by C. A. Kunz
Cat’s feeling of being watched intensified as she continued up the hill. Upon passing the large Sitka Spruce tree, she shivered as a cold chill ran down her spine. “Get a grip Catherine Colvin! You just saw an awesome, scary, and intense movie and you’re just wigging out. Nothing is going to jump out and get you!”
A loud meow from the tree looming above her head almost caused Cat to drop her bike. Looking up, she watched as Jewels gracefully jumped and landed in front of her. “Jewels, you scared the hell out of me!” Cat laughed nervously. “Long time no see stranger, where have you been?” Jewels purred as Cat propped her bike against her hip and leaned down to pick her up, placing her in the bike’s front basket. “You’ve been eating well I see, you must have gained at least a pound,” she said rubbing Jewels behind her ears. Jewels turned in the basket, staring at the Sitka Spruce tree. A violent, hissing erupted from her, puzzling Cat. “What’s up sweetie? Seeing shadows like I am, huh? I saw a scary movie, what’s your excuse?” Seeing nothing, Cat continued walking the bike up to the top of the hill, noting all the while that Jewels’ attention was fixed on the large tree.
Catherine Colvin…hmmm, Andrei thought to himself watching her walk away.
Pulling up to her house, Jewels jumped out of the basket, looked back at Cat and then ran back down the street. What’s got into her? She wondered and then focused on quietly putting her bicycle back in the shed. Carefully, she climbed up the lattice, avoiding the hole she made earlier. Reaching the balcony, Cat opened her window and entered her darkened bedroom. The room suddenly filled with light and to her dismay she saw her parents waiting for her. Their faces were grim. Her mom biting her bottom lip and her father removing his glasses pretending to clean them, told her she was in big trouble. Cat’s stomach sank as her mom stood.
“Where have you been?” Rachel demanded, her voice laced with anger. Before she could explain herself, her mom held up her hand. “On second thought, your father and I have been waiting for about two hours now, but we will discuss this in the morning. We want you to think about what you have done tonight. And you will be lucky not to be-” looking at Sam for help.
“Grounded,” he replied.
“Yes…for the whole summer.” With that she turned and stormed toward the door. Before opening it she stormed back and took Cat in her arms. “We have been so worried, don’t you ever do this again!” Rachel said sternly, her voice breaking. Avoiding Cat’s eyes she turned and this time walked out the door, the stairs groaning as she made her way quickly down them.
“Good night Cat,” Sam said with a sigh while putting on his glasses.
Flopping back onto her bed, Cat let out a huge groan. Her cell phone lit up and a small beep signaled a text had come through. Reading the message she realized she was the only one who had been caught. Amanda’s text message read:
Did u get home ok? Is Julie with u? We lost her after u split. We didn’t get caught! The p-rents didn’t evn kno we were gone!
Cat wrote back:
Julie’s not with me! Don’t plan summer with me n mind! My p-rents were here when I got home! BUSTED!! Totes ground 4 life!
Waiting for Amanda to respond a text came through on Cat’s cell phone from Julie:
I’m fine. Hope u are 2. Cell dying! TTYL
Across the street, Claire Winter’s hoped the text sounded legit and had fooled Cat. She sat down on Julie’s bed to read the reply from her. Relief flowed through her knowing that Cat was safe. Claire laid down on Julie’s bed, waiting for her return.
Texts flew back and forth, sympathy, anger, and shock at the news of Cat’s plight until she finally told them all she was calling it a night. She needed her strength for the trial in the morning.
Lucien sat in his chair as Ulla ushered in their guest. “Well, I see you haven’t moved very far since I visited last,” Andrei sneered at him.
“So tell me, why are we being graced with your wonderful presence again so soon?” Lucien asked sarcastically.
“Lucien, behave yourself! Remember who you are addressing!” Ulla said forcefully. “Sorry Andrei, he hasn’t been feeling well as of late,” she continued, flashing a glare at Lucien.
“No need for apologies Ulla. We are all well aware of Lucien’s sickness and his love for the bottle,” Andrei replied smugly.
