“Use it for when you have an itch under the blanket. Don't you sometimes get an itch under the blanket?”
Paulette maintained her queer look.
“I'll leave it for you under the covers. You'll never know when you might need it most.” Amber turned out the light and left Paulette alone for the evening.
Did Amber really believe she solved everything? While Amber sat alone in the family room, waiting for Michael to call, Linsey glared from a distance in bitter disbelief. How dare Amber allow Paulette to read a dirty email addressed to her? How dare she even allow the girl to continue communication with the creep? And how dare Amber suggest to Paulette that she begin masturbating in the late night hours?
Amber had quite enough of Linsey's criticism. Had it not been for Amber, Paulette would have never experienced what it felt like to be in love. And why shouldn't Paulette be allowed to feel pleasure? Being that the poor girl was paralyzed, masturbation might have been the only thing that could accelerate her heart and improve circulation.
Where was that dishtowel? Oh, that's right; Amber put Linsey's cover away while Michael was home. It was time to remind the deceased woman of who ran the house and family. Amber went into the kitchen for a new dishtowel, and returned to the family room where it was draped over Linsey's face. Peace and quiet was restored to the family room.
* * *
Before starting the morning, before even going into Paulette's room to ready the paralyzed girl for the day, Amber was always sure to remove the dishtowel from Linsey's face. The last thing Amber would have wanted was for Paulette to mention any disrespect for the relic. Little did Amber know that Paulette would have been happy for the thing to be out of view. But as was the custom of every morning in Michael's absence, Amber softly descended the stairs to the main level where she turned to the family room and over to Linsey.
This morning was different! While halfway down the stairway, Amber heard the most frightening sound that resembled that of vicious growling. But it was the sort of crackled growling that one might hear in a zombie movie when a corpse has come back to life after some years. Vocal chords would have been void of any moisture or lubrication in all those years. Any vicious growling would have sounded like eerie, dry whispers.
The sounds were definitely downstairs on the main level. And as Amber drew close to the family room; the cracked, dry-whispered growling became all the louder. Finally at the entry of the family room, Amber began to suspect that the noises were coming from Linsey!
Amber wished she could have laughed at her ridiculous conclusion. In no way would a statue come to life and begin growling behind a cover. Amber's approach grew all the slower until she stood before the covered statue-head and carefully extended her arm towards it. Did she really want to expose the face? What was behind the cover?
Amber did the unthinkable! Despite her moment of terror and full knowledge of the noises' origination, she pulled the dishtowel off Linsey. Linsey's face was contorted with rage. Her eyes were open and nearly burning with fury. Teeth were exposed like some vicious animal as Linsey snarled at the woman she hated most.
Amber's scream awoke her from the terrifying nightmare. Thank goodness it was only a bad dream! She turned to the nightstand and could see that it was only 2:11 in the morning. Little Trista remained sleeping, undisturbed from Mommy's scream in the night.
Where-as most people in this situation would lay paralyzed with fear and consider that perhaps matters were in much need of correction; Amber only lay in the dark with increased resentment towards Linsey. She knew that Linsey was communicating through the relic and did not approve of Amber's approach as woman of the household.
But as far as Amber was concerned, all fornications should have been extended to Linsey. She was thoroughly fed up with the woman's meddling and how she stirred mistrust in Michael. And now she had problems with Paulette's freedom to enjoy a boyfriend? The girl couldn't be sheltered forever!
The following morning, Amber went downstairs—fully awake this time. The dishtowel was removed from Linsey's face and it remained nothing more than a stationary replica of a woman who once was. But how much longer would Amber have to do battle with thing?
Chapter Fifteen
Poor Linsey: her days were numbered at the Dickly castle, and her final hour had neared. True, the young Amber lived in fear and resentment of Linsey's presence and wondered how much longer she would be confronted with something that would not die. But it's a good thing Amber maintained her poise during those moments. As she would soon find out, the relic would no longer torment her.
