by S. Robertson
As she inserted the car key, Gritty slipped into the front seat beside her, angrily blurting out. “Are you mad, or do you give a damn what happens to your husband? Maybe you’re incapable of caring for anyone but yourself.”
Irritated at Gritty’s presence and manner, she screamed “You and that God-damn partner of yours just destroyed my movie career! Why should I care what you think? Why would anyone want to kill Morgan, he’s just a stupid history professor.”
Resigning himself, Gritty started giving orders. “Look here lady; you just about delivered your husband into the hands of a killer, one with a trophy of dead bodies. He’s no movie producer, he’s a serial killer. He’ll not hesitate to kill again. But living in fantasyland you’re resistant to such realities. So, I’ll be specific. You are going to drive straight home. I’ll be sitting on your bumper. There you will stay while Fred babysits your husband, is that clear?”
“Fine, have it your way. My evening’s ruined anyway,” replied Kari-Ann almost in tears.
Kari-Ann parked her car in front of their garage, and ignoring Gritty, entered her house.
Gritty assumed Fred’s position across the street for the night shift. Once settled, he used his car speakerphone to contact Fred.
“How’s our boy, do you have him securely grounded?” asked Gritty.
“Yah, he’s fine. Nothing sobers one up faster than to realize that your own wife just about fed you to a killer and would do so again if given the chance. I almost feel sorry for him.”
“Don’t feel too sorry, he helped her do it. My warning slipped right through that huge brain. I’m sure he has some noble reason for his action. Anyway, tonight he’ll stay with you while I keep an eye on Kari-Ann. Let’s hope she’s learned something. Talk to you tomorrow.”
“I’ll send my cousin, Alfie along with some coffee and bites,” said Fred, “you weren’t prepared for this.”
“Thanks, I’ll need lots of coffee. It’s good Morgan has that bathroom near his pool or we’d have been truly screwed with this case.”
Next, Gritty pressed his speed dial for Gus, who was known for working late.
“Good to catch you, Gus. I’m faxing some photos I captured this evening of our killer. He’s definitely here and almost claimed another victim.”
“Good, the photos will give us more ammunition. We’ve tracked him to his car dealer. He still needs to act on our patch before we can nail him,” replied Gus. “What happened to Morgan?”
Gritty updated Gus on the evening’s events, closing with an agreement to keep in touch.
His final call was to Wolfram. Waiting, he thought, “This was a close call. Antonino may already suspect Morgan is out of reach, so his next option is Kari-Ann. He’ll strike again and this time it could be lethal. He’s running a dangerous gambit with his criminal relatives on one side and the police and us on the other. But what can Kari-Ann divulge……..if anything? I’d hate to have my fortune resting on that one. God help her………I’ll have to stay alert.”
* * *
The Weston Estate, Boston: Revelations of the Medallion
Powerless, Angi kept falling backwards into a black pit……. down…… down…… finally landing on a hard bed. Through the darkness a gray apparition appeared beside her. The ghostlike eminence had no discernible face. Angi strained, “I can’t tell whether it’s a man or a woman.” Then a soothing voice, “Don’t be afraid, I’m here to help you.” Next, Angi saw a hand-held flashing device moving up and down her body, its final motion producing a warm sensation up her spine. The voice returned, “Now, go back, your friends are waiting.”
In the distance, Angi could hear faint murmurings………..then a garbled cacophony, as she dragged her spirit through the pitch black toward the sound. Questions swirled; “What happened? Was it an electrical shock? ……..What was I doing? …….. Sluggishly, the puzzle unfurled ………“The medallion……. electrical arcs, like delicate fingers, grasping gemstones ……… then the cool metal against her skin.” Her physical body stubbornly resisted her commands. The voices grew distinct……… She could recognize Gracelyn’s strained voice.
“We haven’t been fair to this young woman. In the past few weeks she’s gone through an awful lot; first, her grandmother’s death and funeral, then this trip to Boston. Her grandmother was practically her entire family. Yet, since she’s arrived we’ve been totally absorbed in this medallion. Tonight, was just too much.”
