Deep

by Leesa Birch

  Kane sat back on the chair and continued to clean blood from my scratches. “I’ve asked Blake to take you back to the lake. He wants to see Sylvia about something. I got a lot of work to get finished here before I come home, Ivy. You okay with that?” He looked up at me, needing reassurance. I took a deep breath and slid into his lap, careful not to knock my arm. He sat with his hands gently on my thighs as I kissed him.

  “I’ll be fine, Kane. I’ll see you in a few days.”

  His hands moved carefully around me as his warm lips teased mine – the pressure building as he deepened the kiss and my body reacted to his touch. Nearby pipes started to vibrate so I pulled myself gently away from his mouth. I ran my thumb over his moist lips and kissed him on his forehead.

  “I should go,” I said, clearing my throat. Kane leant back on the chair, letting out a long sigh as I stood and exited the kitchen. I couldn’t help but smile as I went to pack my things.

  Blake was waiting for me by the truck as I said my thank yous to Nash and his wife for letting me stay. He helped me in, shutting the door behind me. I watched Kane for as long as I could see him then settled in for the journey.

  Blake seemed quieter than usual and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “You alright, Blake? I never thanked you for this.” I pointed to my shoulder. “Thanks.” Blake never spoke. The tension in his jaw was starting to show. “Why are you so angry, Blake, is it because of what your brother asked me?” Blake just gripped the wheel more tightly. It was making me feel more uncomfortable.

  After a few minutes, he broke the silence, turning slightly to face me. “I just can’t believe he hasn’t told you!” Blake shook his head in disbelief.

  “Can’t you tell me, Blake? I know something’s wrong, but he won’t tell me, he just changes the subject. Why won’t either of you tell me?” I pleaded.

  Blake glanced at me briefly and turned back to the road. “It’s not my place to say, Ivy. He has to say it.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “And he won’t tell you in case you leave him. That’s all I can say, Ivy, please don’t ask me anymore. I love you both.”

  Leave him, why would I leave him? I racked my brains but could think of nothing. I spoke softly to myself, “It’s something he should have said before he proposed.” The truck swerved across the road. Blake wasn’t supposed to have heard that. “I’m sorry, Blake, I know he shouldn’t have. If the council find out, we’ll both be in trouble. Please don’t say anything.”

  Blake agreed. After that, we didn’t talk. I spent the journey cradling my sore shoulder wishing I could get home even quicker.

  The drop in temperature around the lake was eerie. Blake drove around to the front of Agatha’s hotel. Grogan was waiting on the steps. I told Blake not to worry and that I had no intention of leaving Kane. I wasn’t sure it helped.

  I went and sat by Grogan as Blake pulled away in the truck. “Am I correct in saying that you got hit by a cow, Ivy?” I nodded and smiled at his obvious amusement. Grogan rubbed his hands together to warm them before sliding them under my clothes. His eyes shifted as he healed my shoulder and bruises.

  “How’s that, Ivy - better?” I removed my arm from the sling and rolled my shoulder. “Thanks, Grogan, I honestly didn’t see it coming,” I said, trying not to laugh.

  Grogan patted my knee and forced himself to stand. “Good, now that that’s done, you have an assignment this afternoon. Don’t frown, Ivy, you wanted this job – remember? Besides, it’s an easy one, you’ll only need Gary.” I straightened my frown, agreed and went to get changed now that I could move my arm.

  Putting on a pot of coffee, I turned the heating on full and headed into the bathroom. I ran my fingers along the side of the tub remembering what occurred a few days ago. Shaking off lonely thoughts, I got in the shower instead. Paranoia or not, I could still smell cow on me.

  Breathing steadily, I let the steam do most of the work as I leant against the tiles, turning halfway through. I was getting good at the spinning ball thing. Relaxing a little too much, I started to get sleepy. It was definitely coffee time.

