Prophetic
Vincent Berg
by
The prophet and the martyr do not see the hooting throng.
Their eyes are fixed on the eternities.
Prophetic
Copyright © 2021 Vincent Berg, all rights reserved.
Bookapy Edition
ISBN: 978-1-950589-17-3
This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form.
Product names, brands, and other trademarks referred to within this book are the property of their respective trademark holders. Unless otherwise specified, no association between the author and any trademark holder is expressed or implied. Nor does it express any endorsement by them, or of them. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark, registered trademark, or service mark.
As always, I’d like to thank all of those who’ve put up with me during the highs and lows of this story’s creation. It’s hard supporting temperamental authors, and the rewards aren’t always as clear cut as more time and attention.
I’ve got a long line of people who’ve helped with the story, but I’d like to thank:
• Editors: Steve Mintz and Mike Omelanuk.
• Cover image, “Multi exposure concept with handsome man” by SFIO CRACHO (all images are from AdobeStock.com).
• Cover and Chapter Title fonts, Nomark by Brandsemut and Debock Regular by Tama Putra on Fontspring.
• Chapter header and section break graphics, “Set of decorative borders and page rules frames vector” by lumyaisweet by lumyaisweet.
• Section break graphic: “Set of decorative border” by lumyaisweet.
• Section images are each by Lainspiratriz:
I: “Major Arcana Emblem Tarot Card. The Lovers. Young man holding two beautiful women by the hand. T-shirt with heart on the chest, isolated on white.”
II: “Major Arcana Emblem Tarot Card. The Hermit. Old man with a long beard, wearing a long hooded robe, leaning on a staff and illuminating his path with an old lamp.”
III: “Major rcana Emblem Tarot Card. The Star. Beautiful girl naked under stars, pouring water from two golden bowls, isolated on white background.”
IV: “Major Arcana Emblem Tarot Card. The High Priestess with a laurel wreath reading a book isolated on white background.”
V: “Major Arcana Emblem Tarot Card. Death. Woman dressed in veils and ancient widow clothes.”
VI: “Major Arcana Emblem Tarot Card. Judgement. Archangel with great wings, wearing hat playing the trumpet, isolated on white background.”
Psychic Readings
Two separate protagonists lead a team into the unusual aspects of psychic abilities, as Logan Sykes and John Engals wrestle with the spirits of the deceased, as they seek their place between the worlds of the quick and the dead.
1) Kindred Spirits
2) Prophetic
Delusional Dreams: Trippin’ Over One’s Destiny
Investigating telepathic, psychedelic mushrooms, graduate student Theo Müller faces a life-and-death struggle while wrestling with his role in God’s plans
The Holes Binding Us Together
Threatened, Peg ventures into her worst fear, the holes she’s avoided her entire life, and discovers magical gates to other places. Are they a blessing, a curse, or evidence of mental illness?
Not-Quite Human
Discovering more in common with aliens than the rest of humanity, a group of misfits set out to learn who they are and search for their ancestral home, or somewhere to call their own.
1) The Cuckoo’s Progeny
2) Lost With Nothing to Lose
3) Building a Nest of Our Own
A House in Disarray
Investigating her boss, NYPD Police Commissioner Eddleson, Detective Em Rules’ life is thrown into disarray by the arrival of her sister-in-law and niece, Becky.
Demonic Issues
Seeing the demons within, the world of those afflicted with mental illnesses radically changes, dragging Phil Walker, the medical establishment and everyone else along as he battles demons, dragons and fairies.
1) The Demons Within
2) Speaking With Your Demons
Zombie Leza
A decade after the zombie apocalypse, Leza lives, communicates with and controls thousands of undead. Whether she’s mankind’s last best hope or the source of their demise is anyone’s guess.
The Nature of the Game
The athletes at Windsor High are aiming for professional sports careers. They don’t make waves. When Taylor meets the flamboyant Jacob there’s a distinct cultural clash, as casual meetings under the bleachersr risks millions.
Singularity: The Synthesis of the Ethereal and the Corporeal
An experimental interstellar voyage goes horribly wrong and the deceased test pilot ends up back home, unhurt. Battling through internal, personal and Congressional investigations, Eric Morgan struggles to perceive exactly what he’s become.
Stranded in a Foreign Land
Discovering an injured, shipwrecked alien, Josh shelters it and seeks to rescue its companions, despite being pursued by the American and other militaries.
Books can be found on my website at:
www.vincentbergauthor.com
Real life was something happening in her peripheral vision.
1: Sweet Tan, Straight Black and a Cap
If the date is a complete disaster, I’ll text you.
I’ll say ‘Blue Squirrel, this is Hot Fox.
Mission to be aborted with extreme prejudice.’
Then you call me and you tell me that there is a
terrible emergency that requires my expert warlock assistance.
Wiping the raindrops dotting his brow to clear his vision, Dan surveyed the quiet restaurant, his hair still damp from the mild drizzle outside. Despite the questionable nature of this encounter, showing up disheveled and dripping wet sans coat or umbrella wasn’t a suitable first impression, whatever the situation.
The design was pleasant enough, with a deep wood and brass ensemble ensconced in rich fern greenery; he felt comfortable, though more concerned with his ex-girlfriend’s motives in suggesting it. Her ‘No, absolutely not’ response stood in sharp contrast to her implied message.
Like most, their breakup was painful, though Chrissie proposing this date seemed the perfect final kiss off, leaving little doubt they were through. Still, he was intrigued by her descriptions of his intended date. As described, she was beautiful, with long, sun-kissed brunette waves cascading around her face, clear eyes peeking out at him as her lips turned up in an inviting smile over his prospects. But this was merely a peace offering: a token of forgiveness denoting Chrissie’s desire to move on to a more productive relationship without him.
