by Alexie Aaron
It stood silhouetted by the moon. It wasn’t a menacing façade like when a gothic revival went wrong. This Tudor Revival style red brick and Bedford carved limestone building was tasteful, although incongruent, with the eastern hillsides dotted with barns and the small town across the lake. It screamed look at me, yet no one could. The high fences and surrounding trees hid the home from the well-maintained rural road.
Kiki had intended to go and view it from the town across the lake, but she felt somehow the owner would know and he would negate the very lucrative contract. She didn’t need to be sensitive to see the shadows that moved through the house. Some perched at the windows staring over at her, daring her to blink. Kiki had read Jesse’s report on the attic of the home. The carved boxes at each corner were a mystery, but she would stress it was not one for them to solve.
Having Cid on this renovation was a mistake. Jesse stressed that if the place was a hodgepodge of different construction crews, Cid would be the best finishing man to sort it out, and Kiki agreed with him. But Cid’s morality comments disturbed Kiki. She didn’t really care who this house was haunted, owned, or possessed by. The brief was to ignore the ghosts and finish the renovation, pronto. The earlier this was done, the better for everyone.
“If you sigh any louder, Cid is going to think we’re enjoying ourselves up here,” Sally said from her bed.
“The man does have ears on him.”
“I’m surprised you’re up considering the day you’ve had,” Sally said.
“Too many things going through my mind right now,” Kiki confessed.
“I could make you a hot toddy,” Sally offered. “Lend you an ear or a shoulder.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but we have nothing in common. I’m not a girly-girl. We share a room, and that’s pretty much that.”
“I fought in a war and you’re calling me a girly-girl?” Sally questioned.
“What I mean is that I keep my concerns to myself. I don’t look for the first handy group of girls or guys, for that matter, to download them on.”
“It’s not healthy, but I’ve picked up the vibe, Boss,” Sally said and rolled over and put her back to Kiki.
Kiki walked out of the room.
Sally sat up and punched her pillow a few times. “Girl, you’ve got to make better job choices.”
Sally’s phone lit up with a message. She picked it up and read:
You can’t hear me, but I can hear you. I would like to tell you that you’re the most dynamic and wonderful woman I have ever met. Don’t let Kiki sour you on the adventure we’re on. I’ll do my best to bring all of us safely through this. Love, Cid.
Sally saved the message and sent it into the Cloud so she could download it onto her computer. “My first love letter,” she said and sighed.
Cid smiled when he heard her. She texted back a few heart emojis. He knew how moved this tough girl would have to be to do that and treasured each little heart with his own.
Chapter Eight
“Ghosts feed off energy,” Cid began, “It can be from your batteries, and that includes cellphones. It can take the electricity from an appliance plugged into an electrical socket, such as those mega lights we use. Also, those big heaters we used when we’re drying plaster.”
“How are we going to work without energy?” Wayne asked.
Cid looked at the group of contractors. He saw the intent look on Sally’s face as she watched him. Kiki’s face was noncommittal.
“You can use these devices sparingly but realize, if we’ve been pumping all this energy into the air, the attacks from the ghosts will come earlier.”
“That means you work faster,” Kiki said.
“No, it means we work smarter,” Cid contradicted her. “We’re going to work together. If we’re working on plumbing, Wayne is in charge. If it’s structure, it’s Jesse and so on. Let’s agree on a plan and stick to it.”
“What if they attack?” Carl asked.
“We fight them,” Jesse said.
“We can also protect ourselves. How many of you are bringing your ghost deterrents with you?” Cid asked.
Gary and Pete raised their hands. Carl and Wayne looked sheepish, and Kiki rolled her eyes.
“Gary and Pete were prepared. That’s why they didn’t get hurt last night. First, protect yourself in a salt ring or maybe have Faye scout out the room you’re working in. Once she clears it, salt yourselves in.”
“What about if we just toss nails or holy water at them?” Wayne asked.
“Iron and holy water will cause a disruption in the manifestation of the ghosts, but it won’t make them go away forever.”
“Why?” Sally asked.
“You’ve played a video game before?”
“Yes.”
“If your avatar dies, it returns to your set point or, sometimes, to start, but you’re granted another life. The closer the remains, or object the ghost is attached to, the quicker the retransformation.”
“How do you know all this?” Carl asked.
“Trial and error. Experiences of my colleagues and reports written up over the centuries. Every ghost is different. We used to think that the clothes you died in would be the clothes that you’d be wearing or the form you would be taking if you found yourself haunting this plane of existence. Faye proved that wrong. My friend Murphy proved that certain ghosts could move and draw energy from nature and not be tied to an object or their remains. But I feel it’s a safe bet that the bones of these men have been buried near here.”
“They have to be under that stone floor,” Wayne said. “There is no reason for that last step to be so short.”
“I had the same feeling. But Kiki is not going to let us disturb their remains.”
“He’s got that right,” she said, crossing her arms.
“Can we bring in a priest?” Carl asked.
“No,” Kiki answered.
“How about one in disguise?” Pete suggested.
