"Have you seen automatic supermarket doors?” Kim asked.
"Aye, I have. You think all I did these last two hundred years was sit around this old dreary house and wait for you?” he called back over his shoulder.
Liz stifled a chuckle, started climbing the ladder. She wasn't worried about getting up to the pyramid; it was the trick of coming down again that had her concerned. Surely she would be able to manage it and if not under her own power, perhaps the pyramid would have a magic trick she could use to get down again. She followed close behind Benjamin with Kim climbing right behind her.
Once Liz got to the top of the ladder, she found Benjamin's strong hand again extended to help her into the pyramid. She shivered at the way it felt to touch him. How could an apparition feel so alive? She could actually feel the warmth and texture of his skin, a phenomenon she had never experienced with a ghost before. He fairly lifted her into the room, then turned to offer the same hand to Kim and in turn helped her into the pyramid before returning to look deep into Liz's puzzled eyes.
"Surely you do not think all ghosts are the same,” he said.
"No,” Liz said, “but—"
He smiled at her with such warmth she would have sworn he was alive, as alive as John and every bit as exciting. “Perhaps I am not a ghost at all, but I have traveled into the future to meet you here and tell you my secrets so that you and Kimberly might save this house—this abused child of mine—from a sad and lonely fate,” he suggested.
Liz at last tore her eyes from his to look around the large pyramid, which was already brightly lit by the wizardry Benjamin had shown them in the antechamber below. In the center of the room was a square workbench atop a pedestal built up about a third the height of the pyramid. Various large tomes lay on one side of the workbench, a number of mysterious, magical tools on the other. The room itself was almost austere from the absence of the rich wood which was so prevalent in the rest of the house. Here the walls were fashioned of some kind of crude brick. She was impressed by how clean and fresh the air seemed in this room, though she knew there was no air conditioning in the chamber, nor were there any visible openings to account for the ventilation.
Kim stepped toward the pedestal, climbed the five steps to the top and scanned the items on the workbench. “Well, this is giving me goose bumps just looking at it,” she announced at last.
Timothy bounded across the floor to join Kim by jumping onto the workbench. Kim scratched the gray cat's ears absently as she continued to look at all the wizard's tools spread before her.
Benjamin watched her a few minutes before he approached the workbench. “Everything here is just as I left it,” he said. He picked up a large crystal, handed it to Kim. “This has been my crystal since I was a child. I want you to have it. It will help you in your quests, and it will allay the doubts you still have about me, Kimberly."
Kim was obviously shaken by the energy in the crystal. She took a deep breath, turned the magnificent double-terminated quartz in her hand and watched the light play on it and inside it. “It is an incredible gift, Ben,” she said. “Thank you. I will try to use it in purity and wisdom."
"Aye,” he said, “I am sure you will.” He picked up another stone, studied the color of it briefly before his eyes found Liz, still standing near the entrance to the room. “This one is for you, Elizabeth. Will you come receive it?"
Liz walked to the pedestal and stepped onto it slowly. This was part of some kind of ceremony, she thought, though she didn't know what the ritual was or how she recognized it. She stared at the red stone, a huge, faceted garnet nearly black in color. The stone was to keep her grounded in truth and to help protect her mind. It was a gift she needed desperately, yet she feared it, for with it came the responsibility to become one of the protectors of the knowledge about which Benjamin had spoken. Life would never be the same for Kim and Liz from this moment on. In taking the garnet, she would be opening her mind to receive a legacy of magic and occult wisdom such as she had never dreamed of having. Was it really necessary to possess all that erudition in order to give the spirits here peace? Why did Benjamin want to pass all this learning to them? With a shaky awareness as to the significance of Ben's offering, Liz extended her trembling hand to receive the stone.
Ben was giving the house over to Kim and Liz, along with all the paranormal wisdom he possessed and full proprietorship of the portal. The sheer weight of the responsibility made Liz's knees weak, still she reached for the garnet. It was too late to back out. Her soul was tied to this house even before, but now she was sealing her fate as she accepted the stone and felt a rush of insight such as she had never known, filling her as never before.