  Grabbing my robe and a towel for my hair, I headed back in the now-warm lounge. It warranted a big mug, I thought. Filling the mug, I sat on the couch and wondered what trouble I was getting myself into on behalf of the council today.

  Two mugs of coffee later, I dried my hair with the dryer, got dressed and headed out to the lodge.

  Elder Glory was standing at the far end of the hall, pointing up at one of the wall hangings. It looked new, although I couldn’t see how it could be. “Ah, Ivy, glad you’re back - how was Kane?” I eyed her suspiciously then realised who I was staring at. I looked at my hands sheepishly.

  “He is fine, Elder Glory. You have an assignment for me?” I waited until she had dismissed the two men who were hanging the banner.

  “Yes. As we are still a little shorthanded, I need you to go into the city and pay an old friend a visit. Gary knows where. It shouldn’t take long, Ivy, and there are no cows involved.” She giggled and covered her mouth. I rolled my eyes. I was never going to live that one down.

  I wandered back through the hall and outside. Gary was already waiting. “Okay, get it over with. Ivy got hit by a cow, ha ha, all very funny.” Gary just smiled and opened the van door for me.

  My shoulder, still a little stiff, felt every hole in the road. “You’d think they do something about this,” I said, pointing to the road. Gary humffed under his breath.

  “I doubt it, Ivy. Besides they have their hands full at the moment. The council have found only two lakes not affected by whatever is happening, so they’ve been transporting people out to them for cleansing and rejuvenation. You’re due soon, right?” I hadn’t thought about it. I used to have it planned on my calendar for when I came back here. Since living here full time, I hadn’t planned for anything - figured I’d just get in when I felt I needed to.

  “I’m not sure, Gary. I cleansed a little last week, but the lake held me there, gave me a stupid vision thing, then didn’t rejuvenate me.” Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned the vision. Gary was looking at me funny.

  “What? It was lacerated bodies and weird dreams last trip out with you. And you’re looking at me funny because of a vision? I didn’t ask for this, you know.” I decided to shut up, I was getting irate. “Sorry,” I offered. “So, where are we headed?”

  Gary looked at his watch, “In a few minutes, we’ll be arriving at Soot’s - a coffee shop on the east side of town. It’s where Elder Glory buys her coffee from. Don’t tell Nathan, he thinks she only buys from him,” he laughed.

  It was a cold afternoon, quite frosty too. I slipped as I climbed out of the van but managed to catch myself before Gary saw. I followed him into the shop as the bell above the door rang.

  The shop smelt fantastic. The aroma alone could have kept me awake for days. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. If I worked there, I’d never go home. Bags and bags of coffee beans everywhere, the place looked professionally untidy. Ambient lighting and brass pots with old pictures on the front looked expensive and little silver shovels rested on open sacks. I wanted to move in.

  “Can I help you? Ah, Gary, isn’t it - Glory not with you?” The shop keeper looked behind me in disappointment.

  “Sorry, Lester, Glory is busy at the moment. This is Ivy.” I held out my hand. Lester just looked at it, then at Gary. “It’s okay, Lester, she’s here to help you.” Lester stepped forward and gently shook my hand. I got a shock from him and pulled away, rubbing my fingers. Gary sniggered so I elbowed him, frowning.

  “Sorry, Ivy, I should have warned you. Lester here has a rare condition. He’s susceptible to static and the like. Glory usually comes in and rids him of it for a while. With all the business at the lake, well, it’s your turn. Lester turned the closed sign on the door, locked it and pulled down the blinds.

  “Are you sure she knows what she’s doing?” he said to Gary, completely ignoring me. Gary nodded. “She’s stronger th
an Glory, Lester. You’ll be fine.” He stepped back, giving us some room.

  Lester held out his shaky hands to me. I gently took them, receiving a bigger shock than before. This time I didn’t let go. I felt my eyes shift under closed lids as I concentrated on him. He felt very strange, almost fizzy, if I had to choose a word. My muscles started to twitch as I balanced his personal electrical current. It was the oddest sensation.

