“Horace has only been interested in two things since leaving university,” Joe snarled. “Power and money. Two things that he has attained only because of his Athenite abilities.”
“I still don’t understand,” Harmony said.
Joe leaned his head back against the seat and sighed. “Horace is fortunate to have the same talent that you have in your ability to understand all animal languages. You are not able to transform, but you can still call upon animal strengths, as well as communicate with any species at any time. Horace has that gift of communication too, and he can transform. For more than twenty years he has used both of those talents to make himself very rich. He would first transform into something most people might not notice, like a fly, then he would sneak into a meeting where important confidential information was being discussed about what businesses were up to. He used that information to choose his investments in the stock market, which made him an absolute fortune. That type of activity is considered highly illegal, and if the authorities ever found out that’s how he made his money, not only would his personal wealth be wiped out but he could go to prison for a very long time.”
Harmony nodded, then shook her head. “Just because people would know about Athenites would not necessarily mean that everyone would have to live openly. After all, we don’t even know who is and who isn’t an Athenite.”
Joe glanced out of the window at the people on the sidewalks and wondered how many of them might be Athenites. “There are some that can tell an Athenite from a human just by looking into their eyes. In an open civilization where Athenites were accepted and recognized as real members of society, it wouldn’t take long to discover who is and who isn’t an Athenite. As far as I know, no one in our family has had that kind of recognition power, but some, like Horace, do. I feel quite confident that he knows about the Huttons.”
Harmony slammed on the breaks, causing the car in back of her to swerve and honk loudly. “The Huttons are Athenites?”
Joe grabbed hold of the dashboard to steady himself. “That is precisely why he is so interested in young Felix.”
Several more cars angrily tooted their horns until Harmony accelerated again. “Felix is brilliant and Horace is always excited about bright kids that can attend the school.”
Joe shook his head. “That’s only partly true. Horace has always kept an eye out for exceptionally bright science scholars because he doesn’t want them to discover that metamorphosis is a very real scientific possibility. If one of them is an Athenite, how long do you think it would take them to discover the scientific explanation for our existence?”
“Felix did seem interested in the Spadefoot Toad.” Harmony pulled the car to a stop in front of a tall seventeenth-century white stone building. “I haven’t told you about Felix yet.”
“I know a lot about Felix already…need I remind you that I lived in the same house with him for a few years?”
Harmony turned off the engine and turned to face her uncle. “He’s suffered an accident and is in a coma.”
“Accident?” Joe snarled sarcastically. “Never assume where Horace is concerned. You also need to know that Horace’s interest isn’t only with Felix. Elaine Hutton has uncovered some of the same types of information as those cave writings described. From what I understand, her work is just about to be published―something that Horace won’t be terribly happy to see done. But I don’t think that eliminating Elaine would solve his problem, because the publisher already has rights to the book. The only way that book will not be published is if Elaine cancels the publication, and that is something that she would never do.” He opened the door but paused before stepping out.
Harmony’s eyes flashed angrily. “Joe, get back in. Let’s get over there right now and make sure that he doesn’t do something horrible to them.”
Joe shook his head. “Now that Horace has control of Felix and his family is living comfortably under his roof, he controls the cards. If we make a move, and it’s the wrong move, then all their lives could be in danger.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Felix listened to all the subtle sounds that disturbed the silence as if they were music. He knew from the quiet that the hour was late. In the hospital, someone had usually come in and given him some kind of injection long before now. He was happy that it wouldn’t happen tonight.
For the first time in days he began to feel uncomfortable, like he had pins and needles all over his body. It’s like my whole body is waking up, he thought excitedly. Seconds passed and his discomfort grew. He was sure that he could feel his hand twitch and he could just about wiggle his fingers.
The door squeaked open and Felix waited excitedly. He would show whoever was there that he was getting better. With all his energy he tried to lift his eyelids.