So, what’s the worst that could happen? He’d waste an hour at a decent restaurant and dip his toe into the ever-flowing dating tides once more. He didn’t assume he’d be swept away in a sweeping torrential passion, but that was hardly the point. Even if he came up dry, it was a promising move. Right? After all, this was a clean slate. She didn’t know anything about him—at least according to Chrissie—and it was time he became less judgmental and solitary, giving the world another chance, in spite of the last couple years.
Taking a deep breath and straightening his jacket, Dan entered. Sorento’s was an upscale Italian destination known for their casual dining in a secluded, romantic atmosphere. Reviewing the lay of the establishment, his first time there, he turned left, avoiding the maître ‘d and headed for the bar. After grabbing an unused napkin to blot his face, he looked around, searching for someone in a red dress with a bold silver necklace, and spotted her. It’s hard to miss an ensemble that …
Suddenly he found himself in a strange apartment, looking at the girl he’d just laid eyes on. He didn’t know how he’d gotten here, what happened at the dining room, where he was or even what day it was. He couldn’t recall a thing, but it was clearly a different day, the morning sky outside bright and with nary a cloud to mar the view. The apartment was tastefully decorated, everything neat and tidy, the decor modern and finely crafted. And sitting before him was Leslie Forte, his date. Only, she sat in the lap of another man, younger and more rugged than him, wearing nothing but purple panties—their matching top laying at her feet—while he wore blue and white silk boxers.
Dan glanced around, trying to get his bearings, but the couple was too involved to even notice his presence. There was a lavender scent in the air, diffused essential oils rather than a cheap plug-in deodorizer. The smell of egg and cheese omelets and fresh bagels wafted through the chill conditioned air, and the sunlight streamed through the window, overlooking a park by the river.
“Oh, Taylor,” Leslie cooed to her lover, who nibbled her playfully pouting lower lip. Approaching slowly, he noted she was playing with his hair with one hand, her other explored his exposed chest.
“So, how’d your playdate go?” he teased.
“As I said, I only did it to get Chrissie—his ex—to finally shut up about him. I figure some casual flirting to boost his ego for a decent lunch was a fair trade, but the guy was incredibly tedious! She complains he’s too needy, but he barely said a thing, not revealing anything about himself. I get being mysterious, but he acted like it was an interrogation! Getting him to respond was like pulling teeth! Honestly, what’s he so terrified of divulging? I might be interested in uncovering something more, but only if there’s some clue of what’s buried beneath the surface. In his case, there doesn’t appear to be anything worth digging for!”
Dan circled them, taking in the kitchenette behind them, the two bedrooms down the hall and the living room just off the dining room where they sat. Still, neither paid him the slightest attention.
“He sounds like a bore.”
“Hardly. Apparently, he’s had quite a challenging time, but rather than discuss it, he ducked every question, deflecting my inquiries. Trust me, I wasn’t asking ’cause I enjoy digging into painful memories, but he wasn’t the least keen on conversing! But I can honestly say I did my best. Hopefully it’ll be enough, and she’ll quit harping about him.”
“Uh, can’t either of you see me?” Dan waved his hand, trying to get them to acknowledge him, but not only didn’t they respond, his words were subvocal, inaudible to the loving couple and only reverberating within his skull. Curious, he raised his hand. It seemed real enough, but when he reached out to touch a nearby chair, it passed through it.
“That seems like a lot of work for a simple favor.”
“I know, but she’s been bitching about the loser for weeks. Luckily this will get her to lay off. That alone is worth the aggravation. Besides, I love Sorento’s. It’s hard to be cross with anyone when eating their linguine!”
“Well, as long as nothing happened between you.”
“Don’t worry, nothing will,” she whispered, kissing him. “The only one I see is you, sweetheart. This guy is of no interest to anybody. He’s beyond boring!”
And then, Dan was back in Sorento’s, and the girl he now knew was Leslie turned, grinning broadly and waving to get his attention. He waved back and headed towards her.
‘Well, that was weird,’ he thought. ‘It certainly seemed real, but apparently I was spacing out’. Despite how detailed everything seemed, the scents of lavender and bagel and eggs are gone. Nothing remained but Sorento’s delicious fresh-baked bread aroma. He didn’t know why he’d zoned out like that, but he’d grab a drink before embarrassing himself.
“Leslie?”
“Dan? It’s so great to meet you.”
He was astounded. Though Chrissie had shown him a wallet-sized photo of her, she looked exactly as she did in his vision. The detail and accuracy of his temporary delusion was remarkable. He glanced at his watch. “We’ve got a while before our reservation.”
“Yeah, they told me.” She waved for the bartender, indicating the stool beside her. “We can talk until then.” He approached and Dan requested his usual Whiskey neat, while she had a house Cabernet.
“So, Chrissie said a lot about you. She says you’ve gone through a rough period recently. Care to lighten your load by relating a little?”
“Yeah, she didn’t handle it very well,” he related, not focusing on their relationship. “Basically, they sedated me for a routine procedure and my heart stopped. I was out for several minutes and experienced a near-death experience. Afterwards, I drifted a bit, disappearing on long solitary walks, trying to figure things out rather than discussing it with her.”
“Any reason you didn’t?” she pressed.
He shrugged, noncommittally. “It’s difficult discussing something you don’t understand. Besides, she was having enough troubles, she didn’t need more things to scare her. Some secrets are best kept to oneself.”
“She said you had visions?”
“No, though I had what they refer to as psychic episodes. It was a little … spooky, but since I couldn’t make heads or tails of it, it’s not like I could explain anything. It unnerved me, but she resented my attempting to shelter her from it. I didn’t think it would benefit either of us, giving her even more to worry about.”
“That’s interesting. Can you describe one to me?”
‘Sure, but before I do, can you tell me something?” She eagerly nodded.
“How would you define the wallpaper in your apartment, the one in your living room? Is it white with pink stripes?”
She sat back, her eyes widening as she regarded him warily. “They’re actually a light purple, redder than blue, which produces a deeper, calming ambiance.”
