Warmth enveloped me, and I smiled, clutching the package to my heart. It was an MP3 player—a modern day version of a mix tape. I took it from the box, put the ear phones in and pressed play. The first song was Hello by Prince. My hand covered my mouth, and I sat there, lost in bittersweet thought. He’d given me the greatest gift he could have—something that kept my feet securely on the ground. He’d given me my music.
By the time I felt a movement next to me, I was onto the third song. I sniffed, wiped my nose and popped out the earphones to check on my patient.
Cash had rolled onto his back and lifted his arm to shield his eyes. “You found it?” he asked sleepily.
I darted a look at the music player, how could he see what I held?
As if he read my mind, he answered, “I can hear the music through the headphones.”
Oh. I turned the music off and stood up. “Thank you,” I said, eyes darting around, not sure if that was appropriate. “It means a lot, I guess… I don’t know what to say.”
He smiled briefly from under the shelter of his arm and shrugged. “It wasn’t really from me, it was Tommy.”
“Not from you. Yeah, I get it.” I shoved the player in my pocket. “So, I’ve packed most of our stuff and we still have a few hours before we leave. I thought I’d go see Kitty in hospital. Will you be okay by yourself for an hour?”
“I don’t think you should go on your own, but I won’t stop you. I meant what I said, Roo. I don’t want to control you. But if you could leave my phone out, I need to make a few calls. Thank you.”
When I returned with his phone, he was sitting up, rubbing his temples.
“You sure you’re okay?” I asked. “Will you be able to work that without seeing?”
“I’ll figure it out. Go. I’ll see you in an hour.” He frowned. “Oh and be careful. Women aren’t supposed to be driving, remember? If you have any issues, call me.”
I nodded, but he seemed to have forgotten I couldn’t call. My phone was still at the station.
I parked the Jeep close to the entrance of the hospital and hoped nobody would vandalize it. I didn’t know how the public had received the events at The Cauldron, and I was happy to keep my visit short.
After a stop at the florist, I walked the hospital halls with a profound sense of déjà vu. This time it was Kitty, not Alvin I was visiting. I fiddled with the carnations in my hands. They were a bit droopy, but they smelled nice. They trembled. I must have been nervous because I wasn’t sure Kitty would see me. She felt more like family than my own and I dreaded leaving her vulnerable. I wouldn’t blame her if she decided to call it quits. Life with me had become deadly.
By the time I stepped onto Kitty’s ward, I was thinking about not returning to Margaret River. My throat had closed up, and I found it hard to breathe, but I knew they were better off without me.
I approached the open door to her room and heard giggling. A low voice rumbled, and suspect shuffling drifted past the closed curtain. I paused. I knew that other aura. Whoa, someone was getting some action in there.
I cleared my throat.
Fabric rustled, someone cursed, and a bed creaked.
“Yes, come in.” Kitty called, her voice clear and melodious. That was a good sign. I folded back the curtain and couldn’t help the grin that exploded across my face.
“No you didn’t!” I said.
Alvin sat pink-eared in the visitor chair with his legs crossed awkwardly and a pillow in his lap. He had red kisses all over his neck. Kitty lay on the bed with an IV stuck in her arm. Other than that, she was the picture of health. Her short brown hair gave her a bit of a Sinead O’Connor look. Her cheeks were rosy, her aura strong, her eyes glittered, and she still wore bright lipstick. Smudged.
“Babe!” She gasped and opened her arms. “I was so worried about you. Nobody would tell us a thing. You need to learn to pick up a phone, missy.”
Tears stung my eyes. I bit my tongue and ran into her arms, enjoying her tight embrace. Two-seconds later, Alvin joined us and sandwiched me with his new powerful and muscular arms.
After a few necessary moments of squealing and cursing, we all settled into a position. Alvin took the flowers from me and offered his chair, but I waved him off and perched on the edge of the bed. Kitty patted the white cotton spot next to her so I shuffled closer and rested a hand on her thigh.
My lower lip trembled. Target engaged. Waterworks: locked and loaded.
Her thinly arched brows knit together, and she placed her hand over mine. Before I could ask about her recovery, she spoke. “Are you okay, babe? You look upset.”
Fire.
I dropped my chin to my chest, and lifted my free hand to cover my eyes. I fell into her arms and shook silently as tears fell. I sat back, sniveled and wiped my wet face.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “You’d think I’d just seen Bambi’s mother die or something.”
Kitty tilted her head, green eyes as caring as a new mother.
“Babe, your life has been turned upside down. You want to talk about it? We know your dad is back. He’s a bit scary, to be honest.”
I glanced at Alvin sitting back in his seat and remembered I’d interrupted a private moment. I shook off my sadness and gave my friends an imploring look. “So… what’s happening between you two, huh?”
Alvin’s ears went even redder, and he shuffled his feet.
“Nice try, cupcake. You talk. Tell Dr. Kitty everything,” Kitty said and pouted. I slanted a look at Alvin, I could see why he was attracted to her; she was stunning, even with smudged makeup.
