She jumped off the bus, checking the card he had given her one more time, and walked along the road towards his new house. Luckily Arcsdale wasn’t that big and she was familiar with the area. As the address came into view, Val saw Sandy the TVR parked with tender loving care on the driveway. She had to admire the size of the place. Whatever Sam did for a living, he clearly earned a pretty decent wage. Making her way to the front door she instantly recognised that it was made out of cherry wood in a classic design. She gently passed her hand over it. Her dad had taught her well. She rang the doorbell and waited patiently.
It opened and there he was, her personal dream guy. Today he was wearing jeans and a black skin tight t-shirt. A million questions shot through her head and then she pulled herself back to reality.
“Val, I’m so pleased you could make it. Come in.” Sam stepped to one side to allow her in.
“How could anyone smell that good?” she thought to herself.
The entrance was as beautiful and impressive as the exterior. Val looked around her at the open gallery staircase leading to what seemed like an endless landing. The floor was a classic slate and made it seem almost as if she had been transported back in time. There were few pieces of furniture, but each one was well thought out and placed perfectly. Attention to detail was obviously a priority for him.
“Sam, your house is breathtaking; actually it’s close to perfect.” Val complimented him as they walked down the corridor.
“It’s nearly finished. They’re still making a few minor changes, but I’m really pleased with the outcome.” He pushed open a door and they walked into the kitchen. Marble surfaces, a sheet glass wall and the minimalist design gave Val shivers down her spine.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been in a more exquisite room in my life.” Val walked to the glass wall to admire the garden. “Sam, it’s just such an amazing work of art. Who built this?”
“This man did,” Sam answered. Val turned to look as he opened a side door. “How’s it going today?” Sam asked as he shook Val’s dad’s hand.
“Morning. Not much more to do,” Mike greeted him, and then spotted Val. “Sorry, I didn’t know you had a guest. I can come back later.” He smiled awkwardly at Val and turned to leave.
“No, Mike. Please come and meet my friend. She was just admiring your work. No, let me rephrase that; she was telling me it was almost perfect.” Sam glanced across at Val who was starting to feel faint. Mike crossed the room towards her. If she had been a little braver she would have thrown herself through the glass wall in an attempt to escape.
“Thank you. That’s a big compliment from such a young lady. What exactly is it that you like?” Mike wiped his dusty hand down his shirt and offered it to Val. She could feel the pain of tears burning behind her eyes. This was too much. She reached out and their hands joined. An overwhelming feeling of safety and love flushed through Val’s body. She just wanted him to wrap her in his arms and tell her it would all be ok, like he had when she was a little girl. But that would never happen again and this was not a good position for her to be in.
“Hello?” Sam said waving his hand in her face, snapping her out of the trance she was in.
“I’m sorry,” she said releasing his hand. “I thought the Cherry wood front door was breathtaking and this glass wall,” Val turned, almost like a robot, towards the wall, “is a touch of genius.” She could smell his aftershave; it was his favourite Hugo Boss; she had bought him a bottle for Christmas.
“That’s impressive. You obviously have a good knowledge of buildings and thank you for the compliments.”
Val nodded her acknowledgement as Mike turned to Sam. “Sam, I just came to tell you that the garage is nearly finished. On that note I will leave you to admire my work.” He turned back to Val. “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“It’s Valerie.” She was still unable to move. He was going to leave and that would be it. She was no better off than Delta: forgotten.
“What a coincidence. My grandmother was called Valerie; it’s not a very common name. Well, it’s been a pleasure meeting you and I hope you like everything you see,” Mike chirped, pleased with his new fan. As he walked away with Sam, Val leaned on the cool marble counter concentrating on taking one breath after another. It felt like her whole chest was about to collapse with the pain. How could this have happened? What were the chances of Sam getting her dad to build his house? Then she remembered her mum telling her about some important cash job her dad had won. Sam had been the one all along. Her dad had known Sam for months. She realised she had to calm down or Sam would know something was wrong. She took a few deep breaths and stood up straight Just as Sam came bounding back in.
