“Yes, I did try,” Bowen answered, reluctantly remembering.
“What happened?” Kenneth asked, shamelessly intruding on the ancient doctor’s privacy.
“I only seriously tried once. My body was stricken with some sort of invisible force that blocked me and seemed to pull me backward.”
Bowen closed his eyes thinking of that day. He remembered how gray the sky had looked, and how far away the sun seemed behind the cloudy gloom. Standing on the edge of a cliff, looking down he felt the cold wind rushing up at him lightly sprinkled with mist. Fear didn’t stop him; fear was pushing him. He wanted to end this torturous life. He had lived long enough, hundreds of years. Surely God would welcome him now, taking another small step. Yes, yes the end. Bowen remembered trying to move his leg in that last step. But it was stuck in mid-air. He could not hope to move it further. He stepped back instead. Tried again. Forced back. He put all of his weight forward, but somehow he was laying across the thin air. He could push back, or be pushed back. This time, he tried leaning only his upper body forward. He was pushed back upright. He moved faster and ran to jump, but he was thrown backwards onto the hard rocky ground. The invisible barrier had won.
“Damn! Why?!” he cried loudly striking the ground with his fist at his side, making imprints in the dirt. “Let me go!” he exhaled hoarsely, then gritted his teeth in anger. So this was his destiny, he thought. To live forever without happiness, love or the release of death. And if he were to find that happiness it would mean destroying others. How cruel.
Bowen sighed slowly, returning from his foggy state. He had always thought succumbing to love would be selfish. But now he understood it was not something he could control, for the fate of everyone here had been in his hands for centuries before they were born. Perhaps if he had never seen Catherine that first day, hadn’t seen her glance around the busy Dublin street at the airport. Or seen her lovely curved smile, red hair blowing around her head like fire, the sunshine reflecting golden light to bounce off it . . .
“A powerful curse,” Kenneth said, bringing Bowen back to the conversation.
“It had to be to keep so many people locked up for so long,” Bowen remarked casually.
Kenneth didn’t say any more. He spent the rest of the ride reading a magazine. Catherine switched with Bowen to take the wheel. Having listened to their conversation before, she pondered over his words and the pauses in between. Curiosity about Bowen’s past led her to think of what his life must have been like before the curse. She imagined his home. She wondered what it looked like. She decided she would ask him after all of this was over, when they had time to spend together. Go on a real date maybe. A pang hit her as she realized that was impossible. If they did not succeed they would be on the run, or fighting for their lives. If they did succeed, she would have to leave her beloved Ireland, and the man who she had risked everything with. Concentrating on driving helped her stop thinking about it as she drove on. Ahead now, she saw the museum in the distance. She braced herself for the crime they were about to commit. She hoped they could pull it off.
Catherine stopped the car far away from the museum, so no one would suspect them. She was disguised slightly in case any previous co-workers used this route to walk to work. Her hair was pulled up in a loose bun stuffed into a knit hat she had borrowed from Mary, and thanks to the sunny day she had another excuse to wear Bella’s sunglasses. Getting out of the car to stretch her legs, she walked further down the road. It was warm today. She didn’t even need her light jacket, but she kept it on anyway. She walked back with her hands stuffed in her pockets, and took a turn around the car casually a few times, before getting back in. She stared ahead at the immense building in the distance and imagined herself a giant tearing through the roof of it. She continued on, and thought she could even see the pieces of debris falling from her hands while she grabbed the priceless skyphos and fled back to the country side, her giant figure shrinking back to her normal size with each step. Catherine’s eyes refocused. Her chest expanded as she sighed.
“Catherine?” She turned around, pulling down her sunglasses to see Bowen next to her.
He smiled at her, though she thought he seemed uncharacteristically unsure of something. “We’ve got a plan,” he said.
“I’m glad that’s been established, since we’re here and running out of time . . .”
