Wraith

by Shane Smithers

  James looked at Aureole and shrugged, opened the door and walked in. Sitting on the lounge was Darren, eating a sandwich. He smiled, bits of lettuce and tomato showing through his teeth.

  ‘Bra’a, what are you doing here?’ said James.

  Darren put down his half-eaten sandwich, stood up and wiped his hands on the trousers of his camouflage gear. He looked healthy again, and his muscles seemed bigger than James remembered. ‘Nice to see you too, brother,’ he replied.

  James smiled and gave Darren an inverted handshake. ‘I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just surprised your mum let you come. She sounded, well, like she’d completely lost it.’

  Darren gave an understanding nod. ‘Your gran called. I don’t know what she said, but Mum was much better after that. I suggested I’d see if I could get you to come home, and she said yes.’ He smiled. ‘I didn’t even have to beg.’

  James wanted to tell Darren everything – about Nebulosity, about the SAFFIRE, about, well, everything – but he knew he couldn’t. All he could say was, ‘Sorry brother, but I can’t go back with you.’

  ‘Look, I don’t know what’s going on. Your gran’s been kind of cryptic, but I had to give it a go.’ Darren picked up his sandwich and then shot James a pained looked. ‘You know Mum’s gonna need therapy after this?’ he said before taking a bite.

  ‘Sorry,’ James replied.

  Darren swallowed and gave a shrug. ‘It was useless taking you off the milk cartons. You’re all over the news. The police released CCTV footage of you and a hot girl coming out of an antique store.’

  James released an expletive. Being on posters was bad enough, but video footage! Darren’s eyes flitted to Aureole, who was standing behind James, and James followed his gaze. ‘Oh, Darren, this is Aureole. Aureole, this is Darren.’

  They stared at each other uncertainly. ‘Hello,’ they said in unison.

  Darren looked back at James. ‘The police want to question you in relation to two robberies and an assault,’ he said.

  ‘We’re innocent,’ said James.

  ‘Yeah, I know,’ said Darren. ‘They caught two escaped cons who confessed to everything. But the police still want to talk to you. They’ve got your place under surveillance.’ Darren gave a small chuckle. ‘Yeah, the cops think they’re so secretive. But I noticed them the first day they arrived.’ James wondered if they were the police or NIB, or maybe both. ‘They’re keeping an eye on my house as well,’ Darren continued.

  Aureole started. ‘That means the police are probably watching here, too!’

  ‘Don’t worry.’ Gran had just shuffled back into the room with a tray of tea. ‘The police officer, parked down the road, has only just radioed in for backup.’

  ‘What?’ said James, dashing over to the window. ‘What police officer? He peeked out through the curtain, couldn’t see anything because there was a rosebush in the way. ‘How do you know he’s just radioed for backup?’

  ‘Calm down,’ said Darren, sounding too relaxed for James’s liking. ‘My phone’s got a police scanner app. Your gran’s been listening to it in the kitchen.’

  ‘It’s amazing what you hear,’ said Gran. She handed Aureole a cup of tea. ‘Have a biscuit, dear. You might not get to eat for a while after this. And James, come away from the window before they spot you.’

  James moved away and eyed his grandmother. She wasn’t acting at all like the old lady who had, only a couple of days ago, gone to the shops in her nightie and bunny slippers. She was calm and in charge. How was this possible? He wondered if maybe this wasn’t his gran but an alien who had taken over her body.

  ‘Gran . . .’ James began.

  A knock sounded at the front door. ‘Blast, that will be the police,’ said Gran in a hushed voice. ‘I was hoping we’d have a bit more time. There’s a few things you need to know, and it would have been better if they’d come from me.’

  James heard someone let out a yelp in the backyard. ‘I’ve set up some booby traps around the house,’ said Darren, smirking. ‘Nothing dangerous, but it will slow them down.’

  James and Aureole exchanged looks.

  There were two more knocks on the door.

  ‘Just a minute,’ called out Gran. She motioned for James and Aureole to follow her and Darren to the kitchen.

  ‘I’m going to run out first and cause a diversion,’ said Darren, pulling out some camouflage paint and smearing it over his brown skin.

