Descension

by Shani Struthers

  Cash sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly as he relented. “Actually, you’re right, I’m tired too. It’s been a bloody long day.”

  She suggested they went home and got some sleep. In the morning she’d call an emergency meeting with the team – try and sort Brookbridge out before the lid blew.

  Chapter Thirteen

  All the team were able to come into Ruby’s office that morning. Already, she’d texted Eclipse to let him know they were due to discuss a plan of action and he’d texted back saying he was looking forward to meeting everyone soon, and getting the job underway. Unfortunately, he’d had no luck with getting his friend to wrangle a demolition date out of Rob Lock. The boss was elusive it seemed, and, when around, far too busy to speak to a menial – a word Eclipse’s friend had used to describe himself, Ruby hoped in a tongue-in-cheek manner.

  To take the chill off the air, Ruby fired up the Calor gas heater. Immediately Jed appeared, making her smile. “That’s all I’ve got to do, isn’t it? Turn up the heat and you appear. I must admit though, the days are getting colder, especially up here in the attic. I thought heat was supposed to rise. Either that’s not true or the solicitors below are acting all Scrooge-like and ignoring their radiators.”

  Curling up in a contented ball, Jed looked as if he couldn’t care less about those labouring below.

  “Silly mutt,” Ruby said, setting the kettle to boil, “it’s not as if you can feel the heat anyway.” Although she didn’t consider Jed grounded, he, like so many others who were, clung to what they remembered in life – the good as well as the bad. That was something to keep in mind. Some spirits remained grounded simply because they’d enjoyed their time in this realm and they wanted to stay a little longer, not rush headlong into another existence – The Waterside Inn gang being a case in point. But those at Brookbridge, who’d been forced to call Cromer their home, were in distress. As far as she could ascertain, they needed help, but there were more of them than she could deal with. She’d already told Cash that and now she needed to tell the others.

  The door to her office opened and Theo bundled in, just fitting through the narrow doorframe and huffing and puffing as usual from the steep climb.

  “Hello, sweetie,” she said, the minute she was able to, “is the kettle on? I’m gasping.”

  Ness was a minute or two behind Theo, and then Corinna arrived, all of them seating themselves around the meeting table whilst Ruby made teas and coffees.

  Finally sitting down too, she found only Corinna was her usual bubbly self, her green eyes bright as she sipped her tea. In contrast, Theo and Ness seemed a little tired – was that the right word? Ruby reconsidered. Strained would be more apt.

  “How is everyone?” Ruby asked, hoping for enlightenment. However, it wasn’t forthcoming, at least not from Theo and Ness.

  “You know – managing.” It was a very un-Theo-like statement; normally she was as enthusiastic as Corinna about life, and all those who filled it. Ness she expected a more subdued reply from, that was just her nature, but even Ruby was surprised when all she did was sigh in reply; a rather ragged sigh.

  “Right… well… okay,” Ruby continued. “I actually had rather an incredible day yesterday. I met my father, in a pub near Windsor.”

  “Oh wow, Ruby,” Corinna exclaimed. “How did it go?”

  Even Theo and Ness perked up.

  “Yes, how was it?” Theo echoed.

  “Good, really good. He looked how I imagined.”

  “Like you?” checked Corinna.

  “Well… no, but I suppose I need to look at photos of him as a younger man really, I expect I’ll see similarities then.”

  “You’re meeting him again then?”

  “Yes, Corinna, we’ve got a tentative arrangement for dinner at his house. We’ll organise that soon, I should imagine.”

  “Brilliant, just brilliant,” she enthused.

  “I’m very pleased for you, Ruby,” Theo said.

  Ness concurred. “I wish you all the best.”

  “Thanks,” Ruby replied. “I’ll keep you up to date, of course, but so far, yeah, I’m happy with the way it’s going. He even knows now what I do for a living. It’s fair to say he was surprised. Jessica never told him she was psychic, you see.”

  Ness nodded. “I can understand that. I think its wise to choose who you tell, rather than blurt it out to just anybody.”

