They concentrated together and quickly a geyser of water formed in front of their eyes. “Hit it with your white light and freeze it with me,” Lance called out.
Kellie obliged, and in a moment, the geyser froze and shimmered with white light. When it began to vibrate, Kellie yelled, “Shield your eyes.”
Kellie heard the loud crack of ice breaking and felt pieces of ice no bigger than sleet hit her. She opened her eyes and looked at the pieces of ice glimmering in the sunlight.
Wide-eyed, she stared at Lance. “Did we do this?”
“We did,” he grinned. “Well, your white light made the shattering possible, but yes we did it. Now we need to practice on something living.”
“What?” Kellie spun to look at him.
“Not human, but maybe a small animal. A squirrel or rabbit would work. It may shatter differently than water.”
“I can’t do that,” Kellie shuddered.
“All right, maybe a worm or snake.” He saw the horrified look on her face. “Okay, why don’t we try with a tree branch?”
“Would it be the same as destroying Cansha?”
Lance wondered about the question. “I have no idea. She’s no longer human. I don’t know if she’s solid or spirit. If she’s a solid form like a vampire, this will work well.”
“I think we can do the same with a spirit. A spirit is more like air or vapor. They’re like fog, and I’ve heard of frozen fog. I think we can freeze the vapor, too. I don’t know how to find out, though. Let’s wait for that and try something solid.” She bent down and picked up a small rock. “This should work.” She placed the rock on a tree stump about fifteen feet away.
“Good idea, I doubt we’ll get closer than this to the wraith. Fortunately, we’ll be hidden from her, and if we fail, she’ll be unable to kill us. We’ll try something else. Ready?”
Both of them concentrated on the rock, water, and ice. Kellie hit the rock with her white light, and it exploded into sand.
“It works with solid objects. How do we try vapor?”
Lance answered, “Hot coffee in my travel cup. Let’s get a large coffee. My travel cup keeps it piping hot for hours. We come back and pop the top and try to freeze the coffee steam.”
“Okay, I could use a cup of coffee right now, too.” Her cell rang, and she answered. Her eyes grew big, and she thanked the caller and hung up.
Turning to Lance, she said, “That was Dan Riley. A man with a nasty head wound wandered into a bar asking for a drink. He babbled incoherently and claimed he saw a beautiful woman with a white cat. The bartender called the police thinking the man had enough to drink already and would cause trouble. They took him to the E.R, and he wasn’t drunk. His blood count was low enough that he’s lucky to be alive. They transfused him, but he had a stroke. He’s alive but not communicating. We have to stop her, Lance.”
“Yeah, let’s get that coffee. If we can vaporize the steam, then we have all our bases covered, I hope.”
Lance drove to Kay’s and walked out to the car with his large travel mug filled with hot coffee. Back at the clearing, Lance poured the hot coffee into the empty Styrofoam food container he asked Kay to give him. As soon as the steam rose, he stepped back and said, “Now.”
Kellie concentrated and infused the steam with her white light. She and Lance focused and froze the steam. It exploded.
“We did it again,” Kellie exclaimed. “You need to find that mountain man and buy him something special for his cave.”
Lance chuckled. “What does a cave dweller need?”
“Books and candles,” Kellie suggested.
“Oh no, do you have any idea what I went through to hike up that mountain? I won’t even attempt to lug books up there.”
“How about a helicopter drop. I could arrange that.”
“I’m sure you could. I’ll think about it.”
“If you visit him again, just call with his coordinates, and I’ll arrange the drop.”
Lance smiled. “I think we’re as ready as we can be unless you want to go somewhere and get another cup of coffee to practice on to be sure it’ll work.”
“I think we can do this. What about the water from the river? Do you think we need to practice?” Kellie tapped her lip waiting for an answer.
“Maybe, do you have time? We could try once and see if we can control the stream of water.”
“Yeah, I have time, but first we need to see if we can create a powerful spiral of wind close to the ground without releasing a tornado on an unsuspecting town.”
