Sinister Awakenings

by Marianne Spitzer

  Cole was still staring at the rock when Kellie’s SUV pulled in.

  Kellie waved at Max and the three young women walked over to meet their husbands. Cole still stared at the rock in his hand.

  “What’s up with Cole?” Andrea asked as her husband continued to ignore her.

  Hunter answered, “He’s trying to figure out how Lance softened rock.”

  Andrea walked up to Cole and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him on his cheek. “It’s magic, honey; don’t get a headache trying to figure it out.”

  Cole glanced down at her and smiled. “Good. Then I don’t need to understand it.” He handed the rock to Andrea and strode over to the rest of the group.

  “Now that you’re here, Kellie,” Cole spoke as he approached the group, “are you going to tell us what’s going on exactly.”

  “Sure,” Kellie answered. “I’m going to destroy Thomas with Lance’s help, and each of you is going to back me up if needed. First, we have to get up to the cave. Lance, please lead the way.”

  Lance led the way and after another fifteen-minute hike, Kellie climbed to the area in front of the cave. The others followed, and Taylor stammered, “You’re going into that small cave to fight Thomas? How will you ever get out in a hurry? Is there room to move in there?”

  Kellie smiled and hugged her friend. “The cave is large enough inside for us to do what’s needed and small enough to be easily sealed when Thomas is contained.”

  “Are you sure you can’t kill him or toss him into hell,” Cole asked. “I don’t want him coming after Andrea or anyone else again.”

  “I’m sure. Claudia thinks he has some extra form of protection or strength working with him. We’re not sure what it is. The best we can do is contain him until we learn more. If Claudia discovers a way to destroy him, I’ll do it.”

  “Hey,” Max interjected. “You said this was the last time.”

  “It is, but if there is a way to remove him permanently, I need to do it or help. It’s part of this. I can’t just turn my back.” She hugged him, but he stood stoic with clenched fists. Knowing he didn’t understand, she backed away and walked to the mouth of the cave.

  Lance spoke to the group. “This is our plan. Kellie and I are going into the cave. The rest of you will wait out here for two reasons. First, there isn’t enough room for you in the cave and second; we need you to focus your energy on Kellie. Once she begins to fight Thomas, you can’t be distracted by watching them. You need to stay strong and concentrate on Kellie. It’s what she needs most.”

  Everyone nodded and Taylor said, “Don’t worry; we’ll do what’s needed.” She winked at Kellie.

  Kellie smiled back. “Thanks, I know I can count on all of you.” She motioned to Lance, “After you.”

  Lance ducked his head and entered the cave. Kellie glanced over her shoulder to look at her friends once more. She blew Max a kiss and followed Lance into the cave.

  “Ready?” Lance asked.

  “Give me a moment to calm my mind. When I hand you my amulet, Thomas will know exactly where I am. He’ll be here in less than a heartbeat. I’ll do my best to keep my mind clear of you and what you’re doing. Please, if you must communicate, just say one or two words. I think I can block that many. If we need to talk or something goes wrong, hand me the amulet. Thomas won’t see or hear me.” Kellie blew out a breath, interlaced her fingers, dropped her head and took several long, slow, breaths. When her mind was clear, she handed the amulet to Lance.

  The instant the amulet left her fingers; Thomas’ maniacal laugh shattered the peaceful quiet of the cave and the surrounding area. Kellie heard Andrea’s muffled scream. She knew her friends heard Thomas, but she couldn’t dwell on that now. He was coming, and she must be ready.

  Lance stood close to Kellie without touching her. If he did, Thomas would also sense his presence. A moment later, Thomas stood in front of Kellie.

  “Well. Well. Well. What do we have here? Where’s your friend or is it just playtime for you and me? I plan on killing you slowly, you know that don’t you?” His smirk revealed teeth yellowed from years of decay.

  Lance’s eyes burned from the stench emanating from Thomas in the enclosed space. His concern for her grew as he listened to Thomas’ diabolical plans to inflict as much pain on Kellie as possible. He said a prayer to keep himself strong and to help her as best he could. Kellie stood firm and stared at Thomas.

