Devil's Pawn

by Levinson, Marilyn

  As much as I hated my uncle, I also harbored a smoldering rage against Craig Averil. The guy was a traitor of the worst kind. He worked with kids year round. Both his high school students and Shady Brook campers adored him. Their parents trusted him. But if I hadn’t stopped him the other night, he would have sent another little girl to her death.

  I wondered if I’d be able to control my anger the next time I ran into Craig, or if I’d simply haul back and start swinging. Sure, he had pounds, inches, and twenty-odd years on me, but I was itching for a fight. My mental and physical powers expanded with each infusion. I had no idea if Raymond knew this would happen and I made sure he didn’t find out. I grinned to think that Craig would probably do nothing if I punched him out. He probably had strict orders to keep his hands off me, regardless of how I behaved.

  I got my chance to deal with Craig a few days later, when he came to the pool to talk to Rick. He glanced at me as I was instructing a few boys at the shallow end of the pool, then walked on as though I were of no importance. He and Rick stood near the diving boards, laughing about some comment one of them had made.

  I shook my head in amazement. The guy came across as harmless as any average middle-class guy in his late thirties. What had turned him into someone’s killing machine? Was it money? Power? Or did Raymond have incriminating evidence of Craig doing something really awful that he threatened to expose if Craig didn’t do his bidding?

  “Watch me, Simon!” one of my seven-year-olds shouted.

  “I’m all eyes, Jimmy!”

  “You made it!” I said, after Jimmy had dog-paddled across the width of the pool.

  I felt eyes watching me. I caught sight of Craig a few feet away, an insolent grin on his face. He knows about Lucy and he’s glad I’m suffering! A fireball of fury sped through me as I splashed up the three steps and thrust myself in front of him. Astonished, he stepped back. I inched forward until our noses almost touched. I kept my voice low so only Craig could hear. “When Lucy’s safe, I’ll take care of you!”

  He let out a frog-like croak and ran off, a look of terror on his face.

  Yay! I silently cheered, though it was a hollow victory. Lucy was Raymond’s prisoner and I was his pawn.

  Lucy sent me messages throughout the day. I told her to pretend she was Gretel and to report everything she could about where she was and the people looking after her. So far there was only one woman, who started out a witch and then turned out not to be mean at all. At first she kept her distance and spoke harshly, but when Lucy couldn’t stop crying the first night, the woman sat with her until she fell asleep.

  What does she look like, Luce? I asked.

  I don’t know ‘cause she wears a mask, a loose shirt and baggy pants. But I don’t think she’s fat. And she’s not very old. Younger than Mom was.

  What color hair?

  I don’t know. She wears a turban.

  When she started to whimper, I told her she was doing a great job and would probably have more to tell me next time. I hoped she couldn’t pick up on my disappointment. We had no idea where she was because after the first day, slats were nailed over the windows. And the cell phone number hadn’t panned out since it was a disposable phone.

  We had to catch a break and soon.

  Lucinda seemed very perky as she recovered from her injuries. I hated to think it was because Lucy’s kidnapping was an excuse for her to play detective. When I stopped by her house with Pol on Monday night, Lucinda told me she’d contacted Aunt Grace.

  “You shouldn’t have!”

  “Simon, control yourself,” Lucinda scolded. “Your aunt’s frantic with worry. She’s entitled to know what progress we make.”

  “We haven’t made any progress. Besides, Aunt Grace was nasty to me.”

  “For good reason,” Pol pointed out. “She was afraid your uncle would use you to find Lucy.”

  “That’s exactly what happened!” I slammed against the back of the couch, making the springs moan.

  “It’s too bad the police don’t believe your uncle took your sister,” Pol said.

  “Not officially, they don’t,” Aunt Lucinda said. “According to Sergeant Baker, Raymond told Chief Knowles your aunt probably blames Lucy’s disappearance on him because she’s always hated him. But he and Chuck know the truth. They scour the countryside looking for her every free moment they have.”

  “If only Lucy could tell us more about the woman Raymond has guarding her.”

