He released me, and we walked hand in hand back to the apartment. It was nearly seven now. If all went to plan, in twenty-four hours, he’d be waiting by his tree. And I’d be waiting too … pacing no doubt, waiting for him to come back to me.
~ CHAPTER EIGHTEEN ~
Someone had messed up the bookings so we had an additional school group in, which meant lots of extra kids. But I didn’t mind. It meant the day went quickly and left little time for me to worry about Sam and his … issues. Even when the kids left, the mess that had to be cleaned up was way more than normal. Before I knew it, it was five o’clock and when I headed to the front door Sam was already standing there.
‘How’s your day been?’ he asked. His voice was calm, and I could only think that he was trying to make everything seem ordinary.
‘Busy, thank goodness—the time went quickly. So, have you heard? Is everything set for tonight?’
‘Yes, exactly as we’d hoped. Tom and I have spent the day preparing and we’re as ready as we can be.’
‘Do you want me to take a taxi home? I don’t mind.’
‘No—walking you home will be a nice distraction. Are you ready?’
I picked up my backpack, and threw the straps over my shoulder. ‘Ready,’ I replied.
He took my hand, and we walked in silence as we headed toward the Docklands. Everything looked more vivid than normal, but it may have been because of the massive amounts of adrenaline coursing through my system.
When we arrived in front of the building, we stood at the front doors, and tonight I didn’t care who saw us. I stood on my tiptoes and leaned in to kiss him. His arms squeezed around me tightly. There was more urgency in this kiss than normal and I thought we might both be fearful it could be our last.
He gazed into my eyes, and I felt the tension ease. Perhaps Sam’s skills were not as powerful as Zunios’, but he certainly had the ability to make me relax.
I suddenly had this image of a maiden sending her warrior off to battle, taking her handkerchief and tying it to his shield. I didn’t have a handkerchief, and Sam didn’t have a shield, but I was wearing the locket that my father had given me for my tenth birthday. I took it off, and put it in Sam’s hand, closing his fingers around it.
‘For good luck,’ I said.
He opened his hand, and looked at the simple gold locket. It was heart-shaped, and inside was a picture of my mother on one side, and my father on the other.
‘I’ll bring it back to you tonight. I should be here by nine, maybe ten; earlier if we’re lucky,’ he said, slipping the locket into the top pocket of his shirt.
He kissed me once more, then pushed the hair away from my eyes and stared deeply into them. ‘Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. Trust me.’
Then he opened the foyer door for me and I entered alone. I walked over and pushed the button for the lift, but when I turned to wave to him he had already disappeared.
I was grateful when I walked into the apartment and found it empty. I thought about how lucky I was that they went out a lot. I wouldn’t have wanted to explain my anxiousness to Debs and Ian. I filled a glass with water, and sat down at the kitchen table to wait.
Time seemed to have slowed to a crawl. Every time I looked at the clock on the oven it seemed to say the same thing. It was five-forty-five. I had several hours to wait before I could expect him to return. My heart pounded … my breath was shallow. I’d never been so anxious … ever.
When my phone rang I nearly jumped off the chair. Claire’s name popped up on the screen.
‘Hi Claire,’ I answered.
‘G’day,’ she laughed. ‘How’s things?’
‘You know, okay. But what about you? No side effects from that tainted drink the other night I hope?’ I was grateful for the distraction, even if it might just be for a few minutes.
‘No, I’m fine. Just feeling a bit stupid, really … I mean, he really was being nice … and it was just going to be dinner. But I’ll pay more attention next time. If there is a next time, that is.’
‘You know there will be. There will always be a next time,’ I replied.
‘Hmmm… well, not if my Mum has anything to do with it.’
‘What do you mean? Did you get in trouble? Did she suspect something was wrong?’
‘No, it’s not that. It’s just that she’s tired of me working at what she refers to as a dead-end job. She wants me to go to uni.’
‘Oh, is that all? It’s not that bad … I mean, you’ll still have a life and all.’
