HEX

by Stacy Charasidis

  “Kellar, go see the nurse. Barrington, come with me.” She marched Luke to the principal’s office and closed the door. “Sit,” she said, pushing him into a chair and then leaning against the principal’s desk. “Nice punch. That kid’s an asshole. Had it coming to him, but that’s not the point,” she said pointedly. “Look, I’m not going to write you up this time, but I’m going to warn you. The mood in the yard is ugly. Kids don’t channel fear well, especially when they don’t realize they’re scared. They turn into real shit bags, bigger shit bags than they normally are, if that’s even possible.”

  Luke was shocked at the teacher’s language, but she just laughed. “A polite kid. Wow, but there’s no time for that. I know you two broke up, but please ask Sadie to be careful. All this propaganda against the Kellars is making stupid even stupider.”

  “I will.”

  “Good boy,” she nodded in approval then told him to get out.

  Hannah was waiting for him as he left the office. Despite all his efforts during their coffee “date,” and subsequent other small rendezvous with her, he had been unable to extract any information on the elusive hate mail writer. She normally had no problems confiding in him, but she wouldn’t budge on this. He now suspected it was her.

  “You okay?” she asked with concern. She linked her arm in his.

  “Fine,” Luke said abruptly. He wanted to pull his arm away from her but he restrained himself from being rude.

  “Luke, I know you have a soft spot for Sadie, but she’s only getting what she deserves.”

  Luke felt himself flush with anger as loyalty for Sadie reared up. “Why do you say that?” he asked through gritted teeth.

  “Because she’s a witch, and she’s infecting the whole town. She’s a disease, Luke, and she needs to be eradicated.”

  Luke was frozen. Did his friend Hannah, a girl he’d known since he was a baby, just suggest Sadie needs eradicating? What the hell was wrong with her? She was so twisted.

  “I know you think I’m twisted, Luke,” Hannah smiled, “but strange things are happening! Milk curdles, people getting bad luck after spilling salt or breaking a mirror. I’ve seen it!”

  “That isn’t Sadie’s fault,” Luke said tightly, controlling his anger with effort. He searched wildly for another reason other than “it’s a demon.”

  “I know you’re just trying to protect her,” Hannah said soothingly, “but what other explanation is there?” Hannah stopped in front of the vending machine. “Do you want anything? My treat!”

  “No,” Luke said tersely. Hannah pulled out her change, and then he saw it. The gold coin with the demon’s face. Danner’s penny. “Where did you get that?” Luke asked Hannah as he reached for the coin.

  “Why?” she asked suspiciously. Her good mood was gone. She closed her fingers over the coin.

  He thought fast. “I’ve never see anything like it,” Luke said winningly. “Is it a mule? Can I have a look?”

  “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Hannah said, stuffing her change back in her pocket. Not Luke, she thought. She had to protect him. “Anyway, I’m only holding it for a friend.”

  Luke didn’t push, but now he knew Hannah was compromised, and now he knew who the Sadie hater was. “Sure, Hannah, no problem.”

  Superstition County

  September 14

  Dear Nathalie,

  I got the news of Mr. Green’s murder. Both Gabe and I were shocked at what happened. I’m going to try to get to the cemetery to pay my respects. “Sinus” was a headache at times, but he did do right by me when I needed letters of recommendation to pursue my studies. I’m sorry he’s gone and that he died in terror.

  Gabe was able to translate more of the book. It has to be fiction, I mean, really, this is unbelievable. Get this—apparently this town guards the prison of a demon named Dannerlich. The lore goes that Dannerlich betrayed his demon brothers by using them to help him open some sort of portal from the demon realm to the mortal realm, which he escaped through, but didn’t let them use. He wreaked havoc around here in the 1500s, using human fear and superstition, and watched as the people blamed and murdered each other (which they did—according to Klaus Deitriche, the author. Humans are laughably easy to manipulate). At the end of the century, one of the town leaders discovered Dannerlich’s existence and set out to get rid of him, once and for all. Anyway, it took a group of five people—two powerful puritans, one witch, and two people they called old ones (or faerie—we’re not sure what they are), to imprison him. Superstition was set up around the prison to guard it so that he wouldn’t escape. The “way of life” Klaus was complaining about was instituted deliberately. Trust me, modernization will never come to Superstition while the demon is imprisoned here.

