The Broken IV: Vengeance

by A. L. Frances

  “What? You really mean that?”

  “Yes. I mean it. How can I leave you in this state? Huh. Maybe Matthew and Phil can travel here once they have finished with their search in Israel. I’ll ask them, and if not, then after Christmas maybe I could fly to England and meet with them there.”

  Brennan sobs into his hands. “I was so worried I was going to lose you. I haven’t slept all night. Thank you so much for not leaving me. You really don’t know how much this means to me.”

  Alannah’s guilt hangs heavy. She feels terrible at the pain she has caused her husband. Taking him into her arms she cradles him. “Shh, I am so sorry. I will never leave you. Please know that I love you. You’re my life and I will put you first always.” She wipes the tears from his face. “Look, I’m going to text Matthew now and tell him I won’t be flying to Israel.”

  She takes her phone out of the pocket on her jacket and fires off a message to Matthew. Immediately, her phone begins to ring. Seeing her husband’s expression, Alannah says, “Don’t panic, I got this.” She then answers the call.

  “Hello, Matthew.”

  “Alannah, what’s going on? I thought you were flying out and meeting us there.”

  “Yeah, I’m sorry, this just isn’t great timing for me to be getting on a flight.” Alannah smiles as she sees the relief on Brennan’s face. “Erm, I can’t meet you there, but if you like, when you and Phil have finished up in Israel, you’re more than welcome to fly into New York and we can discuss any information you may have found out during your trip?”

  In the background, Alannah can hear the announcements of departing flights and gate numbers.

  “Matthew?”

  “Yes, I’m still here.”

  Hearing the disappointment in Matthew’s voice, Alannah feels a slight sense of guilt. “I’m sorry. I just can’t…”

  “It’s fine.” Matthew coughs. “A bit of a setback, but it’s fine. Erm, look, Alannah. You were a nun, yeah?”

  “Yes, I was a sister at Moycullen.”

  “So you would have studied the Bible?”

  “To some extent, yes,” Alannah says, confusion fast spreading on her face.

  “Do you know anything about the Smashing of the Clay Pot verse?”

  “Vaguely, yes. But nothing of any relevance. Why?”

  “Well, this Hermon guy that we are going to meet has said that this is how the entity was created from that specific time and from the curse that was placed upon the land as a result of the events that happened. Can you do some digging and research as best you can on your end and then we can possibly reconvene on our return from Israel?”

  Relieved that she can at least help in some way, Alannah jumps at the chance. “Yes. Yes. Of course, I will. It would be my honour to help. This is not a problem at all.”

  “Thank you. Also, maybe try and dig into your own memory from during your time at the nunnery with them. See if you can think of any conversations that might lead us to where they are today.”

  “I’ll get on it right away. I’ll go to the library here in New York and do as much research as I can.”

  “Look, I have to go, our flight is boarding. Let’s agree to stay in touch and keep each other updated.”

  “Yes. For sure. You have my word. Safe flight.”

  Putting the phone on the side, she looks to Brennan and says, “All sorted. You can rest easy now. I’m not going anywhere other than the New York library. Why don’t you go to sleep for a while?”

  “Honestly, you don’t know how much it means to me,” Brennan says. “What you have just done is huge and I cannot thank you enough.”

  Smiling, Alannah replies, “Aw, my baby, you don’t have to thank me. Remember, we’re a team.” She kisses him on the head. “Come, lie down for a little while. Do you need anything before I head to the library?”

  “No, baby. I’m just going to rest. But thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll have my phone with me. Call me if you need me.”

  “Will do.”

  With that, Alannah tucks Brennan in and kisses him on the head once more. His temperature has risen and he feels boiling hot. Stroking his hair back, she whispers, “Sleep well, handsome.”

  Alannah then leaves the room.

  Chapter Eleven

  “More Bad News.”

