When the Spirit Calls (When the Spirit... series - Book 2)

by Thomas DePrima

  "Exactly. I've never asked a spirit to do that, but if that would convince you, perhaps Barty could try."

  "If Barty could do that, it would convince me."

  "Then ask him."

  "Uh, okay. Barty, if you can hear me, can you make the draperies wave a bit?"

  "He says he'll try," Arlene relayed.

  A second later the draperies in the room moved as if blown by a strong wind. Then, just as quickly as they started, they slowed and stopped moving. The windows were closed, the AC system was off, and nothing else in the room moved the slightest bit. Bishop Flaherty sat with his mouth open in apparent shock as he stared at the now-still draperies.

  "Alright," Bishop Flaherty finally said, "I wasn't truly convinced the floating tissue wasn't some sort of trick, but I'm definitely convinced this latest spectacle was not a natural phenomenon or pre-arranged parlor trick. I'm ready to acknowledge that your gift is genuine, Madam Arlene, and that Barty is here with us, although you are the only one who can see or hear him. Thank you for opening my eyes, Barty."

  "He wants to know if we need him anymore," Arlene said, "He'd like to get back to the news van."

  "I'm satisfied," the bishop said. "I don't need any more demonstrations."

  "Okay, Barty, you can go," Arlene said, "and many thanks."

  A second later, Bishop Flaherty asked Arlene, "How will he get back to the news van?"

  "He's already gone," Arlene said. "I guess he'll just— float over. I've never inquired how they travel. I've just accepted they could."

  Bishop Flaherty took a deep breath and released it slowly before saying, "Madam Arlene, that was absolutely amazing. I've always believed that God and his angels could hear our prayers when we ask for their help and guidance, but I've never seen any evidence to suggest they were actually present and listening."

  "I can't say whether anyone is there to hear you or not, Your Excellency, but it's possible they are. And the possibility that someone is there is much higher if you consider the souls who haven't crossed over. Once a soul crosses over, it's a lot more difficult to contact them, although I can report that they've told me they do watch the mortal world frequently to see how their loved ones left behind are faring."

  "Now that I've had my eyes opened, is there anything I can do to assist your effort to banish Kamet?"

  "We've been preparing for this exorcism for months, and we think we're almost ready. I appreciate your offer, but I can't think of anything we require, although I would like Father Paul to be there. I have a special task for him, and his presence is important."

  "I'll be there, Madam Arlene," Father Paul said.

  "I'd like to attend as well," Bishop Flaherty said.

  "As a participant? Or only as an observer."

  "I'll be happy to assist in any capacity if you believe there's some way I can help."

  "Very well, Your Excellency. I know a way you can participate, if you don't object to working closely with polytheistic pagans."

  "On this occasion I don't, given the mutual interest of this endeavor."

  "Then you are welcome, but please don't invite anyone else. We'll gather on the side of the road heading west just outside of town right after dark on the eighteenth and then proceed to private property owned by Madam Elana. We'll call with an exact time you should leave town. That location is where the coven has always met in years past and where they convened to free Kamet from the Underworld."

  * * *

  "Madam Arlene," Oculara said via the intercom line, "that television news reporter would like to see you. She's here now."

  "Okay, Oculara, thank you. I'll meet her in the office."

  "Very good, Madam Arlene."

  A few minutes later, Arlene entered the office from the rear door. Oculara had waited until Arlene arrived before excusing herself and returning to the sales floor.

  "Good morning, Madam Arlene. Was Barty helpful?"

  "Barty?"

  "You wanted to know where the news van was. There was really only one reason I could think of."

  "I was surprised you didn't ask me why I wanted to know because I thought you didn't believe Barty was really among us."

  "Oh, you made a believer out of me. Barty and I were close friends, and I knew he would never break his word to me and tell anyone about the day I slipped down that embankment and got all muddy. But I've had to take the position I have or I risked having people think I was part of the wacko fringe."

