Chloe wasn’t ready to admit what she saw. Not yet anyway, as she had to let it sink in properly. She needed a distraction right now. ‘Tink, come out and see mummy. I’ll put our favourite programme on.’
She usually got lost in the tv, but tonight was different. Her mind kept wandering back to what had happened and who she saw. It had been a long time since it had happened, and it usually only happened in her dreams nowadays.
The sessions with Tatiana had obviously started to work. His face hadn’t changed. The straw coloured wavy hair that was highlighted with white streaks, the bushy moustache, the same smile. She didn’t know why she had such an adverse reaction, but the shock of seeing him, was enough of an explanation.
She was now annoyed with herself that she hadn’t been more welcoming, but surely he would understand. I mean it had been a while. Harry….her Harry had come back to her.
Now that her nerves had settled, a small smile started to spread across her face, and she somehow felt a glimmer of excitement to have him back in her life. She felt special again. The same as he made her feel when she was a little girl. Maybe he was here for a reason, and to help her with the next chapter of her life.
Chloe hadn’t been able to get the meeting with Tatiana out her head. How could she? It was epic. It was such a magnanimous organisation to be part of and she felt honoured to be asked to join……but was she up to it? That was the all important question. Tatiana seemed to think so, and she was right, she wasn’t happy in her current job. She also had consider Josh in it though. She was worried what he would think, but she didn’t need to tell him the whole truth…..well, not at first anyway.
*****
After a surprisingly deep sleep, Chloe awoke with a jolt, initially panicked as to where Josh was, before remembering he had gone to Leeds. ‘Oh no, it’s Monday again’, she mumbled, clambering out of bed, and making her way to the kitchen.
As she stood waiting for the kettle to boil, she felt a heaviness surround her. As the kettle started to bubble and steam, she was sure she heard somebody whispering to her. She strained to hear what they were saying and she was sure she heard her name being called. ‘Chloe….Chloe.’
She froze as the previous night’s encounter came flooding back to her. She momentarily felt scared again, but she desperately wanted to acknowledge the voice this time, so she summoned up the courage to respond.
‘Harry…is that you?’ she asked nervously. There was no reply at first, but after a few seconds, her attention was drawn to the light that had started flicker above her. She looked up and continued. ‘I saw you last night…I am sorry I panicked.’
After a short silence, she felt the warmth of a hand on one shoulder. She stopped breathing for a moment, not wanting to move, before a waft of shaving foam briefly swirled around her. She paused to see if he spoke again, but the heaviness around her had disappeared. He had gone. She knew it wouldn’t be for long though this time. She had him back in her life now and she wasn’t going to let him go again.
After her kitchen encounter, Chloe’s head was in a state of bewilderment as she walked into work. Harry’s visit was a welcome distraction from her normal Monday morning blues, but she was aware that she still had a job to do, and she would have to put on her professional hat, to get through the day.
‘Hi guys, here we are again….good weekends?’ she asked chirpily, on her arrival.
‘Errmmm yes ok.’ Fran responded, in a more downbeat manner than her usual positive self.
Chloe looked around and everyone seemed different somehow.
‘Is everything ok….you all seem strange?’
‘Not really.’ Fran replied. ‘I need to speak to you….can we go into a private room.’
Chloe started to feel a bit sick….what was going on? She’d never seen Fran look so pale.
‘What is it Fran…you’re worrying me?’
‘Oh Chlo, it is going to be a horrendous day!….the sales are terrible today so Cecelia wants to have a complete look at the range. It is going to be hell!’
Chloe fell down on to a chair. ‘Oh great, that’s all we need…..what time?’
‘2 o’clock’
‘More like doom o’clock.’ Chloe joked, trying to bring an ounce of humour to a situation she knew wasn’t going to be a joke at all.
The morning seemed to drag, waiting for their green mile walk to the firing line. At 1.45pm the tension was building, as Chloe, Fran and her team sat waiting for the hit squad to arrive. They were kept hanging on until 2.15pm before the disapproving looks arrived. Chloe’s heart was pounding as the first instruction was issued.
