Author's Note: This is the fourth Angel story and he needed lots of help for this mission. Even when I threw in characters from my previous work into the mix, we still needed more. I then reached out to other authors who had created heroic figures with a similar purpose. You will see a series of works attached to this story, all launching off the same assignment detailed in chapter 20. I can tell you we had fun doing it- Tyrone Slothrop

 

I Can See For Miles

By Tyrone Slothrop

 

Chapter 12: This Means War!- Reno, Nevada- August

"This is intolerable! We have customers going crazy and ringing our lines off the hook! What the hell happened to the webcast?" Adrian Beimbeau screamed at the tall, implacable woman seated across from him in TransTalent headquarters in Reno, close, but not too close to Promisense in Lake Tahoe.

"The facility was compromised and they triggered the destruct mechanism. I can prove nothing more, but I know who did this to me. And mind your tone with me, Mr. Beimbeau. Yes, I know who you are. I know your links to Promisense." Ms. Talleyrand said curtly.

"Yes, your mysterious group. The one that sent you away to that asylum. The bogeyman. And I would advise you to stop snooping into our side of this, Ms. Talleyrand. Such information is inherently dangerous." Adrian smiled sweetly. He found this woman to be amusing, her psychoses fascinating.

"It's not a joke. And they will come for you like they did for me."

Adrian knew there was something to her ravings, his people had confirmed there was a solid probability of an informal collection of vigilantes who 'took down' abusers, especially of young boys and transgendered men. He had even had a photograph of their probable lead operative, which confirmed the sketch he had commissioned from her memory.

"Then they will find that to be a tragic mistake." Adrian spat out through his smile.

Ms. Talleyrand stood up and turned to leave. She had to find the Tunturo boy. All her future depended on it. The rest of her plan was already underway.

"Where do you think you are going?" Adrian said calmly.

"I am done with you people. Good day to you, sir." Ms. Talleyrand used her 'command' voice, which had struck fear in the hearts of her many victims.

Adrian maintained his smile. "These two gentlemen will escort you to your destination, Ms. Talleyrand."

The woman did not speak another word as the needle sunk into her arm. The two men, wearing dark Italian suits and wrap-around sunglasses grasped her arms and moved her inert body to the private elevator.

"The usual procedure, Hoskins." Adrian said, watching for the telltale nod of the shrouded eyes. Ms. Talleyrand was not the first active participant in the TransTalent retirement program.

Adrian walked into the office of Lester Quarrel, his security head. Lester had followed Adrian's rise to power, through the porno industry, managing casinos, escort services, collections of gambling debts. They had started together as repo men in New York City. Lester had taken a knife for Adrian; Adrian had taken out the knifeman.

"What do we have Lester? Did those fairy lovers take out my highest rated show?" Adrian said, always in a relaxed mood around Lester.

Balding, short and vicious, Lester never showed his teeth when talking. It made following his conversation difficult, even for Adrian.

"We got a guy we think is the head shit. He's a big thing in Sacramento, politics and crap. Angelo. And that other guy, we don't know his name but people have seen him near LA recently. A lot of people on the street are scared of him." Lester muttered.

"Is it them, Lester?"

"We only found two bodies in the wreckage up in Oregon and neither of them was the 'product'. So it would be consistent with them grabbing the boy. If they have him, they may decide to come after the whole thing." Lester wheezed.

Sometimes coincidence is taken for conspiracy. Adrian had enough information to remove the potential threat. He was feeling powerful at having resolved the Impolecs problem with a little judicious muscle. That officious bitch at Junecellular had gotten the message. So too, this "Group", would be removed, or neutralized.

"We need another show like Johnnie To Jill . Which franchise can pull that off the best?" Lester asked. He frequently overstepped his bounds which annoyed Adrian. Lester had delusions he was part of the actual business and not just the head bonecruncher.

"Never mind the entertainment side, Lester. Get me a plan and review it with me before you do anything about this problem." Adrian dismissed his old friend. He turned and left.

"Asshole" mumbled Lester.

 

 

 

Chapter 13: Gown Of Colour – Malibu, California- Early September

September is transition. Seasons, lives, back to school, things change.

Miss T was a swarm of activity. The little chapel was ready for the Wednesday evening wedding, or 'wedding, part one' with the main event scheduled for Saturday.