  "That I belong to?"

  "Yes, but you're in a position where the attitudes of viewers don't really matter. In my case, it could end my career in broadcasting. I've had to cover up my original reaction with a plausible excuse, but I do believe Barty is traveling with us."

  "I see."

  "So, was Barty helpful?"

  Arlene smiled. "Very."

  "Then I think you owe me."

  "No, I owe Barty."

  "But I'm the one who told you where you could find him."

  "What is it you want— exactly?"

  "A scoop, naturally. What's really going on here, and why do you spend all of your days here in the antiques shop but are never seen out on the sales floor. If all you wanted was privacy, you could go back to the isolation of that monstrosity of a mansion you own in New Bedford."

  "I see you've been checking into my background."

  "It's a necessary part of being a reporter. You always have to know the behind-the-scenes stories of your sources so you're ready to defend your position. And it became more than just part of the job when I read your book."

  "I'm surprised you were able to get a copy."

  "I paid big money for a used copy on eBay."

  "So you're the one."

  "The one what?"

  "Who paid an exorbitant amount for that copy."

  "It was a business expense. I can write it off on my expense account as research. I understand you're negotiating the rights to a second edition."

  "You're well informed."

  "Is it true that Narcissist Publishing has offered you a two-million-dollar advance?"

  "Amusing, isn't it. A few years ago they wouldn't give me the time of day when I offered them my manuscript and was willing to accept peanuts."

  "Don't take it personally. All trad publishers are like that because they've been inundated with manuscripts from new authors during the past couple of decades. Some of the submitted work is excellent, but some is real dreck. Some trad publishers won't even accept submissions directly anymore. They will only look at manuscripts recommended by an agent. They're using the agents as an unpaid workforce to do their initial screening. A lot of very good material falls through the cracks that way. But Narcissist Publishing obviously smells the money now. All big companies are the same. They show no interest until they think they can make a profit off your labors. And once they do, they'll work harder than you can believe to make sure they get to keep most of it, if not all of it. But I'm sure you know that already. You're not one of the little people."

  "No, I'm not. It's been said I have more high-prestige lawyers on retainer or working for me than OJ Simpson had at his first trial. So, if there's nothing else, I have things I have to do."

  "Wait a minute. We haven't discussed my scoop. I know something big is going down, and I want in."

  "I thought my admission that the Narcissist Publishing offer was genuine was the scoop."

  "Not hardly. I already confirmed that from a friend who works at the company."

  Arlene breathed deeply and released it slowly before saying, "Okay. What is it you want, and what are you willing to do to get it?"

  "Tell me what I need to do and I can answer that."

  "Well, I can give you the greatest story of this century, but— you can't broadcast it or even tell anyone what you've seen."

  "What good is that?"

  "Call it an educational experience. If you were to broadcast it honestly, you would immediately be labeled a member of that fringe group you're trying to avoid
having your name associated with. And if you broadcast it without commentary, it would be labeled as being as phony as the Blair Witch Project. But although you can never broadcast it, I believe it will be the most eye-opening experience of your lifetime."

  "Okay, I agree not to broadcast it. Now what is it?"

  "Not so fast. I'll have those lawyers I mentioned prepare and send me non-disclosure forms for you and all of your assistants to sign."

  "You're not serious?"

  "I'm absolutely serious. And if you refuse to sign, you don't get to witness the event. I would also have to believe you were lying when you said you agree not to broadcast it."

  "What exactly do you think is so special that it can't be broadcast?"

  "I'll answer that after you sign the non-disclosure forms in front of a notary."

  "Would we get to film it at least?"

  "Why?"

  "So that for the rest of my life I could look at it and curse myself for ever agreeing to sign an NDA."

  "Okay, but I want a high-definition copy of everything you film."

  "Agreed, now what is it?"

