A Royal Summons
Joan sat in her room, contemplating the day she had at school. Earlier in the day she had a confrontation with Ryan. He basically came out and said he was going to go against her – and God. The above-mentioned deity's conversation later was not particularly enlightening.
Flashback
She was still distracted when she saw the group on the steps. As she walked up, she heard Grace ranting at the others. "People! Are we going to study or are we going to revert back to Hormones?"
"Hormones ARE physics," Luke volunteered with some mild interest. "At least the conversion of hormones can be construed that way. I mean, it's not an involved form …"
Joan looked up and saw her ex-boyfriend walk up. "I got the internship at the paper!"
"You mean the one that Ryan set up?" She really didn't like the idea of any of herfriends being close to that man.
A rubbed the back of his head as he replied, "Yeah. He's a real godsend."
Joan paused and looked up earnestly. "Maybe it's not such a good idea for you to do that."
"Why not?" Adam asked with a curious smirk.
"I don't like him, Adam," she whispered.
"I thought you did." Adam didn't look as confident as he had.
"No! No. Actually, it's the opposite. He's just …" She saw Goth-boy God walk by.
"He's what?" Joan took a deep sigh. "He's what, Jane."
She just shook her head and moved her books off her lap. "I'll be right back." She stood up and walked over to Goth-boy God.
She moved through the doorway. "Okay, God," she said as she walked next to him. "What's the message here? Ryan is the adversary?"
"I told you before. He's a connection."
"He's evil!" she volunteered with certainty.
"Connections are mostly neutral, Joan," God answered with a hint of admonishment. "Ryan is human! And every human, by virtue of free will, has the choice of how to direct his actions. For good. OR Evil."
"He's made it clear how he's directing his."
"He saved Adam. He got him a job."
"Trashed churches, and burned down a Synagogue."
God sighed. "The universe is kinetic, Joan. Everyday you have to make a choice. Make it better or worse. Most people do a little bit of both." God paused a moment and added, "And there are those who are powerful enough to counterbalance the scale. On either end."
Joan finally asked, "So is this fancy talk for you expect me to save the world?"
Gothboy God considered his words. "Counterbalance is a better word."
"You want me to fight back."
God stopped and Joan stopped in front of Him. "I expect you to fulfill your true nature. Same as it ever was."
Joan was in her whining mood. "I really don't think I'm up for this."
"I think you are." He looked so certain. "Or else you wouldn't have met him."
Joan gave an annoyed sigh. "This is seriously going to cut into my normal high school routine."
He answered with an amused smile. "You never liked High School that much."
"If you want me to do this, I get it. But I can't do this alone. My own father barely believes me. My ex-boyfriend is siding with the devil. I have … no … weapons. Other people who fought back, you know the other Joan? She had an army. Okay? I don't have anything like that. Wha … Where's my army?"
He looked over to the side through the archway where Grace was yelling at Friedman. The five sat there: Her geek brother, snarky friend Grace, pervert Friedman, shy Glynnis, and distracted ex-boyfriend Adam. She looked at where he was looking. She turned back.
"So, basically, I'm on my own."
God gave her a smile. "You have everything you need, Joan." He turned and walked away, giving that annoying little wave.
She watched after him, mind racing. Suddenly she saw Ryan walking past with the smirk. She looked at him with loathing.
End Flashback.
She tried to work out exactly what she was supposed to do. She finally dropped her face into her pillow and gave a loud, annoyed sound into it. She then sat up and tried to calm down.
At least Harry had been a bit of help. Without him, her Dad would have completely ignored her worries. Instead, he withheld his disdain – and even apologized for his treating her poorly in the past.
She scoffed. If she were him, she'd have been as bad or worse.
She really needed to get to sleep: She had two more days of studying before the finals were done and she really needed to be well rested.
Will called Detective Carlisle into his office.
"Hey, boss. You need something?" the Detective asked as he ate out of a bag of chips.
Will looked at his detective. "How are you still under 200 pounds if you're always eating?"
Carlisle shrugged and grinned sheepishly.
Will shook his head. "Whatever. Anyway, I need you to do some work checking on somebody but I need it done on the down low; I don't want it to get around that I'm checking."
