The Tao of the Viper: A Kate Pomeroy Mystery (The Kate Pomeroy Gothic Mystery Series Book 2)

by Linda Watkins

  “Of course,” I replied. “My office.”

  He took a seat in the chair opposite me.

  “Can I get you something?” I asked. “Coffee?”

  He smiled. “A cup of coffee would be delightful.”

  “How do you take it?”

  “Black.”

  I leaned out the door and asked Meghan to bring a cup for Mr. Lundgren. Then I returned to my seat. We made small talk as we waited for his drink. Once it arrived, he leaned back and, after inhaling the aroma, took a sip.

  “Very nice,” he said. “Not as plebian as I expected.”

  “We’re not savages here on the island,” I replied. “We appreciate the finer things in life, too. Now, what is it I can help you with?”

  Lundgren put his cup down. “When last we spoke you were interested in some pages missing from a certain ancient text. When I wouldn’t provide them, you left.”

  “Yes, that’s true.”

  “But you didn’t go home, did you? No, you traveled to South Carolina. When I was told this, I was perplexed. You have no family in the south nor do you have business interests there. You weren’t traveling to a resort so, I asked myself, why did you go there?”

  I didn’t answer. Instead, I waited for him to continue.

  “So, my dear Dr. Pomeroy, I had to surmise that you went there in search of the pages you’re missing. But where? There’s only one place that I know of where those pages might be found – the estate of one Ian Morrison. Am I correct?”

  This time, he waited, his eyes locked with mine.

  Finally, I answered. “Let’s say you were correct and I went to Ian Morrison’s house. Why would he let me in? And, more importantly, why would he give me the pages I coveted?”

  Lundgren grinned. “That puzzled me, too. But I found the answer. Morrison is dead – died on this island sometime before Christmas. His estate was inherited by a Jeremy Bradshaw, a man to whom I’ve discovered you are engaged. Did you go to see Mr. Bradshaw? Did he give you the pages?”

  “My Jeremy knows nothing about these matters,” I replied firmly. “But Morrison does.”

  Lundgren looked surprised, then smiled. “So, you understand. That’s good.”

  We stared at each other for a moment, silently.

  Finally, I spoke. “You’re the inquisitor, aren’t you? What method are you planning on using, the thousand cuts?”

  Lundgren threw back his head, laughing. “You are clever, Dr. Pomeroy. And, to answer your question, no, I will not be using the thousand cuts method. That and the other ways listed in the Tao are archaic and no longer used. After all, this is 2019, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is. But what if I told you I could take care of this for you?”

  Lundgren frowned, leaning forward. “You? How?”

  “An exchange transfusion. I remove all the tainted blood and replace it with regular blood. It’s done all the time with sickle cell patients. It’s a safe and efficient procedure. And, maybe, when it’s completed, we’ll both be rid of Morrison, but I may get my fiancé back.”

  Lundgren leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, thinking, while I waited impatiently for him to respond.

  Finally, he sat up and smiled. “You know, that just may work. But you must do it quickly.”

  “Why?”

  “Ah, Dr. Pomeroy, there are many things that are not written in the Tao. Let me explain. When one takes on a new persona…”

  “You mean steals a body, right?”

  Lundgren sighed. “Crudely put, yes. When one steals a body, it takes time to acclimate oneself to one’s new surroundings. This usually only takes a few days, but if the transformation was done with a forbidden subject – one who is healthy in mind and body – then it could take several months. During this period, one’s powers are repressed. However, once one controls the new body completely, powers increase rapidly. That’s why you’ll need to make haste. Morrison is still in the adaptation period, but that will end very soon.”

  I nodded. “Okay. Is there anything else I should know?”

  “Yes, once it’s removed, the blood must be burned. If it isn’t, Morrison will survive.”

  “Okay, I’ll burn the damned blood. I’ll take care of this for you. Do we have a deal?”

  He closed his eyes again, thinking. When he opened them, he took a sip of his coffee.

