Once, and For All

by Kendra G. Johnson

  “This is called the Finicular.”

  She paid the fee and explained more about the castle on the short ride up the mountain. The original castle was built in the 1400s by the rulers of Hungary. The castle and the city itself came to represent the best of the international Gothic style, but later renovations and additions to the castle incorporated the Renaissance style. When the Ottomans conquered the area, they sacked the city of Buda and let the castle fall into decay. They used it for storage and stables at one point. Over the next several hundred years, due to wars and sieges on the city, the castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The last episode occurred when the Nazis used it as a stronghold and was bombed out by the Soviets in 1945. The last construction began in the 1960s and was completed in the 1980s in a more modern style. Mrs. Gage sighed and said she would have loved to have seen the Renaissance and Rococo versions of the castle. Blade said he’d rather have seen the battles. Everyone laughed.

  They walked around the cobblestone streets and finally settled on a restaurant for their evening meal. Mrs. Gage spoke to the maître d’ and Rough was allowed to enter and lay under the table. She encouraged them to order the goulash as the signature dish of Hungary. They did and were not disappointed. Even Blade wiped his bowl with the never-ending supply of bread on the table. They made quite a stir as they had travelled around the Castle District. They now numbered fifteen plus Rough in their merry band. Mrs. Gage smiled as she looked around the table at the jovial banter among them. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves, which pleased her beyond words. Even Carter was laughing at something Andy said.

  Jake reached over and squeezed her hand. She smiled in response to his understanding. He was “getting her” more and more as time went on. They had spent long hours together on this trip. She had yet to share much of her past with him, but she had definitely shared her heart.

  * * * *

  The group exited the restaurant and stood laughing together on the square. The view of the lights in the valley below was stunning. They could see the ornate bridges over the river and the lights of the bustling city. They were clustered together, looking over the parapet, when screams filled their ears. They whirled as one to see a large box truck coming straight at them. With no time to spare, they dove in opposite directions. The truck jumped the curb and careened over the edge. Kenann screamed as she saw Judy being dragged over the edge, her jacket hem caught on the bumper. Andy lunged and grabbed her with both arms around her waist. The truck rocked precariously on the ledge. No one breathed.

  In unspoken unity, the members of the group lay down to make a human chain, beginning with Andy’s ankles. Mrs. Gage took the knife offered by a large man in the crowd and cut Judy’s offending garment from the truck. Released from the tension, the truck tipped farther over the precipice.

  Judy collapsed facedown over the curb, her breath heaving. Andy continued to hold her in an iron grip. Mrs. Gage expertly flipped the knife over, handing it back to the stunned man.

  “Shall we go, dear ones?” she said.

  The others scrambled to their feet and followed their intrepid leader away from the square.

  * * * *

  Their council of war was somber that night as they considered once again what could have happened to them. Mrs. Gage allowed them their individual musings. Andy had Judy wrapped in his arms. He didn’t think he would ever be able to let her go again.

  He looked up at Mrs. Gage. “What is going on?”

  She looked at him squarely and admitted, “I don’t know.”

  Carter stood up and began pacing. “Gabrielle, this is too much of a coincidence. Too many supposed accidents.”

  Mrs. Gage looked weary and worried. “John, I really do not know. I am praying it will be revealed.” She and Moira looked at each other, both praying for guidance as to what this unseen force might be. She appeared to be steeling her resolve and said, “Shall we move on from this unpleasant business?”

  Danny Mac pulled rank. “With all due respect, Mrs. G., we need to talk about this.”

  Mrs. Gage sighed and nodded. She sat down and looked defeated.

  Moira reached over and touched her hand. “What is it, Gabrielle?”

  Mrs. Gage looked from face to face and relented. “What if I have brought this on us? What if my past dealings are impacting this? Are you all are in danger because of something I have done?”