  “There,” I said as I let go of Lester. “How’s that?” Lester looked at his hands, turning them over as if looking for something. He turned and went behind the counter. I looked at Gary, he was grinning.

  “Aha!” exclaimed Lester. He waved a small bulb at us. “She is good, Gary.” Lester saw my obvious confusion and explained. “This usually still lights up a little after Glory does it. Now, where did I put that bag?” Lester hummed as he went into the back.

  I looked at my slightly twitching fingers and rubbed at them. “How long will this last, Gary?” I said, holding up my hands. He didn’t get a chance to answer. Lester came out holding two bags.

  “This is for Glory,” he said, handing Gary one of the bags. “And this is for you, my dear - enjoy.” Then he went about his business, leaving us to let ourselves out.

  Sitting in the van, I opened my bag. It contained several small bags of coffee in brightly coloured labels. Wow, I thought. “This smells great, Gary, I may not share,” I giggled. Gary put the van into neutral and pulled away from the kerb.

  I was so happy - a job well done. No one was injured, particularly me - and I got free coffee. Not a bad day, if you didn’t count the cow.

  The evening had crept in without notice and the rumble of the van made me sleepy. I sat staring out of the window into the dark when I noticed a light in the distance.

  “What’s that?” I asked Gary. He turned his radio on and flicked a large switch on the side. The music changed to what I think was a police channel. There was a house on fire in the area; fire fighters had been called out. The blaze grew nearer as we passed by.

  “It’s just a fire, Ivy, help is on the way.” I looked at Gary in a panic.

  “Stop the van!” I could feel someone in the house in terrible pain.

  “It’s not our problem, Ivy. The firemen can handle it.” As he said it, two fire trucks sped past us. I knew what to do. I just needed to get by the authorities unnoticed.

  “Stop the van, Gary, or I will!” My eyes changed as I felt for the water in the engine. The van began to splutter.

  “Fine, Ivy, have it your way.”

  The van screeched to a halt. Undoing my seat belt, I jumped out of the van with Gary not far behind.

  “Wait up, Ivy!” he called after me. I ran round the burning house to the back. It was darker here and everyone was watching the front. One of the windows had shattered in the blast. “Don’t even think about it, Ivy. Damn it!”

  I was already running. The heat of the blaze was frightening. I couldn’t stop; someone was still alive in there and in pain. Slicing my skin as I scrambled through the demolished window, I landed in a heap on the floor. The fire was all around me, its flames devouring everything they touched. I heard a gurgling scream coming from the far room, the fire blocking my entrance.

  The smoke was choking me as I ran through the burning door frame. My shirt sleeve caught fire. I patted it frantically as I searched for the owner of the scream.

  There, on the floor, was a man trapped by a smouldering beam that had fallen. I couldn’t see anyone else. I ran, dropping to my knees by his side. He had passed out and was barely breathing. I was having the same problem. I didn’t have time to be careful. Pulling off my necklace, I felt the basement pipes easily.

  The house started to shake. Plaster and more beams fell crashing to the floor. I started to tremble as I called the water. I held the surge of power that was building up inside me for as long as I could then I released it. A loud explosion came from beneath me. The water started to drip then poured upwards through the floorboards, hitting the ceiling. I was breathing quickly with excitement. The water was now rushing around the room. It sought out and extinguished every flame, cinder and smoking piece of wood. I was dizzy with power, giggling like a school girl.

  Then the floorboards beneath us started to creak and bend. I held onto the unconscious man tightly. I used the water to try to push the beam off him. It was more difficult than I thought. I pushed harder - too hard - and lost control of the ever-growing torrent of water. Floorboards exploded and we were thrown sideways into the wall. The water erupted with such force, it knocked me unconscious.

  The sound of people trampling through the debris looking for survivors woke me. I was buzzing with energy, but sat, disorientated.

