Tearing The Shroud (39 page)

‘Nice car,’ Jule said as they drove back to the house.

Chapter 36

A Meeting

Someone stepped from a shadowed corner of the study and Justus gasped, clutching his chest. ‘What...I...’

The Master strolled to the back of the couch. He wore a dark silk suit with a light shirt, his hair pulled into a short ponytail.

A soft knock sounded at the study door.

‘Mr Wood, are you okay?’ Sebastian asked through it.

‘Yes. All is well.’

Justus smoothed his shirt and bowed. ‘A pleasure to see you again, Master.’ He turned to the drink caddy. He hadn’t expected to see him so soon. His thoughts raced as he poured a snifter of scotch. The Deanston Twelve Year he chose was now a Twenty-Four Year.
Bill did have good taste in some things
.
Stop rambling. Get a hold of yourself.

He turned, his lips drawn up in a light grin. ‘Would you like a scotch?’

‘No, thank you. Never touch the stuff; it’s the devil’s own brew,’ The Master said, with slight smile.

‘Very well. Pardon me a moment.’ He opened the door and called out, ‘That will be all, Sebastian. You are dismissed for the night; be back first thing tomorrow.’

‘Thank you, sir,’ he said before exiting.

Justus took a quick breath and turned. ‘To what do I owe the honor of your presence, Master?’

‘The Kafla and another minor item. Our lieutenants wish someone disposed of, but their underlings have failed in their efforts to remove him. The boy may be of some importance, but I haven’t the time or inclination to ascertain why.’ The Master wandered toward the bay window and looked into the night. ‘He is beneath our attention, but for someone of your resources, it should be a simple matter.’ He handed Justus an envelope. ‘Here’s his information; see to it. The Kafla will assault the Tear and you shall assist them after you have taken care of that matter.’ He indicated the manila envelope. ‘Come, I’ll show you where they will pass through.’

He opened the French doors into the back yard and waved his hand; the lights came on. Justus followed him respectfully, past a large oak tree, to the edge of the yard. The Master pointed down the slope; stairs led to a small terrace, with the rough canyon beyond.

‘Check here twice daily at nine. The task with the boy is trivial — this is of the utmost importance. Do you understand us?’

‘Yes, Master. Though, might I ask a question?’ Justus bowed his head.

‘You just did but
do
ask another.’

He cleared his throat ‘Master, I’ve read that the Kafla smell of mint, but never found an answer as to why.’

‘When we planned their creation, we imagined them in our image — perfect in every way.’ He turned to Justus, and his eyes seemed to glow. ‘Our plans didn’t come to fruition, but their pleasant scent remains as if to mock us.’ His jaw clenched; then he turned and disappeared into the darkness.

Another Meeting

Vinni pulled into Rodolfo’s Mexican drive-thru and bought enough rolled tacos with guacamole for everyone.

‘It’s amazing how far ten bucks goes there,’ Jule said as they pulled out.

‘I know, huh? And it’s good.’ A few blocks later he turned the Celica up the hill that wound through a canyon lined with expensive homes and onto the Point. ‘It’s weird, with all this time at the house, I’m getting class work done really fast.’

‘You too? I thought it might just be me.’ Jule laughed.

‘It makes all the waiting kinda pass easier.’

‘That’s where you lose me. I never thought I’d say this, but I wish I’d taken a heavier class load. I’ve got cabin fever; hopefully Samedi Gras will help.’

‘I’m sure it will, hon’. It’ll be fun.’

When they arrived at the House another of Mr Brown’s cars was in the garage.

‘Looks like he called the house or something,’ he said.

‘He probably got worried and wanted to know what happened.’

The three men stood at the counter, talking, as they entered the kitchen. Vinni held the bags up like a shield. ‘It was a dry run, but we brought food,’ Vinni said.

‘What did you find?’ Flea asked.

Vinni and Jule recounted the episode, each of them adding bits and pieces, while they munched on the delicious food.

