Forgotten Blood

by S S Bazinet

  Arel slipped past her with his own scowl, but he didn’t say anything more. As he headed for the garage, he saw Annabel coming up from the lower level. “Annabel, I’m going to check on William. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

  Annabel froze. “I wanted to talk about him.”

  “Why?”

  Annabel pulled her sweater close. “I have this terrible feeling that William is in trouble.”

  “What kind of trouble?”

  “I think he’s losing hope.”

  Annabel’s statement made Arel freeze too. His first thought was to tune into William’s overall condition. When he did, he knew Annabel’s feelings were accurate, but he didn’t want to alarm her. “Let’s not jump to conclusions.”

  Annabel gave him a weak smile. “Thank you for all you’re trying to do.”

  Arel nodded but didn’t say anything more. He quickly went to the garage and started the car. He was driving down the street when he saw Rolphe on his way back from his walk. He pulled the car over to the curb and rolled down the window. “Rolphe, get back home and take care of everyone.”

  Rolphe’s eyes went from slightly distant to sharp and attentive. “What’s going on?”

  “I’m not sure, but I’m worried about William. While I’m checking on him, you have to be especially vigilant about Col and keeping your shields up.”

  “Absolutely, but I don’t think Col could be causing any problems.”

  “All I know is that we have to be prepared in case he tries something.”

  Rolphe reached in through the open car window and put a hand on Arel’s arm. “Arel, what’s going on with William?”

  “Why are you asking me, Rolphe? You can tune into him too.”

  Rolphe pulled back. “Of course, you’re right. I guess this business with Myra has me rattled.”

  Arel almost let Rolphe’s confession anger him. He wanted to blame Rolphe for his situation with Elise. But his difficulties with his wife weren’t Rolphe’s fault. He had to take responsibility for the mess he’d made. “We’ve both been off our game. But this is no time for our personal agendas. Is that understood?”

  Rolphe nodded. “Thank you for reminding me of my duties.”

  Rolphe’s contrite tone made Arel pause. He thought about Elise and how he regretted his attitude. “Just get back to the house. Michael is there too. If you need something, talk to him.”

  Rolphe closed his eyes and remained quiet.

  Arel almost spoke up, but he was learning to trust Rolphe’s lead and waited as patiently as he could.

  When Rolphe finally opened his eyes, he let out a heavy breath. “I know where William is. He’s dreaming.”

  Arel’s fingers tightened on the steering wheel. “You’re not saying he’s trapped like he was in Parris, are you?”

  “No, but this might be worse. He’s trapped in his fears.”

  Rolphe’s statement was haunting Arel as he drove back to the condo. Arel had taken the time to explore his fears a lot more than William. William’s approach was to be the tough guy who maintained a strong front. But Arel knew that kind of attitude could backfire.

  After he let himself into the condo, he found William in the living room. The man was sleeping with his fists closed tight. His brow was a straight line of defiance lost in a face that looked paler than ever. However, there was help close by. Raphael sat in a chair, keeping watch.

  Arel knew better than to rush into anything and queried the angel for assistance. “Help me get him back, Raphael. Tell me what to do.”

  * * * * *

  The heat wasn’t as intense when William regained consciousness. He tried to take a deep breath and nearly choked on the smoke. While he was trying to catch his breath, a face flashed in front of him and the name, Raphael, sounded in his mind.

  A distant memory of the angel lightened the pain in his heart a little. It was the first respite he’d had from the torment that was lodged in his chest. As the hours passed, his heart had grown so heavy with sorrow for what was lost that William prayed for something, anything that might put him out of his misery. Relief came when he passed out.

  Once he was awake again, he pleaded silently for something to ease his pain. He looked over at his brother’s motionless body. The man was handsome, even beautiful in the stillness of death. Nothing could spoil his perfect features or the way his great wings were spread out around him.

  William’s breath caught again. “Wings? How can he have wings?”

  An unexpected voice called back to him. “Wake up, William! You’re dreaming!”