“And your dining room table is a streaked gray-and-white marble? It looks like it weighs a lot. It must’ve been difficult getting it into the room.”
She stared at him for several long moments. “Have you been stalking me? Did you enter my apartment, or peer into my room with binoculars at night?”
“No, but you can understand why I worried Chrissie so much. After more revelations like that—only much more personal—she decided she couldn’t cope with it anymore.”
“She never said you saw anything, just that you … knew things about her past.”
“Yeah, they’d change over time, but were unyielding. As I said, it’s difficult describing them without creeping people out.”
“So, you saw all this … in a dream?”
“Not quite, but I saw a few other things. I remember a purple camisole set in particular.”
She pushed away, staring at him. “This is getting entirely too personal!”
“Yeah, I agree.” He stood, scanning for the bartender, who was serving another customer. “Tell Chrissie we just didn’t click and Taylor he has nothing to worry about. There’s no chance anything will ever happen between us.” Dan pulled his wallet out of his pocket and tossed a couple twenties on the table. “This should cover the drinks, but I’m no longer interested in eating, as I feel another long walk approaching.”
She was still sputtering as he walked out, not glancing back. He’d seen the look too frequently to forget—even observing it in his dreams. He never dreamt of other people’s lives, recalling the expressions of those he’d terrified, honestly answering their questions. It was a familiar refrain, and one he had no interest of repeating.
He stopped by the maître ‘d and canceled their reservation, handing him a tip and headed out. Nearing the entrance, he waited for others to enter, but as he stepped through the door into the open air, he found himself among a smoke-filled disaster. The building before him was heavily damaged, and the one he’d exited was demolished. The acidic, choking haze filtered out the sun, though didn’t disguise the mangled bodies; as men, women and children lay moaning; trying to stanch their wounds or locate their loved ones.
It was clear the explosion had just occurred, as aside from multiple blaring car alarms, there were no rescue vehicles or evidence of an organized response. He ran to a family, where a man sprawled over his young child—no older than four or five—cradling his wife, covered in blood. Reaching out to roll him over and check his injuries, it was obvious the father was deceased and the blood on his wife his. Unlike his previous vision, this one was all too real, too … visceral, as bits of seared flesh stuck to his hands as he rolled him aside, revealing the screaming youngster sheltered by his dead body.
“It’s alright,” he lied, kneeling beside her, checking for harm before turning to her mother, but neither seemed to hear him. She crawled forward, ignoring her agonized pains and drew her child towards her. But the small girl’s cries were unyielding, the endured horror unforgettable, whatever the cause. He removed his jacket, wrapping it over the gaping, bloody hole in her side, as he cast about for anything to bind her wound. Then he was back, standing outside the still pristine building as people hurried past.
Shaken, he blended in with the other busy pedestrians, hoping to get away from the stares which followed him everywhere. It was difficult adjusting to something that kept changing. His apparitions were never the same. They were usually similar, but the message and people were different, though these visions and astral visits were a new, unexpected twist.
As he contemplated what he’d witnessed, his cell phone rang. Not stopping to check who it was, he answered it without thinking. “Hello?”
“What the hell, Dan?” Chrissie demanded. “You can’t just enjoy spending time with a beautiful woman for a few minutes? You have to wreck the entire thing, describing things you have no right knowing?”
“You should have known what was likely to happen, but in my defense, her live-in lover didn’t seem especially pleased by the encounter.”
“And who told you that? Your deceased mother, or maybe her great-great grandpappy?”
“No, the voices appear to have stopped—at least for now—though I doubt the reprieve will last. And they were always from those I had a close personal relationship with, not complete strangers.”
“Oh, so as long as your delusions follow the rules it makes them logical and rational? How can anyone help you when you refuse to accept your problems? Why don’t you see a psychiatrist and get to the bottom of this nonsense? You can’t just allow it to continue untreated! You need to resume your life. The way it is now, you’ll never be able to work again, as you continually chase away anyone who cares!”
“Leslie only did this to shut you up,” he informed her. “She was dutifully making the motions and repeating the correct phrases, but wasn’t interested in either me or my life. Just ask Taylor!”
“Oh, was he there at your table, or were you imagining him like everything else you hear from on high?”
“You’ve got to admit, their information is spot-on, whatever they reveal. You don’t have to appreciate it, but you can’t pretend the details aren’t true.”
“You know you need help, Dan. You can’t go on living like this. If things don’t change, you’ll end up swallowing a gun or walking in front of a speeding truck.”
“I turned my pistol in for just that reason,” he assured her, to little avail. “And my deceased relatives will surely step in before I do anything overly drastic.”
“I can’t take anymore,” Chrissie stated, the passion drained from her tone. “You’re on your own. While I still care for you, it’s too much. If you don’t care enough to save your own life, why should we? Kindly lose my number, as I’m deleting yours.”
The next day, he was back in the same vicinity. He typically walked so extensively, the shops and residents along the avenues he trod considered him a regular. Heading for a nearby coffee shop, it happened again. He was abruptly somewhere else—staring up at a helicopter descending to a dusty field, not far from the surrounding bullet-riddled homes.
Glancing around, he noted a Middle Eastern dry, desert environment and an attractive woman behind the windshield—visible through her U.S. Army flight helmet—staring down as the dust stirred by the updraft obscured everything else.
And then he was back, noticing a teenager in a baggy t-shirt on a skateboard barreling towards him. Leaping aside, he stumbled into two women exiting the shop, their scalding hot coffee splashing over his back.
“Shit!” he exclaimed, stepping past and turning to face them. One was the same helicopter pilot he’d just witnessed during a battlefield rescue mission, though older now. “I’m sorry.” He pulled his shirt from his pants, shaking it to drain and cool the liquid not yet drenching his undershirt. “I never saw the guy until he nearly ran me over.”
“There’s no need to apologize,” the other woman said, “we were the ones who dumped hot coffee over you.”