The guests were few for this ceremony. While Carolyn had convinced Angel to be the bride for her for the first ceremony, he had extracted a promise to keep the invitees to only very close friends. She had agreed, stressing that she wanted everyone to come as their 'best dressed' selves.

Day Before

Angel and Carolyn were sitting and holding each other the day before, watching the surf on the beach.. They had been shedding tears off and on for hours.

Carolyn's father had called and begged forgiveness. He wished to attend his daughter's wedding. His son had disappeared from school months ago and he and his wife were wracked with grief. The idea of having a family again was both terrifying and comforting, especially as she approached her wedding. Carolyn knew her father was not directly responsible for her mother's death, but had felt rage at his decision to leave the family.

Janice had called Angel and let him know Frank was losing his fight against his disease. He was not expected to last more than a few months, and they would be painful.

"Angel, maybe we should postpone…." Carolyn started.

"Frank wants to see me get married before he dies. I can't deny him that, and I want him to see us. He's my Dad. I asked him to give me away tomorrow and be here for Saturday where he can play mother of the groom. Carolyn, I've been ready for this for years. In a way, I'm glad he made it this far. And I want to meet your Dad too. Ok?" Angel said softly, stroking Carolyn's inch long curls while slowly massaging her neck.

Carolyn began purring.

"Ohhhh my God, I can't think when you do that. Yes, you're right. I love you and we're doing this. That thing about my step brother is strange, though."

"I'll look into it after the wedding, babe." Angel said.

"In that case, I have to deliver you to Tess's hairdresser first thing in the morning, sweetie. I'm sure you'll look lovely." Carolyn laughed.

Angel looked at her short hair and knew Carolyn's efforts tomorrow would consist of a wash, comb and blow dry, maybe lasting about five minutes. He, however, was in for a morning of intense salon activity. Followed by Frank and Janice 'helping' him with his gown.

He mused over why he had agreed to be a bride. He knew Carolyn enjoyed him both ways. He knew she fully intended to have her day, her white gown, her bridesmaids, her groom, but was equally excited about him enjoying the same things.

His appearance was always a performance, a show, an act. He always was on stage, whether male or female in clothing. Every once in a while he felt a giddiness, an excitement at how he looked, like his Carrie phase. A pleasant feeling accompanied some masks more than others.

A bride should not be a mask. It could not be just a performance. He needed it to be more.

As the evening progressed, the lovers found time for each other, time away from work and wedding plans and guests and parties. Time away from bad news and heartbreak.

Hotel near LAX

Miles Stein stared at the hotel room ceiling. He hated LA. He hated working with a partner. Dunlop was good, but not very adaptable. And he snored. Miles was grateful their client paid for separate rooms. Tomorrow would be easy. Whack the broad during the ceremony and get out. Too bad it would be close in stuff. There were no good sniper positions away from even minimal security. So he would get close and bang, bang bang. Then leave in the confusion. If he screwed up, Dunlop would shoot her and then him. All he wanted to do was get back to Miami in time for his birthday.

Motel In Ventura County, CA

Duane Washington ran over his plan with June Cleaver. He knew that was not her real name, but she could call herself whatever she wanted. The motel room was covered with charts and maps. Duane was a meticulous planner. So meticulous that June was ready to blow his black ass all over the flip charts if he did not shut up.

"Washington, all I wanna know is why, with all the talent in LA, they brought us in from Jersey to hit this guy? My contacts tell me the locals won't touch the sonofabitch." June's cigarette dangled and moved to punctuate her question. Duane hated smokers and June knew it.

"I heard that too, like he's the devil or something. I hear he has a lot of street cred. Oh well, tomorrow he's toast. You got the uniforms that fit from the florist?" Duane asked, for the third time.

"Shut the fuck up, Washington! Don't ask me again! One more time and I'll do you in your sleep. Now leave me alone." June screamed and settled into her pillow, television remote flipping channels.

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Larry found the dinner in a trolley car unusual to say the least. Trevor Olsen had told him it was a good tourist thing, dinner on wheels while slowly navigating the streets of Melbourne. His trip had been useful in following the trail on AB Enterprises. He had seen the manufacturing plant in the Northern Territories and had overflown the training facility on the Great Barrier Reef. Trevor and his friends were compiling an impressive dossier of financial and other sources of information on the operations. Larry had a lead to a company called TransTalent, and a shadow of suspicion to Promisense. All trails led to Nevada next. He had a profile of this AB, the link to TransTalent.