Kenneth spoke up. “It was important we did this today for a reason other than that it’s my shift. The museum’s been going through a major upgrade of the lighting, fire, and security systems. Today is the day they’re officially taking down the security alarm of the old system and switching it over to the new system in the main building, which means it will also be closed to the public for that time.” He opened up a little map he had of the museum’s layout.
“How long will it be down for before the new one kicks in?” Catherine asked, taking off her sunglasses to look at the map.
“They didn’t exactly announce a time estimate, but they suggested only a few minutes during the last meeting. Later I heard my superiors say that it would be down for at least a half hour.”
Catherine wrinkled her forehead, and she drew her eyes up to watch him finish speaking. Since meeting Kenneth, he had become increasingly bold. Outwardly he seemed a different person completely. He was almost outspoken. “Is that a problem?” he asked, interrupting her thoughts, fixing his eyes on her.
“A half hour, it’s just . . . I’m not sure that’s going to be enough. It takes time to handle something that old with delicacy. Not to mention sneaking around to avoid people.” She looked worried.
Kenneth pointed to the map at the side entrance. “Here is where I can get you in. After that the only thing I can do is maybe cause a malfunction in the electricity system to prolong the system upgrade, but that’s a huge maybe,” he said while putting on his blazer jacket.
“If not, what then?” Catherine said half to herself.
Kenneth’s tone grew aggravated, “If not, then we’re going to need a distraction.”
“Where is the skyphos now?” she asked. “The last I saw, everything was being reset for a new exhibition.”
In answer, he pointed on a part of the map that was a little too far into the building than Catherine would have liked, but she nodded in acknowledgment.
“Bowen, where will you be, here in the getaway car?” Catherine asked, secretly laughing at the thought.
“I’ll be with you of course,” he said.
Catherine nodded again, this time suppressing a smile.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea. It’s best if we all split up,” Kenneth said with a minor twitch in his hand that Bowen noticed, but Catherine did not.
“Will she be in any great risk?” Bowen asked casually.
“She’ll have a direct way out,” he said quickly, and snatched up the map before Bowen could see.
“Splitting up?” Catherine’s voice was imploring. She felt uneasy.
Looking at his watch, Kenneth said loudly “We need to go now!”
“But I don’t know how we’re getting out yet?”
Kenneth hesitated, “When we split up you’ll just have to go with my plan, and hope it moves smoothly. While we’re inside, I’ll assume you need more time and try to cause the malfunction, but remember I may not succeed, so get the skyphos as fast as you can.”
“Right,” Catherine replied with a sharp nod.
“What time?” Bowen asked calmly.
“It’s going to happen at two o’clock.”
“What time do we have now?” Catherine wondered.
“One thirty, let’s go!” Kenneth said as he opened the car door.
Catherine felt nervous, but she knew she had to go through with this. Bowen grabbed her hand before she pushed away from the seat. Giving it a light squeeze he smiled. “Be careful,” he said.
“I will,” she breathed nervously. Propping her sunglasses back on, she got out of the car carrying Bowen’s smile in he
r mind as she walked. She caught up with Kenneth, who had moved away from the car at unexpected speed, and kept pace with him. Catherine struggled with the urge to run back, and abort the whole mission.
“The main building is the one undergoing the security changes. The side entrance is still something we need to get past without anyone noticing. So stay close to me,” Kenneth cautioned as they walked calmly through some alleys to get to the museum. The side entrance was located away from the main street and from any prying eyes for a reason. The crew for the security upgrade was already inside, as well as the guards. “Don’t speak either, someone may recognize your voice,” he added.
Catherine thought that sounded very unlikely, and slightly strange. “I doubt that, but I will be quiet,” she whispered.
“Your voice rings out. Everyone will know it’s you, so trust me, don’t talk to anyone, and keep your voice low if you must speak,” he said with finality.
Catherine shrugged. She never thought her voice was very pronounced, but then she supposed it wasn’t really something you would know about yourself.
