Sinister Awakenings

by Marianne Spitzer

  “How is anyone supposed to walk in there?”

  “Easy,” he replied. “Just inside, the cave roof is nearly eight or nine feet.”

  She hurried past him to check for herself and was surprised to find herself inside a cave approximately five by six feet and two feet taller than her, at least.

  “This will do nicely,” she smiled at Lance. “It’s big enough for you and me to stand in and small enough for Thomas to think he’ll get the upper hand. My friends will be able to get in if we need them.”

  Kellie ran her hands over the smooth walls of the cave and wondered how Lance would be able to contain Thomas. “Show me how you intend to seal this.”

  He began to walk the interior of the cave inspecting any possible loose spots while explaining his plan to Kellie. “First, I intend to seal the inside mixed with your white light. Thomas will think the light is here to keep you safe, and he’s arrogant enough to believe he found a weakness. He’ll enter the same way we did. With our friends shielded from him, they can stand just outside, and he won’t know any of them are here. Then you need to do your biggest job. You need to contain him within your white light. Once he’s trapped inside, I’m going to knock down the loose rocks around the cave opening. We’ll mix your white light in while I soften the rocks. When they harden, the opening will be gone. The walls impenetrable not only to Thomas but anyone who tries to dig here in the future.”

  “Perfect. I know I can contain him at least that long. I believe once he is entombed, the white light will also remain within and around him. He’ll never escape it.” She ducked her head and left the cave. She felt a bit claustrophobic inside, but it was only another challenge to ending Thomas’ reign of terror.

  Lance spoke once he emerged. “Hold out your hand. I have a gift from Claudia.”

  Kellie held out her hand palm up and Lance dropped the crystal in it. “It’s warm,” she said.

  “Yes,” Lance nodded. “Claudia says it’ll enhance whatever power we use. We should be able to trap Thomas without any trouble. I hope.” He tried to smile at her as he fought anxiety.

  ~ * ~

  After their examination of the cave, Kellie and Lance headed for the one place they knew would help them finalize their plans.

  Lance parked his truck in front of Claudia’s house. The flamboyant psychic had opened her door before they were out of the truck. She waved her wrist motioning them to hurry into the house. A light mist had begun to fall adding a chill to the air.

  Kellie hurried up the steps leading to the porch of the candy-colored Victorian home. Lance followed, and Claudia ushered them inside.

  “I hoped you would make it before the rain. I’ve made tea, soup, and sandwiches. I knew you’d be hungry,” Claudia said as she hurried into her kitchen.

  The spicy smell of homemade soup drew Lance toward the kitchen. He stopped to use the bathroom to wash his hands and sat at the table before Kellie had the chance to wash up.

  Kellie joined him at the table, and Claudia set two bowls of Chicken Tortilla soup and a plate of sandwiches on the table. “Eat, please. I’ll join you in a minute.” She returned with a soup bowl for herself and sat down with them.

  Lance was busy eating, but Kellie took a moment before she lifted a spoon of soup to her lips and asked, “We need your guidance. You know the best way to approach this situation. You can ask your spirit guides.”

  “Yes,” Claudia answered. “Eat first. Regain your strength and we’ll talk.”

  Kellie knew Claudia was serious and wouldn’t speak about Thomas until they ate their fill. She enjoyed the spicy soup and ham and turkey sandwiches. Her stomach grumbled with her first bite. She didn’t realize she’d worked up quite an appetite during the morning hike. Kellie gratefully ate until she was sure she’d burst.

  Claudia smiled. “Coffee, tea, cookies?”

  Lance sighed, and Kellie shook her head. “Maybe later,” Lance added.

  Claudia interlaced her long fingers and placed them on the table. Bright red polish drew Lance’s gaze but the amount of rings she wore sparked his interest.

  “Do you just like jewelry or do the rings and necklaces you wear hold special meaning?” He inquired.

  Claudia smiled again and shook her wrists. The many bangles and bracelets jangled. “Some I wear for fun, some for protection, some for knowledge, and some for connections to the spirit world. People believe I am eccentric and never stare at me when I wear all of this. They are used to me now. If they knew I walk around with spirits at all times, they would run.”