  Lucinda smiled. “I think she will in good time.”

  “In good time,” I grumbled. “We don’t have time.”

  Pol squeezed my hand. The vise constricting my heart eased. I reminded myself I had friends. People were out looking for Lucy. I had to stay positive for my sister’s sake.

  The next day, Lucy contacted me when I was on the bus going to camp. She has blonde hair, Simon! Her turban slipped and I saw it! And she had an argument with someone late at night when she thought I was sleeping.

  My pulse started racing. What were they arguing about, Luce?

  I’m not sure, but a man drove here. It sounded like a small truck or an SUV. At first they talked quietly in the next room. I couldn’t make out the words. And then they started arguing. She asked when they were going to let me go. He said something and she started to yell.

  I swallowed, afraid I’d give away my fear. Was Craig the man who went there last night? What did he tell the woman that she didn’t like? Something bad regarding Lucy?

  Can you remember any words of their conversation, Luce? Close your eyes and try to remember. Anything will help.

  Okay. A minute later, she continued. She said she didn’t bargain for that, whatever “that” is. I don’t know what she was talking about. Lucy began to cry. But Simon, I know it wasn’t good. I don’t want to die, Simon. You have to find me and get me out of here!

  My heart pounded so fiercely I was certain Lucy could hear it thumping away. I had to come across as calm.

  Lucy, cuddle up to this woman. She likes you. The more she likes you, the better she’ll protect you. I had an idea. Ask her to remove one of the slats they nailed over the window so you can see the sunlight—at least while she’s in the room with you. If she does, tell me everything you see from your window. Everything! It’s important! People are out looking for you, Lucy. You have to do everything you can to help them find you.

  I’ll try, Simon. Oh, one more thing. This man said something about a meeting.

  A meeting! I must have jumped up in my seat because kids were staring. Anything else?

  No. I have no idea what they were talking about.

  I just might. You did great, Gretel. I gathered up all the enthusiasm I could, and told her, We’ll get you out of there yet.

  ***

  Don’t worry, Lucinda told me that evening when I’d contacted her our usual way. You’re doing a great job of eradicating his influence on your mind. Besides, Raymond’s infusions won’t go on forever.

  How much longer?

  Lucinda sighed. I suppose he’ll stop once he realizes he’ll never be able to subjugate your will and inhabit your body. That old parchment he found can’t possibly work.

  My blood ran cold. What old parchment are you talking about, Lucinda?

  I picked up on her sorrow laced with guilt and embarrassment even before she cleared her throat.

  It’s my fault Raymond got ahold of that damn piece of paper! A couple of years back he asked to see some of my grandfather’s old books and papers. Stuff I’d packed away in a carton in my attic. Raymond said he wanted to write an historical article about our family. She gave a chortle of derision. I should have known better.

  So that’s how he learned about this transformation business! Did other people in your…our…family succeed in taking over someone else’s body?

  Moments passed before Lucinda responded. I doubt it. When I was little, there was talk that my father’s cousin Frank tried to carry out a transformation on a boy—a distant relative.<
br />
  My heart pounded against my ribs. Did you know the boy?

  I met him the one time he came to Buckley on a visit with his parents. They lived in the Midwest. Once his parents discovered what was happening, they grabbed their son and drove home. Though, as I said, the transformation didn’t work since Frank was still around after the boy left. She hesitated, then added, Though I heard he took ill and died shortly afterward.

  Frank?

  No. The boy.

  I exhaled loudly. None of this makes me feel very good.

  I don’t mean to frighten you, but I feel obliged to tell you everything I know. And the truth is, I don’t believe a transformation is possible.

  Then why does Raymond think it is?

  She sighed. He took his idea to someone he believed could help him. A sorcerer, he called him. He bragged that this sorcerer was going to make it work, even if our relative couldn’t.

  Oh. I felt as deflated as a burst balloon.

  Simon, it can’t work! Lucinda insisted. Please believe me! Yes, Raymond can infuse his ideas and his memories into your mind, but only temporarily. And he can’t take over your body.