As they walked closer to the entrance ahead, the whole area was shaded from the sun. Catherine felt silly keeping her sunglasses on. She was glad she left them alone though for just then a lady with regular glasses, short brown hair, and walking in high heels emerged from the door they needed to get through without detection. Catherine recognized her. It was the intern, Sharon.
Kenneth readied his swipe badge in one hand, and grabbed behind him with the other for Catherine’s hand. But she wasn’t paying attention to Kenneth. Sharon wasn’t too far ahead, and would pass by them soon. Catherine felt the whole plan blowing up before her eyes as she drew closer. She could hear the echo of the high heels clicking on the pavement of the back lot. She hoped Sharon wouldn’t notice her. She certainly shouldn’t be looking for her since she was supposed to be dead. Catherine stopped looking ahead, and kept her gaze down towards the back of Kenneth’s legs so she wouldn’t trip on him. The click clack of Sharon’s heels grew louder. She held her breath.
“You should hurry, they were having a quick meeting for all the guards as I was leaving,” Sharon briefly looked up from carrying paperwork, and smiled at Kenneth.
“Thank you, I will,” he said quickly.
“Bye,” Sharon said, behind them now.
Catherine kept her head down but glanced behind to see Sharon swish away, her nose in a large folder, distracted and unsuspecting. Catherine breathed easy again. Her presence didn’t seem noticed at all. Relieved, she was thankful to be one step closer to this being over.
The door was directly in front of them now, and Kenneth swiped his badge, his hand covering one side of it entirely. Kenneth seemed agitated about something. She hoped he wasn’t losing his nerve. They waited for the red light to turn green, and a noise announced the door could be opened. Now into the fire, she thought, and in they went.
The museum’s familiar hallway was poorly lit, which Catherine never thought she would be thankful for until this moment. Though it was difficult to see now with her sunglasses, no one seemed to be around. It was very much deserted. Kenneth let go of her hand as soon as they were in, and motioned for her to keep up. She hurried next to him, watching all sides. A room with open doors wasn’t far ahead, and another hallway which sprung off the one they were in. Catherine recalled the floor here, and how her own high heels used to feel clicking against it. She was happy she wasn’t wearing loud shoes as they passed rooms which occasionally weren’t as empty as they seemed at first. The employees only heard Kenneth walking by, and didn’t bother looking up from their various tasks.
As the two drew deeper into that section of the museum, Catherine’s nerves began to act up again. Kenneth found a small storage closet and he pushed her in and followed right after before someone from ahead of them could see. They waited in the closet quietly peering out through the cracked door. Catherine thought it strange that he hid as well, but considered it could be that he simply didn’t want to be seen if he could help it. But why? Wasn’t it his shift? Or was it that he actually wasn’t supposed to be there that day, and if he was seen by someone then questions would arise.
Then it hit her. Kenneth was too eager to do this with them. And why was he unhappy at the thought of Bowen coming in? Suddenly Kenneth seemed incredibly suspicious.
“How did you happen to overhear your superiors talking about how long the system would be down?” she decided to whisper.
“Shh,” Kenneth said keeping his eyes ahead.
“Did you just happen to be there at the right time?” she whispered again, after the man finally walked past the closet, blinking the light across their faces.
Kenneth turned around angrily and grabbing Catherine’s arm too tightly, he locked it with his own, bringing her close to him. “Look, you’re going to get me that cup, and a few other valuable things while you’re at it,” he growled.
“I will not!” Catherine gasped.
“You will, or everyone here will not only find you alive, but they’ll find you caught by me,” Kenneth opened the closet door and stepped partly out, “Who do you think they’ll believe, a criminal or a member of security?” he asked while he checked for any more people. In the light she could see how he had changed so drastically. His anger made his once clear eyes look devilish. Kenneth had been manipulating them the whole time. Catherine now saw his true self.
