Bloodstone Heart

by T. Lynne Tolles

  "No, just as you said."

  "Good, then before we leave tomorrow we will link again.”

  "Okay," Josh said.

  "The rest of you, I guess we should call it a night. Like Dominic said, we are going to have to get up early tomorrow to get set, plus we still have to fill in the girls, Mark, and Dominic."

  They all said their goodnights, patting Josh on the shoulder as they each passed him. Josh wasn't sure if this was out of sympathy for him or if it was a congratulatory pat for the linking, but either way he was appreciative. Then Josh, too, left the room and headed up to bed, leaving Devon and Blake turning off the lights.

  As they finished up and started to leave the room, Devon said, "You know, Blake, I'm proud of you.”

  “Of me? Why?"

  “You've really taken the lead and you've done a really good job with helping Josh.”

  “You think?

  “I do. I might just have to let YOU take the lead more often.”

  “Oh, no you don't. I may be able to do it when pushed into a corner, but it doesn't mean I'm good at it. That's still your specialty. I have learned a lot though.”

  “Really? Like what?”

  “That you make your job as head of the Bloomingtons look awful damn easy, when it really isn't.”

  “Is that a compliment, Blake?”

  “Yes it is! I have a new appreciation for your people skills and your leadership skills. I guess I always took that for granted. It isn’t so easy having everyone depend on you to come up with a plan or to fix all the problems.”

  “Wow, Blake! I should take off more often," Devon chuckled as they went up the stairs together.

  "I hope you don't. I kind of...missed you."

  "Did you now?"

  "Oh, shut up and go to bed," Blake teased.

  "Kind of bossy, aren't you? Give a guy the reins for a while and he starts getting all cocky!" Devon said as he smiled at his brother and closed the front door behind him.

  "Pain in the butt, dweeb..." Blake muttered. He was quite sure that Devon heard him, but he didn't care. He had missed his brother, more than he would ever like to admit, and he was sure glad Devon was here now even if he was another person to tease Blake incessantly.

  Chapter 32

  Josh never did sleep that night. Even if he could, he wasn't sure he wanted to see Lanie so beat up and not be of any use to her. He thought about the plan they had come up with and about a hundred ways that it could all fall apart. Aside from this stupid communication thing Blake was so psyched about, and handing over the stone, Josh was of no use. He wasn't a vampire. He couldn't possibly fight one! He wasn't a werewolf, either, and he certainly had no magical powers to add to the fight.

  It pained Josh that he couldn't be more help and to some extent he wished he could be the one to swoop in and save Lanie like some gallant knight, but he would have to let the others do the fighting - his fighting.

  The morning sun started to peer over the horizon when Josh heard stirring downstairs. He was awake anyway, so he felt he might as well go downstairs and see if he could be of some help to Bernard. He made his way through the quiet hall and down the grand stairs. One hand felt through the bandages that the swelling had gone down some but the stitches were still store and a bit itchy. He peeked into the study just to see if Dominic was up, but no one was there. He made his way to the kitchen to find Bernard scurrying around in a blur of activity.

  "Can I help?" Josh asked quietly.

  "Yes. Thank you. Could you cut the oranges in that bowl into halves and then run them through the juicer?"

  "Sure," Josh said gratefully. Maybe Bernard sensed his need to be useful in some way. They quietly worked together and Josh found it nice. Bernard had a way about him that eased a person’s anxiousness. He seemed to know if you wanted to talk, or didn't. He could see why he and Dominic had enjoyed such a long and lasting friendship. After about fifteen minutes, Dominic shuffled into the kitchen surprised to see Josh up and helping Bernard.

  "Good morning, gentlemen," Dominic said.

  Bernard answered, "Good morning, Master Dominic."

  Josh nodded and said, "Morning."

  Dominic started to make the coffee. "Did you get ANY sleep last night, Josh?" he asked.

  "Umm...yes, a bit," Josh replied.

  "You're a bad liar, Josh," Dominic said with a smile. Josh smiled and continued with his juicing.

  "How did the linking go last night?" Dominic asked.

