Heavenly Returns Read online

  “Can you blame me?”

  I looked down at my half eaten cake. “No.” In less than twenty seconds, I had finished mine too.

  Ryan knelt down in front of me and kissed the frosting off my lips. We made out with the urgency of two junior high school kids behind the bleachers. The bang of the screen door broke off our passionate kiss. Noah stood smiling at us. “I knew you guys were boyfriend and girlfriend. When are you getting married?”

  Talk about jumping the gun. I loved Ryan deeply—but marriage? That was a long way off.

  Ryan pulled his brother next to him. “You know how I talked to you about private time?”

  He nodded.

  “Well, this is my private time with Taylor.”

  Noah smiled at me. “Ok. I get it. But Mom sent me out here to get your plates.”

  We all laughed. Ryan stacked the glasses on top of the dish for his brother and opened the door. Noah carefully balanced the plates in his hands and walked away.

  “Your brother is so darn cute. Can I adopt him?”

  Ryan sat in the chair next to me. “Better yet, why don't you just join the family?”

  What was he saying? We were too young to get married. “I wish. My family is a complete disaster. It’s time to go back to JH. My big reunion with mom didn't work out the way I planned. Everything is set with the UFO squad. Better get back to my father and fixing Heaven. I can’t let you and Celery have to fight Palmer alone. It wouldn’t be fair.”

  Ryan stared down at the porch floorboards. “About that.”

  “Don't argue with me. I’m going to leave with you. The UFO guys can handle things on Earth.”

  “I’m not going back. Noah needs me more than you.”

  Chapter Eight

  Death Moon

  The wind ruffled Ryan’s hair as I stared into his eyes. “I get how you miss Noah but you have to come back, I need you.”

  “I’ve thought about it a lot.” He took my hand in his. “I love you, you know that, right?”

  I nodded. “Yes, I know you do.”

  “I need to stay behind. Mom told me Noah has been really depressed lately.”

  “But he doesn't remember you died, does he?”

  “It’s hard to explain, but we’ve always had a strange bond, almost like identical twins. He knows something bad happened at the lake.”

  “You’ve never told me before. But I sensed it when I talked with him. Noah instinctively knew I’d gone from a friend to girlfriend. ”

  He nodded. “It’s been that way between Noah and me. Almost from the moment he was born.”

  I squeezed Ryan’s hand. How could I give him a hard time about staying behind when I knew how close they were? Noah worshiped Ryan. “I understand. You're his big brother—he looks up to you.”

  “Yes, he does. Plus I can help you with the UFO guys. I can visit the group in Georgia. Make sure the word spreads that there might be an invasion.”

  I knew he was right. He had good reasons to stay on Earth. But I just couldn’t bear to be without him. “So you can do that in a few days, right? Then you can come back to Heaven and help me.”

  Ryan couldn’t look me in the face. Instead, he stared down at the porch. “I think I need to be here a bit longer than that. I was thinking at least a month.”

  The news hit me like a punch to the gut. “A whole month?”

  His eyes met mine. “I know it’s a lot to ask with everything that’s going on up in Heaven.”

  It was obvious he’d made up his mind. “I’ll be okay. Celery and my grandparents will be by my side. Father and Mr. X will make sure we win the battle.”

  “Don’t sell Schwartzy short. She’s a formidable enemy when she wants to be.”

  I laughed. “You sure don't have to convince me.”

  “I have to get something. Stay right there.” Ryan popped back into the house. He returned with a piece of paper in his hand. “I drew a map of the pick-up location. You’ll be transported back to Heaven at ten thirty tonight.”

  “How did you get the message?”

  “Endora, of course.”

  “Guess they’ll be surprised when they see me instead of you.”

  He stroked my face. “I’ll join you in a month, promise.”

  I stood up, wrapped my arms around him, and kissed him hard. My hands ran all over his body.

  I broke off the kiss and Ryan rubbed his lips. “Where did that come from?”

  “I know how much you love your family. There’s a chance you might stay longer.” I gave him a wink. “That’s going to have to last me a while.”

