DEADLY WISHES

by Marianne Spitzer

  “No, thanks. I asked the same thing. What we need to do is finish our plan and remove Cansha before something else happens. Let me know when you want to put our plan into motion.”

  “I’m making one more trip to the university library. Now that we know what she is, I want to see if there are any known facts or myths about what can control or eliminate her. It may help us.”

  “Great idea. Let me know what you learn.”

  Kellie fought a headache as the girls skipped into the kitchen. “We’re ready to leave.” Ethan knocked on the patio door at the same time. Kellie opened the door for him and leaned out to wave at Taylor. Even across two yards, Kellie could see the pain on her friend’s face.

  Ethan stared at Kellie. “You look like Mom does. Do you have a headache, too?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do.”

  “Thought so,” Ethan mumbled and then followed Hope and Faith into the garage.

  After dropping the kids off at school, Kellie stopped at the coffee shop and ordered a latté and a cherry sweet roll. She needed the sinful carbs this morning and bit into the delicious treat. She just finished when her cell rang. It was Dan Riley. She answered and told him to wait a minute so she could walk out to her vehicle for some privacy.

  “Okay, Dan, I can talk now. What’s’ up?”

  “My source said there were two more deaths last night.”

  Kellie gripped her phone tighter and was glad she was sitting safely in the SUV. “No, what happened.”

  “Two men left a downtown bar last night about midnight. On their way to their car, they were stopped by a woman in a long gown. She gripped each man’s chest in her hands for a moment and then stepped back screaming. As she stepped back, a huge cat flew at the men and clawed them to death. Then she just disappeared. The attack was captured by a security camera. All I found out were their first names, Jake and Mark.”

  Kellie’s hands shook when she asked, “Do you have any idea what she said?”

  “The camera only caught images, but there was a witness. He said he saw the woman grab the men and then shrink back screaming the word ‘tainted’ over and over. Then the cat or whatever it is attacked.”

  “This is horrible. Maybe between the security footage and your article, my uncle will listen to me. I’ll call him later.”

  “Do you have anything new?” Dan asked.

  “No,” Kellie lied not wanting to let him know about Maisy or their plan. She didn’t need him following her. “Lance is researching at the university. We hope he’ll learn something. If he does, I’ll let you know.”

  “Good enough,” Dan replied. “Take care.” He ended the call, and Kellie dropped her phone on the seat next to her. She picked it up again and texted Lance.

  Two more deaths in town last night. Call me when you have time.

  ~ * ~

  Hunter sat in the E.R. waiting room with his Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Patrick. He paced up and down wishing they’d hear something about Maisy. Hunter knew she wasn’t in any physical danger, but he worried about her emotional state. His Uncle Patrick walked up and spoke to Hunter.

  “Dad said you visited Maisy the other night. Did she seem all right to you then?”

  “Uncle Patrick, I need to be honest with you. I think Maisy has been involved with Ronnie Donahue and had something to do with the death of that man Ronnie beheaded.”

  The older gentleman gripped the chair next to him and then sat slowly. “Sit down Hunter; I need to know what you do.”

  Hunter reluctantly explained what he knew about Maisy.

  Patrick rubbed his hand down his face, “I don’t know what she was doing with that Donahue guy. She’s been dating Jake Benson.”

  “I don’t either. Maisy wouldn’t say much, but I told her the police would want to speak with her because Donahue is blaming her. I wanted her to call the police before they came out and arrested her. I hope she didn’t panic and resorted to trying to…I’m sorry.” Hunter dropped his head into his hands.

  “You don’t have to apologize for trying to help her, Hunter. She’s been under a doctor’s care for quite a while. She didn’t want anyone to know.”

  “I understand. Where’s Aunt Gladys?”

  “She’s visiting her mother out of state. I don’t plan to tell her about this unless necessary. Her mother isn’t well. I’d like Gladys to have a good visit. Maisy is in good hands, and if she wouldn’t talk to you, she certainly won’t speak to me or her mother.” He bounced his hands on his thighs. “I’m at a loss here. I hope the doctor has some suggestions.”