“How dare you come in to my home and insult me!” Lucien said vehemently. “It is you who should apologize to us! Especially with your recent act of carelessness that has brought suspicion our way! You might as well have just put a spotlight on Astoria with your blatant actions!” he blared.
“What do you expect me to do? Feed off little animals like you do? I am sorry, but I have standards old boy!” Andrei said arrogantly.
“No, I think it would be better for you to leave and never return!” Lucien angrily replied. Ulla gasped looking at Andrei to see his reaction.
“And who would dare cast me out? You? You pathetic creature! You were once a nobleman, but now you associate with those hairy abominations!” Andrei growled, his fangs descending from his mouth.
“What is your business here Andrei? I am tiring of the sound of your voice,” Lucien said taking another swig from his bottle.
“Well, if you must know, I was instructed to give you a message,” he said, grinning evilly. “Lisbeth and the Parliament feel your seer’s power is greatly inhibited by your drinking. You must cease! If not, consequences will follow and I am sure you will find them undesirable.”
“The only thing I find undesirable is you in my house!” Lucien roared.
“This is not a warning Lucien, it is a threat! The Parliament is through giving you chances. If it wasn’t for Lisbeth, I would be here to dismantle you! But as it is, you have been given another chance to redeem yourself.”
“Is this where I’m supposed to be scared of you? Next I bet you’re going to tell me that Cain is personally going to hand out these consequences! Like I give a damn!” Andrei glared at Lucien and then a smirk came across his face.
“Well then, I guess I shall take my leave now. There seems to be no reasoning with you old boy. Do not worry dear Ulla, my report about you will be favorable. You are truly a loyal member of this coven and will be rewarded as such. Good day Lucien,” Andrei said leaving the room quickly before Ulla could move, slamming the front door behind him.
“Lucien you idiot! What have you done?” Ulla blasted him.
“Don’t worry my dear. You are safe, the Master’s slave said so,” Lucien drawled taking another long drink from the amber colored bottle.
“It is not us that I am worried about! It’s our children! If the Parliament ever finds out about our kids, they will burn us all. We came here for a fresh start Lucien, a new life. And you should be thankful the Parliament allowed us to leave with no consequence!”
“Maybe not for you Ulla. Maybe there was no consequence for you, but I had to pay the ultimate price!”
“Well you are not making things easier by being so disobedient to their orders! You’re going to get your whole family killed for a second time!” she yelled slamming the study door behind her. Lucien took a look at the bottle in his hand and then dropped it on the floor. The liquor slowly poured out onto the carpet as he lay back on the couch. “What a mess you have created for yourself Lucien, what a mess indeed,” he murmured.
18
Something’s Wrong
Grounded again! Cat thought while sitting on the wrought iron bench outside her bedroom window. No cell phone to call or text her friends. No laptop to IM or Email. And a curfew set by her parents on top of the already implemented curfew equaled no fun for Miss Cat Colvin. She still had her study sessions with Ryan, but she wondered how her relationship would survive over the summer with her stuck in a cage. Not to mention, it would put a damper on her going to the cabin with Julie and Linda. Sighing, Cat rested her chin on the banister looking out at the muddy sky, no moon in sight, added to her dull mood. The moon was her energy producer. It made her feel alive and
free. “I’d rather it be raining,” she muttered to herself. “At least then it might wash away my boredom.” Cat wished she was getting ready to go to prom, like her brother was. Since finding the body of the first girl, parents and the authorities had been vigilant in their determination to keep Astoria safe. The prom, it was decided, would have an increase in security present and have every faculty member be a chaperone.
Cat pondered her night ahead. Her choices were playing a board game with her parents, watching crappy television or burying her nose in a book. Joy oh joy, she thought. Climbing up the ladder to the roof, Cat scurried onto the widow’s walk. She had to be quiet, her mom made it quite clear that she hated her doing this. Sitting down she saw a tiny golden figure dart from the tree in front of her and land on the roof. “Jewels! Hey stranger, where have you been?” she asked rubbing behind her ears, smiling as Jewels purred with delight. “Did you hear through the cat grapevine that I was grounded?” A knock at her bedroom door had Cat zipping off the roof. She slid into her room, plopped on her bed and pretended to read. Jewels followed and jumped up beside her.