  “Yes,” he finally replied. “With one restriction. You have only seventy-two hours to get the job done. If Morrison still lives after that time, it’ll be my turn. And, when I’m done there will be nothing left – no Morrison and no fiancé. Do I make myself clear?’

  “Crystal. Seventy-two hours. You have a deal.”

  79

  Kate

  The Plot Thickens

  AFTER LUNDGREN LEFT, knowing time was of the essence, I called Steve into my office. I couldn’t wait until dinner.

  “We need to talk some more about the papers I gave you.”

  He took a deep breath. “Yeah. Very creepy stuff and Jer’s bloodwork sucks. It’s so far from normal, it’s obscene. He shouldn’t even be alive.”

  “I know.”

  “Okay, I said before I was on board. What’s your plan?”

  I bit my bottom lip and took a deep breath. “I want to perform an exchange transfusion. Out with the old and in with the new. Replace that alien blood with good old Homo sapiens’ blood.”

  “You mean like what’s often done in the case of severe jaundice or sickle cell patients?”

  “Yeah, the same. But I can’t do it alone. I need another set of hands and I’m hoping they’ll be yours.”

  Steve’s eyes widened. “Do you think he’ll comply willingly? It’s a risky procedure.”

  This was going to be the hard part. “No, he won’t. The entity that is inhabiting my boyfriend likes that viper blood. And, Jeremy can’t come back as long as it’s in his system. So, I’ll have to incapacitate him.”

  “What you’re suggesting is highly illegal. You know that, don’t you? You could lose your medical license if anyone finds out.”

  “Yes, I know, but it’s my only chance to bring Jeremy back. I know it sounds insane, but I’m starting to believe that we live in an insane world. If anything goes wrong, I’ll shoulder all the blame. Will you help me?”

  Those last words were a plea and I waited while Steve composed his answer.

  “Do you know Jeremy’s blood type?”

  “He’s O+ and I’ve made sure we have plenty of that on hand. One night – that’s all I’m asking. I need you, Steve.”

  He inhaled deeply, then pulled out the printout from the lab and reviewed the values again. Finally, he looked at me.

  “Okay, count me in. But how are you going to knock him out?”

  “I’ve got that all worked out, but you’re going to have to help me with that, too.”

  “Okay. When do we do this?”

  “Tomorrow. I’ll ask Jeremy to meet me at the Whistle for dinner and drinks. You’ll show up a few minutes after we arrive. I’ll ask you to join us and, after that...”

  80

  Kate

  Bringing Back Jeremy

  THAT EVENING I sent a text to Jeremy asking him to meet me at the Wet Your Whistle the following night. I told him I accepted his apology and, while his behavior had upset me, I was willing to forgive and forget. He responded that he’d see me there at seven.

  After, I sent a message to Steve letting him know that things were set for the next evening.

  I sighed. I had all the pieces in play and I prayed everything would go according to plan.

  The next morning, I made a trip to the blood bank to secure some extra type O+ and stopped at the medical supply store, where I rented a large-volume infusion pump. After returning to the island, I spent some time setting up one of the exam rooms for the exchange. The procedure involved slowly removing the patient’s blood, usually about five to twenty milliliters at a time. After the bad blood was taken out, an equal amount of fres
h, pre-warmed, blood or plasma would be pumped into the body through a catheter. This cycle would be repeated until all the blood had been replaced – in Jeremy’s case, approximately 4.7 liters. While each exchange would only take a few minutes, I expected it would be a long and arduous evening and I was glad I had Steve to help me.

  I spent several hours reading up on the procedure, until I had it down pat. Later, Steve and I rehearsed everything so we both knew what our roles would be. Finally, the workday ended and, after a quick shower and change, I headed down to the bar to meet Jeremy.

  I arrived a little after seven and he was already there, sitting at the bar sipping a beer.

  “Kate!” he exclaimed as I walked over and sat down next to him.

  He put his arm around me, leaned over and kissed me. “I missed you,” he murmured.