Instead of a sandwich and beer, Larry found a five course meal with fine wines served with exquisite care by a well trained staff. Trevor laughed.

"We're even on the dinner thing now mate. I should have made you come as my date, but Sean would step on me." Trevor laughed some more. Both men were dressed in suits and Trevor's hair was back in a long braid.

"I'm too tall for you, Trev, especially in heels. And Sean would never hurt you, I think you're my replacement if she gets tired of me."

"That's a fine Sheila you've got there, Larry. Give her my love. Now, are you going to look up the fella I told you about? He's sort of retired now, but he's a good sort and has some useful contacts."

"Sean is going to see him tomorrow, right after his wedding party or something. It seems she called, gave your name and was asked to attend, so now she's bitching at me about having to get a new dress. And all she's been doing is working the net from our employer's house in Santa Barbara."

"Tough duty, that. She found things on her end?" Trevor nibbled on a semisoft cheese and washed it down with a fine Shiraz.

"She has at least city locations for their franchise network. Each one may take tracking down, since she thinks they are using drop addresses and couriers. She's also found some very weird entertainment on the internet through chat rooms. Apparently, you folks have a local operation in Adelaide."

"I'll have to go; I know a fine Vietnamese place which does a great barramundi. So you are off tonight?" Trevor asked.

"Melbourne to Auckland to LA. At least I'm in first, they have the beds there. Thanks for everything Trevor." Larry said, raising his glass.

Trevor clinked appropriately.

"Glad you tipped us to this, mate. It could get nasty, and you know it'll be popular."

Malibu, California

There are some things you do not really want to know in detail. Angel could see Frank and Janice waiting for him as he suffered the ministrations of Tommie's hairdresser, Robert.

Angel knew Janice was a good friend of Frank's wife, Samantha, the woman who had become his mother in all but name. Janice was also Frank's doctor, treating him through the ravages of his endocrine disease. Samantha was years gone, and Janice had only moved in with Frank in the last four years. Angel did not want to know if they were lovers, it was enough that he knew they loved each other.

Frank was a victim of abuse at the hands of his aunt, and had escaped at sixteen. He had raised himself, put himself through college and then the police academy followed by business school, where he met Samantha. Frank had been a deeply closeted crossdresser and Samantha had neither minded nor encouraged him. So Frank occasionally indulged, and became involved with Bob Angelo and the Group.

When Bob had rescued Angel from his tormentor and owner, he knew the normal foster care system would not help such a tortured child. Frank and Samantha had taken in the young boy with the ancient eyes at age twelve. Somehow, they repaired and loved him enough to allow Angel to function, and even excel at things. Frank knew he could not heal the hatred and desire for revenge, so he attempted to channel it, to help others like Angel.

Full circle. Angel was getting married after a career of rescuing the innocent and those no longer innocent. He had healed enough, killed enough and saved enough so he could love someone and himself. Angel and Frank both hoped that was true.

After Samantha's death, Frank became ill, and disabled enough to be confined to work from his home. He indulged his dressing by growing a beautiful waist length mane of brown hair and wearing dresses or jeans as he pleased. His treatment for the disease, a complex cocktail of hormones and anti virals devised by Doctor Janice Peters had a distinct feminizing effect on his increasingly frail body.

Today, Angel saw a Frank in his best male mode, wearing a sports jacket and slacks, using a cane to support his gait. His hair had the full attention of the salon personnel, with it's shiny fall down his back and almost imperceptible traces of gray. They made a huge fuss over him and he loved it, joking with them from his perch in the waiting area. From certain angles, if you ignored the shake in his hands, and the subtle curves of his body, he was the tall and strong Frank, the vital man who had raised him, and then later in life , had raised two more victims as his 'sons'.

Frank saw his son, never qualifying Angel as anything less than his son, preparing for a happy occasion. Having someone to hold, to love, to spend a life with. As he edged closer to the end of his days, Angel had occupied more and more of his thoughts. The fragile and wounded child he had been given had been so hurt, so damaged and full of will to survive. Frank needed to see Angel would be not alone in the world when he died. It was a charge built on love, not obligation.

