Athena's Halloween prelude

I melted into Virgil's powerful arms as we hovered high in a cloudbank over Angel Falls. It had been almost three months since we'd seen each other--I had been tracking down the killers of Harry Stone; while Virgil--well he'd been Virgil.
As principal officer of the Coleman Foundation, he'd been on a global tour that seen him meeting with global business and political leaders, dedicating new wells in Africa, opening a pipeline through Kyrzykstan and offering relief funding in Malaysia.
In his OTHER role, as Captain Valiant; he'd saved the president (twice) stopped an alien invasion, and ended a major crime spree in Empire City. Needless to say, we'd both been busy.
"You never call anymore," I teased, pressing a finger to his nose.
"The telephone dials both ways, last I checked Ms Nikos," Virgil retorted.
"I know it does," I said. "But Sterling just tells me you'll call when you get the chance."
"You haven't called!" he said. "Sterling hasn't said anything!"
"Sterling is a very proper butler," I retorted. "He would say I was being improper if I were calling to talk to YOU--and since I call to talk to HIM, he is ALSO very proper by not confiding in you."
"So what are you conspiring with my butler about?" asked Virgil.
"I can't tell you, Stirling has sworn me to secrecy, complete with sacred death oaths. Something about having learned them in the TransVaal in his wild youth."
Virgil rolled and laughed. I smiled--his merry voice was like a salve and it did my heart good to be with my lover.
"Well I suppose you're right about all of that Owl," he said. "And Stirling does like you. In fact, he insisted I ask you something tonight!"
My heart raced. Was I going to be ready? Was this the night I'd been dreaming of for three years? I was so excited I almost missed it.
"...in Hollywood this year. Want to go?"
I shook my head in disbelief. "What?"
"I said, Mammoth Studios is having a costume party this year for Halloween. I sit on the board and I have an invitation. Would you like to go?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"Because last year, I had a most excellent time at the Queen City masquerade with you. I just thought it was my turn this year to choose the venue."
My heart stopped racing long enough for me to realize what was being said. I nodded in agreement. "What's the theme?" I asked.
"I think it's a bit interesting," Virgil remarked. "Color. I've had my costume for weeks. Stirling thinks its ghastly which means I'll likely be a hit."
"And when is this party?" I asked beginning to fret.
"Saturday night," he said. "I actually have Coleman Foundation business in Angel Falls on Thursday, so we can fly the Lear on Friday when classes are over."
I pushed Captain Valiant away and darted off playfully. "I'm not sure I want to go with you."
He looked so pathetically crestfallen I almost laughed. "Why not? I would have thought a Hollywood party would have..."
"You've known about this for weeks, even planned your costume and ask me at what amounts to the last minute? Just HOW am I supposed to be prepared in such short notice?"
"Well you DID change your costume recently," he said. "Maybe your witty little tailor...?"
I considered it. Mr Wickersham could definitely put the costume I had in mind together, but was it right to appeal to him? I knew then I would.
"All right Virgil, I'll go. And I'll have a costume to fit the theme."
"Terrific," he said. "Care to tell me?"
"Not until that night. But it won't be pink and it won't be the Wonder Woman costume I wore last year."
He laughed. I thought you looked lights out in it, babe."
"Not in Hollywood I wouldn't," I replied. "There, I'd definitely be 'B' list."
"Not on the arm of Virgil Coleman," he said. "Be prepared for the paparazzi."
"I will," I said. We held each other tight, then Virgil swept off to finish his patrol and I returned home to finish grading papers.
Two days later though, I stood in my bedroom and quickly slipped into what amouted to my old costume. Mr Wickersham's smile could be felt through my telephone as I told him what I wanted.
"I knew about her lassie. Even saw her as a wee lad when some movie company was in the Highlands in the early fifties. I can definitely do it for you." And he had. The new costume was dark, a simple leotard, with elbow gautnlets and buccaneer boots. It screamed Hollywood and movies and I loved it.
"Wait until they get a load of me," I laughed.
(to be continued)

All characters are by me. This story takes place mostly about