“He’s such a nice guy; seemed impressed with your knowledge,” he said as he made his way over to a black double fridge and pulled it open. “OK, what do you want to drink? I have Pepsi, juice, tea, coffee or just about anything else you can think of.”
“Pepsi sounds great,” Val replied pushing up the corners of her mouth to create the impression that everything was ok. She would have to see the good in this situation. She had just come face to face with her dad and he definitely hadn’t remembered her. Sam also obviously didn’t have a clue who Mike was, so the spell had definitely worked.
“I have prepared us some food in the dining room. Follow me.” Sam handed Val a large glass and she did as she was told.
Another room and yet another stunning design. She now felt guilty that she hadn’t realised it was her dad’s work. It had his signature written all over it. Along the length of the room was a sturdy oak table, leading to French doors that opened out onto an elevated patio. She had always felt that her dad’s greatest creation was Delta’s house, but this definitely topped it. Then she saw the spread on the table. This guy could cook! She was starting to think that he was too good to be true, but she must remember that this was the Sam of the future, not the Sam from her past. There were no romantic ties here and she must keep that in mind.
He pulled a chair out for Val to sit down. “So how’s it all going?”
“Well, apart from meeting my hunter who’s turning out to be a great guy, catching a load of prisoners at the Snakes and Ladders, and casting a spell to protect the shop, it’s quite boring. Ah yes, and let’s not forget the high priestess that was kidnapped by Excariot yesterday. But you know about that and thanks for the books.” Val shoved a piece of celery into her mouth.
“A spell to protect the shop… Did Wendy and her friends do that for you?” Sam seemed interested and so Val began to explain as they chatted over lunch, and for a short while she felt at ease.
Sam had cleared away the table and gone to get the puddings. Val was standing in the dining room’s open patio door when the doorbell rang. “Val, I have my hands full, can you get that?” he called through.
“Ok,” she replied, making her way to the front door.
To her surprise, Zac was standing on the other side. “What are you doing here?” She was annoyed that he was disturbing her normality.
“We have to work. Now.” Zac grabbed her arm. The blue spark flickered and they were gone.
Wendy ran down the shop towards the centre of operations, also known as the cleaning cupboard. “Jason, Fran, help.”
“What’s up?” Jason asked, opening the door. He could tell by her expression that something was happening, and it wasn’t good.
“Zac’s watch thing just started to purr, then he stood up and poof, blue spark, gone. Not even a goodbye. You don’t think he’ll do anything silly, like try to go it alone?” Wendy asked in an exasperated tone.
“First let’s check on Val.” Jason grabbed his chair and span to a halt in front of the laptop. “Looks like she’s still in Arcsdale.” As he spoke the computer sprang into life, numbers flashing and whizzing across the screen. “I take that back. Zac has obviously found her.” They all watched patiently for her to re-appear.
CHAPTER 4
The Price of Fame
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br /> Val landed, as usual, on the ground, knees first this time, christening her new jeans in soft wet mud.
“What exactly are you doing?!” she yelled at Zac who landed as if he had just jumped off of a five-inch curb.
“Our job.” Zac grabbed her arm, lifting her to her feet, then placed his finger on her lips to keep her quiet.
“Get the hell off of me! I’ll shout if I want to. I was having lunch. Can’t I even have five minutes away from the chaos?” Val shoved Zac’s hand away and finished brushing herself down. “Ruined. I just put these on today. I’m not made of money, you know. I don’t even know if I have a washing machine.” Val was so mad that her face glowed beetroot red.
“Duck!” Zac called, but it was too late. Two middleaged women of medium build, dressed as if they were out hiking, launched themselves from behind a bush and landed on Val’s back. She collapsed back onto the ground with a startled ‘poof’ of expelled air. If she had been mad before it now intensified tenfold as she rolled in the mud trying to escape the two crazy brunettes who were trying to finish her off with their fists.
