Serpent's Sacrifice Read online

  He noticed too, brown eyes sad behind his glasses. “I thought a little warm milk? Helps me sleep.”

  “You didn’t put whiskey in that, did you?” Aunt Diana asked.

  “Not in this one,” he said, kissing her before setting the glass down.

  “Thank you, sir,” Alice said, trying hard not to flinch when he came near.

  Uncle Logan hesitated, as if he wanted to say something, but thought better of it. He smiled at her instead and walked out.

  Aunt Diana kissed her on the forehead. “Drink your milk and sleep. Lots to do tomorrow.”

  Alice lay awake, staring at her ceiling. What would her life be like now?

  The more she thought about the possibilities, she felt an equal mix of terror and excitement. Maybe this was the way to become who she wanted to be. To learn how be a hero like those two that helped her. To be strong and invincible.

  That night her dreams were filled with dark villains that were always vanquished by heroes that shone bright as day.

  Autumn-1959

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Warm fall sunlight tried its best to penetrate the foggy grime on the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dingy loft. It found small spots, where someone had begun to try and clean, and fell in gold trickles on the scarred wood floors. The high ceiling made the cries of people practicing martial arts echo, even as the patched mats on the floor muffled the sounds of impact.

  It was to one of these mats that Alice walked, bowing to her aunt, and then to the tall older black man before her.

  This was her third spar of the morning, and though the air outside had succumbed to the chill of autumn, inside the loft it was muggy and sweat tickled down Alice’s spine. She bounced just a little on the balls of her feet, her cobalt eyes taking in every move of her opponent. At last, the man rushed toward her. Alice blocked two quick punches and landed one of her own at his mid-section. Her roundhouse kick was then blocked and he threw her off balance, enough that she fell. Rolling to the side and jumping to her feet, Alice avoided his attempt at a pin. The man advanced on her again and Alice grinned. She saw the opportunity seconds before he did, but it was too late for him to change course. Tossing him over her hip, Alice spun with his body to pin him in one smooth motion.

  “Very good,” Aunt Diana said, fidgeting with the gold locket around her neck. “Switch.”

  Alice tried not to smile too much as she let Gerald off the mat. He might be her Uncle Logan’s age, but Gerald was spry and strong, and had been training with Aunt Diana for many years.

  This time, Gerald got the better of her, though she didn’t make it easy. Again and again they sparred, Alice taking Gerald to the mat more often than not, though pinning him there was the real effort.

  She had lived with her aunt and uncle barely a month, when Aunt Diana had taken her to the loft above their bookstore to watch a sparring practice. Alice had been awed by the power her aunt possessed and yearned to have the security such power could give. She’d begged her aunt to train her, but Aunt Diana had made her watch the practices for a month, to make absolutely sure Alice knew what she was getting into. One of the happiest days Alice could remember was when her aunt gave her that very first Gi, the traditional clothing for those that practice martial arts.

  Gerald and Alice were both grateful when Aunt Diana called the end of practice. As they toweled sweat from their faces, Gerald spoke, his voice gentle, as usual. “Very impressive.”

  “You too, for an old guy.”

  He belted out a laugh and ruffled her dark wavy hair.

  “I had best be leaving. I’ve got patients waiting for me.”

  Gerald ran a health clinic in Park Side. He seemed to be able to tell just by looking at someone what was wrong with them and how to fix it. Due to the color of his skin, no hospital or clinic in downtown Jet City would hire him. It wasn’t until Aunt Diana’s philanthropic organization, The Charitable Ladies of Jet City, loaned him the money, that he had been able to open the small clinic in Park Side.

  Alice waved good-bye and smiled up at her aunt, who gave her a warm embrace, saying, “You’ve done amazing.”

  Their six-inch height difference made Alice feel like a child next to her aunt, even though she had turned twenty-one several months ago. There were other differences between them as well. Where her aunt was lithe and graceful, with long, toned limbs, Alice was shorter and solid, with a curvy body and muscular limbs. If she should’ve been bothered by this, Alice didn’t know it. She sometimes wished for smaller hips and breasts, but mostly she loved the strength her arms and legs possessed, and how her shorter stature gave her an unexpected advantage over many adversaries.

