-01-04 11:12:00 |
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Entry tags: | brianna winters, flynn russo, npc |
Backdated: Flynn meets the mentor
Who: Flynn, Brianna & Cassandra (NPC)
What: Meeting the Mentor
Where: Brianna’s private suite, Le Breeze
When: After swap plot, before New Years Eve
The young psychic empath leaned against the frame of the french door that was open in her office. The aromas of the roast turkey coming from the kitchen below reminded her it was lunch time, and she inhaled deeply, eyes closing briefly, and smiled as she opened them again. The hum of activity below drifted up in not just the audible clatter of kitchen cutlery and pans, or the calls of the various sous chefs and wait staff in response to the questions of Chef. It also filled her mind again, and she couldn’t help but smile a little wider at the silent encouragement in Chef’s mind for the new sauces sous who had just presented Chef with the jus for the special Christmas turkey. “Tres magnifique! Now into the boats and onto the tables!” came the call. “Prepare for plating!” The kitchen was abuzz, a large party of diners for Christmas lunch were seated in the restaurant and plating for a large booking was always a hectic but fun time, all the staff, including housekeeping, were seconded for the 15 minutes it took, the loading dock commandeered for more space on occasions such as this.
It was good to be back in her own head. The time she had spent with Flynn’s ability had ranged from terrifying to harrowing to the occasional moment of amusement, and on the rare occasion, enlightening, she admitted to herself, and him afterwards. She now had a much deeper appreciation for what he had gone through and still couldn’t imagine what it would have been like to have those spirits coming to him day and night as a child. It did have its redeeming moments though, and helping Mel learn of her father’s ‘insurance policy’ had certainly been a highpoint.
Turning away from the open door she made her way across to her desk and opened her laptop, the screen coming to life instantly. There was no new emails of import, which wasn’t that surprising, but she could see that three people had accessed the presentation material, which was good, given the time of day. The laptop was closed again and she stood up and made her way across to the door into the hallway..
A knock sounded just as Brianna reached it and she opened the door to greet her mentor. “Cassandra, please come in,” she said to the immortal. They greeted each other as they had done for years, a press of each cheek to the other’s. Today though, Cassandra took Brianna’s hand in hers for a moment and studied her face before giving a nod and releasing her hand.
“How are you feeling?” her mentor asked as they made their way across to where the table was laid with coffee. Cass had wanted to come early, before Flynn, to cover some things with Brianna.
“Much better, in fact I think even better than before,” Brianna replied, pouring the coffee and taking a seat. “It reminds me of that line in the old song, ‘You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone,’ and believe me, having lived in Flynn’s world, and what he deals with has probably made me appreciate what I have even more.”
Cassandra nodded, sipping at the dark aromatic brew, her eyes on Brianna’s face, noticing the slight changes apparent to her. The small smile that matched a light in her eyes, the soft delivery of the young man’s name and circumstance. It was as the immortal had guessed from what she had heard through Radek and others, and seen for herself. This would be the first time Cassandra had met Flynn, the simple fact the young man had Brianna’s powers was enough to keep the ancient immortal outside his range for the time being. While the gathering of the Consortium had been postponed until the issue regarding the psychic empath’s powers had been resolved, Cassandra had remained in Henderson, both to monitor the situation and observe the relationship that was forming. Protecting her protégé was still of the highest of priorities, and while the immortal knew Brianna had the abilities to discern a person’s intent, Cassandra also knew there were powers still beyond the young protege’s understanding as yet.
The two women discussed the upcoming gathering, and in particular the presentation Brianna had been working on when the swap happened. It was still to be done to the rest of the Consortium, but Cassandra had seen it. She had been pleased with the analysis and had told Brianna so, but even still the young woman had wanted to do some minor tweaks, mainly cosmetic.
A fresh pot of coffee was brought to the office and Brianna relaxed into her chair. “So have you been out to ‘the farm’ yet?” she asked, giving Cassandra an arched eyebrow look of questioning.
Cassandra laughed, shaking her head. “Oh no, despite his best attempts I have managed to avoid going there,” she replied. “His fascination with those types of things is admirable, and he’s an amazing individual, but he’s welcome to keep all that science and experimentation side of things to himself, I’ve seen enough of what the human anatomy can withstand, and what it can’t, to know I don’t need to see any more of what’s beneath the surface.”
Brianna joined her mentor’s laugh, smiling at the look on the immortal’s face. She had often wondered about Cassandra and Radek, but had never been able to ‘see’ anything but a deep affectionate bond between the two. Whether there had ever been anything between them she didn’t know, but there was no doubt in her mind that they were nothing more than very good, dear friends with a bond that went back many centuries.
