Prophecy (Soul of the Witch Book 2)

by C. Marie Bowen

  “Where have you been?” Sam straightened his jacket and lowered himself back to his seat.

  “I took a walk through the train cars.” She sat on the bench and picked up the bag of cold sausages and biscuits. “Did you know you can pass between cars? There are four in front of us. I’ve not yet explored the cars behind us.”

  “It’s not safe to walk between cars on a moving train.” Sam accepted the napkin with a biscuit and sausage from his sister.

  Cat shrugged. “Perhaps, but it’s not overly dangerous either.” She bit into her biscuit. “Rest assured, I am quite cautious.” As she swallowed the dry bread, she considered how she might escape her brother's watchful eye and visit Hunter again.

  Near midmorning, the conductor stepped into their car and cleared his throat. “Attention, please. We will pull into the Shreveport Station shortly. The train will remain at this station for thirty minutes. I encourage passengers to exit the train and to purchase food, drink, and handcrafted items from vendors in the station. This will be your last chance to get anything you might need before we reach the Fort Worth terminal.” The conductor walked at a leisurely pace through the passenger car as he spoke. “Since we are scheduled to pull into Fort Worth at 2:05 tomorrow morning, I would highly recommend making any necessary purchases at this stop.” When he reached the door at the end of the car, he turned back. “The engineer will sound the whistle once to signal those who remain in the station they should return to their seats for immediate departure.”

  Cat searched through her carpetbag and found her small reticule and counted her coins. She looked at her brother and dimpled her cheek.

  Sam rolled his eyes and withdrew his wallet from his vest pocket.

  * * *

  Sam Kline

  Sam had just grasped Cat’s hand as she stepped from the train to the platform, when he caught sight of Hunter exiting from the train several cars from their own. “Did you see Hunter on the train?”

  Cat released his hand. “See who?” She walked to the short line around a woman who sold fried chicken in small baskets.

  Sam followed. “Hunter. The man we met on the riverboat.” His height gave him an advantage, but he lost sight of the dark-haired man.

  Why would Hunter be on this train?

  Cat purchased a small basket of fried chicken. She moved to a farmer’s stand and selected several vegetables and a basket of wild berries. The farmer also sold cloth bags, so she bought one and placed all her food items inside. At the next vendor, she got three glass bottles of spring water, two flavored sodas, and two bottles of beer. She arranged all the items in her bag and handed it to Sam. “Would you carry this, please? It’s too heavy.”

  “Why did you buy so much?” He took the bag from his sister.

  “You will ask why I didn't buy more before we reach Fort Worth,” Cat admonished him. “Can you take those to our berth? I want to look at those blankets.”

  “I'm not comfortable leaving you alone.” Sam’s brow creased as he stared at his sister.

  Cat shook her head. “Don’t be silly. I'll be right here. Oh, look, jewelry!”

  Sam heaved a defeated sigh as he turned and made his way back to their car. He checked with the conductor, who had his watch in hand. They had fifteen minutes before they needed to reboard. Plenty of time for Cat to finish shopping.

  Sam hurried to their berth, stowed the food bag under their seat, then went back to the station to find his sister.

  * * *

  Hunter

  Hunter spotted Cat as she haggled for two quilted blankets. He followed her as she crossed to a display of earrings and stopped beside her.

  Cat paused to look over her left shoulder, then turned to her right and smiled at Hunter. “I thought I felt someone watching me.”

  “You were correct, ma chère.” He gestured to the jewelry display. “Do you see anything you like?”

  “Hmm. Perhaps.” Cat looked up at him through the corner of her eye and grinned.

  Caught off guard, a burst of laughter escaped Hunter. “You continue to surprise me, ma belle Cat.” Hunter chuckled and shook his head. “What am I to do with you?”

  “As to that, I’m sure I couldn't say, Mr. Hunter. I don't have a great deal of experience with men, if the truth be told. However, I do have an insatiable curiosity,” Cat responded in her straightforward fashion and an inviting smile.

  Before he could say anything, she handed him the two colorful quilts she held in her arms. “Would you hold these, please, Mr. Hunter? I believe I shall purchase a pillow as well.”

