William's Blood

by S S Bazinet

  “It’s just an expression.”

  Annabel looked at Michael. “Is there something I should know? Am I missing something?”

  “It’s alright. Arel is stating a personal concern, but for now, we need to focus on William’s recovery. Maybe you better check on him as you suggested.”

  After Annabel was safely out of hearing, Arel sighed again. “It’s a very valid concern, one that you should have considered before you brought in an angel like Annabel.”

  Michael’s gaze was also inquisitive. “She interacted with you on your trip to New York, and you didn’t have a problem.”

  “That’s because she looked and acted like a lost, teenage waif. Now, she’s very different, one of those glamorous women out of a fancy women’s magazine. And she doesn’t have a timid bone in her angelic body. Bloody hell, the way she kissed me—”

  “I’m sorry about that. She didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “Please tell me that you’ve never kissed anyone like that, Michael. Otherwise, my nightmares are going to triple.”

  “I’ve never had that inclination, but why do you find an innocent kiss so upsetting?”

  “It may be innocent for her, but . . . oh never mind.”

  “Really, I am sorry. Annabel is trying to understand the feelings that can accompany the physical realm and also some possible ramifications of being in a body.”

  “Maybe she should forget about the possible ramifications and just leave now. William might be able to forget about her if she makes a fast exit.”

  “Neither of them wants that to happen.”

  “Great, it’s a catastrophe in the making. I know William. He doesn’t fall in love. But if Annabel stays, and he does let her into that closed off vessel that he calls his heart, it can only end in disaster when she tells him the truth. Like I said, she’s going to break his heart.”

  “Let’s just wait and see what happens.”

  “Wonderful! If I manage to get William through his present hellish situation, I’ll have to pick up the pieces when he loses the love of his life.” Arel stumbled back to his sofa bed. “I’m exhausted with all of it.”

  “You’ve been doing a lot of energy work. You need to take it easy tonight. Otherwise you could overtax—”

  “I can’t leave William in the lurch, especially now that I know what’s waiting for him.”

  “Arel, please listen to me. Annabel isn’t the only one who needs to pay attention to the physical. Your body—”

  “I know, I know. Give me a break, Michael. If you want to lecture someone, go talk to Annabel. Tell her to take off the makeup and cover herself with a shawl or something.”

  “She doesn’t wear makeup,” Michael said as he retreated to the stairs.

  Arel snorted back. “Of course she doesn’t. How ridiculous of me to think an angel needs makeup to be beautiful.”

  “Try to relax. Maybe you can sleep a little more.”

  “Relax? Are you kidding?”

  Thirty-Five

  AS SOON AS William saw Arel’s face, he knew something wasn’t right. “What’s going on now? Why do you look like a puppy that just got kicked down the stairs?”

  Standing in the doorway, Arel hesitated and let out a long sigh. “It’s nothing.”

  “Don’t make me drag the truth out of you. My gut’s on fire. I don’t have time for fun and games.”

  “If you want to know what’s going on, it’s simple. I’m worried about you.”

  “Why? I’m getting better.”

  “Yes, physically, but—”Arel’s golden eyes dimmed. “Do you ever contemplate sharing your life with a . . . a—”

  “With a what? What are you babbling about?”

  “I’m talking about a woman, like my Justina.” Arel’s gaze lifted and flared, targeting William briefly with two golden orbs of passion. Then they returned to a dull, lifeless state. “Do you think about having someone to hold?”

  “Oh boy, here it comes, the sob story of a lonely guy who wants a relationship.”

  “I’m not talking about me—”

  “Of course you are. The moment you mentioned Justina, it was as plain as day.”

  Arel walked over to the bed and scowled. “Maybe you’re right. Now, move over. I have to lay down. I’m completely worn out.”

  “I thought I was the one who needed help,” William complained as he inched over towards the opposite edge of the bed.

  “Maybe you are, but I need to relax.”