  "Blake seemed happy with the results," Josh answered.

  "How are you doing with all this?" Dominic prodded.

  "Fine, I guess," Josh lied.

  "Hmm," Dominic said, "I know if I were in your shoes, I'd be going nuts. Seeing and feeling all these things happening to someone you care about, but you can't be there to help. Maybe even feeling a little useless because you can't be involved in the fight to get her back."

  Dominic never looked at Josh, who was dumbstruck by how Dominic had hit the nail right on the head about how he was feeling. Bernard stayed out of it, but he knew Dominic, and he knew where he was going with the conversation.

  "It takes a strong man - a smart man - to know his limits even when his pride wants to step in. Somehow I think your talents will prevail today and save us all along with Miss Harper, not in blood and fight, but something significant, just the same." Still Dominic didn't look at Josh while he spoke, but Josh stared at him until he stopped speaking. Dominic grabbed a tray of bagels and toast and headed for the dining room. Josh watched him leave and in doing so met Bernard's eyes. Bernard was smiling serenely and Josh dropped his eyes instantly.

  “Can you bring the juice with you, when you are done?" Bernard said as he too grabbed a tray and the coffee pot and headed for the dining room.

  Josh juiced the last half of orange and transferred it to a pitcher and carried it into the dining room, where everyone was now seated.

  He took his seat and joined them in eating breakfast. When the meal came to an end, Bernard was quick to grab the dishes because he knew Dominic had things to discuss before they all left for New York.

  Dominic wiped his mouth with his napkin and cleared his throat. "I was doing some research last night before I went to bed and found something that might help us in our quest to get Miss Harper back." He got up and grabbed a file folder from the table behind him and brought it to the table. In it was a very old vellum drawing and he carefully unfolded it and spread it out in the center of the large table.

  "This is a drawing of the tunnels and foundations of the castle and other structures, but unlike the drawings that the city has that most anyone can get a hold of, this has hand drawn images that I believe Mr. Boldt himself added."

  He pointed at an area near the east end of the island on the drawing. "As you can see, the guests would enter through the great arched gate. The guests were intended to follow this winding path along the swan pond and then wind through the grounds up to the house. In order for Mr. Boldt and his family to greet their guests quickly without meandering through the gardens, he put in this tunnel that branches off from the other tunnel going to the Alster Tower. One of the huge columns of the arch has a door in it and since this tunnel is not on the map that most can get their hands on, I think this is our best way in."

  Blake said, "This is great stuff, Dominic. Thank you. This most definitely will give us the advantage of surprise. I too, have been thinking about how we should proceed and would like to share some ideas. I was looking over the map I have. We know that Dimitri has eight vampires fighting with him. If I were him, I’d put look outs around the island, and I would put them here.” Blake pointed to several points on the map. “Obviously someone at the tunnel entrance near the docks, Alster Tower, the Powerhouse, Dove Cote, the Northeast tower, the swan pond, and the Northwestern tower. That would give a pretty good view of anyone coming in by boat in any direction. That is our biggest problem right now, being seen as we approach the island. Any suggestions on how we can get past
that little problem?”

  Everyone was quiet for a moment and then Sally said, "I might have an idea. We could veil you. Obviously some of us would have to be seen because a boat arriving to the island with no one on it would certainly arouse suspicion. However, if a group of friends were coming to the island for a picnic who just happened to be veiling the vampires and werewolves on board, I think it could be done."

  "Perfect, Sally. Really great,” said Blake. “So we all pile into the boat, and a veil is set on Dominic, Devon, Anton, Dean, Rowan, and I. Once we get to the arch, we disembark, concealed by the arch, and find the door to the tunnel. The others proceed to the grounds as if they are having a picnic. Dimitri will take Josh to the tunnel entrance at the other end of the island near the Powerhouse.

  “I think we should all try to have a mental image of this tunnel map; maybe if some of you want to jot down some notes, I’ll point out the rooms. The tunnel system starts at the dock and initially runs north. About a hundred feet in, there will be a branch off to the left/east. That tunnel goes to the Powerhouse and you will notice water pipes and electrical piping coming from this tunnel and running all through the tunnels. Continuing north in the passage another twenty-five feet or so, will be a tunnel that heads to the west. This tunnel goes to the Dove Cote.”

