"We keep a location for visiting dignitaries, based on the Qi Gong principles of men being electric and women being magnetic . . . this space is very, very safe," Mehki added with hope in his voice. "We would never just turn you away from our doors without an alternative."
Urhra landed a solid hand on Carlos's shoulder. "Mehki speaks the truth of Ma'at. To leave our family out-of-doors in the path of certain danger would be unjust and would violate all that we stand for. There are three houses on a small street. Share the vision with me, brother. They look like normal row houses just off Haines around the corner, but the insides have been gutted, the walls between them knocked out so that the houses are conjoined like Siamese twins."
The elder Guardian glanced around at the Neteru team, his voice filled with confidence. "You cannot tell this fact from the outside, but there is unity between the structures on the inside. Libations have been mightily poured and security measures taken . . . a full larder of revitalizing vegan food awaits in the adjoined kitchens, and there are enough bedrooms and linens for each of you to rest well. Hallowed earth and silver sealant have been spread across the basement floors before the concrete was again poured. All windows have been charged and anointed, as well as the vents. We have asked members from the Rowdee Black Giants squad in north-central Philadelphia to serve as sentries while your team rests."
"We fought with them before," Carlos said, nodding. "Good squad."
"No doubt," Damali said, nodding with agreement.
"We even have two very serious female warriors who will watch your backs here," Mehki said proudly. "Zulma and Kenyetta are the best seer-tacticals we have."
"Works for me," Carlos said, nodding.
"Excellent," Urhra said with a warm smile, finally relaxing now that his alternative offer of hospitality had been graciously accepted. "Inscribed in the door knockers of each house you will see a cross surrounded by a circle-this is the angel Sebek's symbol, as you must know, and these houses are guarded by the Light."
As they passed a black Escalade on the street, a large, bald, ebony-hued brother that could have passed as Big Mike's body double gave the Neteru team a nod and flashed them a nickel-plated Glock 9mm. Another tall, lean brother with dreadlocks meandered down the opposite side of the street and then stopped to give the team a nod as he opened his army fatigue jacket and gave them a glimpse of a handheld semiautomatic. Two more Guardians discreetly saluted the Neteru team from the street as the squad mounted the steps to the row house compound. Two attractive, ebony-skinned women with blue static crackling through their locks stepped out of the shadows with a nod,then seemed to vanish back into the nothingness that had surrounded them.
"This is beautiful," Rider murmured with rare awe in his voice. "In plain sight if ever I saw it."
"I'm gonna stop talking bad about Philly," Jose agreed quietly as Carlos managed the door locks. "This is all that-right in the 'hood and who would know."
Everyone else withheld comment until the full team was inside and the space was double-checked for security. Once the full squad reconvened in the massive central portion of the house, only then did gazes wander to begin to take in their environment.
Gleaming hardwood floors washed with ceremonial bluing peeked out around the edges of hand-loomed Moroccan rugs. After the widened foyer, large, sandstone-hued sectional furniture draped in African fabrics created a comfortable seating gallery in the middle of the house. Silver-framed photos of visiting dignitaries from other nations, each bearing their Sharpie signature, graced the eggshell white walls. Lush plants soaked in stained-glass prisms from the huge bay windows that were flanked by heavily cushioned window seats.
The team looked around at the tasteful yet spartan display of African art, handcrafted stools, intricately carved buffets, china cabinet, and the long dining-room table that was draped in ceremonial white-complete with a thick spray of white roses in a heavy crystal vase of water.
"They keep the joint at the ready like this?" Yonnie said in amazement, finally breaking the group's silent thrall.
"I know," J.L. murmured, studying pictures of national figures in old black-and-white photos posing with Urhra.
"Just like our team," Damali said quietly, "a lot of teams have been holding the line for years . . . but we've gotta take away a serious lesson from the way these folks have just blended right into the scenery of the community."
"Youain't never lied," Inez said, walking into the kitchen with the group following her. "Look at this."
Stainless-steel appliances gleamed at them from a fully loaded, three house-wide, renovated commercial kitchen. Cast-iron and copper pots hung over the center stove galley. Huge industrial sinks took in slivers of moonlight beneath the wide windows.
Inez peeked out the miniblinds. "Three house-wide decks and carports under them."
"Security hazard," Shabazz said, his gaze quickly locking with J.L.'s.
"I'm on it. We'll get a tactical charge to reinforce those back windows, the doors, and bay windows up front," J.L. said.
"Yeah, we'll get on it," Mike said, opening the refrigerator and then sighing. "Fully loaded with all fruits and veggies . . . gonna be a long three days." He turned to glance at Dan and Bobby. "See if there's any real food in the cabinets."
Dan and Bobby immediately complied, sacking cabinets, but after a few moments looked at Mike, shaking their heads.
"All whole grains," Dan said with a lopsided grin. "But there's some gluten-free cookies up there," he said, tossing a pack of oatmeal raisin bars to Mike, who caught it with one hand.
Marjorie yawned. "I don't know how you guys can be hungry. All I want is a hot shower and a place to drop."
"You can do that, honey," Berkfield said, going back to the UV-lit basement entrance. "They've installed commercial-sized hot-water tanks down there, same deal with washers and dryers. We could take turns covering for team members who were in the shower getting cleaned up, do cold-water laundry loads in between, this way folks can sorta get back to feeling normal . . . get some of the battle grime off of us." He looked around. "I don't mind doing the first laundry load and watch-they've got a big-screen TV down there, plus a coupla pool tables. I'm in Heaven. Whaduya say, Bobby, Dan . . . can you kick this old man's ass?"
"Rack 'em up, Pop," Bobby said with a grin, looking at his father.
"Me, Tara, and Heather can cover for the first crew to hit the showers," Juanita offered, checking her clip. "We can sit on the closed toilet seat, weapon at the ready, like old times down in Arizona, or wait outside in the hall-makes me no never mind." She shrugged when her Guardian sisters nodded their agreement. "Then we can switch."
"Works for me," Tara said as Inez started rummaging in the fridge.