It all began Friday afternoon, December 23rd when Michael returned from his business trip to be home for the Christmas holiday. The holiday would extend through New Years, of course, to be followed by additional business some time after the first of the year. But for now, Michael was home for the holidays with full intent to enjoy the happiest time of the year with his family.
He came home just in time for afternoon tea with Linsey. During those moments, Michael discussed with Amber and Paulette of the best time to go to church for Christmas.
When Linsey was alive, church was every Sunday along with Easter, Christmas, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Although not following other days of holy obligation such as All Saints Day, Linsey saw to it that her family was a God-loving, Christian family with a strong sense of morality. Church was an important event each week, whether Michael was home or on business. But what of Amber? As the new woman of the house, did she encourage this? Considering that Michael, Paulette and Amber hadn't been to church since the funeral, anyone's guess would be, no. As for Amber's personal devotion before the funeral, she hadn't been to church since little Trista's baptism. And before that, God only knows.
Such a heathen; Amber now excitedly spoke of attending church on Christmas Eve with Linsey's husband and daughter. “Do they have a mass in the late afternoon?”
Michael replied, “They do; usually around four o'clock. Maybe we'll go to that one and then come back home to begin our Christmas celebration.” Michael looked over to his daughter, “Oh, Amber doesn't know about our yearly tradition!” Then he turned his attention back to Amber. “On Christmas Eve we have cold, smoked salmon from Saulmon's along with shrimp cocktail, cheese and other things. It's Paulette's favorite meal of the year. She loves shrimp cocktail. Saulmon's should be open in the morning. I'll be sure to pick up the salmon and shrimp, early, before the rush comes.”
Michael took a few gulps from his afternoon tea, “What are we doing for dinner, tonight? What do you say we just take it easy, order a family size pizza and relax?”
Everyone thought that was a great idea.
And that was the last time tea was had with Linsey in the afternoon. And it was the last evening spent with her Earthly husband who sat, cuddled, next to his questionable lover. Surely Michael would eventually learn of the danger that Amber presented to the family. But would it be too late?
On her final night in the Dickly castle, wine was not had with Linsey. After stuffing themselves with pizza, Michael and Amber only wished to sit before the TV in a drowsy state while contemplating going to sleep for the evening. Cuddled so close and warm, the two eventually fell asleep together, her head rested against his shoulder while his cheek rested against her head. Then Michael stirred awake from a dream which pulled Amber from sleep as well.
Michael announced, “Well, I suppose we should call it a night.”
Very groggy, Amber wished to dream some more with the man she loved. She softly made mention, “I feel so comfortable in your arms, like I could get the best night's sleep, ever.”
Michael slowly rubbed her shoulder and arm with a look of promise that said, “Not tonight, but soon.” Hopefully she would understand. For one, final night; the bed belonged to Linsey.
It was the last night Linsey would sleep with her Earthly husband. Michael turned to face her before switching off the light. “I'll always love you…” tears welled in his eyes. “Now I unde
rstand why you didn't want me to make a death mask of you. If I followed your wish, I would have been forced to say goodbye at the funeral. Instead, you have been with me since that day and watching over the family. You've been guiding Amber since she moved into this house. I know; she's still a young woman. Please trust her; she's done so much for us since coming in our lives.”
Tears rolled down Michael's cheeks before turning off the light. He held Linsey in his arms all night, dreaming of their many years together and the wonderful moments in love. Then he awoke in the predawn, about two hours before the rest of the house would start their day.
An early-morning kiss was given to Linsey's forehead. “You'll always be in my heart; I'll always love you. This isn't goodbye, just a little change so that things can be normal around here. There's a place where you and I can continue to talk and have our relationship. But not here; not in this bed…”
…In the bed where Amber would soon sleep? Would Amber lay her head on the very pillow where Linsey's once did? Would Michael draw near to the young woman in the cold of night and cuddle in the very marital bed that was shared with Linsey for so many years?