  “Fine.” When Arel got in a mood, it was best to play along, especially if William expected any help from his supposed healer. “So tell me all. What’s eating you?”

  “I am lonely, not always, but when I remember what it was like to be in love.”

  “Love?” With all his physical misery, William hadn’t thought about love. Now, Annabel came to mind. Did he love her? He was certainly suffering because of her. He’d cared enough to stab himself. If that wasn’t love, what was? “The whole concept is nothing but trouble.”

  “It’s not a concept, Will, it’s a feeling.”

  “Okay, but I don’t want that feeling.” It was true. Once William was well again, he’d get his life back on track and say ‘goodbye’ to Annabel. “I want to be clear-headed and enjoy my life without the complications of some foolish, emotional state tearing me apart.”

  Arel looked over at him and smiled. “That’s good.”

  “You’re agreeing with me?”

  “Yes, you never needed anyone before, and you don’t need someone now.”

  “I thought you were in favor of love.”

  “For me, yes, I guess I am, but if you’re happy without someone, that’s wonderful.”

  “Why doesn’t that make me feel better? Are you saying you want me to be alone for the rest of my life?”

  “No, of course not. But you’re so capable of being independent and fancy free. It’s great.”

  “Right, it is.” As William voiced the words, his future fanned out in front of him. He saw himself alone in a museum, staring up at works of art in a cavernous room that echoed with emptiness. When he attended the theatre, he’d be by himself, surrounded by couples smiling at each other. At the auction houses, he’d buy collectibles to put on a shelf and dust. But no one would ever be there with him to share and admire his beautiful acquisitions.

  Alone, alone, alone.

  A long moment of silence hung over the room as William stared at the ceiling. Arel finally spoke.

  “Will, you’re so quiet. What are you thinking?”

  “That my life is crap.”

  “What? When I first came in, you seemed fine.”

  “When you first came in, I didn’t realize that I’m like you, alone and miserable.”

  “But you’re not. You’re the guy who’s always okay, remember? You’re feeling this way because you tuned into my unhappy vibration.”

  “Hopefully that’s true.” William’s frame of mind did shift dramatically as soon as Arel came in.

  “You’re fine,” Arel said nudging his shoulder.

  The gesture shook William enough to send a shooting pain out from his gut. The ensuing misery quickly refocused his attention on his physical woes. As William stiffened with pain, Arel laughed.

  “If I were in your shoes, I’d be looking forward to strutting my stuff again. You’re a lady magnet, William. You can have your pick of any woman out there.”

  “Right,” William groaned. But why would he want any woman ‘out there’ when he already had the most beautiful and appealing woman right there, already in his life? Annabel was perfect. And from the way she looked at him, she might want him too. “Changing the subject, are you looking forward to going back to Chicago?”

  “Sure, why not?”

  “You don’t sound very convincing. What’s bothering you now?”

  “Do you think there’s a woman for me? You know me pretty well. Am I prime dating material?”

  William hesitated. How did he tell Arel that
any woman who got mixed up with him was sure to drown herself after the first month of togetherness? After all, Arel said it himself, his vibes were killers. “Of course, there’s a woman for you,” he lied. “In fact, there are a lot of women who’ll look at you and go crazy.” This was a true statement. Arel wasn’t lacking in looks. He’d draw women in like a magnet too, then send them into bi-polar disorders they never knew they had.

  Arel let out a moan. “I don’t know. I wish I could believe it, but—”

  William wanted to moan too as he waited for Arel to continue with his dialogue of complaints. When Arel didn’t go on, William looked over and saw him half sitting up, clutching his chest. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” Arel said through gritted teeth. “Ow!”

  “Is it your heart?” William had overheard Michael talking to Annabel. There was mention of Arel’s previous heart problems. It seems he’d had a miraculous recovery, but the vessel was still at risk when Arel overtaxed himself. “Should I call for your friend, Michael?”

  “No, I don’t want him gloating!”