Carlisle looked at him seriously. "Is this related to a case?"
Will paused. "I don't know …."
"Who do you want me to check out?"
Will wrote a name on a small yellow post-it and handed it over. Carlisle looked at it and then looked at Will with some confusion. "Isn't this guy on …"
"Yeah."
"And didn't he save that kid?"
"Yeah."
"So … why do you want him checked out?"
"Somebody told me they had a bad feeling about him. IT might be nothing. But it's kind of odd that he starts getting involved in things right around the time that we had two cases of crimes against … certain types of institution."
Carlisle looked at Will, his thoughts rapidly correlating everything that he knew right then about Hunter. There definitely was a lot missing. Finally Carlisle nodded. "I'll get on that."
"Thanks. And keep it quiet."
Lilly came into the church to continue working on the cleanup. Even though they had gotten up and running already, there were still things left to do.
Last night had been wonderful. She had told Kevin what Father Ken had said and told him that she wouldn't be going back to being a nun – she still had to much to learn about herself with him.
The rest of the night was pretty good. She and Kevin had made out … a lot. She was really feeling it with him.
As she walked in, she looked around. She spied Father Dan – one of the other priests. "Hello, Father. Did you see any of the volunteers? We had a crew that was supposed to be here this morning."
Father Dan nodded at her. "Sure, Lilly. They're in the back where the other booths are – trying to finish cleaning them up."
Lilly nodded her thanks and made her way back. She was surprised at what she found: Harry Planter, who had gotten the first four booths done, was already there. He was working with the crew – mostly different than the ones from yesterday – to finish the cleanup and repair of the remaining booths.
"Harry! I didn't expect to see you this early – you were here fairly late last night."
Harry turned and saw who was talking and then shrugged. "It's not like I had a plan of other things to do. I bussed over this morning." He pointed over to the side. "There's some coffee and biscuits over there."
Lilly's eyes lit up. She hadn't had time to get her morning cup of joe. And a biscuit sounded great. She went over and poured herself a cup. She then looked in the box – all there was were cookies.
She turned. "Biscuits?"
Harry nodded. "Sure. Right in that box."
Lilly looked down and back up. "Harry. Those are cookies."
Harry smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, forgot I was in the US for a moment. I just went in the bakery and said 'I want three dozen of those'." He turned to the other volunteers. "Why didn't you guys correct me when I said biscuit earlier?"
The lone woman on the crew laughed at him. "Because I've been to England and I knew what you meant. Besides, who's going to correct the man providing free snacks?"
Harry grinned. "Right, then." He turned back to Lilly. "There you go – their fault."
Lilly shook her head in amusement.
By mid-afternoon, the work was done. The remaining four booths were repaired and put back into place. Another set of volunteers had taken care of the painting. Except for the broken statuary (which was a whole other matter), the repairs to the church were basically done.
Harry went looking for the good father to let him know and so he moved back toward the man's office. Just like the day before, the man was in his office, looking over material to prepare for the next Mass. Harry knocked on the doorframe.
Father Ken looked up. "Harry! How are you today?"
"I'm good. We finished up the booths and the other guys are finishing the painting. So, I guess I'm done here."
Father Ken stood up and moved around the desk. He extended his hand. Harry took it. "Thank you, Harry, for the work you've done. Your suggestions and you efforts sped up the process enormously."
"No problem. Always happy to help out."
"So, what's next?" Father Ken asked as he leaned against the desk.
Harry shrugged. "Joan's friend's father runs that synagogue that had the fire. I might see if they need some help."
Father Ken smiled. Harry really was one of the good ones. "Well, that sounds excellent. Should you even need anything I or my parish can provide, you have only to ask."
"Thank you. I'll try to stop by before I move on."
The two farewelled each other and Harry made his way back to Lilly. "Lilly? Do you know where I could find one of the Girardis?"
Lilly looked at him curiously. "Which one would you prefer?"
Harry thought about it. "Joan. Will. Helen. Kevin. And if all else fails, the youngest one."
"Luke."
"Right. Luke. I only spoke like a sentence or two with him."
