Curse of the Sea

by Joni Parker

  “Get us something to eat, Jeffrey.” She nudged him to the store.

  Jeffrey went inside and found a dark-skinned man with cropped straight black hair, putting sandwiches on a shelf in a cooler.

  “How much are these?” Jeffrey pointed to the sandwiches.

  “What kind do you want?” The man held one in each hand.

  “I’ll take both of those and something to drink. I’m hungry.” Jeffrey nodded.

  The man pointed to a shelf with bottles. “Pick out what you want to drink. It’ll be two pounds fifty.”

  “Can you take it off my card?”

  “Yeah, sure. Do you want any of these sandwiches from yesterday? They’re still good, but I’m not allowed to sell them. I have to throw them out.”

  Jeffrey came out of the store with a plastic bag full of sandwiches and two drinks. They sat on a nearby bench and ate two apiece, saving some for later. After they ate, they napped on the bench until a car went by.

  And the fog rolled in. Alex and Jeffrey headed south for Victoria Coach Station, following the directions on the mobile phone. The streets were crowded with cars and no one took notice of two more people on the street.

  When they arrived at the Victoria Rail Station, they stopped and looked inside. The Coach station had to be somewhere nearby.

  Just then, an older man dressed in a blue wool suit bumped into her. “Sorry.” He turned away.

  “Wait.” Alex raised her hand up. “May I ask you a question? We’re lost. Can you tell me where Victoria Coach Station is?”

  He smiled. “This is the Rail Station. It’s the underground or the tube. You Yanks call it a subway, I believe. It goes to London.”

  “Where’s the coach station?”

  “Just down the street. I’ll show you.”

  She nodded at Jeffrey. “Come on, he’s going to show us the coach station.”

  “Where are you going?” the man asked.

  “Glastonbury.”

  “Are you going to the festival?”

  “Yes.” Alex smiled, even though she had no idea there was a festival there. She just needed his help.

  “I’ve also heard King Arthur is buried there. Meant to see it for myself one day. Are you going to visit the grave?”

  Alex nodded and smiled. “Yes, of course. Where’s the coach station?” She put her arm around Jeffrey’s and pulled him along.

  The man led them out and pointed across the street to a sign for the coach station. “Over there. Have fun at the festival.” The man waved as he left.

  “Thank you.”

  Inside the station, the building was full of passengers, sitting on benches. Jeffrey saw a sign for tickets. “We have to get tickets.” He led her inside and turned left where there was a long line of people waiting to buy tickets at a green counter covered with milky white glass.

  Alex sighed. This was going to take a long time and she was feeling impatient.

  Jeffrey pointed to the wall where there was a green computer screen. “Let’s use that.”

  “How are you going to buy a ticket?” Alex frowned and pulled out another sandwich.

  “It’s a computer, like the one D. S. Smith had. You can do everything on it. Just follow the directions.” He sat down at the vacant computer and started to press buttons. “How do you spell Glastonbury?” He put in the first five letters and the full name came up. After sliding in his plastic card, he pressed the button for two tickets, which popped out of the machine. He took the tickets, a receipt, and his card.

  Alex gasped. “It’s like magic. How much was it?”

  “It says thirty-seven pounds forty pence, but it doesn’t leave until five-thirty tonight.”

  “What time is it?” Alex glanced around for a clock.

  “Early. Let’s go for a walk.” Jeffrey stood up and led her outside. The station was crowded and it was only one o’clock in the afternoon.

  Chapter 15

  NEWS ALERT

  After walking a few blocks, Jeffrey pulled Alex into a pub. She’d never been in one before and didn’t know what to do, but Jeffrey went right up the bar and ordered a pint of dark ale and a cider for Alex, handing the man his plastic card.

  Alex nudged Jeffrey in the ribs. “Are you drinking again? I thought you quit.”

  “It’s only a beer, damn it. Don’t nag.”

  “I’m just pointing out that you had problems before.”