  Matthew and Phil wait anxiously in line to board their flight after an agonisingly slow passage through the annoying airport security process. They want nothing more than to take off and land on Israel soil. Feeling his phone vibrating, Matthew awkwardly retrieves it while trying to juggle his backpack and pass the check-in lady his boarding pass and passport.

  “Hey, Terry, I can’t talk right now. I’m just boarding my flight. Erm, can I call you back in a minute when my hands are free and I’m in my seat?”

  A stern voice comes back through the speaker, “Make sure you do.”

  Confused at his tone, Matthew replies, “Sure.”

  The call ends.

  Staring at his phone, Matthew hears a sweet feminine voice at the side of him say, “Thank you, Mr Honey.”

  Saying nothing, Matthew nods as he receives his documents back.

  “Enjoy your flight.”

  Again, Matthew says nothing.

  Following his fellow passengers, Matthew walks through the narrow corridor. There is a sea of people, old and young, everywhere. The vast majority of them are not speaking English.

  “What did Terry want?” Phil asks.

  “I’m not sure but he sounds really serious and I’m a little alarmed,” Matthew replies.

  “He gonna call you back?”

  “No, I’m gonna call him. If we ever get on this frickin’ plane,” Matthew shouts as he sees the next sea of people he has to queue behind.

  After standing in the same spot inside the tunnel connected to the plane for around ten minutes, Matthew’s temper is surfacing. The incessant crying of babies, whining of children and chit-chat around him is grating on his last nerve. And now the signal on his phone is down, so he can’t call Terry back to find out what the issue is. He wafts his ticket in his face in a desperate bid to cool himself down. Matthew’s heart sinks as he wonders what could possibly have gone wrong now. First Alannah bailed and now Terry’s got what sounds like more bad news coming his way.

  “Told ya. Did you really think that this was going to go your way? Ha. Matthew, you do amuse me. He’s ringing to tell you he’s out, too. Alannah knows you’re crazy and now Terry knows you’re crazy. Going all the way to Israel to speak to some guy who recites biblical verses. What a moron.”

  “Shut up!” Matthew barks. “Will this goddamn line move?”

  Phil’s jaw drops.

  Matthew’s face turns a shade of bright red, partly with irritation and partly with the embarrassment he’s now feeling like all eyes in the tunnel are glaring at him. Dying inside, he decides to copy his friend and put his head down. If he can’t see them, then they’re not there.

  “Mate, chill out. It’s going to be okay,” Phil whispers.

  “I just want to get in my seat.”

  “I know. I do, too, but you don’t have to start yelling at everyone.”

  Then, to Matthew’s delight, the line starts moving. As they get closer to the door, Matthew sees a tiny blonde male flight attendant. His smile is gleaming from the reflection of the sun through the window, almost blinding them.

  “Boarding passes, please.”

  Passing him his ticket, Matthew smiles.

  Smiling back, the flight attendant says, “Welcome to your flight, Mr Honey. Please make your way down the aisle here. Your seat is to your right. A member of the crew will be along to take your drink and food order shortly.”

  “Thank you…”

  “Enjoy your flight.”

  As soon as Matthew and
Phil have taken their seats, Matthew pulls out his phone. Two bars. It might just be enough. He hits the call button and Terry answers within one ring.

  “Terry, I’ve not got long, I keep losing my signal, and it’s gonna go again any minute. What’s wrong?”

  “Look, you know that I wasn’t supposed to be working today?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, I just thought I’d check something.”

  “Okay.” Matthew says, his heart now pounding out of his chest.

  “You got me thinking about what we gonna do when you get this information if this guy is legit. Like, how we gonna find her again… So, I rang the hospital to see if I could speak with Maria on the phone or try to book a visit next month for us. I told them I wanted to wish her a merry Christmas and bring her a small gift. Well, it turns out that she’s… erm… she’s….”

  Sitting up bolt right in his seat, Matthew feels sick to his stomach. “She’s…”

  “Well, Matthew, I erm…”

  “Terry, spit it out. She’s what?”