  “Ivy?” The room was too bright, I still couldn’t see properly. “Well that was stupid, Ivy. Put your necklace back on.” Luckily, Gary had found me before anyone else had.

  Pulling me up by my arms, we headed towards the back of the house. I was squinting to see more clearly. “But the man,” I spluttered. Gary helped me fasten on my necklace. “He’ll be fine, Ivy. Paramedics are on the scene.” He pulled me back through the window and out into the night. At least I thought it was night, my eyes were still very sensitive.

  We stopped in front of the van’s headlights. “Look at the state of you. Let’s take bets on whether Grogan or Kane’s going to kick my ass first for letting you run into a burning building.” Gary was starting to come into focus now. He looked serious.

  “I did it though. I put the fire out, right?” I asked, breathlessly. He shook his head in despair. I just knew I wasn’t going to get any brownie points for my heroism.

  My head had started to ache as we got into the van. I’d used a lot of energy doing what I’d done. Gary handed me a bottle of water but refused to speak to me. I was about to protest when someone knocked on his window. Gary frowned but wound it down. I heard a familiar clicking sound but Gary didn’t have time to react. There was a bright flash before taser wires hit him, sending his body into convulsions “Gary!” I yelled.

  I went to reach for him to bring him round when my door opened and I was dragged out into the cold night air. Two men shoved me into a van where a third man sat waiting with a gun. “No funny business, Ivy. My boss would like a word with you,” he said.

  I was going to say something smart, but looking at the gun I thought better of it. I could seriously mess with him or the van but until I knew what kind of bad guy he was and how much he knew, I’d leave that till later.

  I took in a deep breath to ask some questions. The guy with the gun just shook his head, tutting. I guessed no speaking then. I sat back in my seat, arms folded, sighing in frustration. I wondered just how quick the guy with the gun was; whether I could get out of here without being shot -again. Then my thoughts returned to Gary. I couldn’t help but smile at the fact he got tasered. Now he knew what it felt like.

  The van pulled to a stop outside a familiar building - Malone’s Gym. The door opened and the man with the gun motioned for me to get out.

  Somehow I knew this wasn’t over, even though we had caught and beaten a confession out of Ryan at the lab. Nobody thought to check out the gym?

  I followed the men inside the building where Malone was yelling at two of his fighters sparring. As he threw a towel at one of them, he noticed us making our way across the room. I wasn’t sure just how bad this was going to get. More cheating, I thought, as the room was set up for a cage fight.

  Malone folded his arms, glaring at me as we reached him.

  “What happened to her, Mac?” he asked, leaning forward and sniffing. “She smells like a bad barbecue! Get her cleaned up, NOW!”

  Malone wasn’t a patient man. Mac grabbed me by my arm and dragged me towards the locker room.

  This wasn’t the room I’d been in before, when I was sent to heal his fighter, Ty. It was a poorly lit room that smelt of socks and mould. Mac pulled me along, stopping by the already-running showers.

  “Strip,�
� he said. I stiffened with fear and took a small step back. Mac moved towards me, backing me into the running water. I tried to use it; I concentrated as best as I could but nothing happened. Putting out the fire had taken more out of me than I’d thought. I folded my arms across my chest in a defiant stance. It was all I could do. My heart pounded in my chest with fear. I wasn’t going to let this man touch me. Mac shook his head, tilting the gun slightly so the light caught it.

  “Down to your underwear, girl.” He sneered.

  I looked at the way he was holding his gun - he would shoot me if I didn’t comply. Looking away from him, I began to remove my wet clothes, throwing them one by one on the floor by his feet until I was done. I stood holding myself under the stream of hot water for a minute before looking up at him. His eyes widened as a slow grin spread across his face.

  He stepped forward as I backed myself against the tiles, gasping as the cold wall touched my skin. Wetting his lips, he threw a bar of soap to me.