Spiritwalker

by Siobhan Corcoran

  “Are you still astral projecting Anna?”

  “Yes.”

  “Go on.” This was amazing, he'd never before had anyone in his chair that claimed to astral project. She seemed genuine. How could she be though? He could kill Cara for leaving this part out about Anna.

  “I'm in his apartment. I watch from as far away as possible. I know he can sense me. He knows someone is watching him. He searches everywhere for a camera or a bug. He doesn't find anything. He packs a bag and leaves his apartment. I hope he's going to Jane. He doesn't, he drives for a while and stops at a nursing home. I wonder if Jane is here. She isn't. There's a girl in a bed she's young she doesn't move or speak. I don't think she can. He takes a syringe out of a small case and injects her IV with some fluid. I don't like the look of that. I don't think he should be injecting her. He doesn't tell the nurse about it when she comes in. From their conversation I learn that she's his daughter. He stays for a while then he leaves. I'm hopeful again, is he finally going to Jane? He gets into his car and drives again for a while. He drives to some sort of country club. He has dinner there and copious amounts of drinks. I'm beginning to think I must have been mistaken maybe Jane isn't alive any more, maybe he's killed her and I'm too late.” Eva uttered a low painful sound and a tortured look crossed her face. Cara gave her hand a comforting squeeze and they once more turned their full attention to what Anna was saying.

  “Finally he asks for the bill and leaves. It’s really late now and he gets back into his car and drives. This time I feel a sense of purpose from him. It’s like he was only killing time. He drives for what seems like ages. Then he stops in front of some security gates. He has a remote control for opening them and he goes through. There is a large house, it’s his house. He parks his car in the garage and lets himself in. He goes into the living room or study. Still no sign of Jane or anyone else. He's very relaxed and pours himself another drink and falls asleep in a chair. I begin to wonder again if I'm wasting my time. Then he wakes up, he has a new energy about him, he hurries up stairs. He unlocks a door and switches on a light. Oh sweet Jesus, there's a woman chained to the bed. She's terrified. I can feel her terror. He approaches her and she cowers away from him. I move closer...Oh my god, its Jane. She’s almost unrecognisable.”

  Eva and everyone else in the room held their breath. Eva bit her hand so as not to make a sound and miss hearing a single word Anna says. She is bolt upright now on the edge of her seat. Everyone is totally alert.

  “What has he done to her?” David asks. Anna continues, her face contorting as she relives the sight of the pitiful creature huddled in the bed. Her voice full of emotion.

  “It’s ok Anna, just tell us where they are. Do you know the address?” David said getting his pad and pen at the ready.

  “Yes, it’s called Smythe Manor and it’s not far from South-end. I don't know the exact address cause it’s in the countryside.”

  Morley made as if to rise but David motioned for him to remain seated. He did.

  “Anna” David said. “Is Jane still there?”

  “No. I was just about to leave. I'd found her. I wanted scream, I was so happy. Then he said something that made me shudder. He said he was taking her away, they were going on a trip. I couldn't go. I had to stay with Jane. I had to find out where he was taking her to. I would have gone but I knew I could lose him again. It might take too long to get back to my body, so I stayed. Jane saw me, I'm sure of it. She looked directly at me and asked me if I was an angel, she begged me to help her. I promised I would but I don't know if she heard me.” Anna's face looked drawn and tired. She continued her narrative. “He left the room for a moment and when he came back he injected her with something and she passed out. She was still breathing I could see her chest rise and fall. He carried her to his truck and placed her in a space on the floor behind the driver’s seat. Then he locked it and placed some stuff over it. No one would ever guess she was in there. I couldn't see her anymore it was too dark. He got in and began driving. I wasn't paying too much attention, I was lost in my own thoughts just waiting for him to reach his destination so I could get Jane help.”

  “Where did he take her?” David asked calmly

  “Dover.” Was her answer. “Oh no, I can't cross the water. Oh god what should I do.” Anna was getting very distraught again.

  “Anna, Anna, calm down. You’re okay, I promise.” David said firmly. “It’s only a memory. Why can't you cross the channel?”

  Anna calmed somewhat but was still on edge. “I don't know. Water messes with my spirit. It makes me want to float away. I lose consciousness every time. I can't return to my body. I don't know what happens. I just drift.” David was amazed. This was something no one had ever said before. “What did you do Anna?”

  “I stayed with Jane.” She said firmly. “I couldn't leave her. I forced myself to concentrate on grounding my spirit and on helping Jane. I couldn't fail her now. It was awful. I fought against being swept away. I was exhausted. Then he came back to the car. I was losing the battle to stay. I was just able to last long enough to see him put an address into his sat-nav. Then I drifted slowly up and away. The car was gone, the boat was gone. I saw only the stars.”