  "Ut, remember, Katy, I'm not one of the ignorant little people. NDA first, information second. And I'll also need you to help create a diversion so I don't have a thousand fans following us the night of the— event. I want you to let it be known that I'm participating in an attempt to call a spirit from the other side. Perhaps you could let it slip that it might be Elvis. Or maybe Marilyn. Anyway, the effort will take place at a remote location some twenty miles outside of Lake Georgina, so we'll have privacy. I'll provide you with the location, date, and time when I can establish it."

  "And just how am I to let it be known if I can't broadcast it?"

  "I'll leave that up to you. I'm sure you know your business far better than I do. Just make sure no one can blame you for releasing false information. Perhaps a whisper in the ear of a friend of a friend who would first promise never to tell a soul but who you know wouldn't hesitate to immediately pass on the secret to everyone she knows."

  "Okay, agreed. Now, can't you give me just a hint of what's really going down?"

  "After the NDA's are signed by you and your entire crew, other than Barty, in front of a notary. But I can guarantee you'll be forever grateful you didn't miss the show."

  * * *

  "Lake Georgina Real Estate, Nancy Blumenthal speaking."

  "Ms. Blumenthal, my name is Arlene Watson."

  "Oh my God, not the Arlene Watson?"

  "Perhaps. I only know that's my name."

  "You're the spiritualist?"

  "Yes, I am."

  "Oh my God, how can I help you?"

  "I'm interested in leasing— for a very short term— a very flat, open parcel of land in the Lake Georgina area. I only need about two acres from August 18th to August 19th. We won't need utilities or outbuildings. The area should be clear of any debris, and if grassland, a flat, circular area of about a hundred feet in diameter must be cut low to the ground for our use. When we vacate, the land will be cleared of any debris we bring in, and it will be returned to the same condition as we found it."

  "And for what purpose do you need the land?"

  "Let's call it a— gathering. The area should not be visible from any public roadways, but it must be accessible to light vehicle traffic. Do you think you might have something like that in your listings?"

  "Since you need it for a very short term, any of the farmlands we have available should suit you. Uh, how many people will be gathering there? I mean, it won't be like a rock concert or anything, will it?"

  "No, not at all. I would say we'll number fewer than twenty. Oh, and we must have permission to build a bonfire on the night of the eighteenth. I'll take full responsibility for keeping the fire under control."

  "And you'll assume all personal liability for accidents or damage to roads or property? Most of the farms available for sale have houses and barns."

  "Yes, I take full responsibility for any damage to buildings and land improvements. I'll purchase an insurance policy for that."

  "How close do you wish to be to Lake Georgina?"

  "Actually, I would prefer to be anywhere from twenty to thirty miles from here. I doubt we could expect to have any privacy if we were closer."

  I believe I have a farm that will suit your needs perfectly. The owner has retired, but he still has most of his farm equipment and he's been keeping the property in good condition. I know he'll be able to clear the hundred-foot circle you require."

  "Excellent. As long as it meets all of the conditions I stated, we'll take it. What will the rent be for the two days?"

  "I'm sure the owner will accept two thousand dollars."

  The price was a bit steep for a two-day rental of a piece of vacant farmland, but Arlene would pay it. However, she decided it might look suspicious if she didn't dicker. "That's a bit steep for the rental of an open field for two days, considering I'm accepting full responsibility for all damage and cleanup. I think a thousand dollars should be more than adequate."

  "Let me speak to the owner and see what he says. Can I call you back in, say, fifteen minutes?"

  "Yes, I'll be here at the Lake Georgina Antiques Shop."

  "Fine, I'll contact the owner and call you right back."

  "Thank you, Ms. Blumenthal."

  "Thank you for calling Lake Georgina Realty. I'll be speaking with you again shortly."