  “All right, got it. I’m fine now.” Jeffrey stared at the telly, watching a soccer match when a News Alert flashed on the screen. The patrons in the bar groaned and complained that it was at the most critical moment. As they turned away, the sound was turned off, but the screen had words, printed at the bottom. Jeffrey and Alex read the scroll.

  “Two men and a woman were found dead near Chinatown. One of them is believed to be the gangster known as Blackjack. The other two bodies have yet to be identified. It’s believed they died in a car fire early this morning on Charles Road. The area is cordoned off and the Met recommends that everyone stay away from the scene while they investigate. At this point, there are no witnesses. If you have any information, notify the Met immediately.”

  Alex whispered. “That looks like the same car, Jeffrey.”

  “They’ll be looking for us.”

  “What’s the Met?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Next, a picture of a dead man showed up on the screen. The scroll at the bottom read: “Another homeless man was found dead this morning in St. James’ Park. He had no identification and was believed to be one of the many people living there. Anyone with information is asked to notify the Met.”

  Alex gasped slightly and covered her mouth. Her eyes were wide.

  Jeffrey nudged her and whispered, “What did you do?” She blinked, but didn’t answer.

  Next, Admiral Collins appeared on the screen, standing outside of a building. The scroll read: “An intruder caused considerable damage to a government building yesterday. We’re looking for a white female about six-feet tall with long, black hair and blue eyes, twenty years of age. She’s wearing a brown cloak, brown jacket, white blouse, brown slacks, and tall brown boots. Her name is Alexin Catherine Dumwalt. If anyone should see this woman, please notify the Met immediately. Do not attempt to take her on your own. She can be dangerous and is in need of psychological treatment. We are preparing a sketch of her as we speak and will distribute it as soon as possible.”

  “Reporter: If this happened yesterday, why wasn’t it reported then?”

  “Admiral: This young woman did something to our computer system, which paralyzed all of our activity and locked us inside. We can’t even access our CCTV footage.”

  “Reporter: How did she lock you in?”

  “Admiral: It’s under investigation. We believe she hacked the system.”

  “Reporter: Were any secrets stolen?”

  “Admiral: We are unable to determine that at this time. I must emphasize that this is a matter of national security. I call upon all citizens to aid in our search. We have men at the River Thames as we have reason to believe that she was heading in that direction. Once again, we ask the public’s assistance in locating this young woman. Call the Met with any information.”

  Jeffrey led her over to an empty table in the corner. “Take off your cloak. You have to get rid of it.”

  “I’m not getting rid of it. I’ll carry it.”

  “The report said you wore a brown cloak, brown jacket, and brown britches. Why are you wearing your uniform?”

  “I thought it was appropriate since I was on Seaward Isle at the time.”

  He took her cloak and turned it inside out to the dark green lining. “Here, wear it this way.” He handed it back to her and paused, looking at her in her soft brown jacket that was bound with leather strips at the sleeve and elbow. “You look like a soldier from Nyla.” He grinned.

  “I am a soldier from Nyla.” Alex whispered and sipped the hard cider, licking her lips. “This tastes good.”


  “Take off your jacket.”

  Alex took off her jacket and set it on the empty chair with her cloak.

  Jeffrey leaned closer; his eyes widened as he stared at her blouse. “Since when do you wear lace?”

  “Since I have a dressmaker who puts lace or ruffles on all my blouses.”

  He chuckled and sipped his ale. “I like it. What are you wearing under it?”

  She rolled her eyes, but he continued to stare at her chest. “Stop staring or I’ll put my jacket on.”

  He lifted his gaze to her eyes. “Did you take out that man in the park?”

  “Yes, he stole my cloak pin. I had to get it back.”

  “And what about the building? What happened there?”

  “I told you. They put handcuffs on me, so I used a little magic.” Alex shrugged. “It took them a while to figure it out.”

  Jeffrey smiled. “So why do they think you’re at the river?”

  “Ecstasy’s ship was docked there, but he’s gone.”

  “You know, I didn’t know your middle name was Catherine. I like it.”