  They were all bursting now, Eva, Morley and Cara, all waiting hoping that Anna could remember the address. David asked

  “Can you remember that address?” His voice didn't betray his emotions. It was calm and steady even though he knew the answer to this question was vital.

  “Yes. It was La rue de Saint Louis, Harfleur.” Everyone let out a breath, no one had realised that they were holding theirs in until she said the address. There was a lot of shifting of bottoms on seats. David knew his session was at an end. They had the information they needed. How much of it was true was anybody's guess. He seemed to be the only sceptic in the room and he too was fast becoming a believer.

  “Anna, when I click my fingers I want you to open your eyes, you will wake up and you will remember everything.” He snapped his fingers and she opened her eyes. Total recollection flooded her features and she burst into tears. “I remember.” Was all she said, Eva gathered her into an embrace and kissed her cheek tenderly. “You did it. You found my sister… we must go and get her” Eva said releasing Anna and turning to Morley. “Now before he moves her again.”

  Chapter thirty seven

  It was the third morning of her imprisonment in this new place. Jane paced the room, up and down she walked, planning her next move. Kingston hadn't chained her up since their move here, but he still locked her into her room at night. The shutters on the window had been removed but there was no chance of escape through it. It had metal bars on the outside as is common in a lot of properties in France, especially those that are used as holiday homes. And these were secured by a big padlock. No amount of shaking even budged them so much as an inch. Jane had given up any idea of escape that way. She knew the only way out for her was through the front door and she was biding her time. It would come, she knew that she just had to be patient and gain his trust. As usual he arrived up to her at eight am. He wore that stupid grin on his face all the time now. He was delighted to see her up and dressed and looking so well. She had improved immensely in the past two days.

  “You look fabulous my dear.” He said when he saw her. Jane smiled brightly at him. She had shifted immediately into her new role. For two days now she hadn't let it slip she had a single -mindedness about her now that even a fundamental extremist would have been proud of. Gone were all thoughts of self-harm and any thoughts of dying. She wanted to live and she intended to. She had gone over every possible escape scenario in her head and she knew that if it came to it she wouldn't hesitate to kill him. She had seen what he was capable of and she tightened her resolve.

  “Do you have to keep locking that door?” She pouted at him. Pretending it was all some game. “You have to start trusting me. I love it so much here. I wish we could stay here forever.” She gushed at him. You slimy bastard she thoug
ht to herself. And that thought cheered her and she smiled a genuine smile at him.

  “I just have to be sure, you understand, don't you. I couldn't bear to lose you.” He replied looking seriously into her eyes.

  “Of course darling, I'm just teasing.” Jane said staring back into his. “How about you take me shopping later, I don't have anything suitable to wear.” She said indicating to her tatty t-shirt and jeans.

  “You look fabulous to me.” He said “But if it makes you happy I could go and get some things for you.”

  “May I go with you? I've been cooped up in her for so long.”

  “Not today!” he said firmly. “But make a list and I'll get whatever you want. Okay honey?”

  “Please darling may I go too, pretty please.” She said smiling at him.

  “No!” He shouted, his demeanour suddenly changing. She stepped away from him hastily a look of fear crossed her face.

  “I'm sorry darling.” He said quickly regaining his composure. It’s just too soon. He had seen the look of fear on her face.

  “It’s okay, really.” She reassured him trying desperately to regain her composure. Every day she pushed him to his limits and she got a bit further each time. He still frightened the wits out of her with his sudden mood swings but she wasn't about to give up.

  “Let’s have breakfast outside this morning.” She said grabbing his hand and pulling him out the door and down the stairs. His anger quickly forgotten he trotted along happily behind her like a puppy on a lead.

  The morning was lovely and warm, birds were singing sweetly from their lofty branches, every now and then Jane would throw a few crumbs on the ground and tiny birds would venture timidly to devour them. They got bolder and bolder each time. How she envied them their freedom to fly away. She was soaking up the warm sun when suddenly Richard jumped up from his seat and grabbed her arm and pulled her into the house and dragged her up the stairs and into her room and locked the door. She hadn't been paying attention, lost in her own thoughts, she was scared, what was wrong now? He had heard a car approach and sprang into action. Jane watched from her bedroom window as the battered old green car pulled up outside. Richard rushed quickly outside as an elderly grey haired man exited the car. He squinted up at Richard and said something to him. Jane couldn't quite make out what they were saying but it was obvious that Richard didn’t want him hanging around. He practically pushed him back into his car and watched as he drove off out of sight. A moment later he unlocked her door apologising for his rudeness.

  “Who was that?” Jane asked curious. It was the first visitor they had, since they had arrived. Which wasn't surprising really they seemed to be quiet far from any other house.

  “It was only the caretaker’s husband. I had requested that he was not to come but his wife is away and he just wanted to know if we needed anything.” Richard said calmly enough but she could see that he wasn't happy about being disturbed.

