The Rattler (Rattler Trilogy Book 1)

by P. A. Fielding

  “No freakin’ way. How do you know that?”

  “I’m telling you the truth, babe. I saw it. Here, look at the photograph,” she said, as she passed over the phone. “What exactly am I supposed to be looking at?” puzzled Zoe.

  “The plaque on the wall, look.”

  “It’s blurred – there’s only an orangey-white wavy line in front of a door.”

  “You’re having me on. Let’s see,” insisted Vana. “I took a photo of a blue plaque. It had his name on it.”

  “You must’ve had your finger covering the lens.”

  “No, wait, this is the same thing that happened on the lads’ phones the other day.” Zoe started to breathe heavily, which set off the monitors and brought Nurse Carlyle rushing into the room. “What in God’s name is going on, Zoe? Is everything OK?”

  “I’m fine. Just a bad memory, that’s all.”

  “All I ask is, please try to keep these monitors quiet,” smiled the nurse as she re-set the machines. “Zoe, I need you to take it easy – otherwise Dr Reilly won’t let you leave early,” she said, glancing at Vana as she left the room.

  Vana knew that the two deaths and Zoe’s collapse were all linked, and Hagatha was behind each one – but she didn’t want to say anymore while Zoe was in such a fragile state. “Let’s change the subject.”

  3

  Vana left Zoe to her lunch, and walked outside to the gardens again. She sat on a bench in the glorious sunshine. A young family played on the lawn while their mother watched on as she glanced through a magazine. However, it was a lonely old lady on a picnic bench, wiping the tears from her face, who attracted Vana’s attention.

  Taking out her mobile, she dialled a number. “Hello, mum. It’s only me. Is everything alright?”

  Caroline, a brunette in her late 40s, was outside in the sun, enjoying a drink from an oversized mug. Even though she was the wrong side of forty, she was still a very attractive lady, and Vana had certainly inherited her good looks. “Yes thanks, love. I’m doing fine. Just sitting in the garden enjoying this lovely weather and having a cuppa. How’s Zoe doing?”

  “She’s looking much better now. I think the doctor will discharge her today.”

  “That is good news. Vana, promise me you’ll keep an eye on her.”

  “Yes, mum, I promise. Have you heard any more about Helen?”

  “Only what’s in the papers, and I guess you’ve seen that. But I meant to ring you back last night; did you hear what had happened to Barbara?”

  “Yes, mum. Zoe is distraught.”

  “I can imagine. OK, I’ll give you a text later as Sandra will be here soon. We’re going into town shortly. Look after yourself – and give Zoe my love.”

  “Will do, mum. Love you.”

  4

  When Vana went back to Zoe’s room, she was surprised to see that her friend had been disconnected from the monitors, and was sitting on an easy chair looking out of the window. “Hey, that’s good! Has the doctor been in?”

  “Not yet. Just the nurse – but she confirmed I might be able to make my escape later today.”

  “Effin’ fantastic. How would you feel about staying over at mine tonight?”

  “That would be amazing; you sure?”

  “YEAH! I’ll give Matthew a ring and warn him we’ll need a ride.”

  41: I just want to get out of this place

  1

  Just after lunch, Dr Reilly and Dr Clementine came in to see Zoe. They spent a long time talking to her, and giving her encouragement to fight the Anorexia. Dr Reilly explained again the Fluoxetine medication, and recommended that she take 20 mg twice a day. He knew that that prescription had helped previously, and was hopeful it would work again. Dr Clementine had already spoken to Zoe about the nutritional programme she had drawn up, and gave her instructions to follow it for an initial period of two weeks, after which time it would be reviewed.

  The girls listened intently to the doctors’ instructions and guidance, then said their thanks and good-byes to them.

  2

  An hour later, the boys arrived to find Zoe sitting on the bed with her rucksack packed. Vana was looking through the window. “You guys took your time,” said Vana, grumpily. “We’ve been sitting here for ages.”