Dan glanced around, still trying to air out his shirt. “Well, the kid’s gone and so are your drinks. Let me replace those while I recover before heading home.”
The two women looked at one another, regarding each other as much as him. “Well, we hardly got a chance to taste ours, so … why not.”
“I’m game,” the other offered, as they headed inside. Once indoors, the taller one turned to him.
“Time to disrobe,” she grinned.
“Pardon me?” he chuckled uneasily.
“If you wear that, the coffee stain will set. We’ll give it a quick cold-water rinse in the washroom sink.”
“That seems fine but let me order first so I’ll have something to occupy me while I’m out here shivering in the air conditioning.”
“That sounds reasonable, and we’ll be back before you can catch pneumonia,” she promised.
“What should I request?” he inquired.
“A straight black for me,” the pilot requested.
“And a light tan for me,” said the other. “That’s—”
“Half and half with a teaspoon of sugar,” he replied. “I’ll order both and then you can strip me while they’re fixing them.”
The women tittered at the stares the comment generated among the other patrons.
“What will we do with the t-shirt, though?” the first woman said, considering the Hispanic woman nearly Dan’s age.
“Trust me, I’ve got plenty of undershirts. If it stains, I’ll have another polishing rag.” He paused. “So, I’m Dan Engals, who might you two beauties be?”
“I’m Alison Ford,” the helicopter pilot answered. She was a light-skinned black, whose skin glistened and reflecting subtle tones as the light reflected off it. She wore a tight short afro, black jeans, a white top and a colorful silk scarf featuring comic images of a variety of African women’s faces.
“I sense you’re the flighty one.”
“Excuse me,” the other woman said, raising her voice, but Alison waved her hand, grinning. “Seems you have me pegged. I’m a MEDEVAC pilot, working out of the North Street hospital a couple miles down.”
“Retired military, I assume?”
“Very good. I was in the Army, evacuating wounded to Bagram airbase in Afghanistan for airlift to the Landstuhl military facility in Germany.”
“Commendable, I’m impressed.” Dan turned to the slightly older woman. “And you?”
“I’m Laura Wells, though my resume is by no means as distinguished as Alison’s. I’m a waitress at one of the nicer restaurants in town, La Tribune.” She was a little heavier Hispanic with long, curling black hair and brown eyes, dressed in a long orange summer dress which partially covered an owl and rose tattoo on her right arm.
Their skin tones were nearly identical, though Laura’s didn’t have the same glistening sheen, though it was probably due to their skin-care regimes. Instead, her’s had an even hue. It also seemed Alison worked outdoors more frequently and was obviously well conditioned. However, Laura had fuller lips and a bigger backside, contrary to the typical stereotypes.
“I’ve heard of it, and it’s supposedly difficult getting reservations. I’ve been wanting to go for some time. It’s by the old Times Publishing building, isn’t it?”
“Well, if either of you is interested, I know someone who can get you a reservation if you’re nice to them. And yes, it is, which is handy because I live fairly close and walk to work.” A momentary glance revealed neither woman wore a wedding ring, although Laura’s ring finger bore the pale skin of the recently divorced.
“I’m interested in how your husband allowed such a stunning creature as you go.” He paused. “Leon, wasn’t it?”
Alison giggled as Laura considered him. “Turnabout is fair play.”
“Yes, he was my husband. Do you know him?”
Dan shrugged. “No, a little birdie mentioned it while tweeting the other morning. You know what those bluebirds are like, always gossiping about everyone in the neighborhood.”
He advanced to the front of the line and ordered their drinks. “A tall, sweet tan, a straight tall black and a plain cap. Oh, and could you hold it until the girls return, otherwise they’ll be cold.”
“Yeah,” the barista said, nodding agreeably, “I can do that, depending on how busy it gets, of course.” Once Dan paid for the beverages and left a generous tip, they stepped aside to wait.
“Seems you’re a regular,” Laura observed.
“I need an occasional shot of caffeine to keep me going, I’m sometimes a tad tedious when tired.”
“Okay, handsome, strip down and show us some skin.”
“Only ’cause you ask so nicely,” he said, grinning. Once he did, they took his shirt and headed for the restroom. Selecting a table, he settled in, awaiting their return.
Lauren went straight for the sink when they entered, while Alison held back, checking whether anyone was in the stalls.
“A bit cautious? Have trouble with someone before?”
“No, but I’ve been in difficult situations before and know how to evaluate the room, but mostly, I wanted to ensure we’re free to talk.”
“Great, I’m eager to say something. He seems like a weird one. He’s nervous, constantly watching you one second and then staring at nothing the next.”
“Trust me, you’re safe. As I said, I’ve learned to quickly assess people. We’ll need to handle him gingerly. Did you notice his eyes? He’s got the classic thousand-yard stare, as if seeing something somewhere else. It indicates he’s been through something life altering, which changed him completely.
“Those people are not only more contemplative than most and tend to keep to themselves, preferring their solitude and ready to bolt at the slightest provocation. But he also shows symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, so he’ll likely become defensive. He’s got bags under his eyes, demonstrating he doesn’t sleep well, and he was studying us the whole time we spoke, gauging how we’d respond. If we said the wrong thing, or simply stiffened, he’d probably disappear in a heartbeat.”
Laura stopped rinsing his shirt to consider her. “I’d hate to see that. If nothing else he’s fascinating and seemed genuinely interested in us both. But don’t those people sometimes turn violent?”
“Not in this case. Again, this isn’t a diagnosis, just observations based on the limited reactions we’ve noted so far. However, he’s not edgy, jumpy or twitchy, as if expecting an attack. He apparently hasn’t experienced a physical trauma, but it was obviously unsettling, and he’s used to people judging him.
“As a result, we’ll need to tread carefully. He’s not dangerous, though if you appear nervous, he’ll bolt, but he definitely has a story to tell. For whatever reason, I’m assuming he had a purpose for stopping us. Someone like that doesn’t just stop to chat.
