WISHBONE II: ...Some Wishes Should Never Be Made

by Brooklyn Hudson

  “Yes, they have weapons.”

  “Are they asking for ransom? Can you tell me what kind of weapons?”

  “The girl. The bones.”

  “The bones?” Bale huffed and caught himself, “Rachael, the bones are their weapons? What kind of bones?”

  “I know you think I’m crazy. You all think I’m crazy,” her voice went up.

  “No, Rachael, that’s not true...”

  “They’ll kill you, Ed.”

  “With the bones?” He rubbed at his eyes with his thumb and forefinger, squeezing the bridge of his nose. He tried hard to take her seriously, but grew frustrated by her tale.

  “The girl…she will kill you.”

  “Your daughter?”

  “Possibly. If Sarah has her, yes. She won’t let you take him away.”

  “Julien? Is that it? Has Julien also been abducted, Rachael?”

  “Yes…”

  The phone went dead in Ed’s hand. He looked at the screen and attempted to dial Fair Oaks, but he couldn’t get any bars. He figured the storm was interfering with the local towers then noticed his phone battery was also nearly drained. As he went to his suitcase to find the charger, he remembered it was still at home, on the nightstand beside his bed. He would have to buy a replacement along the way, the next day.

  He sat for a long moment staring out into the distance, unsure if anything Rachael had said was even viable information. He wondered if Rachael’s suggestion of abduction, was the explanation for Julien’s forced tone, in his early morning phone message. For a while, Ed didn’t move. He sat, allowing his thoughts to run amok and quietly trying to make sense of what little he knew.

  A while later, Ed found his cigarettes and opened the motel room door. The snow continued to come down quickly. He welcomed the crisp air, blowing into the hot, musty room, hoping it would bring sleep to him more easily. If the roads were cleared early, he planned to be en route to Kings Hollow in just a few hours. A smart man would call this information in, he thought then flicked his cigarette butt out into the snow and closed the door.

  Arlette sat staring out into the night, wrapped in a thick wool blanket before the window. The rocking chair creaked methodically as she watched the snow come down hard. Carl appeared in the hallway, dressed for bed. She saw his reflection in the glass, but pretended not to.

  Carl turned and went to the bedroom; there was no use in asking her to join him.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Bale woke to the ring of his cell phone. He reached for it and drifted off. It rang in his hand, waking him again. He tried to read the caller ID, but couldn’t see a thing.

  “Hello?” He said, his voice garbled. He cleared his throat, “Yeah, it’s Bale.” He sat up and swung his legs off the bed then reached for one of the coffees, leftover from the night before. He gulped a swig of the sweet, chilled liquid.

  “He left town?” Bale slumped, disappointed that the station had caught up to what he already knew.

  “Well, maybe it was something for his job…Oh, okay, well, if they haven’t heard from him…” Bale looked at his watch and stood up.

  He took his pants up from the floor and tossed them on the bed before inching back the curtain to peek outside. The snow had ceased and the parking lot had been plowed.

  At least something’s gone right, he thought.

  “I’ll get on it right away…no…I don’t need anyone just yet. Let me see what I can find out first.” He made a weak attempt at stretching, “Yeah, I know…I’ve already talked to some of his friends. I’ll call them and see if they’ve heard from him at all.” He headed for the bathroom.

  “No, really…not yet. I’ll see what I can find and get back to you. Let’s not jump the gun on this. I don’t know where Mr. Grenier went or why, but I’m sure there’s an explanation. We cleared him. People handle things in different ways. Maybe he’s staying with a friend…you know, the empty apartment and all… Maybe it’s too hard for him to be there alone right now.”

  He pulled back the shower curtain, “I’ll call in as soon as I find him or have some information.”

  Julien raced through the kitchen to the window. Far off in his view, he watched Jessica pass over the bridge, holding hands and being led to the barn by Sarah. The girls disappeared inside and the door closed.

  P’tain!