Robert of Santa Monica was clearly trying to gain favor with the famous Miss T, wedding planner to the elite. Weddings in LA are royal court events, and people have them frequently. Angel had started the negotiation being firm but had to surrender eventually to Robert's implacable pleas for a "grand style". His hair, pulled back from his ears, pinned up with stiff curls crowning the top of the upsweep, with long spiral tendrils flowing down to his shoulders and the top of his artificial cleavage did look magnificent.

Angel knew it would fit the role he was playing in their first ceremony. A role he was beginning to accept as more than a role. He could feel himself becoming excited when he thought of the dress. His gorgeous hair style seemed a little overdone for his velvet tracksuit, but perfect for today with Carolyn.

"This will be fine, Robert. Thank you so much." Angel shook Robert's hand with a gentle touch. He pulled cash from his purse and paid with a generous tip. Frank and Janice rose, ready to ferry him to the beach house.

Janice gushed and Frank looked at him with deep fondness, a smile forming the small wrinkles around his mouth. Angel kissed them both.

"Thanks Dad. Thanks for coming. Are you all right? Is this too much?" Angel asked quietly from the back of the limousine.

"I hurt all the time, Angel. I'd rather hurt and be here than hurt and not be here. Carolyn's family now, or will be by tonight. This first thing is official, isn't it?" Frank asked.

"Yes, Tommie assures me it is, as is the one Saturday. "

Angel, sitting in the back seat next to Frank, was stricken with the return of childhood adults feel when they see their parents after an absence.

Frank, sensing the turmoil in his son, gently held Angel's hand between his two palms. He looked into the ancient eyes and saw terror.

"Angel, are you all right?" Frank asked, quietly. Janice, seated opposite in the limousine, lean forward yet remained silent.

"Oh Dad! I'm scared! I don't really know who I am! How can I take a vow without being myself? This has to be real." Angel uttered, punctuated by soft sobs.

The taunting Face came out of lockup. Angel shuddered as he endured the sadistic smile in his head.

"Bride's jitters. You have always been real to me, Son. And you are real to Carolyn. She is not fooled by your performances, kid, she sees to your core. And she loves you. You are not half the actor or actress you think you are to a few of us. Do you love Carolyn?" Frank challenged in a tone both gentle and stern.

Angel nodded, moisture running across his cheeks. He composed himself slowly as the limousine drove through Santa Monica. The Face receded with Frank's presence, as it always had. The Face hated Frank.

"Are Bill and Jim here yet?" Angel asked, Janice dabbing at his face to remove the tears.

"They arrived a little after you left, along with your friend Spider and his sister, Clementine. Your two ushers and bridesmaids are getting dressed. " Frank said, his smile widening.

Bill and Jim were Frank's other two 'sons', Bill now a city cop and Jim a district attorney. Angel had been the key agent in their rescue from a particularly sadistic woman who made 'petticoat slaves' to order. They had watched Angel execute her right on the spot after killing the corrupt town police chief and deputy with his bare hands.

Frank and Janice, with the help of George Romany, the Group psychiatrist had worked to bring the boys back from the brink. Bill was still under his care, ten years later. Jim was raised to be a crossdressing sissy from an early age and had managed to recapture a balance of masculinity with Frank, Janice and George's help.

Angel was not surprised to see Jim already in his bridesmaid dress, his five foot ten inch frame even taller with his heels. Jim made a pretty girl if you confined the view to his face. With a fairly muscular torso and his brush cut hair he looked incongruous with his carefully made up visage. Angel knew Jim must have a fabulous wig just waiting to finish his look.

Bill hugged Angel, looking ruggedly handsome in his black tuxedo jacket. Angel could feel the shoulder holster housing Bill's Glock as he returned the hug. Jim ran up and kissed him on the cheek, followed by joining the hug. They had always viewed Angel as their big brother, and they were his closest family.

As Angel made his way into the house, he saw a huge man in a tuxedo, his normally scraggly hair and beard neatly trimmed. Spider Robertson was an old 'collar' of Angel's, a bust for armed robbery. While Spider was locked away, he had asked Angel to look after his little sister, to keep her out of the rackets and safe from Spider's acquaintances.