An eternity seemed to pass as the three of them stood there with Benjamin touching both the stones that lay in their outstretched hands. Electricity. Power. Wisdom beyond anything they had dreamed before passed into them, settled into their souls. During that remarkable and tangible union, they knew everything Benjamin knew, they became larger than they had been and for an instant, they knew something about all creation, their senses heightened almost to the point of absolute pain, mingled with pure ecstasy. Colors swirled around them, colors of brighter and deeper hues than they had ever seen before. Sounds so harsh and yet so sweet they brought tears to their eyes echoed through them and reverberated inside their souls until they had tasted every emotion conceivable in the human existence and more.
Awareness past imagination came over them, lingered with them for a split second in time that was still longer than all eternity before it began to enfold over them and bring them back to their normal senses. When it was over, Liz and Kim stood on the pedestal by the wizard's workbench, clinging to one another in total emotional discord. Benjamin and Timothy were gone.
They slowly made their way off the pedestal and out of the pyramid. They took the stones with them, along with a memory of the most incredible event they had ever participated in or witnessed, one they would seldom speak of and never share with another living being for fear it had all been imagined. But it was real, just as the stones were genuine, and they knew it. They were better equipped to deal with Moira and the hold she had over their lives than they had ever been before. Soon the time would come to test their vast new knowledge, but not right now. It would be later—quite a bit later.
Liz closed the panel to the antechamber of the pyramid, turned the garnet again in her hand, watched the light play on its facets, put it in her pocket. It was morning.
Chapter 27
"John called at four o'clock to say he's bringing a surprise guest to the party and that they are coming early,” Kim announced to Liz as Liz entered with the last of the decorations in tow.
"Surprise guest? Who?” Liz asked.
"Don't know,” Kim said with a shrug. “He said someone had just arrived from the West coast and he had invited her to come with him. Said he didn't dare miss the occasion, since the reason we agreed to have this party in the first place was because he goaded us into it. Besides, who would play McCann if he stayed away?"
Liz stared at Kim, fingered the garnet in her pocket nervously. “Her? Her who?” she asked.
Kim frowned at Liz. “What's the matter? You jealous? Weren't you the one telling me over and over he's just your friend?"
Liz opened her mouth to protest, shut it without comment. “How early are they coming?” she finally asked.
"Probably about five or five-thirty, why?” Kim asked.
Liz looked at the clock, sighed. “It's already five-fifteen. Why didn't you tell me at four when he called?"
Kim put her hand on her hip, took the beaded spider web out of Liz's hand. “You said you didn't want to be disturbed until you finished your project, remember?"
"Yeah, but I'm a mess—certainly in no condition to meet his friend. I don't want her to think I'm a slob, do I?” Liz sputtered.
Kim laughed. “No one will think you're a slob. Relax!” she said. “Why don't you go up, take your shower and primp a li
ttle. If they get here before you make it back, I'll entertain them until you put in your appearance. Everything is ready except for this lovely cobweb and I can put it up."
"Well, if you're sure—” Liz said hesitantly.
"Go, go! I'll be fine and you need a few minutes to unwind anyway,” Kim assured her.
"All right,” Liz sighed. “I'll be back as soon as I can. I know you still have to get ready, too."
"The other guests won't start arriving for a couple of hours, so I have plenty of time. John's been almost a permanent fixture here for the last few weeks, so why the sudden fuss? Just because he's bringing a friend with him doesn't change that much, does it?” Kim asked. “He can play host around here as easily as you or I can play hostess."
"Oh, I guess you're right. It just threw me that he was bringing someone at the last minute,” Liz complained.
"Hey, if she just arrived at his door, what else was he supposed to do; leave her at his house and go off without her?” Kim asked. “I've never known him to be that rude before and I can't see him starting now just so he won't throw any surprises your way. What is it with you, anyway?"