  You don’t know that.

  Raymond would need the life force of many, many people to transform himself into you.

  I get the feeling he’s planning his big move. I think it has something to do with Thursday night’s meeting. Remember, Lucy heard this woman and a man talk about a meeting.

  Lucinda thought a minute. In that case, we have to get Lucy away and safe before Thursday night.

  Yeah. My heart plunged to my feet. That’s what I was afraid of.

  ***

  As soon we finished eating lunch on Wednesday, Pol tugged my arm. “Let’s go for a walk.”

  Andy let out a groan. “Ugh! You love birds are making me ill.”

  I grinned, though I figured Pol had something else on her mind. “Wait till it strikes you, old pal. Your life won’t be the same.”

  “I won’t let it happen to me,” Andy boasted.

  “Right,” I said. I tossed my lunch trash in the garbage can and followed Pol outside.

  “What’s up?” I asked when we were walking hand in hand along one of the more secluded paths.

  “Let’s go bowling tonight.”

  “Bowling?” I stared at her in disbelief. “With everything going on? Lucy’s God knows where. I’m about to be served up to zombie-hood.”

  Pol placed a hand over my mouth. She let me kiss her palm, then gently removed it to set both hands on my shoulders. “That’s precisely why we’re going bowling tonight. That is, if your uncle lets you out.”

  “Oh, I’ll get out if I want to. Raymond wants me happy. He thinks a happy Simon is a cooperative Simon. He doesn’t worry that I’ll tell people what he’s doing to me because no one will believe me. No one will stop him. And you know what? He’s right. No one will stop him. So to answer your question, I can go bowling if I like.”

  I laughed like a maniac until Pol started to shake me.

  “Calm down, Simon. Bowling will be good for you. Lucy and Lucinda can reach you wherever you are. And you need to keep busy so you won’t worry so much.”

  I pulled her close. “I can think of a few other things we can do to distract me.”

  Pol kissed my neck, sending chills up and down my spine. God, she was sexy, in a quiet kind of way. A private way. “We’ve plenty of time for that, after this is settled. Let’s get through tonight.”

  I returned to the subject that had been bothering me these last few weeks. “You agree he’s planning something for the meeting?”

  “I do,” Pol said, “but I can’t figure out what it is either.” As though reading my thoughts, she added, “and I didn’t mention any of this to Andy.”

  I laughed. “I can’t picture Andy wrapping his mind around what I’ve been living through. It’s weirder than the games he plays on his computer. You’re sure he doesn’t suspect anything?”

  Pol shook her head. “He thinks I’ve gone crazy over you and simply can’t think straight.”

  “Can you think straight?” I murmured, nibbling her ear.

  She shrugged, making us both laugh. We kissed for what seemed like minutes, then pulled apart to gaze into each other’s eyes.

  “I’m crazy about you, too,” I told Pol.

  Pol winked. “I’ll take that as a yes regarding bowling tonight.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  THURSDAY MORNING at breakfast, Raymond told me to stay home from camp. “I’ve made your excuses to Craig. Relax. Take it easy.” He winked. “You came in late last night from your date with Pol Coltrane. You must be exhausted.”

  “What are you talking about? I’m fine,” I said, alarmed at this latest development. “I’m not tired at all,” I lied.

  My uncle’s phony laugh put me on even higher alert. I wanted to get up and run out of the house, run far from Buckley, and never come back.

  “You sound anxious. I’ve something that will help you relax.” He held up a small bottle of pills.

  “No, thanks.”

  “Whatever you say. But don’t tell me you’re going to turn down a day off from camp?”

  I suddenly remembered Lucinda’s advice to pretend I was falling under his influence. I yawned. “Actually, I am kind of tired. I wouldn’t mind catching a few more z’s.”

  I downed the rest of my milk, dashed upstairs, and threw myself on my bed. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep so Raymond wouldn’t get another chance to coax me to take one of his pills. Some ten minutes later I heard him open my bedroom door. His breath came in hoarse gasps after the exertion of climbing the stairs. His heart condition was growing worse.

