Red Phoenix

Rhonda,’ John said. ‘He’s one of my best friends. Michael will see him quite often.’
    ‘He doesn’t seem to have any romantic notions about his father,’ I said. ‘In fact, when he does finally see him, he may break his nose.’
    ‘Take a photo for me if he does, please.’ Rhonda rose. ‘Well, I think that settles it for me. Michael can move in here whenever it suits him.’
    ‘Sit back down, Rhonda,’ I said. ‘There’s one more thing I have to tell you, and it’s about Leo. John, take Simone out for me, will you?’
    ‘I’ll be right back,’ John said, and carried Simone into the kitchen. Simone didn’t protest.
    Rhonda watched them leave, then turned to me. ‘Did you just order around one of the Four Winds?’
    ‘I just ordered around the Sovereign of the Four Winds, Ruler of the Northern Heavens, and Right Hand of the Jade Emperor Himself,’ I said. ‘It’s a long story, and sometimes even I can’t believe it. I must tell you the whole thing one day.’
    Rhonda sat and shook her head. ‘What else do you want to tell me?’
    ‘Leo has AIDS, Rhonda. As long as he stays with John, the virus is dormant. As soon as John leaves us, the virus will become active, and Leo will probably have less than a year. That’s why we’re bringing Michael in; we’ll need a bodyguard for Simone when both Leo and John are gone. I hope that doesn’t change your attitude about Michael working here.’
    ‘If you’re suggesting that Leo and Michael are more than friends, you’re wrong. Michael has already had a few girlfriends.’
    ‘I’m not suggesting anything of the sort,’ I said. ‘I just want you to know. I want to be completely openand honest with you about this, and want you to feel that we’re not hiding anything.’
    John came back in without Simone, sat and poured himself more tea. ‘Yes, young Emma here is very big on being completely open and honest.’
    ‘Give it a rest, old man.’
    He chuckled good-naturedly.
    ‘I don’t think that’s a problem, Emma,’ Rhonda said. ‘Leo is terrific, and it’s a shame this had to happen to him. I suppose I have to trust you and John.’ She studied John. ‘How long do you have?’
    John smiled sadly over the top of his tea cup. ‘Not more than three years. You know how hard it is for us to stay in human form. This is one of the most difficult things I have ever done.’
    ‘And you’re doing it for your little girl.’
    He nodded.
    She looked from John to me. ‘Are you two married?’
    ‘No, it’s a long story,’ I said. ‘It may happen one day if we’re both very lucky, but at this stage it’s not possible. It’s mostly to do with the fact that he is a Shen. And that I’m completely nuts.’
    John nodded agreement and I glanced at him impatiently. He saw that I wanted to thump him and grinned.
    Rhonda watched with wonder. ‘You must tell me the whole thing later. But I have to go. Michael’s waiting for me to let him know my decision.’
    ‘You will be welcome up here any time,’ John said. ‘Feel free to come and check on Michael whenever you please.’
    I rose. Rhonda stood as well, and I showed her to the door. ‘Give me a call sometime, Rhonda. We’ll meet for lunch and share a good moan about the trials of living with male Shen.’
    ‘I heard that,’ John called from the living room.
    ‘Good,’ I said loudly without turning back. ‘It’s even worse living with a reptile. At least the Tiger has nice fur.’
    ‘A reptile?’
    ‘I’m a Turtle,’ John yelled.
    ‘Yes, you damn well are,’ I shouted back. I grinned at Rhonda. She didn’t seem to understand the insult.
    Rhonda shook her head. ‘He really is different. You’re very lucky.’
    ‘I know.’
    He’s here, Emma. At the door.
    The doorbell rang and Monica answered it; I heard the voices.
    I went out to the hallway. Leo and Michael were kicking their shoes off at the door. Michael had a duffel bag.
    ‘Don’t worry, ma’am, I’ll take care of him,’ Leo said. ‘I’ll show him around, introduce him to everybody, stuff like that.’
    I want him to come into the training room and swear allegiance at the same time, Leo. ‘Yes, sir.’
    Michael’s face went completely blank.
    ‘Oh, you heard him,’ I said. ‘He was on broadcast mode, everybody in the household heard him. I wish he wouldn’t do that. And he’s not supposed to be listening anyway. If he does it again he’ll be in serious trouble.’
    Sorry.
    ‘You’re still