Clementine Robertson was a tall woman. At six foot three in her bare feet, she only looked delicate next to her brother. Where Spider was big, running over three hundred pounds with huge arms and a fierce expression, Clementine was merely muscular and lean. Angel had shepherded her away from the life her brother led and towards a positive realization of her talents. Clementine was a natural businesswoman, and a freshly minted MBA from a prestigious university very near the chapel they were using for the wedding.

Spider still ran most of the waterfront rackets in many coastal towns, but was less violent, more of a community fixture since his return from prison. He had a cooperative relationship with most police departments, since he was a force for stability and predictability in the underworld. No tourists were mugged, violent crimes were kept off the waterfront and retired people were respected. Spider had a code of conduct the cops could live with, allowing them to focus on the real bad actors.

Janice, Jim and Clementine hustled Angel into his room to get dressed.

"You will be there on time, Angel, now let's get you together. " Clementine giggled as she carefully began disrobing him.

Later, standing in front of his gown wearing his pettislip, his breast prostheses snugly captured in his bra, his hips and rear end padded out by his panties, his stockings translucent with a wisp of white attached to his garter belt, his face painted to the best of his capable skill, he remembered the description Tommie had given him.

"An empire waist matte satin gown accentuated with lightly beaded soft netting wrapping around the back and criss-crossing over the bodice. Then there is the applied silver corded beaded lace and crystals which accent the skirt and train. And it's white, you virginal bitch! Splendid! Simply Splendid!"

The gown flowed, billowed out from the waist. The veil was simple and understated. The sleeves were long with scalloped lace.

"I assume you had the modifications you requested?" Jim asked, jealously running his hand along the satin fabric.

"Yes. They did a wonderful job." Angel said as the three helped him into the gown. The A line fit him perfectly, and the V neck was showered with his spiral curls. Janice pinned the veil into place and Jim handed Angel his shoes. Angel wore a pair of diamond earrings which had belonged to Samantha, and a diamond necklace Frank and Janice had custom made to match.

Frank and Janice looked at him with tears in their eyes.

"Angel, who picked that dress? Was it you?" Frank said, crying openly.

"I sent a copy of yours and Mom's wedding picture to Tommie. She handled the rest. I told her I wanted one just like Samantha's. I always though she was so beautiful in that picture."

Janice held Frank, partially for emotional support and partially to keep him from collapse.

The limousine carried the wedding party to the chapel, and Angel noted the laughter in Frank's voice. He was truly having a wonderful time.

Miss T was there with her boyfriend Turk, who served as caterer. The weather was warm and dry and the pavilion next to the chapel was lit with gas torches for the coming dusk. Burnt orange and purple bands covered the sky, backlit by the sun an hour above setting. A perfect late afternoon in southern California.

Angel helped Frank up the steps while Jim and Clementine managed his train. Janice hovered, ready to assist Frank if he faltered.

The small chapel had plenty of capacity, just several handfuls of people seated on each side.

The Mendelssohn began and everyone stood. Sean Taylor, pleased with her sheath dress, saw a beautiful bride slowly moving down the aisle with a tall, handsome yet obviously frail man proudly doing his escort duty.

Lady Jean Thomas looked at Carolyn waiting at the altar, beautiful in her tuxedo jacket over a black dress with white scarves, her law partner similarly attired standing next to her. Steve Dunbar smiled at the display and had his attention grabbed by the presence of Spider Robertson. Mutual recognition flowed between the two, ancient disputes and issues long forgotten resurfaced.

Miss T stood in the back, murmuring "Splendid, simply splendid!"

George Romany was dressed in a peach colored fitted suit, and several Group agents were in plainclothes.

Bob Angelo was not there.

Three women, friends and professional acquaintances of Carolyn's were there and were clearly amused at the proceedings. The concept of a male bride was fairly unique, but gender confusion and comedy gave way to Angel's presence. There was nothing comedic or silly in his demeanor, and he was beautifully convincing as someone giving themselves in marriage.

Frank faltered on his cane when he was almost down the aisle, and Angel gripped him firmly. He sat his father down next to Janice, showing him love and respect. Frank's eyes were moist.