“And how is Trent? Is he behaving himself, with you being here for so long?”
Cassandra nodded slowly after finishing another sip of her coffee. “Yes, I did manage to get a promise from him that he would not race again this year. That accident early in the season was enough to keep him out of action for a few rounds, so there was no chance of him winning the championship by the time he was able to get behind the wheel again. Plus we have had a lot of work, keeping the ‘adventures of Andre’ under wraps, after the avalanche. Some nurse at the hospital thought it was a good idea to pad out her pay by allowing various photographers into the ward to see the miraculous survivor before we could transport him out, so all those had to be reworked.”
“Will the…” Brianna paused her next question, sensing the approach of someone to the door of her office. “Excuse me, I think Flynn’s here,” she said instead, placing her cup on the tray and standing up. Cass nodded.
Brianna crossed to the door, ran her hands down her royal blue cheongsam, smoothed out the non-existent wrinkles, and opened the door.
Flynn knew the way up to Brianna’s office by now, but still felt it was just good manners to wait to be escorted up. As he approached the door, he thought he could hear the low chatter of two voices behind it. It had been a very strange, hectic month, and while things would never fully be ‘normal’, they had at least returned to what they were used to. He had almost welcomed his first sighting after their powers had switched back into place. He never thought he would find himself missing it. Now, though, his focus was more on the impending meeting with Cassandra. It seemed significant, or maybe he was putting more significance into it. Either way.
The door opened and he saw Brianna standing there. He flashed her a smile, unsure of how to greet her in front of the other woman. He settled on a brief hug. The contact was followed by a distinct silence in his head, one he would no longer be taking for granted. “Hey, you,” Flynn told her quietly, his mouth near her ear before pulling back.
“Hey yourself,” she replied, pressing a light kiss to his cheek as he straightened up. She took his hand and led him across to the small table in front of the open doors where Cassandra was seated. As they approached the woman stood and turned to meet him, the bright winter sunlight spilling through the open doors backlighting the slender figure with long dark curly hair. Black trousers were topped by a deep burgundy lace blouse worn over a black camisole.
The smile on the immortal’s face was genuine, and warm, as she stepped out from the table and held out her hand to Flynn as Brianna introduced the two of them.
“It’s lovely to meet you at last Flynn,” she told him, eyes meeting his openly. “I’m sorry it wasn’t sooner, but circumstances being what they were it seemed best to wait until things had returned to normal, or at least had settled a little.”
He took a few steps toward Cassandra, accepting her hand into his and flashing the kind of polite smile he reserved for uncertain situations and unfamiliar people. “Well, I can’t fault you for that,” Flynn replied amiably. “I wasn’t the greatest at tuning out all the thoughts and I’m sure the last thing you want is a stranger reading your mind. Finding out all your secrets.” His smile widened before being clouded by a hint of worry as he glanced between her and Brianna before adding, “That was a joke.”
Brianna nodded, noting there was no visible sign of the flinch Cassandra felt at the joke, cutting a little close to the core for the immortal. “Of course it was,” Brianna said, smiling, indicating the other chair for Flynn. “Lunch will be on its way up shortly, meanwhile would you like something to drink? Coffee? Water? Soda?”
“Oh believe me Flynn, the very last thing you would want is to witness the ramblings of this old head of mine!” Cassandra offered, matching Brianna’s offering of the chair for him and reseating herself. “How did you find it, being able to know exactly what people were thinking, and feeling?” she asked as she picked up her coffee and took a sip.
Reassured, he walked over to the empty chair. “I’ll have some water, thanks,” he told Brianna as he took a seat at the table. Flynn felt oddly large and overly conspicuous, which might have been due, in part, to the addition of Cassandra to the mix. He wouldn’t call it nervousness, but the element of uncertainty did temporarily change the dynamic between him and Brianna. Things felt more formal, though that might been coming from his own perception rather than anything the other two were doing.
“Um, well, it made working in customer service extremely…interesting,” Flynn answered. “I tried to block as much as I could out. There are some things about my regulars I just don’t need to know.”
Brianna selected a large bottle of water from the small bar fridge built into the credenza and picked up three glasses from a tray before returning to the table. She poured a glass for Flynn as she nodded her agreement with his statement and gave his shoulder a light squeeze.
"I recall Brianna describing it as being like eavesdropping in the middle of a party of exhibitionists at times I think it was, wasn't it?"
