Of That Day and Hour: A psychological thriller

by Anthony O'Brien

“Then who?”

  “White. The government agent who overseas our work with Casey.”

  “Ah.” Marcus recognizes the name.

  “Do you know him?”

  “We’ve had our dealings.” After a moment’s thought Marcus adds, “We don’t trust him ourselves, and we’re not sure who he answers to.”

  “We don’t like him either. Any man who remains anonymous in my book can’t be trusted.”

  “We agree.” Marcus is curious though, why is Jeff here? “After your recent experiences, why do you require validation from us?”

  “I’m not here just for validation.”

  “Ah I did wonder. What else did Casey Lee tell you?”

  “That there was nothing for me until I had swallowed my pride, and come here to see you first.”

  “To see me.” Marcus frowns. “Why?”

  “He didn’t say, just that you hold the key.”

  “Hmm.” He’s wary. How does this prisoner know him? “I think you’re being shown pieces of a jigsaw that one day he’ll force you to face.”

  “What do you think it will be?”

  “I can’t say what he has in mind, but I’m envious, you’re on quite the journey. I think we can help you, though.”

  “Any help you can give will be appreciated.”

  “Yes.” Marcus can see that Jeff’s genuine in his appreciation. “We’ll do our best. Now, how was the food?”

  “It was lovely, thanks.”

  “Eve?”

  “Perfect, thank you.”

  “Then it’s time for a little parlor game.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Marcus leads them from the dining room and into the hallway. The cream walls serve as a backdrop to beautiful oil on canvas paintings. Eve loves the surrounding artwork representing the earth, gods, angels and all manner of deities.

  “This is Sarah’s work.”

  “Really?” Eve stops in her tracks and focuses in on a Tibetan monk. “Wow, you’re talented.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Seriously, you could earn a fortune.”

  “Maybe.” Sarah’s flattered, loving the attention. “It’s just a hobby.”

  “Don’t believe a word.” Marcus interrupts; he knows Sarah won’t sing her own praises. “She’s got her own studio upstairs.”

  “Do you sell many?” Eve would love any one of these paintings.

  “No.” Sarah shudders at the thought. “I can’t bring myself to part with them.”

  “That’s a shame.” Eve hears herself sigh.

  “Well if you don’t start selling them soon we’ll run out of space.”

  “Marcus.”

  “Yes?”

  “If we’re to make any progress tonight I suggest we move along.”

  “Of course.” Sarah’s raised eyebrows and tone of voice tell him that he’s walking on egg shells. “Follow me.”

  At the end of the hall is a six paneled white door, Marcus opens the door and invites them both in.

  “Come in, we have something very special that I wish to show you.”

  The room is bare except for a circular table, ebonized walnut and Egyptian copper relief, along with four antique dining chairs upholstered in white. The room echoes with multiple footsteps on the wood floor. They walk up to the table: both Jeff and Eve are intrigued by what they see.

  “A Ouija board?” Jeff inwardly frowns, thinking to himself that this is utter nonsense.

  “Not as such.” Marcus is aware of Jeff’s initial skepticism. ”This is a very special Egyptian communication board.”

  “It’s different, I’ll give you that.”

  “I think it’s beautiful.” Eve admires the craftsmanship.

  “Only a select few know of its existence.” Marcus runs the tips of his fingers affectionately across the board. “However true knowledge has always been reserved for leaders and men with great fortitude; in the wrong hands this will send lesser individuals insane.”

  “I don’t wish to dispute that claim.” Jeff feels awkward, but has to bring some objectivity into the room. “The scholar in me has to mention that the Ouija has already been discredited in laboratory experiments.”

  “I presume you’re referring to the ideomotor response?”

  “Yes, studies have recreated the effect. The messages spelled out were only what was going through the operator's mind at that moment. It’s nothing more than involuntary movement.”

  “We wouldn’t have it any other way.” Marcus is smug; he knows Jeff will leave this room a very different man. “It would be irresponsible for us to inform the public on such matters. You’re an educated man and yet you’ve already visited a medical doctor; what would a lesser mind do without the correct adaptations?”

