Storm Chaser: Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Elena and Mateo walked to the store in silence partially because a cold wind had kicked up and tended to steal the breath and partly in silent contemplation.

‘Grandfather would only have come early if there was a complication,’ Elena thought. A million scenarios ran through her mind. None of them were pleasant. ‘Of course he is more paranoid than I am.’ She added to console herself. They entered the imports store, a puff of warm air felt wonderful against their wind cooled faces. Elena’s eyes zeroed in on Alexandro Calabrese as he stood browsing the shelves. His hair was snow white but still thick and managed to look casually windblown, as if he had just stepped off the deck of the Wind Dancer. He caught sight of them and walked over. Elena realized that this was what Mateo would probably look like in fifty years. Their grandfather placed a hand on each of their shoulders. It was his version of a public hug.

“So good to see you both looking so well. I know I was to arrive Friday but there is some family business to attend to. I hope it does not inconvenience you.”

“Of course not,” Elena said while Mateo shook his head. The rest of the staff seemed occupied elsewhere and Elena wondered what her grandfather had told them. She had a feeling Max and TJ would be very curious about him as they knew she made a break with the family business to strike out on her own.

“Good,” he said dropping his hands. “Is there a place we can talk?”

“Will it matter if Andre Baranov is within earshot?” Elena asked. She knew Andre would leave if asked but hated to interrupt his work. Alexandro gave the matter some thought.

“No,” he said slowly. “In fact it may be better if he puts in an appearance as some of this will no doubt affect him. Peter may choose to speak with him separately but he also knew I would be here early.”

“Ah,” Elena said. “This way then.” She led them through Nibbles. Both men slowed their pace to look around as they passed displays. Mateo chuckled to himself as he read some of the names.

“It is like the biggest con job in history,” he told her as the three of them climbed the stairs. Alexandro frowned.

“It is not a con job Mateo. It is commerce. The people who shop here will be getting better value than they know.”

“Of course, Grandfather,” Mateo said, unrepentantly.

“After all think of the shipping charges they save,” Elena said as they entered the conference room. “Do you want me to get Andre?”
“If you would,” Alexandro said taking a seat at the conference table. Mateo grabbed a chair and sat down as well as Elena continued into Andre’s work space. His back was to her and his head was bobbing in a way that suggested earphones to Elena. Elena moved to the side where she could come into his field of vision. Andre had one colored pencil between his teeth and one in his hand. He was sketching something she couldn’t see. As she watched he switched the pencils around. As she suspected he was plugged into his music and didn’t hear her approach. He gave a slight start when he caught sight of her. Andre tugged the earphones out of his ears and pulled the pencil out of his mouth.

“Sorry didn’t hear you.”

“No problem. My grandfather is here and he wants to speak with all of us about family business,” Elena told him. Andre turned towards the conference room and saw Alexandro sitting at the table. He swallowed hard and not for the first time Elena wondered if the stories of her grandfather were as bad as those about Peter Baranov.

“Of course,” Andre said. He stood up, tugged his shirt straight and ran a hand through his hair. Elena strongly hoped she didn’t have to find out about Alexandro’s reputation. They went back to the conference room and took seats at the table. Alexandro cleared his throat as if calling attention to himself. Elena found this odd since he was obviously already the focus of their attention.

“As you know many people will be watching the venture that begins this Saturday.” All three of them dutifully nodded at Alexandro’s statement as he paused. “Well as Elena is aware, many of the reports she has passed along have been shared with the council.” Elena blinked but said nothing. She had not been aware.

“This has in turn been shared with their families, and so on and so forth. It has generated much interest.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Many of the interested, at least the ones not riding the channels will find their way here on Saturday.”

“By many you mean what exactly,” Elena asked, a feeling of dread in her stomach.

“By many I mean the entire council and most of the heads of households or their representatives.” Alexandro confirmed. Mateo let out a low whistle.

“That would be many,” he said. Elena looked at her grandfather.

“There is more isn’t there?” She asked. He raised his left eyebrow in slight surprise.

“Yes,” he admitted.

“And that would be?”

“Many of the grounded pilots have heard not only that this is a venture spearheaded by a grounded pilot but also that the pilot is no longer grounded. There is a rumor going around that you have figured out the cure for the Calling and that Mateo is even helping you turn the debilitation into a useful skill.” Alexandro smiled politely. Elena smiled back. The project she and Mateo were working on had not been discussed with their grandfather as Elena was now the head of her own household and their current actions did not need council approval. She had been holding back from Alexandro, Peter and Riko trying to fly below the radar until they knew exactly what they were dealing with. Elena had the feeling her time was rapidly running out.

“That does explain the letters,” she said carefully. She was well aware that as a fledgling head of house she needed to stay independent and not be seen as completely under her grandfather’s command.

“Letters?” He asked. His eyes fixed on Elena’s and she had the feeling that Mateo and Andre were as relevant to the conversation as the coffee pot on the sideboard.

“I received letters petitioning me for permanent berth and relocation. I am unsure the protocols.” Elena told him. He nodded, a small smile on his lips. Elena had seen that smile when he was proud of her and when he was ready to ground her for a week. It was his general all purpose give nothing away but look pleasant while doing it smile.

“I should have foreseen this earlier. I did bring the basic rules and regulations for you. They are with Marcus as I was unsure what location would be safe for storage.” At the moment Elena was unsure as well but figured she could always put them between the mattress and the box spring in her bedroom. Smith may swipe something from the counter but she didn’t think he would take her apartment apart. Elena thought about it for a second and decided maybe she could bow to fashion and just get a large purse.

‘It would depend on the size of the book,’ Elena thought. Of course that wasn’t really the main problem at the moment.

“So,” she said aloud, “In addition to selling off world goods under new labels we are about to be knee deep in guild members and grounded pilots while the military is watching us. Does that about sum it up?”

“I believe so,” Alexandro said. “It is why I came a few days early, to give you time to prepare.” He stood up. “I will have Marcus come by later with the books. Now if you will excuse me, I have had a long day of travel and I believe you have some planning to do.” He turned and walked back down the stairs, letting himself out. Mateo and Andre turned to Elena. She felt like she had just been tossed into the deep end of a cold swimming pool in order to learn to doggie paddle.

“No pressure huh?” Mateo said.