Spiritwalker

by Siobhan Corcoran

  Anna watched from the back seat as they journeyed into the night. She prayed that it wasn't going to be a long trip. She now understood the urgency of Simi's appeal, when she had come to her in the night to warn her that Jane hadn't much time. Little more than a week at best Anna thought as they drove through the night. Sitting in the back she lost track of time, they must have been travelling for nearly two hours. He had stopped briefly at a motorway service station to refill with diesel and he had returned with a shopping bag of groceries. Anna stayed in the vehicle not wanting to leave Jane by herself. It still hadn't registered with her that he was headed for Dover until he pulled into the ferry port. “Oh no!” Anna gasped as she realised where she was and where he was going. Not France she prayed in vain. Kingston handed the port official his passport and travel documents. He was told to hurry that the ferry was leaving shortly. On to the ferry he drove smiling at how easy it had been.

  What should she do? She couldn't leave Jane now. The ferry only took just over an hour to France. What if she couldn't get back to her body in time to alert the police or Morley? Kingston could be going anywhere in France or Belgium, anywhere on the continent in fact. She had never travelled so far from her body before and was worried how long it would take to get back. It wasn't that she was afraid that she couldn't return, she was certain she could. It was the water that worried her. She couldn't cross large expanses of water. It did something to her, made her feel all strange; made her want to float away into oblivion. She had tried crossing water a few times, the lake near her home when she was younger but every time she tried she got lost and eventually woke up not knowing how she got back to her body. The last time she had tried she had awoken to discover her sister sitting beside her bed calling her name. She had lost a full afternoon not knowing what had happened. She vowed from then on not to try again. Perhaps it will be different this time she persuaded herself. I'll just stay in the Land Rover with Jane and wait until we reach land. Maybe if I'm in a vehicle I'll be fine. The first half an hour of the sailing was fine. She just concentrated on staying where she was. Kingston had gone somewhere so she was alone with Jane beneath her feet. It was the remainder of the journey that was the problem. She could feel the pull of the water and she had to make a supreme effort to remain where she was. The water tugged at her spirit it was becoming impossible to ignore. She never thought she would be glad to see Kingston when he unlocked the door and sat back in. She watched barely able to concentrate as he keyed an address into his sat nav. She knew they must be close to port now. If she could only hang on for a few more minutes, she would be on land again and it would renew her strength. She knew it was in vain she felt the call of the sea and she hadn't any more strength to resist. The last thing she remembered was her spirit floating up, away from the Land Rover, away from the ferry and into oblivion.

  Chapter thirty four

  He was relieved to finally reach the port. So far everything was going according to plan. Now all he had to worry about was getting past the port officials. It wasn't usually a problem he had never been stopped and searched before. Luck was with him that morning. A group of young people, looking suspiciously like hippies, the type that always get searched, had been pulled over and their camper van was being searched by customs officers. He was only asked to show his passport and after the official gave a cursory glance at it and in the back window of the Jeep he was waved through. He weaved his way through the French towns and finally the Sat Nav informed him that he had reached his destination. The Green's villa was down a private cul-de-sac, overlooking the sea. It was a typical French building, the whiteness of the wall contrasted with the greenness of the surrounding gardens. The front lawn was as smooth and level as a football pitch. He found the key where he had been told, unlocked the front door, entered the security code and he was in. He heaved a huge sigh of relief, he had made it. He carefully checked every room, he wanted one that was secure enough to hold Jane. Upstairs he found the perfect one. The shutters were secure and the door was sturdy, it had a small en suite with only a tiny window. No fear that she could escape through that he calculated. Satisfying himself that no one else was around, that he wasn't being watched by prying eyes he returned to the Land Rover and released Jane from her prison. The feeling that he was being watched had long gone and he was totally relaxed. Just him and Jane and all the time in the world for her to get better and for them to start their new lives afresh.

  Jane was still unconscious as he carried her up the stairs and into the bedroom. He lay her on the bed, she was just beginning to come around from the effects of the strong sedative he had given her earlier. She moaned loudly and her body began to shake violently, her head which had been lolling to one side now jerked uncontrollably, and froth was spilling from her mouth. “Shit, what's happening?” He said aloud as he inserted his finger into her mouth to make sure she didn't swallow her tongue. He remembered Dr. Naizi telling him to be careful with the sedative, as it was liable to cause seizures if over used. He made up his mind to cut back on it and only to use it on Jane if absolutely necessary. He held her tightly to him and waited for the seizure to pass. She moaned again and her eyes fluttered open. It took her a moment to register his presence, she was still groggy from the drugs. Her feeble attempts to push against him went unnoticed. He stroked her hair and continued to hold her. She eventually ceased struggling and just gave up realising it was futile.

  “May I have a glass of water?” She managed to say despite the dryness of her tongue. It felt like a hard dry lump in her mouth. She tried to lick her parched lips but failed. Smiling he lay her down on the bed and covered her with the comforter from the end of the bed.

