“Yes, at least we have that,” she replied absently. “Kyle, I wonder… ”
He sat waiting patiently, but she didn’t continue.
“You wonder what, baby?”
“There may be a way for us to defeat Eramael, but I don’t know if you’re ready.”
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, Nina. Look at me. I’m practically a God.” He made the muscles in his chest dance.
“This is no time for your jokes, lover. I’m being serious.”
“So, what did you have in mind?”
“I think we can make him Dance,” she revealed after a moment’s hesitation.
“No shit? Why didn’t you say so before?”
“Because, it won’t be as easy as it sounds. There are preparations to be made, spells to be cast, and blood to be spilt.”
He laughed. “Sounds like a big night out on the town. Where do I sign up?”
“We have to bind him to this plane. Once we know he can’t get away, it will still take both of us to destroy him. Unless…” She paused and she reached for Kyle’s other hand. “I know what we have to do.”
“It sure sounds like it,” Kyle said, clearly struggling to keep up with the conversation.
“Before we bind him, we will do something that will bring me to full strength. There will be no doubt we will be victorious if I am whole again.”
Her words sent a shiver down his spine. Make you whole? Oh, Nina… why did you have to put it like that?
“I know the perfect place to perform the ritual. Are you up for a little adventure?”
“Right now?” Kyle hesitated as his world spun out of control before his eyes.
“No better time than the present. You said it yourself, we have to do something about him and soon.”
“Okay, where are we going?” he pretended not to know.
“Why don’t I just show you?”
Kyle pulled her into his embrace and kissed her soundly on the mouth.
“Let’s do this,” he said with conviction.
He barely suppressed a grunt when the charred remains of the Pearlman house sprang up around him. He followed her through the ruins, prayed he was still dreaming.
“Are you okay, lover?”
“I just— Yeah, everything will be fine.”
“Ah, here we are,” she said as she stood in front of a brick wall.
She quickly selected a brick in the wall and pushed it in, causing a door to swing open.
“It’s hard to believe Dr. Pearlman had such dark secrets,” he regurgitated the words he heard himself speak in the vision Eramael had given him.
“Everyone has secrets,” Nina replied dismissively.
“Oh yeah? What’s your secret?” This time Kyle knew the answer, but he couldn’t help but ask it again.
“It wouldn’t be a secret any more if I told you.” She laughed.
Kyle stood there, debating whether or not he should go through the door. If you follow her into there, there is no turning back. Who are you trying to kid? There was NEVER any turning back.
She stared at him, brows pursed. “Are you coming, lover?”
He stared back at her, studying her face, the curve of her cheek, the fullness of her lips. You were nothing before she came into your life.
Nina’s face clouded with concern. “Kyle, are you sure there isn’t anything bothering you? You’re acting very strange.”
I love her. My heart belongs to you, Nina. It’s yours to do with what you will. If you want to tear it out, then so be it. I would rather die than live a life without you in it.
Kyle resigned himself to his fate with a smile on his face. He followed her into the chamber, surprised at how calm he was. “Everything will be better soon. There’s nothing to worry about. I promise, lover,” She assured him.
“I know what we have to do, and if it makes you happy, then I am ready to do it.”
Nina stared at him slack jawed, as if his response caught her off guard. “Soon, nothing in this world will be able to stop us. We will rule the universe together… as King and Queen.”
“You already rule my universe,” Kyle said softly. “Nina, I love you.”
“Ah, you are too sweet.” She caressed his face. “I love you too.”
“Before we begin, there is one more thing I want to do. Is that alright?”
“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment,” she said before kissing him feverishly. “A few more minutes won’t kill me.”
This is how the world ends, not with a bang, but with a passionate kiss, but then, who would want it to end any other way?
Chapter Forty-Eight
Tom sat in his driveway, looking at his house. What the hell am I going to tell my children? They’re going to blame me for this. Hell, it IS my fault. If I would have put this asshole behind bars when I had the chance, their mother would still be alive.
“On the plus side, they will have plenty of time to let you know how much they hate you for this. What, with being on suspension and all,” he told his reflection in the review mirror.
He let out a heavy sigh as he got out of the car. His front door was only a few feet from his car, but he felt like it was miles away as he walked toward his house.
“Daddy!” Julie yelled when he stepped through the door.
John waved, but couldn’t pull himself away from the TV to do more than that.
“Hey there, pumpkin. Have you two been good for Ms. Reynolds today?”
Tom had found the sitter through a referral agency after Sherry had made such a big deal about him taking the children to work with him.
“Oh, Tom, you know they are always good for me,” she gushed. But when she looked at him, she obviously saw that something was seriously wrong. “Is—is everything alright?”
“No, no it isn’t, Mary,” Tom replied with a shake of his head. “Something horrible has happened.”
“Maybe we should send the kids into another room, so we can talk,” she suggested.
“No, that won’t be necessary. This is will affect them too.”
“What happened, Dad?” John finally turned away from his cartoons.