  “You should have invited him in. Our first visitor.” Jane said enthusiastically, pretending not to understand why he hadn't

  He looked at her as though she had proposed he invite in a gang of rapists for tea. She almost laughed out loud at the horror on his face.

  “Perhaps next time. Besides it’s nice when it’s just the two of us.”

  They spent until the afternoon sitting outside in the garden. Jane had found some English novels in the living room and proceeded to try and read one. She found it had to concentrate on reading and frequently found herself thinking of her daughters and her husband. She could feel the melancholy drift over her, and quickly shook it off forcing herself to concentrate on the book.

  After lunch she suggested that they go and explore the property. To her surprise Richard agreed and he diligently followed as she walked the boundaries of the property. She made mental notes of the best escape routes should the opportunity arise. She had decided that she would go on foot but she knew that the Land Rover would be a better bet. Only problem was he kept the keys with him at all times. She wasn’t sure if she could get them without him noticing. She didn’t know how far she was from civilisation, she guessed that it couldn’t be too far. They walked down the tiny lane that led up to the property. It was at least a half mile long she estimated as they strolled along. They reached a bigger road and when Richard heard a car approach he quickly pulled her into the side and ordered her to lay low until it had passed. That was the end of their little excursion. He was still totally paranoid of every little sound and they walked quickly back the way they had come. Nothing else happened that day but Jane watched him like a hawk, all she needed was one opportunity and she wasn’t prepared to let it slip by. He always kept his mobile phone in a little holder on his belt. She wondered if there was a chance she could get it and phone the police. He didn't go shopping that day he was still spooked after the unexpected arrival of the caretaker’s husband and wasn't ready yet to leave Jane on her own, even if she was locked in her room. He was equally unwilling to bring her into town shopping just yet. She went to bed again that night a bit disappointed but not totally depressed. She knew he was beginning to trust her even if it was at a snail’s pace.

  Day four dawned, it was dull and drizzly outside. Jane was depressed looking out into the misty garden. Richard again appeared at eight o'clock on the dot. He was full of the joys of life, smiling and chatting as though he hadn't a care in the world. Jane switched to her enthusiastic self, she was beginning to wonder how much longer she could keep up this pleasant charade. The sight of him made her feel sick and her skin crawled. As though sensing depression was once again descending on her, he suggested that they go for a drive later on. Jane immediately cheered up, any opportunity to leave the confines of the house was agreeable. She told him she would get ready at once.

  “Do you think I could have a proper bath today?” Jane asked timidly. Up until now he had only allowed her to shower. She had seen the massive bath in the main bathroom, it had a Jacuzzi in it and she longed for a bit of pampering. Anything that would make her feel normal again.

  “Of course, my darling.” He had said looking pleased. He followed her up the stairs and stood outside the bathroom door while she ran the hot water.

  “Do you mind if I close the door?” Then seeing his expression quickly said. “It’s just a habit, the girls used to love coming in and talking to me when I was in the bath. All I wanted was a bit of privacy. Some time to myself. You understand?” She smiled sweetly at him.

  “How stupid of me, of course you should have some privacy. I'll be right downstairs if you need anything.”

  She locked the bathroom door, surprised at the feeling of power it gave her. It was the first time since she had been kidnapped that she felt good about being locked in. It was because it was her decision. Soaking away in the bath with the Jacuzzi turned on and the bubbles building up like mounds of soft snow, she turned her thoughts to escape. Perhaps today would be the day. She might get an opportunity while they were out driving. A knock on the bathroom door jerked her back to reality.

  “Are you okay in there darling. You've been over an hour. I was hoping to go soon.” Richard said

  Christ has it been that long she muttered to herself. “Just coming. I'm getting dressed now.” She hurriedly got out of the bath and dried herself and put on some fresh clothes. She didn't want him to change his mind like he had yesterday. She rummaged through the medicine cupboard for some dental floss and froze when her hand picked up a little plastic container of pills. She read the label, Diazepam. Sleeping tablets, the same brand she had been prescribed by her own doctor a while back when she had been having trouble sleeping. An idea hit her like a lightning bolt. If I can get him to take some of these without him realising it, I can get away....I'll be free.

  “Jane” he called “Are you ready?”

  She quickly pocketed some of the contents of the bottle into her jean pocket and replaced it back into the cabinet. Her heart was beating fast, her face was flushed. This was the best
chance of escape she had. Now all she had to do was appear normal and slip them into his food or drink next chance she got.

  “Everything alright?” He asked. He had been sitting on the top stair waiting for her.

  “Perfect!” She smiled. This time she didn't have to pretend, she was happy.