  At least, Alice believed that it would, true adversaries being hard to come by.

  “You really want to live here?” Aunt Diana asked, looking around the huge loft.

  For decades, it had been used as storage and a make-shift practice room for Aunt Diana, Gerald, and a few others interested in martial arts, but Alice had coveted it for a place of her own since high school. And now, as a present for her college graduation, Aunt Diana and Uncle Logan had given it to her.

  The brick walls had pipes running along them in several places, but were otherwise solid. The kitchen was laughable, with a fridge that no one dared open, a sink that shot out brown water, and no stove – not that Alice used one any way, as her cooking skills were abysmal. The space that would be her bedroom was just big enough for her bed and a tiny dresser, but nothing else.

  The only bright spot was the bathroom, which her uncle had renovated the year before, using a beautiful green tile. Plus, there was a shower and sink that, somehow, had clean water.

  “Now that the boxes are all gone, it’s really not so bad,” Alice said.

  Aunt Diana arched an eyebrow. “You have your work cut out for you to make it livable, but then, you’ve always welcomed a challenge.”

  Alice beamed at the compliment. “I had a good example.”

  “Don’t go buttering me up to get any help out of me. This is your endeavor.”

  “I know, which is why I convinced Uncle Logan to help me tear out the kitchen.”

  Aunt Diana shook her head. “That man would do anything for you.”

  “Since the day I moved in. Besides, wasn’t there a promise of help picking out furniture attached to this gift?”

  Aunt Diana tilted her head and frowned. “Was there? I can’t recall.”

  “There better be, the only thing I’m worse at than cooking is decorating.”

  “We’ll see. But now, down to present concerns. We have an afternoon tea to clean up for...”

  Alice felt her stomach twist.

  “You’ll do fine,” Aunt Diana said.

  “Are you sure you want to do this? I just graduated. I don’t know as much about all this as you do.”

  “Someday, it will all be yours, and you may be good at running the bookstore, but it’s the Children’s Home, and the clinic, and all the other endeavors that the organization will do that are most important. You need to understand how to keep them going when I’m gone.”

  “That’s a long way off, right?”

  Aunt Diana smiled. “Absolutely.”

  “Then, what’s the rush? I mean, most of those ladies will be gone by the time I take over for you, right? And besides, I think it would be better if I show my skills running a business before—”

  “Alice, you will do fine. Just remember what we talked about. Smile, nod and no—”

  “—politics or religion,” Alice finished with a small eye roll. “I know...it’s just...I never fit in with the daughters of those women at school, and I don’t think their mothers are going to be any different. I still don’t understand how you do it. You’re not like them.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “It is.”

  Aunt Diana sighed. “It’s not easy. And there are times I’d like to punch some of them in the teeth. But, I just keep reminding myself why I’m there, of
the people I am helping. I’ve learned that I can endure almost anything if it’s for others, and I believe you are the same.” She cupped Alice’s cheek, running her slender thumb along Alice’s cheekbone. “You have so much fire and strength. If you learn to channel it the right way, you will do amazing things.”

  Alice felt her heart swell with pride and she smiled. If her aunt believed in her that much, she had to give it shot.

  “It will take time,” Aunt Diana said, “but you will find your way of doing this, just like I did.”

  Alice gave her Aunt a shaky smile and nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

  “I know you will.”

  The tea room of the Grand Hotel was arguably the fanciest room Alice had ever been in. The ceiling was high and covered with frescoes of naked cupids flitting here and there, gilt trim around each. In the center hung a huge crystal chandelier. The quiet strains of a harp floated through the air from somewhere, though Alice couldn’t see anyone playing an instrument.