  The word, dreaming, reminded him of something he’d forgotten. A sudden bout of clarity refreshed his memory. In his life as William, he’d once been trapped in a dream and had lost all sense of reality.

  With a great effort, he forced himself to sit up. Was he trapped again? Peering upwards, he noted the small patches of red sky that peeked through the heavy layers of smoke. It all seemed so real. How could he be dreaming?

  A deep voice boomed down from the scarlet heavens. “William, come back to us!”

  William realized that he knew the owner of the voice. It was a man named Rolphe.

  Before William could reply, another man appeared at his side. He was kneeling on the hard ground, outfitted in a white, Armani button-down shirt and a worried frown. Everything about him was out of place in the burning landscape. It took a moment, but William recognized his visitor. “Arel?”

  “William, what the heck are you doing in this nightmare? And you call me an idiot! If you’re going to dream, at least make it a good one!”

  Arel’s intense, golden eyes and his reprimanding speech were enough to break the spell. William instantly woke up on the sofa and looked around. It was difficult to come back to reality, but when he did, he grimaced. His horrific experience was just a bad dream.

  After calming himself, he looked up at Arel who was standing over him. “I don’t know what happened. I shut my eyes and before I knew it, I was visiting hell.”

  “I agree, the heat alone felt like it was coming from a blast furnace. But I understand what you’re going through. I’ve had the same kind of nightmare. One time my fears took over after an encounter with what I thought was a fire breathing dragon. I thought I was going to be roasted. Luckily, Michael came to my rescue.”

  William sat up and let out a huff of disgust. “This is a particularly, dismal development. How can I take a chance on going back to sleep again?”

  Raphael came over and gave William a thoughtful smile. “Perhaps you had a good dream, not a nightmare.”

  Arel crossed his arms. “William told us that he felt like he was in hell. What could possibly be good about that?”

  Raphael’s smile was replaced by a compassionate frown. “Perhaps you’re missing the point of your dream, William.”

  William slowly got to his feet. “The point was that some evil bastards destroyed something wondrous, and I couldn’t stop them!”

  Raphael nodded. “Exactly.”

  Before William could protest, Arel smiled. “He’s right, Will. You had a good dream, one that was very powerful.”

  William stared back with an acute sense of frustration. “I have no idea about what either of you are talking about.”

  Arel’s face brightened even more. “The dream was like the experience you had earlier, the one about the child you thought of as your little brother. You felt responsible for saving him too. But in both instances—”

  “I was helpless,” William whispered. He sat back down on the sofa. “I’ve lived most of my life thinking I was tough, but it wasn’t true. In the end, I’m nothing! I’m a powerless egomaniac.”

  “No! You’re missing the point,” Arel insisted.

  Raphael cut in. “Hold on, Arel. Maybe he’s not missing the point.”

  Arel turned on Raphael, his eyes flaring in anger. “What? I thought you were here to help. How dare you kick a man when he’s down!”

  “That’s not my intention,” Raphael
replied quietly.

  “It doesn’t matter what you intend, Raphael. You’re making William feel like a loser.”

  William stood up. “I am a loser, Arel. Your wonderful gift of angelic blood has stripped me of everything that held my life together. Now, I’m like those charred, burned-out trees in my dream. There’s nothing left.”

  Arel stepped back, but his face was resolute. “No, I don’t believe you—”

  William started for the bedroom, but he paused long enough to give Arel a look of disgust. “It doesn’t matter what you believe. It’s what I know.”

  Arel turned to Raphael. “Can’t you say something helpful?”

  Raphael approached William. “I do have a suggestion. You and Arel could return to the dream you had. Once there, you could be observers, not participants.”

  “Return to that hellish place?” Arel asked. “How’s that going to help?”

  William turned to look at Arel. “Raphael’s right. I have a feeling that I was missing something when I was there. Then you barged in, acting like some dream superhero, and I was left with a lot of unanswered questions.”

