The Book of Elements

by Cynthia Woods

  Next, he retrieved a light brown, leather briefcase from the bottom of his closet. A quick peek inside ensured that the items Kent needed were still there, and then he closed the snaps on the case with a loud click. Carrying it downstairs with him to the kitchen, Kent retrieved his car keys from a wicker bowl on the three-legged table at the bottom of the stairs as he went passed.

  The pleasing aroma wafting enticingly from the kitchen let him know that Nemi was almost finished cooking breakfast. It was one of Kent's favorites; a large, five spice, turkey bacon omelet with a touch of Italian sausage. Nemi added lots of cheddar cheese, green peppers, a dash of vanilla, and light sprinkling of brown sugar to add just a hint of sweetness so that the flavors of the spicy ingredients stood out boldly in contrast. It made Kent's mouth water to think about it. It was a great way to wake up his senses and would give him a boost of energy to help carry him through the long hours of the day ahead. Kent did not eat anything unless it was prepared by Nemi or his own hands, in his own kitchen.

  A short time later, Kent pulled up in his dark green SUV at the end of the driveway. He was met by the patrol car and officers who kept watch on the house the previous night. Kent timed his arrival perfectly, knowing that the next shift would not arrive for at least another hour, having been conveniently delayed by engine trouble. The department’s mechanic was working on it even as Kent conversed with the night shift eagerly waiting to depart.

  He showed them his driver’s license and offered assurance that he had an appointment with Mrs. Harding at ten o’clock, and he really did not want to be late. Kent pretended astonishment when they related a few of the general details of yesterday’s incident and offered to reschedule his meeting if she was, understandably, too upset to have visitors. A few more words to the officers and a quick phone call relayed from the house to the officers through the CB radio confirmed that Kent was expected. Mrs. Harding did not wish to send him away.

  Kent never doubted that Caeli would see him. He was supposed to be delivering a check for the death payout on her late husband’s life insurance policy. After all, Kent had been their loyal insurance agent for the past two years. He visited their home on several occasions as he maintained a casual friendship with Vin. It was the least he could do to deliver such a hefty sum in person. Caeli had no reason to turn him away. He had taken great care to ensure this outcome. She was an integral pawn in this game, though she was still completely unaware of it.

  As Kent walked up to the front door, he caught sight of two other cars parked off to the side where they would not hinder other vehicles in the driveway. He supposed that she must have other company, which was slightly irritating since he scheduled an appointment ahead of time; but, after what she just went through, it was not surprising that her friends might insist on hanging around for a while.

  "No matter," he whispered softly to himself, a habit he developed in recent years.

  "I’ll set the wheels in motion now and insist on returning later, after her guests have gone. If they remain too long, well then, I’ll bring along a little something special for them, too."

  Kent rang the doorbell and was admitted into the large living room by a striking, dark-haired woman of obvious Middle-Eastern heritage, probably in her mid to late forties. The lady indicated Caeli's location with a wave of her hand toward the other side of the room before exiting into a side study to resume her conversation with another person whom Kent could not see and whose voice he did not recognize.

  He easily spotted Caeli sitting in a large recliner with her feet tucked up beneath her. The haggard expression on her face and the stack of insignia-topped papers on the table next to her revealed that she must have already been down to the police station to provide them with her formal statement. Kent walked straight up to her with a most convincing look of concern plastered on his face.

  "Caeli, I am so sorry. How are you? Is there anything I can do for you?" He gave his sincerest condolences.

  To her credit, Caeli politely thanked him and declined. She promptly gave him her full attention and turned the focus on the reason he had come.

  "I don’t mean to seem ungrateful, but if one more person asks me if I am certain that I’m ok, I might have to relocate to another zip code. Please sit down, Kent." She tried to inject a little humor into the comment, but he could tell that she was annoyed. If it was not actually by the good intentions of visitors, then by an earlier episode that ruffled her enough that she was unwittingly projecting that frustration onto whoever was closest at hand.

  Kent gave her a slight grin, indicating that he appreciated her jest, but was also pleased at her deteriorating mental state. He could definitely use this to his advantage.

  He complied with her request and situated himself at the end of the couch nearest her chair, but far enough away that she did not have a direct line of sight into his briefcase when he opened it across his knees. Kent reached into the case and the sounds of shuffling papers could be heard clearly.

  "This shouldn’t take long, and I’ll be out of your hair, Caeli."

  Kent originally planned to put the toxin on the paperwork she would sign while he was there, let it work its magic, and cart her out of the house without a struggle. However, her guests prevented him from taking such immediate action. So Kent simply adjusted his tactics and now used a slightly different application of the toxin as a timed release agent.

  He carefully opened an envelope containing a check made out in her name. He pretended to shuffle more paperwork while he deftly removed the lid from a tiny vial that was held securely in place against the top of the briefcase by a sturdy piece of velcro. Careful not to spill any of the nearly translucent, finely ground, sticky powder, Kent used the foam blotter attached to the bottle's lid to press the substance onto the back of the check and spread it around so that it covered nearly the entire surface. He rapidly recapped the vial, pulled off the strip covering the self-adhesive sealer on the envelope containing the check, and sealed it. After removing the envelope and a few other papers, he closed and locked his briefcase.