  “I understand what you’re saying, but...”

  “No buts.” Marcus interrupts what he sees as Jeff’s meaningless twaddle. “It’s already happened. In 1920 the sleepy town of El Cerrito, California went insane. The international headlines at the time said the whole town was Ouija mad. The authorities had to arrest several people who were reportedly driven insane through the use of the board. One young lady was found running around the town naked, and her only explanation was that she could communicate better with the spirits that way.”

  “How awful, is that true?” Eve empathizes, the thought is appalling.

  “Yes, Eve. I promise it did happen.”

  “She probably already possessed a mental disorder.”

  “This is serious.” Marcus scorns Jeff’s humor. “Over the following days the insanity spread throughout the town. A police officer also ripped his clothes off, and was found naked and hysterical in the bank. Psychiatrists were brought in to oversee the town’s population, and to prevent further chaos Ouija boards were banned from the town of El Cerrito.”

  “Eve, mass hysteria’s a possibility, isn’t it?”

  “Well, in psychological terms, yes. Collective hysteria or group obsessional behavior would be a plausible explanation; it spreads through rumors and fear.”

  “Hysteria was also the official version given to the media, however, many priests were called in behind the scenes to purge the town and cleanse the population.”

  “Was this an isolated case?” Jeff probes with the intention of breaking down Marcus’s stance on the subject.

  “No, but it was the largest recorded case. As a criminal psychiatrist Eve’s in a better position than most to verify my next point.”

  “Which is?”

  “Today the courts still convict people for murder after the use of the Ouija.”

  “Eve?” Jeff turns to her for confirmation. “Is that correct?”

  “Yes, they're labelled as either insane or sociopathic.”

  “So the Ouija is seen as an excuse for murder rather than the cause?”

  “Of course.” Eve smiles at his naiveness. “They are murderers after all.”

  “That’s the dark side of the board.” Marcus is pleased that Eve, as far as he’s concerned, has collaborated with him. “It doesn't only predict or entice death, though. The Ouija has many positive applications for mankind.”

  “Such as?” Jeff can’t see any positives, only negative connotations for the Ouija.

  “It’s prophesized many world events; individuals have won the lottery, gained fame or caught out that cheating spouse. Throughout history many of our greatest authors, poets and musicians have attributed the Ouija for their artistic and literary efforts.” Marcus softens his voice. “I do understand your skepticism, Jeff, but seeing really is believing.”

  “It is.” Jeff smiles; he’s curious, can Marcus really pull this off?

  “Before we begin I insist that you look around the table, reassure yourself that there are no wires, no magnets and no trickery here. You must be convinced that this is genuine.”

  Jeff takes his time inspecting the table and the board. Eve appreciates the sheer beauty and craftsmanship, it holds, the dark oxidized wood indicating some age, poss
ibly olive or some other form of hardwood. The gold leaf, ochre and red pigment of the hieroglyphics have now faded, and without restoration will soon be lost to time. Still clearly vibrant is the blue outlining the Eye of Ra, and a large crystal encircled within a golden flamed sun.

  “What are the mirrors for?” Jeff’s seen the Ouija before, but without mirrors.

  “They focus the laser beam into the crystal to create the energy required for manifestation. The Egyptians would have used the sun.”

  “Manifestation?” His eyebrows raise. “Really?”

  “Yes.” Marcus can’t hold back the grin, and Sarah nods her head to Eve. “But you don’t have to take my word for it, you’ll see it with your own eyes.”

  “You’re telling us that we’ll see a spirit manifest in this room?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m looking forward to this.” Jeff doesn’t believe a word. “How does it work?”

  “Think of a solar cell as the most direct way of storing energy. When sunlight or a laser beam passes into the crystal a small amount of electricity is stored, and may be used by the spirit to manifest.”

  “Quartz crystal?”

  “Yes.”

  “How did the Egyptians realize its conductive properties?”

  “I don’t know. All I can tell you is that this board is unique. It was discovered in Akhenaten’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings.”