  A long table, covered with delicate white linen, sat in the center of the room, flanked on one side by French doors and on the other by an antique sideboard where tea pots sat ready. Alice’s eyes widened when she saw three tiered trays holding delicate sandwiches and exquisite cakes, the latter adorned with sugar flowers that looked as if they’d been plucked from someone’s garden. There were also cookies in the shape of tea pots, with frosted details to match the pots on the sideboard. Others had fresh scones with perfectly-browned tops. It all looked too beautiful to eat.

  Each place setting had a teacup and saucer decorated with green and purple flowers, along with matching plates. Small teaspoons and delicate forks sat on top of white linen napkins.

  As she followed her aunt into the room, Alice’s blue heels sank into the thick light-brown carpet. She could feel her palms starting to sweat under her white kid gloves and rubbed them on the skirt of her tea-length blue and white floral dress.

  “Stop fidgeting,” her aunt whispered. “You’ll be fine.”

  “Alright,” Alice whispered back, hoping there wasn’t any lipstick on her teeth.

  The women turned to look at them as if Alice and Aunt Diana gave off the scent of unwashed masses. She watched Aunt Diana’s smile widen and her posture straighten. Alice tried to follow suit, but only managed to feel tense all over.

  A chubby woman with curly hair and a too-tight pink dress was the first to tear herself from the group and walk over. Just before she started speaking, Alice’s nose wrinkled with the odor of rose water and gin that rolled off her.

  As if sensing her distaste, Aunt Diana stepped just a little in front of Alice.

  “Mrs. Barnes, how lovely to see you. How is your son enjoying marital bliss?”

  “Well enough, I suppose. You know how it is with young people these days. All happiness and sunshine, and even if it wasn’t, they wouldn’t tell you anyway.” Mrs. Barnes laughed, though there was no true mirth in it. “I was hoping that you’d had a chance to read my proposal for the introduction of a Beautification program?”

  Alice saw the corners of her aunt’s mouth tighten.

  “Yes, I did. I have a few suggestions for how to make it run a little smoother, if I might discuss them with you at a later date?”

  Mrs. Barnes’ smile widened. “Yes, of course. I’m so glad you’re on board with this.”

  “And who is this?” asked a rail-thin woman with a pinched face behind Mrs. Barnes.

  “Mrs. Grace...” Aunt Diana said. “...so wonderful to see you. May I introduce my niece, Alice Seymour.”

  Mrs. Barnes turned her small brown eyes on Alice and smiled a little wider, revealing yellow teeth, while Mrs. Grace looked Alice over with thinly veiled disdain.

  Alice’s smile felt tight. “Pleasure to meet you both.”

  “You’re the one who just graduated from college?” Mrs. Grace asked.

  “Yes, ma’am, tenth in my class.”

  “How...rare to see a woman finishing college.”

  “Didn’t have much luck with romance, dear?” asked Mrs. Barnes, pity oozing from her lips.

  Alice felt her cheeks flush. “It wasn’t my focus, to be honest.”

  Mrs. Barnes frowned. “Really? You aren’t interested in making your own family? Or maybe, you’re just nursing a broken heart. You know, it took my Stella three tries to find her happyily-ever-after. Don’t give up, he could be just around the corner.”

  “Or, perhaps, it was difficult to find a man who was in your social circle,” Mrs. Grace said. “College boys are looking for women who are from certain types of families, after all.”

  “I’m really more interested in running my aunt’s book store. I didn’t work so hard for four years just to—”

  “Oh look, there’s Mrs. Lucas.” Aunt Diana gripped Alice’s elbow hard. “I really must tell her about the beautification project before our tea gets under way. If you’ll excuse us?”

  “Of course – don’t despair, dear,” Mrs. Barnes said, giving Alice’s arm a pat.

  “Lovely to meet you, Miss Seymour,” said Mrs. Grace, her voice saying anything but.

  Her aunt guided her to a deserted corner of the room, nodding to a few other women on the way. Her smile never slipped, her gait never faltered, but Alice could feel her body vibrate with frustration.

  “I’m sorry,” Alice said, once they were out of ear shot. “But really! Not every woman goes to college just to hook a husband.”