  “And, I you,” I replied, pulling out of his embrace. “Now, I’ve had a long day and I’d love a glass of wine.”

  “Your wish is my command,” Jeremy replied, waving the bartender over.

  After I had my drink, we moved to a table in the back and ordered dinner and another beer for Jeremy.

  We were engaging in idle chit-chat when I saw Steve walk through the door.

  “Steve,” I called out. “Over here, come join us.”

  When Jeremy saw my nurse practitioner, he made a face, but quickly covered it up with a broad smile.

  “Pull up a chair, Steve,” he said genially. “What brings you here tonight?”

  “Tired of my own cooking, I suspect,” Steve replied.

  We talked for a bit, then the waitress came over to take Steve’s order. He chatted with her for a minute, then gave her some change from his pocket.

  “What’s that for?” asked Jeremy after she’d walked away.

  “Music, my man, music. I told the young lady to pick out some tunes. Hope you don’t mind.”

  “Naw, why would I mind?”

  Steve grinned. “Now, tell me all about that new yacht of yours. Kate says it’s a humdinger.”

  We continued chatting until the music started.

  “You know,” I said. “I feel like dancing. Would one of you kind gentlemen indulge me?”

  Steve was about to say something, but Jeremy pre-empted him, jumping to his feet and taking my hand.

  We danced to two numbers, then, seeing that our food had arrived, walked back to the table.

  Jeremy downed the rest of his beer and waved to the bartender for another.

  “Don’t you think you’d better slow down a bit,” I said. “Remember what happened the other night. I don’t want a repeat.”

  “Don’t worry, I can handle three beers.”

  Smiling, I picked up my hamburger. We all ate silently for a while, until suddenly Jeremy dropped his fork on the floor. He started to get up to look for it, but when he got to his feet he began to sway uncontrollably. Steve jumped up and put his arm around him.

  “Steady, boy,” he said. “I think maybe Kate’s right. Maybe three beers were too much.”

  Jeremy turned his head to stare at Steve, but it was obvious he was having trouble focusing. I got to my feet.

  “Steve, can you get him out to the car? Here’s the keys. I’ll settle the bill. I think he needs to go home.”

  Steve nodded and, supporting Jeremy with his arm, guided him over to the door. I quickly walked to the bar and paid the bill.

  When I got outside, I saw that Steve had loaded a now-unconscious Jeremy into the backseat.

  I hopped in the passenger side, as Steve started the car.

  “That mickey I slipped into his beer won’t last long,” he said as we backed down the driveway.

  “No problem,” I answered, pulling a syringe from my purse. “This will knock him out for the duration.”

  I injected him with the sedative and, in no time, he was peacefully snoring. When we got to the clinic, Steve brought down a gurney and we loaded him onto it.

  Once inside, we prepared him for the exchange.

  “What I don’t get, Kate,” said Steve, “is if all this spooky viper stuff is true, then what does he want with you? He’s got power and money. If he’s Morrison, he doesn’t love you, so why is he still hanging around?”

  “I’m not sure,” I answered. “But I think it has something to do with revenge against Maude Prichard.”

  I brought him up to date on the Prichard legend and the fact that she had defeated Morrison in battle back in the 1600s.

  “I think he never got over that,” I said. “His ego is too large to admit that a mere slip of a girl could best him. So, since I’m the only living relative of the famous witch, he wants to own me.”

  “That’s sad. I hope what we’re doing gets rid of him and brings Jer back. I miss him.”

  “Me, too.”

  We began the exchange keeping a close eye on Jeremy’s status. There was no way I wanted him to wake up in the middle of it. He would make toast out of both of us.

  The procedure took longer than expected. The blood being removed from Jeremy almost seemed to resist the pull of the pump. More than once, Steve and I stopped and stared at the tubing as it swelled almost angrily.

  “Jesus!” exclaimed Steve. “I’ve never seen blood act like that in my life. It looks like it’s about to explode.”

  I nodded. “I’ve got the machine on the recommended power, but I think I’m going to crank it up a bit.”