The younger woman nodded as she also poured some water for herself and Cassandra. "Well people do feel they can think whatever they want, and quite rightly so in most cases. But there are plenty of times I certainly don't want or need to know those thoughts, but…" She shrugged, looking at him with a cross between an apologetic and painful look, knowing he would now understand only too well. "One of the things that I will be forever grateful to Cassandra and Radek and others for is helping me to learn how to develop the shields and barriers I now use to give me some peace and protection from it all."
Cassandra nodded in acknowledgement and looked across her coffee cup at Flynn, curious. "And how was it, not having your powers?"
“I felt alone,” Flynn said after taking a sip of water. “Not in any kind of negative way, just…solitary. I call them visitors and now after this experience, I realize how apt that word is.” He looked down at the print from his thumb that was visible on the side of the water glass before glancing back up at Brianna. “I was more worried about how it would affect her, honestly,” he added, gesturing to the brunette with a nod of his head. “
Brianna reached over and took a hold of his hand, giving it a squeeze as she smiled at him, and Cassandra didn’t miss the look in the young woman’s eyes.
“I guess I’m kind of curious about how you and Radek helped her come up with these shields and barriers,” Flynn mused. “I mean, I’ve come up with my own ways to cope, but that was just through experience, trial and error. I wouldn’t exactly call them sophisticated.”
“As much as I would like to say they’re a well kept secret passed down through generations,” Cassandra started with a soft laugh and exaggerated flourish of her hand, “I’m afraid they’re just a little something I learned from a wise old healer I knew when I was a young woman.”
Every word she spoke was the truth. The simple fact that her teacher, Hijad, had been a healer living in what was now referred to as the ‘Bronze Age’ was irrelevant.
“Radek has helped refine the process and then it was just a case of time and perseverance. The hard part was done by Brianna herself, and it’s been quite an honour and privilege to be a part of helping her develop.”
Brianna knew the backstory, all of it, and knew the immortals kept their secrets for good reason. It was only when they were fully cognisant of her abilities that they revealed their truth to her, and their reasons for keeping them secret. She respected Cassandra’s judgement, and knew that if and when the time was right she, or Radek would give Flynn something more.
“I don’t know how I would have managed without it, without you,” she said to Cassandra before turning back to look at Flynn. “You know how overwhelming it can be, and isolating, not just among strangers, but moreso amongst friends. It’s like hearing everyone’s secrets, even the ones you really don’t want to know! Like those regulars!” she laughed. “I can imagine they weren’t just cursing at the increase in petrol prices.”
To Flynn, the message was clear; his questions would be answered, but not to the fullest extent to satiate his curiosity. Again, he wondered at the lengths the people around Brianna went to protect her, at what danger they might know about but saw fit to keep close to the vest. He supposed it didn’t matter as long as she was safe, but he found himself wanting to know. “No, they definitely weren’t,” he agreed somewhat distractedly. He took another drink from the glass. “Is Brianna the only person that you do this for?” Flynn asked Cassandra, his gaze shifting over to the woman. “You know, mentoring and protecting.” He couldn’t help but think about the other members of the psychically gifted set that were out there, drifting along without a guide.
Cassandra looked at Flynn for a long moment before replying. “Our group has at times come across talents, abilities that are not readily recognised as such. and offered either guidance, or assistance, or in some cases mentorships to these individuals, but there’ve been very few who’ve shown such potential as Brianna,” the immortal told Flynn. “I don’t think I need to tell you just how special Brianna’s talents are, do I?” she continued as she picked up and held her water glass in her hands. “And from what we can tell there is still more to be revealed.” She took a sip from the glass before letting it nestle in her hands again.
“There are others over whom we keep a watchful eye, and at times offer a guiding hand,” she continued, ‘and yet some others for whom we find suitable employment in fields their talents and interests find them best suited.” She paused for a moment, the sound of a trolley bearing dishes could be heard passing by the office door, and the door into the sitting room next door opening as their lunch was delivered. Brianna excused herself and went into the sitting room while the lunch was being laid, closing the connecting door behind her.
“I am part of a small group of individuals who have found our mutual interests are best served as a team, rather than solo, and one of those mutual interests has turned out to be providing mentorship to those whose paths intersect with ours, and to whom we can provide some guidance. You, for example, have a set of skills that I believe are fascinating, and if we were able to be of any assistance, in some way, I would be interested in discussing this with you. Currently I only know a little of what your abilities encompass, as Brianna has only briefly mentioned some points she and others have witnessed and a small amount of what she experienced, but also told me quite clearly it is your story to tell. Please, feel free to tell me as much, or as little as you would like to share.”