  James knew Darren was in his element doing this type of stuff, and he’d have little chance of convincing him not to go out there. But he tried anyway. ‘Bra’a, this is crazy. What happens if you get caught?’

  ‘I won’t,’ said Darren as he shoved his hands into black leather gloves. ‘You and Aureole wait 20 seconds and then head for the back fence. The third and fourth palings are loose, so you can squeeze through. Just watch out for the vine growing above it – I’ve put itching powder all over it.’

  ‘Darren . . .’ began James.

  ‘Once you’re through,’ continued Darren, holding up a hand to silence him, ‘cross the lane and go through the gate and past the house. Follow the little track and take a left at the end.’ He took a quick breath and then went on, ‘There are several cars parked along the road and if you stay low you should be able to make it to the forest.’

  ‘What about you and Gran?’ said James.

  ‘Do as he says, dear,’ said Gran. ‘We’ll be fine.’

  There was banging at the front door.

  ‘Oh, I nearly forgot,’ said Darren. He reached into his trousers, chucked something to James. ‘Here’s your phone, thought you might need it. Ring me.’ He gave the three of them a sloppy salute, and then raced out the back door before James could thank him. A man emerged from the shadows to Darren’s right. Darren weaved to the left just as the officer lunged, then did a combat roll, which took out another officer who had jumped out from behind the garden shed. Darren sprang to his feet and sprinted toward the clothesline. He latched onto one of the cross-members and swung himself over the side fence, let out a wild laugh as he disappeared from view. The police officers scrambled over the palings after him.

  Aureole turned to Gran. ‘Thanks, Gran,’ she whispered, giving her a warm hug.

  ‘It was so nice to meet you, dear,’ replied Gran, patting her on the back.

  James embraced his gran. ‘Are you going to be okay?’ he asked.

  ‘Don’t worry about me,’ she replied. ‘You be careful.’ She gave them a reassuring smile and then shuffled off towards the front door.

  Just before James and Aureole darted out the back, James heard his grandmother say, ‘Who is it?’

  ‘It’s the police.’

  ‘Who, dear?’

  ‘The police!’

  ‘Who?’

  SEVENTY-THREE

  Little Meadow, Lyndoch, South Australia

  It was a good three hours before James and Aureole arrived at a thicket not far from the little meadow they had previously visited. Darren’s plan had worked like a charm. The police had fallen for the diversion, and James and Aureole had escaped without seeing a single officer. But before walking into the meadow, they decided to use every counter-surveillance technique they could think of. Darren would be proud of them. Employing their night vision, they examined every shadow prior to leaving their hiding place. They hesitated at every noise, no matter how insignificant. With James in the lead, they skirted the clearing, protected by the cover of the trees, until they had the best vantage point, then they sneaked toward the middle of the meadow, giving themselves enough space to fly away if need be.

  Finally, feeling safe, James and Aureole sat on the soft grass with their knees against their chests. They had removed their sunglasses and were gazing up at the dark sky. They had a perfect view of the emu-in-the-sky, the Southern Cross, Daramulan and the Big Fella. James sat quietly for a while, mulling over all that had happened. It would take some time for him to absorb it all. Noticing Aureole rub her arms, he p
ulled her a little closer to his side. The crisp midnight air was hinting that winter wasn’t far away. James suspected it wasn’t so much the cold that was making Aureole shiver but the lack of adrenalin. Even his cuts and bruises were starting to hurt again. But the SAFFIRE was safe, they’d dodged the police once more, and now they just had to wait for their lift to arrive.

  ‘How long has it been?’ asked Aureole, scanning the star-speckled sky. She had pressed her thumb to the disc as soon as they had reached the meadow.

  ‘Since the last time you asked me?’ James glanced at his phone again. ‘Ten minutes,’ he said. ‘But don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll be here soon.’

  Aureole let out a sigh. ‘I guess it depends how far away they are. If they’re over Papua New Guinea, it might take them a while.’

  ‘Can I ask you something?’ said James quietly, without looking at her.

  ‘What?’

  ‘Why would your brother, Erebus, be working against his own species?’

