by Alison Smith
‘I will. Tell Bradley that the police know that he had absolutely no involvement with the murders.’
‘But he saw them, Nik.’
‘What?’ Nik nearly jumped out of his seat. A witness?
‘He saw Monique and Elijah leave the house. At least he described two people and it sounds like them. He saw the bodies too and ran in shock. We think he was affected by either the spell there or energy or something. Katryn has been working at clearing his aura and I will help her. Then you must speak with him. But bring back Jewel first.’
Nik promised her and hoped that he could without resorting to magical means himself. That would not be a popular move as far as his superior was concerned. As he replaced the phone into its cradle he realised that she hadn’t asked him to bring Chris home. Her world had crumbled just as had the lives of so many other people. He quickly walked out of the building towards his car. He didn’t bother to maintain the illusion of stooping. He just needed to get to Hall Street as fast as possible. And if he had to use magic … if he had to manipulate anything to bring Jewel to Diana … He would.
Chapter 16
Nik drove carefully along rain sodden streets. Thunder and lightening crashed around the night sky and an impression of gloom descended upon his senses. Worldwide depression as a dark energy began to sweep glimpses of light away. His windscreen wipers were working double time as he scanned the paths looking, and hoping, that Jewel would have got away from Monique and that he wouldn’t have to enter the house. But he had to help her. A few weeks ago and the girls wouldn’t have even been able to imagine, let alone comprehend, just how much evil was about to be unleashed. He prayed that Jewel was strong enough to cope with whatever Monique had planned.
Then he saw her. Jewel. Hurtling along the path through the rain. He drew his car to a stop and called to her using both his voice and his mind. She stopped and turned towards him. He sent a beam of safety to her and she immediately crossed the road to join him.
‘Oh, Inspector Drake.’
Her voice was a whisper in his mind but Nik breathed a sigh of relief. At least she was coherent and he opened the passenger door. As she sat down he put a hand onto her shoulder. Goodness only knew what she had seen and he surrounded her with a bubble of healing whilst knowing that more would be needed before this night was over.
As he got back into the car, he saw the tears streaming down her face and silently handed her a pressed white cotton handkerchief.
‘Whenever you’re ready to talk, my dear, please do. And please call me Nik from now on. I’m a friend,’ he said quietly and started the car. They drove silently along familiar streets and towards Diana.
‘He’s dead, Nik.’ A muffled voice spoke the words that he had been dreading.
‘Chris?’
‘Yes. He betrayed us all.’ Jewel blew her nose.
Already, he sensed a strength returning to her. The same steeliness that had been in Diana’s voice earlier was becoming evident within Jewel.
‘And Anton?’ he had to ask. It was one piece of the puzzle of which he knew nothing. No one appeared to know where Anton was. Nik had tried his contacts and so had Bert.
‘She has him bound in a coffin,’ and blew her nose again. It was so obviously difficult for her. ‘Oh Nik, he’s bound with silver strands and they seem to be causing such agony. And yet there seems another layer where he’s calm. Would that be true do you think or for my benefit? Which layer is for my benefit? I’m so confused.’
Nik concentrated on the road, they were nearly at her home and he considered his words carefully.
‘Silver burns a vampire, Jewel. The metal silver will incinerate the body from the inside outward. And, I’m afraid, silver threads cause a reaction. Just not as severe. Usually. Anton does have access to deep magic…’ he knew she was listening intently and there was silence in the car. He drew to a stop outside the house and turned off the engine.
‘I’ve never been comfortable wearing silver jewellery,’ she said quietly. ‘I thought I might be allergic to it although I can wear it in ritual.’
The last statement was said in a matter of fact manner, almost as if she was finally accepting something.
‘Your birth father was a very good man, Jewel,’ he offered.
‘And my mother is truly evil.’ There was that new found surety evident in her voice and Nik was relieved. He knew that both Jewel and Diana would need such inner strength.
‘Katryn and Bradley are with Diana, Jewel. and it’s all OK - we know that Bradley had nothing to do with the actual murders.’