“Come sit with me for a minute,” he said, moving to take a spot on the couch.
“Daddy, you’re scaring me. What happened?” Julie said as she climbed into his lap and John sat beside him.
“I don’t know how to say this…” Tom froze unsure of how to explain. Hell, just tell them and get it over with.
“Your mom and Dan, they… they were killed.”
John’s mouth opened and closed several times. “No! Not mom! Not her! She can’t be dead!”
Julie’s eyes filled with tears. Her little body shook and she began to sob.
“I want my mommy,” she managed in a quivering voice. “Make her come back.”
“Julie, I can’t do that. I’m sorry, but she’s gone.”
“What happened to them?” John asked, tears streaming down his face.
“That’s not important right now. The important thing is—”
“Yes, it is important. I want to know,” he demanded.
“Son, how they died won’t change the fact that they’re gone.”
“But I want to see her,” Julie interjected, near hysterics. “I love her.”
“Why won’t you just tell me how they died?” John pressed.
Tom turned his head back and forth, looking at each of their faces. I can’t tell them. If I do, they will hate me.
“Tom, I know this isn’t any of my business, but would you rather they hear what happened from you or from one of their friends?”
“Do you know what happened?” He wondered how that could be.
“No, but by the way you’re acting, I have a pretty good guess.”
Tom weighed his options. Neither of them was very appealing, but he knew what he had to do.
“All right, I’ll tell you—” Tom began, but a knock at the door interrupted him. “Who the hell could that be?
”
“Dad!” John protested. “Just tell us what happened. Whoever is at the door can wait.”
“I will, son. This will only take a second.”
Tom placed his hand on his pistol and peered out the peephole. He quickly recognized the uniformed officer who was standing on the porch.
“Let me guess. Cap just remembered that he didn’t take my badge and gun,” Tom said as he opened the door.
“No, sir. Why would he disarm you when someone has threatened to kill your kids?”
“What?” John and Julie exclaimed almost simultaneously.
“Jesus Christ, Johnson! Are you trying to scare them to death?” Tom stepped outside, closing the door behind him. “Is that why you’re here?”
“Yes, sir. He wanted us to keep an eye on you and your family. Sergeant Cook and I will be sitting in that car across the street. If you need anything at all, just give us a shout.”
“Am I under protection or am I bait?”
“Either way, there will be two patrol men guarding your family until this maniac is behind bars.”
“Great. I feel safer already.” Turning on heel, Tom went back in the house to find his kids staring at him with wide eyes.
“Someone wants to kill us?” Tears streamed rapidly down Julie’s face.
“Is it the same person who killed mom?” John added in a shaky voice.
“You have nothing to worry about. We are going to catch him. I give you my word.”
“Do you know who did it?” John pressed.
“It was The Puppeteer, son. I’m sure you’ve heard of him. Hell, you can’t turn on a TV without hearing him mentioned.”
John nodded.
“Look, you are as safe as can be. There are two armed police officers right outside that door and I’m not going to—” Tom doubled over as his gut cramped with pain.
“Daddy, what’s wrong?” Julie tugged on his pants leg.
“I… need… to… sit,” he struggled to speak.
He gripped both sides of his head as the pain blinded him. An image of blackened skeletal fingers reaching from the ground flashed through his mind.
“The Pearlman house,” he gasped.
“Call a doctor,” John screamed at Ms. Reynolds.
“No,” Tom managed. “It will pass. I just need a minute.”
His kids watched in horror as he fell to one knee. The pain started to ease up but his head still throbbed.
“I am going to have to go away for a little while.”
“Daddy, don’t leave us alone,” Julie begged.
“Baby, I have to go. You will be safe here, I promise. Come here both of you.” Tom held out his arms wide to embrace his children. He scooped them up and hugged them tight. “Kids, no matter what happens tonight, I want you to know… I love you.”
“Then don’t go,” Julie sobbed.
“It’s because I love you that I have to do this. It’s the only way.”
“I love you, daddy.” She cried into his shoulder. “Don’t go—”
“Baby, I have—” Tom choked on his words. “I love you too.”
“Please be careful, dad,” John managed between sobs. “Please come back to us.”
“I will,” Tom promised. “You look after your sister while I’m gone.”
He pried his kids away from him and turned to Ms. Reynolds. “I’m not sure how long I will be.”
She moved and gathered his grieving kids into her arms. “Take all the time you need, Tom. They will be here when you get back.”
Nodding his thanks, Tom pulled out his cell phone out as he walked out the door, quickly dialing Anna’s number.
“Anna, this is Tom.”
“What’s up?”
“I need a favor.”
“Tom, you’re already on suspension. If Captain Duke finds out you’re still working, he’s going to fire you.”
“It’s happening again, but this time it is stronger than ever before.”
“What do you mean stronger? It looked like it was going to kill you last time.”
“I know where he is. I need you to meet me at the old Pearlman house. Can you do that?”
“I’m on my way,” she said before hanging up.
God, if I’ve ever done anything remotely good enough to earn your favor, please don’t let him get away again.