  “What, no answer from my nemesis? You should have brought Red with you this time. I enjoyed seeing her on the roof. She’d be so much more fun than that little red headed woman I found at the park. I think you’ll have to do for today. I can close my eyes and think your yellow hair is red. Maybe you could close your eyes and think I’m your husband.” He lurched for her, and Kellie turned quickly away from him. Lance nearly tripped trying to keep from touching her when she moved past him. Maybe a larger cave would have been a better idea.

  Hunter and Cole did their best to hold Max back from entering the cave. Everyone could hear Thomas’ words. Andrea dried her tears as they fell and Taylor paced. Her hands tightened into fists to the point her knuckles were turning white; Taylor’s anger and hatred of Thomas grew. She was ready to attack him with her bare hands.

  Kellie spoke quietly and without emotion. “I am not here to play. I am here to rid the world of you.” She lifted her hands, and white light slammed Thomas into the cave wall.

  He laughed. “You’ll have to do better than that. You tried this before.

  With her hands still in the air, Kellie turned in a circle emitting white light and watched as the cave walls lit up as if the sun found its way through the cracks. She knew she had him trapped inside the cave at least for a while. Kellie needed to gain control over him so he couldn’t knock her out. If she were unconscious, her white light would fade before she could permanently infuse the rock with the light.

  “This won’t hold me,” he sneered. “You’ll be sorry.”

  Kellie heard Lance’s voice utter one word. “Snakes.”

  Kellie glanced at the ground. She was encircled by every species of snake imaginable. She didn’t like snakes and didn’t know much about them but recognized the Copperhead, Rattle Snake, Black Water Moccasin, and the King Cobra ready to strike. The snakes slithered over one another and the rattler let her know it meant business. The more they moved, the larger they grew. They seemed to intertwine in an unbreakable barrier with the King Cobra unmovable directly in front of her. Hands at her side, she wiggled her fingers and a shield of light formed between her and the snakes.

  “You can’t hold them off forever,” Thomas sneered. “One will get you, and then you will be mine.” He licked his lips and pieces of skin fell to the cave floor.

  Kellie did her best not to shudder. Head down as if she watched the snakes, she glanced sideways at Lance and whispered, “Outside.”

  Lance knew she couldn’t move freely inside the cave with him and the snakes there. He’d do what he could from outside until it was clear for him to enter again. When he crawled out of the opening, he was bombarded by more questions than he could comprehend.

  Lance held up his hands. “Please, one at a time.”

  Max spoke up. “Why are you out here?”

  “Kellie needs room. Thomas conjured up just about every kind of snake imaginable. Until she rids the cave of the snakes, I can’t get in there safely.”

  “Snakes,” Taylor gasped. She ran up to Lance. “You have to help her. How could you leave her alone?”

  “She told me to leave.”

  “So you listened knowing she could be attacked by dozens of snakes. Do something,” Taylor yelled at him.

  “I am. I’m giving her the space she needs. She’s protected from the snakes right now. If Thomas doesn’t remove them in a few moments, Kellie will. It’s a battle of wills right now. They are just beginning this battle. We have to do what Kellie needs. Right now she’ll need to feel our strength so send it and don’t be afraid. Also, we need to prepar
e in case Thomas decides to toss those snakes out here. He’s not dumb enough to think she’s here alone.” He walked to the edge of the cliff and retrieved a large stick.

  Andrea wiped her tears. “I have pepper spray in my backpack. Do you think it’ll work on snakes?”

  Lance shrugged. “Maybe, but grab a stick or large rock just in case.”

  A shriek echoed in the cave, and Lance knew Kellie made the first move. He walked closer to the opening in case she needed him.

  “You killed my snakes,” Thomas sputtered. “How did you do that? You cooked them. They’re all smoking. You burnt them with that damn light of yours. You’ve learned a thing or two since the Gotz house. It won’t help you in the end.”

  “I’m not worried, but you should be. What I did to the snakes was nothing. You should be concerned about what I’ll do to you.”

  Thomas knew he was trapped inside the cave, but he also knew Kellie was alone. If he got to her before that annoying man he heard speak returned he’d have a chance and she’d be his. A loose rock shifted and fell to the ground drawing Kellie’s attention for a moment. That was all the time Thomas needed. He jumped toward her and grabbed her hair in one hand and her throat with his other. His long bony fingers tightened as she struggled with him.

