Annette goes to the Gulf Coast Champions headquarters and finds out a bit about herself.

Fadeaway 3

by

Paula Dillon

At ten Gina showed up at the Swenson’s home, in a stretch Hummer with another lady.

Gina introduced herself and her friend Angel Chapman, code name Hot Tamale.

“Gina this is Inga Bruhn. Inga is a distant Aunt of Annette’s and she is a lot like Annette,” Julia said.

“I use to be named Samuel Swenson, till my father kicked me out of the house because I mutated into Inga.”

“That happens all too often with mutant children. Its sad how many families can’t accept that their child is a mutant. How old are you by the way?”

“Let’s just say I am older than Julia.”

‘Probably a lot older,’ Gina thought. ‘Damn that lady looks fine.’ “What powers do you have?”

“I don’t know. I do know I don’t have any earth shattering powers. I seem to age slower and I am very lucky. I have a very good memory, not quite photographic, I can’t quote what I read word for word, but I know the meat of what I read.”

“Lucky yeah, is that your Sledgehammer out front?” Gina said giving Inga a knowing smile. ’Lucky my ass, I’ll bet she’s some kind of a precog. With that sexy body, maybe she’s an exemplar and a regen.’ Gina speculated.

“It might be.”

“Would you care to join us, so we can check you out?”

“I’m not super at anything; I have managed to stay off anybody’s radar. I don’t really want to be identified as a mutant. I have heard horror stories about how mutants are treated.”

“We won’t make your identity known to anyone! Our staff and doctor’s will just know you are a relative of interest.”

“Can I drive down there? I would hate to leave my baby sitting here. I have a state of the art security system, but still.”

“Can you store it in Houston? You don’t want to leave it in Galveston for three days.”

“Alrighty, I have some people there that I use.”

Gina and the Swensons got their bags and piled into the Hummer and followed Inga in her car. It was easy to see that this was no normal Hummer, as the speed kept creeping up and up and up.

Annette paled as she looked at the speedometer then decided that was a bad idea. ‘We’re going THAT fast? I’d better think about something else. I wonder what my period will be like?’ she thought.

At least Inga slowed a bit near Houston’s city limits. That helped the ladies relax. They followed her into a secure parking garage.

After picking up Inga, they drove for about an hour and a half more, the last half hour of the drive the windows magically darkened and a dark partition popped up behind the driver. The Swensons couldn’t see where they were going. They stopped and heard a garage door open and the vehicle drove about thirty feet more. When they heard the garage door finally close they were let out. They found themselves at a security checkpoint. Gina introduced them to the Gulf Coast Champions Association security personnel that photographed, fingerprinted and did retinal scans of everybody.

“Ok, just follow me. We have an orientation planned for you. You will meet with the Doctors who will be testing all of you. We want to be able to compare how Annette measures up compared to a normal, I mean non-mutant, sibling/parent baseline. We also want to compare her with Inga,” Gina said. “I will be Annette’s mentor and we will have someone who will be at each of your sides throughout the test. They will be happy to answer any questions any of you have.”

“Why all the security,” Julia asked.

“The security is there to help keep the location of our base secret. We deal with a lot of new mutants. There are hate groups and other nefarious types out there who would love to get their hands on these mutants. You have heard of the Humans First group haven’t you? They are infamous for their torture of mutants. Other groups would eagerly enslave mutants with lucrative talents given the opportunity.”

“Being a mutant is that dangerous?” Annette asked in alarm.

“Sometimes but then that’s what all this testing and your schooling at Whateley is for, to prepare you for such risks. Non-mutants face risks everyday too, it’s just a matter of perception and scale.”

They were led to a conference room with seven other people there. Julia, Tammy and Inga were introduced to their mentors, and the testers were introduced.

One of the testers, Dr. David Creighton stood and addressed them, “I want to welcome all of you here. It is always a privilege to get to work with new mutants. I am informed that you, Inga, are a mutant too. Is that correct?”

“Yes, I think I am. I used to be a boy like Jimmy was.”