  While Cat bargained with the vendor over two pillows, Sam walked up and looked Hunter over with his steely blue eyes. “You didn't mention you’d be traveling to Fort Worth the other night.” Sam hooked his thumbs in his belt.

  Hunter regarded Sam warily. “Nor did you mention your travel plans when we last spoke, mon ami.”

  Cat completed her transaction with the pillow vendor. “Ah, Sam. Just in time.” She shoved the pillows in Sam’s midsection. “Here, take these. I found your friend from the riverboat.”

  Both men spoke at the same time.

  “He’s just an acquaintance, Cat.”

  “We’re only acquainted, Mademoiselle Kline.”

  “Hmm. Yes, well, I do appreciate your help, Mr. Hunter. I look forward to seeing you on board.” Cat took back the blankets from Hunter and turned to her brother.

  “I'm done shopping, Sam. I’m going to take these back to our seats.” Cat smiled at both men, her eyes lingering on Hunter, then she turned away and strolled toward the train.

  Hunter watched her skirt sway from her narrow waist as she walked away.

  “How does she know your name?” Sam asked.

  “She introduced herself earlier. I must say, your sister is a woman beyond my experience.” Hunter met Sam’s gaze.

  “Let's keep it that way, shall we? I don't want to have to shoot you.” Sam grinned.

  Hunter tipped his head toward Cat. “Shooting me won't solve your problem, mon ami. Your sister has a definite mind of her own. A beautiful, educated woman with an insatiable curiosity.”

  Sam turned and lifted an eyebrow at Hunter.

  Hunter chuckled. “Her words, not mine. You have your work cut out for you, Sam.”

  The men watched Cat climb the steps with the quilts in her arms and disappear into the railcar.

  “As I am finding out,” Sam sighed in resignation.

  The station had emptied as passengers returned to the train with their purchases. Sam waited while Hunter made several food purchases, then they walked together toward the train as the engineer sounded the whistle.

  “Do you remember the old man we encountered at the boarding house?” Hunter glanced at Sam as they paused to allow others to board the train.

  “I do,” Sam replied.

  “I met with him yesterday.”

  “Are you working for him, then?” Sam asked.

  “Yes, and no. I would speak with you about it, if you would be so obliged. I believe the man to be insane.”

  “Sounds interesting. If you come by later this evening, Cat should be asleep. We can discuss it then.”

  “Until then,” Hunter replied.

  “All aboard!” The conductor shouted.

  Hunter held his purchases and took an easy jaunt down the platform to his railcar. He glanced back to see Sam lean out from the train.

  He watches me.

  Hunter nodded to Sam and climbed into the second car.

  * * *

  Catherine Kline

  Catherine asked Sam to lower the overhead sleeping berth, so she could nap before they changed trains in Fort Worth. It had been a boring afternoon under Sam's watchful eye, and the continuous rocking motion of the train made her weary. She took off her shoes, closed the curtain, and curled around her new pillow and quilt. She fell asleep just before the sun went down.

  Hushed voices woke her. She opened her eyes in the darkness and listened to the men wh
o sat below her. Their voices were clear. She lay still so she could eavesdrop.

  “You went with the old man into the bayou?” Sam’s voice was low.

  “I did. He needed more money for my fee, and I wanted to see the body.”

  Hunter’s voice set tingles spiraling from her stomach. She stuffed the edge of the quilt in her mouth to quiet a giggle.

  “Body?” Sam questioned.

  “The old man believes there are witches who will call a demon. His information source was the woman he held chained in that tiny bayou cabin. According to Minister Tremble, she died after telling him this nonsense.” Tainted with disgust, Hunter’s voice sounded angry.

  “Then why take the bounty?” Sam asked.

  “He said if I didn't find the witches, he would hire someone else. He doesn't want these people brought in, mon ami. He wants me to kill them.”

  “Huh,” Sam grunted.

  Cat heard glass clink.

  Sam spoke again. “Do you want a beer? Cat bought two, and she doesn't drink it.”

  Cat bit down hard on the quilt.