  He tried desperately to remain awake through the night, but exhaustion did him in, in the early morning hours. The warmth of Jessica’s body curled up against him and the soft sound of her rhythmic breaths, lulled him to sleep, and now they were separated. He went to a cabinet beside the sink and found the small box of wishbones, unharmed and exactly where he had placed them the evening prior. He breathed a sigh of relief. He tried to make a plan, but his mind seized. Too many fears, too much unsurety, too little sleep; he couldn’t think clearly. He paced back and forth in the kitchen impatient and disappointed with himself.

  Don’t make her angry…

  If you go after them she will be angry…

  Don’t make her angry…

  She will not trust you if you do not trust her…

  He stopped pacing long enough to find them through the window again; a brief glimpse of Jessica chasing chickens in the coop. She disappeared from his view again. Julien found his jacket and lit a cigarette. He went out onto the porch and looked around. The dog zigzagged beside the pond, busying itself, but there was no sign of the girls. He could wait no longer. The idea of Jessica being out of his sight and alone with Sarah, unnerved him.

  Heading down the porch steps, he followed the path, crossing the bridge and pausing at the barn doors. He could hear muted laughter coming from inside. He opened the door and entered the barn. Lights, shining bright, lined the walls. He took a few more steps and slowly turned in place, taking the entire space in. No boxes, no debris, the barn looked exactly as he saw it in his dreams; as it was when he and Rachael lived at the Victorian. His fists clenched by his sides nervously; every muscle in his body tensed.

  What is she doing?

  The air felt thin, standing in the giant, near empty room. A muffled giggle erupted and his eyes darted up to the loft. The two girls peered down upon him. Sarah quickly jerked Jessica back to hide from him again.

  “Okay, come down now. I see you,” he feigned a playful tone. “The games are over. Jessica, I need for you to come down right away.”

  Julien looked to the top of the ladder. A feeling of wooziness caused him to tense and brace himself. He feared, no matter what danger Jessica might be in, he would not be capable of climbing up to the loft. He moved closer to the ladder, ready to catch her if she slipped. Knowing this was as far as he would go, a feeling of self-loathing plagued him.

  “Jessica?” He waited several seconds as silence intensified his panic, “Jessica! I need you to come here…now. Come down to me now, okay? No more games.” Still, no response.

  Julien took several steps backward to the center of the barn. Craning his neck, he could see only the upper portion of the loft’s back wall. He took another step back and came to an abrupt halt as he backed up to something.

  Julien spun around, startled and facing Jérome.

  Jérome bounced Jessica on his hip, holding her in his arms; Sarah stood back and off to the side, watching with excitement in her eyes.

  His father turned to Jessica and flashed a half-toothless grin before kissing his granddaughter’s cheek with tobacco stained lips. Julien stepped forward, holding out his hands to take her, but stopped himself before attempting to grab her from him.

  Jessica smiled at Jérome. She reached up and patted the sides of his craggy face. Jérome began to sing, dancing wide circles around the room and spinning wildly. Julien stood watching, torn between running after them and his fear that doing so would only add to the danger Jessica was in. He followed them with his eyes as Jérome danced by. Jessica leaned back in her grandfather’s arms as gravity and momentum tugged at her. They continued to spin about the room, up and down
, round and round, as Jessica giggled uncontrollably and Jérome’s booming voice echoed. Sarah clapped with exuberance. Julien looked back at her and she stopped. Jérome ended the spectacle with a dip, tipping Jessica upside down and dangling her just inches from the ground.

  “Tu aimes la chanson de papi?” Jérome spoke lovingly to his granddaughter.

  Jessica nodded fervently and kissed his cheek.

  “Ca, c'est une gentille fille.” Jérome gave her cheek a playful pinch.

  Julien walked cautiously toward them, watching for any sign that Jessica was at risk.

  “Voila, voila ton papa.” Jérome handed Jessica to Julien.

  Julien grabbed her, snatching her from him. He hugged her tight in his arms. The smell of rancid sweat and alcohol emanated from her clothes and hair; she wreaked of him.

  “Let’s go,” Julien said softly and turned for the doors. Sarah scurried in front of them, blocking his way.