‘So Chloe and Fran, as you are well aware sales for your department have really not been good, so we need to make a plan as to what we are going to do to recover them.’
Chloe and Fran nodded obediently, feeling smaller than they had ever felt before.
‘Could you run us through you best …if you have any, and worst seller, style by style.’
Chloe rushed to her rail, taking a deep breath in preparation to put a positive spin on every style. She did her up most to return the serve on every criticism aimed at her, until that is, she had neared the end of her rail.
After being asked the loaded question ‘I mean what were you thinking Chloe when you chose that?!….do you even care about your sales?’, Chloe snapped ‘No, I bloody well don’t care anymore! You’ve drained every ounce of passion out of me, so do you know what……I can’t do this anymore.’
‘What do you mean…you can’t do this anymore?’ Cecilia demanded.
‘I mean.’ Chloe paused, before finally saying the words out loud… ‘I’m resigning.’
Fran and Em watched open mouthed, as the ‘Bosses’’ eyes turned thunderous.
‘Right Chloe, that’s it… my office now!’ Cecilia instructed.
Chloe couldn’t believe what she had just done. She’d never been that direct before at work. It was as if some outside force was speaking for her.
Shaken, she obediently followed Cecelia to her office before sitting down in front of her.
‘What just happened in there?’ she admonished.
‘I..I’m sorry…I didn’t mean it to come out like that, but something just exploded inside of me.’
‘I have known you for many years Chloe, so I am going to give you some leniency in giving you the chance to explain…otherwise I would have you marched out of this office.’
‘Now I’ve said it, I can’t take it back, and, if I am completely honest with you, I needed to say it. Well…maybe not in the way I did, but I don’t think I can do this anymore. I have tried my hardest but I think you are going to shut my department anyway aren’t you?
Cecelia looked down at her lap. ‘Yes Chloe….we are.’
‘So you were going to make me redundant anyway?’
‘Yes, I am afraid it was on the cards.’
Chloe didn’t know whether to feel shocked or elated. It was what she wanted anyway, and the redundancy had saved her from having to make the decision herself.
‘So when from?’
Cecelia rolled her lips in awkwardness. ‘From next week….you of course will get a redundancy package.’
‘Next week!…so what will happen to the department?’
‘Fran will wind it down with the girls, and then she will be redistributed to another team.’
‘Ok…wow…it’s all organised then!’
‘It’s not like that Chloe.’
Chloe shook her head in disbelief. ‘Actually, I really need to get out of here right now, is it ok if I leave for the day?’
‘Yes of course Chloe…and we’ll arrange a good send off.’
‘Great’ Chloe responded, half heartedly.
So Chloe had finally got what she wanted. It didn’t stop her feeling a bit rejected though, but Fate had brought her to this point in her life. Tatiana had already offered her a permanent role and the opportunity to be part of an exciting adventure. She just needed Josh’s reassura
nce now.
On her walk back to the bus stop, she felt a pressing need to buy a packet of cigarettes. She had been so good for the last seven months, but the temptation to relieve the stress of her day was too much for bear. Within minutes, she was tearing a pack open and lighting one up. After a few lugs, the light headedness made her wobble slightly. As she steadied herself against a wall, the calmness she desperately needed came flooding over her. It was worth the guilt. She just needed to cover the evidence up now.
‘Josh you home?’ Chloe called out, as she opened her front door.
‘Yes babe, upstairs.’
Chloe raced up to find him.
‘You ok?’ Josh asked, concerned at her wilted demeanour.
‘No, not really.’ she replied, flinging her arms around him ‘I’ve had the day from hell, and a life changing day at that.’
Josh cupped her face in his hands ‘Mmm you smell and taste nice…have you been spraying your perfume?
‘Oh err yes, I just felt a big smoggy from being in town.’
‘Oh right…anyway what’s up?’