  Maybe, thought Ruby, but Peter hadn’t just been anybody; he’d been her mother’s lover, intimate with her, and still she’d held back. Then again, they hadn’t seen each other an awful lot during the short period they were together, apparently. Maybe in time she would have felt comfortable enough to tell him. Who knew? There was no time to mull it over; she had Brookbridge to focus on.

  “Guess where I was called out to again last night?”

  When she revealed where, she thought she saw Theo’s back stiffen. A brief glance at Ness also showed her lips were a thin white line.

  “Is it okay to go on?” Suddenly Ruby was unsure.

  “Yes,” answered Ness. “Please do.”

  She explained about the Watkins’, the Barkers’ and the Griffiths’ houses – the Watkins case was now for filing only, but the latter two were ongoing, Corinna having offered to visit the Barkers’ house for more coaxing of the spirit. “We’ll have to do a similar thing with the Griffiths’ house, I think, and who knows how many other houses on the estate before the day is out.” She explained too about the main building and described her experience whilst in there with Eclipse, not playing down anything this time, but revealing every lurid detail, as well as what she’d found out about various individuals, including Rebecca Nash. “I’ve only got snippets to go on, but regarding her, I’ve come to the conclusion she was psychic; that’s why she was admitted to Cromer because she could see and hear spirits – something she was open about, insistent about in fact.”

  Ness inhaled at this, staring not at Ruby but at her mug.

  “Is Rebecca Nash one of the spirits grounded in the main building?” enquired Theo.

  “I don’t know, but if not, perhaps there are others like her.”

  “Did you get a handle on how many spirits there were?” It was Ness asking this time.

  “No. There’s a lot, though. It’s hard to explain, but what I experienced were the feelings of the mass rather than the individuals.”

  “Far out!” Corinna sounded horrified rather than wowed.

  Worry nagged at Ruby. “Look, this isn’t a paid job. As you know I was the one who contacted Eclipse, so in effect it’s a private job, Eclipse’s and mine. You don’t have to go in there with me, I know how busy you all are, but the upshot is, it’s a job that needs doing, and soon.”

  Three pairs of eyes stared solemnly back at her.

  “Of course we’ll go in there with you,” Theo finally replied. “The welfare of the spirits has always been our priority; Brookbridge will be our priority.”

  Ness agreed, as did Corinna, who was nodding avidly.

  “Count me in,” she said. “I can’t wait to meet Eclipse, he sounds like one of us.”

  Ruby smiled. “Well, he’s not psychic as such, or as sensitive as you, Corinna, but he is empathetic.”

  “Which is a wonderful trait,” remarked Theo. “Any particular reason, however?”

  Ruby mentioned his grandmother.

  “I see.” Theo exchanged a look with Ness, one that caused unease to prickle the back of Ruby’s neck.

  “Are you sure everything’s okay?” she asked.

  Her gaze on Ruby now, Theo attempted a smile. “It’s this case we’re working on, it’s taking its toll, that’s all.”

  “Anything I can help with?”

  “No, it’s just… a tad gruelling.”

  “A tad?” Ness snorted before collecting herself. “Yes, I suppose you could say that. Ruby, when would you like us to join you at Brookbridge?”

  Before she could answer, Ness’s mobile rang. “Excuse me
,” she said, rising. “I’ll take this outside.”

  While she was absent, Ruby related what she’d discovered about Cromer; about asylums in general, in both the UK and the US, and twentieth century methods of treating the mentally ill.

  “Better than nineteenth century methods, I can assure you,” Theo declared. “And even before that. That’s when it was truly barbaric.”

  Corinna too was incensed. “And these were people who’d done no wrong; some of them weren’t even ill?”