“A charlatan, player or narcissist will tell you what you want to hear. Instead, he revealed something shocking and deeply personal about us. It demonstrates he’s been hurt before and was testing how we’d respond. Whatever else, he’s got an interesting worldview and it’s likely he’s never admitted it to any but a lucky few. I’m not saying this to scare you, but I think there’s a lot more to him than meets the eye. Personally, I’m interested in discovering what he’s experienced.”
Finished rinsing the shirt, she handed it to Alison. “Well, he’s certainly interesting, and if you’re right and he’s not potentially violent, I’m game. Though if you’re wrong, I’m coming back for a refund on your advice!”
“Fair enough.” She giggled and activated the hand dryer, rotating the fabric under the hot air while fluffing it out, smoothing the arms, front and back. She was obviously experienced with quickly straightening up one’s appearance under difficult conditions, making Laura wonder about her background too. “But I’m eager to discover what he’s hiding. Both why he’s so nervous and why others reacted so negatively to it. I’m guessing, he’s more a scared little boy rather than a dangerous man.”
“We don’t know each other, but how did you become so insightful?” Laura challenged.
“Working in the medical field, I’ve seen and transported all types. But I’m also used to sizing people up quickly and evaluating perilous situations, as a lot of patients—when spooked—will panic and unintentionally threaten someone. Dan’s not in that category, but knowing nothing about him yet, I’m intrigued what happened to make him this way.”
“I have to say, he’s definitely attractive. Tall, muscular, ruggedly handsome and tight buns, especially for someone his age. Whatever he’s suffered through, it doesn’t seem to have slowed him much.”
Alison grinned. “Yeah, I noticed it too. I’m looking to see him in a skimpy bathing suit sometime. Though I doubt he’s a regular swimmer, particularly here in the city. But maybe we can get him to the beach before long.”
“Well, since you’ve taught me more about him than I’d have picked up after months of dating, I feel prepared for whatever he throws at us. If you say he’s safe, then I’m all for investigating his life too. I find him fascinating, and while it’s unnerving seeing him switch from utter concentration to looking into some distant world, he’s got some captivating stories to tell. So, let’s see how this plays out. If things turn south, or his story gets too complicated, we can always bail later, but for now, he seems like a fun diversion.”
When the women reappeared, Dan’s shirt was dry and aside from a few wrinkles, appeared perfectly presentable.
“Thanks,” he said, slipping into it, “I wasn’t expecting such quality remediation.”
“We aims to please,” Alison teased, imitating the old movie phrasing.
“So, you got the low down on us,” Laura said, as they sat beside him. “What’s your story?”
“Forget that,” Aiesha interrupted. “How do you know so much about us?”
Dan leaned back, considering them before shrugging. “Your Nana Jenny told me, while Laura, your mother Maria whispered in my ear.” They both stared at him as if he’d just grown horns. “Jenny used to call you Moon Pie, because …” He hesitated, tilting his head slightly. “Every time you’d look at the night sky together—particularly during overnight camping trips—your eyes would grow nearly as round as its reflected face. And Laura, your Mamita Betts called you Carmelita, because you’re sweeter than milk chocolate.”
They glanced at each other. “How do you know that?”
“It’s a long story, but the short version is I’ve had a few near-death experiences. After the first, I started hearing from deceased relatives. Afterwards, those of strangers whom I’ve never known.”
The barista brought them their drinks, so they paused as they got everything settled and tasted their beverages, while the women considered what he’d revealed.
“And that allows you to channel whoever you want, even if you don’t know anything about them?”
“The neurologist explained it’s not so unusual. In fact, they teach classes in psychic readings in Energy Medicine, a modern alternative-medical treatment protocol. Apparently, it’s relatively easy to learn, though it seems certain people—like empaths—are more suited for it.”
“Empaths?”
“Yeah, they’re people who not only feel other’s pain, they actually absorb it, taking it into their own bodies, which they dissipate later so they don’t become sick themselves.”
“I never knew there was such a thing.”
“I’ve heard of it,” Alison admitted, “though I’ve never done anything with Energy Medicine myself. But my friends mention getting treatments occasionally.”
“Sounds like the usual new-age alternative,” Laura quipped. “More science fiction than real.”
“No, it’s authentic,” she said. “EM practitioners us self-generated energy to treat people. It’s similar to acupuncture and acupressure, only without touching them. It doesn’t cure medical conditions, it … manages them, much the way that AA meetings manage alcoholism. But in any hospital ward, there’s always one nurse who’s everyone’s favorite. They’re usually especially nice, but more often they’re the ones with the best results. Those are generally your empaths. By absorbing a small amount of their patient’s pain, it buoys them, providing a chance to regain their strength to regroup and deal with their conditions a while longer.
“They won’t make an issue of it, simply treating patients as part of their daily tasks, but virtually everyone remembers them. Yet the odd thing is, it doesn’t seem to apply to physicians, as you mostly find it with nurses. I suspect it’s a distance thing. Doctors prefer not getting close to their patients, thinking it diminishes them, and Empaths require a more direct hands-on approach, often without broadcasting what they’re doing. However, they tend to burn out since it’s stressful with little professional rewards or recognition. But it’s hard to argue with success.”
“Apparently there have been actual medical studies,” Dan added. “Though they’re typically a very low sample size, so the results are easily dismissed by most doctors.”
“Well, you were spot on about my grandmother and my occupation, so it sounds legit to me. No one besides my family knows what Nana called me.”
“Is this why you’re ‘tedious’ when tired?” Laura asked. “Is it related to how you’re feeling, or how others respond to you?”
“It was the term my ex used. She got fed up because I spent so long moping following my recovery.”
“That’s terrible,” Laura exclaimed.