  The struggle attracted the attention of the young people outside the cave. Lance bent over and could see Thomas had a grip on Kellie.

  “He has her, I’m going back in,” Lance said.

  Taylor pushed past him. “You had your chance,” she said and threw her smile at him.

  When Taylor entered the cave, Thomas lost his hold on Kellie, and she fell to the cave floor. Trying to catch her breath she whispered. “No, Taylor, run.”

  “Let Kellie alone. It’s me that you want, isn’t it? Well, I’m here.”

  “I see that, but you ruined your hair. It’s black.”

  “Don’t you like it? I did it just for you. I wasn’t going to let you see me again with red hair.”

  Another screech filled the air inside and outside the cave. It took all of Cole’s strength to keep Hunter from running into the cave. Lance stood guard and refused to allow Max to pass by him.

  “No one else goes in until Kellie calls us. You’ll get her and Taylor killed.”

  “If anything happens to her,” Max spat through gritted teeth, “I’ll kill you with my bare hands.”

  “I know, but she’ll be fine. Just wait a bit.”

  Taylor’s distraction gave Kellie time to regain her strength. She pushed herself to her feet and stood behind Thomas. He ignored her with his attention directed on Taylor and her black hair.

  “Before we play, we’ll wash it out,” Thomas insisted.

  “No, you can’t.” Taylor lied. “It’s permanent. I’m keeping it this color forever.”

  Thomas growled and grabbed Taylor’s wrist. She swore at him.

  Kellie leaped onto Thomas’ back and yelled for Taylor to leave. Taylor scurried out of the cave and pulled her amulet from Lance’s hands. She slipped it over her head and insisted he go back and help Kellie.

  “I will as soon as she calls me.” He shifted his weight and blocked the entrance to the cave again.

  Taylor ran into Hunter’s arms, and he lifted her into the air before kissing her. “Don’t ever do that again. You scared me half to death.”

  “I’m sorry, but it did help Kellie. Thomas overpowered her, and I distracted him. She regained the upper hand and told me to leave.” She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him close.

  Inside the cave, Kellie held tightly to Thomas’ neck, and he spun around trying to knock her off. He pushed back pushing her into the wall with all his strength, but she bounced off the white light as if it were a marshmallow.

  “Damn,” he muttered. “I’m going to kill you and enjoy it.”

  Thomas flipped her over his shoulder, and she landed hard on her back. He was on top of her in less than a second. Pushing her shoulders down onto the ground, he ignored her hands. Tendrils of white light moved slowly out of each of her fingers. As he grinned and spewed his disgusting plans, he was slowly encased in white light.

  Kellie knew she was gaining the upper hand and needed to distract him, so she decided to ask him a question. “Okay, I think I’m about to die so, please tell me why you’re so strong. I have battled spirits before but none as strong as you.”

  The gleam in his dead eyes told her she had gotten her wish. He was arrogant enough to tell her.

  “Many people passed through the Gotz Manor House. I watched one man kill a woman in the woods behind the house. He seemed to hypnotize her, and after he had killed her, I approached him. He could see my spirit, and he told me he had made a deal with another spirit and that he would be given a long life for every life he took. The more he killed, the longer and stronger his life became.” Thomas began to laugh. “I killed him. Now I have his power, and I’ll live forever.”

  “As long as you keep killing?” Kellie whispered.

  “Yes.”

  “What happens if you don’t kill?”

  “I’ll lose strength and cease to exist. Killing is what gives me life.” Thomas sneered at her again.

  Kellie pushed up, wrapped her arms around Thomas, and yelled for Lance.

  As Lance raced into the cave, she called out to the friends. “Clasp hands. We’re going to stop him.”

  Taylor crawled partway into the cave, reached out, and gripped Lance’s hand. Hunter held her other hand. Lance placed his hand on Kellie's leg. The friends outside the cave held hands and the power surged through Kellie. Thomas screeched.