The vows were said. Angel looked up into Carolyn's eyes, veil lifted off his face. Love, honor, cherish and protect. Forever. Death was not even mentioned as a limiting factor.

Carolyn looked at the bride. She loved this man in every aspect. All of the layers. He was beautiful in spirit.

The bride was kissed and the couple made their way outside to the reception pavilion. Angel met Sean in the reception line and whispered that they would talk later. Lady Jean was gracious and said that she could not wait for the roles to reverse on Saturday.

Miss T fluttered about, a pink energy packet creating motion and buzz wherever she touched down. Turk moved his white jacketed bulk with grace, getting guests to taste the food, explaining the preparation, waving servers about like an orchestra conductor.

Carolyn and Angel were holding each other. Married. Carolyn had her height advantage back since they both wore heels, and looked down into Angel's eyes, now curiously soft and deep.

The florist van had arrived and was setting up more displays of flowers. Duane and June began looking for their target.

Miles Stein wore a gray suit and began to just mingle with the well wishers. Dunlop hung back, staring at the event from a bench across the street.

The photographer began to pose the wedding party. Frank stood next to Carolyn, Angel with Janice. June Cleaver and Duane were haplessly moving flowers around, searching for Angel.

Miles was within ten feet of Carolyn. He drew his 9mm CZ75 Luger from his belt and began to pull the trigger.

Frank saw a glint of steel in the sun and moved his body in front of Carolyn, which saved her life. He took four hits in his torso while she took one in the right side of her abdomen.

Angel moved his hand through the Velcro slit in his gown to find the .25 Beretta Bobcat in a garter holster. Miles took three shots directly in his face while Angel moved to get to Frank and Carolyn, still in the process of falling into a heap.

June Cleaver and Duane realized that their target was the bride and chose the wrong wedding party to pull out their SIG P226 9mms and draw a bead on Angel. Sean Taylor had the first shot, fracturing June's wrist. Jim, Bill and Spider would never agree on whose shot took Duane down. Lady Jean and Steve each put a round into June's heart, while George and Janice raced to the fallen Frank and Carolyn, being the two MDs present. The Group agents had been a fraction of a second from adding more fire, but had the discipline to hold when they saw no remaining threats. Two chased across the street after Dunlop who had all ready started his car and was leaving at speed.

Angel's gown was stained red with Frank's and Carolyn's blood. He sat silently on the grass while Janice and George gently broke his grip on the two victims.

Angel saw Frank look at him and smile. Frank nodded to him and life departed his eyes.

Janice closed the eyelids and sat silent next to Angel. An ambulance siren was heard in the air. George was holding Carolyn, her bleeding stopped for now.

Carolyn looked around her in a vague fog, all sound fading in and out. Concentration was difficult. She felt nothing other than a raw overall pain, but was curiously detached from the perception of it. She realized she was in shock. With some effort she knew she had been shot, she knew Frank was hurt. Where was Angel? There he was, moving to her, his face red with blood, his eyes cold despite the tears running down his cheeks. He held her gently and stroked her head.

Bill and Jim took charge, and the heavily armed wedding guests formed a cordon around the bride and groom. The Group agents had taken the still breathing Duane and spirited him off. A local police car was held from the scene by two Group agents with State Police ID, while the ambulance, quickly searched and medics checked out was allowed to carry Angel and Carolyn to a local hospital.

George changed to male clothing in the car on the way over to the hospital, along with Jim. Bill gave Angel a sweatsuit and sneakers to replace his blood soaked wedding dress while riding with Carolyn.

George's phone rang while the SUV sped down the road.

"That was Ramirez from Bob Angelo's office. Bob's car was blown up a few hours ago while he was enroute to the ceremony. " George intoned. The Group had been hit and hit hard today. Bill's hands tightened into whiteness on the wheel of the Lincoln Navigator. Jim, his wig off, his make up removed, had a look of fear and resolve as he scanned the highway while pulling jeans on over his panty girdle.

Lady Jean approached Steve while they decided what they could do to help.

"Steve, I was just informed that Carolyn's father and his wife were just killed in an explosion on their boat while it was approaching the dock of their house in Virginia. They were to come to the ceremony on Saturday."

"This stinks." Steve intoned. Lady Jean nodded in agreement.

  

  

  

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