Flynn raised an eyebrow as he listened to this explanation. The more he heard, the more he wondered about Cassandra, the particular interests that she served, and how wide of a net they cast. He could only imagine a conglomerate of gifted individuals connected through a specific network. The power that could be wielded. “Well, the short version is that I see ghosts,” he told her, looking up as Brianna stood to receive the food. “I can communicate with them, summon them. Occasionally, they do things that I ask.” Flynn paused, looking thoughtful, though the hint of a smile was present on his lips.
“Although, strangely, I’ve never once met a dead celebrity. You would think being this close to Vegas would at least net me a little facetime with Sinatra.” Flynn shrugged gently.
Cassandra chuckled, the smile on her face accompanied by a curious lift of her eyebrow. "Sinatra? An interesting choice." The sounds from behind the closed sitting room connecting door indicated the staff were finished setting up.
"Have you ever tried to connect with any specific people?" She smiled as she added, "celebrity or otherwise?"
“I’ve been able to make contact with someone intentionally,” Flynn told Cassandra carefully. “It takes a lot more energy and focus, but I can do it.” His gaze dropped to the table. Sometimes he was more comfortable talking about his particular abilities, and sometimes it felt almost like bragging. Personally, he was still wondering what she meant when she said there might be assistance that she could extend to him, the same way as she did for Brianna. What that could possibly look like, and if that was something he was really open to. “Of course, whether they feel much like talking once they’re in the room is another matter entirely.”
“I can only imagine how that would be. I’m guessing you’ve had lots of practice talking to complete strangers,” she joked lightly. “Those who’ve found themselves without a corporeal body a little earlier than expected, with things they still want to say, or left in limbo with anger, or revenge unexacted, or love unrequited and unable to move on.”
She paused as Brianna opened the connecting door and re-entered the room. “If you two are ready, lunch is served,” she told them, giving a grin and exaggerated flourish with the statement.
Cassandra replaced her glass on the table and stood. “And if it’s some of that amazing turkey I have been smelling for the last hour I can’t wait,” she declared.
“It’s surprisingly easy to talk to the dead, when they’re receptive to it,” Flynn informed her as casually as if he were talking about the weather. “They’re not as judgmental. I believe that now more than ever, after experiencing Brianna’s psychic ability.” He smiled and stood up from the table when the brunette in question announced lunch. “But unfinished business seems to be the common denominator. Well-intentioned or not. Sometimes the visitors aren’t as benevolent.” Flynn pushed his chair back into the table and gestured for Cassandra to pass first before he trailed after her.
They made their way into the sitting room, Cassandra giving the two staff there a nod of thanks. One returned it and immediately departed to go and clear away the table in the office while the other moved to pluck the bottle of wine from the cooler and offer it to Cassandra for inspection. The immortal took a momentary glance at the label and nodded. As the wine was being poured she asked “Have you ever been approached by someone, anyone, to make contact with someone in particular?” she asked as the glasses were filled and the entrees uncovered. Three hors d'oeuvres were on each of three serving plates, one consisting of brie and cranberries, another a pate de fois gras on a miniature toast with a tiny scroll of orange rind, and the third a shredding of lobster tail with a hint of ginger, twisted with tiny slivers of red and green peppers to add to the festive look.
As Cassandra spoke Brianna looked to Flynn and offered him the serving tongs to help himself to the tasty morsels.
He took the tongs as his gaze swept over the array of food, deciding to try a small amount of each rather than stand around deliberating over what looked appealing. “Well, sort of,” Flynn answered as he moved along with his plate. As he passed Brianna, he swept his free hand along her shoulder, just because it had been a while since they had touched and he missed her proximity. “I have a friend who knew someone that died violently, suddenly,” he explained as he waited for Cassandra and the psychic to seat themselves before he did. “It turned out he just had something he needed to say, and that’s why he was sticking around. So I was like a…” He searched for the particular word that he was looking for. “A conduit between them. It can be really hard on me, though, depending on the circumstances. It all leaves a trace.”
Flynn smiled at Brianna. “But she handled it really well during the ‘swap’. Better than I did at first.”
Brianna smiled at the smooth way the conversation was flowing between the two. And her eyes darted up to meet his, brighter at his touch. It wasn’t long before the three of them had selected their morsels and seated themselves at the table. “Only because I had you to guide me through it,” she returned, giving his hand a brief squeeze as they took their places, “I wasn’t having to deal with it all on my own, with no-one believing me, or in me. Only because I knew what to do, how to manage myself, and in a small way them, did it even give me a chance of not ending up a bit of a mess.”