‘Mission Hills,’ Mr Brown said with a frown. ‘That’s near my shop.’

‘The signal just disappeared?’ Knife asked.

Vinni nodded then motioned them to stop; a rolled taco stuck from his mouth like a cigar.

‘Something happening?’ Flea asked.

Vinni nodded, setting the food down. ‘It isn’t the same. The other was like slow pulsing. This...is like a bright flash, almost like I have a headache coming on.’ He looked around. ‘I think it’s from the same area.’

‘Should we go back?’ Jule stood and took her coat off the chair as Vinni stared off.

‘It’s like standing up too fast and having those streaks go across your eyes. It’s...gone.’ Vinni’s shoulders slumped.

‘Is there an any indication where it happened?’ Mr Brown asked.

‘No, nothing at all. This is completely different,’ Vinni said.

Jule sighed. ‘Without the signal, there’s no way we can search.’

The group lapsed into momentary silence as they ate.

‘What’s on tap for tomorrow?’ Knife asked.

Jule said, ‘Vinni and I need to prep for tests, and we have to go shopping.’

‘Ah, I forgot about Monday’s exam,’ Vinni said.

‘Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.’ Knife said quietly with a glint in his eyes.

‘Before you become embroiled in a debate, I must be off,’ Mr Brown said. ‘I’ll check the history of the area for clues. If I find something, I’ll let you know.’ He stood. ‘Thanks for the dinner.’

Vinni waved a hand. ‘It’s only fair. You provide the house; we supply the tacos.’

Mr Brown nodded. ‘They were delicious. I’ll be in touch tomorrow.’

After the door closed, Vinni asked, ‘Shopping? Why shopping?’

‘Tomorrow night is Samedi Gras,’ Flea said.

‘Eesh, I forgot that, too.’ Vinni shook his head. ‘Must be the stress.’

‘That’s exactly why we need to hit this event.’ Knife nodded. ‘We all need to blow off some steam.’

‘I don’t know,’ Vincent said. ‘Costumes and crowds? Plus all this otherworld stuff.’

.

Vincent sighed.

‘How about this?’ Jule said. ‘We’ll study in the morning then hit the second hand shops. If you feel any power thingies...’ Jules voice had an edge, Vinni couldn’t tell if it was humor, or hysteria. She cocked an eyebrow at them and waggled a finger as the guys snickered. ‘Yes, I said power thingies. It’s their official name, no arguments. If you feel one, we’ll run out there.’ She ran her finger down Vinni’s jawline, slowly. ‘I guarantee you’re gonna love my costume.’

At the mention of her costume the guys jumped on the wagon. ‘I vote shopping,’ Flea said.

‘Me. Oh me too. Yes.’ Knife raised his hand high.

‘Study, shopping, and Samedi Gras it is,’ Vinni said.

Chapter 37

A Saturday Drive

‘It’s time for a hands-on approach.’ After having Pae for so long, talking to the room was an unbreakable habit. ‘Imagine, being brought into the Master’s confidence. Conquering death might only be the beginning.’ Justus paced the room twice before going to his closet. He couldn’t seem to hold still. He dressed in a polo shirt, khakis, and deck shoes then looked in the mirror; the rocker hairstyle made him feel roguish and dangerous.

‘Sebastian, let’s be off,’ he called. Sebastian came through the door in a dark suit without a tie, as instructed. Justus checked his watch: 8:58 a.m.
He loved these miniature clocks.
‘Wait for me in the car,’ he said then went into the back yard. He looked casually at the terrace under the clouded skies. Nearby, shadows condensed, growing darker — forming a round undulating shape that floated a foot above the ground. Thick, black smoke crept from it like a noxious fog. The floating shape stretched and pulsed as something wriggled within it. Gray fingers emerged from its midst, forcing an opening; then a forehead jammed between them. The top of the Kafla’s head jutted through, revealing a tightly stretched eyelid. Suddenly, a sound like a single clap echoed and the opening between realities clamped shut. The darkness retreated, and the black fog vaporized.