  * * *

  Chapter Nineteen

  "I've completed all the arrangements for the diversion site," Arlene said four days before the planned exorcism. "We'll have a security firm present to ensure the uninvited guests don't get out of hand and trash the property, and I've arranged for a burn permit so we can have a bonfire. Those arrangements should be enough to ignite the rumor mills about the event locally. By now, I'm sure Ms. Blumenthal has spread the word to a few hundred of her closest friends that we're planning an event and where it will be held. If Katy Neilson helps out, the people who have been parked on our doorstep here for the past several weeks will be bombarded with information from every direction about the scheduled event on the farm and start heading out of town early on the eighteenth to get a good seat on the periphery. We shouldn't have to worry about being tailed to Madam Elana's Property."

  "So we're ready to take a whack at sending Kamet back to the Underworld?" Renee said.

  "Almost. Has anyone heard from Nancy Talburt?"

  "She hasn't called as far as I know," Megan said. "Erin and I have called her house a dozen times, but all we get is the answering machine."

  "I really hope she isn't going to disappoint us. We hoped to have all the original coven members who are still alive, and without Delores we're probably already facing an uphill effort. If we have two of the original coven fail to show, it might severely lessen our chances of a successful banishment."

  "Nancy promised us she would be here by the eighteenth," Megan said. "I believe she was sincere."

  "You think it will be impossible to send Kamet down without her?" Erin asked.

  "I hope not. The absence of Delores is why I agreed to allow the bishop to participate. I'm hoping his unwavering dedication to fundamental religious precepts will provide some extra assistance."

  "Is that why you've been so anxious to have Father Paul involved?" Megan asked.

  "No, I have a different reason for that. I want him in the circle with me."

  "But if he's in the circle, won't that give Kamet an easy route to you?"

  "I suspect that Kamet will avoid taking over the body of a devoutly religious person if he has other choices. Remember the text of the story from the second century Naples account? The priest was in the circle with the elder, but when the demon arrived, he didn't enter the body of the priest. He entered the body of another elder. Perhaps a demon has more difficulty manipulating a holy person."

  "So you're saying you think Kamet will enter the body of someone in the ring?" Erin said. "Uh, we're supposed to be in the ri
ng, aren't we?"

  "Yes, but I think Kamet will choose someone who has stronger connections to the immortal world because of that body's natural ability to tap into, and focus, ethereal energy."

  "So you think Gisela, Madam Elana, or Oculara will be the body he jumps into?" Megan asked.

  "Yes. I feel very confident that it will be one of them. I'm hoping it's Oculara because she's the youngest, regardless of her past lives, and her physical power will be the easiest for me to resist. I'll only have to hold her at bay until Kamet begins to get pulled out of her body and down to where he belongs."

  "At bay?" Renee said.

  "Since no one inside the ring will have weapons, it will be a hand-to-hand combat situation until the exorcism begins to pull Kamet off me. The obvious attack will be strangulation or pummeling about the head."

  "Good gosh, Arlene," Megan said, "'you're not a fighter."

  "I will be on this occasion. We have no choice. I have to be the one to perform the chant, and that automatically makes me Kamet's target."

  "Since Tuesday is the big night," Renee said, "and we don't know if we'll all be alive on Wednesday, how about if we go out for supper tonight?"

  "It's Saturday," Arlene said. "And if a weekend night in this town isn't enough to make us stay home, the occult groupies surely should be."

  "Yeah, too bad," Erin said, "But if we went out, we'd be mobbed with autograph seekers and memento hunters."

  "Memento hunters?" Megan said.

  "The nutcases who try to rip your clothes off or cut a lock of your hair," Renee said, "so they have a memento."

  "Oh."

  "We might still be able to have a celebratory dinner," Arlene said. "Let's call Gianni's and order a feast fit for a king."

  "We really should invite all of our friends here," Erin said. "And it's kind of late notice. How about if we do it Monday night?"

  "Yeah," Renee said, "We should invite the entire coven, and Richard."

  "Richard might feel out of place among seventeen women," Megan said. "I know most guys feel uncomfortable at baby showers if the number of other men present is limited."

  "Okay," Renee said, "scratch Richard."