Cassandra noted the affection in the woman she’d been mentoring for close to six years. She’d noticed the way she lit up when he entered the room, and the silent exchanges between the two, and mentally smiled to herself. She’d not seen this in Brianna before, and it was interesting to see the changes, some almost imperceptible to someone who didn’t know the young woman well.
Flynn began systematically sampling a bite of everything at a time in between sips of wine. He wasn’t normally a wine person, but he had enjoyed each one that he had tried so far from Le Breeze. He returned the squeeze of Brianna’s hand. “Yeah, but you were there to help me, too,” he pointed out with an affectionate smile. “Kinda like my very own psychic tech support.”
One of the things he’d said had caught Cassandra's attention and she looked across at Flynn between forkfuls. “When you are providing this connection, being a conduit, you mentioned it leaves a trace. What sort of things have you noticed it does?”
After setting down his fork, Flynn gave Cassandra’s next question some quiet consideration before finally answering. “It can be anything as mild as feeling that spirit’s emotions, even after they’ve gone. Happiness, anger, extreme grief. The duration and intensity seems to vary based on how much time I spent communicating with them, and how vividly they appear to me. Sometimes I compare it to radio signals; the closer to the ‘tower’, the clearer that station comes in. So if I’m somewhere that spirit spent a lot of time occupying in life, or died near…some kind of really significant connection, that’s the strongest.”
"How fascinating," the immortal replied, nodding with interest. A myriad of questions filled her mind but she held back a little while they ate, their lunch being plated and served as they finished the hors d'oeuvres. Conversation continued on general topics, including recollections of Christmases past, and traditions. The aromas that had been wafting up earlier were even more tantalising as the plates were laid in front of each of them. When the server excused themselves to leave them to enjoy their meal Cass nodded and picked up her wine glass.
"You were saying before that you've managed to connect with the spirit of someone who died violently, and once they were able to connect they passed on?" she asked in recollection. "Were they angry, threatening?"
Flynn was slightly hesitant in answering, if only because it involved someone else not currently present and he was always wary of revealing others’ secrets. “Angry, blameful, confused,” he explained slowly. Another sip of wine as he mentally composed his words. “It was difficult to communicate with him at first because of it. It was just waves of emotion. That one lingered with me a while.” He cut a glance at Brianna. “I’ve also experienced a spirit trying to influence me to act on their behalf. Influence is putting it gently, but possess sounds too dramatic. They did not succeed but it took a lot of energy to fight it.”
Brianna listened as she ate, the descriptions Flynn was giving showing her a lot more of what he could do with the ability he had, and it reminded her of the time in Lux, when she had been channelling his mother. It occurred to her that while his mother may not have had the same ability as her own mother and son, there was something there, that she had been able to reach out to him, that Brianna had provided a bridge somehow. It had been similar to when Ellie’s mother had appeared to her when she was unwell, but she knew the woman had been trying to keep it from Ellie. The young psychic knew it would be something she was probably best to talk with Radek about so didn’t raise it. Instead she listened as the other two talked.
“When you dance around a subject it makes it all the more intriguing,” Cass commented as she gave Flynn a smile, eyes darting across to the silent Brianna before returning to the young man. “And believe me when I say possession is indeed worthy of the title ‘dramatic’ and in most instances also somewhat frightening. There is nothing wrong with recognising the intent and the potential consequences, especially if the intent is evil. I am left to suppose that this spirit trying to influence, or possess you, had bad intentions?” she suggested. “And you were able to identify this, and therefore resist, and fight it off?”
“I don’t mean to dance around the subject,” Flynn explained with a light smile. “More like protecting someone else’s secret. I’d do it for anyone who told me something in complete confidence.” At this assertion, he gave Brianna a meaningful look. He had meant it when he said he would do everything possible to maintain her trust in him, and that included keeping mum about the extent of her abilities. “But in this particular instance, I can tell you what I experienced. His intentions were definitely bad.” The time in question that he was thinking of was in the mortuary with James. Flynn remembered the desperate way that Brandon Simmons had tried to latch on to him, to get him to stop James by any means necessary.
“It’s easy to identify when it goes against what you actually want to do,” the medium continued between bites of food. “But I suppose the danger would be when that line is blurred.”
"I appreciate the protection of secrets," Cass asserted without hesitation. "I'm sure Brianna has already told you of how high a regard I give it, and how important it is. I ask only of your own experiences and perceptions, not the individual specific circumstances of others nor their identities unless you're comfortable with sharing." She hoped he understood her interests lay in him, getting to know him, and his abilities.