“No.”
“Are you trying to get us killed?” Pete asked.
Kiki was slow to answer. “Don’t be an idiot, What the Fuck. I’m trying to get us paid. We’ve encountered ghosts before, people. Hell, we even dealt with a demon. We should be able to do this job and walk away safely.”
“I’m sure the other twelve renovation companies thought the same thing,” Wayne said. “Good God, Kiki, where was your head?”
“It may not be her fault,” Cid said. “There may be a heritage demon involved. These demons can influence people without them noticing. Kiki could have been under and may still be under its control. Otherwise, I can’t fathom why she’s playing Simon Legree.”
“I don’t appreciate being talked about as if I’m not here.”
Sally was amazed when Cid just ignored her. “Let’s get going and tackle the basement today. Faye!”
Faye appeared.
“We need your eyes today. Move in and out of the veils around the house.”
“Ahem, I believe this is my job, Clark.”
“Sorry, I was on a roll,” Cid said sheepishly.
Faye looked at Kiki.
“Have the guys’ backs,” she instructed.
Faye disappeared.
“Wayne, you’re in charge. I’ll be working from here today. I have your reports to peruse, blueprints to check, and materials to order,” Kiki said. “Clark, I’d like to speak with you.”
Sally watched the other contractors scurry down the stairs. Cid stayed and waited for the explosion.
“This is the second time you’ve tried to take my company out from under me, Garrett. If you’re not careful, I’m not only going to fire you but make sure no one hires you after this.”
“I would really like to be a fly on the wall when you try to explain how my keeping you and your men alive was justification for blackballing me. You’re not the only one with a lawyer, Kiki. I’m going to do my best to bring this job in on time, and wi
thout anyone getting hurt. And then I’ll never work for you again. If I were you, I’d give Alan a call. Look at your options. Listen to him, he’s a good guy.”
Kiki left the room. Cid walked over and hugged Sally. He pressed something into her hand. “Keep your distance until I can get someone in to read her,” he whispered.
Sally nodded. She opened her hand and looked at the rosary. The beads were old as if they had slipped through many hands. The silver was not tarnished, but she could tell it was from another era. Cid put his hand over hers. It’s from a dear friend, and it will keep you safe.”
“It’s a good thing I went to Catholic school and know how to use one.”
“You’ll have to teach me. I just wave it around and say, ‘If you’re not with God go.’”
Sally smiled. “Sounds good to me.”
~
Father Simon looked at the email Audrey Stavros handed him. She waited until he had digested the information before speaking.
“Heritage demons are very rare, Audrey.”
Audrey handed him a copy of one of the cells she had blown up from the video of the floor Cid took. “I have the video on my phone if you want me to send it to you,” she explained. “My husband has identified this as a demon summoning circle but admits he hasn’t seen some of the symbols before.”
“What do you know of Congressman Atwater?” Father Simon asked.
“He doesn’t appear to be an evil man. He votes what his base wants and defends the Constitution. He’s worked his way from state legislator to the United States Congress. He’s a power broker, but according to his opposition, he will sit down and listen to reason. He’s a survivor. Also, he has groomed his successor, Bridgeton Atwater, to take his place. Before you ask, I’ve contacted John Ryan, and he can’t find any connection to the Cynosura aside from having to deal with a few of them over the years. His money comes from agriculture and rust belt industry. His large family has made their mark across the Midwest. I haven’t been able to find any scandals. It doesn’t mean there weren’t any, just that I can’t presently find any.”
“I’m going to consult with Father Santos about the possibility of a heritage demon. We need to keep this speculation between the two of us. Heritage demons primarily are docile when it comes to people outside of the family they have bonded with. But they will protect their families much to the detriment of anyone messing with them.”
“I’ll pass that on to Cid. Do you have any idea why this demon, or Atwater himself, would want to trap spirits inside of his home?”
“I do know you can’t draw power from a ghost unless you are one.”
“What about a negative elemental?” Audrey asked, thinking of the negative elemental they had dealt with at Wolf’s Head Lake.
“I’m not familiar with negative elementals.”
“My husband says that on the rare occurrence of a demon death, they are offered rebirth as a negative elemental. It’s a demon ghost. It can have a physical form, but most times, they look like bubbling tar. Always black. Very easy to miss at night or in shadows.”
“I think we should leave dispatching demons to Father Santos and the angels,” Father Simon counseled.
“Why then exorcise them?” Audrey asked.
“Low demons who prey upon the living are dealt with accordingly.”
Audrey pointed to the stained-glass depiction of a dove with extreme talons. “That’s all about the fight for good, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“When did the clear waters of simple right and wrong become so clouded?” Audrey asked.
“When we began to understand more of the world,” Father Simon said. “You and I grew up in the faith, Audrey. Things we were taught aren’t necessarily the whole story, but I’ll die believing that in every person there is a soul worth fighting for. That’s what that window means to me.”
“Me too, Father, me too,” Audrey said.
~
Cid and Pete sorted through the pile of tiles and plaster pieces.