‘I’ve been made redundant! I had a crappy meeting, where I had an outburst and told them to basically stuff their job….but it turns out they were going to make me redundant anyway! Luckily they are still going to give me the package.’
‘Oh sweetheart, come here.’ Josh said, wrapping his arms around her. Phew, she was safe. She still had Josh. Her faithful Josh.
‘Thank you…I don’t know what I’d do without you.’
‘I think this is a good thing. I’ve kept on at you to leave and now you have got the best outcome….you will still get your redundancy money, and you get to pursue your dream at the same time.’
‘Yes, I know you are right…it just feels all a bit surreal. I can’t believe it is all finally happening.’
‘Come on you…I think you need one of my Josh special cocktails……you should be celebrating!’
Chloe smirked ‘Yes, I suppose I should really.’
Her last week at work wasn’t as bad as she thought. She floated around the office with an air of freedom that nobody else had. She felt guilty about it in some way, but everyone was really pleased for her. I mean she had served her time there. Her leaving do was a bit raucous, and that is what she knew she would miss. The people were great, but they weren’t going to die. She could still see them.
Now she could start her new life. She had phoned Tatiana to inform her she could start practising her Reiki full time, to which she was ecstatic. Tatiana waited with bated breath to hear whether Chloe was ready to join The Truth Circle, but Chloe hadn’t made her final decision yet. She needed more information.
Chloe was mystified by it and exhilarated by it at the same time. The thought of helping to heal people’s lives was an opportunity too important not be a part of. There was also a reason for Harry being back in her life, and she believed this was it.
Chapter 7
Chloe squinted her eyes as she walked out onto the Covent Garden Piazza from the underground. This was new territory for her on a Monday morning. Usually she was in the midst of the busyness of Oxford Street, but it somehow felt a lot more relaxed here. There were still the frantic workers trying to get to their desk on time, but this new destination was refreshing.
The day had come for her permanent role as a Reiki practitioner at Tatiana’s, but more importantly she was going meet Truth Master Benedict. Tatiana had arranged the meeting, in the hope that Chloe would be persuaded to become involved.
She stopped by the local coffee shop to pick up lattes and croissants for them both before heading over to the shop.
‘Morning Chloe.’ Tatiana cheerfully greeted her, as she walked in the door.
‘Morning…here, I bought these to celebrate my first full day in the shop with you.’
‘Ah that is lovely of you…. I’m just as excited as you, especially for you to meet Truth Master Benedict.’
‘I know I am very intrigued too…I’m looking forward to it.’ Chloe beamed. ‘So what time am I meeting him?’
‘At 10 am, so let’s quickly eat and drink these and we can head downstairs.’
As Tatiana and Chloe made their way down the familiar metal spiral staircase, the spectacle that was known as Headquarters, was still as captivating as the first time she saw it. Chloe followed Tatiana to the back of the crystal cave and up the second metal spiral staircase, to a frosted glass office. Tatiana knocked on the door and waited for a reply.
‘Yes come in.’ a soft male voice beckoned.
Tatiana looked at Chloe, ‘Ready?’
Chloe nodded and followed her into Truth Master Benedict’s office. Everything was white. His desk was made of clear crystal quartz, with a matching cushioned chair. There were white burning candles positioned around the room, with a white layered chiffon curtain providing the backdrop. Chloe wondered what was behind it, as from previous experience, this place seemed to have no end of surprises.
‘Morning Chloe, I am pleased to finally meet you.’ Truth Master Benedict declared, holding out his right hand.
‘Likewise.’ Chloe replied, feeling slightly in awe of the angelic figure of a man standing in front of her, dressed in a white tunic and pant ensemble. He emanated age old wisdom through the lines etched around his eyes and his distinguished sleek grey hair.
Chloe stepped forward and placed her hand in his, before quivering slightly as he placed his other hand on top of hers. A warm sensation rushed through her body as he stood holding them there for a few moments, staring at her with his steel blue eyes.
