Indwell (Chasing Natalie's Ghosts)

by Nicole Smith

  “I wasn’t spying on you, if that is what you’re thinking. A lot of the information we have is from our Seekers and what the spirits allowed them to know. I met you the first time at Shelly’s. When I decided to introduce myself to you at that party, I had to cloud your memory of me. I didn’t want to scare you and I knew I couldn’t lose you. I did see you a number of times with Adam, I am sorry for that. I was as captivated as he was. I couldn’t take him away from you. I didn’t want to hurt you. I knew you would never forgive me if I did,” he explained.

  I appreciated this answer to my unasked question. We sat in silence for a long time. I knew I had more questions but I couldn’t put them into words right now. Adam was on my mind. As much as I loved Hayden now, Adam was my first love, my beautiful savior. I missed him. I pulled myself together knowing he was gone from me now. That’s when my questions returned to me.

  “Who are these Seekers?” I asked. He nodded understanding my interest in whatever he could tell me about them.

  “The Seekers have been around for as long as there have been humans dying. They were just unorganized and unaware of what they were supposed to do. Over many years they have gained control of their abilities, gathering people together with the same talents. Some of them are very old, very wise but very old. We still don’t know for sure how long we can actually live so we are constantly looking for new Seekers. You have been chosen. We need you to add young blood to our assembly. Your talents are better than any of ours. We need to know how the light will help you. What more will you be able to do and see?” he paused as he looked into my eyes. He seemed excited but I wasn’t too sure if I really wanted to see more.

  “The center of our operations is situated in South America. They are in a very remote area, deep in the woods. Access is only available by plane. The light is held and protected there. It is stored hundreds of feet underground. Access is limited to only a few. If word got out that this light could make you strong and young forever we could have a battle on our hands. The gift is only given to a precious few that can be trusted, aside from benefiting in the harvesting of light they have to be true to the mission and not let any information leak to the wrong people. I know I said they questioned your emotional stability, but they don’t question your gift. They need you. I hope you will accept their offer,” he explained.

  “If I do, what will be the next step?” I asked.

  “We will travel to them. You will be sworn to secrecy and given the light. Upon your return home our orders will be sent to us occasionally when the need arises. Sometimes we will have to travel. All costs and accommodations are taken care of. They update our passports and provide for transportation, anything to make our job easier. Trust me Natalie I will always be with you, for as long as you want me to be that is,” he said looking down. I wanted to hold him but I couldn’t yet. I still needed to know more.

  “How do you capture them?” I asked standing up, trying to ignore his plea for reassurance about us.

  “Once we identify our phantom targets we watch them, as I’ve said to determine how aware they are of their strengths and boundaries, if any. We watch for how they create havoc and we look for their weaknesses. They all have one and that’s what we use to trap them. We then insert a Kris, which is a thin curvy knife, into their sides. It actually doesn’t really matter where on their bodies you stab them, because obviously they don’t have vital organs or blood anymore. The reason we use a Kris is because it is believed to be possessed and sacred. There is a long story to it which I will tell you eventually. Once the Seekers hand is on it and it connects with the phantom then they are subdued by the slight transfer of the light from us to them. The Seeker then has control and can see the phantom only as a globule or an orb. Once in this form we can transfer them safely to a GTV or a Globule Transport Vehicle, were they are sealed for travel. A call is made and they are picked up or in some extreme cases we have to personally escort them to the center. As far as the extracting of their light, that cannot be explained in words. You will have to experience that first hand. Trust me it is not painful or scary to watch. It is quite spectacular actually and I know you’re wondering about the souls of the captured. You will soon see that it sets them free. They are happy to leave this world. Again their binds are broken, all their hatred and anger is released and they are left unburdened and blissful. That’s not to say they will not be held accountable in the next life for I am unaware of what happens to us truly after death.”

