“You’re like an ostrich,” Steven said. “Burying your head in the sand! It won’t kill you to at least walk up there and see what we’re dealing with.”
Roy opened his eyes and looked as though he was going to explode. Steven had seen his father angry before, but not this angry.
“Maynard, would you let me speak to my son, alone?” Roy asked through gritted teeth.
“Uh, sure,” Maynard said, rising up from the comfortable chair he’d just situated himself in moments before. “I’ll go up to my room for a while. Come find me if there’s more action.” He walked off the porch and they heard him enter the breezeway before the remarkable sound dampening qualities of Eximere swallowed up his exit.
“What makes you think I could have resisted that, either?” Roy said, still angry. “Why would I want that temptation dangled in front of me? One of the nice things about being my age is that I know myself pretty well. If you force me to go up there, and I see certain things in that access point, I’m likely to jump right through. Is that what you want?”
Steven wasn’t sure how he had expected his father to react, but this wasn’t it. “No, I don’t want that.”
“Then leave me be and respect my wishes on this,” Roy said. “I know you want to do it. You say it’s to hunt down Unser, or to close the access point, but it’s not. It’s because you think you can see your son again. I admit I was wrong about Michael and Jurgen. You were right, they had to be stopped, and leaving them alive was a bad idea. But this is different. You won’t stop Unser if you go to the Dark River. You’ll just get swallowed up by it,” he said. Steven saw moisture forming in his eyes. “You’ll be gone. Just like him. You’ll never come back. And I’ll go to my grave without my grandson or my son.”
Roy pressed his lips together and looked away.
Steven stammered for something to say. Roy was the most stoic man he’d ever known. He hadn’t cried at the officers’ funeral, and he didn’t recall seeing him cry over Jason. Even at his mother’s funeral, Roy had held up. Seeing him upset, now, was disarming.
“Dad,” Steven said, kneeling down next to the chair Roy was sitting in, “are you sure you can live with it, as it is? That giant thing, sitting up there, above our heads, just hanging there? Waiting?”
“I’m not scared of it,” Roy said, not turning to look at him. “I’m far more scared of you. Of what you might do in the middle of the night. You’ll remember seeing Jason up there, and you’ll lose it, you’ll walk right up those stairs and let it take you. What a mistake I’ve made!”
“Mistake?”
“Not raising you to be scared of it, like my dad did with me. You don’t have the fear of it that you should have. You think it’s some happy place where Jason is waiting to talk to you and say, ‘no problem, Dad.’ You don’t see the price you’d pay for that.”
“Dad,” Steven said. “If it matters this much to you, fine, I promise you I won’t pursue it.”
Roy turned to look at him, wiping moisture from his eyes with the back of his hand. “You give me your solemn oath?”
“I do,” Steven said, smiling at his father and reaching out to grab the arm of Roy’s chair. “I won’t pursue it. I’ll move the wardrobe back into place and nail it to the wall, if you want.”
Roy laughed. “OK, you do that,” he said, reaching out to pat his son’s hand. “You do that. But I will hold you to this promise, son. You can never break it, alright?”
“Alright,” Steven said.
Roy stood, and Steven stood up with him. Then Steven threw his arms around his father and hugged him. Roy seemed surprised by the hug, freezing up momentarily. Then he relaxed and wrapped his arms around his son.
“If I went there,” Steven said, “I may get to see Jason again, but I’d lose you. I can’t stand the idea of losing you.”
“Thank you, son,” Roy said, patting him on the back. “Thank you.”
◊
Steven had tried to sleep for hours, but it was fitful. He’d drift off for a little while, then he’d wake up, and he felt as though he’d been trying to force himself to sleep for a long time.
Second night in a row, he thought. Maybe I should just wake up and read for a while.
He sat up in bed, reached over to the light on the nightstand, and clicked it on.
He jumped when he suddenly realized he wasn’t alone in his room. There was a figure standing at the foot of his bed. It was faint, and he could see through it to the wall and furniture on the other side.