  Alex sipped her drink. “It’s all right.” The patrons cheered as one of the teams scored a goal. “What are we going to do?”

  “Stay here and drink. There’s no picture of you yet, so don’t do anything stupid and no one will notice you. Cheers.” He touched his glass to hers.

  “Do you suppose they have a toilet in here?”

  “Over there past the bar. See the sign?” Jeffrey nodded in that direction.

  Alex slid off her chair and headed that way.

  Jeffrey watched her stroll calmly across the room. He was amazed at her cool demeanor despite knowing her description had been sent out across the country. He grinned, knowing that she was the subject of the search, not him. They didn’t know he was with her—the better for him. He glanced at the barkeep as he stopped to watch her. Then other men stopped their game of billiards and watched her. She wasn’t that skinny, awkward girl he used to know; she’d filled out nicely and moved like a cat, graceful and sexy. His face flushed as he felt aroused and he downed the rest of his beer.

  “Can I get you another one, love?” A young woman’s voice broke his train of thought. The waitress was a cute blond wearing black clothes and an apron.

  “Yes, a dark one.” He handed her his plastic card.

  “Sure thing.”

  “And another cider for the lady and an order of fish and chips—we’ll share it.”

  “No problem, love.” The waitress stopped at another table as Alex headed back and sat down.

  “I just ordered us another round and some fish and chips.”

  “I can’t believe you’re still hungry.” Alex smiled broadly.

  “I’m not. It’s something to munch on.”

  “You ordered another beer?”

  “Hey, it’s my life. Did you know at least half of the pub stopped to watch you walk across the room? You’re looking good, Alex. But I still can’t tell what you have on underneath that lace.”

  “Do you think anyone recognized me?”

  “No, but they’ll remember that walk.”

  “What for?” Alex sipped her cider.

  They spent the rest of the afternoon in the pub, drinking several glasses of ale and cider and eating the plate of fish and chips. When the pub began to fill as people got off work, Jeffrey stood up and waved at her. It was time to leave. Alex carried her cloak and jacket over her arm as she stepped out of the pub.

  Just down the street, Alex tucked in behind Jeffrey as a police car stopped and parked. As soon as the light changed, they moved on. Behind them, two Metropolitan police officers headed into the pub. Alex nudged Jeffrey in the back and they picked up the pace.

  A few minutes later, they entered Victoria Coach Station and heard a female voice announce the boarding for Glastonbury at gate seven. Jeffrey led her to the door and went through. He showed the tickets to the driver and found a seat in the middle of the coach. Jeffrey let Alex sit by the window. The door closed and the inside darkened as the coach rolled forward through the busy streets of London, headed for Glastonbury.

  Chapter 16

  THE TOR

  As soon as Alex sat down in the soft velvet seats, a cold breeze blew from a vent in the ceiling, so she put her jacket on and placed the cloak over her lap. Her intention was to stay awake to see where they were going, but within minutes, she fell asleep to the steady drone of the engine. She opened her eyes a few times when the coach stopped and listened for the name of the town, but closed them again and fell back to sleep, snuggled under her cloak. She nudged Jeffrey a few times, but he slept through it all. Too much beer. When the coach stopped again, Alex woke up when a female voice announced, “Glastonbury.”

  “Jeffrey, we’re here.” Alex nudged him.

  He opened his eyes and blinked several times. They got off behind an older couple and a young man and stood in the empty car park.

  “I’ve got a headache.” Jeffrey rubbed his temples.

  “That’s what happens when you drink so much.”

  He gritted his teeth. “Well, what do we do now, Miss know-it-all?” He looked around for any signs. The other people were gone and the bus had pulled away.

  A sign at the edge of the car park showed a map for the Glastonbury Tor. “Jeffrey, the Tor.” Alex pointed to the sign.

  “Tor? The hill?” Jeffrey looked at the sign and snapped his fingers. “The arch was in a tunnel that went from the abbey to the base of the Tor. This must be the abbey.” To the right, in the moonlight, the remains of a large stone building stood behind a wall and he made out a sign for the abbey. Across the way, a red light blinked on top of the Tor. He stared in disbelief. “The abbey’s in ruins. How long ago was it?”