  “Sorry, babe. The traffic was bad. You alright, Zoe?” Zoe smiled. “Yep, and thanks for picking us up.” She looked at Steven, who didn’t quite know what to say – it was obvious he felt a little uncomfortable – and handed him her rucksack. “Come on,” she said, “let’s get out of here.”

  The friends walked out of the hospital into bright sunlight, and headed towards the car park and Matthew’s boy racer car. Despite it only having a 1.2 L engine, it gave the impression, with its 17” wheels, big bore exhaust and lowered suspension that it belonged on a race track!

  3

  Matthew and Vana dropped Zoe and Steven off at the house he was sharing with Vana; he had moved in when Zoe went back to live with her parents. Liz, the third student in the house, had gone off to Poland to carry out research for her postgraduate studies. A postcard advertising for Liz’s replacement was displayed in the local Post Office but, so far, no takers. Steven had shown an interest, but Vana wasn’t all that keen – she didn’t really want to house-share with two lads.

  Matthew managed to find a parking space on Broad Street, and Vana hastily jumped out, anxious to get into the Library before it closed. She just narrowly avoided being knocked down by a flash saloon car being driven erratically by a male driver. “Making up for a small cock? Slow down – DICKHEAD!” she screamed at the driver. “You’re a bit highly strung aren’t you?” said Matthew, putting his arm around her shoulders.

  “I’m fine. Hurry up. They close at half four.”

  They ran towards Oxford’s Old Bodleian Library, just as the rain started. “Hi, Lucy,” called Vana, to a red-headed student who was sheltering from the shower. “You OK?”

  “Good, thanks,” smiled Lucy, “just been studying for the next test.”

  “Effin’ bollocks! Again! How have I forgotten? When is it?”

  “Don’t worry, it’s not an official test – just a group one. Anyway, must be on my way, email chat later?”

  “Sounds good.”

  “You know, she’d be hot if she lost the glasses,” remarked Matthew, looking back at Lucy. “Hey, you,” retorted Vana, “keep those wandering eyes on me – darling! Anyway, you’re right, she would. She’s also a bit of a swat, but she’s useful.” Matthew smiled. “I love winding you up. Right, tell me again why we’re here?”

  “We need to find out exactly what we’re dealing with. We are not going back to Zoe’s house again without doing some research.” Matthew looked confused. “I’m lost again. What are you talking about? What’s wrong with Zoe’s house?”

  Neither he nor Steven could remember anything that had happened during the spooky night at Zoe’s.

  4

  After swiping their university cards, Vana and Matthew entered the impressive building. Despite it being late on Saturday afternoon, the place was still busy with students milling around – some searching the shelves, and others sitting quietly, reading ahead for their forthcoming seminars. The library was always full of students because it was a reference library; the books could not be borrowed.

  Vana knew exactly where she was heading as she had already done a quick on-line search of the catalogue. The pair went to a small reading room, which contained four mahogany desks, with reading lamps. The walls were wood panelled and contained shelves of books of all shapes and sizes, dating back to the 17th century. This was the Paranormal Section, and covered everything from early witchcraft to modern-day ghost hunting.

  Matthew watched as Vana put on a pair of white gloves before she took two old volumes from the shelves and placed them carefully on one of the desks.

  “What on earth are you looking for?”

  “I’m just checking something. Give me a minute.”

  The two books
that Vana had selected were Traveller’s Magic by J C Greenwich, and The Origins of Witchcraft by A P Peppers. The first book was leather bound, with a Celtic cross entwined with twisting branches and leaves on the front cover. It was full of research covering gypsy magic and curses. Peppers’ book contained witchcraft and spells, and had a Pagan symbol of a Pentacle on the front cover.

  “Where the heck is it?” muttered Vana as she searched for another book. “It should be on this shelf – Pantel, Parkinson, Peckmore... but no more Peppers.”

  “Come on, babe,” nagged Matthew, “is this going to take long? I’m getting bored now.”

  “Please bear with me,” she replied, turning on the lamp. She started to flick through The Origins of Witchcraft and was soon gripped with the writing and diagrams. She quickly read the spells from the relevant sections before taking photographs of them, and then moved onto the next book.