  Arel went over to the sofa and collapsed on a cushion. “Fine, I’ll do whatever I need to do if it will help. But it’s been a long day. Can I rest for a few hours?”

  Raphael nodded. “Arel has a good idea. You’ll both be more perceptive if you’re rested. Let’s revisit the dream in the morning.”

  William hesitated. “I don’t dare fall asleep.”

  Raphael shook his head. “You’ll be fine if you let me monitor your dreams. I’ll make sure you don’t return to anything upsetting.”

  “Fine, monitor all you want. I need to get some sleep without the world falling apart around me.”

  Fifty-Three

  ANNABEL WOKE UP with a better attitude than she’d had the day before. She’d had a good night’s sleep after Arel called and told her that William was fine. She still missed him terribly, but she was determined to take the advice her friends had given her. She needed to see herself as capable of taking charge of her life.

  She quickly dressed and climbed the stairs to the upper level. She reminded herself that she wasn’t the only woman in the house who was struggling. Elise and Myra were also upset with the men in their lives. When she joined them in the kitchen, they greeted her warmly, but their faces lacked any sign of happiness.

  Annabel went over to Myra. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more welcoming last night, but I hope you’re feeling better.”

  “I am. I think I’m over the worst of my cold. But how about you?”

  Annabel looked down. “I’ve been a little depressed lately.”

  Myra stood up and hugged Annabel. “Oh Annabel, I’m the one who’s sorry. I was shocked when Elise told me about you and William.”

  Elise came over and offered a fragile smile as she took Annabel’s hand. “You’re not alone. Remember that.”

  Myra smiled too. “And if you come to Paris, you’ll always have a place to stay with me.”

  Annabel blushed. “When William first said he wanted a divorce, I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath, but I’m beginning to think I can manage on my own.”

  Myra took a tissue out of her pocket and dabbed at her eyes. “Believe me, I understand how hurt you must have been, but life goes on.”

  Annabel had been privy to Rolphe’s plan to stay with Col. It was a noble gesture, and she was certain he hadn’t meant to hurt Myra. “Please, Myra, don’t cry. I’m sure that Rolphe truly cares about you.”

  Before Myra could respond, Elise stepped back with hands on hips. “I thought Arel loved me, but then I got a note telling me otherwise.”

  Annabel didn’t know what to say, especially since she knew the truth. When Arel left the note for Elise, it might have been poor planning on his part, but he’d had a good reason for leaving. He wanted to protect the people he loved. Elise simply didn’t understand all the craziness that was going on with Col. Rolphe had tried to do the same thing.

  Finally, she spoke up. “No matter what William said to me, I know that he’s a good man. And I think that Arel and Rolphe are good men too.”

  Myra sniffled into her tissue again. “You’re probably right, but if Rolphe doesn’t love me—”

  “But I do love you, Myra!”

  The statement made everyone look up. Rolphe was standing in the doorway.

  Myra bit her lip. “You haven’t acted like it.”

  Rolphe frowned back. “Do you think you could give me another chance?”

  Annabel excused herself when Myra nodded. The couple needed privacy to talk things over.

  Elise seemed to have the same idea and followed her into the living room. Annabel turned around and noticed that Elise’s eyes were slightly bloodshot. “Are you alright?”

  “I didn’t sleep very well.” Elise hesitated. “Do you really think that Arel is a good man?”

  “I do. He can make a mess of things, but his heart is usually in the right place.”

  Elise’s face brightened a little. “Annabel, would you like to go to breakfast with me? I think we could both use a nice meal.”

  Annabel hadn’t thought about food, but she realized she was starving. “That’s a wonderful idea.”

  Carey was letting himself into the house as they approached the foyer to get their coats. “Good morning, ladies. Did you notice what a beautiful day it is? The sun is out, and there’s not a cloud in the sky.”

  Elise went over to him and kissed his cheek. “Annabel and I are going to breakfast. Would you like to come along?”