I shrugged. “I’m flying out tonight with Cash and we’re taking Tommy’s body home to be buried. Then I’m heading to Sydney, for some—”
Don’t tell them about The Ludus, you’ll be putting them in danger.
“Babe?” Kitty asked.
I cleared my throat and shook my head. My hitchhikers were right, I didn’t want to put Kitty or Alvin in jeopardy again. As much as it killed me to lie to them, I couldn’t tell them the truth. “I have to go and live with my father for a while—a few months, maybe more.”
Alvin squirmed and Kitty squeezed my hand.
“What about Cash?” Kitty asked.
“He can’t just take you, can he?” Alvin said at the same time.
“Well, I have no other family here and, according to the law, a female has to do what her S-O-B father says until she gets married. Apparently that trumps Cash’s temporary custody. Anyway, nothing can happen between me and Cash. He already has”—A lover, a Queen?—“a girlfriend. He’s got a girlfriend. It’s just not meant to be. We’ll be good friends, but that’s it.”
“But I thought you two had something.” Kitty gave me the look that said, “I know your deepest darkest secrets. Don’t lie.”
I liked Cash. I wanted him, it was true. Sometimes, it was all I could think about. The taste of him. The feel of his lips on mine. When I decide to play kissy-face, you’ll know it, he’d said. Boy did I want to know it. But it couldn’t happen. I averted my gaze.
Kitty sat forward and made a face at Alvin. “Are you going to let her father get away with that?”
“Well, I can’t marry both of you,” he said and shrugged. “Although…” A sparkle crept into his eyes and he winked at me. “What do you say, Roo? Start a harem with me?”
Despite myself, I laughed. “You dork.”
“Well, what are you going to do?” Kitty asked.
“Wait.” I frowned and stared at Alvin. “Did you just say you guys are getting married?” I didn’t need a reply. Their smiles answered me. I squealed, clapped my hands and hugged Kitty.
“I’m so happy for you two. I really am,” I said, once I’d calmed down.
“You have to be my bridesmaid. So you see, you have to come back,” Kitty said.
“Wow.” Warmth radiated through me. My first wedding. Holy moly, my first wedding. I could plan her bachelorette party, and Alvin would have a buck’s night. We’d get to pick dres
ses and color themes. My eyes lit up as a thousand ideas swam through my mind.
“So, will you?”
“Huh?” I asked.
“Be my bridesmaid?” Kitty flared her eyes at me. “I want a summer wedding and, as there are only a few months left, we were thinking maybe February. That’s just over two months away. Will you be back?”
“Of course I will. I’ll work something out.” It would probably be in the middle of those cursed trials, but somehow, I’d find a way back.
“Roo, about your Dad. We’ll figure something out, don’t worry. I’ve got a lawyer mate, he’ll have some advice,” Alvin said.
“Thanks guys, but don’t worry. I’m on the case too and Cash. Oh, one last thing before I go.” I pulled the keys to my bike from my pocket and handed them to Alvin. “Will you look after my baby? I can’t take her with me and she’s still at The Cauldron. She’ll need a start now and then, and feel free to take her for a ride if you can. She likes the dirt track up passed Bibbulmun Road.” He nodded gravely, he knew the responsibility I gave him was not to be taken lightly.
I said my goodbyes and promised to get in contact as soon as I bought a new phone. Secretly, I wasn’t sure when that would be as I’d have to watch my funds until I found work. The last thing I wanted was to be in debt to my father, or Cash.
The sun dipped beyond the horizon as I pulled the Jeep into the cottage driveway. A metallic blue sedan was parked in my spot. Who was there? Anxiety bloomed in my chest and I had a stab of regret for leaving Cash alone in his helpless state. With clammy palms, I forced myself out of the car and, by the time I stepped past the barrier alarm, my fingers had heated and I was ready for battle.
But it was Jed—in civilian clothing and chatting to Cash in the living room. When I walked in, Jed’s face paled and he wiped his palms over his freshly ironed jeans.
“Hi, Roo,” he said, “I’m sorry for barging in unannounced. I’ve brought your confiscated belongings.” He stood up and handed me something. My phone.
“Thanks, Jed, you really didn’t have to go out of your way.”
“It’s the least I could do after what happened. I’ve also got this, from the mortuary.” He dangled a silver chain from his fingers. “It was Tommy’s.”
“Whatever it is, I don’t want it. Give it to Roo.” Cash tilted his head towards me, eyes staring over my head. “Jed’s coming to America with us.”
“Huh?” I scratched my head.
Jed laughed, his brown eyes crinkling. “I’m a Player, Roo,” he said and stepped forward to drop the chain in my hand, then lifted his shirt to show a small star map on his flat belly.
“Can’t you guys just wear signs over your heads or something? Am I going to find a Player under the couch next?”
He smirked shyly. “Well, I’m not anyone special. You probably missed it because my markings are small enough to be easily covered. I also dye my hair to cover the blond and wear contacts to hide the blue. I feel awful about my part in Tommy’s death, so I’m in his service until he feels the debt repaid.”
“Jed, you were bewitched. You couldn’t help it. No one could.”