  “Come on, babe. How much longer?”

  “I’m almost done. Give me a break – this is important.”

  Matthew got up from his chair, smiled, and moved over to Vana. He stood in front of her, and started to undo his shirt buttons. “Bloomin’ heck! Not now, Matthew,” groaned Vana, totally engrossed in the book. He took no notice and continued stripping. Vana laughed. His attempts at library sex soon halted when they heard crisp footsteps echoing in the corridor. Vana’s neck hairs slowly raised as the door opened. A small, elderly lady, dressed in plain colourless clothes, and wearing glasses – popped her head into the room.

  “Don’t forget we are closing in ten minutes, dear. I hope you found what you were looking for? If not, I will be around for the next few minutes.” With that, she pulled the door closed behind her as she left the room. “Yes, hang on – excuse me,” started Vana. She followed her out into the corridor. “There appears to be a book missing...”

  No reply. The corridor was empty, but there was a strange, musty scent wafting around.

  42: What did the vicar say?

  1

  Sunday dawned – a bright, sunny start to the day, and Vana was making toast in the small kitchen when Zoe walked in. “Morning, someone’s up early,” said Zoe, putting on the kettle. Vana sat at the table. “Well, when Matt wakes up I find it difficult to nod back off again,” she replied, with a mouth full of toast. “Their morning run?” asked Zoe, Vana nodded.

  “Hey, that reminds me,” said Zoe, “where did you two sneak off to last night?”

  “We stopped off at the library.”

  “The library? What for?”

  “Research, of course.”

  “Vana, I don’t know if it’s the drugs, but my head’s out there,” she said as she pointed to a small yard, “looking in through the window; you’ve lost me.” Zoe carried a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee over to the table and sat down. “What were you researching?”

  “You know – how the fuck we’re going to get rid of your adopted grandmother.” Zoe displayed a blank expression. “Oh her.” Vana placed her right hand on Zoe’s forearm. “We’ll get through this.” Zoe just smiled, her mind wandered briefly, and then she continued to enjoy her breakfast. “Well, you’ve gained my interest. What did you find out?”

  “I could only find two books that seemed to be of any help. And they both talked about the same thing on banishing them...” Zoe interrupted, “which is?” she asked, rolling her left fingers. “You must get rid of everything from the area that belonged to that person,” replied Vana, drinking her tea.

  “But we’ve already done that, and she’s still around the place. What else did they say?”

  “Only one option remains...”

  “And that is?”

  “Having a vicar or priest bless the house.” Zoe frowned, a look of anxiety on her face. Vana continued. “I know, before you say anything, I have thought about this – we’ve got to at least try. It really is simple; we just attend today’s Sunday Service at the local church and then approach the vicar afterwards.” Zoe nodded. “OK. You’re right, we do need help. What time does the service start?” she asked, scraping the final drops of milk from the bowl.

  “According to the internet, 9.30.”

  Zoe checked her watch; it was 8.51 am. “OK let’s do it. I’ll be ready in ten,” she said, placing her bowl and cup in the sink.

  2

  The church was a small, old, cold building – traditionally built in the shape of a cross, with no more than 12 pews on either side of the centre aisle. As the girls walked towards the altar, Vana stared intently at Jesus on the Cross. Sunlight flooded in through two ornately decorated stained-glass windows depicting Mary and baby Jesus.

  The congregation was mostly the middle-aged and the elderly. There weren’t any teenagers taking up positions in the pews; the only young folk in attendance had been dragged there by their parents. Vana and Zoe sat down next to an old lady, dressed in a purple full length skirt, with a matching jacket. “I absolutely love your brooch,” said Vana, as her eyes marvelled at a diamond encrusted silver harp pinned to the lady’s jacket. In turn, the lady shone the whitest false teeth grin the girls had ever seen. “Thanks dear; it’s wonderful to see some younger faces joining us today,” she said, joyfully.

