“Oh, Barb!” He reached out to pull her into his arms and like a small child bury his face in her chest.
“Tell me about the dream. If you can get it out, then it will leave you and you’ll feel better,” she crooned as she brushed a hand over his hair.
“In my dream I had sex with Chandra!”
Barbara drew back to stare at him. “Would you mind repeating what you just said?” Her voice had lost its gentle tone, now.
Donavan tried to pull her back against him and when she remained stiff and unyielding, he looked at her. “What?”
“You tell me you’re having sex with another woman and all you can say is, ‘what’?”
“I didn’t plan the damn thing!”
“Do you expect me to feel sorry for you?”
“Barb,” he tried to reason with her, “I had a nightmare. Do you think I could enjoy having sex with a woman who stank of charred flesh?”
“Oh my poor baby!” Barbara gushed over him, now that she knew what happened in the dream. “That must have been terrible!” She drew him into her arms to begin rocking him back and forth.
“I felt horrible,” he whispered glad to be held and made over.
“I’m sorry I doubted you, darling. After all, we can’t help what we dream.”
“Thank you, hon.” He untangled himself from her arms to get to his feet. “I think what I need now is a relaxing hot shower. After that, I should be able to go to bed.”
“I think that sounds like a real nice idea,” she purred, coming up behind him to slide her arms around his waist. “I think my big strong man is in need of a live woman’s touch. So I’m going to join you in that shower and finish what she started.”
All he could do is keep walking and hope for a miracle.
Chapter Fourteen
The next morning, Donavan called the Hindels to tell them the test had been called off due to the paleographer being called out of town. He told Lawrence the sheriff’s office would be in touch when another appointment could be set up for them. With that obstacle out of the way he and Jack braced themselves for the unpleasant task of telling Christina Crawford and Reverend Statler about their findings.
“After a thorough search of the mansion and the grounds, it’s my opinion, your children are not going to be found. I hate to say this, but I believe they are no longer alive,” Donavan told them.
Christina spoke up first. “Can you say what you think happened to them?”
“We found the clothes next to the water…” Jack stopped in mid-sentence as Statler jumped to his feet.
“Are you sayin’, you think my son got eaten by gators?”
“We can’t say for sure what happened…” Jack tried again and again Statler interrupted him.
“Paul would never be stupid enough to go swimmin’ in a swamp filled with gators!” He smacked a fist down hard on Donavan’s desk. “I think what’s goin’ on here, is you don’t have the first clue what happened to my boy!”
“You need to calm down, Reverend Statler,” Donavan told him. “We did a complete investigation. The one scent the K-9 dogs picked up on the children is the one right next to the water.” Donavan tried to keep a hold on his temper as he saw Statler shake his head.
“I ain’t acceptin’ any of this! I raised Paul in the bayous. And I’m tellin’ you,” he shook a fat finger in Donavan’s face, “he didn’t take it into his head to jump in a swamp swarmin’ with snakes and gators!”
“Is that what you believe happened, Lieutenant Hays?” Christina whispered.
As much as he hated to lie to her, he felt, right at the moment, he had no choice. “I think it’s a strong possibility, Christina.”
“Then I guess I will have to accept they’re gone.” She stood up and without another word, walked out of the room.
“You might have fooled her with all your talk of what happened, but you’ll never make me believe it.” Statler walked to the door, then stopped. “I just remembered somethin’.” He turned to face them. “You said you would show me the clothes. Where are they?”
“They’re still at the crime-lab. All I can offer you is my assurance that, time wise, they are doing the best they can. As soon as I know something though, I’ll give you a call.”
“Maybe that won’t be necessary. Do you remember what the clothes looked like?”
Donavan looked over at Jack. “A pair of blue jeans, a white T-shirt and a pair of off-brand sneakers. Does that sound right to you, Jack?”
“Yeah.”
“What about ID? Paul always carried his wallet with his ID inside.”
“We didn’t find anything other than the clothes.”
“I don’t need to see the clothes to know, what you found belonged to Paul.”
“I thought so. Christina told me what Tina wore and some of the pieces of clothing fit her description,” Donavan said.
“Well, even though I still don’t know what happened to him, at least I can take some comfort in knowin’ he’s in the hands of the Lord, now.”
Donavan could hear genuine pain in Statler’s voice and he reached out to him. “I know it has to be hard. I have a young daughter and I can tell you, if anything happened to her I would be devastated, too.”
“I don’t know why the Lord seen fit to place that harlot before my boy.” He dragged a slow hand through his sparse hair. “I guess I’ll just have to live with it.”
“I know you’re in pain, Mr. Statler,” Jack tried to reason with the man, “but, Christina Crawford lost just as much as you and I didn’t hear her throwin’ out slurs on your son.”
Statler whirled and his cold, dark eyes raked over the detective. “Christina Crawford is as much to blame for what happened to my boy as her daughter. She’s a whore. Put on this earth by the devil to ruin as many souls as she can. Her daughter ain’t any different. The one good thing to come out of all this, is the fact that now, I have one less evil to cast out of God’s presence.”
Donavan looked at Jack, warning him not to interrupt, so the man would say what he had to say and leave.