  “Many people believe they have some connection to their dearly departed,” Kellie interjected. “Wouldn’t they accept that you do, too?”

  “Most spirits enter the light as soon as they pass on. There are very few that remain behind, but I attract spirts that have stayed behind centuries ago as well as the recently departed. Also, spirits move from place to place and person to person. I’m never alone. Many people believe I’m a fraud.” Claudia dropped her shoulders and interlaced her fingers again. “Don’t worry about me; I’ve dealt with this for a long time. It’s a bit exasperating that people don’t understand I only want to help.”

  “I, for one, am grateful for your help. I would never have learned to accept my gift or understand it as well as I do if not for your help.” Kellie reached out and squeezed Claudia’s hands. “Besides, you’ve become a good friend.”

  Claudia nodded. “I’m glad. Shall we get down to business? I’ve learned a few things that may help you or may make you reconsider this battle.”

  Lance swallowed. “I’m not sure I’m ready to hear this, but I can’t walk away from this battle. Kellie needs my help. Thomas is strong. He seems too strong.”

  “Ah,” Claudia said. “You’ve figured that out easily enough. I can’t add much except from my spirit connections I’ve learned Thomas has strength above the normal for a spirit. There is more at play here.”

  Kellie asked, “Thomas has been dead for over a century. Isn’t that time enough to strengthen whatever power he does possess? He’s the strongest spirit I’ve dealt with even though I haven’t been doing this for very long.”

  Claudia shook her head slightly. “There is more than time at work. His anger grew over the years and added to his strength, but there is more. You must find out what it is. I’m not sure if he made a deal or pact with another entity to enhance his power, but there is more to him than anger. He also derives strength from another source. When you discover that source, you’ll be able to do more than contain him. You’ll be able to destroy him.”

  “Doesn’t the spirit world know where his power comes from?” Lance asked.

  “Not exactly,” Claudia answered. “They know he is strong, and none of them want to get close enough to him to learn his secrets. They are afraid of him.”

  Kellie let out the deep breath she was holding. “If the spirits are afraid, how can I destroy him with or without Lance’s help?”

  “Deceit, pure and simple. You must learn his secret. Let him believe he is winning or will get what he’s after and he may let down his guard.”

  “What’s he after?” Lance asked.

  “Taylor,” Kellie answered. “He wants her. That’s why he killed Molly. She was a redhead. Thomas has been obsessed with Taylor since he kidnapped her.”

  “Yes,” Claudia added. “Taylor is the key to his demise. She is his weakness. What you must do is find out how to use it against him. Since you are here, I assume you have found the perfect place to trap him. When do you plan this?”

  “Saturday,” Kellie offered. “Our families are against this and to keep from any interference, the men are supposedly going to the boat and auto show, and the ladies are off to a day of mall shopping. Remember my Uncle Mike threatened to arrest me and put me in a cell to keep me safe.”

  A smile lit up Claudia’s face, and she laughed out loud. “Doesn’t he realize my spirits wouldn’t allow you to remain locked up when there is a battle slated? I wa
rned him. Did he think I was joking?”

  “I reminded him, and it made him angrier. I’m not sure what he’ll do. As much as we hate the idea; we’re all lying to everyone except you.”

  “It’s a lie with good intentions. I’ll be here offering whatever assistance I can. I believe Lance, Taylor, and you will be caught up with Thomas. Please ask Andrea to text me when you’re ready to begin. Once Thomas is aware of your presence, my spirit communicators will also be able to see you and I’ll know your every move. Andrea has a strong heart and is brave, yet fear is her weak point. If she becomes frightened, she can call me, and I’ll help her to remain calm.”

  Claudia rose and walked into her kitchen returning with a plate of cookies. “I think we’re ready for coffee and tea. You both appear a bit pale. No worries. I have faith in you.”

  Lance looked at Kellie and shrugged.