‘I don’t think any of us will sleep tonight, Nik. Please come in. Ask the questions that you must have. We need to share what each of us knows. Perhaps together we can piece together this puzzle. We’re linked, somehow, all of us.’
With that she got out of the car and, as Nik did the same, he considered her words. He had always seen this as a puzzle requiring a solution. How had she picked that up? And then he remembered his first impression when he had met her at the police station. That she was truly one of his own kind.
Jewel approached the front door with trepidation. Had it been just an hour? Two maybe? Diana’s fiancé had been murdered. And her own mother, Monique, had been the executioner. She pushed open the door and was vaguely aware that Nik had followed her and had quietly closed the door.
The sweet scent of lavender incense permeated the air as she walked into the living room. Diana was huddled in a chair, her face buried in her hands.
‘Hello, Sis.’ Bradley got up from the settee and immediately stepped towards her with his arms outstretched.
He called her sis? He had never called her that. Jewel looked into his face and saw new lines of grief, despair and strength. As they hugged, she wondered whether this was one of the purposes of the nightmare they all seemed to be living with. That through so much horror Bradley had found compassion towards others? As they stepped apart she was aware of Nik moving around the room and she watched as he touched Diana’s shoulder gently. Jewel vaguely remembered he had done that to her in the street. Diana gave a little jump as if waking and then her face relaxed.
Nik stood straight and tall. Jewel had a fleeting thought. Hadn’t he been stooped the last time they met? Then she realised that it wasn’t important. He was connected in a good way and needed to be here with them.
‘If you’re up to it, Bradley,’ Nik said. ‘I’d like to ask you about what you saw at the house?’ Quiet words but Jewel saw Bradley straighten his shoulders.
‘We’ll go outside,’ he said. ‘Katryn is in the kitchen. She’s heard it once and it distressed her so much. And Jewel and Diana should be alone together.’
The two men left the room and Jewel immediately went over to Diana. She sank down onto her knees and grasped Diana’s hands.
‘Whatever you do or say,’ Diana’s voice sounded stronger than Jewel had expected. ‘Don’t offer me tea. I’m swimming in it. Katryn must have used up every tea bag in the country.’ Jewel saw Diana give a watery smile. Her eyes were red rimmed and Jewel knew her own were as well.
‘Is he dead?’
Trust Diana to go straight to the point Jewel thought and nodded. ‘I’m so sorry Diana. There was nothing I could do. I didn’t even know it was Chris until after Monique had done it.’ She sat back on her heels slightly as Diana closed her eyes briefly.
‘I just don’t understand,’ Jewel said.
‘When Chris told me …’ Diana paused and gulped. ‘He took me to the park and told me everything. I think that whatever glamour Monique had held him with must have been removed by then. He said bats were everything. What do you think he meant, Jewel?’
Jewel slumped. She thought she did know. ‘Do you remember the vision I had in front of the fire? William had just given me the Woden egg. And there was a message?’ She saw Diana frown and continued. ‘It was something about being wary of the bats?’
‘Yes,’ Diana thought for a moment. ‘Even though Chris loved them
so, I thought his reaction was a little strong.’
‘Sable said something about losing her ability to shape shift when she lost her eyes.’ Jewel struggled to remember whether Sable had said anything else.
‘Some vampires can shift,’ Diana said almost musingly. ‘And there are the legends about werewolves and vampire bats. That could be a part of it. Chris wouldn’t have been able to help himself, even without magic being used, not if Monique shifted him into a bat. Oh Jewel. Such plans we had.’ Diana’ voice broke on a sob and Jewel put her arms around her sister, holding her as tightly as she could. ‘And Anton?’ Diana whispered.
Jewel crumbled and they just held each other. Diana would wait until Jewel could tell her. Just as Jewel knew she would be there for her sister every time the grief became overwhelming.
Nik faced his superior who wore the sternest expression he had ever seen. They had met, as usual, under a bridge. The gloom, Nik felt, was fitting. Was he about to be taken off the case? He hoped not. But he had come close to breaking rules and his superior would have known.
‘Bring me up to speed, Nik.’