  “I do, too, Uncle Patrick. Taylor said to tell you she’s praying for Maisy.”

  “Thanks.” Patrick stood when he saw the doctor coming down the hall.

  “Mr. O’Neil, Maisy is doing well. She’s sleeping right now. We gave her a light sedative, and we’ll keep her here for a few days to begin her on medication if necessary. Her psychiatrist has been notified and will be in to see her this afternoon. For the time being, she’s not allowed visitors. She did admit to wanting to die, and I feel the best place for her is here under our care. I think with the right medication, she’ll change her mind and see things are not as bad as she believes they are right now. Please feel free to call and check on her if you’re worried.”

  “Thank you, doctor,” Patrick said, and the two men shook hands.

  Patrick walked over and shared the information with his parents. “Have you had breakfast? I could take you out before I return to the office.”

  Grandpa stood and clapped his son on the shoulder, “Thanks, son, but your mom and I ate before we drove over here. I’ll take her home. I think she should rest. Knowing Maisy is okay is good news. Let us know if there’s any change, please.”

  “I will, Dad,” Patrick promised. He embraced his parents and walked them to their car. Hunter followed and called Taylor to share what he knew before he headed to work.

  ~ * ~

  The knock on her patio door brought Kellie out of her office. Rufus jumped up at the window and whined.

  “Yes, boy, I see her. Calm down.” Kellie opened the door, and Taylor walked into the kitchen. Rufus sniffed at Kayla’s feet, and she giggled.

  Rufus spotted Penny outside the patio door and whined louder. “All right, boy, time to go out and play,” Kellie laughed. Rufus sprang out the door and barked as he and Penny dashed around the yard.

  “I wish life were as easy for us as it is for them,” Kellie said. “Sit down and tell me if you have any good news.”

  Taylor told Kellie everything that Hunter told her when he called. “He did say his Uncle Patrick said Maisy was dating a young man named Jake and not Ronnie Donahue.”

  “Oh my,” Kellie said. “I hope it’s just a terrible coincidence, but I heard two men were killed last night. One of their names is Jake. Let me see if I can find out his surname.”

  Kellie called Dan Riley and asked about Jake. When she hung up the phone, she looked at Taylor and asked, “Benson?”

  Taylor nodded slowly fighting back her tears. “I met him at a family function over the summer. He seemed like a nice young man and Maisy was head over heels. If he had anything to do with this evil wishing woman, what do you do now? He’s dead. Maisy will be sure to clam up again. Hunter said she felt alone and was terrified of something which is why she wanted to die. Will his death make it worse? I should call Hunter so he can let his uncle know. I think they keep the patients on Maisy’s floor away from the news, but just in case, the doctor should be aware.”

  Kellie held out her arms, “Let me take Kayla, and you call Hunter. You can use my office if you need the privacy.

  A few minutes later, Taylor returned wiping tears from her face. “Hunter feels guilty about Maisy, and he’s worried this news will set her back, but he’s calling his uncle now. I need to get back home. I have a few reports to go through before my work at the office day tomorrow. These three days a week at home are spoiling me.”

  “I understand. Runni
ng the Woman’s Charity is nice since I spend more time here than I do out taking care of business. I plan on being home all afternoon until I pick up the kids so if you need me to keep an eye on Kayla, just holler.” She leaned forward and kissed the baby on her forehead.

  Kellie opened the patio door, and Taylor called for Penny. The faithful dog followed her back to her home and Rufus stood on the patio and whined. “Come on, boy; I may be a poor substitute for Penny, but I have dog treats.”

  Rufus barked, and Kellie laughed. She tossed him a dog biscuit, and he settled on his bed in the corner of the kitchen near the heating vent.

  Kellie busied herself with charity work until Lance called.

  “Hi, I hope you found something to help us. Things here are getting worse.”

  “No, nothing new. I think we need to go with our original plan. What’s going on?”

  “One of the men killed by Cansha’s cat last night was Jake Benson, Maisy’s boyfriend.”