  “What kind of a friend would gloat over your pain?”

  “Maybe not gloat—” Arel’s teeth clenched with another spasm.

  “I’m calling him—”

  “No!”

  “You are so stubborn,” William said as Arel fell back on the pillow again. “Is the pain gone?”

  “I’m better. Just give me a minute.”

  William reached over and put his hand on Arel’s chest. “You’re heartbeat is as erratic as hell.”

  Arel pushed away his hand. “It’s nothing.”

  “It’s weaker than mine, you idiot. What if you die, then what?”

  “Then your problems are over, and you can tell your old acquaintance to back off.”

  “Who are you talking about?”

  “The hit man you’re contracting to kill me.”

  William sucked in a breath and winced. He had made every attempt to shield his thoughts from Arel. “I’ve taken precautions, so how—”

  “I can’t help it if you’re sloppy, Will. Besides it takes a while to completely control stuff like this.”

  William already knew that Arel had the capacity to read his mind, but he never expected Arel to be so open about it. “So you have no qualms about invading my thoughts?”

  “I believe in privacy, so I’m doing everything I can to avoid going there. Some things, maybe important matters, simply slip in when one of us isn’t attentive.”

  William frowned. “So if you know about this guy, why did you try to help me?”

  “Because I’m selfish like I said before. I don’t want to lose—” Arel grabbed his chest again.

  “Another attack?”

  “Yes—”

  If William had been conflicted over Annabel, he was totally confused about Arel. Yes, he’d contacted Rolphe to kill Arel. He needed to rid himself of the person who had a power that scared the hell out of him. Yet, that same person now demonstrated an amazing ability to help William. In fact, William was probably going to get well. If he did, he could pursue Annabel. At some point, he might even marry her if he wanted.

  Maybe Arel isn’t my worst enemy.

  The thought slipped in, but it was too far a stretch to be seriously considered. Deep down, William still had too much anger to let Arel off the hook that easily.

  But maybe Arel could be my guinea pig.

  What if William also had Arel’s kind of power? What if he could affect more than the growth of a marigold? With Arel moaning and groaning next to him, William had a chance to test his abilities. He turned to Arel and made a decision. “Let me help,” he ordered.

  “Really?”

  “Why not?”

  Arel tried to smile. “Only if you promise not to gloat.”

  “I’ll gloat all that I want if I can do what you do.”

  “Fine,” Arel whispered as he tried to catch his breath.

  William moved closer to Arel, trying to get as comfortable as possible. When he’d worked with Annabel and the marigolds, she made it clear that he had to have a positive attitude. That meant William would have to call a truce with Arel. He’d have to “white flag” his way into power. But it was hard to put their past behind him. His hand grew shaky as he held it over Arel’s chest.

  “Ow, ow, ow! Dammit, Will, white flag, red flag, do something or I will have to call for Michael.”

  William reacted at once. “Stay out of my thoughts!”

  “Stop thinking!”

  Arel’s words hit William in a meaningful way. He had a flash of insight.

  That’s it. I have to see Arel getting better, then turn off my thoughts.

  After a few minutes of effort and careful breathing, William’s mind quieted. With his hand on Arel’s chest, he felt Arel’s heart begin to calm down and establish a steady rhythm. If only William had his notepad, he would have recorded his moment of victory in bold print.

  I’m doing it. Arel isn’t the only one with a gift.

  But there was more. As William was able to relax into a deeper state, he felt a new sense of freedom. His awareness expanded so much that he noted a glow at the foot of the bed. It was so compelling, so completely mesmerizing that he abandoned the world of words and explanations. He forgot about Arel and even his own pain as he watched the soothing light and drifted off to sleep.

  * * * * *

  Michael stood next to Raphael, watching William slumber. The man’s hand was still draped over Arel’s heart. “I think they’ll both wake up feeling much better.”