  I was satisfied that he had told me as much as he could. He was looking at me, searching my eyes for a reaction. A stared at him, noticing his deep blue eyes had little specks of grey in them. Why had I not noticed that before? His dark hair even seemed lighter, softer. I couldn’t resist him anymore. I couldn’t ignore my desire to touch him and hold him any longer. I slowly reached my hand up and ran my fingers through his hair. His eyes closed as he gently held his hand on top of mine. I ran a finger down his cheek, outlining his high cheekbones and defined chin. I touched his lips with my fingers. He held the back of my head carefully pulling me towards him. I couldn’t resist even if I wanted to. I kissed him. His enthusiasm matched mine as he swiftly pulled me onto him. We belonged together. The decision was made long before we met. Who was I to change our fate?

  15. THE JOURNEY

  I awoke the next morning to Hayden lying on his side watching me sleep. He was smiling and stroking my arm. I sighed, feeling very content. He grinned at me as I snuggled closer to him. He was staring at me as if he wanted to take in every moment. He inhaled deeply and then rolled over on to his back.

  “We have to prepare to leave today Natalie,” he told me.

  “Where are we going?” I was nervous now. Why did we have to go? I was relieved that he did say we though. I couldn’t imagine being away from him now.

  “We will be leaving tonight after I have secured their newest request.” He was looking up at the ceiling as though he had more on his mind than he was telling me.

  “Do you need my help?” I asked already knowing his response.

  “I can’t allow you to help me yet, as much as I wish you could. You have to meet me when it’s over. I will give you a detailed map and have you drive there later this morning. I need to gauge how long it will take you and you’ll need to know exactly which route to take to get there.” I frowned at his plan.

  “That would be a plan if I knew how to drive,” I informed him of our little dilemma.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t know. When we get back I’m teaching you to drive. I’ll call a cab for you then. You will have to walk from the street where he drops you off down to the pier. We have to take a boat across the lake then board a plane on the other side.” He jumped out of bed. I knew he was anxious now to make sure the day went smoothly. He was a very organized and in control kind of man. He pulled two suitcases out of the hall closet and gave one to me.

  “Pack enough clothes for about five days and remember it will be warm,” he ordered.

  “That would be a plan too if I had enough clothes to last five days. I guess I could wear a nightie on the last day,” I sighed. He quickly walked over to me and picked me up.

  “What am I going to do with you?” he said as he kissed me sweetly.

  “Don’t worry about the clothes, just pack what you have and I’ll take care of the rest later my darling,” he told me as he put me back down.

  “What time do you have to leave?” I asked. I didn’t like the idea of being separated for too long.

  “I’ll leave around ten tonight and I won’t be too long. I’ll call you after I’ve called the cab. Just be waiting in the lobby downstairs after I call and when you get to the dock call me on this cell phone. I’ve already entered my number.” He handed me a slim black phone.

  “Nice! Thank you. Can I call you anytime?” I opened the phone and found his number.

  “Well I’m hoping you won’t have too many occasions to call. I don’t plan on being away from you that much,” he gr
inned back at me as he left the room. I melted. What have I done to deserve such a beautiful and sweet man? I shuddered, thinking of him out there tonight capturing the evil undead. I know that he has done it before, but at least I didn’t know about it then. I breathed in heavily and decided I had to be strong. I quickly dressed and joined him for breakfast.

  “So how long will the flight be?” I asked casually. Inside I was terribly frightened. I had never been on a plane before. I had no idea what to expect or what would be waiting for us when we landed.

  “Well, we’ll be in the air for about ten hours or so, maybe longer. Please don’t worry too much my little one. I will not leave your side and anything you need I’ll take care of it. Are you okay with all this?” he asked.

  “Don’t I need a passport?” I asked, still nervous. Did he really think I could travel?

  “I’ve taken care of all the paper work. I don’t want you to worry.” He took my hands now in his, sensing my fear.

  “Don’t you need a picture or something?” I asked still unsure.

  “I have pictures of you darling. I actually have quite a few from when I was watching you.” He regretted what he said as soon as he said it. He closed his eyes tightly before looking back at me.