  I turned the pump up to its highest level and we watched as the blood was slowly removed from Jeremy’s body. Thankfully, when we were about half-way done, things began to move more rapidly. It was as if the more blood we removed, the weaker the remaining blood became.

  Finally, eight hours later, we were done.

  “That’s the last of it, Kate,” said Steve. “I’ll wheel him over to one of the patient rooms.”

  “Take a blood sample and run it,” I instructed. “I want to make sure we got every drop of that tainted blood out of him.”

  “Will do. What are you going to do with the ‘tainted blood’ anyway?”

  “This may sound strange, but I have to burn it. I’ll take it outside to do that.”

  Steve looked down at the bags of blood we’d removed from Jeremy.

  “It looks angry,” he said, pointing to one bag. “Burn it fast.”

  I stared down at the bag he was pointing to. The blood inside was moving as if agitated. Glancing at the other bags, I noted they were all beginning to pulse – almost like a heartbeat. I sensed I needed to move fast.

  I dumped the bags into our janitorial cart and wheeled them outside to the back of the building.

  Taking a deep breath, I pulled a butane fireplace lighter from my pocket. It took me a moment to figure out how to disable the child protection lock and, when that was done, I pressed the trigger.

  The bags of blood were now all pulsing in unison. The tempo of their movement quickening.

  I brought the flame close to the bag on top.

  “Grrrrrrr…”

  A low growl emanated from the blood.

  Shocked and suddenly consumed with fear, my thumb left the trigger and the flame went out.

  The bag growled again as the pulsing became stronger.

  Hands shaking, all I wanted to do was run from this place. But I couldn’t. God only knew what would happen if I failed to destroy the final vestiges of Morrison.

  Again, I struggled with the child lock, finally getting the damned thing to light.

  Holding my breath, I shoved the flame into the angry, growling, blood.

  WHOOSH!

  As soon as the fire melted through the plastic, a flame shot up to the sky. It was almost like I had ignited a Roman candle or bottle rocket on the Fourth of July.

  The interior of the cart was now aflame, yet, curiously, the cart itself didn’t burn, only the blood.

  The blood screamed in what I hoped was agony.

  It was all over in just a few seconds. The flames and associated heat disappeared as quickly as t
hey had come. All that was left in the cart were the remnants of melted plastic bags.

  The blood was gone.

  81

  Kate

  Saving Jeremy

  BADLY SHAKEN, I returned to the clinic. Steve had Jeremy set up in a patient bed, IV attached.

  “I thought I’d hydrate him while we wait,” he said. “Are you okay?”

  I stared down at my hands – they were shaking.

  “I don’t know,” I replied. “That was … I don’t know.”

  “Sit down,” Steve ordered. “I’ll be right back.”

  He left the room and I sat, taking deep breaths, as I waited. He returned a moment later carrying a bottle of tequila and two shot glasses.

  “That’s good stuff,” I said, reading the label. “You sure you want to waste it on me?”

  Steve smiled as he poured. “Not a waste. I think we could both use a shot. Bottoms up!”

  He tossed his drink back and, without hesitation, I did the same.

  “Another?” I asked.

  “I think we deserve it,” he replied once again pouring.

  I sipped at the hot liquor, letting it warm me. Then I glanced over at Jeremy.

  “Did you run his blood?”

  “Yeah. It should be done in a couple of minutes.”

  “Did you watch?” I asked, pointing at the window that overlooked the yard.

  Steve took a deep breath. “Yeah. Was that flash I saw the blood burning?”

  “Yup, just like the Fourth of July. It’s all gone now, I think.”

  “Good riddance. Now, I’ll go check on that report.”

  He left the room and, exhausted, I walked over to Jeremy’s bed. He appeared to be sleeping peacefully. I lifted one of his eyelids and checked his pupils. They were normal for someone in a deep sleep.”

  “Here,” said Steve handing me the printout. “Take a look at this. Good old Homo sapiens blood!”