  Dean jumped in, “What is a Dove Cote?”

  “It's a hennery, or huge breeding house for birds. Boldt was big into birds." Dean nodded and Blake continued, "Continue north through the tunnel under the Italian gardens. Just as the tunnel starts to make a slow sweeping right you’ll pass the pump room for the fountain in the garden. Following the tunnel it will turn right turn at a ninety-degree angle and a tunnel will appear to the left heading east. It runs the length of the castle. Next you will find an angling tunnel to the left that will take you to Alster Tower. This is the tunnel that Devon, Dominic and I will be using to enter the tunnel system from the Arch. You will pass the pantry, the staircase to the kitchen above, the wine cellar and a meat locker. This corner by the meat locker is where the secret panel is that leads south to the altar room. Just past the meat locker is the room I think Melanie is being held. Anton, do you want to take it from here since you’ve been there?"

  Anton said, "Right! At this corner there are three large wine casks built into the wall. They are about eight feet tall and six feet wide - you certainly can't miss them. On the vat to the far left is a tiny black orchid near the spigot. Turn the top of the spigot, the way you might turn a doorknob. You will hear a loud click and the whole face of the cask will swing open like a door."

  Blake nodded at Anton when he finished and continued. "This tunnel will take you to the altar room. So far as I can tell, there are no other entrances to this room, so once we are at this point there will be no surprising them so speed is of the utmost importance."

  Darby asked, "So have we decided what to do about the stone?"

  Dominic answered, "I'm afraid that it will have to be destroyed, my dear. Evil seems to find it no matter where it is hidden. I find this regrettable. You know how I love history and its antiquities, but I just don't know of any other way to keep it out of harm’s way."

  Darby asked, "Are you sure it CAN be destroyed?"

  "No. I'm not sure of anything, but I do think that the only thing that can destroy it is good."

  "What do you mean?" asked Devon.

  "Well, just as it was made from love, it must be destroyed with love. It had never been intended to be used for evil. It draws on the powers around it. If evil is around, it serves evil. If love is around, it serves love. We've seen that when it is around love, it is much stronger and more powerful than when used for evil, and that is why I believe if those who are good find it is in danger of being used for evil, it can be destroyed to prevent this misuse."

  "Interesting," Darby said. "I think I know a way to destroy it then, if Sally and Alyssa will help me with the wording."

  They both nodded. Darby asked, "But how will we know it's time for us to be there, or that you need us?"

  Blake answered, "Devon via Josh. You've been able to hear Devon before, but when Josh links us, it will boost Devon's powers and you should be able to hear him from anywhere on the island. I would say the picnickers should stay somewhat close to the arch so that you can have quick access to the tunnels.

  "Once you are in, follow it to where it merges with the Alster Tower tunnel and head left toward the middle of the island. That will merge with the other tunnel at the foundation of the castle near the pantry. When you meet this junction turn left to the end and then right. Follow that to the end where the three giant casks are.

  "Once the girls are there to destroy the stone, Mark, you get Josh and Melanie out of the tunnels to safety."

  "Not to be a Negative Norman, but, what if Melanie isn't in the altar room?" Dean said.

  "Then it will be Mark’s and Josh's job to find her."

  "And how am I supposed to do that? I don't have any psychic powers," Mark said rather concerned.

  "You're a P.I. - do what you do best. Besides, Josh has been having episodes of feeling Melanie's pain and projecting to her. You'll find a way and we will join in the search as soon as we get control of the situation in the altar room.

  "Oh and Josh, if you feel one of these episodes coming on while you are with Dimitri, do everything you can to control it. He will use this to your disadvantage if he knows there is some kind of link between the two of you."

  "Right," Josh said quietly.

  “Any other questions or thoughts?” Blake asked.

  Nobody spoke up, so Blake continued, "Then I say we get this show on the road and meet back here in twenty minutes and head to the airport."