  “Thank you.” Hunter replied.

  “So, he met your increased fee.” Amusement tinged Sam’s voice.

  “Well, there is that.” Hunter laughed.

  “Do you know who they are?” Sam questioned.

  “No, I don't have names or descriptions, other than evil demon summoning witches,” Hunter replied. “There is more than one individual, though. I believe there may be two or three. One of them is in the Denver area. The others are somewhere on the East Coast.”

  “He told you that?” Sam asked.

  Hunter was slow to respond. “No. Tremble could offer no information on the witches.

  Another long pause in the conversation. Cat turned her head to better hear their voices.

  Sam cleared his throat. “You went to the cabin to get blood.”

  Blood? She must have misunderstood.

  “Yes, but the body was gone, well—most of it.”

  “You tell the most unbelievable stories, Hunt.”

  “I swear to you, mon ami, he had a foot chained to the floor in that cabin. The rest of the body had been gnawed off and dragged away by alligators,” Hunter hissed.

  “Shh, you'll wake Cat,” Sam admonished.

  Cat cringed and buried her face in the pillow.

  “Sorry.”

  Both men were quiet for a few moments. She imagined they listened for her to call out as they sipped the beer she had purchased for them.

  “I'm telling the truth,” Hunter insisted. “I’ve never seen anything like it, and that’s saying quite a bit.”

  “But you did obtain the blood?” Sam asked again.

  “Some. Enough to know there is more than one individual involved. I'll try again once I reach Denver. Perhaps then I can narrow it down.”

  More silence.

  They must be drinking their beer.

  “Cat mentioned you are going to Denver also,” Hunter said softly.

  “We are. Investigative assignment. Nothing intriguing or dangerous. It seemed a perfect opportunity to spend some time with Cat.”

  “You never even told me you had a sister,” Hunter replied.

  “Twenty minutes to the Fort Worth station,” the conductor called loudly from the front of the car. “This train continues on to points west through to El Paso, Texas. Those of you who are making connections, please be sure to check your area and take all your belongings with you. We will be enjoying a brief stop in Fort Worth.”

  Cat felt Samuel knock on the bottom of her fold-down bed, and she opened the curtains to peek out. Hunter had disappeared.

  “Wake up Cat, time to pack up and change trains.”

  Chapter 18

  Amy Harris

  Amy opened her eyes. Jason lay beside her in the dark. His light, even snore not enough to disturb her.

  What awakened her?

  Did Jim or Kelly have need of her? She listened to the silence, but she was the only wakeful being in the house. With a soft sigh, she closed her eyes and reached out with her mind.

  Who stalks my dreams?

  Her heart grew heavy, suffused with anguished regret. Sorrow tore at her awareness. Silent tears spent for the lost years, the unfairness of never knowing her mother or her father.

  Moved by sympathy, Amy reached out. The moment she touched the grief-stricken soul, she recognized the Entity.

  Made aware of her presence, the Entity firmed their connection.

  In Amy’s mind, the Entity appeared as a mirror image of herself. “Who are you?” Amy whispered. Her heart pounded hard in her chest.

  The Entity mocked her movements. It raised its hand and touched the surface of the mirror as Amy did.

  “I am Alyse,” her likeness responded.

  Amy lowered her hand and so did the image in the mirror. “Are you... me?” She had never encountered anything like this before. Had her mind splintered when Jones locked her in the wardrobe?

  The mirror smiled like her, and at her, and shook its head. “I am not you, and you are not me. We are separate.”

  “I heard you weep,” Amy persisted. “Why are you so sad?”

  “Is that what drew you? My tears?”

  A surge of sorrow filled Amy’s chest. “Alyse?” Amy questioned.

  “Yes?”

  “Are you—are you in my head?”

  The question appeared to catch Alyse by surprise. The tears stopped, and she smiled at Amy. “Actually, I think you are in mine, dear sister.”

  “Sister?” Amy questioned. “I have no sisters.”

  “I understand.” Loss bound them together as the image nodded. “Nor did I, until you called to me. I felt your fear. You feel my sorrow. We’ve lived a lie, Amy. They lied to protect us.”