“Hey Cat, can I come in?” Taylor’s voice was muffled through the door.
“Sure,” she responded watching as the door opened and he entered.
“Geez I must’ve grown a lot since I last came up here. That stairwell’s really tiny,” he said standing beside her bed. Looking him up and down, she let out a loud wolf whistle and to her amazement, he blushed. Though he looked very sharp in his black tuxedo, she giggled to herself when she realized he was wearing chucks instead of dress shoes. “Cat, I need to be serious for a minute. What do you think of this corsage I bought for Trish? Do you think she’ll like it?” Taylor handed Cat the box. It was beautiful, a delicate orchid that she knew their mom had special ordered for him. She had never seen her brother so unsure of himself. The love bug has bitten him good, she thought. The teasing remark that sprang to her mind was forgotten.
“This is the most beautiful flower I’ve ever seen Taylor. I know she’ll love it,” Cat replied smiling sincerely.
“Thanks Cat.” He took the corsage back from her outstretched hand and stared down at it.
“You better get a move on. Your Cinderella’s waiting,” she said looking at her bedside clock. Leaning down, Taylor quickly hugged her and then rushed out of the room. Slumping back against the pile of pillows on her bed, Cat let the shock of what just transpired soak in. “Can you believe it Jewels? He asked my opinion and hugged me! What’s up with that?” She swore she saw Jewels smile at her remark as she jumped from the bed and out the window into the night. “She’s such a free spirit, I wish I could come and go as easily as that.”
Rachel’s heart was pounding as she ran up the attic stairs. “Cat! Cat!” she cried, as she flung open her bedroom door. “Claire’s on the phone!” she said in a breathless voice. “Julie’s in the background crying hysterically and won’t calm down. Claire wants you to try and talk to her.” She handed Cat the phone. Cat could hear Julie sobbing in the background as Claire was telling her to calm down and take the phone. She could hear her friend mumbling over and over.
“I should have known! I should have known! Why wasn’t I told?” The voice became louder as she realized the phone was pressed up against Julie’s mouth.
“Julie what’s wrong?” Cat asked, chilled by the desperation she heard in Julie’s voice.
“Oh Cat!” she wailed. “She’s missing!”
“Who’s missing?” she demanded, clinging to the phone.
“Linda…she’s gone…vanished!”
“Linda?” Cat repeated anxiously. “But we just saw her in Madison two days ago!” Tears welled up in Cat’s eyes.
“Her mom and dad are on TV! It’s all over the local news!” Cat grabbed the remote and watched as Jillian Brown, Astoria’s favorite news reporter, appeared on the screen. She was standing in front of a very familiar house, Linda’s. Cat and Julie had spent numerous hours studying and hanging out there. Happy times. A numbing despair came over Cat.
“Cat,” Claire said into the receiver, “put your mom on the phone again, please sweetie.” She handed Rachel the phone as if in a trance.
“Cat honey”, Rachel said in a choked voice. She looked up at her mom, tears streaming down her face. “Claire’s bringing Julie over. We both think you should be together tonight. I’ll be right back, I’m going to go let them in,” she said kissing Cat’s forehead and then headed downstairs. Cat felt large warm arms embracing her. She looked up into her father’s worried eyes.
“Dad why is this happening?”
“I don’t know sweetheart, I just don’t know.” He felt a stab of pain as he watched his only daughter’s shoulders shake with silent sobs. The next thing Cat remembered was another’s arms embracing her, holding her so tight she could hardly breathe. Julie hung on for dear life, tears soaking Cat’s shirt. Cat raised her head and saw the three adults retreating from the room. Both mothers sobbed as Sam tried to console them. Cat made shushing noises as tears ran down her face, continuing to hold Julie tight.