  Angelo stood up. It surprised everyone, so they went very still. Mrs. Gage followed his eyes as he came over and dropped down in front of her. He smiled. She smiled back. He said, “Mrs. Gage, if that is the case, any one of us could have brought this on us. I dare say there are enough enemies of this crowd to fill a football stadium.” He looked around and winked at Danny Mac. “And I do mean soccer.” It was a running joke between him and Danny Mac.

  Angelo continued. “I don’t often offer my opinion, but this time I will. I think it is the force of darkness, Satan, if you will, who is behind these accidents.”

  Carter threw up his hands. “Not you now? What is it with you people?”

  Angelo stood and stepped aside to address Carter and the group at large. “I have observed many things since I joined this group. And I have a lot of time to think. And I think we need to recognize that the evil that fills this Order comes from somewhere. It is not God. So who is it, Carter? You may not be a believer but you have to know there are things we cannot explain. Things beyond the physical.” He paused. “What do the rest of you think?”

  Danny Mac placed his hand on Angelo’s shoulder. “Well said, my friend. I’m sure you all know what I think. I agree with Angelo. We are in a battle to stop some very evil undertakings. And we are good at it. That does not go unnoticed in the celestial realms, either. So be on your guard, ladies and gentlemen. Our enemy is formidable and we have him on the defensive.”

  Carter and Robert were the only two who were not completely on board with this theory. Adam was on the fence. Bridget was neutral. She just wanted to get the job done for queen and country.

  Mrs. Gage stood. As she passed Angelo, she squeezed his hand. Message of thanks sent and received. She was all cool business again. “We will have a quick rehearsal Monday night to acclimate ourselves to the stage and have our opening performance on Tuesday. We will run Tuesday through Thursday for as long as we have audience or until Magda decides otherwise.”

  Judy growled, “Oooh, that woman makes you wanna slap your grandma.”

  Moira laughed and said, “Hey!”

  Everyone laughed, helping to break the remaining tension.

  Judy said, “Present company definitely not included, Granny!”

  Carter asked, “What did she think when Gabrielle changed the venue so quickly?”

  Danny Mac looked chagrined. “I told her that Mrs. Gage adores me and will do anything I ask.”

  This brought chuckles from the group. Mrs. Gage gave him one of her enigmatic smiles and said, “That is certainly true, my darling boy.”

  Kenann interjected, “She has sure been treating me with kid gloves. What gives?” She directed this at Danny Mac.

  “I’m not sure, but she is fearful enough not to challenge you. This is definitely to our advantage. But this guy Magda has brought in, I can’t figure him out. Did anyone get his name?”

  They looked at each other and shook their heads.

  “Well, I haven’t seen him since that night in Vienna when Kenann fainted, but I can’t think she would make such a big deal out of her special guest and then drop it so suddenly.”

  Granny said, “I agree, Danny Mac. This guy is significant. I can’t say how, but he is. Look at how Rough reacted to him. I have been on such high alert lately that I can’t get a clear vibe from him. But he bears watching. I think we know that dark forces are at work.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Magda claimed herself to be a groupie of the play and showed up at the rehearsal Monday evening. Despite all her best intentions and positive affirmations, Kenann felt
totally inadequate in comparison to the languid and exotic sexuality of this woman as she entered the theatre. But she was gratified when she saw Danny Mac turn away so no one would see him rolling his eyes in disgust. I guess love truly is blind, she thought to herself, laughing.

  The actors continued their rehearsal, leaving Carter, Adam, and Robert to deal with Magda. They tried to focus on the stage performers, but she was not accustomed to being ignored.

  “How lucky I am to be surrounded by such handsome men.” She did not notice—or at least acknowledge—the lack of enthusiasm from the aforementioned men. “Since you will not be performing this weekend, I have come to see if Daniel and Kenann will allow me to host them at a small gathering of my friends.”

  Carter’s attention was piqued. “Where are you staying?”

  She smiled enigmatically. “Oh, just a little place near here.”

  Carter did not miss her evasion. Since they were well into the performance now, he asked, “Do you want me to have Danny…Daniel call you?”