Vette reacted silently, “Angi’s no weakling. She’s a Director of a large Emergency Department. Admittedly, her illness complicates things, but her reaction was more like someone being hit………...perhaps it’s the medallion. God knows. This has been a weird evening.”
In a stupor, struggling, Angi reassured herself, “Finally, I have feeling in my hands and feet.” She was lying on the dining room carpet, having been covered with a throw from the adjacent room and a pillow placed under her head by Moira. Both Wolfram and Vette, familiar with emergencies, were in charge.
Gracelyn kept mumbling “Maybe we should fetch a doctor or an ambulance,” but hesitated when she saw Angi move.
Wolfram responded, “Let’s hold off for now, Gran.”
Angi opened her eyes to see the concerned faces. Trying to speak, she blurted out, “Wow, that was a wallop…………. I’m OK………….. Just a fainting spell, something that rarely happens to me.” She tried to rise.
“Would you like a snifter of Brandy,” asked Tyloar, showing genuine concern for his young guest.
“Thanks,” said Angi, “I’m feeling a bit wobbly.” With Vette’s help she made it to the nearest chair. As the warm Brandy slid down her throat, she began to get her bearings. “Now I remember,” she said, out loud, “While I waited for the burning sensation of the medallion, three things happened in succession; nausea, a bright light, then blackness. It was like someone switched off the lights. I’ve fainted before but nothing like this.” She made no reference to her invisible caregiver.
“How do you feel now,” asked Wolfram, “any side effects?”
Before Angi had a chance to reply, Moira interjected, “My God, I forgot what we were doing,” Pointing at Angi she exclaimed. “Look at Angi’s neck. There’s no burn mark!” Smiling, she continued, “Well, Angi, I guess you’re it, at least for this round.”
“No, wait a minute,” argued Angi, “this can’t be. I need to get back home. This was supposed to be a brief trip to deliver the medallion.”
“Sorry, old girl,” replied Moira, “the gods have spoken. Just to complicate your life, I recall, that under the present circumstances, the chosen one cannot remove the medallion until all gems are in place.”
“You’re kidding,” replied a skeptical Angi, “even in the shower or when I go to bed?”
“No exceptions,” continued Moira. “Those were the exact orders dispatched from my female relatives.”
“But what if we never find the rest of the gems?” asked Angi growing somewhat irritated at the thought of being permanently tethered to the medallion.
“I honestly don’t know. You have to admit, there’s no script for this adventure. All I remember them saying is, if only a portion of the stones are available when the chosen one is found, it would be dangerous for her to remove the medallion until the rest of the gems are in place.”
“Dangerous……..Are you suggesting this device could release some kind of lethal trouble?” asked Angi growing concerned about her own safety.
It was Nat’s turn. “Angi, remember what I said about the Egyptian priests. As I see it, your genetic makeup somehow stabilizes this device. You have to admit, there’s no electrical sparks or burning. So, Moira may be right. If you remove the medallion you could upset some fine tuning. Seeing its electrical demonstration in the retrieval of the gems, this is one baby best kept in slumber. Come on, what we are talking about, maybe a few weeks at the outset.”
His logic registered with Angi, “OK. But this begs the question. What happens when
all the gems are in place? Do you think I could remove it safely then?”
“That’s an excellent question to which I have no answer. As I recall the legendary snippets stated only certain Egyptian Temple Priests had the ability to control the Atlantian blue stones. This medallion has, as I expect, one of these stones plus a number of quality gemstones which likely work in sync. That’s about our total knowledge. I’m sorry Angi we haven’t the answers you need. What we do know is that within this group of four Guardians, you are the one with the right genetic chemistry to safely carry this medallion to the next step. That doesn’t rule out others with a similar constitution. Perhaps you will find them in Britain.”
Resigning herself, Angi looked at Wolfram, “I guess there’s no short cut. I’m in for the long haul.” Pondering the situation, she said to herself, “On the other hand, it’s better to end one’s days on a mystical quest than sit waiting for the grim reaper. If that’s my destiny, so be it.” Then, directing a question to the group, she asked, “What’s our next move?”