“To give Chrissie her due, I was pretty difficult. Not only did I hear voices, the dead are tenacious! They don’t quit, tormenting me all hours of the day and night. I spend most of my time taking long walks trying to process everything they say, relying on my EarPods to drown them out. If they get too insistent, I simply crank up the volume.”
“What do they ask?”
He shrugged. “They normally want me to pass on messages, but once we get familiar, they start sending ones I can’t understand.”
“Like what? Are they in another language?”
“No, I’ll comprehend whatever language they speak, but often they’re nonverbal.”
“You mean like pictures?”
“No, it’s similar to how I process foreign tongues, rather than their telling me, I’ll simply know it. It applies to other things as well. Only, instead of hearing something, I’ll see colors or specific images of things I’ve never observed before, though what they signify is beyond me.”
“Couldn’t you ask someone?”
“Unfortunately, it’s not so simple. According to what I’ve uncovered, the information is personal. Presumably, they trigger whatever associations I have, only I don’t have any conscious awareness of their meaning. Hopefully, it’ll come in time, but so far, they haven’t, especially not with these constant distractions. With so many, so it’s difficult concentrating on a single one. However, when I pass on the messages, the respondents get it immediately, so I guess I was never intended to know.”
“It sounds frustrating.”
“I don’t mind, since I can either ignore them or drown them out, though what the living do is more upsetting. I’ll often catch people out. They’ll tell me a bald-faced lie, and their dead relatives will reveal the truth. Frankly, the deceased are more honest than most, even their surviving family. Even dead criminals are eager to make amends, so they’re generally upfront with me.”
“I can imagine it would be disheartening, continually feeling betrayed. But just because someone isn’t candid one moment, doesn’t mean they aren’t honest the rest of the time.”
“Possibly, but when it’s a significant lie, striking at the heart of your relationship, or happens not only repeatedly, but consistently, it becomes tough to maintain contact.”
“Look,” Alison said, meeting his gaze after first considering Laura, “if it occurs, no matter the reason, tell us. And whatever triggered it, we’ll promise to discuss it honestly with you. Okay?”
“Thanks, even that simple assurance means a lot. Chrissie couldn’t even give me that much.”
“Chrissie’s your ex?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I’ll try not to judge her too harshly, but at the moment, it’s difficult not to, given how she treated you.”
He glanced at his watch. “Look, it’s getting late and I’m really enjoying myself. How about we pause the discussion and continue it over a meal? I know a great place nearby where we can talk privately.”
“It’s still early for lunch,” Alison noted, glancing out the window.
“I understand, but once again, I’ve been up and wandering for hours, and I’m famished. I know a place. They’re not yet open, but he’s a friend and will throw something together and leave us in peace while they prepare for the midday rush. But I’d really rather not continue this conversation with inquisitive strangers listening in.”
“Pardon me if this is a tad premature, but if you’re only including me because you’re interested in Alison, kindly tell me now so I can avoid the disappoint later.”
Dan sat back, clearly surprised by the suggestion, but Alison jumped in before he could respond.
“Me? If anything, I thought he’d favor you!”
“Hardly,” she responded. “You’re younger, with no extended family, no children or exs who need to be consulted concerning dating opportunities. You’re available, beautiful and exotic.”
“For now,” he said, leaping in before their discussion could escalate. “I’m just getting to know you both. Let’s not rush anything. So far, I haven’t had the opportunity to admit these details to another living person, and I’d rather continue enjoy your company. I certainly need the sounding board, which I haven’t had for some time, and desperately need, given what I’m continually wrestling with.
“So, while it’s not an answer, how about we postpone this discussion until we’ve had time to deal with the implications. If history is any example, as soon as you have, you’ll both keep your distance. However, if you’re willing to trust me, I’d hate to shatter the rare commodity of your shared faith in me.”
“In that case, I’m fine,” Laura reflected. “I was just concerned you were stringing me along just to prevent scaring Alison off. But, as long as you’re not, I see no problems spending more time together. This is fascinating, and we all seem to relate well with each other.”
“I agree.” Alison reached out and took Laura’s hand, while casting a wary eye on Dan. “If nothing else, I suspect we’ll need one another to keep this one in check.”
“So, tell us more about these visions,” Alison asked, slipping her arm into his as they headed down the busy street.
“There’s really nothing to add,” Dan said, keeping his head down and not looking at either woman.
“Nothing?” Laura said, taking the other. “Are you kidding? In just a few minutes, you’ve revealed more than anyone else I’ve ever met.”
“Face it, you’re captivating, and we’re eager to learn more.”
“Nah, I’ve got some decent stories, but really, there’s not much to it. It’s more how I tell it.”
“What are you talking about?” Laura asked, as both women stopped and confronted him. “There aren’t many people who’ve had a near-death experience, yet it doesn’t even begin to capture what you’ve encountered. Between the voices and the visions, you’re more intriguing than anything on the news.”
“Still,” he struggled to look away, not meeting their eyes, which was hard, because every time he looked away from one, he was facing the other. Still, he continued walking, forcing them to hurry to get close enough to glare at him. “Besides what I’ve already said, there isn’t much more to add.”
“So, why the sudden reticence?” Alison demanded. “You were forthcoming before, and now you shut down? What happened between the coffee shop and here?”
“Oh, look, we’re here,” he said, steering them towards an Italian restaurant. The lights were off, but Dan took them to a side door, opened it and ushered them inside. They glanced at one another, but entered, unsure what to expect.
“Now this is some place!” Alison did a slow twirl, taking in the quaint atmosphere. “It’s got it all: a downhome vibe, a beautiful décor, and secluded settings with plenty of privacy.” She glanced around, as there didn’t seem to be anyone available. “Though, it doesn’t appear to be open yet.”
“I love the wood paneling, brass fixtures and parquet floor,” Laura said, spinning in place to see the other unique features.
“It does a decent business, but it’s low-key and isn’t a trendy establishment. Luckily, I know a guy, so I can usually get a seat at a moment’s notice.” Dan leaned over the reception podium and rang a hidden bell, causing the women to jump.