  Aureole didn’t answer straightaway and James thought he saw her lip tremble. ‘I don’t know,’ she said. ‘I didn’t even know that he was still alive. He left when I was very young and Father never spoke about him.’

  ‘Why did he leave?’

  ‘Cirro said he was emotionally crushed when our mother died.’ Aureole’s brow pulled together for a brief moment. ‘When I was with Erebus today, he said the Empyrean killed his mother.’

  James’s eyebrows shot up. ‘He’s saying your father killed your mother – do you think that’s true?’ James couldn’t imagine Nimbus killing anyone.

  Aureole shook her head. ‘No. He would never do that.’

  James thought about his mother and father. ‘I thought I knew my parents. I knew they didn’t tell me everything going on with them, but I had no idea . . .’ He shook his head in disbelief. ‘All these secrets. I hate it!’

  Aureole shot him a sideways glance. She took a deep breath, then said, ‘There are four main human species: Azurien, Agrarien, Aquarien and Ardentien. The ancient Greeks, who knew of their existence, referred to them as air, earth, water and fire – the four elements.’ James listened, smiling inwardly. At last she was trusting him. It felt good. ‘During the Dark Ages,’ she continued, ‘the Agrariens’ knowledge of the other human species was lost. And then, as the Agrariens multiplied and became more aggressive, it was thought best that the other species remain hidden. Only a select few land-dwellers are trusted with this secret.’

  ‘And my parents are two of them,’ responded James, amazed. ‘Why? Why are they so special?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ replied Aureole.

  James turned to face her. ‘I have to find them,’ he said.

  ‘You will,’ she said, a small smile crossing her lips. ‘And I’ll help you.’ She tilted her head and gazed at him for a moment. Her eyes were startling in the soft light.

  James felt her warm breath on his face, and a silky sensation as she brushed her lips against his and then pressed harder. All troubling thoughts and secrets left him for one magnificent moment. It was just him and Aureole, kissing, alone in a meadow.

  There was a faint swoosh behind them and then a voice said, ‘Are you two waiting for a lift?’ James pulled back from Aureole. A man in white overalls was standing beside a vehicle, which was hovering a metre off the ground. It looked like an extra-large transit van, only missing the wheels.

  ‘What took you so long?’ said Aureole, jumping up and brushing herself down. She didn’t look at James.

  ‘Well pardon us,’ drawled the man, crossing his arms and leaning against his vehicle, ‘but we were halfway between here and Madagascar when we got the call. We don’t usually pick up passengers – it’s not in our job description.’

  James rose to his feet. ‘Well, we’re glad to see you,’ he said, walking toward the vehicle.

  ‘I’ll be . . .’ said the man, gazing at James‘Hey Alto, you’ll never guess who we’re picking up.’

  ‘Who?’ yelled a voice from somewhere inside.

  ‘It’s that kid we found in the ASU.’ The man smiled and patted James on the back. James winced. ‘We thought you were dead when we found you. You got a lucky break there.’

  ‘Yes, I know,’ said James, shooting Aureole an embarrassed look.

  ‘Well, you’d better get in,’ said the man, motioning with his arm. ‘Can’t stand here jabbering all night.’

  James stepped through the opening after Aureole. Along each side were rows of shelves with all sorts of tools stacked in neat piles. There was another man sitting at the front, who gave them a wave as they entered.

  ‘My name is Strato, by the way, and that down there is Alto.’ The man at the front gave them another wave.

  ‘Hi,’ said James, shaking Strato’s hand; Strato had a strong grip. ‘My name’s James and this is Aureole.’

  ‘Aureole,’ said Strato, frowning. ‘Why does that name sound familiar?’

  ‘It’s quite a common name,’ said Aureole, before James had a chance to answer.

  ‘The Empyrean’s daughter’s name’s Aureole,’ yelled Alto from down the front.

  ‘No, that’s not it,’ said Strato, rubbing his chin. ‘Besides, the Empyrean’s daughter has blonde hair.’ He shrugged. ‘Oh well, it’ll come to me sooner or later.’

  James exchanged looks with Aureole, noting her amber hair.

  Strato thumped the wall with his fist and the door slid shut. ‘There’s sleeping quarters behind that curtain if you’re feeling tired,’ he said, pointing to the back of the vehicle. In a whisper he added, ‘You’ll just have to excuse the mess. Alto’s a real grub.’