This time, Val didn’t have to wait for that warning sensation in her arms and hands. She simply knew she was going to blow these ladies away. They were responsible for ruining her first date with Sam. She scrambled to her feet and turned to tackle them, but one reached forward, grabbing her ankle and pulling her down again, while the other struck her repeatedly. That was when she snapped. She swung her arms around yelling “Off!” and a powerful gust of wind escaped her palms, hurling both her assailants across the ground, through several bushes and, for the time being, out of sight. Her powers were growing in intensity and her speed and confidence in her ability were increasing along with them. Val leapt to her feet, calling to Zac to follow. As she began to run she turned, only for a split second, to make sure he was keeping up.
“The eagle has landed,” Jason said.
“Where are they?” Fran and Wendy asked in sync.
“The Yorkshire moors.”
“That’s not good. Isn’t that one of those Godforsaken places where people get lost and no one can find them because there’s thousands of miles of nothing?” Wendy was starting to look pale.
“Hey, Val can teleport, don’t worry. I’ll give her a call.” Jason pulled out his military style phone and dialled her number.
“Is that big enough for you?” Wendy asked. Jason smirked sarcastically back at her as he held the device to his head. To their surprise a phone started ringing in the shop. Jason hung up and tried again. The same thing happened. Wendy ran into the shop to find Val’s bag vibrating under the counter.
“It’s all here, chunky phone, ear piece and her sword. She’s out there alone,” Wendy wailed.
“She has Zac,” Fran pointed out.
“So she’s all alone,” Jason replied.
Val spotted a derelict stone building on the horizon and headed for it as fast as her Converse trainers could get her through the thick pink and green heather and waterlogged holes. Zac was still following. All she could pray for was that they would make it there before the maniacs got to them. Val collided with the front door at speed; luckily for her it flew open with ease. She waited for Zac to enter, then thrust it shut. She looked around frantically for something to bar the door with. Spotting only a half broken chair, she grabbed it and shoved it under the door handle.
With her back against the door, she lowered herself to the stone floor of what seemed to be the main and only room. She sat still, panting and desperate for oxygen. Fumbling in her pocket she pulled out her personal mobile. “Please God let there be a signal,” she whispered. “Hi Jason. Yes, I’m fully aware that I left everything in my bag. I was supposed to be having a quiet lunch. Now is not the time to tell me off. We’re in some sort of abandoned building, but where?”
“Val I need to speak with Wendy,” Zac whispered.
“What for?” she snapped.
“She has the answer to our problem. She can look in the dellatrax.”
Val knew he was right and handed the mobile to Zac.
“Please, allow me to speak with Wendy,” Zac said into the receiver and waited patiently. “Hello, you need to go to the dellatrax and look for...” Zac looked down at his watch, “…prisoner 148702, and speed would be appropriate at this point.”
“For heaven’s sake, Wendy, please hurry up!” Val shouted from behind Zac. “And it’s fine for you, it’s not you they’re after.” She pointed angrily at him.
“I’ll stay here. Now go,” Jason said watching the screen.
Wendy ran down the aisle towards the books with Fran close behind her. “Which one Fran?” she asked.
“I don’t know! Look at them all.”
There were at least twenty large volumes on the counter and there was nothing distinguishable about any of them. Fran was worried that they couldn’t do this.
Wendy picked up the one nearest to her. Throwing the top cover open she just stared at the page. “I don’t know what to do. Zac said I could do this, but he was wrong,” Wendy flapped.
Fran had to do something quickly before Wendy went into complete melt down. “Give me the phone, Wendy,” she ordered. Wendy willingly passed the phone to Fran.
“Zac, we need your help. Wendy doesn’t know what to do.”