Steven unconsciously pulled the covers around him.
The figure was slowly materializing as it drifted around the corner of the bed. It stopped when it reached the side. Steven strained to make out details of the figure, but not enough of the entity had formed.
Then he saw the axe handle, and the blade, buried in the chest of the figure. He knew who it was.
Jason? he asked.
The features on the figure’s face began to clear, and Steven saw the eyes of his son, looking down at him.
Am I dreaming? Steven wondered.
No, we’re in the River, Jason replied.
Steven felt a warmth pass through him as he saw his son’s animated features, moving, talking, looking at him. He wanted to reach out, but he knew there was nothing to touch.
I thought you might have crossed over, Steven said.
I did, Jason said. I hung around a few days after it happened. Was shocked to find out about this place when you buried me here. I picked up on most of the details. After a couple of weeks, I moved on.
But you’re back now, Steven said, the warmth he’d felt earlier dissipating as he realized someone else was with Jason. Someone was hanging back, several feet behind his son.
They brought me back, Jason said, smiling weakly. I didn’t really want to come.
They? Steven asked.
He told me his name is Yann. He’s a Ripper. I’m supposed to tell you that you have nothing to worry about. The access point will stay closed; they have no interest in it. And you can do whatever you want with Eximere, as long as you make sure the projects in the basement stay secure and running. If the vortex deteriorates again, they want you to fix it.
Steven’s head was swirling. As glad as I am to see you again, who is Yann? Why doesn’t he just show himself?
Two reasons, from what I can tell, Jason said. They think you’re more likely to go along with things if I present them to you rather than they talk to you directly. That’s why they pulled me from the other side. I think it makes sense because of reason number two, which is how disgusting they look. I think Yann must be fifty percent worms and maggots. Some of them fall off while he’s talking to you. It’s hugely distracting and disturbing. So I’m guessing that’s why.
Steven smiled at Jason’s description of Yann, even though he found it disturbing. This Yann, is that who’s behind you now?
Yes, that’s him, Jason said. He told me he won’t be talking to you. He’s just observing.
And what about Unser?
Who’s that? Jason asked.
The man who built this place, Steven replied. He’s behind all of it. What’s his interest in all this?
I don’t know, Jason said. Yann didn’t say anything about Unser. Hold on a second, Dad…
Jason turned from Steven, twisting his head to look back at the shadow behind him, having some kind of conversation that Steven couldn’t hear. He looked at his son, saw the stretching of the tendons in his neck, and his shoulders and arms, and it seemed so real to him. He knew those same tendons and arms were rotting in the ground, under the banyan tree outside; but here, in his bedroom, Jason’s figure faintly luminescent, they looked perfect, vital — alive.
Jason turned back. He won’t tell me anything about Unser, Jason said. He just told me the same thing to tell you, again. About keeping the place running in exchange for the access point staying closed.
And what if I refuse? Steven asked, knowing he wouldn’t, but wanting to see what ty
pe of game the figure who’d resurrected his son was playing.
Then there might be a third reason they chose me, Jason said, offering a weak smile. If they could pull me back from the other side, I presume they have other tricks they could pull.
I should never have buried you here, Steven said. We didn’t know all this about Eximere when we had to make that decision. If I could make it again, you’d be buried in some peaceful forest somewhere.
They’re not using me because I’m buried here, Jason said. They’re using me because they know it’s a big deal to you. My death. You could have buried me in China and they’d still be using me. They got it from your head, when you looked into the access point and saw me.
Jason, I’m sorry, you know, Steven said. So sorry. You must know I never intended to do it.
What? Jason asked. He looked down at the axe in his chest. This? I know. I knew when I looked up from the bed it wasn’t you. I know what happened.
You had your whole life ahead of you, and I cut it short.
That crazy guy in Diablo cut it short, Jason said. Not you. And if you know what’s best for you and Grandpa, you’ll stop feeling guilty over it and move on. I have. They’ll just keep using the guilt against you if you don’t.