Nik allowed himself to breath. So his Superior required facts first.
‘There’s no doubt now. Monique is behind all of the killings. Jewel saw her murder Chris. Bradley Tapper saw Monique and Elijah leave the house with blood around their lips. He didn’t know who they were until Diana had described them to him. I also had a message from Bert. He sounded very worried. He said to watch a news report but I haven’t had time yet.’
His superior was quiet for a moment. ‘A journalist has put together an item relating the ritual killing of the bell ringers to that of the dolls. It was only a small segment but the news channels will pick it up today and expand on it. Knowing how people feel about peculiarities well … Bert is correct in his concerns. People are likely to react more strongly as discussions take place.’
Nik sighed. This was becoming a worsening situation at each planetary turn from day to night.
‘Monique has assumed the role of Prime Legend,’ his superior had continued. ‘I have been informed that she may only have a moon cycle of Premiership.’
Nik didn’t question the accuracy of the information. He didn’t need to. It would be completely authentic. And he would never question him in any case.
‘But she could cause such havoc in even a short time,’ Nik said quietly.
His Superior looked at Nik and peered deeply into his eyes. ‘There is a line that you cannot cross, Nik.’ The words burned into Nik’s eyes. ‘You came close last night when you were prepared to go to Monique to save Jewel. You will not interfere nor manipulate. Do I make myself clear?’
Nik nodded. He couldn’t do or say anything else.
‘Await my further instructions.’ His Superior broke the eye lock and Nik relaxed.
‘Sir?’ Nik knew he had to try for at least some leeway. ‘May I stay close to Diana and Jewel? Offer them healing energy and peace?’
His Superior was silent for a moment. ‘You may. You may also escort them as you see fit. But no manipulation of energies unless on my say so.’
As the two walked away in opposite directions, Nik breathed a sigh of relief.
Thump.
Jewel woke awkwardly. She had fallen asleep on the settee and the loud noise that had woken her turned into a creaking sound. Upstairs, she thought. And then she realised the sounds were coming from Diana’s room. It sounded as if Diana was moving her furniture around. Of course … Diana was changing the energy of her bedroom. She would want to remove any remnants of Chris’s energy.
Jewel stood shakily to go and offer help but heard steps on the stairs.
‘Jewel?’ Diana’s voice was soft.
‘Do you need help?’ Jewel asked as Diana appeared in the doorway.
‘No. Bradley’s helping and Katryn’s making breakfast.’
Jewel realised she felt unsteady and sat down. Nik had left soon after talking to Bradley, saying he would return in the morning. Diana and she had talked into the small hours long after Katryn and Bradley had retired to the guest room. They had alternated between grief and making plans. She looked at Diana as she entered the room. Her eyes were still red-rimmed eyes but a look of determination had replaced last night’s despair. And something else. A look of excitement?
‘Oh Jewel. Guess what I found when I threw Chris’s clothes out?’
Jewel smiled. Her sister was holding something behind her back. And it must be welcome.
‘Something helpful?’ Jewel questioned. Both she and Diana had decided, after hours of deliberation, that they would develop their powers completely in order to do their best to save Anton. Jewel had felt a wave of calmness descend on the room as the decision had been made.
‘I’ve found dad’s magic box.’ Diana said triumphantly. ‘Chris must have hidden it. And I think the contents are intact.’
Diana sat down next to Jewel and carefully placed the wooden box on the coffee table. She opened the lid and Jewel saw the signs of Mercury, Mars and the Sun carved on the inside. She looked closer. The Sun was carved more intricately and, within it, held the Moon.
‘The sun and moon, how beautiful,’ Jewel said.
‘An eclipse,’ Diana answered quickly. ‘There’s a series of eclipses coming up. I looked again at the charts. We can use the energy, Jewel.’
She sounded excited and Jewel was pleased. She knew Chris’ betrayal would hurt deeply for a long time. But Diana’s voice sounded just as it always did when she knew her astrology would be of help.
‘Take out the contents, Jewel,’ Diana urged. ‘I haven’t touched them since I was a toddler.’