  Amy studied Alyse. “They?”

  “Our mother. Our grandmother.” Alyse replied.

  “Grandmother Prescott?” Amy questioned.

  “No. Grandmother James—Mémé.” Alyse gestured, and the image of a slender, elderly woman coalesced beside her in the mirror.

  “My mother's mother?” Amy searched her memory. “Is that her?”

  “Yes. She raised me.” The mirror rippled with pain and loss.

  “Are you saying—you’re real?” Stunned, Amy shook her head. “Where are you, if not in my head?”

  The figure in the glass looked around, and then turned back at Amy. “I’m on a train. The sun has just risen, and my uncles are asleep. I believe we’re still in New York, but I’m not certain.”

  “You’re coming here?”

  Am I dreaming?

  “You’re not dreaming.” Alyse touched the mirror again. “And yes, we’re coming to find you, Amy. I promised I would, remember? We’ll arrive in Denver on Sunday.”

  “I won't be in Denver on Sunday. We’ll be at the ranch by then.”

  The mirror rippled again, and panic blurred the image. “Why?” Alyse pressed both hands against the polished surface. “I must find you!”

  “You’ll find me.” Amy projected comfort. “Let me show you where I’ll be.” Amy passed all she knew about the route from Denver to The Highlands to Alyse with a thought.

  “I see.” Alyse nodded. “Wait for me there, please.”

  Jason murmured in Amy's ear and snuggled closer. He ran his hand beneath Amy's nightgown, over her hip and along her waist to her breast. He cupped the soft globe in his hand as his lips caressed the back of her neck.

  Amy caught her breath and the reflection shimmered with arousal.

  “What is that?” Alyse’s eyelids fluttered closed, and she inhaled sharply.

  “My husband is awake. I must go.” Amy explained.

  Jason rolled her toward him and ran his hand down her stomach, coming to rest between her legs.

  “No, wait!” Alyse urged.

  The connection with Alyse broke as Amy’s attention focused on her husband’s touch.

  He kissed her neck and ran his fingertips fro
m one eager nipple to the other, then slowly back down her stomach to the dark hair between her legs. He slipped his fingers inside her and stroked her sensitive silkiness. “I love you, Amy.” He kissed down her jaw until he found her lips.

  Amy moaned with pleasure and turned toward him, tangling her nightdress. Impatient, she rose to her knees, pulled the disruptive garment over her head and tossed it to the floor. She looked down at Jason. The soft morning light reflected against the blond stubble along his jaw and wild, curly hair.

  He smiled and ran his hands up her stomach to lift her breasts. “You were talking in your sleep.”

  Amy bent to place her mouth on his chest. She licked and kissed her way to his neck. “I don't talk in my sleep.” Her hand moved down his body and gripped the evidence of his desire as her lips moved up to find his.

  Their kiss deepened, and Jason groaned at Amy’s firm touch. Her mouth led his on a chase for several moments, then she lifted her head and studied his eyes. “What did I say?”

  Jason chuckled. “You want to talk now?”

  “Well, no—”

  He rolled her to her back and centered himself above her. “That’s good.”

  Amy forgot what she had asked—forgot everything, except Jason.

  * * *

  Jason read the Rocky Mountain News at the kitchen table while he sipped his tea.

  Jimmy Leigh ambled down the stairs and glanced around the kitchen. “It smells good in here.”

  Amy smiled over her shoulder and picked up an oven-cloth. “It's just biscuits and jam.” She opened the oven, pulled out a tray of biscuits and placed it on the counter to cool.

  “We ought to head back to the ranch today.” Jim took a seat at the table across from Jason.

  Jason lowered the paper and raised an eyebrow as his gaze traveled over the tall foreman. “You feel up to it?”

  “I’ve been four days without fever. My leg's about as good as it's going to get. It's time to head home.” He looked up at Amy as she set a cup of coffee at his elbow. “Thank you.”

  All the repairs, except for the porch, had been completed. Albert Fielding had agreed to supervise the porch construction, scheduled to proceed in several days. Nothing, except Jim’s recovery, kept them in Denver.