  “How did you get it?”

  “I’m afraid we can’t reveal our sources.”

  “I see.” Jeff feels rebuffed. “So do we really understand what we’re dealing with?”

  “We know how to operate it. Some might call it ancient or lost technology. Who knows what other treasures may have been discovered? We’re only privy to this one.”

  “Is this dangerous?” Eve’s not one for dabbling, and is becoming increasingly concerned.

  “As far as communication with the spirit world, this is about as dangerous as it gets.”

  “Ah.” It’s noticed by all that Eve goes quiet.

  “Don’t worry, you’re in safe hands.” Marcus tries to reassure her. “You’ve nothing to fear. We’ve spent many nights in this room, and we haven’t come to any harm, have we?”

  “Speak for yourself.” Sarah gives Eve’s shoulder a rub. “Seriously, Eve you’ll be fine.”

  “Thanks.” She takes a deep breath and tries to relax. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m preparing the incense.”

  “Why?”

  “The herbs create a protective barrier. Think of it as a positive energy that can repel a negative one.”

  The herbs smolder; Sarah places them into the waiting copper bowl. Marcus is waiting.

  “Are we ready?”

  “Yes.”

  They take a seat whilst Sarah turns out the light. Marcus makes one final adjustment, then a laser beam cuts through the darkness and streaks from mirror to mirror. The crystal glows with energy.

  “This is scary.”

  “You’ll be fine.” Jeff reassures Eve. As far as he’s concerned this is nothing more than a light show.

  Marcus joins the others at the table. He looks around; all eyes are on him.

  “I would be a fool to make unsubstantiated claims, but you’re about to make a crossing that, once crossed, you’ll never be able to return from.” He pauses for effect. “Are you both ready?”

  “Of course.” Jeff offers Eve a reassuring smile. It will take more than amateur dramatics to scare him.

  Eve looks across the table to Sarah. From a psychiatrist’s point of view, she sees the eyes and the smile of someone who loves experience for its own sake, along with the pursuit of sensory pleasure. Eve’s correct in her assumptions; it’s a fact that Marcus knows only too well. Without high levels of stimulation, Sarah’s restless and easily bored, a dangerous combination. All four bow their heads and hold hands as Marcus recites the Lord’s Prayer; on the last word, 'amen' they release their grip.

  “Place your hands on the table in front of you.”

  “Don’t we place our hands on the planchette?” Jeff’s puzzled.

  “Only if you wish to play a board game. There’s no ideomotor effect here. A spirit has two choices, either move the planchette or manifest.” Marcus raises his hands. “Now relax, clear your mind and remember, no matter what you see or hear, you’re safe as long as you follow my commands.”

  Marcus takes a moment to compose himself. With his eyes closed he breathes deeply in preparation. A wisp of incense smoke drifts past and swirls through the beam of light. Minutes feel like an eternity in this still, silent, strangely disturbing setting. The thought of contact with spirits has Eve’s skin chilled, raised with goosebumps. Marcus speaks out, the vibrations of his voice inviting past generations to join them.

  “I invite spirits with good intentions to step forth from the shadows and communicate with us.” Marcus waits for a response. “Is there anyone there? Step into the light, the light will give you the energy to talk with us.”

  Fascinated, Eve looks to Marcus as he continues to speak. He’s the leading authority figure in this setting, and she finds herself strangely attracted to him. For one fleeting guilty moment the thought of him pinning her down to the table crosses her mind, before sensing Sarah’s eyes are upon her. Eve swallows hard before looking over to smile and conceal her inner thoughts. Sarah smiles back with a knowing look.

  Even a week ago Jeff couldn’t have imagined being in this room. There seems to be a chill in the air. The beam appears ever brighter and the shadows, in contrast, darker, then with a slight twitch the planchette moves.

  “Shit.” In her moment of wonder and terror, Eve pulls her hands away from the table and the planchette abruptly stops. “Jeff?”

  “It’s okay.” Jeff’s trying to work out how the illusion is performed, and looks to Marcus.

