Louis Collins: A Post-American Odyssey

Louis woke to the sensation of a soft weight on his chest and a warm hand on his stomach. He opened his eyes. Angelique rested her head on his shoulder and kissed his chest. Gladice’s body was pressed against his right side, her leg over his.

“Morning,” Angelique murmured, her lips moving against his chest.

“Morning, Angi,” he said, his voice still rough.

He looked at the others. Willa was already dressed in a simple gray dress, sitting at the desk with her phone. Angelique lifted her head as he carefully sat up. Gladice shifted beside him.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“Just checking the news,” Willa said. “The trolls have mostly gone silent. Tengri suspended thousands of accounts overnight. And VOP is running a feature on the victims of cyberbullying. They’re using the Crimson Spotlight stream as a key example.”

“Good,” Louis said.

“There’s something else,” Willa said, looking at him. “The Common Roots Foundation posted a statement. They are denying any involvement, claiming they have never done business with Crimson Spotlight.”

“Of course they did,” Gladice said.

“Should we provide the evidence to VOP?” Willa asked. “Expose them?”

“No,” Angelique said. “Not yet. We need to find out who they are. And who they work for. Before we show our hand.”

“I agree,” Louis said. “We’ll handle this in Portland. In person.”

“And how will we do that?” Willa asked. “We can’t just walk into their office and ask questions. They will know who we are.”

“Then we won’t,” Louis said. “We will surprise them.”

“I like that,” Gladice said.

“What if they are dangerous?” Donya asked.

“No one is more dangerous than us,” Savannah said.

“Or more resourceful,” Willa added.

“True,” Louis said. “Now, let’s get ready. The Bourbons are probably already up.”

Maeve sat up and stretched. “I can’t wait to ride the Ducati again.”

“Me neither,” Gladice said. “That Bugatti is a beast.”

“I’ll ask my dad to have them flown to Portland,” Louis said. “We can have them waiting for us when we land.”

“What about our clothes?” Cherish asked, looking at the closet. “Should we pack?”

“The service team already packed our things,” Angelique said, standing up. “All we have to do is choose our outfits for the day.”

“I like this life,” Maeve said. “I really do.”

“Me too.” Cherish smiled. “It’s like everything is taken care of for us. Like magic.”

“It’s not magic, Cherry,” Willa said. “It’s power. And money.”

“Whatever it is, it’s nice,” Cherish said. “I don’t have to worry about anything.”

“Except for the trolls,” Donya said.

“And the people who want to kill us,” Savannah added.

“Let’s not forget them,” Gladice said.

“I won’t,” Louis said.

He stood up and walked to the bathroom. Angelique followed him. The others started to get dressed.

“I need a shower,” Louis said.

“Me too,” Angelique said.

“Want to join me?”

“Always.”

Louis turned on the water. Angelique stepped into the large shower with him. The hot water streamed down their bodies. Louis closed the glass door.

“This is nice,” Angelique said. “Just the two of us. We haven’t had much of that lately.”

“I know,” Louis said, wrapping his arms around her. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. I’m not complaining. I love them. I really do. But I also love you. Just you. And us.”

“I know,” he said, kissing her neck. “I love you too.”

She turned to face him. The water slicked her hair back from her face. She looked directly into his eyes. “I was scared last night, Louis. When we found out about the photos. I dreamed about that ship again.”

He held her tighter. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“It’s theirs,” he said. “And they will pay.”

“Yes,” she said. “They will.”

He tried to kiss her, but she put a finger on his lips.

“No kissing before brushing our teeth.”

He smiled. “Okay.”

She grabbed two electric toothbrushes and handed one to him. They brushed their teeth, looking at each other.

“Spit,” she said.

They spat into the drain. He kissed her. Her mouth tasted like mint.

“That’s better,” she said.

“I agree.”

Her breasts pressed against his chest, her nipples hard against his skin. His cock began to swell again, pressing against her stomach.

“Someone’s excited,” she murmured.

“It’s your fault.”

“How so?”

“You’re beautiful.”

“You’re just saying that because I’m naked.”

“I’m saying it because it’s true.”

She laughed. “Flatterer.”

“It’s the truth,” he said, sliding a hand down her back to her ass. He squeezed. She moaned.

“More,” she said.

He lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her back pressed against the cool tile wall as he held her up. He positioned himself and pushed into her. She was already wet. He slid deep inside her in one slow thrust.

“Yes,” she whispered. “Just like that.”

He moved inside her, the water streaming down their bodies. Her hips rocked against him as he thrust. Her hands gripped his shoulders. Her head tilted back, exposing her neck. He kissed her throat, tasting her wet skin.

“Harder,” she said.