“True, the wind might help put out the fire if the water doesn’t work, but then if the water doesn’t work, we’ll have trouble.”
They spent an hour practicing controlling the wind. It took a bit of time to spin the wind in a circle close to the ground. After they were satisfied, they stood back and surveyed the meadow.
“I think this is how crop circles are made. We left a perfect circle. Whoever finds this will keep the papers and police busy. We need to flatten more of the grass.” Lance complied and drew the wind down until the meadow looked haphazardly crushed.
“I think some of the grass will survive and by tomorrow, it’ll pop up somewhat, and this won’t look like an alien landing spot.”
Kellie nodded, “Let’s get to the river and practice pulling a stream of water.”
On the drive across town, Kellie handed Lance a granola bar. “I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry. It’s about lunch time, and I don’t want to take the time to stop. We may need all the time we have.”
“Thanks,” he ripped the wrapper and took a bite. “Mmm, I didn’t realize I was hungry.”
Lance pulled up and parked on the street that once was home to the largest mansion in Malone Springs. It was now a vacant park with a large gazebo across the street.
Kellie climbed out of the car and drew in a deep breath. “I can’t believe I used to live here. It seems as if it was a lifetime ago. The gazebo used to be in the backyard. I married Drew in that gazebo and sat on its stairs with Taylor while they tore the mansion down. During the demolition while I sat on the steps, Drew had me served with divorce papers. My grandfather terrorized all my friends in the mansion not to mention he murdered two women and buried them in the cellar. It’s better used as a park.” She walked toward the path that led to the river and stopped, “When I inherited the mansion that beautiful little graveyard was hidden by overgrown weeds. My grandfather buried my mother’s ashes in it. He was the first evil spirit I fought.” She shivered at the memory. “Let’s go.”
Lance followed her down to the river and then along a small path that led to the private cove Kellie mentioned.
“Here,” she said. “It’s a nice open area and close to the water. Do you think we can do this?”
“Let’s start small and see what happens,” Lance suggested.
Together they drew a stream of water out of the cove to their feet.
“That was easy,” Kellie confessed.
Lance pointed to a large oak several feet away. “Let’s imagine that oak is Cansha. We need to harness the stream and hit the tree. Do you think we can do this?”
“No way to know unless we try.”
They stood side by side and drew a stream from the cove across the grass and into the tree.
“She’ll be standing; we need to aim higher.”
“The next try had the stream hit the tree six feet off the ground.”
Lance admitted, “I’m still a bit worried about our ability to do all this at the same time. Let’s try with that small log next to the tree. I don’t want to shatter the oak.”
Kellie and Lance tried again, and Kellie infused the stream of water with her white light. The stream covered the log, froze, and the log shattered. It took less than fifteen seconds.
“If Cansha is surprised and holds still for a few seconds we can do this. I’m worried she’ll see the water and disappear.”
“Maybe,” Lance agreed. “We have to try even if
we fail She’s one of the most dangerous spirits we’ve encountered.”
“We need to rest and be at our best. We should try in two or three days.”
Lance walked the edge of the wooded area and strolled back toward Kellie. “This is a good spot, but you’re right. She’s strong. We need to be at our best. Three days it is. I’ll take you home.”
~ * ~
Kellie tossed and turned trying to push out the day’s events. Thinking she heard one of her girls call out, she climbed out of bed and padded barefoot down the hall to their room. She peeked into the room and saw Miss Annabelle sitting at the foot of Faith’s bed singing a lullaby.
Kellie entered the room and whispered, “Is everything all right?” Kellie bit her lip waiting for an answer.
“The girls are fine. There is a disturbance that’s upsetting their dreams. I will not allow it to wake them or frighten them. Their subconscious is connecting with the spirits protecting your home. Evil walks the streets tonight. It is my job to keep it from them. I will not fail you or them,” Miss Annabelle rose and pulled the blanket up around Faith where she had kicked it down.
“I know you are taking good care of them. Do you know what the evil is? Is it what attacked me?”