“Excellent, we like to test and compare related mutants. It’s suspected that mutant traits are inherited but with the small numbers involved research is difficult. We are very fortunate you came along, Ms. Bruhn. You all have nothing to fear here. Though not all of us here are mutants, we are very understanding of what mutants go through. We want to help Annette identify her powers and begin to gain some control over them. We already know to heavily document any interaction with Annette. I already understand one of your powers due to the excellent data Gina provided. I hope you will learn something new about yourself and your family, Ms. Bruhn. I’m sure your stay here will both educational and, I hope, enjoyable.”

Inga smiled at the younger doctor’s attempt to put her at ease. She noticed he was attracted to her; she didn’t need mutant powers to see the signs. She also made note of how the testers reacted to Annette. ‘Annette will need to learn how to evaluate both men and women soon with her looks. At least I’ve decades of experience handing their overtures. She’s going to need all the help she can get,’ she thought

Tomorrow is Thursday and will be medical tests for all of you. Saturday will consist of physical tests; Sunday will be mental acuity, psychic, and other powers tests. Monday we will summarize everything we find informing only those present of our determinations. With your permission we will then make our recommendations to Whateley Academy’s Administration and then assist in filling out her application if that is your desire. Today since you are all ladies we have a special spa treatment for all of you. We want you to be relaxed and in a good mood for your tests, you’ll need it” They laughed at his joke. “Your bags are in your rooms and your mentors will assist you.”

Tammy held up her hand to speak.

“This is not school Miss Swenson. You don’t have to raise your hand to speak.”

“Can I stay in Annette’s room? I want to be there for her.”

David thought for a few seconds before answering her. “I have just one request first. I want you to promise not to reveal how you did on your tests, till Monday. That goes for all of you, and then if you chose to reveal your results to the others, you may do so,” he said giving Inga a glance. He was certain Inga was holding back information about her history and powers but he needed her cooperation if the research was to be of any value. “We don’t want our results skewed, but given Annette’s problem it might be best that you comfort her.” He suspected it was more for Tammy’s benefit but if it helped Annette cope with the testing it was all good too.

Everyone agreed not to reveal their results.

They were led to a dinning room and found an amazing buffet of delectable treats there for them to eat. Even Inga, who was use to such culinary delights, found them excellent.

After lunch they were led to their rooms. Annette and Tammy saw two bikinis on their bed with matching cover-ups; one bikini was dark blue with red and white stripes extending from the sides of the cups meeting in the middle and the left leg on the panty. The other bikini was white with similar blue and red stripes. There was no mistaking which was for whom. The white bikini’s top was definitely Annette’s size.

They found their mentors outside, when they finished dressing. Julia was wearing a bikini that matched Tammy and Inga matched Annette. Annette knew that she and Inga had been tagged mutants at that moment. She was shocked and pleased at how young Aunt Inga appeared and how much she and Tammy resembled her. ‘Mom is quite the looker too. I see why dad married her,’ she thought.

The spa treatment consisted of mud baths with masks on their faces, massages, and a full beauty treatment. Annette and Inga sensed things going on during the treatments, the testing had begun, but everything felt so wonderful. Several times during the treatments Annette found herself trembling with delight at the sensations. Except maybe for the eyebrow plucking, that was one thing she was not thrilled with. She was uncomfortable when her hair which had grown at least four inches since the change was rolled tightly on rods. The chemical smells were horrible and oh the waxing was pure torture too. She figured that they were gauging her pain tolerance.

Annette was giddy to the point of giggling, that her fingernails were extended a quarter of an inch and painted the same as her toenails, her eyebrows thin and highly arched and her hair was a mass of pretty curls and her makeup was expertly applied.

All four of them were giggling and squealing with delight as they inspected each other’s appearances. ‘None of them had ever looked better than this,’ Inga thought. She wanted to give their attendants a big tip for their work, but they turned it down, she settled with giving them all big hugs. All four ladies shared hugs with their attendants.

The staff informed the ladies that dinner was a dress up affair and that they had gowns waiting for them in their rooms so they hurried to their rooms to get dressed.

On their bed they saw two gowns and lingerie laid out for them. One set was blue and the other white. The girls helped each other dress in strapless basques, stockings, heels and halter top gowns. Again the white set had the extra room in the top.

Annette was glad to have Tammy with her; she was unsure how to dress properly.

“I need your help, Sis. I don’t know what to do and I don’t have the time to *sleepwalk* the solution. I am at your mercy,” she pouted and Tammy giggled.