He obliged, thrusting faster. His cock drove deep, filling her. She moaned, her body trembling. He held her tight, pinning her to the wall as he fucked her. The water splashed against them, mixing with their sounds. He felt her tighten around him, her muscles clenching.

“Louis,” she gasped.

“Come for me, Angi,” he said, his voice rough. “Come with me.”

He thrust one last time and came, pulsing deep inside her. His cock throbbed as he emptied himself. Angelique cried out, her body shaking. Her legs trembled around his waist. He held her until her breathing slowed. Then he carefully set her down.

“I needed that,” she said, leaning her head against his chest.

“Me too,” he said, kissing her breasts. “I love you, Angi.”

“I love you too, Louis.”

He looked at her pussy, still pink and swollen. His cum dripped out of her and was washed away by the water.

“I love seeing my cum in you,” he said.

She laughed. “Of course you do.”

He washed her body with soap, his hands moving slowly over her skin. She closed her eyes and sighed. He rinsed her off, then washed himself. He turned off the water and opened the door. Gladice stepped inside, wearing only a black thong.

“Don’t mind me,” she said. “Just taking a piss.”

She pulled the door to the separate toilet room and closed it. Angelique took a towel from the rack. Louis took another and dried himself. Willa walked in and started brushing her teeth.

“Is this a party or a bathroom?” Louis asked.

“Yes,” Willa said through a mouthful of toothpaste. “Both.”

Maeve walked in and got in the shower. Gladice came out of the toilet and joined her.

“We decided to give you and Louis some privacy,” Gladice said, winking. “Don’t say we’re not considerate.”

“Thank you,” Angelique said, wrapping her towel around herself. “I appreciate that.”

Savannah came in and joined the shower. Cherish stood by the door, holding a towel.

“Is there any room left?” Cherish asked.

“Sure,” Maeve said. “Come on in, Cherry. The water’s fine.”

Cherish took off her nightgown and got in the shower.

“You do realize there are thirty-two bathrooms in this house?” Louis asked, wrapping the towel around his waist.

“Yes, but this one is the best,” Gladice said, lathering her hair. “It has the best view. And the best company.”

“I can’t argue with that,” Louis said.

“I need to pee,” Donya said, walking in and heading to the toilet room.

“Of course you do,” Gladice said.

“This is getting ridiculous,” Willa said, rinsing her mouth. “I’m getting out. Try not to flood the place.”

“I’m finished too,” Louis said, walking into the bedroom.

He went to the closet and picked out a gray shirt and black trousers. He got dressed and went downstairs with Angelique and Willa.

His parents were already in the dining room, having breakfast. The Bourbons were with them. Charles looked at him.

“You are going with us to Portland?”

“Yes,” Louis said.

“Cool,” Charles said. “Let’s have a horse race when we get there.”

Louis thought of the last time he had ridden a horse in Austin with Gladice and Angelique. It didn’t end well.

“Maybe another day,” he said. “We have… business there.”

“What kind of business?” Philip asked.

“National security,” Louis said. “And a friendly visit, of course.”

Constantine smiled. “Always nice to combine work and pleasure.”

“What’s your plan, Dad?” Louis asked.

“Robin, Venessa and I are going back to the capital in the afternoon,” Constantine said. “I have a country to run.”

“Right,” Louis said. “I need the three cars and the motorcycle in Portland by noon.”

“Done,” Constantine said. “Anything else?”

“Yes. I want the files on the Common Roots Foundation. Everything you have.”

“Robin will send them to the security channel,” Constantine said. “And he will have a team waiting for you in Portland. In case you need backup.”

“I appreciate that,” Louis said.

Judith smiled. “Just be careful. And try not to cause too much of a scene.”

“We will try our best,” Angelique said.

The others came downstairs and sat at the table. The staff served them fried eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, fruit, orange juice, and coffee.

“You look happy,” Judith said, looking at Maeve.

“I am,” Maeve said. “I got a new Ducati and some new shoes. And I punched a troll. What’s not to be happy about?”

Judith laughed. “I’m glad to hear that. I was worried you might find our world… overwhelming.”

“It’s overwhelming,” Maeve said, loading her plate. “But in a good way. Like the chopper we stole.”

“It’s a pleasure to have you all here,” Philip said. “We are looking forward to showing you our estate in Portland.”

“And I miss my room,” Angelique said.

“I’m sure you do, dear,” Maria said. “We have kept it exactly as you left it.”

“Thanks,” Angelique said. “I can’t wait to see it. And to see my horses.”

“We’ll have a welcome dinner for you tonight,” Maria said. “Something casual. Just the family.”

“That sounds lovely,” Donya said.

Savannah looked at her phone. “Common Roots just deleted their social media accounts.”

“They’re running,” Gladice said. “Cowards.”

“Shit,” Willa said. “I was hoping to get them before they could scrub their servers.”