Miss Annabelle stood holding her folded hands in front of her. “Yes, I feel it is the same evil. You must be careful Mrs. Noles. It is an old evil which makes it cunning. Do what you must and have no worries about the girls. I will not let anything harm them. You can be sure of that, ma’am.”
Kellie smiled at the girl’s guardian. “I know of your heroism protecting your charges, Miss Annabelle. You gave your life protecting them, and I know you will do everything in your power to protect Faith and Hope.”
“I did my job, and yes, be assured I will do all I can to protect them. They are dear children, and I love them.”
“I love them, too,” Kellie said then tucked each girl in and kissed their foreheads. “Good night, Miss Annabelle.”
“Sleep well, Mrs. Noles.”
Kellie closed the door behind her and walked back to her bed. She closed her eyes and tried to relax knowing that the girls would be safe regardless of what happened to her. She did wonder how their minds connected with the spirits. Spirits had connected to Kellie in the past through dreams. Would the girls be able to see spirits when they’re awake? The thought struck her that they already did when they noticed Cansha. Was it their gift or Cansha’s choice to allow them to see her. Does Cansha know about their abilities? No, the girls are shielded. Cansha found them because Max dropped his protection, right? She needed to talk to Claudia again. Kellie rolled over hoping sleep would find her saying a prayer that whatever evil threatened Malone Springs could be dealt with quickly.
She rolled on her side trying to find a comfy spot when she remembered that her Uncle Mike hadn’t called her. She read Dan Riley’s article and he stopped short of mentioning a human sacrifice or evil beings, but hinted at the possibility of a supernatural connection. She doubted Mike missed the article, and his disregarding it was more worrisome than his angry response. Maybe he didn’t read it…yet.
Chapter Thirteen
Was that the phone?
Maisy grumbled, “No, he isn’t going to call me.”
He promised, and she needed help. He was a big part of her life. She did what he asked. Zach was dead, and Ronnie would go to prison. Since she wished that creature here for him, she felt more out of control than usual. Wait, it was the phone, it’s ringing again. Maisy climbed down from the chair in the attic and back to her bedroom. She sighed; she didn’t have time for this. Caller ID let her know it wasn’t him.
“Hello.”
“Good evening,” the soft male voice said. As he rambled on about some political candidate, Maisy began to imagine what he looked like. Tall, muscular, dark wavy hair, blue eyes, gentle, caring personality. Maisy’s dream man. Someone who would care for her.
The man asked if he should call again to remind her to vote. Maisy readily agreed. She sat on her bed and dreamed of the man she imagined had just called. An hour passed and the urge to take her life lessened. She stood and walked to the attic. The chair and noose were still in place. She could hear her grandpa’s gentle snoring. He and grandma would never hear her.
“Maybe tomorrow I’ll need you,” she muttered. “Right now I have my dreams.” She closed the door behind her as she returned to her bedroom.
Undressing for bed, she put on her silky, red gown. She was going to dream of her telephone man tonight. Maybe she could find someone like him. She could try unless she ended up in prison for the rest of her life. Would that happen? It couldn’t. She’d die first.
Maisy woke with the birds. She couldn’t remember the sound of the phone man’s voice. Maybe she would use the noose today. She had the anxiety pills Dr. Rogers gave her, but she wasn’t sure how many to take. Making a mistake would be disastrous. He wanted her to try an anti-depressant, but she didn’t think she needed it. Now she wished she had both. That might be enough.
She frowned as she wiped the tears from her eyes, “Being lonely sucks. He never called back. I’m alone, and I’ll never meet my dream phone man.”
She got out of bed and dressed in her favorite blue sweats. She walked to the attic. Her shaking hand hesitated on the doorknob. Taking a deep breath, she turned the knob and entered the attic. One giant step brought her up onto the chair and eye level with the noose. It slipped easily over her head, and she tightened it. One step and she’d kick the chair over. The pain would end. Maisy had sunk into madness.