‘What’s this?’ He descended the steps and nudged something with the toe of his shoe. The top half of a skull sat like a bowl with crushed brain sloshing in it like runny oatmeal. Eight clawed fingertips lay on either side. ‘
That
didn’t go well.’

He walked to the waiting car. It was his first time seeing the Mercedes. ‘Well done, Sebastian.’

‘Thank you, sir.’

‘Did you have enough money?’

‘Yes, sir. The dealer wanted fifty thousand but accepted forty-seven in cash. I had to contact Mr Ross for the paperwork, though.’ He held out the remaining money. ‘Here’s the extra, sir.’

Justus waved his hand and slid into the leather sanctum of the back seat. ‘Consider it a bonus.’

‘Thank you, sir.’ Sebastian said before closing the door and entering the car. ‘Where to?’

‘PCU. I’ve heard the grounds are spectacular.’

The big car glided away from the house.

As they approached the gate, Justus said, ‘I’ll do the talking.’ The car came to the tiny building, he saw the young woman studying there and decided he didn’t need sorcery, just one of Jimmy’s smiles.

‘Welcome to PCU,’ she said in a nasally voice, her nose still buried in the book.

‘I don’t know what’s more beautiful, the campus, or the people working here.’

The young woman looked up and her mouth fell open. Pushing her glasses up, she blushed and cleared her throat. Justus knew he had her. ‘Keeping busy today?’

‘No, just a few surfers heading to the cliffs.’

‘I’ve heard this is quite a place; can we drive around?’ He gave her a tilted grin.

‘Oh, yes...the campus is open to the public, no problem.’ She grinned back.

‘Care to give me a personal tour?’ He raised his eyebrows minutely, every motion calculated.

‘I...have...stay at the...here...I mean, guard shack.’

‘That’s too bad. Maybe another time?’ He winked.

‘That’d be great. Any time, well, besides now,’ she tittered.

‘Hey, could you help me out?’

‘Sure.’

He brought out the picture of the young man, drawing her nearer. She exited the shack and came to the window leaning down. ‘Someone owes me money, and I think he attends here,’ he said with feigned reluctance.

Looking at the picture, she asked, ‘This guy owes you money?’ Her brow furrowed and Justus leaned closer.

He lowered his voice. ‘Yes.’ She leaned in further. ‘He likes to gamble but hates to lose.’

Her eyes narrowed, and she sniffed. ‘It figures. This is Vincent; he’s my roommate’s
boyfriend
.’

‘Oh?’

‘Yeah, wait till I tell her.’

He took her hand and wrinkled his brow. ‘Don’t say anything. If you do, he’ll find out.’

She glanced at their clasped hands, her breath quickening. ‘I suppose I can wait.’

‘You’re the best.’ He squeezed her hand gently, their faces close. For a moment, Justus thought she might kiss him, and he steeled himself; then she blushed and looked down. ‘I better let you get back to your books. Remember, keep this just between us.’

‘I will. You can
bet
on that.’ She snickered, stepping back, letting go of his hand reluctantly.

‘Would you mind if I stop by again?’

‘No problem.’ She wrote on a slip of paper and handed it to him. ‘Here are my hours; I’d lo — enjoy seeing you.’

‘I’ll be back,’ he said, provocatively. ‘Hey, can you do me another favor?’

‘Anything,’ she said breathlessly.

Yes, I know.

‘Take this. A woman as sexy as you should have what she wants.’ He extended his hand and placed a hundred dollar bill in her palm. When she saw it her jaw dropped. ‘Buy yourself something nice.’ He smiled and winked, patting the driver’s seat. Sebastian pulled into the campus.

Emily stood speechless, slipped the money in her front pocket and went back in the shack.
Vincent, mister perfect, sure; she’d dodged a bullet with him. What a fake.
A smile pulled at her mouth as she envisioned Vincent’s face when Julie found out.