“Ah, Felix, I see the Burungo is wearing off,” Professor Stumpworthy said quietly. “It’s the most powerful sedative in the world. Funny, other doctors aren’t aware of its unique properties.” He sighed happily. “At first I had thought of letting my little virus work its magic, but since you haven’t begun to mature, I didn’t know what would happen to you—it might actually kill you,” he chuckled oddly, “and you being in a coma is much more effective.”
Felix listened in horror.
“As planned, your illness brought the rest of your family here. Your father, as a man of science, will enjoy participating in some of my little experiments. However, your mother presents a bit of a problem. I can’t very well have her disappear; that wouldn’t do any good. I do have other tricks up my sleeve. I’ll admit that they’re experimental, but they could be very effective. Your little sister may prove a useful tool before I try them out on your lovely mother,” he hissed. “And you, my dear boy, are serving your purpose quite nicely…for now.”
For the first time since his paralysis had begun, Felix panicked when the piercing pain of the needle stung at the back of his neck. The drug took effect immediately and the panic left as Felix was sent even deeper into relaxed oblivion.
“No change?” asked Stumpworthy as he walked into Felix’s bedroom the next morning.
Elaine was sitting by Felix’s bedside; she could see the concern in Horace’s expression. She shook her head sadly. “Jake said he’ll go the hospital to run some tests.”
Horace nodded somberly. “Yes, I’ve arranged everything. He’ll have everything he needs, including a bed should he feel the need to rest while he’s waiting for the results. It can be such a waste of time traveling back and forth to the hospital.”
Elaine nodded. “He’s used to that. There have been times when he’s been gone for days because of his work at the hospital.”
That’s what I was counting on, Stumpworthy thought, unable to suppress the smile that curled his lips.
Jake walked down the steps to the lower ground floor of the mansion to meet Professor Stumpworthy; they would travel to the hospital together. The stairs curved slightly, ending at a magnificent circular room. In the centre of the room was an elegant blue-tiled swimming pool with a mosaic of a mermaid on the bottom. A mural depicting an Italian country landscape was painted on the wall that curved along the near side of the pool. Huge marble columns supported the ceiling. The room was like a Mediterranean resort, with brightly coloured flowers and tropical palms growing in enormous urns all around. It was hard to believe that this paradise existed below ground level.
Jake put his medical case down and glanced at his watch; they had planned to leave at least fifteen minutes earlier. He looked up, clearing his throat to attract attention. Then a door hidden in the mural-painted wall opened.
“Ah, Jake,” the professor greeted. “Please come and take a look my own little laboratory for a moment. I would have set you up to work here, but I don’t have the same diagnostic equipment that the hospital does.”
Jake followed Stumpworthy into a good-sized room with some of the most advanced scientific equipment that Jake had ever seen. “Horace, this is fantastic. I would imagine that
you have everything that I need.”
Horace smiled. “Then you think you’d like to stay?”
Jake nodded, pushing up his sleeves as if he were ready to get right to work. “Yes, I would. This will save a lot of time. If I do run into a problem, we can still contact the hospital.”
“As you wish.” Stumpworthy bowed his head.
Jake opened his medical bag and began removing blood samples, Petri dishes and the microscope slides he had prepared. Suddenly he rocked forward, grabbing onto a counter to steady himself.
Horace clicked the door shut and smiled. “Are you feeling all right?” he asked with a strange, almost giddy quality to his voice.
Jake shook his head as if to rattle himself back into feeling better. “Just a bit dizzy. I’ll be fine in a second.”
Stumpworthy nodded. “I’m sure you will.”
Jake fell forward again, now so dizzy that he could barely stand. His skin began to bubble and fur instantly covered his hands and face; his breathing came in short, desperate gasps. He held onto the counter tightly until violent convulsions sent him sprawling across the floor. His clothes tore as his body expanded, then fell away from him as he began shrinking into a mass of writhing animal parts. It was like a war of creatures fighting for dominance as hooves and paws, feathers and fins all fought for control. His body continued to writhe, getting smaller and smaller until only one animal was visible.