  I lay under the covers, feeling as vulnerable as a baby chick, while Raymond hovered over me, no doubt thinking hellish thoughts. I longed to jump up and shove the monster out of my room, but my good sense won out and I remained where I was. In order to survive, I had to outwit my uncle. I made the snoring sounds I’d perfected when I was seven and turned on my side.

  It worked. My uncle murmured, “Sleep well, Gregory. We’ve a busy evening before us. I wish I could sleep too, but I’ve business to attend to. Tonight we undertake our transformation. Soon I’ll be inside your healthy body. I’ll be young again, in the prime of life. Won’t that be fun!”

  The moment he left, I sprang out of bed. Gone was the last remaining hope that my uncle didn’t mean to annihilate me. The transformation was scheduled to take place tonight. I had no idea how, but if the little girls’ murders were anything to go by, it involved devastation and death.

  I trembled as I considered all possibilities, one more horrific than the next. Had Raymond ordered Lucy’s kidnapping because he regarded her life force—that of a young Davenport girl—a necessary factor of the transformation?

  What did this evening’s town meeting have to do with it? Last night I’d told Pol to stay home, in case my uncle meant to harm everyone attending. But she’d merely laughed and said that as evil as Raymond Davenport might be, he couldn’t kill off a room full of people.

  Or could he?

  Simon?

  It was Lucy. Hi, Luce. Are you okay?

  I guess. She sounded down.

  Any luck with the lady removing one of the slats from the window?

  She pulled one out last night so we could see the stars.

  That’s a start. It sounds as though she likes you.

  I guess. She told me to call her Romie.

  I grinned, suddenly optimistic. That’s great, Lucy! I’ll pass the name on to the rescue people. It’s an unusual name.

  Lucy gave a sound of exasperation. I don’t know if it’s her name, Simon. It’s what she told me to call her.

  Sorry. Anything else, Luce?

  That man came again last night and they screamed at each other. When Romie came into my room, she was crying. She said she never figured to get into something this deep. She said she thought it was a custody battle. Lucy paused, then asked,
What’s a custody battle, Simon?

  When parents are getting divorced and they both want to keep the kids.

  Oh.

  She sounded so sad I had to cheer her up. You’re doing great, Luce. Romie likes you. She’s sorry she’s gotten into this situation.

  I drew a deep breath. Did you ask her to take down a slat today?

  I didn’t get a chance. She was so upset she brought in my food and left.

  We were running out of time, but I tried to keep from communicating that to Lucy. Ask her to take down a slat. Tell her you want to see the sun. Cry. Whatever you think will work. Then look outside and tell me everything you can see. Got it?

  Some of my terror must have seeped through because Lucy began to sob. Come and get me, Simon.

  I will, Gretel. We have friends looking for you. They’ll rescue you as soon as you can give them an idea where this barn is located.

  All right. She sounded as dejected as I felt. I’ll try.

  Good girl.

  I contacted Lucinda to let her know the latest. Raymond’s planning the transformation tonight. I’ve no idea if that’s before, during, or after the town meeting, which he plans to attend.

  And Lucy? Has she learned anything new?

  I told Lucinda about the argument Lucy had overheard.

  They must find her before the meeting begins, Lucinda said. Whatever Raymond has up his sleeve involves you and Lucy.

  My temperature plummeted, as if I’d been dunked in frigid water. Lucy was in grave danger. And so was I.

  Lucinda must have picked up this last thought. Trust me, Simon, your unscrupulous uncle isn’t capable of any transformation where you’re concerned. For one thing, your own powers have grown strong, strong enough to resist him. But to stay on the safe side, don’t let him put you into a trance. Don’t take any drugs he offers you.

  I won’t, I promised.

  It won’t be easy. You’ll have to pretend to go along with his plans, at least at first. I’ll go to the meeting tonight. I’ll convince Chuck and Sergeant Baker to come, too.