"Did this incident, where the spirit tried to get you to do their wishes, was this the first time it's happened?"
Flynn nodded in agreement, inwardly relieved that he and Cassandra seemed to be operating on the same page as far as confidentiality went. “That was the first time where it was so overt, that I actually had to fight it off,” he explained quietly. “But it was under unusual circumstances, so it would be difficult to isolate any particular variable that made the situation so…notable.” There was the implication that Brandon Simmons had at least dabbled in magic himself, which could explain it, or the magical energy that had come from James. Or maybe it was just a fluke, an outlier. Flynn wouldn’t know unless it happened again. Part of him hoped not, but another part driven by curiosity and the seeking of knowledge about his abilities did.
“But Brianna didn’t experience anything like that while we were ‘swapped’…right?” The medium looked over at the psychic.
Brianna shook her head as her hand flew to cover her mouth, unable to speak. Cassandra’s eyes moved between the two as Brianna quickly swallowed the mouthful. “No, nothing like that,” she finally managed to get out, looking at him reassuringly. She still had the memory of channelling his mother, that evening in Lux, and there had been nothing approaching that in the times she’d been ‘visited’ during the swap. “I would have told you,” she added, reaching over and laying her hand on his sleeve for a brief moment.
Cass nodded, silently relieved again, and wondering if that might have been due to the mental strength of the young woman, given the years of training and exercising her shielding.
“So tell me a little more about yourself, Flynn, I’m sure there’s more to you than simply being a medium for the spirits of this world,” she asked, shifting the subject in a new direction for the time being.
Flynn glanced down to where Brianna rested her hand, the briefest of smiles directed her way before turning back to look at Cassandra. “About me? Umm…” He trailed off, at somewhat of a loss. Being a medium was the most significant thing about him, at least in his opinion. Without it, what would he be? “I don’t know if there’s anything else of interest. I work at a truck stop. I have friends…sort of.” Flynn gave a slight shrug. Was he completely boring to balance out the fact that he saw dead people?
“It can be all-consuming, having others in your head, dealing with things others can’t see or don’t know is even going on,” Brianna said, not meaning to sound defensive, but knowing how that can be a time-consuming ‘occupation’ that others just don’t understand. “There were many times where I spent almost an entire day in here, just because I didn’t think I could be fully in control with what was going on,” she said to Cassandra.
He felt a wave of gratefulness and warmth toward Brianna so strong, he wanted to lean over and kiss her, but refrained out of politeness toward present company. Flynn’s smile grew. “Honestly, I’m more interested in learning more about you,” he told Cassandra. “I feel like you’re a closed book. All I know is that you’ve mentored Brianna and learned your methods from healers which sounds…fascinatingly old-fashioned.” He grinned playfully. “Do you have any hobbies?”
Cass’s laugh was genuine and Brianna smiled, knowing part of what the woman found amusing - the use of the term ‘old fashioned’ had been one Brianna had used at times before she’d known the details of her mentor’s age. “I admit that’s the first time I’ve heard the adjective ’fascinatingly’ used with old-fashioned when describing me,” she explained, smiling happily before sipping from her wine.
“And me being a closed book is a little closer to the mark than you may suspect, as that’s where most of my business is focused, in publishing. Of course these days, in the world of the internet and ’hyperspace bypasses’ it’s more online, with websites, portals, apps, sound bites, grabs, and social media networks than traditional printing and first editions and cries of ‘stop the presses!’,” she mused, her eyes staring into the wine in her glass as she spoke. “Instant information on the screen in the palm of your hand that outdates what has been printed on paper before it’s even left the presses,” she added before taking another sip and turning her attention back to the question.
“As for my hobbies? Well, horses, thoroughbreds in particular are another passion of mine, and I’m fortunate enough to have some stables in various locations that give me a good excuse to keep on the move, visiting during yearling sales, watching the youngsters grow and develop and then, when ready, run like the wind! Of course I myself have a particular love of the Arab, and by extension the quarterhorse, and enjoy a good ride when time permits. Have you ever ridden?”
Flynn suddenly felt rather out of his depth and under-credentialed. He finished off his glass of wine and set it aside as he cleared his throat unnecessarily. “No, I’ve never ridden a horse. Or really been that close to one. Oh, but sometimes you can spot a wild donkey in this part of Nevada.” He looked over at Brianna. The medium didn’t usually feel self-conscious; he spent most of his time fully aware that he didn’t always fit in and had come to terms with that a long time ago. But the sensation was rearing up somewhat now and Flynn tried his best to quell it.