“I’m calling Robin,” Constantine said, standing up. “You might want to depart sooner rather than later.”

“I agree,” Louis said. “Let’s go.”

Cherish looked at her plate. “But I’m still eating.”

“They will have food on the plane,” Angelique said, standing up. “I’m sure of it.”

“Okay,” Cherish said, taking one more bite of her bacon.

The others stood up with them.

“Be safe,” Judith said, hugging Louis. “And call us if you need anything.”

“I will,” Louis said, kissing her cheek.

They went to the courtyard. Serana ran to Louis. “You’re leaving again? You just got back.”

“Just a quick trip to Portland,” Louis said. “I’ll be back in a few days.”

“Don’t get kidnapped this time,” she said, hugging him. “Or I’ll be really pissed.”

“I’ll try not to,” Louis said, laughing.

She hugged Angelique, then Gladice. “Don’t let him do anything stupid.”

“I’ll try,” Gladice said.

A limousine pulled up to the courtyard. The driver opened the door.

“Let’s go,” Louis said.

“How about my Ducati? And the cars?” Maeve asked.

“Our drivers will take them to the airport,” Louis said. “And load them onto the cargo plane. They’ll be waiting for us when we land.”

Maeve’s eyes widened. “A cargo plane for our toys? Just for us?”

“Welcome to the family,” Angelique said, smiling.

They got into the limousine with the Bourbons. The driver closed the door and drove away.

“It’s been many years since I’ve visited your house,” Louis said. “How is it now?”

“It’s still the same,” Angelique said. “Just with more guards.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” Cherish said. “Is it as big as this one?”

“No, it’s smaller,” Philip said. “But it’s very nice. With a view of downtown Portland.”

“And a stable with some of the finest horses in the Dominion,” Angelique added.

“I can’t wait to see them,” Cherish said. “We had horses too. But they were old and skinny. Not like yours.”

“They were not bad,” Angelique said. “At least they were gentle.”

Gladice laughed. “The horses loved you. They knew you were a princess.”

“I think they just liked apples.” Angelique smiled.

Cherish looked down at her hands. “I wonder if my parents are okay. If they are safe. If they think of me.”

Louis took out his phone. “I should ask Robin for updates. I asked him to look for them when we were in Chicago.”

“You asked him to look for them?” Cherish’s eyes widened. “You never told me.”

“Because I didn’t want to get your hopes up,” Louis said. “But since you mentioned it…” He opened the secure channel and typed.

A message came back almost immediately from Robin. Louis read it, then looked at Cherish.

“Dominion intelligence says the snake-handling rebels are still active in the area. So your parents might still be with them.”

Cherish’s eyes filled with tears. “Are they alive?”

“We don’t know for sure,” Louis said. “But I think so. We will need a ground team to confirm. And that takes time.”

“Thank you for looking for them, Louis,” Cherish said, wiping her tears. “I really appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome,” Louis said, taking her hand. “We’ll find them. I promise.”

“I know you will,” Cherish said, leaning her head against his shoulder.

Savannah looked at her phone. “Updates from Robin. He says the Dominion Guard has just raided the Common Roots Foundation’s office in Portland. But they found it empty. The servers have been wiped. The employees are gone. The place looks like it was abandoned in a hurry.”

Louis’s jaw tightened. “They were warned.”

“Maybe.” Willa frowned. “Or maybe we shouldn’t have made the Crimson Spotlight employees apologize publicly before we secured the NGO. That was a mistake.”

“I’m sorry,” Louis said. “I made that call.”

“I’m not blaming you.” Willa took his hand. “I’m just saying that this is new to all of us. We need to be more strategic.”

“You’re right,” Louis said. “I got carried away. I wanted to send a message to the trolls.”

“And you did,” Angelique said. “Now the trolls are scared. And the people who are behind them are running.”

“What now?” Savannah asked. “How do we find them?”

Louis thought for a moment. “Philip, what do you know about the Common Roots Foundation?”

“Not much,” Philip said. “They are a legitimate NGO, as far as I know. They do a lot of good work. Helping people find their long-lost relatives. Recovering their identities. That kind of thing.”

“What if they are not as legitimate as they seem?” Willa asked.

“Then they are very good at hiding it,” Philip said. “I have never heard any rumors about them.”

“We need to find out who they really are,” Louis said. “And who funds them.”

“Good luck with that,” Philip said. “NGOs are notorious for their opaque finances.”

Maria looked at Louis. “Maybe we can help. We have some contacts in the philanthropic community in Portland.”

“I appreciate that,” Louis said.

Savannah looked at her phone again. “The media is calling us the ‘Collins Eight.’ And they are loving it.”

“Good,” Gladice said. “Let’s give them something to really love. Something to talk about for weeks to come.”

“I have a feeling we will,” Angelique said.