  “That’s right,” Theo replied, “they were considered ill. Those who stood in judgement were often far more warped than their patients could ever be. Treatment is better today, it really is; there’s a greater attempt at understanding, plus, of course, doctors, psychiatrists, nurses and surgeons are all held so much more to account; not treated like they once were, with those ranked below them unable to question their actions and decisions. Like the church, the medical profession got away with so much.” She shook her head in abject disgust. “Did you know, half a century ago, there used to be an asylum in virtually every British city? Now before you criticise that, let me say that for many, asylums were a refuge; a place where those shunned by society because of ill health could blend in. In many ways, being in the outside world was far worse for them. Their own families turned against them, mental illness being seen as something shameful. Even the royal family are guilty. The Queen had two cousins who were considered mentally defective and they were shut away in an asylum in Surrey, never to be heard of again. Brushed under the proverbial red carpet, just like that. It’s a shocking story, actually; one I won’t go into great detail about now, but the alternative to the asylum for those truly suffering was often worse.” Theo paused. She looked sad as well as tired. “Mental illness is rife amongst us. We all know people who’ve suffered from depression. Heck, I’ve suffered from depression. Did you know that?” Ruby nodded, Theo had mentioned it before in passing. “Even when you have supportive people around you – and I did, my mother, my dear husband Reggie, even my children – the gift we have, it’s hard to deal with sometimes. There’s enough to contend with in this world, let alone the spiritual world too. It can all get a bit much. But it’s a different type of suffering to those who suffer critically; people who are compelled to commit vile acts because their brains aren’t quite wired up correctly; living people, I mean, those at Rampton, at Broadmoor— ”

  “And at Cromer,” Ruby interrupted.

  “Yes, at Cromer,” Theo acknowledged, swallowing slightly. “Look, I’m babbling, getting carried away, but here’s my point; I know people suffered in asylums and that there were plenty who were treated abysmally, but there were also people who needed to be in them. I’m as empathetic as the next person, as this Eclipse lad, but it’s true to say some people can’t be allowed to walk the streets.”

  Surprised at the direction in which Theo’s speech was heading, Ruby was about to comment when Ness came back into the room.

  Immediately, Theo turned to look at her. “What is it, Ness?”

  “They’d like us to go back in; to talk to him some more.”

  Ruby looked at Corinna, both of them frowning. Who were they talking about?

  A moment of silence ensued during which Theo and Ness’s gaze remained locked. Were they communing with each other via thought? It still blew Ruby’s mind that they could do that – their gift having developed in such a way. It seemed her hunch was right.

  “Okay,” Ness conceded. “We can tell them the basics.”

  A few minutes later, Ruby and Corinna were reclining in their chairs, completely stunned. Whilst she’d been at Cromer, so had Theo and Ness, dealing with a live patient unlike Ruby, who was dealing with those who had passed.

  “Oh Christ, I’ve just remembered, I saw your car when I was there last Saturday, or rather I thought I saw it. You were quite a way in the distance and then you turned off the main road and I got stuck in traffic, and lost you. Was it you?”

  “Last Saturday? Yes, it was.”

  “And you say this man, Aaron Hames, as well as being criminally insane, is psychic?”

  Ness nodded.

  “What crimes did he commit?” Corinna breathed.

  “Darling,” Theo answered, “because we’ve been asked by the police as well as psychiatrists for an insight into this man’s nature, much of it remains confidential. Suffice to say that in terms of his psychic skill, it’s really quite extraordinary. It’s as though he can see deep inside a person – their past experiences, their fears, their darkest desires – every petty emotion they’ve ever felt.”

  “He can see the dark stuff?” Ruby confirmed.

  “Only the dark stuff. It’s… very draining being with him. We’re only there for short bursts at a time. Sometimes its mere minutes, which is all we’re able to stand. How can I explain it? It’s like he holds a mirror up to you; one that just reflects your flaws.”

  “For now we see through a glass darkly,” Ruby muttered. “That’s the saying, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” confirmed Ness. “It’s a Biblical phrase, the first Book of Corinthians.”

  “Topically, there’s a film called Through a Glass Darkly; an old black and white,” Theo said. “Ah, you all know how I love the old black and whites, you can’t beat ’em! Max von Sydow’s in it; such a wonderful actor. It’s topical because the theme of the film is madness; a young woman descends further and further into its clutches. But yes, I agree, that expression does rather tend to sum up our experience with Hames. In his company that’s exactly what you get to do, see through a glass darkly.” A cough seemed to stick in her throat. “Very darkly.”