  ***

  Back in Junior Heaven and back to being dead. Just like when I first appeared on Earth, my body took a while to get used to being in Heaven again. But despite the nagging headache and the ringing in my ears, I got right to work on the big capture mission. If I ever wanted to see Ryan again I had to take out Palmer and his men. I stood at the rendezvous point waiting for the rest of the team to arrive. My backpack dug into my shoulders, weighted down with communication devices and GPS trackers like the ones I used during the Cloud Nine Contest. I adjusted my earpiece to make sure I could hear Father when he checked in.

  A light beam shot down through the sky and landed right next to me. I felt the electrical charge in the air as a person materialized—Gramps. I missed having Ryan by my side, but looks like I had a new wingman. Gramps stood there, a ray gun at the ready. “So glad you’re by my side, Gramps.”

  He ruffled my hair. “My pleasure, Red. But I know you’d rather have Ryan.”

  “Well, at least I have four of Ryan’s former contest members helping out. With them and the Katrans loyal to my father, we stand a chance.” I squeezed his hand. “Together we’ll take Palmer out.”

  He gave me a halfhearted smile as his legs wavered a bit. “I know you will.”

  Celery walked up behind us with Mrs. Schwartz and Gram in tow. “T, we’re heading to the south side of the barracks to meet up with your father’s men.”

  I pulled open my backpack and handed each of them a communication device and a GPS. “Let’s keep in close contact, okay?”

  Celery held the small metal device in her hand that resembled a hi-tech gaming console, but about half the size. She flipped the lid open and it made a distinctive beeping sound. “Is this what I think it is?” She pushed on a button and the team’s faces popped up. “Awesome, it’s a mini tricorder, like the ones on Star Trek.”

  Schwartz made a sour face as she clipped the tricorder on her waistband. “It is a device for communication, Celery, not a toy.”

  Gram flipped open her tricorder and an image of my face popped on the screen. “Mrs. Schwartz, you have to admit it’s pretty cool.”

  My afterlife coach ignored her and held up her pointer. “Have no fear Taylor, I’ll make quick work of Palmer’s men.”

  With those linebacker shoulder pads in her tracksuit, I had no doubt. “Okay, guys, here’s the plan. Gramps and I will head over to studio ten. I’m hoping to scope out how far along they are on repairing the spaceship. Cel, you, Gram, and Mrs. Schwartz will capture as many of Palmer’s men as you can.”

  Celery nodded. “Got it.”

  Gram traded in her rolling pin for a ray gun. “Don’t worry, Pumpkin, I’ll be zapping the guys like crazy.”

  I gave them all a thumbs up. “You guys make a great team. Good luck!”

  As I watched them slink away, I knew Gramps and I needed more than luck if we were going to get anywhere near the ship. It was Palmer’s prize possession so it would certainly be heavily guarded. From what I could see on the GPS grid, there were at least six red dots around the perimeter of the studio. But I had to risk it. I’d promised Ryan I would let him know the launch date as soon as I could. The UFO squad needed to know how much time they had left to finish building their defense system for the possible invasion. I didn't tell him that without the military on Earth involved, I really didn’t know what they could do.

  I watched
the red dots move to the far side of the studio. “Hey, Gramps, looks like we might have an opening.”

  He nodded and we ran toward the studio. My earpiece clicked on just as I crouched down behind the hedges. “My daughter, we’ve been listening in and Palmer is getting ready to open the large cargo doors. They are going to do some kind of test. Don't worry about Celery and her team. They're in good hands with my men.”

  “I know, Father, she just checked in.”

  “You need to go. We’re going dark now. Good luck.” He clicked off.

  Gramps and I moved to the right side of the studio and quickly saw Father was right. Two of the cargo doors stood wide open. There were still no red dots on the GPS so I had a clear shot. I whispered to Gramps, “I’m going to sneak in. You stay here. Radio Celery if I’m not back in fifteen minutes.”

  He looked at his watch then reached over and squeezed my hand. “Be safe, Red.”

