by Phil Price
Elias sat pondering this news. It didn’t trouble him, more made him curious. What would a man of God be doing wandering around Amatoll forest with a cross in his hand? he thought. He looked at Eddie, his red eyes shining in the gloom. “Maybe Jake had told him about the doorway. Maybe he was curious to see this world for himself. Unless.” He suddenly stood, pacing around the room. He stopped and looked through the door at the smashed porch. “I have a theory. Maybe Jake was injured during the battle with Reggan. Maybe he’d been bitten. This Holy Man may have helped him when crossed back over. I saw Jake and his child a few days ago. They have Reggan’s scent. His blood is in their veins. Maybe this man was told the story and had to see it for himself. If that is the case he may live close to Jake.”
“What will you do about him?” Guzman asked. A keen expression on his face.
Elias noticed it immediately. “Nothing yet. Although if you want to reacquaint yourself with him, so be it. First though we need a new family.”
“Family?”
“Yes. If I’m to fulfil my plans, we need others around us who want the same. Others who will not let the same thing happen again.”
“How do we do this?”
Elias’s eyes bored into Eddie’s. He smiled. He had Guzman on board. “We hunt. There are scant pickings to be had in Amatoll. However, there are humans to north, south, east, and west. We bring them into our new family. They will be our guardians against the humans who will come to take back what they think is theirs. We have time Eddie. We can wait years until we have what we want. But for now, we shall stay in this village. I suggest we make ourselves at home.” Outside the forest was a chorus of noise. The two were not concerned though. Eddie walked to another building and lay down in an empty bed. Elias found a similar bed in the main farmhouse. He stretched himself out, put his huge hands behind his bald pate and began to think. A smile tugging at his lips.
Twelve
The doorbell rang but no one came. The elderly woman stood on the doorstep, trying to peer through the frosted glass, to see if there was movement in the hallway or beyond. Nothing. She pressed the bell again, clearly annoyed that her persistence was not being rewarded. Finally, she gave up, turned and walked down the path to her friend who was stood on the pavement. “Something’s not right,” she said. No one’s seen him for over a week now. All we’ve seen is the sign on the church doors saying closed until further notice.”
The other woman nodded. “Maybe Denise lost her mother. We know she was on her last legs, the poor thing.”
“But she is nowhere to be seen. Her car’s not here. She must be still down south. Father Stephen is inside, I know he is. Unless he’s sick. Or drunk. You know what’s been said Val. Quite a few of his flock have made comments about the smell of it on him. It’s not right. A vicar should be above that.” The other woman nodded sagely. They shuffled off into the oncoming wind, heading down Edgewood Road towards the bus stop that would take them from Rednal into the city centre.
In the upstairs bedroom of the vicarage, Father Stephen lay fast asleep on the bed. The black-out blind and heavy curtains keeping most of the grey autumn light from him. His shorts and t-shirt looked crumpled and well worn. His sleep was troubled. He’d half kicked off the duvet, his legs trying to ward off an unseen foe from his dreams. On the bedside table were just two things. An empty bottle of Whisky. And a cross. A large, silver cross.
☨☨☨
Doug sat in the kitchen, happily munching on a piece of buttered toast. A mug of tea was in front of him and Radio Two played quietly in the background. He’d just been listening to the morning music quiz. He normally outscored the contestants who’d rang in. Today had been no different. Maybe I’ll phone in one day, he thought as finished off his toast. His happy thoughts were cut off as his wife entered the kitchen.
She looked at him disapprovingly. “Are you going to do anything today?” she said, clearly annoyed at his undressed state.
He smiled. “Not sure yet. Why?”
“Well I’m going out down to the village. We need a few things from the shop. And besides, there are things to do, Douglas. Sitting around the kitchen in your pyjamas is hardly productive. And you were up late this morning.”
“Half eight. That’s hardly late, is it?”
“Well I was up at seven. Things won’t do themselves. Someone has to do them. It falls as always to the women to make sure the housework and everything else is done.” She almost looked out of breath after her mini rant.