  “I know you can’t say anything concerning Hames’s criminal activities, but can you tell us the reason why you’ve been called in?”

  “I’m afraid that’s confidential too, Ruby,” Ness replied. “I’m so sorry we can’t tell you more, but it’s ongoing and, as Theo says, it’s draining. Bite-sized chunks mean regular chunks, and afterwards I’m afraid we haven’t been fit for much else.”

  “But regarding the old building at Brookbridge, of course we’ll go with you to that,” Theo assured Ruby. “I’m glad you’re not contemplating going in there alone, in fact, I’d advise against that wholeheartedly. As I’ve said before, living or dead, there are some people that need or needed to be incarcerated, and by exposing ourselves to them we expose ourselves to danger. That rule may still apply in the non-criminal section of the asylum – madness is hard to understand sometimes, and what’s more, it knows no boundaries. Because of that it can push us to the very limit of ours.”

  Again, Ruby was surprised. They were sage words from Theo, and delivered with such solemnity.

  “Theo, Ness, considering the difficulty you must be going through at the moment, I really hate to ask you regarding this, and I wouldn’t if I felt I could cope alone. But, everything you say, I agree with. We’re so much stronger together.”

  “We are,” agreed Ness, Corinna and Theo nodded too.

  “I just wish there was something I could do to help you with Aaron Hames.”

  “Believe me, Ruby,” Ness replied, “I’m glad you’re not involved.”

  “Fair enough,” Ruby felt quite solemn too now, their mood rubbing off on her. “When would it be convenient for us to go to Brookbridge?” she asked. “Ideally, I’d like to go back with clearance from the developers, rather than what’s tantamount to breaking in, but as Cash said, we have to tread carefully. Depending on what sort of man Rob Lock is, not to mention health and safety rules, we may never get clearance.”

  A hint of Theo’s usual sparkle danced in her blue eyes. “Goodness, forced into being criminals too, eh?”

  “Looks like it.”

  “I’ve said we can’t see Hames until tomorrow,” Ness informed her. “So why don’t we go there tonight?”

  “Tonight?” repeated Ruby, at first wondering if she needed more time to bolster herself, but then quickly deciding Ness was right –
it’d be a blessing if they could make headway as soon as possible, for all concerned. “I’ll see if Eclipse is available.”

  “So we get to meet him at last?” Corinna cooed.

  “Yep.” And so would Cash if he accompanied them. Something she needed to psych herself up for too, perhaps.

  Chapter Fourteen

  It was a full house – the Psychic Surveys team plus Cash and Eclipse and, of course, Jed, all making their way towards an abandoned psychiatric building – the last of its kind, the medium-secure unit that housed Aaron Hames notwithstanding.

  They’d already agreed to park their cars away from the building, so as not to arouse suspicion from the residents; to park them in various side roads and walk the remaining distance. Theo and Ness had parked the closest, Ruby, Corinna and Cash a ten-minute walk away, and Eclipse slightly further. Jed was by Ruby’s side as she walked with Corinna and Cash; in fact he stuck to her side, rather than bounding ahead as he usually did, clearly nervous too, and little wonder. He’d seen with his canine eyes what she’d seen with her human ones, and neither of them really fancied encountering that again. Needs must, she thought, and Jed’s ears pricked up as though he’d caught her words. Ruby frowned. Jed, can you read minds too? This time he glanced at her and she couldn’t help but smirk. Of course he could read what was on her mind. Jed always knew what she was thinking.

  Coming from their respective locations, the team all congregated at the back of the building, in the shadow of the woods – Ruby once again thinking how dark it was behind her and in front of her too, with the six of them sandwiched in the middle. When, a couple of minutes later, Eclipse rounded the bend, Corinna whispered, “Wow, he’s a bit of a dish” and Cash muttered, “I knew it”, possibly referring to his coat.

  “Hey, Ruby,” her newfound friend greeted, a wide smile on his face. “Hey, everyone.”

  Ruby greeted him warmly too and then made the introductions.

  “I can see who’s who from looking at your pictures on the website,” Eclipse informed them, “all except you, of course,” he finished, looking at Cash.