It’s easy to say, Steven said, smiling at his son. You don’t know how it feels.
If it’ll help, I forgive you, Jason said.
Steven began to cry.
The sooner you forgive yourself, Jason continued, the less likely they are to pull me from the other side to relay messages.
Then I wouldn’t get to see you anymore, Steven said.
Honestly, I’d rather stay crossed over, Dad, Jason said. Trust me, I’m totally fine there. You don’t have to worry about me.
Steven looked at Jason, knowing he’d have to heed his son’s advice, for his sake. Looking at his boy made him sob once again, knowing a goodbye was coming. He wanted to delay it as long as possible.
Should I go with their plan? Steven asked him. Become a caretaker of this place? Keep Unser’s machines going?
I don’t know, Jason said. From what I can tell, this side of things is much more pleasant than wherever they’re from, if that helps.
They’re in a place called the Dark River, Steven said. Your grandfather considers it off-limits.
Well, if Yann was normal looking once, he sure isn’t now. Bits of him drip and drool off. If being there causes that, I’d say yeah, make sure the access point stays closed. Or you could just abandon the place.
I can’t, Steven said. Not with you buried here.
Dig me up, Jason said. Move me. I don’t care.
Eliza said you’d say that, Steven replied, smiling.
I wish I could do more to help you, Jason said. I really don’t know much more than I’ve already told you. I don’t know if you can trust these people, and I don’t know if you should stay here. It’s up to you.
Tell them I’ll think about it, Steven said. If I move your body, that means it’s a “no.” And tell them if anything else happens to you, and they don’t leave you alone on the other side, we’re through. If they pull you back again, they’ll have made an enemy for life, and I’ll make sure they have all kinds of trouble with this place. Make sure they know.
OK Dad, I’ll tell them, Jason said, smiling. It was nice to talk to you again, though. I do miss you. Tell Grandpa Roy hi for me, will you?
I will, Steven said, sensing the goodbye was imminent. Jason’s features were fading, becoming indistinct like they had appeared before he’d seen the axe handle. I love you son.
Love you too, Dad.
He was gone.
◊
Steven could hear Roy and Maynard laughing well before he reached the kitchen, which meant they were really going at it. When Steven walked into the kitchen, he could see his father was showing Maynard the book Roy had discovered. Maynard was red from laughing.
“‘Peruse the infinite sadness’,” Roy read from the book.
Maynard laughed and slapped the table. “No more! No more! I can’t stand it!”
“‘…of the blue incline. My repast of exquisite sleep doth…’”
“Stop!” Maynard cried, trying to breathe. “Stop!”
Roy shut the book and lowered it to the table, laughing.
“Who writes like that?” Maynard said. “That thing is funnier than a snot bubble on a baby!”
Steven walked to the coffee maker and poured himself a cup, then joined the other two at the table. Maynard and Roy were still snickering.
“You look like shit!” Roy said.
“I didn’t sleep very well,” Steven said. “I don’t want to bring the mood down, but guess who paid me a visit last night.”
“A visit?” Roy said.
“Who?” Maynard asked.
“Jason,” Steven replied.
“Your son?” Maynard asked.
“Yes,” Steven replied. “He was relaying a message from Unser. Well, actually, it was from someone named Yann, who pulled him from the other side to pass along the message. But I assume Unser was behind it.”
“Pulled him over?” Roy said, angry. “That’s obscene.”
“They thought I’d agree to their proposal if it came from Jason,” Steven said.
“What proposal?” Roy asked, becoming even more angry. “Another deal? No way!”
“That’s what I thought, at first,” Steven said. “But the proposal itself isn’t bad, and there were some veiled threats if we refused.”
Steven shivered so violently both Roy and Maynard pulled back a little from him, as though he was shaking off something they might catch if they were too close. It made Roy think of redbugs.
“What’s the proposal?” Roy asked, suspicion in his voice.
