Sandy brushes some dirt off an artifact that just arrived at the warehouse. She couldn’t believe that it dated back to when the Spaniards arrived. They had found a catch of artifacts in a cave she had been exploring on her trip. Technically, all the artifacts that have been shipped back to the warehouse should have remained in Mexico, but because of the infighting going on between the gangs down there. They had to be removed and brought back to the warehouse.

Previously
“I told you Tegan, I don’t lie. Tegan can go to your school with those nails. There are reasons stopping Thomas from doing so, but not Tegan.” My Grandma cut me off.

“I am Thomas!” I yelled, and my Grandma just calmly straightened the skirt I was wearing.

“Tegan, I don’t lie. You unfortunately still have to learn the cost of lying.”

“You really are a witch! If I go to school like this I will be at best teased and humiliated. I could be beaten, possibly even to death.”

Grandma just gave me a look, you know the one adult’s give to an overly petulant child, while they marshal their thoughts to rip into the child’s outburst and make them feel a few inches tall and at least five years younger than they really are. I guess it is not really mature to yell insults, especially when the person you are calling a witch actually is one, but she really got me ticked. Did she not care that I could be killed?

Grandma calmly got my attention then let me know. “Thomas likely could, but Tegan wouldn’t have those worries. Now calm down, we have much to discuss and I don’t want to send you to bed without supper, as if you were a naughty little girl. However, if you behave so then young lady, I will treat you as you behave.”

All my bluster and rage were extinguished like a flame snuffed. I sagged back into the sofa and sighed. “Why do you want me to be Tegan?”

“I told you I don’t lie…

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Chapter 25
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In the bright, early morning, a military helicopter flew across Paragon, heading for City Hall from the camp in Faultline. Walter and War Lagoon were both aboard. This brought back many memories for both of them.

Funny thing happened at Helen's birthday party.

Hey, before the chapter, I want to say that I've scrapped the two versions idea because it was dumb.

After Julian left his sister’s room, he went on with his day. On occasion, he would stop to stare at his nails, and appreciate how cute they made him feel. Over the course of the week the week his nails wore out. He was staring at his nails more, this time with disappointment.

The Other Woman

Williams wedding plans progress. Yasmeen makes the arrangements to travel to their homeland and confront the clerics

Carla arrives home around midnight and finds Angela already home and sound asleep in their bed. She quietly removes her clothes and slips her nightshirt on. She was happy when she had the operation to become a woman. If she had stayed with the Hunter organization, she would have never met Angela or had the operation to change her gender.

Author's Note: These next four chapters are, arguably, one of my favorite mini-arcs through the entire trilogy. I hope y'all enjoy it.

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Chapter 24
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They came on a Saturday morning.

Men and women in suits arrived in a suburban neighborhood, and blocked off a cul-de-sac with only their fancy cars and commanding, yet secretive presence.

Lola, Olivia and Angela learn that another kidnapped friend from the care home has been found abroad.

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Chapter 23
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The League now had eight people in it, making Rampart the first person among them who wasn’t one of the founding members. He said he would only be able to be a hero part-time, and Walter said that was fine. Having a life was important.

Henry Dickens pulled his knees tighter to his chest, letting out the tiniest of whimpers for what must have been the twentieth, thirtieth time.

This story is a fan sequel to Erin Halfelven's "Valentines 'R' Blue," so I would suggest reading that story first.

Stella went inside the Police Station leaving Ethel to switch to the drivers’ seat.

She returned a few minutes later grasping a small piece of paper and got back into the car.

“They were very helpful about a possible place to stay but it is unlikely that there will be a train north tomorrow. Apparently, the line washed out earlier today after a landslide.”

Ethel gripped the steering wheel a lot tighter. Stella noticed this.

“I know that it looks bad but at least we have some wheels unlike those stuck at the Railroad Depot…”