The rest of the afternoon sped by, as they individually had to meditate whilst allowing their hand to free write whatever words came into their heads. The words varied from ‘love’, ‘heal’, ‘truth’ to just scribbles. Tatiana ensured them all, that over time, more legible words would arise!
‘Ok, well that brings us to the end of the course. I hope you have all enjoyed it. This was just a taster day course, but feel free to book on the extended version I am running later in the year.’
As Chloe was packing up her bag and saying her goodbyes to the group, Tatiana approached her. ‘Have you got time to stay on for a bit as I would really like to talk to you further.’
Chloe looked up, happy that Tatiana wanted to continue their conversation, as she was desperate to know more about her mother. ‘Yes of course that would be great.’
‘Fabulous, let’s get a drink and go and sit over there.’
Chloe followed her to the far corner of the room, whilst Sandra looked on excitedly from afar.
‘I wanted to tell you more about your mother, as I felt her coming through strongly. Was her death involving some sort of car accident or road incident?’
‘Yes, it was.’ Chloe nodded, her hands now slightly trembling.
‘She wanted me to let you know that she is happy and well with her sister now. She was saying she now accepts your gift and has made peace with her own mother now. Does that make sense?’
‘Yes, it does perfectly…. thank you.’ Chloe replied gratefully. ‘I was also wondering if you would be able to shed some light on some recurring dreams I have been having. They have been becoming more intense, but I have been unable to decipher them myself. They involve two young girls playing, but then looking frightened. They were just images at first, but now I can hear some faint whimpering.’
‘Is there anything you can link them too?’ Tatiana quizzed.
‘Well, my boyfriend Josh thinks I have been having them as I have become fixated on the case of the little girl that went missing from the Isle of Wight. Do you know the case?’
‘Yes, of course. Maybe it does, as you have shown signs that you receive messages. I would really love to help you develop your gift further Chloe, and maybe we could look into these dreams together. I feel a real connection to you, and I was once at a crossroads in my life and managed to turn it around to do what I am doing now, which I love. I would really like it if you would come to my shop in the week, where I can work with you. You could always get a bit of practise in on some of my Reiki clients there at the weekends as well.’
‘Oh right.’ Chloe replied, feeling slightly overwhelmed. It was all a bit much for Chloe to take in right now, but she did need some help and direction in her life. She had always been a believer in Fate, and if this wasn’t it, she didn’t know what was.
‘Ok, I would like that a lot. How about Wednesday evening? If I come straight from work, I could probably get to you for 6pm.’
‘Perfect, I will look forward to it.’ Tatiana replied, thrilled that Chloe had taken her up on her offer.
As Chloe left the building, she felt like a weight had been lifted. Maybe her life was about to finally get the change she so desperately longed f
Chapter 3
‘I think I have found our perfect next recruit.’ Tatiana declared, sitting down opposite her Superior. Truth Master Benedict looked up from his clear crystal desk, tucking one side of his slate grey hair behind his ear.
‘You had luck at the workshop then?’ he acknowledged with interest.
‘I certainly did, and she would be perfect. Her name is Chloe and she possesses the breadth of qualities we are looking for. Not only does she have the strength of character we require after having to cope with the loss of her mother, but she has also travelled extensively and is very gifted spiritually. She has let her psychic abilities lay dormant for years, due to her mother disapproving of them, but since her passing, Chloe has started to let them come to the forefront again. I have asked her to come to the shop so I can help her to explore them further.’
‘So do you believe that the Universe is directing her to move on from her current work place?’
‘Yes, I do. She has been becoming more and more unhappy in her job, so it is time for her to take a new path.’
‘Ok …..well let’s see how she develops over the next few weeks, and you can determine if she is a capable and trusted candidate to bring into The Truth Circle.’
‘Great…will do!’ Tatiana enthused, satisfied that she may have finally found a new member.
As she joyfully left Truth Master Benedict’s office, and headed down the metal spiral stair case to the lower ground floor, a voice called out from the bottom of the stairs. ‘You look very pleased with yourself!’