"Oh, I don't know. I guess I need the sleep I missed last night. I'm going upstairs now,” Liz said. “I'll try to come back with a better attitude."
"Honey, you've got to face it; John is a gorgeous, famous actor. There are going to be women who descend on him from time to time. Isn't it only natural?"
"I am not jealous, Kimberly Dawn!” Liz insisted.
Kim nodded, pursed her lips. “I know what you're saying, but face it; your actions don't match your words,” she teased.
Liz stalked out of the room. “I'm not even going to dignify that remark with an answer!” she called back over her shoulder.
"Right!” Kim said with a sideways smile.
Upstairs, Liz laid out her clothes before a heading for the bathroom to clean up. She decided she would take the extra time and run a bath instead of taking a shower. She'd had a night full of surprises; now she was drained and in need of replenishment. A bath would do the trick much better than a shower. A nice soak in the tub would work wonders.
* * * *
Kim hung the huge cobweb constructed of nearly invisible nylon, with its accents of pearly gossamer iridescent beads, prominently in the hall for each visitor's inspection on arrival. Onto it, she placed the large beaded black widow spider Liz had finished only a few minutes before. Kim had to admit Liz had outdone herself with this beaded adornment sure to become an heirloom Halloween decoration. Kim smiled at the thought of Liz's grandchildren and great-grandchildren for generations to come marveling at the intricate mesh their grandmother had created. What fun they'd have studying its lacy transparent network and the huge gleaming spider, a detailed and greatly enlarged image of a real black widow.
Having finished the exacting placement of the work of art, Kim stood back to admire her handiwork. Though it was less artistic than Liz's, Kim was satisfied she had displayed the web to its best advantage and that everyone would be duly impressed by the fantastic woven design Liz had conceived and Kim had so strikingly displayed against the backdrop of rich cherry wood paneling and the ancient grandfather clock in the hallway. It fairly gleamed under the recessed light that accented the elaborate clock which now had a decorous beaded spider web partially adorning its elegant, carved cabinet.
She had just put the ladder into the closet when the doorbell rang. Kim went to the door, was greeted by John, Mark and a beautiful young woman hanging on John's arm. “Well, hello! Come in, come in. Welcome to McCann Manor and happy Halloween!” she greeted.
"Kim, this is my daughter, Sondra, and look who I found lurking outside; the prodigal Dr. ‘Hyde’ Adams returns to the scene of his crime!” John said as he entered the room.
Kim smiled warmly at her guests, invited them in. “Your daughter! John, you didn't tell us you had a daughter! I'm so pleased to meet you, Sondra. And Mark, I'm glad you reconsidered and came after all."
Sondra hugged her hostess and smiled brightly. “I'm so happy to meet you, Kim. Dad has told me so much about you and Liz, I feel I know you already,” she said.
Mark smiled at Kim in greeting. “I didn't change my mind, Kim. Didn't you get my message? My receptionist was supposed to have called you. I was thrilled to be invited to your Halloween bash and told Gladys to give you a call, but I was out of town until yesterday on some family business,” he said.
"Well, we didn't get the call, but our answering machine seems to be having problems, Mark. Maybe she did call and the machine didn't record it. Liz will be thrilled you could come. She has been worried you were angry with her for not taking her medication,” Kim said.
"Nonsense,” Mark retorted. “I know I was a bit distant that day, but I had a few other things pressing on my mind. I never meant for her to feel I was angry with her. Quite the contrary!"
Kim smiled. “She'll be glad to hear that, Mark."
"Where is our Liz, anyway?” John asked.
"We had a bit of an episode late last night with Benjamin and she is upstairs recuperating a bit. Neither of us got a wink of sleep. She'll be down shortly, I'm sure,” Kim said. “Come on in, won't you?” Kim ushered her guests through the hall to the living room.
"The place looks great,” Mark said. “You two really know how to decorate."
"Why, thank you, Mark,” Kim said. “We had a good time getting things ready."