“’Kay, *sis* but you owe me.” Tammy was thrilled her twin wanted her help. She had been so afraid they might drift apart what with Annette being a mutant and all. It wasn’t like she was jealous of her siblings powers or looks, just that she wished they were twins in every sense, that things could be like they were before she entered puberty or since he became a she. That would be so ‘Kewl!

They found Julia in a similar blue and Inga again in white. Their mentors were all in red.

The dinner was excellent. Annette had to stifle a giggle at seeing one guy, Inga’s male escort, in a Tux. He was well over six feet tall and maybe five feet wide. She knew he was a mutant and didn’t want to make him feel bad. Each of them had a male escort, Tammy and Annette’s escorts were older than they were but still appeared to be teens. They sat boy, girl, mentor, boy around a long table. Dr. Creighton sat at one end and a Doctor Karen Silsbee at the other end. A toast was offered to the guests, Dom Pérignon for the adults and sparkling grape juice for the teens. A recording of violin, clarinet, cello and piano played throughout dinner.

After dinner they were escorted to a lounge area and separated into adult/kids groups. The guys with Tammy and Annette were real gentlemen. Tammy was absolutely fawning over her guy and Annette was surprised how comfortable she was with hers. The four of them talked about everything and nothing for a couple of hours. They each talked about themselves. Tammy’s date was a brick whatever that was and Annette’s was a flyer of some sort. Annette got the feeling that they were being gently interrogated, in an *I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours* kind of way. She also felt that they were being observed. She had felt that off and on all day but now she was certain. ‘At least,’ she thought to herself ‘This is a pleasant way to be tested.’

At eleven they were encouraged to get plenty of rest; the next three days would be extremely busy for them. As they lay in bed Tammy talked excitedly about her date, “Shaun was such a dream. You should have felt his arms. I bet he is incredibly strong. What did you think about your date Annette?”

“I don’t know; I liked the way he treated me. He didn’t talk down to me and he seemed to appreciate what I was saying. I have to admit though he was a handsome guy.”

Annette had a good time; it felt good being with William, that scared her a bit. She had never felt like that with anyone before. She was also surprised to see how animated her sister could be. They had been close as brother and sister, but Tammy had never talked with her like this.

**************

After breakfast the tests were overwhelming. At various times throughout the day the four of them were poked, prodded, bled, EKGed, EEGed, MRIed, CTed, PETed, full immersion BMIed, Allergy Scratch Tested, sonogramed and had their heads shrunk. They only had time for a brief lunch and dinner, before they headed to bed. Julia and Tammy were very tired, Annette and Inga not so much tired but mentally exhausted.

The next day found them up at six, all wearing long sleeve unitards and cross trainers by six thirty. Julia and Tammy in dark blue with red and white stripes going from their underarms, crossing under their breasts and tapering to an end at their hips. Inga and Annette were in white with blue and red stripes. The suits molded to their figures like a second skin, they hid nothing at all except for the nipple shields in the built in bras. Tammy was excited by their appearance, Julia was a little embarrassed and a little proud of her figure, Inga was all smiles, and Annette was shy and a bit confused.

Annette was proud of her 50kg bench press, but was astounded to see 1000 kg weights and 500 kg weight bars in the gym. The weight room didn’t take long. She just wasn’t overly strong.

Next they had her run 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m and 10000m. She was surprised at how well she did. She got tired but then she recovered faster than she remembered.

Then she was the target for a hellacious dodge ball game. She found herself a hard to hit target, but the few times she tried to throw the balls back, her efforts to hit the players on the other side were so feeble she quit trying.

At one point she found herself in a crossfire. The balls were coming in from many directions and were traveling way too fast to avoid getting hit. She couldn’t find a safe place to avoid being hit; she panicked then went sort of shadowy. The game was brought to an end after that.

Gina debriefed her for ten minutes asking her; what happened, what she felt, did she actively want to disappear, did she sense where the balls were going to be, and a myriad of other questions.

Next Annette was run through gymnastics. During warm-up she found that she was very limber. Instead of just touching her toes she was able to touch her forehead to her knees, her palms flat on the floor. With very little instruction she was amazing. She could tumble; do some simple balance bar routines, vaults, rope climbs and jumps.