Jack glanced at Statler, then turned his back on the man. “I guess now is as good a time as any to get back to work. We’ll keep you posted on anything we hear, Mr. Statler.”
“Thank you. Now, I’ll let you get back to what you have to do and I’ll get back to what I have to do.” He turned to the door.
Jack spoke up as Statler started to walk out. “If you don’t mind my askin’, just what is it you plan on doin’, Mr. Statler?”
“I’d appreciate it if you’d address me as Reverend Statler. Since I’ve been called to speak for the Lord God Jehovah, I have earned the right to be treated with respect.”
“Okay,” Jack stated, continuing to go about his work, “just so we know what Jehovah needs done, why don’t you share it with us?”
“Why, it’s quite simple, Jack.” He stared over at him. “I intend to enlighten as many people as I can, `bout the evil that has befallen our parish.”
“I don’t think you need to concern yourself with that task, Reverend Statler.” Donavan got up from his chair. “As part of law enforcement, it’s our job to protect the people in this parish from the Hindel Mansion.”
“I ain’t talkin’ `bout the Hindel Mansion, Lieutenant Hays. Evil I’m referrin’ to’s Christina Crawford.
Chapter Fifteen
Rafael appeared in rare form that morning, as he walked down the wide staircase to find Lawrence brewing a pot of coffee.
“Good morning, Grandfather.” He turned long enough to greet the older man. “I trust you slept well.”
“I slept better than I have in days, Lawrence. And it is all thanks to you.” Rafael turned a beaming smile on his grandson.
Not used to finding such favor in Rafael’s treatment of him, Lawrence did not hesitate to come forward. “Sit down and let me get you an iced sweet roll and a cup of coffee.”
“I will be glad to share such a feast with you, Lawrence. We have much to celebrate this morning
.”
Lawrence tried not to allow his sudden unease to show as he worked on serving the rolls and coffee. “I am glad you are in such good spirits. I know part of your change of mood has to do with the sheriff’s department deciding to call off the polygraph test, but I don’t know what part I have played in bringing such a joyous occasion about.”
“You have everything to do with why I feel so giving towards you, my boy.” He bit into the roll, relishing its sweet taste.
“Can you enlighten me on what it is I have done?” Lawrence tried to say the words with strong conviction, but a slight tremor slipped into his voice.
Raphael ignored the whine. Telling himself it would take time for the younger man to gain the confidence he would need to make his way in a world so much different than the one he had been familiar with. “Tonight you will stand beside me and receive the gift of immortality; a gift given by the dark side.”
Lawrence felt his stomach begin to roll. “I hope I don’t disappoint you, Grandfather.”
Rafael wiped his mouth on a white, linen-napkin then placed it back across his lap. “How could you disappoint me, Lawrence?” Rafael watched him. “You are stepping forward to receive a gift, that as your father’s son, you are entitled to.”
“I will do my best to make you proud of me. It is what my father wanted for me and now, I will fulfill his wishes.”
“That you will, Lawrence. This night, with all of our people surrounding us, you will learn what it means to carry the name of Hindel.”
In silence Chandra stood beside her son and her heart wept, for she knew she could do nothing to stop the evil, about to be born. She could not even call on the help of white spirits to help her. Freedom of choice is a gift given to each of God’s children. As a child of God, Lawrence had the right to choose between good and evil.
“Chandra, so good of you to join us this morning,” Rafael spoke to her in his mind. “I trust you have been listening to Lawrence’s and my conversation. Tonight is going to be a very important time in Lawrence’s life. You are welcome to join in on the ceremony.”
“No thank you, Rafael. I have had enough of the evil surrounding this estate. I would ask you to stop this before it is too late, but I already know what your answer would be.”
A deep rumbling laugh interrupted the silence. “Yes, Chandra, you are right. This night has been prepared for, for many, many years. My regret is, Jonathan is not here to share in the wonder.”
“That is sad, isn’t it?” She did not bother to hide the bitterness in her voice. “I know how much he would enjoy dragging his son into the filth he so enjoyed while on this plane.”
“A plane he would still be enjoying if not for you!”
The anger in Rafael’s voice made Lawrence jump to his feet. “Why are you angry, Grandfather? Have I done something?”
“No, Lawrence, you have done nothing.” Rafael pulled him back to his chair. “Our friend, Chandra, is here. I invited her to the festivities this evening.”
“But why did you get so angry?”
A cryptic smile slipped across his face. “Chandra has a way of bringing out the anger in me although she knows there is nothing she can do to stop what is going to happen this evening.”
“Someday, Rafael, you will be made to pay for your evil. Just as Jonathan paid for all the suffering he caused.”
Rafael replied, “That time is not now, Chandra. I feel I have many more years, if not centuries, to bring the ignorant to their senses. Tonight is but the beginning. Before I am finished, this parish will know the full depth and strength of the dark side.”
“All right, Rafael, what can I do to make you forgo this night and leave Lawrence alone?”