  The mist had developed into a very thick fog and Richard soon got tired of trying to traverse the country roads. They had barely been away an hour when he pulled back up outside the house again. Jane didn't care, she was planning over and over how she was going to administer the tablets to him. She tried to be talkative and interesting on the drive but it was getting difficult. She couldn't concentrate on much of what he was saying and he eventually gave up, believing her when she told him that she just had a slight headache. Back at the house he prepared lunch for them and they sat down in the dining room to eat it.

  “Why don't I cook dinner tonight? I make a really mean chicken curry.” Jane said. She needed a strong dish to hide the taste of the pills. “That sounds lovely darling. A nice bottle of wine or two to wash it down. Who knows what might happen.” Richard winked at her suggestively.

  She nearly vomited as she realised what he was hinting at but managed to hide her revulsion and smiled back at him.

  Seven-thirty came and her wonderful chicken curry was ready. He had come into the kitchen and almost caught her crushing up the pills. She quickly placed a cloth over them and pretended to be busy as he searched for the bottle opener. He kissed her lightly on the cheek and humming softly to himself he left. Jane crushed the pills and mixed them into his plate of curry. She made a careful note of the one with the sleeping tablets in it and placed it in front of Richard. She certainly didn't want to get them mixed up at this stage. The evening progressed at a slow pace. She drank more wine than she had intended and was feeling tipsy. Richard too was in fine humour but for a different reason. He was imagining that tonight would be the night and he was aroused at the thought. They had finished their dinner and Jane had brought him a brandy. He refused and asked her for a strong coffee instead. He didn't know what was wrong with him, he was feeling very drowsy and could barely keep his eyes open. He staggered off to the bathroom to splash some cold water on his face. It took him a moment or two to start to feel a bit more alert. He opened the cabinet to get some mouth wash. His mouth felt coarse and dry. The little bottle of sleeping tablets fell into the sink. Richard picked it up and replaced it. Glancing absently at the label as he did so. As he was going downstairs it suddenly clicked. There hadn't been many tablets in that bottle...it was almost empty. He rushed back up and yanked the door open almost pulling the cabinet from the wall. That bitch he shouted as he shook the bottle. She had taken the pills. No wonder he was feeling so strange after only a few glasses of wine. The bitch has drugged me. He ran down the stairs two at a time roaring that he was going to kill her. Jane jumped up from her seat, she knew that somehow he had found out. She ran to the back door and twisted at the handle...it wouldn't open. She began to cry, she was terrified; he was getting closer. She grabbed a knife. He burst into the kitchen running at her like a manic. She screamed and begged him to stop, she swung the knife at him. He avoided it and knocked it from her hand. He grabbed her by the hair and swung her around slamming her head into the side of the counter. She screamed out in pain. “You bitch, you fucking bitch.” He roared at her. He grabbed her by the throat and began squeezing. Jane couldn’t breathe, she desperately clawed at his hands; they wouldn't budge. She desperately felt around for something to defend herself with. She felt something cold against her fingers. Time was running out, the room was going in and out of focus. As though in slow motion her fingers wrapped around the handle of the wok she had used for the curry. She hit him as hard as she could with it. Stunned he released his grip on her throat and let out a yelp, like a wounded puppy. She scrambled away. He came at her again. Through bleary eyes she spied a frying pan on the stove and lunged for it. As he jumped at her again she swung with all her might. It hit him squarely on the side of the head and he fell at her feet like a sack of bricks. She backed away still clutching the pan and ran for the front door. It was locked. Where are the keys she wondered frantically trying to think straight? In his pocket, she remembered. There was no option but for her to go back to the kitchen and search his pockets. Head spinning, she slowly made her way back into the kitchen. He was still lying in a heap on the floor. She crept up to him and carefully searched his pockets. She found them, he groaned as she shifted him onto his side to get at them. She stepped back, terrified in case he should come to before she could escape, she grabbed the pan by the handle again and reaching bravely into his pocket she located the keys again. Pan in one hand and keys in the other she unlocked the front door and ran to the Land Rover. She quickly jumped into it, hands shaking she was barely able to find the ignition, finally engine fired up and wheels screeching she tore off down the lane like the devil himself was hot on her heels. The night was still very foggy and Jane was beginning to feel the effects of too much wine and the terrific blow she had taken to her head. Adrenalin used up she felt sore and disorientated. Still she didn't slow down. She reached the main road and turned right. Hoping that she would come to a town or village soon. She drove along for what seemed like an age without seeing anything. The fog was so thick she could have driven right past any number of houses without realising it. Then she saw lights slicing the fog up ahead. She opened her window and heard the distinct sound of traffic. There must be a major road up there she thought. The lights got brighter and closer, she realised it must be another vehicle. She swerved over to her own side of the road to avoid hitting anything in the fog. Too late she realised...as the lights bore down on her...I'm on the wrong side of the road. She swerved madly to the left and all thoughts vanished as her vehicle mounted the ditch and she hit her head hard against the steering wheel and blacked out.