‘Ah morning Diana! That’s because I am! I’m very happy as I think I have found a new recruit. She would fit in perfectly.’
‘That’s amazing news, where did you find her?’ Diana asked, her wide smile illuminating her face.’
‘At the workshop I held at the weekend. It’s been a while since I have found anyone suitable. I remember you were my first find two years ago. Look how far we have come now!’ Tatiana boasted with pride, linking arms with her to walk over to her desk.
‘I know, how many Truth Healers have you recruited now….twenty?’
‘Yes, it will be if we recruit one more.’
‘So what is her name?’ Diana asked, sitting down opposite Tatiana.
‘Chloe Messenger. She looks like she is in her thirties. I think you two would get on very well. If she does come on board, I will need her to shadow you for a while to find her feet.’
‘No problem, I know it can be a bit daunting at first, but it is surprising how much more confident you feel once you have your first case under your wing.’
‘I am sure once we explain how The Truth Circle works and how it came about, she will be excited to be involved. It is, after all, a privilege to be asked, and only the special ones are chosen.’
‘That is very true.’ Diana smiled, waving to catch the attention of one her colleagues. ‘Sorry, I’ve got to go and speak to Kiera a minute…great news though!’
‘Ok sweetheart, speak to you later.’ Tatiana replied, cheerfully tapping her fingernails on her desk.
She couldn’t wait for Wednesday to arrive to meet Chloe again. Not only to start the process of enrolling her into the wonderful world of The Truth Circle, but to also get her solving the case that was obviously meant for her
Chapter 4
‘Hi darling.’ Chloe answered, after rummaging through her bag for her phone.
‘Hi babe, how was your workshop….are you in more tune with your inner power now?’ Josh teased.
‘Ha ha, very funny…yes I am actually, it was very interesting, and I now have the power to know what you are up to?!’
‘I’d better behave myself then from now on!’
‘Yes, you’d better!’ Chloe laughed, waving to Sandra who was mouthing an excited goodbye, finally happy that Chloe had attended one of her workshops. ‘Anyway, how was your match…did you win?’
‘Yes, we thrashed them 4-1...it was us against the uniforms…they weren’t happy.’
‘Well done…. so are you going out for drinks now?’
‘Yes, I’ll go for a few with the boys…are you off to meet Lola now?’
‘Yep…meeting her at 5pm in Oxford Street…I’m sure she will have some funny stories to tell me as usual.’
‘I’m sure she will….ok babe, I’ll see you later then….have a good time….love you.’
‘Ok sweetheart will do, and you too.’ Chloe replied, making her way down to the underground.
As Chloe waited for Lola outside Ridley’s shoe shop in Oxford Street, she could see the familiar champagne blonde flowing mane strutting towards her with her skinny jeans, towering six inch heels, and tight fitting leather jacket. Chloe grinned as Lola’s infectious smile spread across her face, showing off her pearly white teeth a
gainst her bronzed face. As she pulled Chloe in for a hug, her latest Gucci bag fell off her arm, cascading onto the numerous bags of shopping she had already accumulated.
‘Hi Chlo Chlo….you look lovely, I’ve been so looking forward to seeing you today.’
‘Hi Lo!…ah thank you…so do you, but then you always do.’
Chloe loved how Lola was always happy. They had been best friends since primary school, despite being complete opposites. Lola was a very girly girl who liked dressing up at any given opportunity, whereas Chloe was more of a tom boy, whom Lola always tried to dress up. Their friendship just worked though, mainly because they enjoyed doing the same things.
One major thing they enjoyed doing together was anything to do with spirituality, mediums and tarot cards. Granted Lola’s medium interventions usually had something to do with wanting to know if there was a new man on the horizon, but they had fun experimenting with it. They had also dabbled in the Ouija Board when they were fourteen years old, but swore never to do it again, after one traumatic midnight ritual.
Chloe had confided in Lola when she was little, about the ‘visitors’ that came into her bedroom, and also about the dreams and coincidences that had happened in her life. Lola was the one person who never judged Chloe, so she never felt afraid to tell her anything.