He looked at her, trying to keep his ire locked away. “Do you remember that black plastic thing I had next to my bed in our old bedroom? What was it called again? Oh yes, my alarm clock. It went off at ten to six every day for forty years. I’m enjoying the fact that it no longer goes off. Am I allowed to relax and enjoy my retirement in peace? Or do you have plans to ruin all that for me?”
“I’m retired too,” she snapped. “And I worked, just like you. And was a mother. Do you see me sitting around the house all day listening to the bloody radio? No!”
“Well that’s where we are different Love. I know when to relax. When to enjoy myself. Maybe you should try it. You used to be like that.”
She looked up at the ceiling, slapping her hands onto her considerable hips. “Well you sit here on your arse all day, while I make sure we have food on the table. If you feel like doing anything, maybe you could call Father Stephen. Val rang me to say he’s not been seen for a week.”
Doug suddenly looked up at his wife, his expression concerned. “For a week? That’s not like him. I’ll try and give him a call.”
“Yes. You do that.” She stomped out of the kitchen towards the front door. “The bins need taking down to the path. Do you think you can fit that into your busy day?” she said before slamming the front door. The house was suddenly quiet, save for the gentle music playing in the background.
“Yes, I’ll take them down to the path. Shame I can’t fucking stuff you into one of them,” he said to himself before heading upstairs for a shower.
☨☨☨
The bedside phone had just finished chiming when Kenneth Stephen looked up from the pillow. It had rang at least ten times, bringing him out of his deep sleep. He was just about to return to the pillow when it started ringing again. “Damn it,” he said as he propped himself onto one elbow, reaching across for the cordless handset. “Yes, hello.” His throat felt like gravel. He looked at the other bedside table for any kind of liquid. Nothing. Shit, he cursed.
“Father Stephen, its Doug Stevenson.” The vicar climbed out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
“Doug, hi. How are things?” He pulled down his shorts and sat down on the toilet, relieving himself.
“We’re all fine down here. Jake and Katherine had a little girl, Alicia.”
“Congratulations,” Stephen said as he stood up, clumsily pulling his shorts back up with one hand. He turned on the cold tap and bent down, taking a quick slurp of water.
“Thanks. I wasn’t calling to tell you about the birth. I was calling because Alison said you’d not been seen at church for a while. Is everything okay?”
The vicar was temporarily lost for words. What could he say? I’ve been to another world, fought a vampire, and have now lost my faith. He suddenly remembered who he was talking to though. This man knew about the doorway. “Err, not really. I was going to call you soon. I may even come down to Cornwall to pay you a visit.”
“Oh no. Is Denise alright?” Doug asked anxiously.
“She’s fine. She’s still in East Anglia. This is something else. I. I went through the doorway, Doug. I know I shouldn’t have, but curiosity got the better of me.” He walked over to the bed and climbed back in, pulling the covers over him. There was silence on the other end of the line for a few seconds.
“What happened? What did you see?” Doug said, his voice cautious.
“Everything. It’s all true. I walked through the doorway into another dark forest full of,” he paused. “Of
ghosts. I know it sounds crazy but that’s what I saw. I walked through the forest until I came to an abandoned village. A vampire found me and tried to kill me.”
“Jesus Christ! Sorry Father,” Doug said. “How did you get back alive?”
“I had my crucifix with me. That seemed to do the trick. Once I’d fought him off I stayed close to the village until the door reopened the following night. I came back home and have not left the house since really.”
“Did this vampire say who he was?”
“He said his name was Eddie.”
“Bloody Hell! That’s the one who kidnapped Katherine. He is also the one who killed the taxi driver and prostitute on the Beacon Hill last year. Jake told me all about him. He started this chain of events. I need to tell Jake all this.”
“Yes, I think you should. Or maybe we both can. Church is closed. I will leave immediately. I will pop into the corner shop and tell the owner I need to visit East Anglia. News will spread like a winter’s bug. Are there any good hotels where you live?”