  ‘Hey,’ yelled Alto. ‘I heard that.’

  James was relieved when his head finally hit the pillow. He glanced across at Aureole, who was already emitting soft breathing noises, and then closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

  EPILOGUE

  London, United Kingdom

  The ’78 metallic green Aston Martin pulled up alongside the small English park, its racy lines and classic style causing several heads to turn. The door opened. Erebus slid from the front seat and lifted the collar on his long woollen overcoat a little higher around his neck. He glanced up and down the bustling, well-to-do London street, waited for a double-decker bus to pass, and then headed across the road to a classy little café.

  Gentle rain began to fall on the footpath as Erebus pushed the door open and stepped inside. The sweet aroma of finely ground coffee hung in the warm air. He walked over to the counter, smiled at the female barista, ordered a flat white and then found an empty table with a clear view of the door. Noticing a newspaper lying folded on the seat beside him, he picked it up and rifled through until he found the funnies. He tried not to think about his poor Ducati, which was now in the shop being repaired. Or of the fiasco of his latest assignment.

  ‘You’re late,’ came a silky voice from the across the table a moment later.

  Erebus snapped the paper down. ‘I didn’t hear you come in,’ he said.

  Scarlet, in a sleek red dress and designer overcoat, smiled and placed her matching red Gucci handbag on the table. ‘You’ve let me down, Erebus,’ she said as she slipped into the chair opposite him.

  Erebus flashed a smile, rubbed the stubble on his chin. ‘I admit not everything went as planned, but . . .’

  ‘Tut, tut, there’s no point making excuses,’ said Scarlet. Erebus shifted in his seat. Her gaze rested on his face. ‘Your incompetence has cost us a vital resource.’ She leaned in closer and added, ‘The others wanted to kill you – but I convinced them that you could still be useful.’ She reached into her handbag and pulled out a photo. ‘You have a new mission,’ she said, pushing the photograph face down toward sErebus. He picked it up and turned it over. ‘You are to find this boy and bring him to us.’

  Erebus peered at the image and then back at her. ‘James Locke! You want me to bring you James Locke?’

  For the first time Scarlet appeared taken aba
ck. ‘You know this boy?’

  ‘He was with my sister in Adelaide.’

  ‘Why did you not tell us?’ hissed Scarlet.

  ‘I didn’t think it important,’ said Erebus. ‘He’s only an Agrarien child – harmless.’

  Scarlet’s nostrils flared. The café lights behind her flickered ominously, and then the room went quiet. ‘You are a fool, Erebus,’ she hissed, reaching for her handbag. ‘Maybe they were right; perhaps I should kill you – right now.’

  ‘Now, now, Scarlet, don’t do something we’ll both regret,’ said Erebus. ‘I’ve flown halfway around the world for this meeting. You know I’m useful.’

  Scarlet relaxed her hand, but her eyes narrowed. ‘Your usefulness is running out.’

  ‘I can get this boy,’ said Erebus. ‘Just give me a chance.’ ‘One chance,’ said Scarlet, holding up one slender finger. Erebus nodded. He didn’t know how someone so beautiful could be so scary.

  ‘That’s all you get,’ she said, then pointed to the table and added silkily, ‘Don’t forget to drink your coffee.’

  Erebus’s eyes shot to the steaming cup sitting on the table in front of him and frowned. ‘When did that get here?’ The barista behind the counter hadn’t moved.

  ‘Drink,’ said Scarlet, smiling. She crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair, gazing at him.

  Erebus hesitated and then reached for the cup, but his hand passed straight through it. He gave a laugh. ‘Nice trick,’ he said, eyeing his coffee, which still appeared completely normal. ‘My father used to do something similar with a teapot.’

  ‘Don’t be fooled, Erebus. Not everything is as it seems,’ said Scarlet, ice in her words. ‘If you mess up again . . .’

  ‘I won’t mess up,’ said Erebus instantly.

  ‘You have one chance, Erebus. One chance.’ She glared at him for a long moment and then gradually dissolved right before his eyes, as though she were a ghost.