  There is a catch. Nothing is foolproof, not even Dannerlich’s cage. Like most things evil, he can be freed through a “calling of blood” in his name. From the language, Gabe says it can’t be just a cut or a stab wound. It has to be a large act, like a murder. And, it wouldn’t work with only a one-person sacrifice! To free an entity like Dannerlich from the prison he’s in, it would have to be a bloodbath since it took some serious mojo just to banish him. Apparently blood multiplies power, so the more blood spilled, the more powerful the call, the easier it would be to break the locks and free him. I’ve stopped calling Klaus the crazy German. He was probably one of the five (unconfirmed), but it doesn’t say who the other five were. Only the initials of the witch that participated were recorded—EVV if that helps you in any way.

  Klaus also wrote extensively about Dannerlich’s conquests. Apparently, he couldn’t keep it in his pants, if you know what I mean. His ladies of choice were witches, and he had a lover IN BARRINGTON. Klaus did not know who it was, but I think we can all guess. Danner was finally banished in 1597, which is the founding year of Superstition.

  I tried chatting up one of the local girls, her name is Penance (don’t ask) and she says that Superstition has always been this way (odd—where Superstitions are true). She didn’t realize it wasn’t like that in other places!!! She wasn’t particularly helpful until Gabe batted his long eyelashes at her. I think she likes him. It’s kind of annoying. He gets invited to every girl’s house for dinner. He claims it’s his raven black hair, good looks and dashing personality. Ugh. Anyway, he asked her if she’d ever heard an old legend or story of a demon trapped in this town, perhaps named Danner or Dane? She said no, but unconsciously made the sign to ward off evil. I’ve since asked a few of the townspeople to see what they know of the history of Superstition, and no one knows or remembers anything much. It’s nothing like Barrington, whose history is told and retold in every boring detail.

  We found one more thing of interest, an actual, official, record of the Kellar burning in an old, dusty journal belonging to a…Dame N. Parquhar! The book you’ve been looking for! According to this, she was “appointed to writt, as scribe official of Barrington, the horrible deeds and the righteous sentencing of the Kellar witch who hath consorted with the devil, performing many misdeeds as proclaimed by the Mayor of Barrington, and so payeth with her life. May God have mercy on her soul.” We took a quick look at the journal, but it’s hard to read. Like Klaus’s book, the writing has faded and the wording is archaic and hard to understand. Like I said before, no one could spell for shit!

  As for the hex…Willow Kellar placed a hex on the families in Barrington that burned her at the stake in 1595. The hex is simple but brutal. Check the history book you got at the bookstore in the summer to see if the family names are listed. Now that it’s no longer a secret to have your family’s name associated as one of the witnesses, they may be printed somewhere since now it makes you famous! Shameful! Anyway, the list of “attendees,” according to Dame Parquhar, was originally kept a secret, but she recorded them: Bakers, Browns, Farmers, Smiths, Sweetes, and of course, Barringtons.

  I’m going to continue researching the demon. We’ll let you know what we find out. I’ve enclosed Dame Pa
rquhar’s diary. I was able to smuggle that one out. Good luck with it.

  Oh, and feed me some news on you and Dean! Finally, I mean really. I’m pretty much love starved over here and need a little bit of gossip! Gabe’s telling me I’m nosey. He’s the one who’s nosey—always asking me questions about myself. You’re my sister! Of course I’m nosey! What an as…donkey, and I don’t care if he’s a Barrington. I’m not telling him anything. I see him flirting with all the girls in town, and they’re just mooning over him. It’s disgusting! Although I have to admit, he’s a great sleuth.