An hour later, Michael approached the guest bedroom and carefully opened the door. Under normal circumstance, one should politely knock before entering a guest room. But Amber was more than a guest. Amber was a lover and someone who would soon share the bed each night with Michael.
Michael lightly tapped Amber on the shoulder while whispering. “Amber? Amber, wake up.”
She inhaled, “Hmm…?”
“Amber, it's still very early; but I have something to show you.”
“What is it? What's wrong? Is it Paulette?”
“Shh… don't wake Trista. No, Paulette's fine and sleeping. There's something else that I want to show you. Can you get dressed and meet me downstairs? Bring a jacket with, too.”
Five minutes later, Amber quietly walked down the stairs with a jacket in her arms. Michael stood at the bottom.
“What is it, Michael? What do you want to show me?”
“You'll see. Will Trista be sleeping for about another hour?”
“She doesn't stir awake until just after six o'clock. Even then, she sits in her crib for a while.”
Michael led Amber to the basement; an impressive living area, fully carpeted and finished with elaborate furnishings and full bar. She had been down there many times and never recalled it being chilly. Why did Michael ask her to bring a jacket?
Then Michael opened the door to the large wine cellar. Amber had never been in this room, but was immediately impressed with the finished oak wine shelves that could have appeared in an upscale winery. In addition, the flooring was finished with dark mahogany. The walls appeared to be covered with decorative bricks that were colored to match the floor.
There must have been hundreds—easily a couple thousand—bottles of wine in that cellar. Needless to say they were all organized according to type, brand and year. But what would Michael have to show Amber in this room? Did he buy her a collection of special wine? Did he throw out Linsey's Pinot Noir? Amber looked at him slightly dumbfounded as if waiting for more.
“We'll press onward from here.” said Michael. He paused for a moment, “Do you smell that; that mustiness in the air, almost like something damp?”
Amber looked around, “Yeah, come to think of it I do notice the smell.”
Michael smiled then walked over to what appeared to be the doorway of a small closet. He opened it, and then flipped on an industrial-sized light switch. “Take a look!”
From what Amber could see, beyond the door was a steep declining hallway that was illuminated by industrial track lighting. The floor was finished with rubber tile, obviously to prevent slipping brought on by any dampness. The hallway looked to descend about fifty feet below the basement.
Michael grabbed a large flashlight at the side of the wall. “We need to follow safety when going down there. You see the lighting on the ceiling? Well it runs all the way down there and is the only light we have. If there's a power failure or the line becomes faulty, we're pretty much screwed. Always take a flashlight!”
Mention of these things had Amber a bit uneasy. Where was Michael taking her? What was down there? She had no choice but to follow the man she loved, and trust him in that moment.
Halfway down the descending hallway, the sound of gentle, trickling water could be heard. It wasn't until reaching the bottom of the hallway and turning left that Amber realized what was below the basement. Michael had a cave on his property!
“You have a cave?”
He was proud to inform her, “Not just a little cave; this actually spirals below the mountain to a network of deep caverns. I never had the place fully explored; never wanted people to know about it. The builder discovered it when this house was in construction. It's my mountain, my land and my cavern. I told him to make sure the basement has access to the cave and install electric lighting for me. But it only goes so far. Do you want to check it out?”
“Sure!” In all the vacations Amber's family had been on through the years, Amber never toured a cave. And it's a shame, really. As she would soon find out, caverns are one of the world's most beautiful places.
Hiking the path that was illuminated by mounted lights on various walls felt as though walking down a hill with gravity pulling the way. They were inside the mountain and descending towards the bottom which was nearly four-hundred feet.
After a couple minutes of walking, they reached a chamber. Michael stopped. “Let me know if you ever need a rest. I want to show you something that could be very helpful when navigating yourself in a cave to prevent getting lost. I'm sure you've looked up at white, puffy clouds and recognized the shapes of animals and peoples' faces, right? Down here, the same can be done. If you allow your imagination to do so, many of the grottos and rock formations take on recognizable shapes.” Michael pointed the flashlight at an area in the chamber. “Do you see a Christmas tree?”