  “Thanks, Claudia,” Kellie replied. “I’m going into this with as positive an attitude as I can.”

  “Me, too,” Lance agreed grabbing a cookie. “We’ll do this one way or another.”

  ~ * ~

  Lance dropped Kellie at home and told her he’d call later in the week to firm up the timeline for Saturday.

  She pushed open her front door and expected to see her Aunt Rita watching the girls. Instead, she saw her Uncle Mike sitting on her sofa talking to the girls.

  “Umm, Uncle Mike, I didn’t expect to see you today. Where’s your car? Aunt Rita’s is still parked outside. Is everything all right?” Kellie scrunched her face waiting for his answer.

  “I’m not sure. Maybe you should tell me. One of my patrol officers mentioned he saw you and Lance Cain heading out of town. What are the two of you up to? I stopped by to ask Rita because she said she was watching the girls today while you did some charity business. I don’t like you being untruthful,” Mike glared at her.

  Kellie threw her keys onto a chair and snapped, “Well, I don’t like that your officers report to you when they see me outside my home. I can go anywhere I wish with anyone I choose. You don’t have the right to question me or tell me what to do. I know you think you need to watch over me since you and dad were best friends, but I’m not a child Uncle Mike. I’m an adult.”

  “Then act like one.”

  “I beg your pardon.”

  “Does Max know you are sneaking around with Lance Cain and going off out of town with him? I told him he needed to be firmer with you. Now look what’s happening.”

  “Uncle Mike, I’m insulted you would think that. I had business with Lance and Max knows all about it. Go ahead and tell him if you think he needs to know. It’ll only make you look foolish. I think you should go now. I don’t want to discuss this further.” She opened the front door and stood glaring back at her uncle.

  He stood and slipped his jacket on and walked to the door. He stopped before he left and added, “This isn’t a big city. People talk. They love to gossip.”

  “Well, I survived the gossip of the Malone name and the shame associated with it. I can deal with anything else. Bye, Uncle Mike.”

  Kellie closed the door behind him and leaned against it. She wiped away a tear that began to roll down her cheek. “I can’t believe he thinks I was up to something unsavory with Lance. Maybe he’ll be happy to know we’re just battling Thomas. I’ll let him know after Saturday what we were doing. How can he believe I would do something like that?”

  She blew out a deep breath and walked over to where the girls were babbling and giggling with each other. “Hello, my precious girls. What are we going to do this afternoon?” She dropped down onto the blanket next to them and snuggled them both pushing away the pain her uncle caused.

  Chapter Ten

  Mike’s attitude worried Kellie all week. By Saturday morning, she was sure he would follow her and her friends to the river cave.

  Max slid his hands around her waist and whispered in her ear. “It’ll be fine. I told you he called me Thursday, and I assured him you weren’t up to anything.” He kissed her neck, and she melted into his arms.

  “I know, but he nearly came straight out and accused me of running around with Lance and who knows what else. What if he’s right and people think I’m cheating on you?” She sighed deeply, and his arms tightened around her.

  “The only person you have to worry about believing you is me, and I know you would never…” He stopped talking and kissed her. “Besides, if there were gossip, I’d hear it at the station. Once Thomas is gone, people will see you as a hero. You know this town loves you, Kellie. You’ve done a lot to help. After the press conference, they also know you fight ghosts. A ghost fighting, charity running, mother of twins, and wife of the hunkiest guy in town. What’s not to love?”

  The last part of his statement caused her to laugh. “You think you’re hunky?”

  “Of course, I’m a paramedic. We’re all hunky except for the women, and they’re all gorgeous.”

  “Should I be worried?”

  “Nah,” he kissed her again and stopped only when the door chime and Rufus’ wild barking interrupted.

  “That’ll be Hunter and Taylor. It’s about time for you to pick up Cole and don’t forget to head in the direction of the fairgrounds. I still think Uncle Mike is watching. You need to act as if that’s where you’re headed.”

  He released his hold from her waist and nodded. “I know, but don’t be so worried. You asked Julie to watch the girls instead of your aunt, so the odds are Mike doesn’t even know we’ll all be out today.”