  I darted toward the open door, keeping my eye on the GPS. A red dot moved across the back of the warehouse. My legs pumped harder until I managed to duck past the doorframe. I’m inside, now what? Craning my neck, I spied a large metal bin. I darted behind it and almost hit my head. The earpiece fell to the ground and tumbled under the bin. I went to reach for it when a voice I’d grown to hate echoed from the back of the warehouse.

  “You better be ready in five minutes, or you’re dead.”

  Palmer. The staccato sound of his shoes clacked against the concrete floor. My neck muscles tightened when I caught a glimpse of his pompadour. Even though he no longer graced the stage of the Cloud Nine Contest, he still wore a sparkly zoot suit. Guess he didn’t like the military drab all his men were wearing. Not flamboyant enough for him.

  Palmer stuck his pompadour in one of his men’s face. “Captain, the invasion is scheduled in ten days. Is that correct?”

  Even though the captain was twice Palmer’s size, he quivered in his shoes. “Yes… sir. We just need to complete this engine test and a few other procedures and we’ll be ready for launch.”

  Crap. That gave us hardly any time to fix Heaven.

  Palmer puffed out his chest. “The countdown better commence soon or heads will roll.”

  The captain nodded. “Certainly, sir.”

  He talked into an earpiece and signaled an officer by a console. I couldn’t see much of the spacecraft except the nose and a few antennas, but I knew the ship was there because the unmistakable smell of electrical wires burning filled the air.

  Palmer impatiently tapped his foot. “This test better be successful. I just can’t wait to show those disgusting Earthlings how insignificant they are. They will make excellent slaves.”

  I balled my fists. So that was Palmer’s big plan. Not on my watch.

  The captain nodded. “Yes, sir, we will be triumphant.” He pointed to a room in the far corner. “The engine test is about to begin. You need to get to a secure location.”

  As I watched Palmer hightail it to the room, I wanted nothing more than to zap him with the ray gun. He deserved to be imprisoned in a blue cocoon. But I’d reveal my presence, and I had to get back to warn everyone. With no time to run, I tucked the ray gun and the GPS in my backpack.

  A mechanical voice echoed against the walls. “T-minus, ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two…one.”

  A blast of blazing hot air shot through the warehouse and out the open doors. I gripped the metal bin with all my might. The blast grew stronger as the engine kicked in. The force dragged the bin across the floor, taking me with it. There was nothing I could do but hold on and hope the blast would push me out of the warehouse so I could escape. The engine boomed, spewing little sparks of fire along with gale force winds. My bin shot across the warehouse and banged right into the office Palmer was in. I lay right out in the open, struggling to hold on to a metal post anchored to the concrete floor.

  Palmer raced to the big window in the door and pounded on the glass. I could see his lips moving as he tried to fight off the man who kept him from opening the door. His eyes were so big I thought they might pop out of his head. Palmer wanted me so badly he was willing to risk his life. I had to do something. Letting go of the post, the force picked me up and tossed me out the open door pitched me on top of a huge pile of trash.

  The engine roar stopped and Palmer raced toward me. The man followed close behind, shooting at me with some kind of laser gun. The trash caught on fire and I scrambled to the far side of the pile hoping the fire would screen me from Palmer and his men.

  The noxious smell of burning cartons, garbage, and rubber made me want to gag, but I pushed myself off the pile and ran toward the alley between two buildings. I turned to see if Palmer and his men were following me but smoke billowing from the trash made it impossible to see. I had no choice but to run blindly forward. A laser beam just missed my leg as I turned the corner. Crap, I hadn’t lost them. I switched course and ran behind one of the smaller studio buildings. An invisible force picked me up and dragged me through the air. Oh no! Palmer had some kind of tractor beam. I tried to break free but it was no use. Then something made me relax—the fragrance of gardenias.

  The pointer beam put me down right in front of Mrs. Schwartz. Ryan was right about my afterlife coach. She made an impressive ally. Especially when she toted a magic pointer.

  “Celery told me you might be in trouble.” She looked me up and down. “You have goo and soot all over you. I never seen someone so desperately in need of a bath.”

  I picked off some papers that were stuck to my arms. “Sounds wonderful. Maybe later. I need to get back to my father. I have big news.”

  The Helmet nodded. “Of course. I assume you have news about the mothership. You should tell him immediately.”