  “That puts a new spin on things. What’s your opinion? Do you think she singled him out to bring Maisy out of hiding or was it a chance encounter?”

  “I have no idea, but I’ve been mulling something over in my mind. The two men were coming out of a bar. Cansha tried to drain them but screamed the word ‘tainted.’ Do you suppose she didn’t drain them because they had alcohol in their blood? Maybe she prefers her blood pure or at least alcohol-free.”

  “You might be onto something,” Lance replied. “Remind me to have a beer or two before I remove my protection. It may help.”

  “I don’t think so since her cat killed them after she screamed the word ‘tainted.’”

  “That could be because they saw her. Maybe alcohol isn’t the only thing she hates. I’m going to e-mail the professor again. I hope he has answers for us,” Lance confided.

  “Let me know and Lance, I think we need to speed up our timetable. Let’s make it tomorrow.” Kellie broke the call and stared out the window. Where did the wraith hide during the daylight? Could alcohol play a part in destroying her? Would their plan work? Too many questions.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kellie woke with a start. This was the morning she and Lance would put their plan into action. Anxiety clouded her mind. Would Cansha fall for their ploy? Could they manage to control the elements? When Lance drops his protection, would they have the time needed to stop Cansha before she killed him? Max groaned next to her. He still sounded tired. Kellie wished she could go back to sleep, but Max needed to go to work, the girls to school, and she would destroy evil. Her first step, speak with Miss Annabelle.

  She crept out of bed and down the hall to the girl’s room. She opened the door and motioned to Miss Annabelle to talk with her. Miss Annabelle stopped in the doorway and whispered, “I need to remain in their room if they are here.”

  Kellie whispered back, “I understand. I want to tell you that Lance and I will attempt to destroy Cansha today. Please watch over the girls every moment I’m away from them. I know you’re in the house each day. Are you able to follow them to school and stay by their side? I never asked you before if you follow them each day.”

  Miss Annabelle smiled, “I am at their side every moment. When they must separate at school, I can be with both at once. Their amulets shield them as do the spirits of good, but I am there, too. I will not leave them until the evil leaves. Do not fear, Mrs. Noles and please know the girls have their own protection. They are stronger than anyone, even themselves, know. Go now and do what you can to save your town and I will take care of your daughters.”

  “Thank you, Miss Annabelle. I will worry less today.” Kellie turned and walked back to her room and sat on the bed.

  “Max mumbled, “Everything okay?”

  “Yes, it’s time to get up. You have to work.”

  He groaned and pulled her back next to him. “My alarm says I have five minutes. Kiss me.”

  Five minutes later, the alarm went off, and Max was more determined to stay in bed, but Kellie reminded him he had to go to work. “Okay, I’m off to take a shower.”

  Kellie returned to the girl’s room to wake them. Miss Annabelle sat on the window seat watching Hope and Faith sleep. The sight brought calm to Kellie’s heart. Her daughters would be safe regardless of the outcome of her battle with Cansha.

  ~ * ~

  Kellie’s quiet kitchen was a brief respite before she readied herself for her day. She bowed her head in prayer and asked for judgment, guidance, safety, and strength for Lance and herself. She added prayers for Max, the girls, and her loved ones in case the unthinkable occurred. Finished with her prayer, she stood and headed to dress for her day in the woods when her phone rang. Caller ID: Dan Riley.

  Kellie took a deep breath worried that there were more deaths.

  “Good morning, Dan,” she answered and sat back down for her conversation.

  “Kellie, I have some unsettling information.”

  “Not more deaths?”

  “No, but there might have been in the past we’re not aware of, and no one has any idea what the future would’ve brought. My sources say that the police searched Jake Benson’s home. They found an altar, black hooded robes, a variety of different colored candles, and blood stains in his basement.”

  Kellie had to gather her thoughts before answering. She couldn’t let him know her plans, but she needed to give him something to keep him from investigating too deeply before she and Lance contained Cansha.