  “Yes. He has my number.”

  Robert picked up on her subtle proprietary attitude toward Danny Mac. He did not like it. He knew what it felt like to be subjugated by a cunning, evil woman.

  Magda ran a hand down Carter’s muscular arm and almost purred. Carter did not react but simply looked at her coolly. She laughed, rose, and left the theatre in a flourish.

  The band of friends breathed a collective sigh of relief at her departure. At the point of intermission in the play, the group gathered onstage.

  Carter related her remarks and added, “She is a piece of work, for sure.”

  “Tell me about it,” Danny Mac concurred. “Andy, can you wire Kenann and me before we go in?”

  “Absolutely.” Andy laughed. “Glad you’re coming around to my way of thinking.”

  “Well, I usually am more cautious, but I’m not sure where we are going so I want that added back up.”

  “You’ve got it.”

  Judy and Kenann made eye contact and grinned. Kenann was thankful once again to be on this adventure with her best friend.

  Granny James tried not to show her concern or let her trepidation come through in her voice. “Are you two fine with going off with Magda?”

  Kenann reached out and took Granny’s hand and squeezed. She gave her brightest smile. “We will be fine, Granny. This is what we have been planning and preparing for.” She leaned in and whispered to her grandmother, “It’s my destiny.”

  * * * *

  The hour was late. Everyone was in their room as a storm raged outside. The darkness in the castle was pierced by flashes of lightning. Several of the team lay awake—restless. Was it the storm? Something did not feel right. Suddenly, the world exploded around them in light and sound. Everyone was awake now. In short order the band mingled together in the hallway, carrying candles. Electricity had been taken out.

  Carter asked Mrs. Gage, “Is this a normal storm for Hungary?”

  “I certainly wouldn’t call this normal—anywhere.”

  At that moment, the very stones of the castle shook from the simultaneous explosion of thunder and lightning. Jake wondered if the castle could take many more direct hits like that. Blade would never admit it, but he was getting scared. He moved over and pressed himself against CJ’s side. CJ put his arm around the boy’s shoulders and felt him tremble.

  Judy, Kenann, and Granny stood together facing Bridget in their small circle. The hallway was ablaze with light for a brief second. Judy screamed. Andy ran to her. She was stuttering and pointing down the hall behind where Bridget had been standing. Danny Mac ran to investigate and was swallowed up in the shadows. Kenann went after him with a candelabra.

  Andy had his arm around Judy. “What did you see, babe?”

  Judy shook her head, not wanting to say.

  Granny felt and saw black shadows darker than the night swirling around them. She began to pray, calling on the power of God and the force of angels to surround and protect them. Angelo came to her side and took her hand. He was reminded of Jake’s comment back in Memphis that he sensed the coming storm. He made eye contact with Granny and motioned with his head at the shadows above them. She squeezed his hand and whispered, “Pray.”

  By mutual need the group had moved into a tighter circle. The sounds coming from outside were spine tingling. The wind literally screamed as it circled around them. From the murky shadows farther down the hallway, they heard Kenann scream Danny Mac’s name. Angelo and Jake started running. Rough had been standing guard with the group but turned and ran to Kenann. They found Danny Mac lying against the wall like a rag doll. Kenann was at his side, touching his face and crying.

  Danny Mac started to rouse and moved to sit upright. Jake bent down and checked his pulse. Fast but steady. He surreptitiously ran his hands over his neck and torso, checking for painful injuries. Jake asked, “What happened?”

  Kenann answered in a shaky voice. “Danny Mac was chasing someone into that room, and before I could get here, he came flying back out. He hit the wall so hard.” She sobbed the last words.

  Jake addressed Danny Mac. “What did you see?”

  He shook his head as if to clear it. “Too dark to really tell. But whoever it was hit me like a freight train.”

  Angelo stood from kneeling beside Danny Mac. He took a candle out of Kenann’s candelabra and entered the room. Silently, he ordered the darkness to leave this place and these people. He rejoiced that he could now to do so in the name of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  He came back into the hallway. “No one there now.”