  “Its fine, Eve.” Marcus reinforces why they are here. “This is what you’re here to see, isn’t it?”

  “Yes.” Eve feels ashamed for being so dramatic. “I’m sorry.”

  “That’s quite alright, it's to be expected.” His voice softens. “Are you good to continue?”

  “Yes, of course, I’m sorry.”

  “Then let’s continue.” Marcus takes another deep breath. “Is there anybody here who wishes to speak to us?”

  There’s a tiny flicker within the crystal itself, as if someone or something had just entered and taken possession. Jeff watches closely, unsure if what he’s seeing is an illusion. Then a white wisp spirals upwards and out from the crystal.

  “Jeff?”

  “I see it.” He can’t stop frowning, his eyes strain, then he looks to Marcus. “What’s happening?”

  “You’re witnessing the first stages of manifestation.”

  In awe they sit and watch the crystal feed the swirling mass that’s forming two feet above the table. Within this appears to be a glowing circular nucleus. This nucleus elongates into a beautiful transparent three dimensional oval, with a pink mass forming and expanding into a very recognizable shape.

  “Oh my God that’s a fetus!” This feels like a car crash; Eve doesn’t want to look, but is compelled to stare.

  “Keep your hands on the table.”

  “Jeff, I’m scared.” Eve’s frozen to the table in fear; she couldn't have moved her hands if she'd wanted to.

  “We’ll be fine.” His eyes stare straight ahead; he’s equally frightened.

  The amniotic sac turns opaque; then the energy swirls into a mass similar to a swarm of bees, and a face forms. The eyes of a child open. Eve gasps and Jeff has an increasingly uneasy feeling.

  “Jeff.”

  “Yeah?”

  “That’s you.” Marcus can’t believe what he’s witnessing.

  “Yeah.” Jeff vaguely replies. He can’t focus on what he's saying; he's too intently fixed on the apparition before him.

  “It can’t be.” This is a first for Marcus. He is becoming increasingly uneasy about the
situation.

  “What’s happening, Marcus?” Sarah’s buzzing, she’s seen nothing like this before.

  “I don’t know.”

  “Do we stop?”

  “No, we have to find out what’s happening to Jeff.”

  In front of them the entity develops from a child to a teenager, teenager into a young man, and a young man into a perfect copy of Jeff. Then a creeping, ever-marching darkness descends as the entity continues to age. Jeff watches in horror until all that’s left staring back at him from this spiritual mirror is an old man's wrinkled and distorted face. He can barely look at it, its yellowed, puckered skin and eyes, sunken cheeks and skeletal appearance.

  Marcus wonders: is this an evil spirit, come to torment Jeff?

  “Who are you?” He speaks with authority. The entity looks directly at him, with no hint of submission.

  “The creator and moral authority of this universe.”

  “You dare claim to be God?”

  “In this reality, yes. I’m not here to speak with you.”

  “Why not?”

  “Would you still not like to fuck her?”

  “Who?”

  “You know who. My lover in the days of our youth.”

  “That was a mistake.”

  “You knew what you were doing…old friend.”

  “Why are you here?”

  “To speak with myself only.”

  “Talk to him, Jeff.” Marcus sounds despondent.

  “What do you want?” Jeff can barely look into his own decaying face.

  “I want what you want. But I warn you, you will pay the price.”

  “And the answers I seek?”

  “I hold them all.”

  “Then what’s the price?”

  “Your life.”

  “What?” His eyes widen, his tongue goes dry; he swallows. “I can’t give you my life.”

  “Without it you will not gain the truth.”

  “What’s the truth?”

  “Only the journey can give you the answer. Heed my warning; you will lose everything you have now, all you hold dear. Even Eve, even this life.”

  “I won’t lose Eve.” Now he’s angry. “Nor will I lose my life.”

  “You are a pilgrim. Your journey is to a sacred place, although you seek it for what you call science. You need to understand the fabric and nature of the world around you, for it will be both your triumph and your downfall. Only in that moment will you hold that which no other man has held.”