  “She’s gone.”

  “What, she’s been discharged?” Matthew sinks back into his seat with relief. “That’s not a bad thing. At least she can come with us now. So, did they give you her forwarding address?”

  “No, Matthew, she’s gone, gone.”

  “What do you mean gone, gone? Like untraceable gone?”

  “No. She’s dead.”

  “What?” Matthew’s jaw drops. He can’t believe what he’s just heard.

  “She appeared to be getting better and so they gave her more freeway or alone time. It turns out she wasn’t as stable as they thought. She snuck into an unoccupied resident room and used the sheets on the bed to hang herself.”

  Matthew puts his hand to his mouth. A tear falls down his cheek. “Oh. Terry. I’m so sorry.”

  “I know. It hit me hard. At first, they were reluctant to tell me anything, but she’d left a suicide note and it was specifically to tell me that she was sorry.”

  “I… don’t know what to say… Terry, this is horrible news. Just horrible.”

  “Look, I just wanted to tell you because now I really don’t know how we’re going to find the children and I thought you should be aware.”

  Tucking his head in his hands, Matthew feels sick. Another death. “No. No. That’s, erm… Yeah. Thank you for calling. I’m just so sorry, mate. I know how fond you were of her, and you took her under your wing.”

  “It’s just such a waste. She had such talent and promise. I should never have tried to take her under my wing. It’s my fault, I was the one who requested she pair up with me. Matthew, I feel so guilty.”

  “Terry, I’m so sorry. Please, just go be with your family. Don’t worry about what we’re up to. I’ll think of something, I’m sure.”

  There’s a slight pause. “Thank you,” Terry replies.

  “Anytime. Look, I’m going to have to go. I’ll let you know when we land.”

  “Okay. Please do. Safe flight.”

  Staring at his phone Matthew shakes his head. Another person he’d grown fond of has died. He has no clue why this trail of death and destruction is continuing to follow him. Feeling cursed, sad and muddled, Matthew releases a heavy sigh. Placing his phone on the table next to him, he looks at Phil.

  “What did Terry want?”

  “Maria’s dead.”

  “What?” Phil says, his eyes wide.

  “Yep, took her own life.”

  “When?”

  “Not sure. Just know she’s gone and she ain’t coming back.”

  “Oh shit, mate. How’s Terry?”

  “He ain’t good, as you can imagine.”

  “Shit, that’s sad, man.”

  Matthew takes a deep breath. “Now we return to the drawing board to try and figure out how we’re going to track ’em all down.”

  “Mate, we’ll think of something. Wow, I’m just shocked. Another poor taunted woman. Tragic.”

  Looking up, Matthew says, “You wanna give me a break yet?” Talking to God is the last resort for him.

  “Good morning, Mr Honey, have you looked at our drinks and food menu today?”

  Matthew puts in his order and gets his notebook out. As sad as the news is, he’s determined not to let the death of Maria set them back. He begins jotting down various ideas. With nothing left other than pure belief and faith, he’s hopeful that his new contacts will help him on this journey. A journey to bring his daughter and his brand-new granddaughter Honey home where they belong. He scribbles away, compiling a list of questions in readiness for his meeting with Hermon.

  “Good morning, everyone…”

  Matthew jumps as the captain’s announcement commences. It’s almost time to start the seven-hour flight.

  “Well, here goes nothing,” he says to Phil.

  Saying nothing, Phil smiles back. Yet Matthew sees that his smile isn’t of the happy kind. His friend has sadness in his eyes.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Research.”

  Alannah can see the breath as it leaves her body. Hands in her pockets, she is walking past Bryant Park at a rather daring pace. Frost and slush are spread across the path. Not wanting to slip and land flat on her butt, Alannah tries her best to dodge any slippery spots.