Zac started to talk and Fran nodded and made knowing sound effects as Wendy just looked blankly at the pages. “Right. Wendy, Zac says that the dellatrax is like a life force; you can read it, but you can also sense it. He says you need to sense prisoner 148702. You can do this,”
“Sense prisoner 148702? We should have practised this. I like to study; I’m very good at studying.”
Fran realised from Wendy’s jabbering that this wasn’t working. “Anything else that could help us, Zac? Zac...” Fran’s heart literally skipped a beat. The line was dead; they had been cut off. She needed to make a decision quickly: to tell or not to tell Wendy that they were alone.
“What’s he saying, Fran?” Wendy asked.
Fran put her hand up to motion Wendy to be quiet. Meanwhile she nodded as if she was receiving important information. “Ok. Zac says to use your special powers…that thing you did at the hospital.”
“I can’t control it, Fran, surely he realises that. It only happens when there is something in the future for me to see.”
“Wendy, how does a dead Val and Zac sound to you? Can you see that? Now do it!” Fran was still faking holding the phone to her head.
Wendy placed the book she was holding down on the counter. She allowed her hands to float about an inch above the leather cover and closed her eyes. “I can’t promise this will work as I...” Before she could finish the sentence, her body started to shake violently, although her hands were fixed over the book.
Fran stepped back, her jaw almost dislocating. Val’s power was awesome but this was scary beyond words.
Then Wendy stilled. Her eyes were pure white so Fran knew that it was show time. Slowly she pulled the phone away from her head. Wendy lifted the cover and the pages started to turn, flying at a velocity no normal person could possibly achieve. As Fran watched, symbols began to peel off the page. They rose into the air and turned into neon blue holograms, floating around Wendy and the book. Fran made out symbols that resembled the one on Val’s tattoo. If it hadn’t been such a tense moment she would have said it was pretty.
Wendy’s body suddenly became completely rigid and she hadn’t blinked since she started. The pages seemed to slow and then stop. She looked and there, on the open page, was prisoner 148702. “Bingo!”
Fran looked down at Jason’s phone, pressed re-dial and then started to pray.
There was an immense thud against the door. Their attackers had arrived. Zac had lost his signal and was wandering around the room, as instructed by Val, holding the phone up high, looking for some strange lines to indicate that he could make another call. “Primitive!” he kept shouting as another bang came. Val was holding the door shut wi
th only her own bodyweight and that of the chair, and the two women outside weren’t as tired as she was right now. Just as the third collision struck the phone started to ring. Zac looked nervously from the phone to Val.
“Green button! Press the green button!” Val screamed.
He looked at the phone and smiled as the penny dropped. “Fran! Have you found the information we require?” Zac asked as he started to walk towards Val.
Val shouted at him, “No! Don’t move! You’ll lose the signal. Stand still!”
Zac froze. “Yes. Yes. Oh, those two. I remember reading about them. Not a good story, they...”
“ZAC!” Val was ready to blow as another jolt almost knocked her clear of the door.
“Sorry, Val. Fran, please give me the information I require.” Zac listened intently, visibly processing everything that Fran was saying, then shoved the phone into his pocket. “These two are a pair of cargo thieves. They stole from all over the galaxy and we had great difficulty catching them. They are Chellemi. Fran says that in the dellatrax it says their weakness is their obsession with guns, gold and precious gems.”
“Great. I will beat them to death with my purse. Oh no, I don’t have one. Or I could club them with my diamond rings, of which I have even less. What good is this information to us?”
It was too late. With one massive final blow, the door blew Val across the room. She struck the wall and collapsed onto the floor. The Chellemi were in and they quickly made their way to Val’s body.
They seemed to move as one in an almost feline fashion. The darkest haired of the two, bent down close to Val’s face. “We have been sent to destroy you, guard, and the fact that you are a female and the daughter of Gabrielle has made the price on your head even greater.” She flicked her tongue out, tasting the air and Val could smell her rancid breath. The two women then proceeded to brush against each other’s arms in celebration, almost like cats. Val felt completely repulsed.
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