Lilly smiled. "Yeah. He's pretty focused on being a geek."
Harry smiled back. "Nothing wrong with that."
Lilly shrugged. "Well. I could … drop you by the police station. Chief Girardi should be there. Joan is probably still at school or work – I don't really know her that well."
Harry shrugged. "The police station works."
Will was at his desk when he saw Harry through the windows in his office. He went to his door and waved him over.
"Harry. What are you doing here?" he asked as he led the man inside of his office.
"Well, I finished helping out at the church. I thought I'd find out if the synagogue could use some help too. But since I didn't know where to go, I thought you might be a good place to start."
Will nodded. "Well, I can certainly help with that. But first, I have a message for you."
Harry was curious. "A message for me?"
"Yes. Remember how I had Carlisle check on you a couple of days ago?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I got a call from the British Embassy in DC. Out State Department reported the check and the Deputy Head of Mission called me to find out if I knew where you could be found. When I confirmed that I did, they sent me a fax to give to you."
Harry was really curious now. "Can I see it?"
Will handed the fax over. Harry read it. "Well, I guess I will be out of town for a short time."
Will was curious. "I didn't read it because it wasn't for me. What is it?"
Harry smiled ruefully. "Well, Baron Luce, the Lord Chamberlain of the Household, has passed on through the Embassy that Her Majesty wishes for me to report to her at my earliest convenience as regards a personal matter."
"And that means …"
"Get my arse to Buckingham Palace ASAP so as not to cause Her Majesty any alarm or inconvenience. Alarming Her Majesty is a punishable offense where I come from."
Will smile ruefully. "I guess you're going to be away for a few days."
Harry asked Will for his help in contacting Lilly and letting her know that he would be away for a few days and wouldn't need the room and in getting the message to Joan too.
"And tell your wife that someone else will have to play bodyguard for Joan while I'm gone."
Will asked incredulously, "Bodyguard?"
Harry smiled. "Your wife was a bit nervous about a strange man staying in the house. I explained to her that I was a widower and still hadn't gotten over that fully. And then I offered to act as the protective older brother when I was around – you know, keep the undesirables away for her. AKA All members of the male species that might be interested in your daughter or that might give her any trouble."
Will looked at Harry in shock and then laughed. He could just imagine a former cop making that offer.
Harry said goodbye and then made his way outside. He needed a likely spot … he spied a familiar figure on a bench across the way. He made his way over.
"Hello, Harry," the older woman said.
"Hello. I guess a suggestion is in order?" Harry smiled as he asked.
The woman looked up from the knitting she was doing and smiled. "You know, it takes some of the fun out when people are too agreeable."
Harry laughed. "Well, I've learned that arguing about it or railing against these things seems to be pretty pointless."
The old woman chuckled. "Well, just as long as you know that it's really your choice."
"Sure." Harry then asked, "How's your great-granddaughter, anyway?"
"Oh, she's fine. Went back home after making a few stops." The old woman paused. "She's actually why you got that message."
"Oh?" Harry asked curiously.
"Yes. She stopped by to visit a friend and mentioned that the person who was the subject of a certain Order was in the area and was available." The old woman looked over at him. "Meaning you, of course."
Harry sighed. "Well, I guess that's not a problem. I am Her Majasty's loyal subject." He looked at the old woman. "Your granddaughter is mischievous, by the way."
The old woman smiled as she pearled. "Yes. She was always one of my favorites. Watching her has always been a lot of fun." Harry chuckled at that. "Anyway, since it's known that you're here, it might not be a good idea to just show up there – there are a lot of records which might be checked. You're going to have to go without your special skills."
Harry groaned. "I guess there's a reason Aphrael left me so much cash."
The old woman just smiled. "Anyway, have fun on your trip. Enjoy yourself. Think of it as a vacation."
Harry smiled ruefully. "Yes. Well, I guess I have people to call."
The woman smiled as Harry moved off. She chuckled when he gave the backwards wave that annoyed Joan so much.
Harry made his way to a phone booth after getting some change. He looked at the fax and called the number.
"British Embassy. How can I help you?"
"Hello. I need to speak to the Deputy Head of Mission. This is Harry Planter, KCB, calling from Arcadia, Maryland."