“He said they want us to keep the place running,” Steven said. “Make sure the device downstairs keeps working — that seems to be the most important thing. Repair the vortex if there’s trouble again. Basically act as caretakers. In exchange, we can do what we want with the place, and they’ll make sure the access point upstairs stays closed. Says they have no interest in using it.”
“Someone’s impressed that we fixed that rod, apparently,” Maynard said.
“What about Unser?” Roy asked.
“Jason didn’t know who that was,” Steven said, “and whoever put him up to playing messenger wouldn’t talk about Unser, either.”
“Looks like you were right, Roy,” Maynard said. “He doesn’t want to come back.”
“I told him I wanted to talk it over with you two before I agreed to it,” Steven said.
“Well, there you have it, gentlemen,” Maynard said. “Problem solved.”
“I don’t like deals with these types,” Roy said.
“Me neither,” Steven said.
“But it’s probably a safe bet,” Maynard said, “because it’s mutually beneficial. You get to keep using this place. He gets to stay in the Dark River, where he wants to be.”
“I thought when people crossed over to the Dark River, they stayed there anyway,” Roy said. “What’s he need the vortex and the machine for now? Why does he care?”
“No idea,” Maynard said.
“Seems important to them,” Steven said. “That’s what they want the most from our arrangement. Protection of that device. Keep it exactly as it is.”
“But not important enough for him to come talk to us about it himself?” Roy asked.
“That’s true,” Steven replied. “Jason said this Yann character was pretty ugly to look at — riddled with maggots and worms. Maybe Unser is even worse. Either way, they knew Jason would get to me.”
“Interesting,” Maynard said.
“What do you think? Do I tell him we agree?” Steven asked.
“I suppose it’s the best outcome I could expect,” Roy said, “considering how impossible it would be to go there and try to dispatch him. He stays there, we stay here.”
“Fences make for good neighbors,” Ma
ynard said.
“Great, then that’s settled,” Steven said. “So…what’s the plan for today?”
“I’m heading back,” Maynard said. “Time to hit the road. I’m all packed up and ready to go. Want to thank you both for a most enjoyable experience.”
“We owe you,” Steven said. “We wouldn’t have known what to do if you hadn’t been willing to help.”
“Please tell Deem and Winn hi for us,” Roy said.
“Don’t know Deem, but I do know Winn,” Maynard said. “I’ve known Winn since he was a teenager. Helped him with a similar problem.”
“A vortex?” Steven asked.
“And a vorghost,” Maynard said. “Every vorghost is different. They construct their vortex for different purposes. Unser here has made the biggest, most elaborate vortex I’ve ever seen, but most of them are more simple setups, like Marie’s. They all take power to keep running, so most vorghosts are interested in what humans can do to help out in that respect.”
“Like how Unser needs us,” Steven interjected.
“Yes, kind of like that, though what Unser is up to seems way beyond what a normal vorghost wants. Most are willing to trade favors for simple things. Winn needed a simple thing, so he saw a vorghost who could help him out. I think he was shaken by it, because he came to see me after, wanted to talk about it. We’ve been friends ever since.”
“Well, please tell him hello from us,” Roy said. “We’re grateful he recommended you.”
Steven looked at Roy. “You want to head back, too?”
“Yes, after one stop,” Roy said. “Just to make sure things are OK.”
◊
Barbara poured Steven and Roy a fresh mug of coffee as the three of them sat at the table in her kitchen.
“It was nice of you to come by and check on me,” Barbara said. “The girls are off playing with friends, and Brad is at work, so it’s a little quiet around here.”
“Does that mean the problems are gone?” Steven asked. “No more visitations?”
“Nothing,” Barbara said. “I’ve caught Georgina singing a little song about ‘Murder Marie.’ The kids in the neighborhood sing it. I banned it. I think we’ve sufficiently scared her about going back to that house that she’ll not set foot in it again. At least I hope not.”
The Haunting at Grays Harbor (The River Book 8) Page 19