‘I can’t believe how much shopping you have bought already!…have you got any money left!’ Chloe laughed, flicking through her array of bags.
‘Well, there’s always enough if I want it badly enough.’ Lola winked.
‘Do you fancy going for a drink now…I’m parched after my course?’ Chloe said, looking around for the nearest bar.
‘Oh yes deffo!…and yes your course!.. I can’t wait to hear all about it!’
Within ten minutes, they were both shuffling into a booth at Co-Co‘s cocktail bar.
‘Wow that tastes good…you can’t beat a cold mojito after a hard day’s shopping.’ Lola smiled.
‘You certainly can’t.’ Chloe delightfully agreed, swirling around the mint leaves in her glass.
‘So come on then, tell me about the workshop?’
‘It was amazing Lo. I had to pair up with the lady who took the course, Tatiana, and she seemed to know so much about me. She knew all about what happened to my mum, and that I was unsure about what to do career wise.’
‘Oh, I wish I’d come on it now!’
‘I know, you would have loved it too…but hear this, what was even stranger is that I got a message to give to another woman in the class.’
‘What a message message?….like the ones you have told me about you get on the train sometimes?’ Lola asked, her eyes widening with excitement.
‘Yes a message message. I could hear a voice in my head saying ‘sorry’ from the start, but then I heard the word ‘kitten’, which happened to be what this lady’s husband called her. It was crazy Lo!’
Chloe was so glad she had her to confide in….she was worried Josh would run a mile if he thought she was hearing voices. Lola understood that side of Chloe, and was more intrigued by it than scared, to her relief.
‘See, I always told you should develop that gift of yours. I know it was hard when your mum was alive but I think you would have her blessing now. Just don’t tell me anything bad about me!’ Lola laughed.
‘As if I would.’ Chloe grinned ‘…right I’ll get us another drink in!’
‘Fab….I’ll have the same again.’
After a lengthy wait while the barman perfected their cocktails, Chloe returned to find Lola giggling at her phone.
‘Here you go. What are you up to?’ Chloe enquired, in amusement.
‘Oh, I’ll tell you about it in a minute….anyway how’s work been?’
‘The same…you know…hell! I am seriously thinking about leaving. The lady who ran the course owns a Reiki and crystals shop. She offered me some Saturday work for practise, so if that works out, it will give me the push I need to get out.’
‘That sounds great Chlo…I think you should go for it. You haven’t been happy at Pearl and Healey for a while, and life’s too short to be stuck doing something you hate…you of all people know that.’
‘I know you are right…..well, watch this space and it might just happen! Chloe said, latching on to her straw.
After spending the rest of the night hearing about Lola’s conquests, feasting on Thai food and concocting cryptic texts to Lola’s new man, Chloe kissed her goodbye at the train station.
She now just had to wait four more days until she met Tatiana again. An encounter that she hoped would offer her enlightenment and the courage to change her life for the better.
Chapter 5
Chloe stood outside Tatiana’s shop, admiring the majestic purple sign with embossed silver lettering. ‘The Treasure Chest’ …mmm sounds inviting’ she thought, before pushing the door open.
A bell chimed as she stepped inside, and as she let the door slowly close behind her, her eyes were immediately drawn to the ceiling. It was emulating the sky at midnight with a scattering of miniature hypnotising stars. As she pulled her gaze away from it, she was stunned by the plethora of crystals surrounding her. She found them mesmerising….grand amethyst geodes, rose quartz, green aventurines, angelic blue celestites, orange carnelians and smoky quartzes. She had always felt a deep connection to crystals and to their healing qualities, which is why she had an abundance of them at home.
As she meandered through the shop trailing her fingers tips over their sparkling crystallised formations, the indulgent aroma of lavender, vanilla and bergamot grew stronger, drawing her to a glass table filled with scented candles, incense sticks, and smudge sticks.