‘Yeah, but where? She secretly applied for me to go to UCLA. She wants me to live with my Dad for a while. I bet she paid a lot of money for this … you know, to get rid of me.’
‘Oh, don’t say that. You know she just wants the best for you. She’s probably just afraid you’ll grow into a fat old secretary if you stay there too long. But I thought your Dad lived in the Bay Area? Has he moved to LA now?’
‘Nah, but he has an apartment in LA. He goes back and forth between there and San Francisco. I don’t want to go to UCLA. I don’t have any friends in LA. And even though I know you’ll be in California, it’s not like I’ll be able to see you every weekend. And well, Tom isn’t likely to wait for me, is he?’
So, that was the real problem—Tom. She didn’t want to leave him. I knew the feeling … boy, did I ever.
‘Claire … listen … Tom may wait for you, but even if he doesn’t, LA is full of men just like Tom who will fall over themselves to get your attention. With your looks, and your gorgeous accent, you’ll have to keep a separate calendar to keep track of all your dates.’
That seemed to work. Her voice lifted a bit.
‘Do you think so? I mean, do you think he might wait for me to come back?’
‘This asks the girl who nearly got herself date raped by a total stranger in a bar …’ I said, laughing.
‘You know that was perfectly innocent. You were with me. It was just going to be dinner.’
‘Yeah, yeah, of course I know that,’ I laughed. ‘As for Tom … well … he does seem pretty hot on you. There’s a good chance he’ll wait. But seriously, do you want to wait for him?’
‘Yes, I do. He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met. I mean, I know I flirt a lot, but I’ve never known anyone like him. There really is something there. He’s the one for me, Lili. I just know it.’
It was so hard to keep from saying anything—from telling her the truth. Sam’s words haunted me … about how girls fell in love with Tom all the time, but then grew tired of him because they grew up and he didn’t. Maybe Claire was his best chance for a longer relationship. After all, I couldn’t see her growing up. Not in a hurry anyway.
‘You know, you don’t have to go. It’s not like you’re some little kid that your parents can ship off to boarding school. You can always move out—support yourself. You could even try to get a better job.’
‘True … but I don’t want to do it that hard, you know. I’m used to all the money … the idea of paying rent, and living hand to mouth … well, it’s not something that I even want to think about.’
‘Okay, I get it … but if you want their money, you have to do things their way. So … not to change the subject, but did you ever hear from Tom about going back up to The Grampians?’
Her voice was flat when she replied. ‘No, not yet. I haven’t spoken to him for a couple of days. I guess he’s been busy. He hasn’t called.’
‘Oh, yeah, well he and Sam did have something on last night I think … or maybe it was tonight. I know they’ve been busy with something—some sort of training or something.’
I wished I could tell her why Tom was preoccupied … but of course I couldn’t.
‘Yeah, I figured it was something like that. But … you don’t think Sam would have said anything about the other night … do you?’
‘No, Sam wouldn’t have said anything.’
‘Good. I mean … I hope that isn’t why he hasn’t called.’
‘Don
’t worry, Claire. I’m sure that’s not it. He’s probably just busy—you know—boy stuff.’
‘Yeah, working on his truck or something I suppose. I guess I’m just being paranoid. Anyway, I’ve got to go … someone’s at the door—but I’ll talk to you later—I’ll let you know as soon as I can about the Grampians.’
After she hung up I looked over to the clock again. It was only just after six. Would they be in the gardens yet? Would they be waiting anxiously, full of nervous energy? Would Sam be trying to make small talk to make the time pass quicker? I suspected not. In my mind, I could see him leaning against a wall, looking like a statue of some Greek god. Was there a god of frowning? I was certain there’d be a frown on his face—deep lines between his eyebrows. Oh, if only I could be there now, to smooth those lines away. Would that bloody clock just move?