  The service lasted a little under 40 minutes, with the usual hymn singing and sermons. The only two teenagers in the church secretly enjoyed the uplifting experience. What Vana did notice was an elderly lady, dressed to the nines, sitting alone at the back of the church. Throughout the duration of the service she was constantly wiping tears that streamed down her face. Vana guessed that she’d recently been widowed. It was whilst she looked at her that a dark shadow flew behind the lady and hid behind a stone pillar. Vana rubbed her eyes, and then stared back at the lady, who suddenly stood up, and walked towards the exit. Had something or someone spooked her?

  3

  Vana and Zoe remained seated until the last few members of the congregation had chatted, shook hands with Reverend Carmichael, and left. It was only then that they calmly approached him; he winked and smiled as they came close. Zoe, in particular, looked nervous; he knew instantly that something was bothering her. “Please tell me what is troubling you my dears?” he said, as he ushered them towards a pew. Vana told him what had happened during the course of the week and the vicar sat there, listening intently, nodding his head in encouragement. This wasn’t the first time he’d heard ghost stories. He, himself, had had an experience when he was ten years old, and he knew what bad spirits were capable of doing. By the time Vana had finished talking Zoe was in a flood of tears. Vana handed her a packet of pocket tissues.

  “Don’t worry Zoe,” reassured Carmichael, as he held her hand, “I will help you. How are the lads you mentioned taking it?”

  “That’s the problem; they can’t remember a damned thing!” Vana paused to look at Carmichael, who smiled. She carried on. “Sorry. It’s as if they’ve blocked the event from their memory.”

  “From what I’ve read, and going off my own experiences, some people have that reaction; the mind can’t distinguish between what’s real and what’s fiction. From the sound of it, it’s probably best they keep it that way. I suggest you refrain from talking about the subject with them. Then, once the evil has moved on – and if their memories do return – at least the atmosphere will be at peace.”

  “How can we get rid of her?” asked Zoe, wiping her eyes. “Give me one minute,” he said, before walking into a side room next to the front door which housed the usual cleaning materials, along with cardboard boxes containing scented candles and wooden crosses which were all neatly stacked on metal shelves. He opened a box, and took out three small crosses. As he did, he noticed a damp, musty smell lingering in the air.

  4

  Vana was comforting Zoe by the time Carmichael returned. “I don’t think the curse is broken, and, it seems to me, something that belongs to her is still in the house. I believe it’s this item that’s producing the negative energy that resides in the property, and it’s probably th
is negativity that’s caused you to become unwell, Zoe.”

  “That’s impossible! We only found the painting,” interrupted Vana. “That may well turn out to be the case, but with her appearing to the police officers, I can only believe she’s still in the house,” said Carmichael, making eye contact with each of them in turn, “and it is for that reason I shall bless these crosses for you, and pray for both of your families.”

  Carmichael took the girls’ hands, placed them together and then put the crosses on top. “Now, I want you to keep one cross on your person – it can be on a chain or in a pocket – and one is to be hung in the affected house. There is an evil out there that only the select few can see, but these should offer you some protection. Hopefully you should notice a difference in the atmosphere, but if nothing changes I want you to give me a call.” He took out two business cards from his pocket.

  “Thank you,” the girls replied.

  5

  “Vana, you know, when Reverend Carmichael took hold of our hands did you feel a...”

  “I know exactly what you’re going to say,” replied Vana. “My hands were boiling, and they felt as if they were on fire.”

  “Mine too.”

  “Right, it’s payback time – let’s get rid of the bitch,” said an upbeat Vana.

  Carmichael watched, thoughtfully, as the girls walked down the path, arm-in-arm. He frowned – the story of the travellers had triggered a memory.

  43: He can’t help you

  1

  Carmichael walked into his small, dark office – which housed an oak wardrobe, a bookcase, and an old, stained desk. The only sunlight came through a small mullioned window.

  “It’s lovely and warm in here,” he said, as he warmed his hands over a small oil-filled radiator. He approached the desk, turned on the lamp, and booted up his laptop. He sat down, and sighed. “Ellwood, Ellwood – I know that name? Where have I seen it? Of course, yes, the journal.” He opened one of the drawers and searched amongst the contents. “OK – here we go. Now, think, what year was it?”