“Should you be doing that?” Laura asked, peering around.
The kitchen door opened, and a large man with a great belly peered out and broke into a huge grin.
“Dan! It’s wonderful seeing you again, and I’m even happier to see you with such beautiful young women. You get dumped by one girl, and immediately show up with two even more gorgeous!”
“Gio, these are my friends, Alison and Laura. We just met, and they already know many of my most closely guarded secrets.”
Gio looked askance at him. “All of them?”
“Even the ones I never told Chrissie.”
“Wonderful! That is indeed close, as this man doesn’t let much slip, choosing to say nothing rather than too much.”
“Pardon me, Gio, I know the restaurant’s not yet open, but could you show the girls to a table and provide some minestrone soup and a couple rolls? I’d appreciate it but … I need to see about something outside for a few moments.”
“Of course, you do,” he chuckled, the sound seeming to echo within his ample stomach, coming out deeper and more earnest. “I’ll keep them busy, do whatever you have to.”
“This way, ladies, you’ll have the entire place to yourself.” As he spoke, trying to hold their attention, Dan was heading out, causing the women to turn. “And may I suggest a bottle of wine you can share?”
“That would be wonderful, Gio.” Alison was following Dan, hurrying to catch up, and Laura was backing up, preparing to tag along. “We’ll be back in a second, but … sometimes he needs backup.”
He grinned as the three headed out. “Yep, they seem more accepting of his gifts than poor Chrissie was.”
When Alison exited, she glanced around before locating Dan, and was heading for him when Laura came out. He was already at the corner, and as they neared, he approached a woman, waiting for the light with her young daughter. He stopped, grabbed her, bent over and gave her a steaming kiss. Still unsure what was happening, or what their relationship was, they rushed forward, ready for anything.
He released the woman, who stared at him like her daughter, her eyes wide from shock. “Excuse us,” Alison said, grabbing him by the shoulders. “He doesn’t always remember his medication in the morning and gets carried away.”
“Come on, Dan, leave this poor woman alone,” Laura said.
They began leading him away as he broke out in a big grin, but before taking another step, there was a screech as a huge truck blew through the crosswalk, spinning sideways as the worn brakes applied uneven pressure. As Alison and Laura, and the woman and her child stared, Dan rushed his companions away, hoping to escape before they recovered.
“Ah, back again,” Gio said, still standing beside their table, now laid out with food, a bottle of wine and several glasses. “So, another interesting story?”
“Of course,” Alison said.
“He rescued a mother and child by kissing the mother.” Laura reflected. “And it was a steamy one too!”
“That’s our Dan. If there’s an unusual way of doing something, it’s precisely what he’ll do. Yet, no matter how often he does it, you can never guess what it’ll be.”
The three sat, and he was still avoiding everyone’s inquiring eyes.
“So, Gio, tell us about you and Dan. I have a feeling it’s another complicated story.”
“Trust me, I’ve heard some stories, but I know better than to reveal them—at least while he’s listening—as they make him so self-conscious. Now, catch me alone for a few moments, and I’ll have us all chuckling.”
“Thanks ever so much!” Dan groused, though he was grinning as he said it.
As Gio poured them each a glass of wine, Alison confronted Dan. “So, what was that ‘ah shucks, I ain’t done nothin’ special’ nonsense before?”
“Yeah, what you just did outside is worth discussing,” Laura admonished.
Dan shrugged, and Gio remained standing by their table, his arms folded over his chest, enjoying Dan’s discomfort. “I think I scared myself. Chrissie was supportive at first, but the more she learned, the more strained things became.”
“I don’t think it’s so unusual, but not for the reasons you think,” Alison suggested. “It’s not that you’re revealing too much, but you cut her out of your life. Trying to shelter her is a form of estrangement. It doesn’t foster open communications or develop trust.”
“And that’s why we won’t allow you to pull it on us,” Laura cautioned. “If you ever expect to have another relationship again, you have to be honest, rather than closing up like a clam and never admitting what you’re going through.”
His grin grew even brighter. “I stand warned.”
“So, what’s the story with the woman and her daughter?”
“No story. I saw the truck running them over and distracting her seemed like the easiest solution. They were too shocked to say anything, and I didn’t have to waste time convincing them I’m legit.”
“Except, there ae several less-shocking alternatives, and your actions fly in the face of your objections. You went out of your way to call attention to yourself and ensure everyone noticed you, and then you complain when people notice. They’ll never forget you,” Laura said, “even if they assume it was an unrelated, accidental encounter. After enough of those, it’s inevitable people will guess what you’re up to.”
Instead of answering, he glanced at Gio, who began chuckling, and Dan wasn’t far behind.
“He’s used to it. That’s why he’s happy delaying it as long as possible, but yeah, these things never just disappear.”
“It’s actually deeper than that,” Dan clarified. “I never said I object to the notoriety. Instead, it’s how difficult it makes what I’m expected to do. I’m not trying to weasel out of my calling, but I’m forced to bend over backwards, attempting to minimize everyone’s initial skepticism, forcing me to go against my very nature. After that, people still change how they respond to me, treating me like a leper rather than someone who’s helping.
“Yet despite my displeasure, they get so tedious I occasionally like to … liven them up and add a little personality. So, rather than minimizing and delaying the inevitable, when I think I can surprise someone, I go for it. It gets the job done, and I avoid all the other issues by being straightforward. Being dramatic is actually more of who I am than all this other make-believe demure nonsense. It’s about the only time I get to have fun with anyone anymore.” He grinned at the two women. “And you couldn’t possibly take away my one last remaining vice, can you?”
“If it’s your only sin, I guess we’ll let it slide,” Alison said.
“Especially because it makes such a great story!” Lauren added.