  “Please Sarah, let me bring her back to the house. No problems. Just to the house, okay?”

  Sarah rocked back and forth on her heels; her eyes darted around the room. She stood there twisting her fingers together and stalling for time.

  “Sarah…please…?” Julien knew there was no use in begging. She wasn’t going to allow him to be alone with Jessica, especially with those bones in the house.

  “We can all go. Let us all return to the house. It is very cold in here. Come with us.” Julien took another step toward her and closer to the barn doors. He moved quickly, more adamant, assuming confidence. He reached past Sarah’s shoulder to push open the door and she struck.

  Pain dropped him to one knee, but Jérome caught him, gripping his bicep as he went down. His father reached over his head and took Jessica with his other hand, hoisting her up over Julien and letting him go.

  Julien’s hands shook, bracing himself in the dirt on all fours. He fought not to make a sound; he refused to upset Jessica. He held his breath as the pain worsened. He clenched his jaw muscles tight, gritting his teeth and waiting out her ire. He looked up at Sarah. Her expression, frustrated, as she gazed down at him, disappointed by his endurance.

  Julien refused to give in, his body trembling as he fought to hold on.

  “Stop…” He sputtered, unable to manage another word.

  Sarah crouched down and looked in his eyes.

  “Please…” he thought of Jessica watching him suffer.

  She continued to let him struggle, but he wouldn’t give in. She brought her palm to his forehead and laid her hand on him gently.

  Julien couldn’t hold on much longer. He heard Jessica, confused and mumbling behind him in Jérome’s arms. Jérome quickly shushed her. Julien could only hope Jessica’s limited emotions and understanding would fool her to believe this was a game. He didn’t want her to witness the punishment he knew was about to be bestowed on him. He was failing his daughter, yet again, and that hurt more than anything Sarah could do to him.

  Sarah pressed her hand against Julien and the room went dark.

  Julien opened his eyes. Jessica sat beside him as he took the curves of the mountain, heading away from the house in the Lexus. The road was clear now; though the trees were still decorated with icicles and snow. Jessica muttered to herself, entertained by the spare change in the cup holder between them. He felt an immense weight lift from his spirit; Sarah was letting them go. She had come to terms with the fact that, if she hurt them, he would hate her, and if she didn’t, he would leave. This time, she didn’t have Rachael there to confuse him and do her bidding. It was all on Sarah and it would never have been any good. He reached out, resting his hand on Jessica’s head. He smiled at her and she returned the gesture. From the corner of his eye, he caught movement and, as he looked up, a deer bolted through the trees. Julien’s arm shot out to brace Jessica as he swerved the wheel, missing the deer and hitting a snowbank. The rear tires swung left and he tried to turn the wheel in the same direction, but the ice took them, plunging them over the cliff’s edge.

  Steam hissed from the engine, the hood of the Lexis, open and blocking his view. He felt dazed as he glanced around. The SUV was trapped between trees jutting up from a deep bank of snow. He felt pressure in his lap and he looked down. His legs were pinned by the dashboard, blood soaking through his pants. The steering wheel pressed firmly into his chest. He felt nothing, but struggled to breathe. He looked to his right; Jessica wasn’t there. The windshield was gone, glass shards strewn everywhere. Pointlessly, he attempted to open his door, but it refused to budge, wedged tight between the trees. He glanced around.

  “Jessica?” he called out, but his voice was weak.

  His eyes fell upon a small splash of color in the distance. He looked through the passenger side window trying to make out what he saw. Jessica’s tiny sneakers jutting up over a log, a small bit of her leg exposed. Her body lay motionless, thrown from the vehicle several yards away.

  Julien cried out for her, but she didn’t move. He banged at the door and then the dashboard, but nothing would give. He yelled for help. His voice echoing back at him off the mountains.

  “Saraaah!”

  Julien felt the pain dissipate. Still fighting to hold himself up on the dirt floor of the barn, he looked at Sarah, crouching before him.

  “I will not go. I will not try to leave, Sarah,” he vowed, acknowledging her vivid warning and catching his breath.