  “The night the severed head was found in my neighbor’s freezer, a man was standing in her front yard. He wore a black, hooded robe and watched the house. He left as quickly as he appeared and I have no idea why he was there. Now, that I look back, I think it could have been Jake. I think he and Ronnie were friends or at least acquaintances and possibly into blood drinking for strength.”

  “Thanks. I’ll follow that up and call if I learn anything new. Have a good day.”

  “You, too, Dan.” Kellie ended the call and breathed a sigh of relief that he was satisfied with what information she gave him. She headed upstairs to change into hiking clothes.

  Kellie packed dry clothes, three bottles of power drinks, a few protein bars, and her spare cell phone into her backpack. It was light enough to carry the short distance from the car to the cove. Dressed for the chilly weather, Kellie walked downstairs to wait for Lance. She closed her eyes and said another prayer for help until she heard Lance’s car pull up.

  Kellie grabbed the backpack and headed out the front door pushing her keys deep into her jean’s pocket where she hoped she wouldn’t lose them. As she walked toward Lance’s car, she heard Taylor call her name.

  She turned to see Taylor running across their front lawns. “Stop. You can’t go without me. I see how you’re dressed. You’re going to battle that Cansha creature. Kellie, we’re stronger together. You know that. Wait right here; I will be back in five minutes.”

  Kellie reached for Taylor’s arm before she could run back to her house. “Taylor, stop. You can’t come with us this time. I know you want to, and I know we’re stronger together, but I knew from the beginning you wouldn’t be a part of this. Claudia knew and told me. This being has already done its best to try and frighten you. You went through enough the night of the fog. She will do worse if you come along. I’m not sure what would happen, but Claudia was adamant that you not be in this battle. She knows something we don’t. Please stay here.”

  Taylor reached for Kellie’s hands and held them. “I want to help you. You are more than my friend. You’re my sister of my heart. I can’t lose you, and I need to help. Please, Kellie, don’t do this without me. I’m afraid.”

  Kellie pulled her into a hug. “Taylor, I love you, too. I couldn’t love a sister more. I must heed Claudia’s warning. No one knows we’re going after Cansha. Please stay here and pray for us. If the worst happens, I need you and Andrea to help Max with the girls. You’re their godmothers. It’s good that Andrea and Cole are vacationing in Florida. I know she’d f
eel the same way you do. Please.”

  “All right, I’ll stay here. Please be careful. Don’t do anything dangerous, well, more dangerous than necessary,” Taylor agreed as tears streamed down her face.

  Kellie nodded. “Oh, and whatever you do, don’t call Max. He’ll tell Uncle Mike, and the entire police department will search for us. We must do this today. Too many people have died, and there will be more if we don’t stop her.”

  “I understand.” Taylor stood and watched Lance’s car drive down the street. She started praying as she walked back to her house.

  As they drove toward the old Malone property, Kellie asked, “I think I smell alcohol. You didn’t drink this morning, did you? I know you mentioned having a beer before fighting her.”

  “No, I didn’t. What I did was buy two cheap bottles of whiskey and poured them into a bug sprayer. It’s in the trunk. We never did figure out the alcohol angle, and I thought it might come in handy.” He shrugged.

  “You want to spray her with alcohol? Alcohol doesn’t freeze, does it? It might backfire on us.”

  “Maybe, but if something goes wrong, it could slow her down. I wish Jake were alive. He might give us more information.”

  “I forgot to tell you that Dan Riley called this morning. It seems Jake had an altar, robes, and numerous candles in his basement. The police found blood stains.”

  “Who knows what he was up to and Maisy’s story of a wish makes sense. It sounds as if Jake was into a lot of things. He might have had a copy of that wish spell, but the police are not about to let us near his stuff. Destroying her is still our only option.”

  “I know, let’s do this,” Kellie agreed just as Lance pulled up to the park.

  When Kellie and Lance walked to the clearing near the cove they stopped and walked around the area trying to find the perfect spot to set up their attack.

  “Where was Cansha when you saw her? Did she hide in the trees or stand in the open?” Lance asked.

  “She stood in the clearing but near the trees. Do you think it makes a difference?”