‘So shall we sit down?’ Tatiana suggested, having observed Truth Master Benedict registering Chloe’s life path.
‘Yes, I am ready.’ he nodded, releasing Chloe’s hand and sitting down behind his desk.
Chloe watched Tatiana and him share a smile, before he continued, ‘Now, Tatiana tells me that you have been re-discovering your psychic abilities and that you have been progressing very well.’
‘Erm…yes that is right. With the help of Tatiana, I have made contact with my Guardian Angel, Harry, who I was forbidden to communicate with as a child. Since my mother’s passing, I feel she has given me her blessing to pursue my gift again.’
‘Yes, I can see that….your mother Janet.’ he acknowledged.
‘Oh …yes…Janet….how do you….?’
‘I can see she had a hard time of it when she was younger, but she is more accepting of it now. She is very happy for you now you have left your job and are going to pursue your passion. She has made amends with her mother Florence now. Oh, and she had told me to let you know she approves of Josh.’ he divulged, with a hint of humour. ‘…and she also says she is glad you have grown your hair out…she didn’t like it short!’
Chloe put her hand over her mouth in shock. She was taken aback by his knowledge and the confidence in his delivery. Tatiana had explained his talent at knowing the truth, but to hear it about her own personal life, was still a bit unnerving.
She let out a small chuckle ‘Yes my mum never did like my hair short…bless her. I am glad she is happy.’
‘See, I told you he was good.’ Tatiana confirmed proudly.
‘So Tatiana has informed me that you would be an ideal candidate to join The Truth Circle, and now I have met you, I agree. I can see where your life has been, and where you are destined to head, and this would be a very good choice for you. However, The Truth Circle is a very exclusive association, so I have to ensure that every member is capable of the job at hand and will obey by our strict Code of Conduct.’
‘Code of conduct?’ Chloe questioned, not liking the sound of it.
‘It is nothing to be alarmed about.’ Tatiana chipped in. ‘It just protects the lives of the families we are helping and ensures that the police investigations are not hindered.’
‘O..k…I am still not sure I understand though.’
‘Let’s start by explaining to you how your role as a Truth Healer would work.’ Tatia
na interjected.
Truth Master Benedict stood up to walk around the room, whilst Chloe and Tatiana followed his gaze.
‘So Chloe, as a Truth Healer, you would be assigned missions to complete.’ he began.
‘What sort of missions?’ Chloe queried.
‘Missions to help solve crimes that the police have been unable to. As Tatiana has explained to you already, The Truth Circle was instigated by a select few of the world’s top psychics. These psychics have been working with the Spiritual plane for years, and after many a year of trying to solve crimes for the police, they were finding it extremely painful to see families going through so much distress when a particular crime remained unsolved. They saw how their lives were left on hold, unable to move on until they found out the truth, and although as chief psychics they could detect certain details, the facts were not always clear.
The Psychic Committee in Brazil therefore came to an agreement with The Higher Power Commission on the Spiritual realm. They would now be given specific details in cases that were causing a lot of pain to families, and therefore preventing the family members from fulfilling their own journeys in life.’
Chloe nodded in recollection ‘Yes, I remember Tatiana explaining this to me, and it seems very plausible. I think it is great that they have agreed to this. I am just keen to know what I would be expected to do.’
He returned to sit down at his desk before continuing. ‘So you would be given an unsolved case to work on. The Higher Power Commission, knowing the truth about the case in question, would advise what actually happened, step by step, through my communication with them.’
Chloe paused while she registered what he was saying. ‘But what I don’t understand is, if they know the truth, why do they not tell you all at once. Why does it have to be in stages?’ she asked, still confused.
‘The Higher Power Commission only agreed for it to be this way, as it has to be seen to evolve organically, and therefore be solved in a natural way….but just with a little bit of guidance from us. Also if they gave the whole truth immediately, The Truth Healers would have to live with knowing what actually happened for a lot longer, which would be very upsetting for them.’
The Truth Healer: A Riveting Spiritual Psychic Thriller Page 5