  Love,

  Rain

  Hi Nathalie, it’s Gabriel Barrington writing. Rain has no idea I’ve opened her letter before posting it and am adding in my note. However shameful that may be, I don’t care. I’m desperate! I need some insight into your sister. Can you write me and tell me a bit about her? She’s so secretive and stubborn! She won’t listen to me (or anyone for that matter), and I’m afraid she’s in danger. I did NOT read her letter to you (above), but I couldn’t help noticing the last line. I am NOT flirting with all the girls. I’ve always gotten a lot of female attention and have had to spend my life managing them, especially now since we need information and Rain’s about as popular here as electricity. Personally, I find females EXTREMELY ANNOYING AND THEY CONTINUE TO RUIN MY LIFE EVEN IN ANOTHER TOWN!!! Oh, except for you, of course. Please, help a brother out. If you decide to, please give your letter to Luke and he’ll post it.

  Much appreciated, Gabriel Barrington

  PS: I’ll pay anything. Name your price!

  Nathalie’s Journal—Entry for Friday, September 20

  Everything clicked into place today after reading Rain’s letter. Dannerlich is imprisoned and he wants out. To get out he needs energy to weaken his cage. To break the lock, he needs blood—a lot of it—hence his interest in helping Willow’s hex come to fruition. I’m sure she doesn’t care whose name the murders are called in, as long as there are murders.

  It’s a good thing the barn spell is protecting us all from Danner by cutting him off from the energy building in Barrington. I don’t even want to think of what would have happened if Sadie hadn’t activated that spell. Dannerlich’s prison would be pretty weak by now, and I’m quite sure he would have followed through on his threat to break my fingers. Thankfully, he remains trapped. But if Willow is successful, and makes her blood call, all hell will break loose, literally.

  At least I’ll be dead, or will I?? The Parkers aren’t on the list, but we’re still involved. Lucky me.

  Luke and Dean were not very surprised when I told them what Rain and Gabriel had found out from Danner’s tome. I don’t think anything can surprise us anymore.

  Time to write some letters. There certainly seems to be some (lovers?) tension between Gabriel and Rain. Poor guy, Rain can be a tough nut to crack, and it’s obvious he likes her. Like me and Dean, it may take her a bit longer to figure out what she’s feeling. I think I’ll be nosey for a change and do a little innocent interfering!

  Barrington County

  September 20

  Dear Gabriel,

  I got your note and have decided to take pity on you and help you out.

  Rain is very independent and headstrong, so make sure you treat her like an equal—a partner in crime, if you will. The more you try to coddle and protect her, which is what it sounds like from your desperate note, the more she’ll hate your guts. She’s pretty simple to understand. She may be petite and gorgeous, but just don’t treat her like a girl.

  She’ll warm up—it just takes time. (I know, it has been months, but that’s not long in Rain’s world.) Rain will always let you know that you matter and that what you do is worthwhile. That is one of her greatest gifts. She needs the same back. Do not take her for granted. Make sure you’re honest with her, even if the words are hard or embarrassing. If you take a step, she’ll take a leap. The trust and openness will come right after.

  Now, about the girl thing…well, Rain is still a girl, after all. If you’ve joined forces then she sees you both as a team. But if you keep going around town trying to “smooth” things over with the ladies to make life easier, to Rain it still looks as if you’re some sort of Romeo who doesn’t know what he wants, which I suspect is not the case (I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt, here). Say something special or complimentary about Rain to the other girls that shows how you set her apart, and that shows she means something to you. Need I say, DO IT IN FRONT OF HER, otherwise your efforts will be for nothing. That’ll go a long way . . .

  Best of luck,

  Nathalie

  PS: I’m going to take a chance and read between the lines here, for the both of you. Rain’s idea of a good time is a “French” picnic—fresh hot baguette, sharp cheese, fruit, and wine. Warm chocolate chip cookies are a bonus, but DO NOT get her to bake them for you. That’ll just ruin the mood. I suggest you bribe one of the ladies in town—N

  PPS: This information is going to cost you $40. Send it via Luke. I would never charge you normally, however, Sadie needs a new dress and she refuses to accept any help from Luke now that they’ve broken up, and her aunt is certifiable. He’s very upset so I’ve decided to interfere. Thanks.