At the self defense section, she was good and bad. For the most part she was able to prevent herself from being hit; only super fast opponents could touch her, but she was unable to effectively strike her sparring partner. She faded away, ducked, dodged and avoided the strikes launched at her to keep from being hurt.

At one point Gina gave Annette a hand full of smoke bombs. She was told to avoid being hit as long as possible, then cast the smoke bombs between her and her opponent, wait a few seconds then walk calmly past her opponent. They sent in a brick to the mat. For five minutes she dodged, ducked and avoided her opponent. She cast the smoke bombs, a huge cloud of smoke engulfed her and then she calmly walked by the brick. He had forgotten she was his target.

The physical portion didn’t end till way after dark. She had put in a twelve hour day; it was nearly eight before she got an opportunity to eat. While exhausted, she quickly began to recover as she ate. She had eaten more power bars then she could remember through out the day, but this last meal was more satisfying.

The testers had kept an accurate record of her caloric, vitamin, mineral, electrolyte and water intakes. They were surprised a little at the totals, but it made sense. She had a very high metabolism and was burning a lot of energy. The heat exchange left the air around her five to ten degrees higher than ambient. Suit sensors showed little fluctuations in core body temperature only during extreme exercise. Her skin had acted almost as efficiently as an aluminum heat sink to dissipate heat.

The next day found them dressed in casual clothes. After breakfast, each of them took IQ tests, memory tests, MMPI test (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory), reading comprehension tests, manual dexterity tests and visual acuity tests.

Annette was given a large box of parts and instructed to make what ever out of it. She built several things out of the parts that worked. The most ingenious of them were a spring loaded ejector that could launch the smoke bombs she had used the day before and a CO2 cartridge powered water gun that had incredible range and accuracy.

She then found herself being questioned about where certain objects were, like Jimmy Hoffa, the hope diamond and various other people and about 40 other items were located. She pulled up google earth on a computer and pointed out a spot in New Jersey for Hoffa (who ever he was), Fort Knox, Kentucky for the Hope Diamond, and various places for the remaining items. There were ten items where she had no idea where they were.

At six that afternoon Gina asked Annette to give her account of the testing. She thought a few seconds and then said,

“Well, I think testing started shortly after we got here. I could sense strange things happening from the time we hit the spa till just a short while ago.”

“I don’t know what to make out of the medical, except that maybe I heal a little faster than normal. The scratches from the allergy test on my back were hard to see after I showered yesterday afternoon. The scratches seemed to be deeper and larger than necessary, but now they are gone.”

“I am quick but not overly fast, I am not very strong. The dodge ball game scared the hell out of me. I couldn’t believe how fast the balls were coming at me and how fast they were traveling. I seem to know where not to be, to keep from being hit, if you know what I mean.

“I discovered another power. I didn’t quite disappear, but I faded to shadow.

“I am incredibly agile; I have never been like that before. I couldn’t climb ropes or tumble. I use to have fair balance but nothing like what I have done here. My standing jump measured twelve feet, I didn’t know that was possible.

“Mentally I am brighter, genius level I think. I read faster than I ever read before and remembered more. I have always liked building things, so I liked working with those parts, that was fun, but I never built anything from scratch like that before.”

Gina smiled at Annette in a knowing manner, “Well you are very bright. I can’t make any comments right now, but we will inform everyone tomorrow about their tests. You need to get back to your room and change for dinner. We are going to have a farewell dinner for all of you.”

The next day everyone was in the conference room at nine. Dr. Creighton took a position at the head of the table; the Swensons sat with their mentors.

He began;

“I will start with Julia and Tammy. Julia you are the mother to these two wonderful girls. You are baseline normal, meaning you are a normal person. You are very healthy; your IQ comes out at about 125. Almost all your test were high baseline or baseline. You could stand to get some more exercise, you don’t need to lose any weight. Your bad cholesterol was a little above average but not high.”

“Tammy, you are a normal teenage girl, you are healthy, in good physical condition, and you can cuss like a sailor after getting hit by two dodge balls. Your IQ is about 130, normal ability on reading and comprehension. You have good dexterity, agility and endurance.”

“They hit my boobs and my butt. It really hurt,” Tammy complained.