“You can stay at ours. We have a spare room kitted out.”
“Thanks for the offer. But I can’t stay in your house. I have a great fondness for Alison. But we both know she would start asking questions. I will come up with a cover story on my way down. A little white lie won’t do any harm.”
“Okay. Head for Tintagel. Call me when you get here. Do you have my mobile?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Good. There’s a couple of small car parks in the village. Head for one of those.” Doug checked the clock. “It’s eleven now. Traffic should be okay. You may get snarled up in Bristol but if you’re lucky you should be here by four.”
“Okay, Doug. And thank you. I will call you when I get there.” The two men broke their connection. Doug sat in the kitchen thinking of a way to get Alison out of the way for a few hours. An idea presented itself almost immediately.
Kenneth quickly showered, then packed his brown leather holdall with the essentials. The last thing he tossed in there was his cross. He wanted it close by. He locked the house and stowed the bag in his boot. Crossing the road to the corner shop he exchanged pleasantries with the proprietor, dropping in to the conversation that he would be away for a few days. The middle-aged Asian man offered to take his bins down for him, to which Kenneth expressed his thanks. He left the shop with a bottle of orange juice, a large sausage roll, and a Mars Bar. Ten minutes later his black Ford Focus was heading south. Driving towards darkening clouds.
Thirteen
Jake opened the front door to see his dad stood there in the howling wind. Dark clouds had rolled in from the Atlantic, immersing Tintagel into an almost eerie twilight.
Dad, come in,” Jake said as Doug blustered past him. “Go through. The girls are in the kitchen.” Katherine had Alicia snuggled into her dressing gown. The little infant was murmuring in her sleep as her mother gently stroked her hair.
“Hi Doug,” she beamed. “I would get up, but as you can see I have a sleeping beauty on me.” He walked over and kissed the top of Katherine’s head before gently tickling his granddaughter behind the ear. The infant wriggled in her sleep, a serene expression on her face.
“Tea or coffee Dad?” Jake said, heading for the kettle.
“Coffee please Son.”
“Kath?” She shook her head. The three made small talk while two coffees were prepared. Jake passed the heavy mug to his dad. Doug took a tentative sip. He nodded.
“So, where’s Mom?”
“Out shopping. I’ve left her a note to say I’d popped over her. She’ll have a hissy fit for sure, thinking she is missing out as usual. I need to ask a favour of you Kath.”
She looked up at him, noticing he seemed on edge. “Of course. What do you need?” Doug put his steaming mug on the counter top.
“I need Alison to look after Alicia for a few hours this afternoon.” Jake looked confused. Katherine looked at Doug, equally so.
“That should be fine. Why? Does she know?” Jake asked.
“No. I have an idea of how to ask her. It should work. The reason I need her out of the way is because I need you two to come with me to meet Father Stephen.”
“Father Stephen? He’s here?” Jake stepped away from the counter, his half-empty mug in the crook of his arm.
“He’s on his way down to see us. He has some news. I don’t know the full story yet, but it appears that he went on an adventure through the doorway into your world Katherine.” They both drew in their breaths. Alicia stirred in her sleep before settling once more.
“Why would he do that?” Jake asked incredulously.
“Curiosity I guess,” Doug said. “After all, we turned up on his doorstep in the middle of the night, claiming there’s a doorway to another world just up the road. Sooner or later he may start wanting to see it for himself. While he was there, he ran into Eddie. They fought, with Father Stephen managing to somehow drive him away. So, it looks like this Eddie character is still knocking around over there.” Jake and Katherine looked at each other, a coldness settling over the kitchen. They all lapsed into silence for a minute, each lost in their own thoughts.
“Oh well let’s wait and see what he tells us. We can’t do any more until then,” Jake said. Katherine looked stricken.
“Any news on my uncle? Or the villagers?”
“Nothing,” Doug said. “Although I seem to remember he said that the village was deserted. Maybe your uncle and the rest of them moved somewhere else when you came back through the doorway.”