  Barrington County

  September 20

  Dear Rain,

  Thank you for “borrowing” the journal for me. It’s absolutely priceless! All the information we’ve been trying to gather piecemeal is in this book!

  Thank you for the information on the demon. It helps a lot.

  Also, give poor Gabriel a break. I’m sure he’s just trying to help you with the Superstition girls so you get the information you’re looking for. You KNOW that you’re not always that tactful, and, well…the Barringtons are very polished, and I’m sure he’s using all his charm to get people to talk—for your benefit!

  Otherwise…I might suspect a little possessiveness on your part. Are you jealous my sweet sister? After all, Gabriel is an extremely handsome young man…and you’re a beauty in your own right! Perhaps you should be writing me about YOUR love life????

  I’ll write you soon,

  Love,

  Nathalie

  Superstition County

  September 27

  Dear Nathalie,

  Here is $100 to help Sadie. Buy something pretty for yourself at the same time. Your advice was…priceless.

  Gabe

  Wednesday, September 25

  The Barrington Estate

  Mid week the kids finally cornered John Barrington. He had aged in the last month. Heavy lines from stress marked his face, but he tried his best to be interested in the kids’ project. They were sitting in the living room waiting for Luke to join them.

  “So, what’s this project Luke has been hinting to me about?” John asked, relaxing back in his chair and looking at Dean and Nathalie.

  Luke walked into the room with a tray of drinks and snacks and deftly closed and locked the door before placing the tray on the coffee table.

  John looked at his son oddly. “Is that really necessary Luke?” he asked, referring to the locked door.

  “We think so,” Luke said.

  “Actually, our project is about the town’s most famous historical moment, the burning of Willow Kellar and the hexing of the witnesses.”

  John Barrington didn’t even try to sidestep them. He looked at Luke and frowned. “So you are the heir, the one they call The Seer. I was hoping the true sight would manifest in me,” he sighed, “but it really does go only to one person in a generation. I’d hoped to spare you this.”

  “You’re not the right age, dad. All of us are seventeen, except for the Browns, where there is no heir.” Luke shook his head. “So, you knew what was happening to me? Why didn’t you warn me? I had to figure this all out on my own,” he said with heat.

  “I’m sorry, son. I suspected when you mentioned something to me in July, but you never said anything again. Trust me son, this power doesn’t come unless you need it. It�
��s one of the first signs in Jacob’s diary:

  ‘…and The Seer will manifest his power in the presence of great evil, and what was hidden will now be revealed to his eyes…’”

  John quoted from memory. “Either that or the ‘Lore Keeper’ manifests first, as it did with Nettie. Of course, back then, no one knew what was happening, hence the written record. Anyway, you seemed normal, you had a new girlfriend, and I’ve just been so…”

  “Distracted?” Dean offered.

  “Well, yes, in a manner of speaking.”

  “Did you say ‘Nettie,’ Mr. Barrington?” Nathalie asked sharply.

  “Yes, Dame Nettie Parquhar. She’s your ancestor. The Parkers are one of the original families in Barrington. So, you’re the Lore Keeper I take it?”

  “Yes, it would appear to be. I didn’t realize that Nettie was a…relation,” Nathalie said slowly.

  “Yes, she is. The spelling may be different, but not your blood. No one spelled names consistently back then. Your family’s evolved into Parker.”

  “Spelling is important!” Dean exclaimed with wonder. “I’m sure my grade school teachers are smirking with satisfaction right now!”

  “Things are clicking into place, little by little,” Nathalie said ominously as she took out her leather notebook and flipped it open. “So, to confirm, the homes marked with blood are also the families that were hexed.”

  “Yes, but we kept the list from the press so as not to cause mass fear, in case anyone is keeping track. We’ve had a lot of proclaimed ‘witches’ and ‘hex hunters’ come through Barrington to monitor ‘the signs’ over the years. We try to keep information from those pests. They can cause a lot of trouble.”