Pete found a complete corner mold which he was very excited about. “Do you realize how rare this is? Normally, I have to take a mold of an existing corner. It takes forever.”
“It shows the level of craftsmanship in this home,” Cid said.
“Gentlemen, we’re ready to lift the new pipe into place,” Wayne said.
Pete and Cid joined the others, and soon the job was accomplished. They moved on to Carl’s project. He was installing a new fuse box to handle the increased amperage needed for the new appliances and the renovated bathroom suites.
“I need that big battery light, Cid.”
“Go ahead, use it all you want, and then, we are going to call it a day and work in the workshop until Kiki’s daily hours are met,” Cid replied.
“You’re really getting on her bad side,” Wayne observed.
“I was born with an unrealistic sense of responsibility,” Cid said. “I can’t sit back and see my fellow workers get hurt if I can help it. If it means I burn the Pickles bridge, then so be it. At least I’ll be able to sleep at night.”
“She’s going through a phase,” Wayne said. “She wants that block in Chicago to renovate.”
“Why not take on investors?” Carl asked.
“Kiki doesn’t like being beholden,” Cid said. “That is one thing that the two of us can agree on. Except, I did and am living off my best friend and his wife.”
“But you take care of them too. I think it’s a mutual parasitical relationship,” Jesse said, moving the light into position.
Cid laughed.
“Mia gets a cook and Ted a playmate, a win for Mia,” Jesse said. “I’m going to get me a Cid when I get married.”
“Quit razzing the boy,” Wayne said.
“I can’t get upset over the truth,” Cid said. “Although, since you last audited my life, I own my property and house outright. The only bills I have are utility, and since Ted and I improved our wind-collection devices, I’m running eighty percent off the grid. I’m only using the power company for my high-end appliances and gas for heating, cooking and hot water.”
“Could you live totally off grid?” Gary asked.
“If I installed a woodburning stove and furnace, but Murphy may have something to say about all the trees I would be burning,” Cid said.
“The ghost with the axe,” Pete reminded Gary.
“I’d stick to gas for now,” Gary said.
“I like cooking with gas. You can control it better than electric.”
“Sally’s mentioned that a time or two,” Carl said. “Okay, I’m going to cut the power and attach these fuses to the new panel. It’s going to get dark where you’re at, guys.”
Jesse poured some salt and put a crate inside the large circle and sat down. “I’m ready.”
Wayne turned on the battery-powered mega light, and Carl turned off the main electrical. He then worked as fast as he could. Gary stood next to him, handing him tools and wires like a surgeon. The others looked around at the dark basement. Cid tried to discern the differences of the natural sounds emanating from the men to what may be paranormal. He kept hearing a sliding sound and opened his penlight and followed the noise.
Pete evidently had the same idea. He stepped over the salt line and watched as a conduit tube containing wires was moving away from the fuse box. He reached up and grabbed it. It was yanked so hard that he was pulled halfway across the basement before he had wits enough to let go.
“A little help here,” Pete said.
Cid misted the outside of the tube with holy water. Wayne pulled the pipe back to Carl who secured the wires inside at the box while Gary secured the straps, keeping the conduit in line above them. The whole mishap took minutes, but it was a reminder of the boldness of the ghosts.
The mega light started to fade. Carl picked up all his tools and said, “Gents, that’s all for today.”
“I’m going to need the light
down here tomorrow,” Wayne said. “But…” He stopped and pulled the battery out. “I’ll charge this in the workshop.”
Cid waited for the others to climb the steps first. He started up and stopped halfway up the steps and turned. “Is there a representative of the men down here? Someone who speaks English. I do understand Español, Français, Deutsch, and some Italiano.” He held out his recorder and waited. He repeated the best he could the request in each language. Cid waited a while and then climbed the stairs and closed the door.
Jesse was waiting for him.
“Thanks.”
“Leave no man behind,” Jesse said. “It could be the name of our new renovation company. Holden and Garrett Leave No Man Behind.”
“Sounds good, but it should be Garrett and Holden.”
“You think so huh?” Jesse said.
“Alphabetical.”
“Now you’re using the alphabet against me. Why aren’t you a teacher?”
“Too dangerous,” Cid said. “Imagine if it got out that I’m a nerd in front of a class of fifteen-year-olds? I’d be slaughtered.”
“First teacher jammed into a locker,” Jesse said, opening the front door.
“Excuse me, sirs,” a male voice said from behind them. “You didn’t list Irish.”
Cid and Jesse turned around to see a broad-shouldered lean fellow.
“Jon O’Connor?” Cid asked.
“You have me at a disadvantage,” Jon said.
“Cid Garrett, and this is Jesse Holden.”
“Faye spoke kindly of you. Because of this, I will caution you not to speak to the natives. They are mad, nuthouse mad. Some are smarter than others and get great glee from torturing the living. Some want you dead.”
“So there is no way of bargaining with them?” Jesse asked.
“No. We’ve been here too long. The best thing is to open up the gates of Hell. It has to be better than supplying a gombeen with any more power.”