He shrugged and looked at his hands. “I should’ve been able to do something. Anyway, I’ve given Cash my oath as an ally and he’s agreed to train me to hunt witches in return. I’ve taken leave from work and will be able to provide some extra protection for you.” He left to load our suitcases in his car.
I leaned in close to Cash. “Isn’t this weird? Why is he acting like a butler?”
“He’s sworn a blood oath to be in my service.”
“But you and I both know, Tommy’s not really gone. Aren’t you deceiving him?”
“We need all the help we can get, Roo. Your father’s a formidable opponent.” He stood up. “Let’s get going. We’ve got a three-hour drive before we get to the airport.” His jaw clicked shut on the last word and he shuffled to the front door on his own. Had I done something to annoy him? I jogged after him and grabbed his elbow to guide him down the steps.
I sat in the back seat beside Mr. Grumpy and watched the cottage grow smaller in the shady light. A shadow moved along the forest path, and I recognized the shape of a kangaroo.
I pulled out my magic key and threaded it onto Tommy’s silver chain. I didn’t know why Cash didn’t want it, but I did. I put it around my neck and tucked it into the collar of my blouse.
“Do you remember what we spoke about last night at your aunt’s?” Cash said in a low voice.
“How could I forget?”
His body had wrapped around me, whispering sweet French-nothings into my ear. That moment of content I felt. But that wasn’t what he meant. My eyes darted to the rear view mirror, to find Jed studying me back. He quickly averted his gaze back to the darkening road.
Cash clasped my hand in his own, sighing as his pain relief kicked in. The tension dropped from his broad shoulders and his eyes closed as he sunk low in the seat.
“Well, I don’t want you to worry. I’ve been around a lot longer than he has. I might not remember it yet, but I had one up on him before. I can do it again. Your father’s made a move, but we’ll go one better.” He sounded determined, but not convinced.
I inspected the connection of our bodies, hands entwined. I noticed a slight tingle in my palm where his fingers touched. It meant nothing, I told myself, as did the ache in my chest.
“We just need to stick together,” Cash mumbled.
I hope you enjoyed this first part to The Game of Gods Series.
The series continues with a bonus short novel told from the two point of views of our favorite heroes, Cash and Marc in The Devil Inside. Read on for a sneak peak at the first 3 chapters.
Bonus - Leilas Clippings
The following clippings are taken from Leila’s Scrapbook
Clipped from the local newspapers and printed from:
WITCH-E-PEDIA
Visit lanapecherczyk.com for more story extras
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The Enemy Is Among Us – Witches Are Here
DATE: 26th February 2003
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It’s the most shocking discovery the world has ever made, and it’s not a joke. A ghostly parasitic species with similar intelligence to the human race has been caught on camera attempting to take control of a human body. The home video footage has been authenticated by experts and reveals a black smoke like substance entering a woman’s body via the mouth and superficial wounds on her shoulders, neck and face. Seconds after the black smoke completely disappears within the body, the wounds completely heal, the woman’s hair changes color and her eyes are covered in a black, inky substance.
Friends of the woman’s family reported the newly possessed never returned home, but was seen a few weeks later living as another identity two towns away. The family of the possessed woman tracked her down and confronted her with the video, the spirit panicked and exited the host body in front of up to twenty eyewitnesses. Each witness confirmed without a doubt that the black smoke was seen leaving the body, moments later, the body slumped. The woman never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead in the hospital shortly after.
It is now thought that these possessions have gone unnoticed for their similarities to cases of identity fraud, and missing persons. Even possessed who remained at home and masqueraded so cleverly as the original host, none have been the wiser until a sudden death a few years after and an autopsy reveals unexplained illness and disease riddled bodies.
Since the video was released online, others have come forward with eyewitness accounts from all over the world and proof that they too have seen the bizarre occurrence.
A spokesperson from the Church has released a statement naming the spirits as witches by their ability to alter the biological makeup of the human body they possess. They claim the enemy has been among us for generations, but until technology gave us the convenience of video on our person, it had been deemed a religious myth
because proof had been hard to capture. The Church has agreed to work with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in order to come up with a plan to combat this threat. A specialist task force is being assembled, with a church appointed Inquisitor to head investigations. Citizens are urged to remain calm, not to panic and remain in homes until a statement is released from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, expected to come out within 24 hours of this news release.
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Females The Target – Lock Up Your Women
DATE: 13th March 2003
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All reported cases of witch possession recorded in the last two months since the discovery have been one hundred percent female. It is now suspected that the biological makeup of the female gender marks it as a prime candidate for the ghostly parasite to incubate in. No further knowledge has been identified due to the slippery nature of the beast. Cases have been reported from bodies as young as 15 to as old as 67.
Scientists have identified a similarity in all autopsies completed on post-possessed corpses that confirm the host had been occupied by the enemy. Details are being kept under close wraps for fear of inciting worldwide panic, however, based on the new discovery a source who wishes to remain anonymous from the coroner’s office in the city has confirmed that out of 112 female deaths over the last month, 34 were classed as malicious in nature.
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The Game of Gods: Series Box Set Page 31