“There is nothing you can do, Chandra. Jonathan has wanted this night for his son almost from the moment of his conception.” His tone lost its fake softness allowing the full hostility of his anger to spew forth. “You have already destroyed the man most important amongst all dark souls walking this plane. Now, his son will step forth and fill the void you have created. Without you, Lawrence would have had many years in which to walk this earth free of the dark side. Now, his fate will be forever sealed this very night.”
Unable to listen to his accusations anymore, she ran from the house and all the evil reaching out to surround her.
“Why do you take pleasure in tormenting the earthbound, Grandfather?” Lawrence asked, even though, he knew it might bring the anger down on him.
“Do not waste your pity on a woman who deserves, at the very least, your hatred. She is responsible for the death of your own father.”
“I know this and yet for some strange reason I feel sorry for her.”
“After this night you will be free of needless human feelings.” He tried to leash the rage building within him at Lawrence’s empathy for a woman he himself loathed.
“I am not sure I wish to be devoid of all feelings.” He spoke his words aloud. Then, realizing what he had said, dropped his head in shame.
“You feel this way because you have not given yourself over to the dark side. Immortality is given to those worthy enough to appreciate such magnificence in their life. Once you have tasted such strength within your soul, Lawrence, you will never wish to be without it.”
The smug face of Jack Olivier’ flashed into his mind. Lawrence saw himself cowering in the wake of the other man’s strength. Without warning, he felt again that same rage burning through his mind as when he had walked through the doors of his home screaming into the emptiness for a father who could no longer answer his needs. A strange coldness spread throughout his body.
Rafael watched him with an inner knowing. “After this night no one will make you bend beneath their will. The power will be in your hands, Lawrence. The Jack Olivier’s of this world will bow to you.”
The thought of Jack being made to fear his anger filled him with elation. He turned to the man waiting for his answer. “I am ready to accept my father’s legacy.”
Chapter Sixteen
When Barbara answered the phone and heard the soft, sexy voice of a woman asking to speak with her husband, she couldn’t keep a slight edge from creeping into her voice. “May I ask whose calling, please?”
The voice on the other line became apologetic. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Hays, I should have identified myself right away. This is Christina Crawford calling and I need to speak with Detective Hays for a moment, if I could.”
“Of course,” Barbara told her, more at ease now that the woman gave her name. “He’s in the back yard, so I’ll need to go call him.”
Within moments, Donavan came on the line. “Hello, Christina, what can I do for you?” The tone of his voice gentle and caring as he spoke with her.
“I wanted to ask your advice on something, Detective Hays.”
“All right. I’ll be glad to help in any way I can.”
“I want to have a memorial for Tina and Paul Statler. I’m not a church goer so I don’t know how to go about what I want to do.”
Donavan could hear her breath catch and he hastened to put her at ease. “If you want, I can handle the memorial for you. My family and I belong to the United Presbyterian.”
“But, since I’m not a member, wouldn’t they think it strange I want to hold a memorial in a church I don’t go to?”
“No, Christina. Don’t judge all pastors by what you’ve seen of Statler. The pastor at United Presbyterian is a very caring man. And one I feel, was called by God to preach the word.”
“All right.” Her voice had lost its anxious tone now. “I just want to do something to let Tina and Paul know that I care.”
“If it’s any comfort, Christina, I believe they already know how much you care,” he told her, then added, “if you would like, I could give Pastor Donaldson a call and ask him to speak with you this evening.”
“Yes, Detective Hays, I would like that. And thank you for taking the time to help me with this. I didn’t know who else to turn to.”
“It
’s my pleasure, Christina. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to call on me.”
“Thank you, Detective Hays. You don’t know what a help you are to me, right now.”
Barbara had been listening to the conversation and when Donavan hung up the phone she reached out her arms to him. “I’m so proud of you.”
Donavan pulled her against him. “I wish I could do more for her.”
“I just had a sad thought run through my mind.”
“What?” He drew back to look at her.
“With Christina’s and Tina’s reputations, do you think anyone will even, come to the memorial?”
“I never gave that a thought. I guess it might be a good idea to put a notice in the paper. That way maybe someone, besides us, will show up. I know Jack and Seelah will go. Even if people don’t come for Christina, they might come for the kids.”
“If you want, I can write up the notice and call it in to the paper. I don’t know all the ins and outs of the kids’ lives but at least a little notice in the paper to let everyone know about the memorial is better than not saying anything at all.”
“Thank you, hon.” He dropped a kiss on the side of her face. “In the meantime, I think I’ll take a run over and let Jack and Seelah know what we got planned.”
“Go ahead and take my car if you want. I haven’t put it away, yet.” She turned to lift the keys off a hook beside the fridge.
“No thanks. It’s just a block away and the walk will do me good. I been thinking about getting back into shape.” He gave her a sheepish grin.
***
Jack opened the door. When he saw Donavan standing on the front step, he pushed open the screen door. “Well this is a pleasant surprise. Come on in.” He stepped back out of the way.
“I thought I’d stop in for a few moments. I got something I want to run by you.”
“All right. Seelah just went to the store, so we’ll have plenty of privacy.”
“Oh, it’s nothing she can’t hear.”
“Okay, that case I gotta couple beers in the fridge. Want one?”
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