"I hope it's all right that I showed up so early,” Mark said. “I misplaced my invitation and couldn't remember what time the festivities were supposed to start, so I decided it would be better to show up early than late, in case you had any last minute preparations I might be able to help with."
"That is really very considerate of you, Mark, but I think we have everything under control,” Kim said. “Actually, it's good you came early because it will give us a bit of a chance to get better acquainted."
"The caterer should be here in about another thirty minutes or so,” John added, “and it looks like all the decorations are already in place. Sondra and I thought we might be able to help, too, but it doesn't look like there's anything left to do."
"Only a few adjustments to the hostesses themselves,” Kim said, indicating her state of dress. “Have you ever been to the house before, Sondra?"
"No, I haven't, Kim,” Sondra said. “Not inside, anyway. I've seen it from outside several times, but Dad was always too cautious to let me inside. It's a beautiful place, isn't it? It looks rather unfriendly on the outside, but I find it quite charming in here."
Kim smiled warmly at John's daughter. “Well, we think it's lovely,” Kim agreed. “The views are spectacular overlooking the river. John, why don't you give Sondra a quick tour so she'll know where everything is? I hate to be rude, but I really should do something about getting myself ready for the party. We actually just finished our decorations moments before you arrived and I wasn't expecting Mark to be arriving early, so I didn't plan accordingly."
"Well, don't worry about me,” Mark said. “I know my way around and I can watch for the caterers to arrive in case John and Sondra are too far away to hear them."
"Oh, thanks for being so understanding,” Kim said. “I promise I'll be the model hostess just as soon as I'm dressed for the part. I'll be only a few minutes, and I'm sure Liz will be down shortly."
John smiled at Kim. “Don't worry about us,” he assured her. “We'll be fine; take your time."
"Thanks, guys. Make yourselves at home,” Kim said as she made her exit.
* * * *
Upstairs, Liz was lounging in the over-sized bathtub. She had almost forgotten how good it could feel just to luxuriate in a hot tub full of bubble bath. The past few weeks had been demanding and draining for her and while she knew their spiritual visitations were far from over, she felt much more certain how things would turn out after their encounter with Benjamin the night before. Maybe she was being overly optimistic, but she felt sure when the time came th
ey would not only be able to draw on Ben's vast knowledge and energy, but on Benjamin himself to help them.
She gazed at the faceted garnet she had placed on the side of the bathtub. Maybe it was naive of her, but she felt she should keep it close to her for protection. Its smooth, red-black gleaming facets made her feel secure, more reassurance than she had felt in weeks. She knew in reality the stone was merely a focal point for her to concentrate on in order to better protect her mind from attack, but keeping the stone near her had a calm, grounding effect she found invaluable right now. It was Benjamin's command of immense powers that really had provided a protection for her and the sharing of his knowledge that gave her the confidence she was feeling right now—Benjamin, and the presence of her angels, a force she felt now more strongly than ever before. The stone was merely a tangible reminder of the protective network she knew was in force to guide Kim and her through the days ahead.
She leaned back, closed her eyes and relaxed, breathing deeply and visualizing the golden-white light pouring into the top of her head. She should be getting ready; she had guests downstairs, but she would take this few moments to ground and center. Just a few minutes more, then she would spring into action. She could smell the lavender oil she had poured into her bath, its fragrant vapor swirling up on the steam from the water, taking her into a deep state of repose. She was drifting, almost floating, on soft white clouds. It felt so good to close her eyes and allow all the tension to drain out of her body to be washed away with the bubbles in her bath. Everything was good here, and soft, so soft...?
* * * *
Missy sat in the gazebo staring at her hands. Funny, she hardly recognized them anymore. Yesterday, they had been her hands, but now they were demon hands, hands that had replaced hers somehow. Hands that did things to people—horrible, despicable, unthinkable things. Whose hands were they anyway, and how had they supervened upon her own? She needed to talk to someone, but who would listen? Her mother was under sedation and her father...?
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