“I’ve lived in Henderson almost my whole life,” he explained. “And while Vegas isn’t exactly provincial, I’m also not really the ‘seeking out new experiences’ type. Traveling, horseback riding…upper tax brackets.” Flynn shrugged and broke into a self-deprecating grin. “Not really my wheelhouse.”
Cassandra didn’t miss the sense of discomfort, and made a mental note to talk to Radek about where he rode from, and the current stable of horses available there.. “Would you like to see if it’s something that might be of interest? Horses, that is,” she enquired. “I know Radek rides regularly, through the canyon areas, and has often asked me to go along. It’s an easy area, known for some interesting history and magnificent views.”
“Sure, maybe,” Flynn nodded. He appreciated Cassandra trying to include him, and he tried to make himself feel better by remembering that he and Brianna had enough in common that the few differences they did have shouldn’t be an issue. Or so he hoped. The medium set down his fork. “The food was great, as usual,” he told the brunette now, partially because it was true and partially in a not-so-subtle bid to shift the focus onto something other than himself. “How long will you be staying in this area?” Flynn asked Cassandra curiously.
“It will depend on a few things,” the immortal replied. “With our expansions taking shape here it will be beneficial for me to remain while negotiations are being made.”
Brianna nodded, adding, “and with the new year just around the corner it seems a good time to celebrate new beginnings,” in an effort to divert the conversation onto other subjects. “Which brings me to the suggestion I’ve been wanting to make. Cass, if it is okay with you, I would like to have a small informal celebration of the new year here, for our team who don’t already have anything planned.” She gave Flynn a smile as she added, “plus a few friends too.”
Cassandra nodded. “I had been wondering what you might be doing, whether there was some magnificent events you would be attending on the Strip?”
“No, well, I’m sure there are events, but I think after the last few months I’d like to just celebrate quietly here with friends and our staff who’d like to join. I can get Chef to prepare platters of finger foods that can be laid out, we can hold it in the cafe bar so no-one needs to work.”
“Of course. Consider it approved. And if nothing else it will be an excuse to get Radek here, and away from ‘the farm’!” she added with a small, huffed laugh.
Brianna nodded, looking at Flynn. “Are you able to come?” she asked.
Flynn smiled mischievously at Brianna, reaching over to brush his fingers over hers. “Hmm, I don’t know,” he drew out, the look of amusement plainly visible in his expression. “I have to check my social calendar, I think I’m really booked that night.” There was a beat of silence before he continued. “Of course I’ll be there.” And angling for a midnight kiss was only a small part of it. The medium tried to remember what he had been doing last year on the evening in question. Most likely, he had been at home. It might be a nice change of pace to actually attend an event, and with a date, no less. He looked considerably more cheerful now.
“Okay, so I have to ask,” Flynn continued, turning back to address Cassandra. “Though I’m not holding my breath for a straight answer.” The corners of his mouth twitched up slightly. “What is ‘the Farm’?”
Cass’s eyebrow rose at the implication regarding her answers, but happily responded. One didn’t survive into their fourth millennium by allowing small slights to get under their skin. “It’s actually a farm, or at least was originally established as such, and then I believe it was used as a bit of a mining camp, and is now Radek’s latest addition to his portfolio of properties,” she explained. “Our dear friend and colleague is particularly fascinated with all things medical, and is always researching different things about the anatomy and life and that sort of thing, so he has set himself up a location where, if things he was working on were to go a little haywire, there would be no fall-out for nearby neighbours, as there aren’t any out there!”
Brianna laughed. “Yes, he has a couple of projects he’s working on that he says is a little too precarious to have located in suburbia, so they could be anything from a rather ghastly smelling mixture to who knows what?” She held her hands out and shrugged. “All I know is whatever it is is keeping him occupied. He used to always be here every Wednesday evening without fail, but now? I’d be lucky to see him twice a month.”
He couldn’t help but imagine a Frankenstein-esque laboratory when Cassandra described Radek’s predilection toward anatomy and medical research. That was probably far from the truth, but as cliche as it was, stranger things had certainly happened in Clark County. Most of them within the past year. “Well, whatever he’s working on, I guess I’m glad to hear that he’s trying to limit the fallout? The medium didn’t really know Radek, but considering he seemed like a large part of Brianna’s life, he wanted the opportunity to at least meet the man.
“Do you think he’ll show up to Le Breeze for New Year’s?” Flynn asked Brianna. “I still haven’t gotten a chance to formally meet him.” He didn’t count Radek’s contributions to the group text about the invasion of mythical creatures.