A while later, Rachel tip toed into Cat’s room and found the two fast asleep. She reached down and adjusted the comforter on the bed and then retraced her steps back downstairs to the meeting being held in the study. “Aldon, we have to find out who’s doing this. Now! Before any other children are taken! I know the police said the first girl’s body looked like an animal had done this, but I feel that it’s beyond their expertise! We need to research this more ourselves!”
“Roland, I know you are worried, we all are. I had a meeting with Ivan Beckford and he assured me that he is just as concerned as we are about the situation. I had the feeling he was not quite truthful about who might be doing this, but I know it is none of his group. This I feel is true. The prom is secure and nothing or nobody will get through.”
“How long do you think that will last? How can we protect the children twenty-four hours a day?” Roland asked, anger filling his voice.
“As long as it takes until this monster can be stopped,” Aldon replied looking around the room at the others gathered. “Now, I want everyone to go to the prom and help get the children home. We do not need to alarm them. I just talked to Abigail and she is going to make an announcement to the students in about an hour, letting them know what has happened. Hopefully, she will be able to convince the students to let you all escort them home. We cannot reach all of the parents. Some might not know what has transpired this evening. That is why it is up to us to ensure the safety of everyone. Any questions or comments? Good, let us make haste.” Aldon watched as the group left the room. Sam gave Rachel a quick kiss and told her to stand watch until he returned. She stood on the porch and watched as the last car left the driveway heading toward the school.
Abigail Landers addressed her faculty assembled in the hallway outside the gym. “I know this is going to be hard but we have to make it work. Our responsibility is to ensure all these students arrive home safely tonight. I will make an announcement shortly. I have been informed that a group of parents are on their way to act as escorts. No one, I repeat, no one, is allowed to leave on their own. If you have any problems I will back you up. And thank you for your help.” Turning, she walked back into the gym. We have to find out who is doing this! I know Aldon said he talked to Ivan, but I feel it’s time for a combined meeting with both sides sitting at the table, she thought, surveying her students. Looking at her watch, she figured she would give them a little while longer to enjoy themselves before breaking the somber news.
An hour later, Abigail whispered to the DJ and the music stopped. The students all turned to look at the stage. “Everyone, can I have your attention? I have just been informed that another young lady has disappeared. She was a freshman from Madison Prep. I need your help in making sure that all of you get home safely. I know some of you feel that you’re too old to listen to me and nothing could possibly happen to you. But I know you will appreciate that this is a very serio
us matter that should not be treated lightly. Parents and teachers are standing by to escort you home. Those of you who came in groups of four or more in a vehicle, I would like for you to exit the gym through the main doors now. You will receive instructions on how to arrive home safely. Those of you, who came in pairs, please move to the right side of the gym and the rest please move to the left.”
It took an hour for the gym to clear. Abigail turned out the lights, locked the doors and walked to her car. It came as no surprise to see Aldon standing by waiting for her. “Abigail you did a great job tonight. Now we have to make sure they stay safe. I am going to meet with the mayor and the sheriff tomorrow and see what they have found.” Her tired eyes smiled at him.
“I know you will find out who’s doing this and stop them, I just know you will,” Abigail said patting her arm.
The last two weeks of school seemed to last forever. Security at school and around town was tight. The streets were empty by seven each evening, even though it was still light out. Nobody walked by themselves. In fact, it was odd to see just two people walking together. Even young mothers with babies could be seen walking their children only if escorted by a male or several other females. No sign of Linda or the other two girls had been found. Cat and her friends had become closer than they ever thought possible. Even Matt had stopped with his practical jokes and acted like the group’s personal body guard. Since Linda’s disappearance, Cat had noticed that Ryan had practically been attached to her hip.
Standing in front of her locker, a small hand came into view. Cat turned and Hannah gave her a big smile. “Cat, how you holding up?” Hannah asked as Cat tried to smile, but instead tears filled her eyes. Turning, Cat faced her locker again.
“You know I’m always here for you Cat, if you need to talk.”