Jewel slowly took out first a small crystal ball. As she held it she knew it was old, and real. Diana unwrapped a large cloth and placed it on the table. The cloth was embroidered with symbols. Some of which Jewel recognised and some she didn’t.
‘It’s exquisite. Someone took such care making this,’ Jewel said.
‘I’m sure dad said it had been in his family for years.’
Jewel looked again inside the box. A wand.
“Diana’s wand.’ A quiet voice touched Jewel’s mind and she silently gestured to her sister who picked it up with a flourish.
‘Birch,’ Diana said hesitatingly and then continued as if pulling information from somewhere deep inside. ‘Birch. Purifying and brightening. Blessings. Oh Jewel, it’s just what we need. Perfect.’
Jewel continued to take objects out of the box. A small glass goblet, which was etched with the same sun and moon as was on the box lid. Candles of all colours; some had been used and then carefully packed away again. There were a series of small bottles containing dried herbs.
And then all that was left at the bottom of the box was a rectangular object wrapped in black silk.
‘Tarot cards?’ Jewel questioned of Diana who nodded.
Jewel took the pack from the box and slowly unwrapped it. She held the pack in her hand and saw that each card was hand painted in decoration on the back. She turned the pack over and gave a start. The top card facing her was the eight of swords.
Chapter 17
‘Elijah!’
‘Yes, My Lady?’
‘I am most satisfied with my new boudoir.’
Elijah smiled. Monique knew he had taken much care and effort to recreate her exact specifications within Henry’s old bedroom. And the resulting room was truly magnificent. The drapes were of the deepest red and were hung from the floor to the ceiling. But he had truly surpassed himself with the bed. It dominated the room. A majestic four-poster bed with black silk coverings.
‘And our prisoner?’ she knew that Anton was held forever, if she so wished. But hearing Elijah voice the words would be honey to her ears.
‘My Lady,’ Elijah’s smile appeared to be even bigger. ‘Anton is currently bound by the silver. He is encased in a wooden coffin. The coffin was made by a human and has silver nails. His suffering is great. He fades.’
&nbs
p; Fades! Monique wasn’t as happy with that word. She planned to keep Anton on the edge of elimination for, well … years. ‘But he lives?’
‘Oh yes, My Lady. I personally forced a teaspoon of fresh blood through his lips earlier. Just enough to keep him slightly alive and vaguely conscious.’
‘You have done well, Elijah. I shall rest now and then we dine. Position my throne in front of Anton’s coffin.’
Monique smiled. Anton would watch as she drank blood. Did Elijah have a sacrifice ready? Elijah had started to gently massage her shoulders in the way that only he could. She relaxed as his fingers began to work pleasure along tired muscles and decided to ask him about the blood later.
Jewel walked through Sable’s garden and toward the mausoleum. It was twilight and the plants were offering shadowy images and scents. She paused and sat down on the wooden bench remembering times spent here with Sable and with Anton. Tears threatened as she recalled Sable’s excitement at meeting her, and her own. And then Anton, poor Anton. She had tried to extend healing to him during the day but there was no familiar energy to tune in to, not even the image of his face was available to her. That he had completely sealed himself in that way indicated just how serious it was. Diana had promised to try sending healing tonight.
Jewel’s thoughts turned to Diana and how, when The Twins had arrived at their house earlier today, she had welcomed them and cooked lunch. Katryn and Bradley had immediately said they’d return to their home and that was it. Jewel marvelled at the acceptance from everyone that The Twins would be staying until Anton was back. Even Nik had audibly breathed a sigh of relief when Jewel had told him. It was odd that they had been in the same building as Anton when he had been abducted and they had not been able to prevent it. Both Jewel and Diana had talked about the sense that The Twins felt they had let Anton down. And yet there was also such a sense of safety with them around.
Oh Anton … could she … dare she allow a few moments to dwell on the pain he may be suffering? She noticed that Diana disappeared every now and again but no one commented when she returned, her eyes red from weeping. But Anton is not dead, she told herself sternly, he is strong and amazing. And our destiny is to be together. And he said we would dance again.