Professor Stumpworthy laughed, bending down to lift up Jake’s prone grey mouse body by the tail. “Tsk tsk! Who would have thought that you, such a well-respected doctor, would become such an insignificant little vermin in order to survive the virus,” he laughed. “Actually I had a hunch that you might, since mice have one of the strongest immune systems to fight this particular strain.” He waved Jake’s stunned body slowly back and forth like a pendulum. “I’ve also improved the delivery method. It’s no longer necessary to inject the virus directly into a person—it can be released into the air. Since I’m immune, it’s perfectly safe.” He checked Jake’s vital signs, then dropped him into a waiting cage. “I promised Elaine that you would have a bed, and here you are―fresh paper shavings. I trust that you will be comfortable. And when you wake up we can do some other experiments that I think you will find very interesting.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Melinda sat up in bed, shivering, tears streaming down her face. She hadn’t had a nightmare in more than a week and this one caught her a little off guard. Her eyes darted around the unfamiliar room; then she sighed as she remembered where she was. She leaned back against the headboard, staring straight ahead at nothing in particular, recalling every image, every emotion, every feeling from her haunting dream.
Felix’s voice echoed in the hallway. She ran to his room, where he lay motionless in his bed. He was screaming, “Help me! Stop him!” but his lips weren’t moving and his eyes didn’t open. She leaned over him and lifted his eyelids, jumping backwards when she saw that his eyes were gone. She began frantically searching for them, thinking that perhaps they had rolled under the bed. She bent down to have a look when a mouse scampered out of the darkness carrying Felix’s eyes. As she tried to catch the mouse, Aesop walked into the room; he was the size of a man. He tapped her shoulder and said calmly, “I had to leave, but I’m here to help you now.”
She rubbed her eyes and ran her hands through her hair; her rabbit ears had finally gone. The bedside clock read 2:00 a.m. She pulled her covers tightly around her and was just closing her eyes, slinking down to rest her head on the pillow, when she thought that she heard Felix’s voice call for help.
Melinda’s feet hit the floor before she had even thought about getting out of bed. She sprinted to the door, turned the handle and crept out into the hallway. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the blackness as she stumbled down the dark passage, wondering why no one else was awake―hadn’t they heard Felix’s cry?
She reached his room, clicked on the light and hurried to Felix’s side. He looked exactly like he had in her dream, and her hands shook as she reached for his eyes. She took a deep breath and gently lifted his eyelids, sighing upon finding that his eyes were exactly where they were meant to be. “Felix, are you OK?” she whispered, watching for a sign that would suggest that he could hear her. Fear seized her like nothing she had ever felt before as she stared into the eyes of a person who simply was not there.
Melinda lifted her head and rubbed her stiff neck. She was sitting in the chair by Felix’s bed; her cheeks wore the imprint of his blanket. The darkness in the room was cut only by a sliver of sunlight coming in through the part in the curtains. The clock read 6:25 a.m.
She lifted Felix’s eyelids and smiled, feeling certain that he was able to see her. “What happened to you last night?” she asked, knowing that he would not answer. “It was like you were gone. It really freaked me out. Your eyes looked vacant, like they weren’t there at all.” She shivered at the memory of her dream and decided not to tell him about it.
The door squeaked open and Professor Stumpworthy ambled in. “Melinda,” he said, only a hint of surprise in his voice. “I see that you’re an early riser too.” He walked over to Felix’s bed and put down a glass on the bedside table. “I had expected to find your mother here; I brought her a glass of orange juice. I want to make sure she gets some nourishment during this difficult period.” He smiled kindly as he lifted Felix’s hand and took his pulse. “I talked with your father this morning. He’s still busy in the lab. We may not see him for a while.”
Melinda looked into his eyes briefly, then turned her attention to Felix. “I know Felix is OK,” she said proudly.