She picked up a lavender embellished candle and breathed in it’s calming scent, which immediately eased the butterflies that were beginning to flutter in her stomach as she waited for Tatiana to appear. As she placed the candle gently back down onto the table, she noticed the purple velvet curtain at the back of the shop move to one side, as Tatiana’s familiar pearl blonde locks appeared from behind it.
‘Ah Chloe, I am so glad you came. Welcome to my Aladdin’s cave.’ she announced, making her way over to Chloe with outstretched arms.
‘Hi there…. this place is amazing! You are so lucky to work here.’ Chloe remarked enthusiastically.
‘I know, I am lucky. I always dreamt of owning a shop like this, and now I finally do.’
‘Well, now I know you are here, you will never get rid of me. I could spend hours in here.’ Chloe declared, picking up one of the amethysts ‘..this is stunning!’
Tatiana smiled. ‘I also have a feeling you will be here a lot….now let’s go through to the back. I’m just going to put the ‘closed’ sign up so we won’t be disturbed.’
‘Oh ok…are you on your own then?’
‘Yes today. I sometimes have an assistant, but she is on holiday today.’
Tatiana led Chloe through to a back room adorned with purple and silver organza curtains. A baroque metal round table and two purple velvet chairs, stood proudly in the centre of the room, while a candle gently flickered in the centre of it.
‘So how have you been?’ Tatiana asked, pulling out a chair for Chloe.
‘Yes ok…excited to come back and meet you again.’
‘I am very glad to hear that….would you like a drink?’
‘Yes thank you…just some water will be fine.’
Tatiana poured them both some water, before sitting down opposite Chloe.
‘So, I was thinking that maybe today you could start to tell me about when you first started to experience contact with Spirits.’
Chloe gripped her bag in closer, feeling slightly nervous about talking about her ‘visitors’. She had only touched on it during the workshop, and had only really confided in Lola before. She knew, though, that if anyone would understand, it would be Tatiana.
‘Erm….well…I think I was around five years’ old, when I had my first visit. It was from a young girl called Ch
arlotte. We use to have conversations…mainly about my dolls and the games I liked to play. I use to look forward to her visits.’
‘And did she tell you anything about where she had come from?’ Tatiana inquired.
‘No, not specifically …she just said that she didn’t like swimming, as the last time she went in water she couldn’t breathe. She did mention though that the people who were looking after her, had told her that her body had died. As a child myself at the time, I remember asking her what that meant exactly, but she just said that she had travelled to a place in the clouds.’
Tatiana sat nodding encouragingly.
Chloe continued. ‘Then there was Tommy…..he was a bit older, about twelve years old. He use to like playing ball with me in my room…..rolling it back and forwards. He said he had become very ill and the doctors couldn’t do anything to save him. One time, my mum came in my bedroom, just as he had pushed the ball to the other side of the room. Thankfully my mum thought my cat had playfully nudged it.’
‘So did your mum catch you talking to Charlotte and Tommy?’ Tatiana asked
‘Yes she did, and she was livid. That is what made me scared to talk to them again. I think that is also why they never came back. They didn’t want me to get into trouble.’
‘So was there anyone else?’
‘Well…. there was an older man ….he had straw coloured hair with white streaks in it, so he was probably in his sixties. His name was Harry. He just used to offer me words of support rather than playing games. When I was sad, he would come into my room and tell me to wipe my tears, or say something to make me smile. In a strange way, I felt he was looking out for me.’
‘Maybe he was.’ Tatiana said….‘in what way did he look out for you?’
‘Well, there was one occasion when I nearly got into trouble with my mum. I’d lost a bracelet my mum had bought me, that had cost her quite a bit of money. One day she had asked me to wear it for a special occasion, but I couldn’t find it anywhere. I was near to tears, as my mum was having a bad week, so I knew it would have sent her over the edge if I had lost it. I hunted high and low for it, and after making up lots of excuses that I was going to put it on at the last minute, she burst into my room demanding to know where it was. I was panic stricken, but as I looked behind me, it was laid out on my dressing table.’
The Truth Healer: A Riveting Spiritual Psychic Thriller Page 3