  “About four years ago, wasn’t it?”

  “In our time, yes, but it was the year 420 or something like that. Damn! That was over sixteen hundred years ago, Alex. There’s hardly anything left. Wait, this one is made of stone, but it was built of wood before.” He paused. “Didn’t that man say King Arthur was buried here? We should pay our respects before we leave, Alex.”

  “We don’t have time, Jeffrey. He’ll understand.”

  “We had a lookout station on top of the Tor where we could see the entire area, but that’s gone, too. I can see some sort of tower up there.” He pointed at the hill with the blinking red light.

  Singing came from the left. They trotted towards the sound and found several hundred people, standing in the street, carrying candles and lanterns. A slow march began.

  Jeffrey pulled on Alex’s arm and they joined in. She tapped a woman’s shoulder in front of her. “Pardon me, but what’s this for? Is this a festival?”

  “Oh, yes. It’s the night of the Super Moon. We’re marching to the top of the Tor to honor Artemis, the goddess of the Moon.” She smiled. “Join us.” She handed her a lit candle, sticking through a paper cup. “I’ll share my grandson’s candle.” She put her hand on the shoulder of the young boy of ten, standing next to her.

  “Thank you. What’s a Super Moon?” Alex glanced up at the moon.

  “It’s when the moon is closest to the Earth. It’ll look gigantic.” The woman spread her arms out wide.

  Alex smiled and grabbed Jeffrey’s hand. “They’re going to the Tor.”

  Shops and businesses lined both sides of the street. They were closed, their windows darkened. Glastonbury was a nice little town, vastly different from the one she remembered. Back then, the buildings were shacks made of wood and the market was in the middle of the cobblestone street. She liked what she saw.

  Ahead, a policeman stood on the corner, directing traffic. The procession crossed the street and turned right. Alex looked down as they moved on in silence, holding her breath, not wanting to draw attention. Once they passed by, Alex breathed again.

  “Do you remember where the entry point was?” Jeffrey whispered.

  “No, I thought you did.”

&
nbsp; “It looks a lot different now. There weren’t all these streets and buildings.”

  “Wait, it was past the Red and White Springs. Do you think they’re still here?”

  “Ask her.” Jeffrey pointed to the same woman.

  Alex tapped her on the shoulder. “Pardon me again, but do you know where the Red and White Springs are located?”

  “Of course. They’re on the way.” The woman nodded. “The Springs are a landmark in the village. The Red Springs are at the Chalice Well, but it closes at five. The White Springs are across the street. I’ll show it to you.”

  “Thanks.” Alex smiled and glanced at Jeffrey. She squeezed his hand and nodded.

  The procession made its way slowly across the street. A police officer stood on each corner and kept a close eye on traffic. The procession turned left at the corner and continued on. Thus far, none of the policemen had noticed her. Alex felt relieved, but on edge.

  After a few minutes, the woman turned around and pointed. “The Red Springs are just ahead. See the sign for the Chalice Well? The White Springs are across the street. It’s near the entrance to the Tor. I hope you’ll join us.”

  “Thank you very much.” Alex smiled.

  Chapter 17

  SUPER MOON

  The procession crossed the street for the pathway to the Tor. There was only one small gate, so a crowd gathered at the bottom. Jeffrey and Alex stepped aside to let the rest of people go by. They stood by a tall brick wall, staring at the empty street to the left. Dark colored water poured out of an opening at the bottom of the wall.

  Alex tasted it with her finger and spat it out. “That’s it. The Red Springs. It still tastes awful.”

  “Well, it does say it’s not for drinking.” Jeffrey pointed to a sign.

  Alex spit again. The aftertaste lingered in her mouth. Then her sensitive hearing picked up a noise—a siren in the distance. “Do you hear that?”

  “No, what is it?” Jeffrey turned his head around to listen.