Sinister Awakenings

by Marianne Spitzer

  “I know. After her kidnapping, I thought she’d settle down and just be a wife and mom. If I had my way, she’d quit her job and stay home.” Hunter picked up a biscuit and slathered it with butter while staring at his plate. He took a bite and looked up to see Taylor glaring at him.

  “What? You know I’d like you to stay home.”

  “We’ve discussed this before, and the matter is settled. I love Ethan and I love my job. He is perfectly safe and happy here with mom when I’m working. You know that Thomas wants me dead. I have to help Kellie. Can we discuss this later? I’d like to enjoy my mom’s dinner without tension,” Taylor said while drumming her fingers on the table.

  Hunter gave up. “Okay, let’s just eat.”

  Taylor smiled at her parents, and they knew she won this round with Hunter.

  ~ * ~

  Lance finished his last bite of apple crumb cake and smiled at Claudia. “I appreciate the dinner invitation. I don’t often get a home cooked meal unless I cook it myself. I eat most of my meals at the restaurant before or after my shift. You’re a better cook than our chef.”

  “People think better when they’re not hungry. You have much to consider. I know you have an idea what you will face, but Kellie sees more than she shares with anyone. She has felt the depth of Thomas’ evil. She saw the dark hollow that is his soul. You must get her to share all she knows and feels with you. If you are not prepared, the two of you will not win. Thomas will kill you both and then go after his prize…Taylor. He is obsessed with her. Of course, he hates Kellie from saving Taylor from his grasp and will enjoy watching her die, but his treasure lies in the pain he hopes to inflict on Taylor. He is one of the strongest spirits I have ever dealt with or heard of. There must be more in his past than Kellie saw. He may have dealt in some sort of black magic or entered into a contract with another evil spirit to develop his power to the level he exhibits today.” Claudia placed two white crystals on the table between them.

  “What are those?”

  “Absolute clean white power. There is one for you and one for Kellie. They will enhance each of the strengths you possess. We know Thomas and his evil cannot be destroyed, but done right it will be contained forever. You have a good plan. These will help.”

  Lance picked the crystals off the table and felt their heat pulsate in his hand. He raised his eyebrows and stared at Claudia.

  “You feel their power. That is a good sign. It means they will enhance whatever you need at any time. Have faith and believe. You and Kellie are the only hope of containing Thomas. If you fail, everyone is in danger. He no longer can connect with his home, and his anger will run rampant. I am unable to protect everyone. He will bring a plague of death and torture to our small city until everyone Kellie knows or cares for no longer lives. It’s his blood revenge.”

  Lance placed the crystals in his pocket and answered, “We’ll take care of him, and I promise to watch over Kellie. Until I met her, I had no idea evil and spirits existed at this level. Now, I believe it is my destiny to destroy them if I’m able.”

  Claudia smiled. “It was always your destiny. You only needed to heed its call.”

  ~ * ~

  After an enjoyable lunch and a quick diaper change, Kellie, Max, and the girls were back in the SUV. Max glanced at Kellie and asked, “Are you ready to discuss what’s going to happen? We can drive out in the country to enjoy the scenery for a while and then head over and visit my folks. I assured dad last night that we were fine, but I think they’d love to see us.”

  “Sounds like a plan. I know your mom doesn’t see the girls as often as she’d like. What would you like to discuss?”

  Max drove the vehicle out of the parking lot and onto the highway heading for the country roads he loved traveling as a teen.

  Autumn had been warm, and the October leaves were at their peak color. She watched red, gold, yellow, and orange leaves blow in the wind as she waited for Max to answer. When he turned off the main highway, pine trees appeared to her left. They were a beautiful contrast with their deep green needles compared to the kaleidoscope of color falling around them.

  Max slowed the car to the reduced speed limit, and Kellie watched three squirrels scamper under the trees while patiently waiting for Max to finally speak. She heard him draw in a deep breath and braced herself for what he might say.

  “Kellie,” Max began. “You know I love you and the girls more than life itself. I promised to always keep the kids safe. I take that promise seriously. I’ve thought about this, and I know you believe what you’re doing is the right thing.”