  “Yes, Carey, please join us,” Annabel added. She knew a little angel energy could definitely make for a happier meal.

  Carey gave each of them a playful look and lowered his voice. “I passed a new French restaurant the other day. What do you think?”

  Elise laughed. “I think you have a very special gift when it comes to knowing where the best food is served.”

  * * * * *

  Rolphe sat down at the kitchen table and reached out for Myra’s hand. “I meant what I said. I want you to know how much I care about you.”

  “And I was so worried when I thought you might be in danger. That’s why I had to come to Chicago.”

  Rolphe carefully squeezed her hand. “Tell me more about why you were worried.”

  “Don’t make fun of me, but something very strange happened. I heard a warning in my head, like someone was yelling at me. Then I saw an awful, leering face. It still flashes in my mind and scares me when I least expect it.”

  Rolphe sat back without commenting.

  Myra retrieved her hand and held it protectively. “Say something, Rolphe. Do you believe me? Or do you think I’m hallucinating?”

  Rolphe glanced up. “Of course I believe you.”

  “You do.”

  “Yes, but if I tell you something, you might not believe me.”

  Myra sat up straighter. “Tell me what?”

  “Do you think that there’s such a thing as ghosts?”

  “I do. I grew up in a haunted house.”

  “You never said anything to me about it.”

  Myra lifted her chin. “I’ve learned that people don’t like to discuss such things. In fact, when I was little and tried to tell my mother about what I saw, she made me promise to keep quiet. I’ve always kept that promise until now.”

  “I’m glad that you trust me enough to break that promise.”

  “Really? Last night when I tried to talk to you, instead of being understanding, you got angry.”

  “I wasn’t angry so much as worried.”

  “No, you were angry.”

  “Maybe you’re right, but it’s because I didn’t know how to be honest with you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “That face you saw belongs to a ghost who’s very dangerous. Arel, William and I are trying to deal with the situation, but it’s been difficult.”

  “Are the three of you some kind of ghost hunters? I
’ve seen programs about that sort of thing.”

  “No, not exactly. It’s hard to explain.”

  Myra narrowed her brows. “Can you try?”

  Rolphe shifted uneasily in his seat. “Please, I don’t think you’ll want to know the details.”

  “But I do.” Myra clasped her hands in her lap. “I trusted you. Now you have to trust me.”

  “Arel tried to be honest with Elise, and it didn’t work out very well.”

  Myra stood up. “I see. In that case, I have to get back to the airport. I have a plane to catch.”

  “Please don’t leave like this.”

  “Why? What difference does it make if we can’t confide in each other?”

  “I want to be there for you if you see that face again.”

  Myra squinted back. “Now that I know what I’m dealing with, I’ll handle it.”

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Myra started out of the room. “And you think you have all the answers, but you won’t share them with me. So there’s nothing left to talk about.”

  Once Rolphe heard the door to Myra’s room close, he got up in search of a friend. He found Michael in the living room, reading a book. “Blessed One, could we talk? Things didn’t go well with Myra, and I don’t know what to do.”

  “But Rolphe, I don’t think Myra would have come here if she didn’t love and accept you. Could it be something else that’s bothering you?”

  Rolphe avoided Michael’s eyes. “It’s clear that Myra wants to get married, and I’ve tried to tell myself that it wasn’t a good idea. I’m too involved in my painting to give her the attention she deserves. But deep down, I know the truth. I’ve taken lives, and the shame of what I’ve done never goes away. I don’t deserve to be with a woman like Myra.”

  “Is that why you volunteered to stay with Col? Was it your way of bowing out of Myra’s life?”

  “When I spent time with Col and meditated, I forgot my sins. My heart wasn’t burdened anymore, and my soul was free.” Rolphe glanced up at Michael. “But hearing myself say these things, I think I was selfish.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Rolphe bowed his head again. “As long as I’m alive on this Earth, I’ll never forget my sins. In the astral realm, I felt like I could leave all of that behind. So you see, I was running away.”