Amber immediately noticed the shape, “Oh, yeah!”
“That's why I call this the Christmas tree chamber. It's just one of a few chambers that run through these caverns. Each one is named after a rock formation or grotto. Based on the chambers and various recognizable shapes, you can determine where you are in the cavern.”
Michael continued to walk, “Come on; let me show you more.” As they ventured further down, Amber couldn't help but be impressed with the dramatic breaks in ceilings which revealed a hundred feet above. Occasionally, water would drop on her face. Michael laughed as she wiped the droplet off in annoyance. “Those drops of water are good luck! Look above!” Michael shined the flashlight at the lower portion of the ceiling. “See the stalactites? Sometimes water from a stalactite will drop on you. This is called a cave-kiss and is considered good luck.”
“I've got a few kisses from the cave already. It must be my lucky day.” said Amber.
Occasionally, Michael and Amber would pass a gentle stream or small pool of water. Water seemed to be the running symphony throughout the cavern. At some point, Michael let her know that the water was 99% pure, and fit for drinking. Filtering through soil and clay for thousands of years, the water had been purified.
After about twenty minutes of downward hiking and passing four chambers, Michael announced, “We are now reaching the bottom of the mountain and the final chamber that I want to show you.” He paused at a nearly-arched entryway that appeared to be lit by candlelight. “This is Linsey's chamber.” He carefully entered the room with Amber behind. And directly in the center where a medium-sized grotto stood was Linsey's statue-head, seated on top. Surrounding the grotto were several large candles that were supported by tall fixtures staked into the ground. The chamber looked to be some sort of church altar with Linsey being the god.
Linsey stared at Amber from the grotto, appearing to be very unhappy with the new arrangement. But for Amber, it was the perfect place for the relic. Finally, Amber could enjoy her days in the Dic
kly castle without any interference from Linsey. Four-hundred feet below was the perfect place. And Linsey had her own chamber!
Soon, Amber speculated the possibility of finally sleeping with Michael. But she wasn't going to say anything at the moment. Instead, she commented on the lit candles. “Will the burning candles use up any oxygen down here?”
Michael laughed, “Of course not! There's plenty of air down here! And if you've noticed, throughout the caverns, there are natural chimneys that provide plenty of circulation.”
Amber didn't know what to say. Really she was ecstatic to have the object that tormented her day and night to finally be out of the home. “Well it's beautiful, Michael. And Linsey looks to be so happy to have her own chamber.”
Amber was lying, of course! Anyone looking at Linsey at that moment would certainly notice the face of resentment and outrage.
Even Michael lied in agreement, “She certainly does look happy. And she's such a beautiful woman.” Secretly he would have rather taken Linsey back upstairs and lay her head on the pillow in bed. And Michael wouldn't dare make mention of the gift that would be given to Amber later that night!
* * *
'Twas the night before Christmas; Paulette and Trista slept soundly while Michael and Amber sat in their usual cuddle spot on the sofa. Christmas Eve was definitely a special celebration for the family. Four o'clock mass was attended and featured a small production of the nativity, performed by a group of children in the church. Afterwards, the family returned home and enjoyed Paulette's favorite meal served each year of cold, smoked salmon and shrimp cocktail. And now she slept in bed, possibly dreaming of her romantic boyfriend who lived so, far away.
This was the first night when Amber was finally able to enjoy the man she loved without the jealous wife glaring from the distance. Suddenly, Michael presented Amber a gift; a small, wrapped box that would have been a bit large and heavy for jewelry. Judging by the size and weight, Amber assumed it to be perfume.
“It's only a little something to open before Christmas morning. It's nothing big. Go ahead, open it!” said Michael. Every year Michael presented Linsey a small gift on Christmas Eve, and intended to continue the tradition with Amber. He wouldn't tell her this, of course.
The Death Mask Page 12