  Dominic said, "Right, I have a small jet waiting for us to leave as soon as we arrive."

  Josh looked up in surprise. "Thank you, Dominic, that's very kind of you."

  Blake said, "Yeah, thanks Dominic, that will be a big time saver."

  Dominic replied, "It's the least I can do," and he smiled at Josh as they all got up from the table and started up the stairs to get ready to head for New York.

  Lying on the floor in the pitch black, Melanie woke slowly. Everything hurt, her face, her hands, her feet, her knees, everything. With her hands and feet still tied she rolled over on her back on the cold stone floor of the small room. She had no idea what time it was, or for that matter, what day it was. How long have I been out?

  She lay there for a moment collecting her energy and tried to sit up. It hurt to do so, but she managed it. She sat there for a minute or two, before the handsome but cruel Dimitri unlocked the door and entered. He yanked her arm and her body followed in an upward standing position. He dragged her out of the room and down a tunnel. After quite some time she thought she saw a bowling alley, but that couldn't be right. She must be losing her mind. What would a bowling alley be doing in an underground tunnel?

  He pulled her up some stairs and then out into the morning sunshine that caught Melanie off her guard. She could barely see as her eyes had become so sensitive from being in the dark, not to mention being drained of so much blood. Her head swam in a grayish fog, and she thought she was going to be sick, but instead her knees buckled and everything went black again.

  When she woke, she and Dimitri were in a boat racing towards a huge building on the water. As she looked around, she could see a huge castle on an island behind Dimitri. The engine of the boat slowed as it came to a small dock outside the building. There were two gigantic doors that seemed to almost touch the water. What the heck is this place? she thought.

  Dimitri pulled her out of the boat, thrusting her to her knees on the small dock. She sat there as he got out of the boat and again he yanked her to a standing position. She wanted to yell, but she still had duct tape tightly in place over her mouth. He smiled at her as if he was enjoying himself immensely and they walked to a back door in the huge building down the dock towards the shore.

  Once they were in the building
it dawned on Melanie what the building was - it was a very old, very big boathouse. It could have housed several huge yachts and a couple of smaller sailboats along with dozens of other boats. The ceiling had to be at least seventy feet high or more, to accommodate the large mast of the sailboat she saw.

  They meandered on a maze of docks until finally they slowed and he shoved her into some ancient looking dinghy. The wood was rough and grey from age with next to no sign of its once shiny lacquer coat. There was a hint of white paint in places and maybe a little trimming in red, but she wasn't quite sure. She landed hard in the middle of the boat between the two horizontal boards that were used as seats. The boat wiggled in the water back and forth after she landed and just as it was settling down, Dimitri, jumped like a panther into the boat near her, hardly rocking the boat at all.

  Dimitri had his familiar bag at the bow of the boat and he grabbed it, tearing into it like a ferocious beast. He pulled out more rope. Not more rope! she thought to herself. He tied her already tied wrists, looping a long piece of rope into a knot around them, and then tied the end to the bow of the boat through an eye bolt, probably used for towing the dinghy on occasion. Next he grabbed more rope and tied up her feet, securing them to the stern somehow, looping through what the anchor must have been tied to.

  Lastly, he took out a cordless drill with a quarter inch bit. What the heck? Is he going to drill me to death with a bunch of holes? Why take me to a boat if he was going to do that? He moved towards her smiling as he pulled the trigger of the cordless drill making it rev. WHIR! WHIR! WHIR! It reminded Melanie of a scene from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Her eyes widened and she screamed as loud as she could, but behind the duct tape it was just a muffled cry no one but Dimitri would ever hear. Then he leaned down casually and drilled a small hole in the bottom of the boat not far from her shin. Within a few seconds she felt the trickle of water making its way towards her leg.

  Pleased with himself, Dimitri grabbed his bag, shoved the drill into it, and leaped out of the boat onto the dock. He turned towards her and saluted her, saying, "Bon Voyage, ma chérie." He turned in a flash and was gone. A second later she thought she heard a door shut and some kind of metal noise, maybe a lock, but she wasn't sure and it was quite a ways away.