  She waited for the “but” she feared was coming. Memories of Drew’s inability to cope with her paranormal abilities flashed through her mind. Would Max walk away, too? Would he want the girls? She bit her lip hard to keep her tears at bay.

  She managed to mutter, “I know,” without letting any tears fall. She pressed her forehead against the cool glass of the passenger side window hoping to gather the strength to listen without allowing her fears to overpower her.

  Max reached for her hand. “Kellie, are you listening? We need to talk.”

  Steeling herself against her biggest fear--losing her girls--she glanced at him and answered. “I’m listening. Talk to me.”

  “Okay, the way I see it, Thomas is a nearly immovable force. You and Claudia both explained he can’t be killed or neutralized or whatever it is you do to the evil you encounter. I watched as he battled both you and the power of hell trying to pull him. I didn’t think it was possible for him to escape you. I saw what you did with Gertrude and didn’t think Thomas would be much different. I was wrong.”

  “His strength surprised me, too,” was all she could say watching his face for signs of anger, unhappiness, anything that would help her understand.

  “Under these circumstances, there is only one thing I can do. You and Lance will battle him and contain him. I understand this is something you feel must be done.” Max kept his eyes on the road.

  Kellie’s heart skittered in her chest. She wanted to yell and tell him to hurry and tell her what he planned to do. Would he leave the girls with his parents and force her back home alone? Is that why they were stopping to visit them?

  “If Thomas is left unchecked,” Max spoke again, “our girls would be in danger from him someday, too. I can’t allow that to happen. They need to be out of harm’s way.”

  This is it, she thought. He’s leaving me and taking my girls. The entire town saw what happened yesterday. No judge would allow me anywhere near them once a lawyer tells them what a terrible mother I am. Why did Thomas have to come back? I was through. I only wanted a happy life with Max and our girls. I can’t ignore Thomas now, or he’ll get to the girls. I can’t allow that to happen either even if it means I lose them and Max.

  “Kellie,” Max’s voice drew her out of her thoughts. This time, the pain she felt was more than she could hide. Tears spilled freely from her eyes, down her cheeks, and onto her coat.

  Max’s startled expression confused her, and she didn’t understand why he pulled the car over. Surely he wouldn’t ask her to get out here. Maybe he didn’t want to argue and wake the girls. Outside was a better place for raised voices.

  Max unbuckled his seatbelt and reached for Kellie. He pulled her as close as her seatbelt, and the center console would allow.

  “Kellie, sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

  “You’re upset.”

  “Of course, I am. You, the girls, and most everyone I care about is in danger. It would upset anyone. I don’t understand why you’re crying. You know what must be done.”

  Kellie dropped her head and the harder she tried to stop her tears, the more fell. It wasn’t fair. She was happy, truly happy. Her world was complete. Why did Thomas come back and ruin it? She’d get rid of him for good, and if she died in the process, it would be okay. Life wouldn’t be worth much without her girls. Her mind was jumbled with thoughts and pain and Max needed to call her name twice before she heard
him.

  “What?” She finally answered.

  “Please tell me what’s wrong. What has you so upset?”

  “You’re upset over the danger Thomas may bring. You’re worried about the girls. I understand that. Please let them know their mother always loved them.” Sobs began to shake her body. This was something she couldn’t bear.

  “What in the hell are you talking about.” Max’s voice raised in the vehicle, and both girls slept through it.

  “I understand,” she looked up into his eyes. “You’re leaving me and taking the girls for their protection. I don’t blame you. I said I was through with all the spirit battles before Thomas came back. I also need to do this to protect the girls. Once he’s gone, you, the girls, Taylor, and everyone will be safe. I’ll leave. I can live anywhere just not here where I might accidentally see them in town. That would kill me quicker than Thomas.” She wiped her eyes, drew in a deep breath, and added, “Would you drop me off at home before going to your parents?”

  “Kellie Noles, what has gotten into you? I’m not leaving you, and I’m not taking the girls anywhere except to visit my folks for the afternoon. What gave you that idea? Didn’t you hear me say I love you and the girls more than life itself? How do you expect me to live without you?” He drew her close again.