“Inga we are glad you came in. As a mutant you are borderline baseline except in several key areas. I would say you are:”

Exemplar 2: meaning 1. your appearance is above average. 2. You heal faster than normal, maybe a low level regen. 3. You are above baseline in strength for a non body builder, and you can run well, not quite world class, but very good and your recovery is very good. Your IQ is higher than you tested out we think. Our tests indicated an IQ in the 150’s, but I would be surprised that further testing might place you a lot higher. Your math and science scores were radically higher than your linguistic scores.

ESPer 1: You have some Esper traits such as danger sense and Precog. We have tentatively classed you as Precog 2 and Danger sense 1.

We think you have Precog and danger sense because you lasted five minutes in the dodge ball test. A normal human wouldn’t have lasted a fraction of that even if frightfully fit.

TK 2: You mentally sent a 220 lb. brick flying into a wall after you got hit at your dodge ball test.

“I don’t know what happened, I just got mad at the guy and the next thing I knew he was flying through the air,” Inga said in her defense. “Is he alright? I’d hate to think I hurt him.”

“That is why we use mutants that can take some serious hits for these tests Inga. He’s fine though embarrassed that a beautiful woman *took him out* so to speak. These are all rough just estimates of your abilities. We would need to do some more thorough tests to better classify you.”

“We also want to thank you Inga for the lock of Samuel’s hair you donated to us. We possibly have an interesting connection, to you and Annette, but we will talk of that later.”

“That brings us to Annette. You are healthy even by mutant standards. Your IQ is between 160 and 170. You score better in math and science related areas of the tests and not as well in the linguistic sections of the tests, although both were in the genius range. You read at about 7kwpm and have a high retention level.”

“You also have to understand the following classification is just tentative. You really do need more testing to firm it out. Also one tester might rate you one way while another might have a different rating, but here is what we came up with.”

Exemplar 2 or 3: Due to the many traits we found in you. These are quite similar to the traits we explained for Inga.

Regen 1: You were right about the scratch test Annette, Sensors in your clothing indicated that you were a low level regen. We are interested in how you deduced that, but we only had a limited amount of time to test you.

Esper 1: meaning you can’t control when you use some of your powers.

Precog 2 or 3: We haven’t plumbed the depths of this ability yet. You seem to know where not to be.

Psi 3 or 4

Finder 5: you are a high level finder, Annette.

Danger sense 3: this is tied into your precog

Gadgeteer 1 or 2: you seem to know how things should go together.

“For your information Annette out of our staff of thirty only three people were able to keep up with who you are: me, Stop Light, and Minds Eye.”

“You are also possibly a shifter, but more likely a warper, we need more tests to determine. This is just a preliminary ranking and needs more study. I won’t go into the specifics for you Annette. The scientist at Whateley can explain in better detail after they do more testing.”

“I will say this, you answered a lingering question about where Jimmy Hoffa is. We couldn’t confirm that the Hope Diamond was at the repository at Fort Knox, but a super in DC confirmed that the diamond on display at the Smithsonian was paste.”

“Who is Hoffa?” Annette asked.

“I’ll tell you later,” Inga said.

“We faxed all our findings to Whateley to facilitate your application there, Annette and we have completed pages four to eleven of that application. If you and your Mom will fill out pages 1 to 3, we will get that off by special courier.”

Julia and Annette began filling out the forms. They had never seen male, female or complicated on a form for sex before. Julia teasingly scolded Annette a bit, when she wanted to say yes to that question. They decided to be honest and check complicated.

Julia asked a question while she was filling out the forms, “You said something about a connection between Inga and Annette earlier, can you explain?”

“Yes I was saving that for impact. Now is as good as any time I guess. You are Swedish, are you not Mrs. Swenson?”

“Yes my family emigrated sometime in the 1880’s.”

“That might confirm what we have found. It will take a bit more work to authenticate. It is harder tracking the maternal linage, Julia, but we think that somewhere in that line, your matriarchy and Annette’s patriarchy crossed paths before. Our preliminary genealogical explorations indicate that yours and Inga’s linage may cross at a town called Bá¶rlange.”
“You mean Grandmother Filippa Elofsdotter?” Inga asked.

“Yes your mitochondrial DNA is 99% percent consistent with Julia’s. Mitochondrial DNA is passed from mother to children without the usual genetic mix up at the ovaries. It is subject only to genetic drift and periodic genetic mutation. You two might have met at Filippa’s X chromosome, in other words she may be a common ancestor to both of you.”