I got up and went into my bedroom and looked around. Then I went back into the kitchen and sat at the table. Then I got up, walked over to the fridge, opened the door and stared into it. Nothing looked appealing. I closed the fridge door, and opened the pantry door—nothing interesting there either. I went into the living room and flicked on the television. The evening news was part way through but they were still finishing up the headline stories. The bodies of two badly burnt men had been found in the northern suburbs. It was obviously an attempt to cover-up evidence. The police suspected it was gang related—both men had histories with drug trafficking. This brought a wry smile to my lips as I thought about Sam’s confession.
‘Sports and weather after the break,’ said the newsreader.
That meant it was close to six-thirty. Not long to wait now. I wondered if I would feel anything, like a rip in the cosmic force field or something, once the battle began. I knew I was being stupid. Cosmic force field? What the … but then again, vampires? What the …?
Round and around the thoughts went through my head. Maybe a glass of wine would help settle my nerves—after all, that’s what it was meant to do, right? That’s why people drank, wasn’t it? I went back into the kitchen, grabbed the half-bottle of white wine I’d seen in the fridge and poured some into a water glass. I drank it in one big gulp, screwing up my face at the sour taste. That would have to do something, wouldn’t it?
I walked back into the living room and stared at the television. The wine didn’t seem to have done anything. Still anxious, I fought the temptation to grab my running shoes and head up to the gardens. Sam would not be happy, not at all. No, I couldn’t do that, but I could run up and down the fire stairs a few times to burn off a bit of this nervous energy.
I walked into my room, found my running shoes and put them on, but I couldn’t drag myself out of the apartment. Sam said he would ring when it was over, but what if he just turned up instead and I wasn’t in the apartment to let him up into the building. No, I should stay put. Just in case.
When my phone rang again I must have jumped six inches. I fumbled to answer it. It couldn’t be Sam yet, could it? I didn’t even look at the number, but as soon as I hit the answer button I heard Debs speaking.
‘Hi Lili—are you at home?’ she asked. There was a lot of noise in the background.
‘Yeah, I’ve just been watching the news,’ I said, struggling to control my voice, trying to sound as casual as I could.
‘Oh, that’s good. Look, Ian and I had an early dinner with some old friends of his that came into town unexpectedly. And when I say old, I mean old. Anyway, we’re in Chinatown—just finishing. Would you like me to bring you some take-away? I could order something … maybe some fried rice and lemon chicken … what’s your favourite?’
‘Ah, thanks, but don’t bother. I had a sandwich, so I’m fine.’
‘Are you sure? It’s very good food—and it won’t take them long to get it ready.’
‘No thanks, really. Are you coming home soon then?’
There was silence for a moment before she answered, ‘Well, I was hoping to use you as an excuse to go home—to bring you some dinner. But if you don’t want anything, we may end up going to their hotel for a drink or two. They’re only in town overnight—here for some convention, you see. They’re nice enough, just very old-fashioned. But Ian is enjoying the conversation.’
‘Okay, well, I guess I’ll see you later then,’ I said, relieved that they wouldn’t be coming straight home.
‘Alright, Lili, if you’re sure I can’t bring you anything?’ Debs asked again. Had she picked up on something in my voice?
‘No, really, I’m fine. Enjoy your drinks.’
‘Okay, we’ll see you later then, dear.’
When she was finally gone, I let out a huge sigh. I glanced at the clock again … six-thirty. They might be there by now … in the gardens. Would Zunios have arrived yet? I resumed pacing back and forth; from the kitchen to my bedroom, then back to the living room and then back into the kitchen. It could be hours before I’d hear anything. I picked up my phone and looked at the screen, willing it to ring, but of course it didn’t.
What if I never saw him again? What if my idea to use the ghosts didn’t work … and Zunios killed them all? Would I ever be able to forgive myself for sitting here in the safety of the apartment if I didn’t even try to help? Of course there probably wasn’t anything I could do … but what if there was? What if I sat here, like some pathetic loser … and lost them all when I could at least have tried to help? I’d never forgive myself.