  “Umm, I heard you say you can’t let Thomas harm the girls. With me in the picture, he might come after them. I know you want them to be safe. I thought you were trying to tell me you couldn’t live like this and were leaving me. Of course, you’d take the girls. You don’t like all this spirit battling.”

  “No, I don’t.” He looked deeply into her eyes. “I hate to think you could be hurt, but why would you think I’d leave you over something you can’t control? Don’t you know how much I love you?”

  She nodded. “Yes, but Drew said it, too and he left because of my powers.” She couldn’t look at him.

  He lifted her chin with his fingers, “Listen to me. Drew Adamson is a son of a.” He glanced at the sleeping girls and bit back his words. “Please don’t let the words that man said to hurt you come between us. I know his words and actions damaged your self-esteem. I hoped my love built it all up again.”

  “It did,” she tried to smile. “Sometimes, my mind just goes off on its own. I’m so afraid of losing you and the girls. I love you three more than life itself, too.”

  “Then that’s settled. We’re staying together as a family forever.”

  “I’d love that, but you never told me what you were going to say.”

  Max smiled. “You didn’t give me a chance. You let your imagination carry you away. I guess I might have given you the wrong impression. When I said we need to talk, and I need to protect the girls, I meant I’ll stand by your side and do all I can to help you fight Thomas. It’s important to both of us that he’s contained as soon as possible. You know me, sweetheart, I tend to over talk or under talk and usually mess up what I’m trying to say.”

  “That’s one of the things I love about you,” Kellie said and did her best to turn and face Max. “You make life interesting.”

  “This time, I made you cry. Your heart was breaking. I’m so sorry. I’ll let you talk. Tell me what the plans are and how I can help.”

  “The exact plans are still a bit up in the air. Aunt Rita is coming to watch the girls tomorrow. Lance and I will look for the best possible place to entomb Thomas. We’ll need you, Taylor, Hunter, Cole, and Andrea for strength. Our families are all worried. We need to do this without anyone knowing. The boat and antique auto show is at the fairgrounds next weekend. I think we should tell all the family that the guys are going to the show. Since we’ll need sitters for all three families, we ladies are planning a day at the mall shopping ‘till we drop. It’ll sound like a nice average weekend. Once Lance and I know where we’ll entomb Thomas, we’ll tighten the details.” She waited for him to answer.

  “Okay, just tell me what and when you need me. I’ll be at your side.” He glanced at her quickly and smiled before pulling into the drive leading to his parent’s farm.

  When he pulled up alongside the large, well-kept farmhouse, his dad walked out of the barn, and his mom appeared on the back porch wiping her hands on a kitchen towel.

  “Come in, come in,” Mrs. Noles said taking Faith from Max’s arms. “I made a pecan pie this morning.”

  “Pecan Pie! Did you know I was stopping by today?” Max asked licking his lips.

  She shrugged. “I woke this morning and felt like making one before we went to church. I baked a blueberry pie last night. Just felt like pecan pie today. Let’s go in and have some. I just made fresh coffee.” She cuddled Faith closer to her and walked toward the back porch.

  Mr. Noles followed closely behind carrying Hope. A joyous smile broke out across his face when she gurgled at him.” “Hey, I think she said ‘Pa’ for grandpa. She’s not too young to know who I am is she?”

  Kellie walked up and said, “I wouldn’t be surprised. The girls are advanced for their age.” She winked at Max.

  The Noles family enjoyed a lovely afternoon enjoying pie and coffee. Kellie said a silent prayer they would enjoy these types of days for years to come.

  Chapter Nine

  Lance arrived early the following morning. Max had just left for his twelve-hour shift and Kellie was waiting for Rita. She asked Lance to come in and offered him breakfast.

  “No, thanks. I ate, but if you have coffee, I’ll take a cup. I think we’re going to need to be alert today. I know Thomas can’t see or hear us, and we can look for the perfect spot, but we’re going to have to rely on our combined senses to choose the ideal location.” He picked up the mug of coffee she offered.