  Kent handed the sealed envelope and papers to Caeli across the short distance separating them. As long as she did not open the envelope within the next ten minutes, the powder mixture would oxidize and leave tiny particles of an undetectable toxin adhered to the back of the check. When contacted by bare skin, the drug would be quickly absorbed and begin to slowly work its way into her bloodstream. He could certainly stall her long enough to ensure that the chemical reaction on the check had time to take place by over explaining the pages that he had handed her.

  He was feeling exceedingly pleased with himself for his ingenuity. That part had gone very well. Now, all that remained for him to do was to emphasize the importance of having her deposit the check before the banks closed today and provide a valid reason for him to return to her home later in the evening. He was prepared for this, too. He reached out and accepted the signed documents from Caeli and stood as if to leave. He took a few steps toward the door, followed by the soft patter of her light footsteps behind him. She intended to maintain her courtesy by seeing her guest to the door.

  "Thank you, Caeli. Just remember, you have to deposit that check today. If it doesn’t hit the bank before close of day, the company will automatically issue a stop payment, and we’ll have to run through the whole process all over again," Kent reminded her.

  "I understand. I’ll be sure it gets done."

  "Would you like me to drive you over to the bank? It wouldn't be any trouble. If you don't mind my saying, you do seem a little worn down. You do understand that nobody else can deposit it for you, right? For a sum of money this large, they will require your identification, and you will have to sign several more transaction documents."

  "Thank you, but no. I’m going out to run a few errands after lunch. I’ll just add this to my list. Don’t worry, I won’t be late."

  He mentally checked the second item off his list. Now, this last act would be a little tricky, b
ut Kent was nothing if not thorough. He would have preferred to avoid direct participation in his unfolding scheme, but this was too important to risk on another lackey, especially after the utter failure of his initial plan.

  As he started to cross the threshold of the front door, Kent pretended to catch his foot on the concrete step, twisted, and fell onto the hard surface of the entryway. His briefcase went flying through the air and landed, unnoticed, behind the rectangular flower bin near the front exterior wall. It was out of sight behind the fully blooming purple and white irises and other vibrant blue and pink flowers. Kent would be sore for a few hours, but that was a small price to pay for the ability to check the last item off his list.

  "Are you hurt?" Caeli asked with concern as she rushed to help him.

  "Oh no, I’m fine. I'm a little embarrassed at my own clumsiness, but no damage done. I should get moving or I’ll be late for my next meeting. Please, don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions or need anything at all." With that, he strode quickly across the short distance to his car and drove away satisfied.

  Kent would place a call from his cell phone in fifteen minutes, letting her know that he lost his briefcase during the fall and completely forgot to retrieve it before he left. He would insist on his need to stop by later to pick it up.

  CHAPTER 14

  Vin met Javeed on his hilltop refuge, hoping to get some of his questions answered. His friend had apparently been waiting for him and stood as Vin approached.

  "Now that was quite a show!" Javeed exclaimed.

  "You watched?"

  "I knew where you were going the minute I finished my plea, but I had to attempt to dissuade you. I hoped my story would be enough. That being said, in circumstances equitable to your own, I once made the same decision you did," Javeed smiled. He fully understood why Vin ignored his warning and had not really expected any other outcome.

  "I just wanted to protect Caeli. But, my actions were nothing compared to what you did to the men who attacked your family. I should think that my comparatively piddly little breezes can hardly be impressive to you."

  "Vin, my friend, do you not understand that what you did is nearly unprecedented? I was alive when I used my gift. I was on the same side of the barrier as the people I affected. You! You not only crossed the barrier and made your presence felt, but you also interacted directly with those who still live. Many have tried what you did, and only a few have found success - ghost sightings, psychics, and such. I cannot recall when a feat such as you performed has occurred without angelic or divine assistance. It is exceedingly rare."

  Vin was speechless as he absorbed Javeed’s news. He had not considered that his actions would attain such distinction. At some point during the processing of this information, Vin realized that Caeli was now, technically, psychic due to her ability to communicate with him. Perhaps she always had been, considering her former conversations of a similar nature with her grandmother. Similarly, Vin's deeds against her attackers could be reported as a haunting, if the man who lived through it was aware that he had been attacked.

  Vin's original intention in seeking Javeed was pushed aside in the wake of these new considerations. If everything Javeed said was true, and Vin had no reason to believe otherwise, then the implications of using his new abilities were considerably more complicated than he conceived.

  "Well, I just wanted to make sure that you were all right after such an excursion. That kind of action would have required substantial energy. I am amazed that you remain coherent and on your feet, so to speak."

  "Thank you for your concern, Javeed. I do not feel overly exerted. I thought to compare our adventures and discuss possibilities with you. I wanted to ask your advice, but it seems our situations are somewhat more disparate than I first assumed. Now I have questions of a different nature."

  "I think your questions might have to wait a while." Javeed indicated with a nod of his head the four figures that appeared at the bottom of the hill and were beckoning for Vin to join them.