  “I wish, but I lost the earpiece. We need to get back to the palace. There isn't much time left to foil Palmer.”

  Gramps came running up to me. “Red, did you tangle with a bear? You look like hell.”

  I laughed. “Thanks. I’m fine. Just had a little run-in with a dumpster. How is the team doing?”

  Mrs. Schwartz puffed out her chest. “I’m happy to report we captured fifteen of the enemy. Just have a few stragglers to catch and our mission is complete.”

  Gramps nodded and handed me his tricorder. “Celery needs your help as soon as you get back.”

  I clicked the tricorder button. “Hey, Cel, great job capturing so many men.”

  “We have to mop up a few more and this mission is done.”

  “Father will be pleased. I’ll come and help you in a sec.”

  “Thanks, T.” The sound of clanking echoed in the background. “Oops, got to go. One of the guys just tried to sneak past me.” She clicked off.

  Dead tired and with my skin covered in gunk, the last thing I wanted to do was go tackle more of Palmer’s men. But duty called. “Gramps, lets head over there and wrap things up. I need to get to the palace, ASAP.”

  Mrs. Schwartz pulled a tissue out of her bosom. “At least wipe that brown goo off your face. It looks like feces.”

  I could always count on Mrs. Schwartz to make me feel even worse. I cleaned my face off. The least I could do for the person who just saved my life. “Wish you had a hose. I feel gross.”

  She stuck her nose in the air. “And deprive me of your eau de garbage?”

  Gramps laughed. “I can see why Taylor likes you so much.”

  “I’ve had enough of your frivolity. There is more work to do.” Mrs. Schwartz turned on her crepe soles and marched down the alley.

  Gramps stared at the Helmet as it disappeared out of sight. “Your afterlife coach means business. We better follow her.”

  Funny how Mrs. Schwartz intimidated everyone, including Gramps. We made it halfway down the alley when the tricorder device buzzed. I motioned for Gramps to follow Mrs. Schwartz. A familiar voice came through the speakers. “Pumpkin, you need to get over here—quick. I just saw my murderer!”

  Crap. How could the spiky haired witch w
ith the scar be after Gram again?

  I followed to the GPS to the blue dot that marked Gram’s position. She stood leaning against a concrete pillar, a look of complete determination on her face. Gram pointed to several people sneaking around the corner of one of the barracks. “That’s her on the end. I’m sure of it.”

  I watched as, one by one, Palmer’s men vanished around the corner of the barracks leaving a lone person standing guard. I blinked twice to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating from the stress. The last time I’d seen the blonde with the crescent-shaped scar, she’d made the cowardly move of running away after team Galaxy won the contest. She’d failed the mission Palmer had given her.

  Gram’s shoulders tightened as she watched the blond run away again. I moved next to her and put my arm around her waist. “Can you believe it? That murdering Death Moon witch is back helping Palmer.”

  “Death Moon? Is that her name?”

  “It’s my nickname for her. You know, because of the crescent-shaped scar on her cheek. And the fact she’s a murderer. ”

  Gram looked puzzled at first and then a smile of recognition crossed her face. “Oh, like in Star Wars. Let’s hope we crush her like Luke Skywalker destroyed the Death Star.”

  Despite the fact I knew both of us were scared to confront her again, I held my arm up like a light saber. “May the force be with us.”

  Gram gripped her ray gun tighter. “I can’t wait to zap her spiky butt.”

  I patted her on the back. “I know you do, Gram. But I can’t let you go. She’s my responsibility.” There was no way I’d let her get close to her murderer. After all, I was pretty sure she was my murderer too. I’d make sure Death Moon would never hurt either of us again.

  Gram shifted back and forth on her feet. “Let me get her, Pumpkin. You need to help Celery with the men.”

  I wrapped my arms around her. “Gram, you’re too important to me. Please stay right here. I’ll take care of the witch.”

  In the time we’d spent arguing about the Death Moon she’d managed to slip away, along with two men. Gram pulled away from me and grabbed the GPS. In a second she pushed past me and sped toward the barrack. her ray gun held high. “She’s not going to get away this time.”