  “I’m sorry. I know you should hate me for what I have done. You probably don’t trust me at all but I promise I will earn your trust back Natalie,” he sounded confident as he looked me in the eyes and squeezed my hands. I nodded, unsure of how to reply. I had so many doubts, not only in us but in myself.

  Hayden was on the phone and working in his study most of the day. I snuck in a few times just to see him. He always stopped what he was doing to hold me. In the late afternoon he grabbed his keys and kissed me quickly.

  “I just have to run out for a bit. I will be back, just stay here and don’t go anywhere. Call me if you need me,” he was smiling as he kissed my forehead and walked out.

  I was having trouble sitting still. I wished I could have gone with him. I paced around the rooms. I would have cleaned but he had a maid that came in every week, usually before I woke up and the place was spotless. I sat down at his desk in the study. I smiled, remembering when I first arrived here and he let me use his study as a bedroom. He is so sweet, I thought to myself again. I flipped open the book he had on the top of his desk. It was well worn. It was bound in old leather. The pages were yellow. It looked like it should have crumbled with every touch. I flipped it open to where he had placed his book mark. I was shocked by the chapter’s title, ‘The Capture of the Lechers.’

  Who was he going after tonight? This assignment was not a normal one for him. That’s when it hit me. My fear took over and I began to panic. I felt like my blood was draining from my head all the way down to my toes. It was a good thing I was sitting because I don’t think I could have held myself up. Hayden and I were going to be escorting this thing or things to Argentina. I was going to be in a small plane within close proximity to this poltergeist for ten hours, maybe more.

  “I can’t do this,” I whispered. No, I have too. Hayden needs me. I have to collect myself. I will just try not to listen to them, hopefully it’s just one. I glanced back at the book and started to read it. I was captivated. I was so engrossed with the specific details of the capture that I hadn’t heard Hayden enter. He was standing in the doorway eyeing the book in my hands. I noticed the frown on his face as I looked up at him. He swiftly grabbed the book and placed it on the desk.

  “Sorry,” I apologized, sensing his anger.

  “No please don’t be sorry. I understand your curiosity. I just can’t put you in any danger yet. You are too fragile to handle this. Please understand. I need you in one piece,” he explained, grinning, as he pretended to pat me down, looking for broken bones. I laughed as he tickled me.

  “I missed you,” I told him as I wrapped my hands around his neck and he kissed me softly, he pulled me to him firmly but carefully. I didn’t want him to stop and he didn’t.

  “I picked you up a few things for the trip,” he told me as he was preparing a late dinner.

  “No, you shouldn’t have. Is that why you went out?” I asked, feeling bad.

  “No, I had to pick up some things to bring to Clive too. I asked the concierge to call his sister. She owns a boutique. I gave her your sizes and she quickly put together a full suitcase for you,” he explained pointing to the lovely red suitcase by the door. I stared at him, unmoving. I hadn’t realized I was crying. He walked over to me and held my chin in his hand. He wiped my tears away and kissed me. I could tell he was trying not to laugh at me.

  “Thank you,” I managed to say through my tears.

  “I love taking care of you, Natalie. It makes me feel good knowing at least the little things are taken care of. Please don’t feel indebted to me. That is not what I want. Trust me when I tell you that money is not an issue for us either. We have more important things to concern ourselves with now. That includes you, do you understand?” he asked as he swept a lock of hair off my face. I nodded, not trusting my voice yet. How could I not feel indebted to him? He rescued me out of the mental ward and saved me from either living with my abusive father or a life on the street. Now he was buying me more clothes then I’ve ever owned in my life. He feeds me three times a day. He has taken me into his warm and lavish home. He has offered me a future. I will forever be indebted to this amazing man.