  “Do you have any idea where we’ll find that perfect location,” she asked while wiping a bit of drool from Hope’s mouth. “I need to change the girls before my aunt gets here. You can come along and tell me about your ideas.

  Lance followed Kellie to the nursery and spoke while she changed and dressed Faith and Hope.

  “We need a cave. One large enough to walk in but far enough out of the way that not many people will notice once it’s sealed. It can’t be too far away, or Thomas will know something’s up before we have a chance to lure him there. I’ve checked the geology maps for the region and the best spot is about half-way between Malone Springs and the Abberly Hotel.”

  Kellie shuddered remembering the hotel and dealing with the spirit of cruel headmistress Gertrude, but pushed her memories aside and asked, “Is there a reason you like the area?”

  He nodded. “When you and Max hiked and picnicked in the area, I’m sure you noticed a lot of the trails were uphill climbs. They were near the river, and some spots overlooked the river. This side of the hotel property is pretty wild and not too many people hike there since the hotel has beautiful trails. I grew up in the area and know it fairly well. As a kid, my friends and I would camp and play pirate along the river. We’d hide our treasure in some of the caves. We were stupid, of course, since some of the caves aren’t safe to play in. I think one of them would work for what we need. We can see what you feel out there today.”

  She handed him Faith and lifted Hope from her crib. “There has to be easy access for our friends to be there also. We’ll need room for them to stand and offer assistance if Thomas becomes a problem.”

  “I have a place in mind. It’s a bit of a climb but offers a decent size cave and enough open area for all of us. We’re all young, and I doubt the climb will be difficult. Since Thomas won’t know where we are until we’re ready, we can rest, eat, and rehydrate before we call to him. You’ll see what I mean when we get there.” Lance followed Kellie back downstairs to the living room and placed Faith on the blanket next to her sister.

  “I’m glad I’m planning on wearing hiking boots,” Kellie said just as the door chimes sounded. “That must be Aunt Rita.”

  ~ * ~

  Lance pulled his truck into an empty parking area surrounded by trees. Betwee
n the break amid several large oaks, Kellie could see a lovely view of the river. She hurried out of the truck, stood silent, and closed her eyes.

  “This is a good place, Lance. I feel the strong positive energy. It will help us.” She turned to take in the entire area.

  “I agree. I felt peace when I stopped here Saturday afternoon. I doubt many people come here. I was the only one here Saturday, and that’s a peak day for hiking. It should be the same next weekend, I hope. The fewer people around, the better.” He walked over and stood next to Kellie. “Ready for a hike?”

  “Yup,” she smiled and slung her backpack over her shoulder.

  Kellie followed Lance through the woods until they neared the river bank. He turned and found a path running alongside the bank for nearly a half-mile. After their trek close to the river, Lance turned and looked at her. “The place I think will work is just around the bend.”

  Kellie came to an abrupt stop when she rounded the bend and saw faded yellow police tape tied to a wooden post a few yards ahead.

  “Are we supposed to be here? Something bad happened. I can feel it.”

  “It’s okay.” He turned to look at her. “The area is open to hikers again, but about a year ago a teen climbing the cliff front fell to his death. It was closed for a few months and reopened this past summer. Not many people come here now. It’s another reason I thought this might be a good place. The fewer people around, the better.”

  “I agree. I’m sorry for the life lost. That cliff face does look like a dangerous climb. Are you sure we can do this?” Kellie stared up at the stone and overgrown shrubberies above her.

  “Yeah, I know a better way. It takes a lot longer to climb up, but it’s safer. Most people don’t like to follow the path and begin to climb here. That’s what happened to the teen that fell. We’ll be safe as long as we go slow. Trust me. I wouldn’t put you in danger.” He smiled and motioned over his shoulder for her to follow him.

  A fifteen-minute climb up a meandering path left Kellie slightly out of breath but invigorated. Walking around a tall, thin bush she imagined once was covered with leaves during the summer; Kellie saw a large open area. At the end of the flat ground, a small cave opening beckoned. She squinted in the sun at the cave and glanced at Lance.