She was furious, but too scared to think what to do. He was right. Her credibility would be shot in front of the others. They would believe whatever he told them. Catherine felt panic rise in her stomach. The idea of being caught and going to jail wasn’t appealing.
Kenneth strong-armed her out of the closet, and she tripped over her own feet. She would have fallen if it wasn’t for his violent hold. She noticed that even his walk was different than before. Before, he evidently was trying to appear timid, weak, but maintaining professionalism with his compulsive cleaning of his uniform and shoes. Now he unleashed his inner self without warning, and she regretted asking him the questions that led to this. She might otherwise have escaped him.
“What do you want with the skyphos?” Catherine asked as he pulled her along.
“I want it for myself of course. Don’t act the fool, I know why Bowen wants it,” he said.
“For the curse!”
“Wrong!” he said, then laughed under his breath. “You think he wants to really stop them, and give up such power?” he said looking back once as he strode ahead down the wide hallway. “Its magical abilities can give you whatever you want. He wants world domination just as the rest of them do. I swear I won’t be under Bowen, Conall or anyone’s thumb. I’ll be their leader. Nothing will stop me once I get it!” His fingers dug into Catherine’s flesh. She struggled to get him to loosen his grip, but he was too distracted.
“No more trivial jobs like these,” he spit out the words disdainfully, “or of any kind. I’ll be like a king in the end,” he said with a triumphant voice as they took a turn and went through a set of doors.
“Stop it! You’re hurting me! How will it look if they find me with your finger marks?” she said anxiously. He sharply turned his head to look at her, and glared before looking back. He didn’t say anything but his grip loosened, which she was thankful for.
Everything was on the line for Catherine now. She figured he would somehow betray her further so she would take the fall entirely. It was just a matter of time. Catherine’s thoughts were cut short when suddenly someone’s arms wrapped around her and pulled her backwards sharply, squeezing the breath out of her. The knitted hat fell off, letting loose her waves of hair. She feared she would be torn apart, until Bowen came into view and swung his leg, kicking Kenneth in his lower back which knocked him straight into the wall. Catherine was set free. She fell backward off her feet, leaning on Bowen. His arms still held her middle and he lifted her back up quickly. Kenneth was about to recover when Bowen knocked him out completely with his fist, and h
e sagged down to the floor.
“Bowen?” Catherine found her voice.
“I knew something wasn’t right about him,” he said.
“How did you know?”
“He strongly resisted me coming with you. It seemed like a red flag to me.” He looked forward and back to see if anyone was around, “and I just didn’t feel right.”
“But he was Mary’s grandson, I didn’t think to be wary until it was too late,” she said.
“Everyone is someone’s relative, Catherine.”
“Ugh, I feel stupid I didn’t see it.” She picked up her hat which had slid down the hall.
Bowen shrugged “Don’t worry, it’s what manipulators do. But we must be more careful.”
She nodded, “We’ve got to hurry, it’s after two.” She looked down at Kenneth’s wrist watch that read two-oh-four.
“I know, I had to wait until then to get in,” he said.
“How long do you think he’ll be out?” She slipped the leather banded watch off his wrist, and onto her own.
“We should assume not long. Let’s go!” he grabbed her hand and they took off.
They went down the remaining portion of the current hallway and through less industrial-styled doors. The lighting was at its lowest setting since the display rooms were closed to the public. Both of them leaned forward slightly and squinted. The room seemed frozen in time as items from centuries past stared back at them. Catherine imagined the items knew why they were there, but quickly shook the thought away.
“Do you know where it is?” Bowen asked in hushed tones.
“Yes,” she answered, partially out of breath. Her heart was still beating wildly from her struggle with Kenneth. But her answer wasn’t entirely true. She guessed the skyphos was most likely already on display, but if it was being cleaned or there was a special exhibition out then it could have been moved to a different position than the one originally planned.
“It would be just ahead and to the left!” she said a little louder than she meant.
Oak & Mistletoe Page 16