  “I'll be back in a few minutes.” He assured her as he left locking the door behind him. He returned with a large pitcher of water and filled a glass for her. She drank thirsty, her tongue slowly began to feel normal again and she was beginning to feel revived. He allowed her to drink as much as she wanted, then he told her to rest. Locking her in once more, satisfied that there was no way she could injure herself or escape, he left and went into the adjoining bedroom. He was exhausted from the lack of sleep the night before and the stress of the past few weeks. He fell fast asleep and it was mid-afternoon before he woke up.

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  As soon as Jane was left alone she tried to sit up and heave herself out of the bed and failed, she was very weak and quiet groggy still. He hadn't restrained her in any way and it was the first time in days that he hadn't drugged her. She didn't think it was an oversight, more likely he was certain that there was no way of escape and nothing with which she could injure herself. He has even taken the glass and pitcher with him, she thought bitterly as she studied her new surroundings. It was daytime outside that much she was sure of. The beams of light were breaking through the window shutters. Where has he taken me? She wondered as she looked around her new prison. The room was large enough but devoid of any ornaments or pictures. A large tapestry hanging on the wall opposite was the only decoration. The walls were of an uneven stone and painted white, and the floor had dark terracotta tiles. The interior reminded her of her holiday home in Spain. It had that same cool Mediterranean feel to it. Had he taken her to Spain? it wasn't her holiday home in on the Costa del Sol but it might be his. She dismissed that thought, how could he possibly have smuggled her out of Britain. Even if he had her passport surely someone would have noticed the state of her and asked questions. It never dawned on her that he might have taken her to France on the ferry, since she didn't remember the ferry trip.

  Lying back against the pillows she began to asses her situation. What could she do? She was no longer wanted to die, she wanted to live, and she wanted to be free again. She missed her family, her daughters, her sister, even her two timing husband. She wasn't going to let this bastard win. He wasn't going to get away with kidnapping her. She thought about the things she could do. I can't do much like this, she thought as she examined her too thi
n body, he's too strong for me to fight. I'm going to have to outwit him. She decided her best course of action was to let him think he was winning, that she was finally giving in. He wanted a wife and family, well she was bloody well going to make him believe that that was what she wanted too. Her heart went cold as she remembered how he had told her he was going to bring Sassy to her. She had to get him to forget any thoughts of her niece. She didn't want him to start thinking that they could have a baby together, the thought of sex with him made her want to gag. So far, apart from that first night when she had allowed him to drive her home, he hadn't laid a hand on her sexually. First though she knew she had to regain her strength again. She realised that she had to start eating, she had barely eaten a thing since her capture and it showed. Her ribs were protruding through her skin, she looked skeletal. However long it took, she was going to gain her strength and his trust. She remembered the dream she had last night, she had seen her guardian angel. A beautiful apparition had come to her and promised to help. She had been falling further and further into a deep despair until that moment, only wishing for a swift death. That angel had strengthened her spirit and her resolve. She hadn't been one to believe in God or the afterlife until then, she remembered something her mother used to say to herself and Eva when they were growing up. “God helps those who help themselves.” Well by fuck, she thought I’m going to give God every chance to help me.

  She dozed again the effects of the drugs he had her last night still hadn’t worn off. She didn't awaken until she heard the key turning in the lock. Kingston arrived in with a tray, on it was a bowl of steaming soup and thick slices of French bread.

  Now it begins. She told herself, sitting up in the bed, she smiled at him.

  “God I'm starving” She told him. She was rewarded by the brightest smile she had ever seen on anyone's face. He looked relieved and happy as though all his birthdays had come at once.

  Jane forced herself to eat all the soup and some of the bread. Her stomach was protesting, after days of barely eating anything, it had shrunk and was trying to cope with the unexpected feast it was given. She finished all of the soup and was surprised at how much stronger she felt now that she had some nourishment inside her. She was feeling positive for the first time in a long time and it felt good. She asked him for a glass of water, he left taking the tray and its contents with him and carefully locking the door as he went. She sighed it was going to take time for him to trust her but she knew by his reaction at her sudden interest in food that it would happen. He returned with a glass of water and a cup of tea. She drank the water first then savoured the hot, sweet tea, she had forgotten how much she loved a cup of tea. He had even remembered to put a couple of biscuits on the side of the saucer. She savoured every bite, considering it a bite closer to freedom. After listening to more of his wittering’s about how glad he was that she was showing signs of improvement and how good their lives could be together, once she understood how much he loved her. She was worn out, trying to smile and seem interested. It was taking a lot more effort than she had thought possible. Finally she told him that she was exhausted and needed to sleep. She watched as he almost skipped out of the room. If it had been anybody else, she would have laughed at their enthusiasm. She just wanted him to drop dead. Once more he locked her in. She could hear him whistling outside the door as he went.

  He brought her more food some hours later and she fought her way through it bite by bite. He left her for the night and she was surprised at how well she had slept. When she awoke the following morning she felt renewed, stronger. She was going to try and get him to take her outside today. She was able to get out of bed without feeling faint, her legs felt stronger. Her years of long runs, almost every day were standing to her now. She was regaining strength fast, she no longer needed to hold on to something while walking. He arrived in to her early the following morning, he was all smiles as he watched her eat the breakfast he had brought her with enthusiasm. She decided that it was time to broach the subject of a trip outside. He looked at her for a moment as though he could hardly believe what she was saying before smiling broadly and saying.