  The closer it was to ten o’clock the faster my pacing was. Hayden was busy collecting his thoughts for tonight’s task. He was focused and I was reminded that tonight’s capture was riskier than most. There was a reason Hayden had to accompany him to the Seekers. Hayden told me he would be a few hours at least before he could call me. He thinks I should try and sleep? How the hell am I supposed to sleep when he’s out there doing who knows what. I wished I knew more of the capturing process. I couldn’t concentrate on anything else. As soon as Hayden walked over to me I knew it was time. I quickly grabbed his waist and sunk my head into his chest.

  “Please be careful,” I told him, squeezing him tightly.

  “I will be. I have to take care of you don’t I?” he said grinning. “Please don’t worry about me. Remember the plan and if you fall asleep turn the volume on the phone up first. I need you to catch the cab I will be sending for you. I have all the bags packed in my car and it will be parked down at the pier. I need you to just arrive safely and on time. Don’t talk to anyone, living or not. Do you understand?” I nodded, not exactly liking the tone in his voice. What did he think I was going to do? Go to a party first. He smiled sheepishly, like he read my mind.

  “I’m sorry, I’m just a bit anxious about having to be away from you. If there was any other way I promise I would have entertained it,” he held me close.

  “I know. Don’t worry about me. I will be there,” I assured him. He quickly kissed me then was gone.

  “I love you.” I wasn’t sure if he heard me. I closed the door and locked it. I held my phone. I opened it to make sure it was on and turned up the volume just in case. I wished for some reason that I could go out. A movie in a theater would be nice. I could people watch and practice my `judgment skills’. Hayden would be furious with me if I left. The cab will be coming here for me. Maybe if I’m lucky it won’t take him as long as he thought and he will call sooner. I flipped through his movie collection and decided on one of my favorite vampire flicks and made popcorn. I had trouble sitting still. I jumped whenever I heard someone in the hall. I kept looking at the phone to make sure it was still on. I made sure my purse and keys were beside the door twice. I checked the kitchen to make sure the oven was off, not like I used it though. I checked the fridge door to make sure it was closed after I had grabbed my second drink. I barely ate. I checked my makeup in the mirror. I reapplied my gloss after I brushed my teeth. I combed my straight hair again. I sprayed on some jasmine smelling body mist Hayden had bought me. I was nervous. I didn’t want to smell on top of it. I sat back down on the couch and tried to watch t
he rest of the movie.

  My heart almost stopped when the phone finally rang. I quickly tried to breathe as I grabbed the phone.

  “Hello?” I gasped.

  “Are you okay?” he answered back, anxiously.

  “I’m fine, you?” I was still trying to breathe when he answered me.

  “I’m great my darling. I have called the cab. It should be there soon. I want to stay on the line with you until you’re in the cab. So turn off that movie and leave the lights on. They’re on a timer,” he ordered. I grabbed my purse and sweater. I closed and locked the door.

  “Okay, I’m heading for the elevator.” I decided I would give him a step by step commentary. He didn’t seem to find the humor in this.

  “The doors are opening and I’m in the lobby now. I only see Gerard by the door,” I informed him.

  “Stay inside until you see the cab.”

  “Yes sir,” I replied. The other end was silent. I knew he was frustrated with my nonchalance. Gerard came in when he saw me standing there alone.

  “Good evening Natalie. Are you heading out alone tonight?” he asked. I could hear Hayden telling me to give as few details as possible. “Let him know you are meeting me for a late dinner,” Hayden quickly told me.

  “No, I’m not allowed out alone at night. I’m meeting Hayden for a late dinner,” I said smiling, knowing Hayden was cursing me.

  “Well Miss Natalie, I can’t blame him for not wanting to see you out alone in the city. There are a lot of disreputable people out there and you are a vulnerable, sweet young woman.” As he spoke he was looking me up and down, he was starting to scare me a little.

  “I’m not going far,” I replied, hoping to discourage any ideas he may be thinking. I had always thought Gerard was too nice. Hayden was always so gruff with him. I just thought he was being rude but now I wondered if he knew more than I did about him.

  “There’s my cab. See you later,” I said as he held the door open for me.