  Sarah took her hand away from his forehead and he collapsed to the dirt. She stood up and stepped over him. Jessica ran up behind Julien and knelt down beside him. He turned over onto his back, still out of breath he pulled her down to his chest, hugging her close and kissing the top of her head.

  Jessica lay in his arms, expressionless and confused.

  Carl approached the door, “Arlette, come inside. Bernie said it might take a while. He didn’t even know for sure if there was gas in the tanks.”

  “Go back inside, Carl. I’m perfectly capable of deciding where I need to be,” she turned to glare at him, “and get dressed. When he gets here, we’re leaving immediately.”

  Carl hesitated, “Have you even thought this through? Because, if you did, I wish you would let me in on the plan.”

  Arlette stood with her back to him. She stared out at the trees from the porch longing to be alone with her thoughts and detesting his intrusion.

  He felt compelled to ask, “Do you honestly believe we can go there and negotiate with him? Do you think Sarah will do what you ask…just like that…after yesterday?”

  Arlette didn’t flinch. She glanced to the road and then back to the trees, unsure from which direction Bernie might appear.

  Carl’s frustration grew, “So you won’t tell me what your plan is, but you want me to go with you and put myself in the middle of this…brouhaha? It’s crazy, I tell you. Sheer insanity, Arlette. One would have to be out of their mind to believe this possible.” His nerves were getting the best of him and he stopped himself from rambling. With no response, he stepped out onto the porch.

  “Arlette, say something!”

  Arlette remained still for several seconds, “Get me my sunglasses, Carl. This snow is blinding.”

  Carl stood his ground, “I’m not getting anything…and I’m not leaving this house until you give me some indication of what you are planning.” He moved closer, “One wish…just one wish, Arlette. That is all it would take… She doesn’t fear you anymore, Arlette, and I’m not sure she ever feared me. She’s older…we’re older. Can’t we just live out our lives? Let her go? She was never ours in the first place.”

  Arlette turned to him, “And what? Live off what? The pittance you make treating this town with their…arthritis and their ulcers? Look at me Carl. I look like my great-grandmother. Every day, I hear death knocking at my door. And the money has run out. Are you forgetting that? I have needs; things that I want to do, things that I can’t do without that little girl.”

  “That house is as much an addiction for you as it is her, isn’t
it? This isn’t about needs or bills, this is a game for you. You enjoy that power more than you’ve ever needed it, and you get some sort of demented thrill out of watching people come and go, suffering and at your whim.”

  “Emm, perhaps…” she smirked. “It isn’t like you haven’t benefitted, Carl. You didn’t seem to mind when that malpractice suit disappeared, a few years ago. This whole town has benefitted greatly from that power. I don’t know about you, Carl, but I’m not ready for life to end and I bet, if tomorrow you were stricken with…cancer, or crippled in an accident, you wouldn’t hesitate to plead for that power and change your tune. You feel your life is good…good enough…and we should just be happy and live out our lives as things are, but that is because I made it good…because we had that girl. These last few years were just a glimpse at what will become of us, but you’re too stupid to see any of this. You just clomp along, never realizing; never thanking me…while I was the one who thought ahead and did the hard work…which all of you benefitted from so bountifully. I am the one…who was at risk…all of these years. I was the one who worked with her, trained her…kept her in line. You just sat back and reaped the rewards…all of you did.”

  Carl hated to admit that she was right. He had grown accustomed to a life, void of tribulations, void of health issues or financial woes. The idea that perhaps they could live forever with the power they wielded, always confidently tucked in the back of his mind.

  Arlette nearly felt sorry for him, standing before her, like a spoiled child riddled with guilt. They had all lived carefree for so long, they no longer recognized what was real and what was orchestrated by the power; how hard she worked to juggle their every desire and to keep their precious secret from the world. How sometimes, to get them what they wanted, others had to be sacrificed, and that keeping Sarah in the right balance of happy and afraid, had grown increasingly challenging throughout the years, as she matured. She had no doubt that, for a time, they could find a way to survive without this power, but why would they? Who in their right mind would give up such a gift, she thought and scoffed at him.