William's Blood

by S S Bazinet

  He laughed as he nuzzled her softness and the kitten rubbed her face against his cheek. “You petite little shit, I can’t believe you’re sleeping in my bed now. You are the first animal to achieve such a triumph. And for good reason! I could have one of my nightmares and kill you.” He frowned. “Now I have to stay aware in my sleep so that I can keep you safe.”

  He walked out of the gallery and made his way to the kitchen. “Are you hungry?” He sat the kitten down on Satan’s cushioned chair and retrieved some fresh, ground rabbit from the refrigerator. Dantella watched as he portioned out a bit in her feeding dish, but she had manners. She waited for him to pick her up and take her to her special bowl, one that Myra made in her pottery class. When she ate, her bites were small and she often stopped to glance over at him as she enjoyed her favorite food.

  Rolphe sat down at the table and watched her. The kitten was a reminder of what he liked best about himself. He enjoyed taking care of those he loved. Long ago, bringing home an extra chicken for the family soup pot had warmed his heart. But caring wasn’t always an option. Again, his mind went to William and the other man he was hunting. “What a wearisome chore I have in front of me, Dantela.”

  But chores were part of life, and Rolphe accepted that fact. That meant that he’d have to take time each evening to tune into William’s whereabouts. Now that he’d already accomplished that feat, it would be much easier to locate him. When the man returned to London, Rolphe would make his move.

  Forty-Five

  THE LOWER LEVEL of Arel’s suburban rancher was quiet except for William’s delirious moaning. His fever had been raging for two days.

  Why is he so sick again? Why did he get so angry at the hospital?

  The questions repeated over and over in Arel’s mind. Michael was sympathetic but wouldn’t comment. As usual, he wasn’t allowed to interfere with explanations.

  But I need answers.

  Arel wrung out an icy compress and held it on William’s head. He’d tried his best to help, but neither he nor Michael could put out the inferno that burned in William’s body and soul. The condition was so serious that Arel knew William couldn’t take much more before his body gave out.

  A soft knock intruded on Arel’s thoughts and made him glance at the door. Who was his visitor? Peggy had come over several times. Perhaps she was back. He loved her dearly, but her visits could be draining, especially when she tried to help out by fussing over him. He had to remember that she meant well as he put the cloth in the basin and let out a sigh of resignation. “Come in.”

  The door opened enough for Carol to peek in. “Michael said it was okay to come down and check on you and your friend.”

  “Carol!” Arel dried his hands and stood up. “It’s so good to see you. I’m sorry I couldn’t visit at the hospital.” He went over to hug her. “How are you? Should you be up and about?”

  “I’m okay, physically that is. I’m still pretty depressed about—”

  “I know. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t come back from London sooner.”

  “There was nothing you could do. Kevin keeps reminding me that sometimes things like this just happen. He says we have to make peace with the ups and downs, but it’s not that easy.”

  Arel glanced at William. “You’re right. But why don’t we go upstairs and talk. I can get Michael to sit with William.”

  “If it’s okay, could I just stay here for a little while?”

  “Are you sure you’re up for that?”

  “Yes, please, just for a bit.”

  “Of course, but I have to warn you, Will calls out in his sleep off and on. He’s in a lot of pain.”

  “I know, Michael explained his condition. It’ll be okay. I had a grandfather who was in a bad way when I was a teenager. I sat with him on a number of occasions. But you could do something for me.”

  “Anything.”

  “Could you get me a cup of tea?”

  * * * * *

  As soon as Arel left, Carol went over to where he’d been sitting and pushed back the chair. She wanted a closer look at William.

  Oh, my goodness!

  Her throat tightened. The man lying on the bed was a flesh and blood version of the person she’d dreamed about. She smiled as she continued to study him.

  He’s very handsome.

  With sandy brown hair and pleasing angular features, William had a distinguished look that could have belonged to gentry or to an actor playing James Bond.

  But how could I have dreamed about him before I met him?

  Peggy was the one who had premonitions and vivid dreams. Was it Carol’s turn now? She sucked in a deep breath and then boldly reached out for William’s hand. Her fingers hovered inches away from his.

  Stop it! You don’t really know this person.

  An inner voice was forever telling her what she couldn’t do. Tears immediately blurred her vision. The voice told her that she couldn’t hold on to her baby, that she was too weak to fight the unseen powers that governed life. She’d fought the cruel declaration. She tried to save her unborn child. But in the end, she failed. Now, she hated that voice.

  I won’t listen to it anymore!

  She flicked away the tears and grabbed William’s hand, clasping it to her chest.

  Oh god, you’re so hot. You’re burning up.

  Her blouse was a useless barrier against William’s fevered limb. Heat penetrated the clothing and her body, searing her heart as William’s plight and a vision of her lost baby merged. Would William’s life be snatched away too? She gasped at the idea and clung more fervently to William’s hand. Pondering another death was too much, especially when she thought about her dream again. The man in front of her was a friend. She didn’t know how or why she felt that way, but she knew it was true. He also acted as her ally in the dream.

  “And as your friend, William, I want to be here for you!”