  The four simply looked at each other. Jake said, “Let go back to the others.”

  The shaken group made their way down to the main floor, where they found the staff attempting to start a generator and gather flashlights and other supplies. Jake and CJ went out into the torrent to help with the generator. Moira went into the kitchen to boil water for tea on the gas stove. Mrs. Gage built a fire in the great room’s fireplace with Angelo’s help.

  She spoke quietly so as not to be overheard. “Did you see them?”

  Angelo glanced her way and whispered, “Yes. Apparently you did, too.”

  “I wasn’t sure what I was seeing, but there was definitely something there.”

  Judy was still visibly shaken. Andy held her trembling body close. Kenann was hovering over Danny Mac, who continued to move gingerly after his flying collision with the stone wall.

  The storm was starting to weaken, to everyone’s relief. None of them thought they could take much more of the unholy screams emanating from outside.

  The generator roared to life outside, followed by a drenched Jake and CJ, who moved straight to the fire to ward off the chill that had nothing to do with the cold rain. The staff went around the great room, turning on a few lights. They instinctively knew they needed to keep the light somewhat subdued. Nerves were frayed.

  Moira rolled in with a cart of tea and cakes for everyone. She spoke quietly to the butler, telling him that she had made a spread for the staff in the kitchen. He thanked her and gathered the others to remove them from the great hall. He sensed they desired privacy.

  Mrs. Gage was shaken and very weary but steeled herself to gather her tribe. She called them toward the fire. She needed the warmth and the light.

  Carter and Bridget were standing together near the door. They knew something strange was afoot. Neither would ever voice their thoughts, but they were spooked.

  Tea and cakes were dispensed. No one spoke. No one wanted to. Putting words to their experience only gave it credence. Judy made sure Blade had been taken back to bed by Leticia when she finally broke her silence.

  “I saw a beast, okay?” she said. “There was no way it was human. I know that sounds crazy, but I know what I saw.”

  “No one doubts you, dear.” Mrs. Gage assured her. She paused and appeared to consider. “There is no benefit in debating what happened here tonight. Much of it is beyond our abil
ity to understand. Everyone should prepare themselves in their own way for the coming battle.”

  * * * *

  Breakfast the next morning was quiet. They were all experiencing their own form of denial about the storm. No one wanted to think or talk about it. So they didn’t.

  * * * *

  The midweek performances ending Thursday evening were a rousing hit, as evidenced by the reviews in the morning paper. The band gathered for breakfast after that final performance. The mood was restrained despite the glowing reviews. The subject of the upcoming visit to Magda’s dwelling as well as the night of the storm continued to leave its mark on their mood.

  Andy took Danny Mac and Kenann to the makeshift communications center he had established at this new location. He outfitted Kenann with a set of pierced earrings and planned to give Danny Mac a ring with a receiver/transmitter, but Danny Mac declined. He knew Magda would notice him wearing something new. Instead, he arranged for Andy to set up the device in his existing watch. He promised to have it ready within the hour. Magda was sending a driver to pick them up at three that afternoon. She instructed them to prepare themselves to spend the weekend. They were both packed and their bags waited in the downstairs foyer.

  There was a wide second-floor terrace off the library and they had decided to take their lunch there. Carter had received a call from his superiors, who were starting to pressure him for actionable intel. Since they were concentrating their efforts on the Order, they had not pursued any other power brokers who might be in play around them. The D.C. office did not share their confidence that the Order continued to be a major player. Carter didn’t say anything, but the others read between the lines about the need to produce some results. This added a different dimension to their work. They had grown accustomed to being freelance, so to speak. But each realized, except for Mrs. Gage, who refused compensation, they were all on payroll. Judy was the most vocal about feeling superfluous in what they were doing. She was used to the hands-on work of nursing. The others had a strong work ethic as well and began to feel a little frustrated that they were acting in a play when they were supposed to be hunting down the bad guys.