At that moment Wolfram’s cell phone rang. He flipped it out of his pocket and answered. “Hi Gritty, Oh………..” and immediately departed to the adjacent room to continue his conversation. Behind him he could hear the chatter of the group as they pondered Angi’s question. Returning, Wolfram’s grim face broke the spell.
“What’s happened?” said Tyloar. “The news isn’t good.”
“I’ll not mince words,” said Wolfram. “This evening Antonino, our Italian predator, almost nabbed Morgan. Thanks to the two bodyguards we’ve hired, he’s now safely under wraps. However, Antonino’s getting close and desperate. We must assume it’s only a matter of time before he gets my name which will lead him straight to you.”
The news struck home. As the four Guardians looked at each other, the magical spell of the medallion was superseded by the cold realization that a merchant of death hovered nearby. Tyloar whispered to Nat a quick explanation of the ancillary menace.
Jessie, in her practical manner, spoke for the Guardians, “We’ll just have to move faster than this killer. He’s not going to win. Just think of the generations who risked their lives in protecting this medallion. There’s no question, Angi has to go to Britain to get the rest of the gemstones. Let’s get those two contact names and proceed with the travel arrangements. I can see no reason for all of us to make this trip to Britain.”
Wolfram, glancing at Angi and Vette, responded to Jessie’s logical assessment. “I agree. We could move faster if there was just the three of us; Angi, Vette and myself. I might as well tell you,” nodding to Vette, “Vette is an RCMP officer, sent to protect Angi. I would like her to go with us.”
The group turned momentarily to look at Vette, some already suspecting her role. There were no questions.
Wolfram continued, “We’ll head to Ireland first, then Scotland. I’m assuming the four gemstones reside somewhere in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We have the names of two Guardians and that’s where we begin. I’ve already been in touch with Morgan’s other university contact, Andrew Sinclair, a professor at Edinburgh University.”
“Good,” said Gracelyn. “Moira and Jessie can stay with us. We’ll work on the premise that the gemstones will be retrieved in weeks not months…….if not, then we’ll devise another plan. Is that workable for you both?” looking at her two guests.
Hesitantly, Moira responded “Well, my family insisted that if we got to this stage that I had to complete the journey. I can manage a few more weeks.”
“I’m OK as well,” said Jessie. “Like Moira, our families expect us to complete this, whatever it takes. But is there any way we could notify them without endangering anyone?”
Wolfram thought for a moment, “I could send your e-mails through my friend Josh’s secure system, if that’s OK with you both?”
“Fine, they’ll know we’re with your grandparents.” Looking at the three potential travelers, Moira went on, “Let’s agree that once you get all the gemstones, and I feel certain this will happen, you will notify us if there is any further need of our guardianship. No one mentioned what we were supposed to do once the medallion was activated.”
“Certainly, I’ll communicate through Josh. He’ll keep you updated. I’ll contact him tonight. By seven tomorrow morning, I’ll call Andrew to say we’re heading his way.” His thoughts racing, he went on, “As an extra precaution, I think it best for me to travel by way of Amsterdam while Angi and Vette go via Canada to Dublin. Now, Angi, we’ll need the name of your grandmother’s Irish contact to let her know we’re going to land on her doorstep within the next 48 hours.”
“Fine, I’ve already talked to her twice in the past weeks. In light of time zones, I’ll call her in the morning.” Hesitating, she went on, “I’ve got a problem. I wasn’t expecting an extended trip, so I’ll need to get some clothes and supplies for the trip. I believe Vette is in the same boat.”
“I’ll help with that,” said Gracelyn. “I know a trusted lady who buys clothes for several of my friends. She’ll come to the house with a selection of items for you two, and you can choose for yourself. Just give me your measurements and what you need. We’ll work out something for your personal items.”