  “Do you think you're up for it so soon?” He looked at her slightly concerned.

  “Oh yes.” she enthused. “It looks like a beautiful day outside. I think it would do me the world of good to even just sit in the sunshine for a while.”

  “Then outside you shall go.” he assured her and she felt certain then that it would be easier than she had first thought to gain his trust. It was obvious even to a blind man that he believed in his delusions totally. He really thinks that I will begin to love him and want to be with him forever. She almost felt sorry for him until she remembered that hostages often began to feel an empathy for their captors, what's it called again she mused, but the term escaped her. I'll be dammed if I’m going to start to feel sorry for that bastard she fumed inwardly.

  After helping her to shower and dress, which she found totally humiliating, he agreed to take her outside. He had to carry her down the stairs as her legs were still too weak to hold her weight for long. The warm mid-morning sun on her face lifted her spirits. He walked her over to a sun- lounger and carefully helped her to lay on it. She basked there for a long time, staring at the magnificent views out across the water. He couldn't do enough for her, bringing her cups of hot tea and sandwiches anything she could possibly want. He turned on the radio for her to listen to some music. It was only then that she realised where she was. The DJ on the radio was speaking French. She had to be in France, that would make more sense, she thought as she looked aroun her. It didn't have the same feel to it that Spain had, yet she knew in her heart that she was no longer in Britain. He must have hidden her in the boot of his car that must have been an awful risk to take. She knew now that she had to tread carefully. If he was willing to risk getting caught then he was very dangerous indeed. Not that she had doubted for a moment how crazy he was. She remembered how he had dealt with Sylvia, a tear escaped down her cheek. She scolded herself, she had to forget about Sylvia…at least until she got out of his clutches…then he would pay dearly for what he had done to her. She forced herself to remember happier times and slowly she relaxed again. She had a contented smile on her face as she thought of happier times spent with her family. He glanced over at her and he was delighted to see a smile on her face. He thought she was thinking of their new lives together.

  Later that evening after Jane had a nap, Kingston set the dining room table and he cooked dinner for both of them. He was almost shy when he asked her if she would like to join him. He looked like the cat that got the cream when she readily accepted. She enjoyed a couple of glasses of red wine with her food, and smiling all the way through the evening she continued to plot her escape.

  Chapter thirty five

  “I think she's waking up.” Were the first words Anna heard as she slowly opened her eyes.

  “Anna, Anna, oh god it’s good to see you.” She heard as she slowly began to register the owners of the voices.

  “What happened? Where am I?” Anna asked confused, she was wondering why she was in bed and Morley and Eva were both looking down at her and wearing silly grins.

  “You're in hospital, we couldn't wake you so we had to call an ambulance. They brought you here.” Eva answered.

  “Did something happen. I don't understand. Was I in an accident?” Anna asked sitting up.

  “No your fine, Mrs Westhall couldn't get you on the phone and she got worried. She called me and we found you at her sister's house. We couldn't wake you so we had to call an ambulance. Morley was looking concerned at her lack of memory.

  “I'm sorry, I don't remember any of that. Why was I at you sister's house?” She asked looking at Eva.

  “You rang me and said you had a lead and asked if you could stay at Jane's place. Did you find out where Jane is?” Anna tried to remember.

  “I'm sorry I don't remember anything. How long have I been here?” She was starting to get wor
ried herself now.

  “You've been here for two days.” Morley said

  “Two days?” Anna said incredulously.

  “What's the last thing you remember?” He asked

  “Okay, let me think. I remember I had a meeting with Richard Kingston in the afternoon and I met you for lunch.....That's it. I don’t remember anything else. Two days! How did that happen?”

  “You rang me at around three thirty and said you had a lead and asked if you could stay at Jane's place. The housekeeper let you in at around four. That was on two days ago. I wasn't able to reach you that night. I figured you were just busy but when I couldn't reach you again yesterday I rang Inspector Morley and we found you upstairs in the guest bedroom.” Eva explained.

  “We tried everything to wake you. We thought you know.... That you were just in one of your trances. We waited for ages....Then we began to get worried that someone had drugged you or done something to you, so we rang for the ambulance. They haven't been able to wake you either.....until now.” Morley stated.

  “I must have got lost. Or gone too far.” Anna said. Both of her visitors looked baffled.

  “Has this happened before?” Morley asked

  “Yes. But I've never been gone for two or three days before. “Anna said. “I remember one day years ago I was practising leaving my body and I was following my parents, they were going to Cork by car. I just wanted to see how far I could go, I decided to turn back after a few miles, everything was fine until I tried to cross a lake, the water… it does something to me. I began to get disorientated and next thing I remember, I was at home in my bed. My sister was calling my name and shaking me. She looked terrified cause Mum and Dad were away and she didn't know what to do. She said I had been like that for hours… That was the first time. I soon realised that I couldn't cross water without something strange happening to my spirit. I would just drift away”