  “Every woman here, besides us, did exactly that, as did their daughters. You are an anomaly, Alice. They don’t like anomalies.”

  “Then why did you bring me here?”

  “Because, for better or worse, you’re going to have to learn how to navigate these waters.”

  Alice groaned. “So, put on a face, be someone I’m not? Is that what you do? I know for a fact that you hate that beautification project.”

  “Not that this is the time or place to discuss this at length, but yes, I do. You’ll find that this is a game of sorts. You do your best to make their pet projects not have too much of an adverse effect on the city, and then, when you really need their backing, you call on them.”

  “Sounds awful.”

  “Yes, but necessary. Like many things in life.” Aunt Diana’s voice became just a touch annoyed. “You’re going to find that out, Alice. Whether you like it or not.”

  Alice swallowed, shame welling up at the thought that she’d embarrassed her aunt. “I’m sorry. I just...I’ve heard all their comments so many times, from the younger versions of these women, and I don’t care to hear it anymore.”

  “Then, perhaps, you should stick to the book store. It does take a certain kind of person to do this. You’ve always been a bit impulsive and straightforward, two qualities that might make forcing you to adapt to this an act of cruelty.”

  There was no spite in her tone, only a simple understanding and love that Alice had always found hard to resist. Her aunt had never manipulated her; she’d never had to. When it came time to choose a major for college, the choice was obvious. She wanted to be like her aunt; therefore, it had to be business.

  It was a stroke of luck that Alice had a talent for it, at least the learning of it.

  The execution might be a bit trickier.

  Alice took a deep breath and shook her head. “No, you’re right. Not every lesson is going to be easy, especially this one. But I must give it a try. I owe you that much.”

  “You don’t owe me anything. Do this because it’s what you want, not because of me.”

  “I want to do this, at least to try.”

  Aunt Diana nodded. “Alright, if you’re sure?”

  “Yes.” Alice’s voice was far more confident than she felt.

  “Then, it’s time to introduce you to someone.” She nodded toward the door.

  Alice turned to the doorway and gasped. Standing there, in a light green and white dress, her golden hair curled into a perfect bouffant, was the woman Alice most admired in Jet City, ex
cept Aunt Diana, of course.

  “You didn’t tell me Victoria Veran was a part of this!” Alice whispered.

  “Unlike most of our members, Victoria wishes to remain anonymous.”

  “You’re on a first name basis with her?”

  Aunt Diana’s full lips spread into an amused grin.

  “Come on, before the others get to her first.”

  Alice’s stomach dipped and turned. She had to ball her hand into a fist to keep from trying to wipe it on her skirt.

  I hope my hair isn’t frizzed, and oh god, I really hope I don’t have lipstick on my teeth, and what if she can tell that these damn heels are rubbing a blister on my heel? Why didn’t I wear my old shoes?

  She tried not to rehearse everything she knew about Victoria Veran, but it was no use.

  Fleeing Nazi Germany at fourteen, Victoria joined the British secret service as a spy. In spite of opposition from her superiors, she became the most daring and successful of her peers. When it was discovered that she could interpret scientific calculations and formulas, she was assigned to the science division of the British army. It was there, at sixteen, that she met the love of her life, fellow spy and scientist, Tony Veran. Though twelve years her senior, and already engaged, they married as soon as the war was over. Though women weren’t allowed to be a part of the Army’s scientific division after the war, Victoria was known to have consulted with her husband as a civilian. She even became a silent partner in his business endeavors. When Tony was injured in a lab accident and became a recluse, Victoria became the face of the company.

  Alice admired how she faced down the sneers of the business men around her, expanding her husband’s business into medical research, agriculture and genetics, as well as imports and exports and military contracts.

  She was everything Alice longed to be: powerful, smart, respected. To her eyes, Victoria had risked everything and gained it all back and more.

  “Mrs. Veran,” Aunt Diana said.

  When Victoria saw Aunt Diana, her small mouth spread into a smile of genuine affection.