“I can’t go back quite that far in my memory, Dr. Creighton,” Julia said. “I could ask my mom, but I don’t really want to.”

“I understand, Mrs. Swenson. We have some excellent genealogists who were able to find Britta Eriksson’s lineage. While we aren’t 100% sure at this point, that it was at Filippa where the cross occurred, the records are kind of sketchy, but we are certain that you did cross near her. In Nordic countries the naming system gives us fits. Prior to 1900’s, the sons took their fathers first name and add son to it. Hence Swenson was the son of Swen X. The girls would be Swensdotter. Therefore Filippa Elofsdotter was the daughter of Elof X. Girls also retained their last name in marriage. Filippa Elofsdotter was married to a Hans Niklasson. It is quite an adventure doing family genealogy in Nordic countries. We will be more certain of things in a few weeks as our record checks come in.”

“Girls can be either single or double recessive for what we are calling the “Filippa X trait”. If what we suspect is true Inga and Annette, are both double carriers. If either of you married into the Swenson Y linage, all your males would probably be mutants. Of course there may need to be other dominant or recessive genes needed for a mutation to occur. Tammy has a 25% chance of having that trait. We are running genotype tests on all of your X chromosomes. We want to isolate the “Filippa X trait”; your family has helped in that endeavor immensely. Guys can carry the “Filippa X trait” too; they get it from their mothers and can only pass it on to their daughters.”

“All Swenson males in your linage Inga might carry what we are calling the “Swenson Y”. Where your two families cross we would expect that one in two or better males would have the potential to mutate. We really would like to see more Swenson Y chromosomes.”

“I will help you on one condition,” Inga said. “We want to help other relatives who mutated because of this. I have done a lot of research on the Swensons. I may have identified a couple of other males, who just disappeared so to speak.”

“We would welcome working with you Ms. Bruhn. We would have some additional security concerns before we establish open communications with you, but at the present we see no complications to it.”

Julia and Annette finished their work and handed the forms to Dr. Creighton, who stuck them in a fax machine, before handing them off to a courier.

“Our fax machine will take a few minutes shaking hands in a secure encryption routine before it transmits your application Annette. Julia you should hear from Whateley shortly. There is only a one in ten million chance she won’t be accepted. The nature of you mutation, the family history and the nature of you powers all make you a prime candidate for admission, Annette. They may wish to test you, Inga, as well or through an associated but independent lab studying mutants called ARC. So go home and pack your bags.”

Everyone met with their mentors before leaving. Annette actually found herself a little sad for leaving. She gave Gina a big hug.

Gina and Angel rode with them on the way back to the secure storage lot. Instead of just dropping Inga off, she had them all get out. Inga called for her other car at the lot and in a few minutes a 2006 Lincoln Town Car pulled up to them. Annette suspected it was as much a stock Lincoln as the *Hammer* was a stock ‘vette but kept quite.

Tammy asked, “How many cars do you own Aunt Inga?” as they drove home.

“A little over a dozen in various cities, Tammy. The sledgehammer is my favorite though. I just hate renting cars.”

At home Inga convinced them, that they should get dressed and head out for a New Year’s Eve celebration somewhere. Tammy complained that they didn’t have the striking gowns they had worn at the Gulf Coast Champions Association fancy dress dinner, but each of them had some really nice clothes to dress in.

Their preparations were interrupted at six thirty by a knock at the door. They found a courier standing there; he had correspondence from Whateley.

“Oh my,” said Julia. “It couldn’t be an acceptance letter. It has only been five hours since we left that facility.”

Opening the letter she found that it was indeed an acceptance letter dated today.

“My god they would’ve had to fly it out here shortly after the application was faxed to them, or they were already certain that you would be accepted. Either way I like their organizational skills,” Inga said.

“Annette they want you there five days before school starts,” Julia said. “We will have to pack tomorrow, fly on Tuesday and to get to school on Wednesday.”

Annette wasn’t entirely comfortable with all the attention she got that night at the Hilton Hotel. She didn’t want to dance with the guys that flocked around her and her sister. Tammy wanted to dance, but wouldn’t if her sister didn’t. Annette relented when a tall handsome boy asked her.