  "For once, I am glad my presence is not requested. I do not envy you the imminent discussion. Let me offer you this small token of advice. You are upset right now. Your emotions are in turmoil. You may start to speak without proper thought. I suggest that you restrain your impulse to justify your actions until you know exactly what they want. Listen carefully to what they say. Answer only the questions they ask, not the ones you think they will ask." After a firm, supportive clasp on Vin’s shoulder, Javeed turned and disappeared into the trees with a parting assurance.

  "We shall talk again soon."

  Vin took a few deep breaths to help steady his nerves and began the short descent to the four waiting for him below. He thought that it was at least be a good omen that they waited politely rather than interrupting his conversation with Javeed. Vin had no idea how much trouble he might have caused. He was reminded dejectedly of his younger years when he was occasionally involved in some bit of harmless mischief that earned him a trip to the principal’s office.

  At the bottom of the hill, the four stood in a lopsided row waiting for Vin. He was able to make out the faces of Raphael, comforting and reassuring, and Michael, whose stance and visage revealed nothing of his purpose. The fact that his actions reclaimed Michael’s attention, however, was not comforting to Vin.

  The other two, both unknown to Vin and whose appearance in simple deep green robes, stood in a similarly impassive manner slightly off to Michael’s right. The image they presented gave Vin the impression that they might not be angels or perhaps angels of a different class, but they were clearly subservient to Michael and dwarfed by his awesome presence.

  As Vin approached, he kept Javeed’s advice at the forefront of his mind and said nothing. He would let them take the lead because they obviously had an objective. Even before he returned to face the consequences of his actions to help Caeli, Vin decided that he would not apologize for what transpired. He felt no guilt and no remorse. It was something he would do again. Silence hung in the air for several moments. Vin waited while the others made their own assessments.

  Michael spoke first, as expected.

  "Brother Eyvindr, it is good to see you unscathed." That was all he had to say. His words did not reveal whatever specific thoughts he may have had about the incident. Michael waited as Raphael stepped forward and clasped Vin with one hand on each shoulder, causing the sensation that some sort of energy passed between them. Raphael suddenly looked relieved.

  "I, too, am glad to see you well. I feared that my counsel may have been insufficient and you might have been…harmed." Raphael stepped to Vin’s side as he introduced the others, keeping one hand on Vin's shoulder.

  "You have not yet met Tabbris and Urim," Raphael indicated each in turn, and they nodded respectively.

  "I am fine, if perhaps a little tired. It is strange to use those words, knowing I'm not feeling a physical weariness; but I cannot think of another way to phrase it that would be any better. Thank you both for your concern, but I am all right. I am pleased to meet you both, Tabbris and Urim." Vin wanted to say more, needed to explain what he had done so that he might then ask questions. He almost pushed ahead with the conversation, but stopped himself as he remembered Javeed's advice. Vin constrained his response and only addressed that which had been spoken.

  He caught a fleeting reaction from Michael who quickly raised a single arched eyebrow as if intrigued. Was Michael aware of his deliberate restraint? But the movement was quick and Michael's face returned to its normal passivity before Vin was even certain that he had seen the change. Vin tried to hide his nervousness as he waited for what he was certain would be some sort of reprimand. He suspected that was why they had come.

  "Yes. We know what has happened, Brother. We have come to help you deal with the situation."

  Michael scrutinized Vin’s reactions as Raphael continued.

  "Know that Urim has been assigned to your wife. He will watch over her for a while. We will know immediat
ely if she is threatened again."

  Urim gave a stiff nod of confirmation and faded away without ever having said a word. Vin was surprised by this first announcement, but the idea of Caeli having a guardian angel pleased him. Nonetheless, Vin feared it would be small compensation for what he knew must happen next. He maintained his intentional silence while he waited for the hammer to fall.

  "Urim cannot intervene in obvious ways, but he will aid her when possible. You will be informed if she is physically endangered again. In the meantime, you must gain better control of your abilities. You need to understand the long-term implications of your actions, especially on the other side. Tabbris will help you with this."

  Vin knew he was not being given a choice this time. If they would have to inform him of Caeli’s status, that meant he would not be able to see her for himself. He assumed they had ways of enforcing the restriction should he decide to test it. Vin was disappointed that he would not be working with Raph again, and hoped he would get along just as well with Tabbris. Only time would tell. He did not doubt that Tabbris must have the skills to help him or they would not have chosen him. Vin briefly wondered what those skills might include.

  Yet, despite all this, Vin also sensed that this was not exactly a punishment for his actions. He felt that the angels were making a concession for him by trying to alleviate his concern for Caeli. They obviously wanted him to learn more, but needed to prevent him from unwittingly causing problems until he did. That realization eased a fraction of his schoolboy tension. He wasn’t getting expelled, but he would probably have to sit in detention for a while. As sentences go, this seemed fair to Vin, especially since he had been expecting far worse.

  Standing just a few steps away, Vin detected a vague hint of another emotion in Michael’s demeanor. He briefly thought it might be amusement, but then doubted it. Vin also saw a determination in Michael as if he were on the clock and waiting to perform his job. Still, he couldn’t quite put his finger on Michael's reason for being there.