“Wow,” thought Vette. “How’s that for service. But, I’ll have to talk to Angi. I may manage the drop off in Britain but I’ll need my father’s help to extract more time from the police force. Admittedly, I’m owed at least four weeks of vacation, but on short notice it’ll be difficult to get approval. At best, I could end up flying back to Canada after depositing Angi, and then, if all goes well, making another trip to Britain. It’s iffy.” Smiling to herself she reflected, “Who’d have guessed I’d be a globetrotter.”
“Then it’s agreed,” said Wolfram, already processing the arrangements in his head. “Let’s hope this Scotsman is an agreeable fellow, as we’ll need miracles to accomplish this mission and stay out of Antonino’s clutches.”
Nat, returning his field lab to their respective cases, turned to his hosts. “Tyloar, Gracelyn, Wolfram, this has been a night to remember. I hope, in time, you will let me know how this unfolds. Angi, Vette, Wolfram the best of luck on your quest. This rather inconspicuous piece of jewelry could be a powerful talisman.” Looking at Tyloar again, he smiled, “Let me know if any of my theories bear fruit. Wouldn’t it be ironic if tonight we were the midwives to a lost technology of our ancestors.” Picking up his cases he headed towards the front door. “It’s been a truly amazing evening……….thank you for inviting me……….truly amazing……” and with that he bid them good night. The fog was beginning to dissipate as Nat’s car exited the gate in front of the mansion.
Exhausted, Tyloar prepared nightcaps for his guests but not all were ready to retire; Angi made arrangements with Gracelyn to call Ireland, Wolfram contacted Josh, and Tyloar slipped away to talk to his security team.
As the group departed, the apparition, which had lingered, smiled, saying, “Finally, the Guardians are coming home.” With that she evaporated.
* * *
Boston: Morgan’s House
Despondent, dejected, and desolate, Kari-Ann dragged herself up the stairs to her bedroom and threw her handbag across the room. Flopping on the bed, she started talking to the ceiling. “Damn those bastards……..What do they care if my life’s in shreds …………What was that scrawny bodyguard talking about. He likes giving orders. ………..Morgan blew it. He’ll not be asked again. I didn’t want him anyway. …………..I must get in touch with Tony, I can’t let this opportunity slip away.”
She rose and glanced out the window. The street light revealed Gritty well ensconced for the night. “Creep……..he thinks he’s got me caged. I’ll outfox him. With my luck he likely never sleeps.” Then she remembered. “Aha, but he’s been with Morgan all day, and he’s old. He can’t hold out forever. I’ll bide my time and when he drifts off, I’ll slip away. Now where did I put Tony’s business card?” She frantically went throug
h several purses, jacket pockets and notebooks. “Nothing…………perhaps if I take a break, I’ll remember. I stupidly hid Tony’s card from Morgan. What was I thinking, Morgan would never check, not a jealous bone in that numb body. It’s time I ditched him. I know I can do better, this time I’ll get a richer husband.”
Kari-Ann went downstairs and poured herself a drink…….then a second….. and a third. She dozed off on the den sofa watching some mundane TV show unable to follow the story or care what happened. It was four in the morning when she woke with a splitting headache. She went into the living room to check on Gritty, only to discover he was still wide awake. “He’s tougher than I thought. But he can’t last the night. I’ll have a shower, and then I’ll search again for that card.”
Emerging from the shower she remembered putting something into a pant pocket and dashed into her closet. Triumphantly she emerged with the business card. In large hand writing on the back was Tony’s Boston phone number.
“I can’t call at this hour I’ll wait until 5:30am. In the meantime I’ll get some coffee and something to eat.” She checked the front window. “Damn, he’s still upright.”
On the stroke of 5:30, she went to the phone. Hesitating, she got the courage to dial. Tony’s immediate response relieved her anxiety.
“Sorry to call so early in the morning but I was wondering if we might get on with the contract, it looks like Morgan’s not available,” said Kari-Ann, trying to sound nonchalant.
“Where’s your husband?” asked Tony, Antonino holding to his Boston alias, wondering how she could be calling if Morgan was in the house.
“Likely at the university where he usually stays if he has an all-nighter. He’ll likely be back later today.” Kari-Ann did not think this unusual.