Grandpa’s voice snapped her back to reality, “Maisy Lynn O’Neil, what are you doing? Get down from there.” He gripped the chair to keep her from moving it.
Grandma appeared at the top of the attic steps gasping for breath. She clutched her chest. “Maisy, no. Please come down. I love you.”
Tears rolled down Maisy’s cheeks when she looked into her grandma’s eyes. She slid the noose from her head and rushed over to hug her grandma. “I didn’t know what else to do, Grandma. I’m alone and afraid.”
“You’re not alone, child. I’m here.” Grandma said hugging her tightly. She looked at her husband and mouthed, “Call 9-1-1.”
Grandpa nodded and tried to hurry back down the attic stairs. He pulled on his robe and went down to the living room to wait for the ambulance. His knees gave out, and he dropped into a chair. He folded his hands and prayed for his precious, troubled granddaughter. He’d have to call his son. How do you tell your child that their child wanted to die?
Grandpa heard the siren before he saw the ambulance pull into the driveway. He opened the front door to allow the paramedics entry and his heart skipped a beat when he heard Maisy’s scream followed by his wife calling his name.
“She’s in the attic.” He looked helplessly at Max who was on duty and part of the two-person crew to answer the call.
“I know the way,” Max called as he ran toward the stairs. His partner followed him carrying his large medical case.
Max hurried up to the attic to find Maisy curled into a ball on the floor sobbing and Grandma doing her best to console her. Grandma’s sad, wet eyes met Max’s. “I don’t know what made her do this.”
Max squatted down next to Maisy while his partner helped Grandma to her feet and made sure she walked down the stairs carefully. “Maisy, it’s Max. You know who I am. I live next door to Hunter and Taylor. You’re safe now. No one will hurt you. Will you come with me?”
“No, I refuse medical treatment. Go away.”
Max lifted his eyes to the ceiling and saw the noose. He knew what she planned, but it was Grandpa’s word against hers. He needed to convince her to come with him. “I think you should come with me. Grandma is worried about you. I'm concerned about her health. Let the doctors check you out, and they can look at Grandma, too. Then when they’re satisfied, you’ll both be okay and you can come home.” It wasn’t a lie, but he didn’t tell her they would hold her on a suicide watch
until they were sure she wouldn’t try this again.
“Okay,” she whispered. “I don’t want Grandma to get sick.”
Max helped her to her feet and helped her downstairs. She stopped and hugged Grandma. “You have to come to the hospital, too. Max says they need to check you out. I’m worried about you.” She kissed her Grandma’s cheek and sat on the stretcher that waited just inside the door.
Grandma leaned against Grandpa and asked, “Whatever was she thinking to want to die like that. Did you call Patrick?”
“Yes, he’ll meet her at the hospital. I think we should go, too. I’ll make some tea while you get dressed. You need to eat a little although I know you’re going to tell me you’re not hungry.”
“You know me too well,” she said and patted his arm. “I’ll have a piece of toast.”
“Okay, I’ll toast some frozen waffles. Get dressed, my dear.”
She shook her head and smiled at him. “You’re a good man.”
Grandpa’s heart swelled when he walked into the kitchen to make his love a bite of breakfast. It helped ease the pain a bit of seeing his granddaughter on a chair with a noose around her neck.
~ * ~
Kellie answered her phone. “Good morning, Taylor. How are you today? What? Oh, no, is she all right?”
Taylor’s shaky voice came through the speaker, “I think so. Hunter’s grandpa called, and he just left for the hospital. He feels his visit to Maisy might have helped push her to do this. I’ll let you know more when I hear.”
“Thanks, take care.”
Kellie ended the call and dialed Lance’s number. She explained what occurred and expressed the same concern Hunter did. Were they responsible?
Lance thought for a moment. “I don’t believe we’re responsible, but we did make her face the facts that she might face prison or Cansha could come after her. She was most likely troubled before, but I do feel as if I helped push her closer to her decision. Is there anything I can do?”
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