Both Brianna and Cass nodded, the immortal adding, “oh he will be here, I will make sure of it!” with a wink. Brianna couldn’t help but again notice the affection in her voice, and found herself wondering for the umpteenth time if there had been anything between the two. She knew they had known each other for well over 500 years, so had decided that it would be either affection or very distant courtesy after that length of time. And it was definitely affection. “Well, with you staying at his home this time, instead of here, you’ll have a good opportunity to get him to come,” Brianna pointed out.
Cass smiled, saying no more but taking a sip of wine after she gave a nod of her head.
“So that’s that then, you’ll finally get to meet him,” Brianna told Flynn happily, giving his hand a squeeze. “I think you’ll like him, just don’t ask him about a part of you that’s sore, or a cough, or whatever because I don’t think he knows how to switch off being a doctor!”
Flynn didn’t need to be a psychic to wonder the same thing that Brianna was. He watched Cassandra, subtly but shrewdly as she spoke about Radek, and couldn’t help but feel like his suspicions were validated when he heard the woman was staying at the doctor’s house. “I’m looking forward to it,” he told the brunette. “But I’ll make sure not to tell him about any ailments.” The medium didn’t really have any, which was somewhat surprising, given the fact that taking care of his health wasn’t usually his number one priority. He tended to neglect it, which is something he took after his father, but considering the way the older man had died, maybe his New Year’s resolution should be to get checked out. After all, Flynn was well aware that he wasn’t going to live forever, but that didn’t mean he needed to hasten the process.
Cass noted the young man’s attentions and smiled to herself as she finished the last mouthful on her plate. Her subtle scrutiny of him, as mentor and protector of Brianna, had confirmed to her that there appeared to be no underlying motives or agendas, and the immortal was satisfied nothing untoward had slipped beneath the radar that was missing its main link since Radek had been preoccupied with his project.
“And I hope your health remains such that you won’t ever need his professional attention!” she returned with a laugh, then adding, “though he is an excellent practitioner, don’t get me wrong, but there have been times I suspect he becomes completely obsessed with the actual physical presentation of whatever he’s treating and forgets he’s dealing with a patient!”
“I don’t know, I could probably use some of that kind of laser focus,” Flynn remarked with an affable smile. “But I guess there also needs to be balance.” He looked over at Brianna. “Maybe a small intervention of sorts to at least get him back to his Wednesday night dinners.” The suggestion was light. The medium didn’t want to be presumptuous. They knew Radek a lot better than he did, after all. Inside his jeans pocket, his phone buzzed repetitively. “Excuse me,” Flynn murmured, removing the device and turning off the alarm he had set to remind him of his upcoming shift. “I have to get back home and get ready for work soon,” he explained to his dining companions. “But this has been great. It was nice to meet you, Cassandra. I’ll see you on New Year’s Eve?”
"I certainly hope so," Cass replied. "It's nice to celebrate endings and new beginnings with friends, and if nothing else, that's what each New Year’s celebration gives us the opportunity to do."
After saying goodbye to Cassandra, Brianna kindly escorted Flynn back downstairs and outside near where he had parked. The red vehicle stood not far from the entrance of Le Breeze, and he turned to face the brunette with a faint smile playing over his features. “So, I hope I made a good impression,” he told her, taking one of her hands in his and gently pulling her closer as they stood on the sidewalk. Before the psychic could answer, Flynn leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against her lips, something he had been wanting to do since first arriving at the meeting.
Brianna leaned into him, returning the kiss as her fingers stroked his cheek. “I never doubted you would,” she told him when their lips parted. “And when you get to know her better you will be amazed at some of the things she has done, and seen.” She pressed another kiss to his lips.
His smile grew as he pulled Brianna into a lingering embrace, allowing himself a little extra time to just enjoy the moment before pulling back with a slight sigh. Flynn gestured to the Dodge with a reluctant look. “I have to go, but I can’t wait to see you at the party.” The medium retrieved his keys from his pocket and clicked the fob to unlock the driver’s side door. “But just so you know, I’m really tempted to call off and take you home with me.” Flynn grinned and gave her one last kiss on her forehead before turning toward the car. “See you on NYE.”
Laughing, Brianna hugged herself, as if holding onto the feeling of him as long as possible. Even though sleep had been less elusive since their abilities had swapped back, she would still sometimes wake at night from her own dreams, the indistinguishable faces of people she couldn’t quite make out, seemingly wanting her to know something, situations that she couldn’t tell the start or end, but would catch glimpses of. And when she realised he wasn’t there she would tuck a pillow behind her and try and get back to sleep, imagining he was there.
“You will! Drive safely,” she told him and blew him a kiss.