  Her words, issued in a loud whisper, made something unfamiliar, almost foreign in her makeup resurrect itself. It was a strong and powerful part of her that she’d let slip away when her parents got divorced. Somehow the event stripped her of her courage. Ever since then, she’d allowed life to frighten her, to beat her down whenever she needed to believe in herself. As she let the feeling of courage and strength seep into her cells again, she made a silent vow.

  I’m going to be tough from now on. I have to be.

  The thought was restorative, making her throw back her shoulders. Somewhere, she’d read that love was stronger than any dark forces. The concept fell on barren ground when she was losing her baby. Her walls of hardened fear hadn’t allowed the light of love to penetrate her misery. But what good did her fear do? The baby was gone.

  But this man doesn’t have to die too!

  In the end, she knew that fear was a weakening agent, and she wouldn’t give in to it this time. She put William’s hand back on the white linen sheet and reached for the cold compress. She had to pause when an idea slipped in unexpectedly. What if she took over William’s care? What if she could help him in a very tangible way? Maybe she could be William’s nurse. The idea made her smile. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” she said as she put the cloth on his forehead. As she held it in place, she imagined what William must have looked like when he was a boy. “I bet you were sweet like my Ariel. If my second child had lived, he or she would have been sweet too. I’m sure of it.”

  Her words were barely out, when Arel came back with her tea. She looked at him and shivered. She had to swallow back a lump in her throat.

  Arel seemed to notice her reaction. “Carol? Are you okay?” he asked as he came over to where she was standing.

  She moved back a little, wondering why she felt nervous being around him. Arel had always been a good friend. So why did she want him to leave? She didn’t know the answer, but his presence made her frown.

  Arel hesitated. “What’s the matter?”

  She pulled back her shoulders even more, rooting herself to the spot. No m
atter how Arel made her feel, she wouldn’t leave her post. “I’m fine.”

  “Of course, you are,” he said in a soothing voice. “But why don’t you sit over there in that comfortable seat that Michael likes. I’ll take care of William.”

  She made herself step forward, putting herself between Arel and William. “No, I think you should stay away from him.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Remember what you said to Peggy and me about hurting your friend, William?”

  “Yes, but I didn’t mean—”

  “Please, don’t hurt him again.” Her plea came from some deep inner well of mistrust and danger. “Please, Arel.”

  “I don’t intend to hurt—”

  “He’s suffered enough!”

  “Carol, you know me. I only want what’s—”

  “Please!” Her voice became loud and insistent. She grabbed William’s hand again as his moans and heated gasps were joined by flashes of her unborn child and how quickly that child had been lost. “He’s helpless. Can’t you see that? Was he helpless before?”

  Arel put the tea on the dresser and stared back. “I don’t understand why you’re acting this way.”

  “Because you need to stay away from him!”

  “What are you trying to tell me, Carol?”

  “For once in my life I know that I have to find a way to take back something I’ve lost.”

  “I think I should call Kevin. You must be tired. You need to go home and rest.”

  “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Send the crazy person away. But I’m not crazy. Admit it. William is here because of me.”

  “What?” Arel paused. “He did have a dream about you, but—”

  “I knew it!”

  “Please Carol—”

  “I know what to do now.”

  “What’s that?”

  Carol took a deep breath. She wasn’t going to cry anymore. When she looked at William, at how much pain was expressed in his tortured face, she knew what was needed. “William and I are going to fight the darkness together.”

  “What darkness?”

  “The one that took my baby. The one that’s trying to take William.”

  “Carol, my dear, you’re—”

  “Anybody home?” Peggy’s voice called out from the upstairs foyer. “Hello!”

  Arel jerked around in the direction of Peggy’s voice.

  Carol let out a sigh of relief. Another ally had arrived. “We’re down here!” she called out.

  * * * * *

  When Peggy let herself into Arel’s house, she thought she heard voices coming from the downstairs level. Happily, Carol answered her greeting in an enthusiastic tone. Arel wasn’t always as welcoming. Of course, Peggy accepted his shyness. It was a sign that he wasn’t coping well with life, and she had to tread carefully.

  “Coming!” She started towards the stairs and quickly rounded the wrought iron banister. She’d had a nap while Sara slept. Now, Tim was at home babysitting, and she felt energized as she skipped down the steps. Before going into the bedroom where William was staying, she paused, fluffing out her hair and straightening her sweater. She also reminded herself to keep her voice down. On her last visit, William moaned out loudly every time her volume rose above a whisper.

  He’s very sensitive for a person who’s unconscious. He’s probably a lot like Arel.

  “Carol?” She used her softest voice as she continued towards the room. She also put on her nicest smile in case Arel was there too. When he was in one of his moods, he needed all the cheering up that she could muster. When she walked into the bedroom, Arel was there, and he looked worse than usual. His sagging shoulders and wounded eyes reminded her of a puppy who been left on the street to fend for itself. Carol, on the other hand, had never looked more formidable. With her head raised high and her eyes narrowed and hard, she looked the part of a blond, warrior princess ready to lop off the next interloper’s head. The tension in the room was so thick, Peggy went on instant alert. “Hey, guys, what’s going on?” she asked.