  In a few moments, Thomas was wrapped in Kellie’s white light tighter than a spider’s prey. She pushed him away and stood. Thomas continued to screech, and thunder rumbled outside.

  “It’s time,” Kellie said to Lance.

  He nodded and followed Kellie out of the cave. Kellie’s friends watched as he caused large rocks to fall in front of the cave opening. He held his hands over them until they softened. When they were pliable, he smoothed them together until they were a solid wall closing the cave off completely. Several moments later, the wall turned solid again, and Lance tested it with a hammer he carried in his backpack.

  “It’s solid. He’s entombed. Kellie, if you’ll embed your white light into the new wall, he’ll be in there forever.”

  “Gladly,” she stepped forward, and the light from her hands flew into the stone and glowed for several seconds. “Done.”

  “Now what?” Taylor asked hugging her best friend.

  “Thomas slowly weakens until he’s powerless and ceases to exist. He bragged about his secret. It seems in order to remain strong he needed to kill. Now that he’s safely trapped and can’t kill, he’ll fade away. We’re done here. Let’s go home.”

  Kellie walked up and wrapped her arms around her husband. Max kissed her deeply. “Home it is my love.”

  Chapter Eleven

  The seven young people walked back down the path making better time than on the climb up. When they reached the bottom, Cole glanced back up and said, “You can’t tell there was a cave there. The area appears as if it’s always been there solid and untouched.”

  “That’s exactly what we want,” Lance answered. “I doubt many people used the cave since it was small and perhaps no one will miss it. If they do, they’ll think they’re in the wrong location. After all, caves don’t disappear, and solid walls appear in their place.” He chuckled.

  Andrea remembered her promise and pulled her cell phone from her pocket. She texted Claudia:

  It worked. It’s over.

  Claudia replied with a single word, “Yes.”

  A short walk brought them back to their vehicles.

  Max suggested, “Kellie, you could take Hunter with you and Andrea can ride with Cole and I. It doesn’t matter now if anyone knows we were together today. I’ll see you at home.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” she answered leaning against her SUV. “I’ll ha
ve to figure out how to tell my Uncle Mike he doesn’t have to worry any longer.”

  Lance added, “Just don’t tell him where this place is. If he gets an idea to check it out, he’ll blow it up to be sure Thomas’ spirit is in there. Then we’ll have to start all over.”

  Kellie shuddered. “We all take an oath never to reveal this spot and we’ll all sleep better.” Each of her friends nodded in agreement.

  ~ * ~

  Life settled down for the friends in Malone Springs. Autumn gave way to winter and Kellie was busy with the Christmas charity ball for the Women and Children’s Center. The black tie affair brought in more money in one night than the rest of the year’s events. She also loved the fact that the event was formal, and she’d see her hubby in a tux. Not that she didn’t enjoy him in jeans and shirts, but there was something about Max in a tux that made her heart flutter.

  Reginald, the Art Museum’s curator, had always been helpful, but since Kellie helped rid the museum of ghosts he’d done more than was needed. Belinda, better known as The Lady in Green, was attached to a painting in the museum. Kellie guided her and a young man, Isaac, who had been murdered by a maniacal painter, into the light. When the artist, Jamie Crumwell, was charged and convicted of Isaac’s murder, Reginald breathed a sigh of relief. He showed Kellie his gratitude by doing everything possible to make the yearly charity event a success. This year was no different. Reginald had begun planning in September. Kellie smiled when she saw his name pop up on her Caller ID.

  “Good afternoon, Reginald. It’s nice of you to call. I was just thinking about the charity ball.”

  Reginald’s excited voice came through clearly, “Oh, Kellie, I’m so thrilled. I’ve managed to find three more painters to donate paintings for the charity auction. Each has agreed to donate a floral painting keeping in mind the theme of Spring’s renewal. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “Yes, it is. Please e-mail me the details so I can add them to the literature before I send it to the printers. I believe this will be our best auction ever, too.”

  She said her goodbye to Reginald and listened to the baby monitor. All was quiet. The girls were still napping, and Kellie needed a cup of tea. As she took her first sip, her phone chirped. A text from Claudia asking her to drop by some afternoon soon. No rush. Just need to talk.