Jimmy had never been much of a dancer; he suffered from two left feet syndrome. Annette though seemed to flow with the music. She surprised herself at how graceful she was. Once she got on the dance floor she wasn’t allowed to sit by the guys already on the dance floor. She began to enjoy the attention she was getting.

Tammy, Julia and Inga, oh Inga had scads of men eighteen to eighty vying for her attention, were never without partners either. Annette was surprised to see how good Inga danced. Inga could really shake her booty.

Annette was surprised at midnight. She had been standing with her family watching the New York ball fall replay on a big screen, when she found herself spun around and a kiss planted on her lips by some boy. He held the kiss through the countdown from ten to zero and a few seconds after.

Annette struggled in the boy’s strong arms. She nearly freaked as he started to force his tongue into her mouth, but she was able to resist that. She was furious about his actions.

When he finally let Annette go he was smiling at her; she promptly left her hand print on his face when he broke the kiss. She came close to knocking the boy down and said, “Ask before you kiss someone, you pervert!”

The boy, an eighteen year old jackass in a tux, moved to slug Annette. Inga reacted in a flash; she grabbed the wrist that he was going to punch with, rotated that arm sending the boy to the ground and trapping him in a pronating wrist lock and said. “You touch my niece again and you might wind up missing something very dear to you!” The sole of her heel was on his butt and her stiletto spike inches from a very tender spot.

“Tom get your no good, sorry ass to the car now,” an older man said, pulling the boy’s collar. “Sorry Ma’am, young lady, I apologize for my son’s atrocious behavior. I am Thomas Beckham and that boy “was” Tom Jr.”

“I am Inga Bruhn, and your son was manhandling my fourteen year old niece Annette,” Inga said.

This caused Mr. Beckham to blanch. ‘That dumb ass son of his chose to assault a minor,’ Mr. Beckham nervously thought to himself.

“This is Julia Swenson, her Mom, and Tammy, her sister.”

“I saw that ma’am and if you will allow me to handle it, he will be dealt with. I offer my heartfelt apologies to you and your family Annette, that boy ain’t got a lick of sense in his skull. I have even threatened to cut him off if he didn’t straighten up. Then he goes and pulls a stunt like that. I think I am going to put him to work rough necking in the oil fields next week rather than sending him back to Rice University.”

“That might make him a strong, tough, slob Mr. Beckham,” Julia said.

“He’ll be a dead broke, strong, tough, slob, but I think my foreman can give him an attitude adjustment. I’ll shut off the well that keeps him afloat. As it is he just earned a ten year old chevy to replace his new BMW.”

“As for whether to call the authorities that is up to Annette and her Mom,” Inga said.

“Just keep him away from me Mr. Beckham, that is all I ask.”

“He needs to be taught a lesson Mr. Beckham,” a furious Julia said.

“Thank you Annette. Again I offer you my apologies. If he acts up again, I may wind up gelding that boy and he’ll never see a penny of my money. I don’t know why he thinks he is entitled, just because his daddy is rich. The money just goes to his head. I never raised him to act that way and his dear mother, God rest her soul, would have skint that boy alive,” Thomas said bowing to the lady’s and making an exit.

Tammy and Julia flanked Annette, trying to comfort her. Annette was not disturbed as much as she was angry.

“Annette I am sorry you had to face a slob like that,” Inga said. “I think you handled yourself well. I would have hit the SOB a lot lower for doing that.”

“Thank you Inga for keeping that boy from hurting Annette,” Julia said.

“No problem, I didn’t want Annette to do her thing with all those people around,”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought about that,” Annette said.

“It’s not something to be ashamed about, but you don’t need to be advertising it either. I haven’t lived this long, ‘flying under the radar,’ without learning the importance of keeping a low profile power wise. Use them when you need too, preferably when you can’t be discovered or identified,” Inga said.

“Where did you learn to do that thing, Aunt Inga?” Tammy asked.

“Oh that was nothing. An old boyfriend of mine was a Navy Seal, a Commander Shaun O’Dougal. I dated him for a couple of years when I lived in San Diego.” Inga said blushing. “Seals have amazing stamina.”

“Where is he now?” Annette asked

“I don’t know, last I heard was something about him being an Assistant Chief of Naval Operations.”

Annette had a lot to ponder as she and Tammy went to bed that night.

(to be continued)