The sound of my heart pounding was deafening, and my stomach felt like it was filled with ten thousand butterflies. Everything felt surreal as I walked back into my room again. I picked up my keys and my stood there rattling them on the small ring. No … I couldn’t just stand here … I had to be there. I had to at least try to help.
I scribbled a note for Debs, grabbed my heaviest coat, and raced out the door.
~ CHAPTER NINETEEN ~
I got as close as I dared, then crouched behind a monument. I could just see Sam’s tree, and three men standing beside it. I struggled to keep my breathing quiet, praying their keen ears wouldn’t detect me.
Eventually my breathing slowed and I got brave enough to have a better look. There was no sign of Sam and the others yet.
As I crouched there I began to panic, and a cold sweat broke out on my forehead. Would they be able to smell me? I hadn’t thought of that until just now. I should have listened to Sam—I should have stayed at the apartment and waited like he’d asked me to do. What an idiot I was to come here.
I tucked my head down and closed my eyes, willing myself to calm down. It would be alright. Everything would be fine.
But what if it wasn’t? What if I opened my eyes and they were right there—staring at me with ghoulish faces and sharp teeth? What on earth did I think I could do by coming here? I suddenly realised I could jeopardise everything.
I swallowed hard, and took a few deep breaths. I couldn’t sense any presence around me, and I couldn’t hear anything except the sound of traffic in King Street.
I forced myself to open my eyes slowly … then to lift my head.
They were still standing exactly as they had been, all three staring in the direction of The Cauldron. Either they couldn’t smell me, or they didn’t care.
Feeling braver, I looked around in the other directions. There was no-one lingering in the gardens. Had they done this somehow? Or was it simply the bad weather keeping people away?
I turned my gaze back to the tree, wondering when the others would arrive. It seemed like ages had passed but I didn’t want to risk making noise by pulling out my phone to check the time.
Finally they arrived. Five silhouettes moving toward the tree. Erranase was in the front. Crystal, wearing a turquoise sari, followed just behind him with Michael at her side. Behind them came Sam and Tom.
As they reached the tree, the largest of the three men stepped forward. Erranase stopped when he was some six feet or so from the large man. That had to be Zunios. The others stopped in formation behind Erranase as I knew they woul
d.
It all seemed very civilized from where I watched. Of course, I couldn’t see their expressions from here, and I certainly couldn’t hear their voices. But their body language didn’t suggest anger. With a bit of luck this would end well.
I soon realised it might end well, but it wasn’t ending quickly. My legs began to ache as the talking went on and on. If I moved … if I stood up … would they see me? Would the movement be enough to distract them and give Zunios the edge? I prayed not, but I had to stand—my legs couldn’t cope like this any longer. As slowly as I could, I eased myself into a stooped position, still staying behind the monument as much as possible. No-one turned, or gave any indication of seeing me.
Shortly after, something changed. I heard this terrible sound … and something deep inside me told me it was the sound of pure evil.
The sound was followed by movement. Sam raised his arm, and almost instantly the ghosts appeared and swarmed upon Zunios until I could no longer see him through their mass.
What happened after that was simply a blur. The movement was so fast that I could no longer tell who was who—with the exception of the flashes of blue that I knew would be Crystal.
My throat swelled, and tears flooded down my cheeks. I felt helpless and stupid for being here … for cowering … for being frozen with fear. But what could I do?
Then I saw someone leaving—dragging what looked to be a body with him. My God … please don’t let it be Sam … please, don’t let Sam be hurt. The movement slowed, and now I could see Crystal leaving the same way—a motionless body in tow. Surely, that was a good sign, right?
My attention turned back to the remaining men. They were just standing there, except for one who appeared to be kneeling. It took all my self-control not to run over to them, as I was certain it was Sam standing there. It had to be Sam. He was still alive. But what were they doing? Why was there no movement? What were they waiting for?
Destiny (Absent Shadows Trilogy Book 1) Page 18