  “I hope so,” she answered as she opened the front door.

  An upset Hunter stormed past her. “Tell her she can’t do this,” he scowled and turned to look at Taylor when she walked in the door.

  Taylor walked in dressed in jeans and a pretty fall jacket. Her backpack held the heavier jacket and hiking boots she’d need later. Her hair was pulled up on top of her head, and she wore a baseball cap.

  “Do what?” Kellie asked.

  “That,” Hunter pointed at Taylor as she pulled off the baseball cap. Her long red hair now dyed a midnight black tumbled past her shoulders.

  “What on earth?” Kellie stammered.

  Taylor explained. “You may need to distract Thomas. My presence distracted him on the roof. How much of a distraction do you think I’ll be when he sees his favorite redhead without red hair? Don’t panic. It’s temporary. The lady at the beauty supply store gave me shampoo that will remove all the dye.” Her smile let Kellie know that Taylor was ready to fight with her and do whatever it took to rid their lives of Thomas’ evil.

  “Hunter, if it’s temporary why are you upset?” Kellie asked.

  “Her red hair, her beautiful red hair is gone. I don’t care for how long. I love her red hair. Not only that, Thomas will be angry that she doesn’t have red hair. I don’t want her involved with him at all and certainly not to antagonize him.” He slid his hands into his jeans pockets and glared at Taylor.

  Taylor glared back and said, “It’s good to know you’ll only love me until my hair turns gray. I guess I’ll be growing old alone.”

  “I never said that,” Hunter argued.

  “Come on.” Max slapped Hunter on the back. It’s time to pick up Cole and meet Lance at the river.

  When the guys left, Kellie sat on the sofa and smiled at Taylor. “You certainly look different. I never thought of that as a way to anger Thomas. I think it’ll help when needed.”

  “I did it last night and thought Hunter might enjoy a new wife for a night, but he acted as if I had the plague. He became so upset that he slept in the guest room.” She dropped into a chair and mumbled under her breath.

  “Don’t worry, he’ll be happy after you wash out the black dye. Oh, Julie’s car pulled up. We can leave as soon as she’s settled with the girls.

  ~ * ~

  Max pulled into the parking area, and the guys piled out of the car and hurried to see the rock face Lance described.

  “We’re climbing up there?” Co
le asked. “I’m sure I can make it but what about Andrea, Kellie, and Taylor. That’s quite a climb.”

  “They’ll be fine,” Lance assured.” There’s an easier climb a bit down the river, and Kellie climbed it on Monday. She made it just fine.”

  Max leaned back chin in hand and stared at the cliff. “Where is the cave?”

  Lance responded, “A bit further down, too. When the ladies get here, we’ll walk to the path. It’s about half-way up, and there’s a large flat area outside for all of us to stand on. Kellie and I went into the cave. It’s large enough for our needs and small enough not to be missed when we collapse it around Thomas.”

  “Yeah, about collapsing it. No one is going to be close when that happens right. I’m worried he could try and take Taylor with him. She’s sure she’ll entice his anger with her black hair.”

  “Black hair?” Lance raised his eyebrows.

  “Yes, she had a bright idea that it might help Kellie if Thomas is distracted by her hair color.”

  “I think she’s right. Thomas wants Taylor because of her red hair. If he sees it’s black, he’ll be angry. Anything that takes his mind off of Kellie even for a moment will help her.”

  Cole interjected, “What are you going to be doing while Kellie battles Thomas. I still don’t understand what you can do.”

  “I’ll offer her strength the same as the rest of you.” He bent over, picked up a small rock, and held it in his hand. “When it’s time, I’ll make sure Thomas is unable to escape.”

  “Right, how?”

  Lance handed Cole the soft rock. “With this. Squeeze it and wait a moment.”

  Cole squeezed the rock flat, and a moment later, the rock had taken on its original hardness.

  “How did you do that?”

  Lance shrugged. “Not sure, but I can do it on a large scale and seal Thomas in forever.”