“They’ve probably headed out to Shetland,” Jake said, trying to calm Katherine down.
She digested that information, nodding to herself in an attempt at reassurance. “Okay Doug,” she said heavily. “What’s your plan?”
☨☨☨
“Hi Alison.”
“Katherine? Is that you?” Alison asked, surprise edging her voice.
“Yes. Are you okay?”
“Fine, fine,” said towelling her wet hair. “The heavens opened on my way back from the shops. I’m like a drowned rat.” Katherine suppressed a giggle, trying to sound concerned.
“Oh dear. I thought Cornwall was supposed to be sunny?” Alison chuckled dryly. “I was wondering if you could do me and Jake a favour?”
“Go on,” Alison said, throwing the damp towel on the bed.
“Our bottle steriliser has just broken,” she lied. “We were going to go to the shops at the weekend to buy a mobile for Alicia but we need to get a new sterilizer today. Would you be able to look after Alicia for a few hours?”
Alison looked over at the clock on her bedside table. “What time were you thinking? It’s half two now. I have to be at my first book club meeting at seven.”
“Would we be able to drop her off in an hour? I will get all her stuff ready to come with her. Jake said we should be there and back in two hours. Hopefully, that will give you time to go to your book club later.” Katherine’s heart was beating in her chest. She hated lying. Even a small white lie grated on her morals. However, it was needed on this occasion.
“Okay. I don’t see why not. Doug can help out. About time he pulled his weight around here.”
“Thank you, Alison. We’re very grateful. Plus, Alicia will enjoy spending time with her special grandmother.”
Alison smiled, the frown lines on her brow temporarily vanishing. “She’s a little love. It’s always a pleasure spending time with her.” She immediately thought of Megan. She felt a stab of pain in her chest as she remembered the smiling face of her first granddaughter. The little upturned nose and blond bouncy locks were still ingrained in her memory. She shook the thought quickly, trying to stay composed.
“Okay, we will see you in a bit. We won’t bother dropping off the pram. By the look of the weather outside it’s probably best you both stay home.” Katherine regretted saying that. It almost felt like a premeditated command. However, Alison never picked up on it.
“Yes, we’ll stay in the warm and
have some cuddles.”
“See you in a bit then. Bye.” Katherine hung up the phone and blew out a long breath.
Jake kissed the top of her head. “Well done. Part one of the plan is complete.”
☨☨☨
Alison went downstairs looking for Doug. She checked every room in the house, becoming more frustrated when she found no sign of him. She walked out of the kitchen door and headed over to the garage, trying to dodge the downpour. She opened the wooden door and stepped inside. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you.”
“You’ve found me,” Doug said, his back to her. He was leaning over a stretch of counter top, fiddling with something unseen.
Alison frowned. “What are you fiddling around with? Katherine and Jake are dropping Alicia round in a bit. I need your help with things.”
Doug straightened and turned to face his beloved wife. In his hand, he held a small white plastic box. “Sorry Love, but you’re on your own. The alarm sensor in the garage has packed up,” he lied. “While you were out it started beeping in the hallway. I’ve switched the alarm off at the main fuse board to stop the noise. But I need to go and pick one of these up today.”
Can’t it be left until tomorrow?” Alison said, her voice raising an octave.
Doug shook his head. “Only if you want to put up with a loud beeping noise throughout the house all night. It goes off every few minutes. You can hear it everywhere. I need to go and pick one up.”
“Just leave it switched off overnight. Then pick one up tomorrow.” Alison’s face was flushed red. She did not like being challenged back.
“That will void our buildings and contents insurance. Plus, your granddaughter will be here for a few hours. Do you want to take that risk in case anything happened?” He knew that Alison had no idea if he was telling the truth or not. She left all the bills and technical jobs to her husband.
She let out a breath, shaking her head. “Fine. Just don’t dawdle or get side-tracked.” She turned and left the garage, muttering something under her breath.