  Raphael smiled. “I added a bit of my own energy to William’s. But he’s a natural at healing. Once he let go of his resentment and got into his unbiased, scientific mode, he was excellent.” He paused and looked at Michael. “About Arel, you told me that he has a different approach to problems, but I didn’t expect this. He’s already engaged William’s healing abilities. The strange thing is that I didn’t think he had a weak heart.”

  “He doesn’t. It can act up now and then, and sometimes Arel really does worry me. But right now, he just needs to rest.”

  “Did he orchestrate what just happened?”

  “On occasion, his body does things for him when he needs it to. It’s a subconscious interaction. Arel has no idea he’s doing anything. In this case, his heart simply went into spasms.” Michael noted Arel’s sleeping frown, and how it contrasted with William’s unlined face. “They’re a strange combination, so different. Arel gravitates towards an almost frantic approach to circumstances.”

  “And William?”

  “I think he’ll always be one for maintaining a strong foundation. In fact, if he ever decides that being part of the lighter side of life is okay, he’ll excel at holding down the fort, so to speak.”

  “Do you think he’ll get that far?”

  Michael smiled. “When this process all started, I didn’t know that he’d get this far. But if he and Arel could join forces, they’d definitely keep it interesting for all of us.”

  “Or they could destroy each other.”

  “Yes, unfortunately, that’s a possibility.”

  Thirty-Six

  TWO DAYS AFTER William discovered his healing powers, he slowly limped down the stairs to his lab. He cursed the pain that accompanied his movements, but he was determined to return to his research. He’d given Annabel orders to buy some mice for experiments that he was planning. She was at his side as he navigated the stairs to check out the new specimens.

  “Are you sure you’re strong enough to be doing this?” she asked in a concerned voice.

  “If I have to spend another day playing chess with Arel and listening to his babble, I’ll stab myself again, this time in the heart.”

  “Thanks a lot,” Arel murmured as he followed behind them. “And I still say I should be going down in front of you, in case you start to fall.”

  “Did you hear that, Annabel? The guy who can’t walk across the bedroom without half killing
me, wants to help me down the stairs.”

  “I didn’t mean to fall on you last night. I tripped on your blasted carpet.”

  “Excuses. You get distracted. Try focusing when you’re walking across a room.”

  “You’re right, I was worried,” Arel said.

  “Obviously not about me.”

  “It can’t all be about you. I found out my friend is expecting a baby. She had problems with her first pregnancy, and I’m concerned about this one. Michael is going back to Chicago to keep an eye on things.”

  “Sorry, I hope she’s okay.” William paused and looked at Annabel. “I want to apologize to you too. I never used to be a complainer. Even Arel will attest to that.”

  Arel shrugged. “It’s true, Annabel. He was a lot of things, but a complainer wasn’t one of them.”

  Annabel smiled. “I accept your apology, William, but I think you’ve faced your condition very courageously overall. Your pain was obviously intolerable.”

  “Thank you.” Annabel’s compliment was enough to quiet William’s swearing as he climbed down the last of the stairs. He was sweating profusely when he reached the lower level, but he had a renewed sense of triumph as Annabel and Arel helped him over to his recliner. Once he caught his breath, he wanted to get on with his purpose for coming down to the lab. “The three of us are going to conduct a little experiment.”

  Arel had a puzzled frown. “Annabel mentioned something about mice. What’s that all about?”

  “We’re working with these little fellows,” Annabel said as she brought over a cage and set it on a table next to the recliner.

  William peered into the cage. “We’re going to test our abilities. It’s as simple as that.”

  Arel smiled. “Mine have already been tested. You look like you’re feeling much better.”

  “That’s true,” William agreed. “And I was able to help you out the other night, but I want to see if we can reproduce the results in a more scientific environment. We’ll work with subjects that are not emotionally biased.”

  Arel stepped closer to the cage and inspected the small rodents that were nestled together in the bedding. “I saw a few of these critters when I was a boy. I never thought of using them in a test.”