  Arel leaped to her side and quickly took her arm. “I need to talk to you upstairs!”

  “No! Stay here!” Carol shrieked.

  William added a third voice. It was weak and imploring. “My god, my head is splitting in two. Stop yelling, please!”

  The sound of William’s voice affected both Carol and Arel at the same time. Each one became even more animated. Carol quickly retreated to William’s side, snatching up his hand. Arel ran to the opposite side of the bed.

  “Will, you’re awake! I’m so relieved!” Arel gasped.

  “Don’t worry! You have a friend now!” Carol cried out.

  Peggy moved closer and stood at the bottom of the bed, observing the three people in front of her. Arel was hardly breathing as he hovered anxiously over William. William looked like he was ready to pass out again. Carol stood over him like a mother bear, but she was gripping his hand so tight, her knuckles were white.

  Peggy blinked back at the group. It was a good thing she came over when she did.

  * * * * *

  William knew without a doubt that he’d visited hell. The horrific stories he’d been told as a child were true. There were demons waiting in Hades. They threw him into a flaming bonfire. The pain was unbearable, but the fiends laughed at his suffering.

  Or was it a dream?

  The sound of voices pulled him from the fiery scene. His head was pounding, and he was still hot, but he wasn’t in the midst of flames anymore. There were people, not demons, around him. Arel was on one side of the bed. The red headed woman from the hospital stood at the bottom. He thought she was called Peggy. A third person, a petite blond was holding his hand.

  No, she’s not just holding it, she’s crushing it.

  But at least he wasn’t in hell anymore.

  I can’t let myself fall asleep again.

  As soon as he began to drift off, he saw the flames reaching out for him. He recoiled, trying to keep his eyes from closing. The bone crushing grip on his hand helped. It kept him focused on the real world, but he didn’t need more pain. He grimaced at the woman as he tried to pull away from her clutches. He was so weak, he couldn’t manage it.

  “Carol, I think you’re hurting him,” the red haired woman cautioned.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” The blond lady frowned contritely and let him go. She quickly grabbed a cloth from a basin and wrung it out. “My name is Carol,” she said as she placed the cold compress on William’s head. “I’m so happy that you’re awake.”

  For a moment, she reminded William of Annabel. Both had green eyes. Annabel’s were darker and more beautiful, but this woman’s were filled with a similar concern and kindness.

  William put his hand on the compress. “Thank you, Carol.”

  “Tell me what I can do. What do you need?” she asked.

  “Don’t let me fall asleep. I don’t want to go back to that horrid place of torment.”

  Carol glanced across the bed and gave Arel a scowling look. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone hurt you anymore.”

  William saw the commitment in her fierce gaze. Was it true? Could this small woman keep the fire and the demons away from him?

  Arel leaned in. “I’m here, Will, I won’t leave you.”

  As soon as their eyes connected, William felt so weak it was hard to keep his eyes open. But the worst part was that he was incapable of fighting the person who was responsible for his recent trip to hell. He could only gasp out a few words. “Leave me alone.”

  Arel’s eyes dimmed. “But Will—”

  “Please listen to him, Arel,” Carol said. “He needs to rest, and you seem to be upsetting him.”

  “Maybe she’s right,” the red headed woman said as she quickly moved to Carol’s side. She stared at Arel. “You’re tired too. Let Carol and I take over for a while.”

  William was relieved to see Arel back off and excuse himself. Perhaps the two women were going to be helpful. He
’d never been able to get Arel to leave so easily. The thought that someone had power over his nemesis made William’s breath ease a little. When he blinked up at the women, they smiled back. Carol took up his hand again, but this time she held it carefully.

  “Remember me? I’m Peggy,” the red head said.

  He’d never liked the concept of “nice” people, but he needed all the assistance he could get if he wanted to foil the designs of devils and stay out of the nightmarish place he’d just left. “I’m William. Welcome to my world of insanity.”

  Peggy laughed. “Don’t worry, I know that world very well, William.”

  “It seems I’m its newest inhabitant,” Carol sighed.

  William tried to sit up, but he didn’t have the muscle for it.

  Peggy saw his problem and immediately ran around to the other side of the bed. “Let us help you,” she said as she and Carol each took an arm and helped to shift his position.

  “Better?” Carol asked.

  “Yes, much better.” Just having Arel leave the room seemed to lift some invisible burden from William’s psyche. After a few moments of basking in peace, his lids weren’t as heavy. “Can I ask you both something?”

  Carol beamed out a wide smile. She seemed very eager to please. “Anything.”

  “Is your craziness connected to Arel in any way?”

  Both women blushed.

  “He did kind of turn my world upside down,” Peggy said. “But I love him dearly.”

  “He’s been wonderful.” Carol’s gaze dropped as she hugged her arms. “It’s just that I don’t think he’s always been there for you.”

  It was an earnest, but understated comment, delivered in such an innocent tone, that William let out a bark of laughter. His head protested with a new bout of sharp pain as he looked at Carol with the solemn eyes of a tormented soul. “Let’s just say I was a happy, contented individual before Arel and I got reacquainted.”