  She’s wrapped up from head to toe. Over her velour tracksuit, she’s wearing her ruby red winter jacket, black beanie hat, black silk scarf with gold detailing, and ankle height welly boots. Resting on her shoulder is her pride and joy, an oversized designer black leather handbag with a red silk interior. Having lived in her robes and habit for much of her life, if there is one thing Alannah has personally fallen in love with, it’s the fashion district of New York.

  Peering to her left as she waits for the lights to change at a crossing, she sees the festivities and commotion going on inside Bryant Park and smiles. Gone are the days when she and Brennan would sit outside enjoying the sunshine and five-star dining together as newlyweds. And yet, even with the cold weather, this vibrant location remains just as busy now as it was back then, with people from all walks of life. A huge ice-skating rink is centre stage. Everyone is chuckling with the person next to them as they desperately holding onto one another to travel the distance around the rink as successfully and embarrassment free as they possibly can. Winter isn’t going to take the outdoor fun and joy away from the city that never sleeps.

  The cars come to a halt and the lights change. With a skip and a jump, she crosses the road and finally arrives at the New York Public Library. After walking the twenty-three blocks to get there, Alannah is now somewhat hot and bothered. Releasing the scarf from around her neck, she instantly feels the cold breeze blowing against her skin. It’s soothing and yet slightly orgasmic.

  Looking, as she always does, Alannah is once again in absolute awe of this magnificent building. It doesn’t matter how many times she visits this venue, every trip is just as magical as the last. One thing being locked away in the Moycullen Nunnery for so long has taught her, is to always stop and smell the roses. Gone are the days of dreaming about visiting places such as this. Beaming a smile as bright as the stars, Alannah is mesmerised by the matching grey-stone twin lion statues in pride of place at the front of the building by the steps.

  She bounces her way up the stairs, panting as she makes it to the top. She opens her bag for the short lady behind the security desk, who scans the contents and waves Alannah in. “Thank you, Ma’am. Have a great day and welcome back to New York Library.”

  “Thank you, Lara,” Alannah replies.

  She makes her way towards the staircase through a sea of people, many of them taking pictures posing alongside the grand architecture. New York Public Library is breath-taking. Alannah feels very blessed to have it within walking distance. She glances up at the immaculately designed marble ceiling. It’s
like walking through a fairy-tale book. History, romance and knowledge from all walks of life are waiting for her, like treasure to be found. And no expense has been spared with the Christmas decorations. Extravagant lighting is intertwined throughout. Standing at least twenty feet tall, the Christmas trees are decorated with white and gold. The building is glowing and looks angelic.

  She heads to the Stephen Schwarzman Building in the General Research Division. Unsure of what it is she’s looking for, Alannah decides this is her best starting point. She finds an empty table, sets down her bag and puts her jacket on the back of the chair.

  She spots a friendly-looking woman across the way. “Pardon me. Sorry to interrupt, but can I ask, are you a regular here?”

  The mousey brunette puts down her novel and whispers, “Yes. I’m familiar with the library.” With a friendly expression, she continues, “It’s my place of sanctuary. I just love being surrounded by so many great love stories. I’m a sucker for romance. What about you? I love your accent, by the way.”

  “Oh, thank you. That’s too kind,” Alannah says as she seats herself. “I haven’t been in New York for long. But I have been here a few times. I’m not an expert like you, though. I am yet to unlock all the knowledge that lies within these enchanting walls.”

  “Yes, it is quite a project.” The girl chuckles.

  “By any chance, do you think you could help me? I’m looking for a specific genre.”

  “For sure, I can certainly try. What is it?”

  “Erm, okay, so do you think you could help me locate the historic religious book section?”

  “Oh, your best bet for that sort of material would be the Rose Main Reading Room. Not a lot of people know this, but up high there are books that remain untouchable to the public. Those shelves house some of the most prestigious and oldest biblical books.” She looks up, appearing to be in thought. “Hmm, now I’m not sure if you can get access up there. Most of those books have been untouched for decades due to their delicacy and value.”