Stumpworthy’s head jerked around to face her. “I’m sure he will be.”
Melinda shook her head. “I know he can’t move or anything, but I know that he can see and hear things.”
Stumpworthy smiled kindly. “I hope you are right.” He looked over at the glass he had placed on the table. “Do you like orange juice?” Melinda nodded. “Then by all means you must have this; you must be thirsty and a bit hungry if you’ve been up for a while. I will make sure your mother gets another glass.” He handed Melinda the glass and turned to leave. “You must keep your strength up for your brother and your family. Good nutrition is the best way to do that.” He winked, then left the room.
Melinda watched after him until the door clicked shut. She lifted Felix’s eyelids again and stared deeply into his eyes. “There’s something weird about the professor,” she said, comfortable in knowing that Felix was in no position to argue with her. “I know you really like him but he gives me the creeps. I can’t stand to look into his eyes. They’re so dark. I imagine I see different animals in them―sometimes snakes.” She lifted the glass of orange juice to her lips, never taking her eyes off of Felix. Without taking a sip of the liquid, she stood up, walked across the room and marched through his closet and into the bathroom. When she reached the basin she looked into the mirror, wincing at the painful-looking pattern the bed linens had left on her face. Then without another thought, she poured the orange juice into the sink.
Elaine reclined in a chaise longue on the terrace that overlooked the back garden. “Melinda,” she whispered dreamily, “isn’t it a beautiful day?”
Melinda frowned, looking out at the formal garden, then around at the stone terrace furnished with ornate tables and chairs and huge urns abundant with colourful flowers cascading down their sides. She knew that the scene looked like a postcard from some faraway, beyond-belief palace, but the last thing she would have thought her mother would say, when Felix was so ill, was that it was a beautiful day. “I guess so,” she said absently.
Elaine opened her eyes and smiled at her daughter. “Everything is going to be fine, you’ll see,” she said wearily, then closed her eyes and sighed.
Melinda curled her lips unpleasantly, shrugged, then shuffled across the terrace and down the five stone steps that led to a rich emerald-green lawn. She walked across the grass to
a forest of white-flowering shrubs, finding an archway almost hidden in their mass of branches. The archway led to a cobbled path that took her on a meandering trek through an exotic mix of lacey ferns and forest flowers, ending finally at another lawn.
This lush grassy haven was bigger than the other. It was surrounded by purple and pink flowers and it had a stone patio furnished with huge potted plants, with a table and chairs in the centre and an amazing swimming pool complete with its own rocky waterfall.
No sooner had she reached the pool than she was startled by a man’s voice behind her.
“Professor Stumpworthy had it designed to look like a natural rock pond, like the kind that you might find in the tropics,” said a deep, gentle voice.
She spun around to see the man approaching. She assumed by his clothing that he was probably a gardener. Something seemed familiar about the tall, dark-haired man, although she felt certain that she had never seen him before.
The man stopped, bowed his head, then looked intently into her eyes. “Hello, Melinda,” he said with a wry smile.
When Melinda met his gaze her entire body tingled, like she had just been zapped with a mild jolt of electricity. She swallowed hard and looked away.
“I have a feeling that you know who I am,” he laughed.
Melinda avoided looking directly at him, moving her head from side to side as if to disagree, but she didn’t say a word.
“Go ahead…you can say it,” he coaxed.
Melinda looked into his eyes and knew that what she saw wasn’t a dream or a fantasy. For some inexplicable reason, she knew exactly who he was. It seemed impossible but she knew―deep in her heart, she knew. It was like she could see more than the colour of his eyes when she looked into them…she could see who he was, not just what he was. She searched her mind and felt a strange kind of connection with him, as if she could read his mind. Thoughts that didn’t seem to belong to her swirled in her head. “I must have known you were coming because you were in my dream last night.” She hesitated. “But you were still a rabbit.” She threw her arms around his waist and giggled, “Aesop, I missed you so much!”
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