Chapter Forty-Nine
Tom crept into the yard, thankful there was enough moonlight that he didn’t have to use his flashlight. He was afraid of alerting his prey to his presence. He quickly checked the perimeter, searching for signs that his partner had arrived.
Hell, she’s probably waiting for backup. I’m sure that little pep talk by the Captain took the wind out of her sails.
Just looking at the charred remains of the house brought back horrible memories for him. He fought desperately to squash the thoughts of Jack that pushed their way into his mind.
You need to stay focused. You can mourn your friend when this is all over.
He could see light spilling out from behind a section of collapsed floor that dangled precariously from the foundation above. As he moved closer, he could hear a muffled conversation.
Holy shit! They’re down there right now. What the hell are they doing?
He looked over his shoulder, wishing Anna was already at his side. He knew better than to go after them alone.
You don’t have time to wait, hero. If she completes her transformation, there will be no hope for any of us, a gravely voice urged.
The hair on Tom’s neck rose as the familiar smell of rotten eggs wafted up from the pit. He started to move, but hesitated. Something was out of place. The whole situation just didn’t feel right.
“I’ve had enough of your stubbornness,” Eramael growled as he appeared behind him. “You will do as you’re told.”
Eramael extended his hands to either side of Tom’s head, letting his fingernails rest lightly on his temples. His lips moved silently and he focused his energy. A wicked smile spread across his face as he pressed his fingers forward, burying them up to the knuckles in Tom’s head. His mouth fell open but the scream refused to come forth. His eyes rolled up and he struggled to stay conscious. He had the sensation of weightlessness.
The sound of rushing water filled his ears.
Am I going to drown?
“You are being enlightened,” Eramael whispered.
“Who are you? Why are you doing this?” Tom fought against the panic that threatened to consume him.
“You will come to know me as your savior.” His laughter thundered in Tom’s mind. “As for what I’m doing, think of it as a short cut in the evolutionary process.”
Images and sounds flashed through Tom’s mind, making him wonder if he had slipped beyond the edge of his own sanity. He ceased to struggle as a sudden realization washed over him. Peace and tranquility devoured his doubts and fears. He understood his purpose in life and that knowledge empowered him.
“It was you,” he whispered. “You have been trying to help me catch The Puppeteer, but why?”
“Not catch… I want you to kill him and you have to do it right now.”
“If you want him dead so badly, why don’t you do it?” Tom doubted there was anything he could do that the stranger couldn’t.
“He is protected. I cannot do this alone,” he admitted.
“Protected by what?”
“He is bound to one of The Fallen, a creature known as Nina among your people.”
“The Fallen? Do you mean like a fallen angel?”
“Angels, demons, some have even known us as Gods. Call us what you like. We are what we are. Man has a wonderful tendency to create stories to explain that which he does not understand. Your world was never meant to be a home for us, but Nina has longed to be here since its creation.”
“She wants to take over the world?”
“No, she wants to lay waste to it. She wants to destroy the people who’ve forgotten her name.”
“Yeah… th
at’ll teach ‘em.” Tom snorted.
“You don’t understand.” Eramael let out an exasperated sigh. “She was worshipped, sacrificed to, feared and adored. Their voices gave her strength. Their… belief even more so.”
“Why did her people forsake her?”
“How does any God go from exulted to excluded?” He let out a throaty laugh. “Countless wars have been fought over man’s beliefs through the ages. Times change, people change, the world goes on.”
“Why now? I’ve never heard of her, so she must be from before our recorded history. Why did she wait so long to exact her revenge?”
“She tried once before… two thousand years ago when another of The Fallen was building his strength.”
“You don’t mean—”
“Oh, the havoc she wreaked. She waged unholy war on entire cities, killing anyone that didn’t recognize her as the true Goddess of man.”
“Why did that not make the history books?”
“The followers of The Fallen who wore the flesh of man were mighty censors. Anything that might cast doubt on their one true God was destroyed.”
“Why was she spared?”
“Several of The Fallen formed a council to determine her fate. We imprisoned her. Her punishment was to watch the world unfold around her, but not be a part of it.”
“She obviously found a way out of it.”
“Yes.”
“But—”
“You are wasting what little time we have here. I think you know enough to understand the importance of what must be done.”
“How do we stop her?”
Where Eramael’s words once would have made Tom laugh, now they only strengthened his resolve.
“She needs her changeling to release her. Kill him before he has the opportunity. I will keep her at bay while you do your duty. It’s as simple as that.”
“Then what are we waiting for?”
Eramael laughed in response and Tom suddenly had the sensation of falling.
“When I release you, you will be a bit disoriented. It is very important that you remain as quiet as possible until you regain your senses,” he warned and Tom felt his feet touch the ground.
Eramael held Tom by the shoulders until he found his bearings. His eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, revealing he was at the other end of the basement. He turned to get a glimpse of his mysterious benefactor, but saw only a loose shape of blurred shadows hovering on the night air.
The Dance Page 27