"Yes, Sir. Just a moment."
Within an hour, the British Embassy would have a car at his location to pick him up. He would be taken to the Embassy to await the travel information for the plane that the Deputy Head's secretary was arranging for him. As it was a Royal decree, the Embassy would be footing the bill for everything except the plane. Harry's cash would stand that. He would then be picked up by a member of the Royal Household on the other side.
Harry stood without the Queen's private sitting room, nervously checking his collar. He had been whisked to the palace and the staff had seen to his wardrobe for his presentation.
Because this was informal and Her Majesty was so busy, he had been told that he would be attending tea with the Queen – the only time she had available that day. The clothes he was wearing certainly didn't feel informal, however.
Finally, the door opened and he was motioned inside. As he crossed the threshold, the man at the door cried out, "Harry Planter, Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath."
Harry moved to within fifteen feet and then stopped and bowed. "Your Majesty, I am come as was requested."
Very soon, Harry was sipping tea and eating small sandwiches with Her Royal Majesty.
The Queen was explaining. "Well, Mr. Planter, we were quite surprised when Our old friend visited us." Her Majesty paused and sipped her tea. She continued on a much more personal note.
"When I was a young girl and feeling quite lonely, I suddenly found myself playing with another girl about my own age. For quite a while there, we were the closest of companions. It took a while for me to find out exactly who and what she was – but it didn't matter because she was my friend."
Harry smiled. He could just imagine Flute playing games in the RoyalGardens, ignoring all protocol.
"So, imagine my surprise when, a few years ago, my friend arrived and asked me for a favor. She wanted to publish an Order of Chivalry and to keep the reasons vague. And then just two days ago, We get another visit to report that Harry Planter was in the United States but was available."
Her tone became a bit more formal again. "And since We were curious, We sent the order via Our Lord Chamberlain for you to come and visit. We would have your story."
The Queen looked at him expectantly. Harry sighed.
It took a good forty five minutes for Harry to give enough of his story for the Queen to be satisfied. When it was all said, Harry – despite it being tea – felt quite parched.
Her Majesty especially appreciated the little tidbits about Aphrael the few times he ran into her. Harry's Mmmr patronus nuzzled Her Majesty. She was very amused.
Harry was never quite so happy as when the Queen ordered the servants and guards present that everything seen was to be kept private, by Royal Order. He was a little surprised that there wasn't more of a reaction – but Royal staff had a long history of maintaining decorum under very trying circumstances.
When his explanation was done the Queen said, "Well, We are quite satisfied that Our Royal Warrant was well-deserved." She motioned to a liveried servant who stepped forward. She pointed to the documents he held. "As this is Our first opportunity, We now deliver Our Royal Warrant containing the Order of Chivalry. There are a few items We feel you should be aware of. Please review them at your earliest convenience."
"Yes, your Majesty." He understood she meant that as soon as tea was done, he should start looking things over.
"Our curiosity has been sated and We are satisfied. Go forth assured that We are pleased with your service."
Harry hastily stood and bowed as the Queen rose to go to her next appointment. He recognized a Royal dismissal.
Harry was ushered to a guest bedroom appropriate for the position she had given him. The Royal Household arranged for his return flight to the United States the next day.
He was a bit surprised to find that Her Majesty had seen to it that a modest sum of funds had been made available to him not through the Chancellery of the Exchequer but through an account set up and managed through the Keeper of the Privy Purse. Contained within the documents was the authorization to access the account through the Bank of England.
FUTURE CONSEQUENCES:
75 years after
The woman looked at the shelter she was checking into. The building was the refurbished old church that used to be here. Twenty years ago, the Archdiocese had decided that they needed a new building and the old one was abandoned.
She remembered when she was a kid that her parents had been part of the parishioners who had lobbied for the shelter to be put in its place. Although it wasn't a particularly good neighborhood, it wasn't a bad one either. For some reason, the crime rate in this area was much lower than in other areas of the city.
That she had a place to go to get away from her abusive husband was a gift from God. Father Michael had told her that no woman who had checked in had ever been attacked while they stayed at the old place.