“That it does,” Gio agreed. “Dan’s nothing without the stories he generates, which are all the more powerful because he’s so reclusive. The contrast between his attitude and actions is positively captivating, and demonstrates his sense of irony, drama and humor, which is sadly lacking otherwise. It reminds me of what he was like when we first met before he was swept up in all this.”
2: Asking Nana
When Allah loves a servant, He tests him.
She answered on the third ring.
“Laura? This is Alison. Do you have a minute?”
“Yeah, a few. No hot dates pending. What’s up?”
“I was researching what Dan said about Energy Medicine. While I’m familiar with regular EM techniques, psychic energy is apparently the latest thing, and few people are experienced in it. I got several leads and … I’ve scheduled a physic reading.”
“Whoa, girl, hold on. What’s this about? Didn’t Dan convince you this is legit, or are you checking up on him? And most importantly, did you mention it to him?”
“That’s the thing. I’m not doing this for myself, I’m curious why, with so many spirits speaking to him, he still can’t make any headway. So, I’ll ask for a personal intervention.”
“From someone your professional medical experts recommended?”
“No, from my grandmother, Jenny. She’s already aware I’m involved with him, so I’m hoping to get a slightly more nuanced answer from her than he’s receiving.”
“I don’t know, his answers were pretty darn specific.”
“I’m not asking about my future. I’m inquiring about him. I want to determine why these spirits won’t explain what they’re so concerned about.”
Laura was silent for a moment, so Alison checked her signal to ensure she hadn’t lost the connection. “That’s … ballsy. And what do you think he’ll say when he finds out?”
“I’m more worried about him than I am about myself. If I can get more information about what he’s facing, I trust it’s easier begging forgiveness than asking permission.”
“It makes sense, so why are you calling me and not your new connection?” She paused. “Is this legit, not some street-corner shop or a 900 number?”
“No, she came into this from the medical field, so she’s as cautious of these things as we are. But I thought you might be interested in what she says. After all, it concerns Dan, and you’ve got as much right to the information as I do. Plus, I’m only asking one question, so if you have some of your own, now’s your chance.”
“I don’t know, this seems pretty underhanded, but I’m intrigued. Count me in. Do you need me to help cover it?”
“Nah, it’s already set up. I’m having a Zoom meeting with her in another hour, so it’ll give you time to consider what you want to know.”
“Personally, I’m not convinced your granny will be receptive to me asking her questions about your new boyfriend.”
“Our boyfriend,” she said, chuckling.
“Count me in then. If nothing else, I’m intrigued to see how this works.”
“Good, I’ll loop you in when I make the call. Here’s the link.”
Alison opened the Zoom window to see an attractive and professional young woman—younger than either of them. Laura popped up on the display a moment later.
“Ms. Abbert?”
“You must be Alison Ford. And please, call me Jennifer. Are you familiar with Energy Medicine’s physic readings?”
“Not at all, but I’ve heard quite a bit about it recently. But we’re looking for specific information.”
“You and … Ms. Wells? Do you mind me asking how you’re related? Not that it matters, but it may help me if I know your relationship to the inquiry.”
“That’s a thousand-dollar question,” Laura said.
“We’re looking for data on a friend of ours. Laura and I are his potential girlfriends.”
“Potential? That’s certainly a term rife with questions.”
“Trust me, it’s as complicated as you’re imagining, but it seems he was contacted by our deceased relatives, but they aren’t providing the answers he’s after?”
“This isn’t sounding like a standard physic reading. If you want to know about a boyfriend, why not do a web search or ask an ex-girlfriend.”
“It’s our next step, but I’m hoping to ask my Nana—the one who provided the information about me—whether she can give me the straight dope on him.”
“Interesting. So, what do you want me to ask her?”
“I only have a single question: why she can’t give me a direct message? Why are the messages he’s getting so cryptic and confusing?”
“My first impulse is to say, if a new boyfriend is giving you unclear psychic reports, he’s probably a scam artist. But honestly, these things are never straightforward. After all, it’s not like you can call the afterworld directly, and those you contact often have other concerns. Why don’t you ask him if he’s an expert?”
“He’s not. Instead, after a few near-death experiences, his deceased relatives won’t leave him alone. But he’s been at this for some time, at least several years, and it cost him his previous relationship. So, we’re curious. If these spirits are so insistent, why they can’t be more straightforward?”
“Normally, these things take time, as I’ll need to prepare myself. But, if it’s such a simple question, maybe I can do it now. So, who’s your grandmother?”
“She’s my Nana, Jenny Ford, though her maiden name was Taylor.”
Jennifer didn’t answer, closing her eyes, taking a deep calming breath and waiting. A moment later, her eyes reopened. “She says you should ask him when he last time died.”
“What does that mean?” Laura asked.
“I haven’t the slightest clue. As I said, messages from the afterlife usually only have meaning to those connected to them.”
“Actually, it sounds like a legitimate answer, so we’re not questioning you. Dan told us he’s had several near-death experiences, but … it seems they weren’t so distant. Maybe they’re more frequent than he’s admitting? I foresee an awkward dinner conversation tomorrow night,” Laura teased.
“Since you answered that so quickly, can I ask another?”
“Is it to the same person?”
“No, and this one is a little unusual.”
“Trust me, that one was plenty unusual,” Jennifer said, grinning.
“Because these are all related to death, and my Nana thinks he actually died, I’d like you to do psychic reading on Dan. I’m not really expecting anything since he’s … still living. But my Nana gave us a potential lead, and I’d like to pursue it while the information is hot.”
“Well, you’re right. It is a unique request. Psychic readings on the living aren’t uncommon but addressing them as if they no longer are, is. Because it is so extraordinary, I assume it’ll be more difficult, so I’ll have to charge you for another session.”
“I’ve got no problem with that. But as we said, we’re curious why the messages—from so many otherwise clear sources—aren’t more straightforward. So, do what you can. And if you can’t get meaningful answers, don’t worry about it. But as her previous answer was so rapid and direct, I’m guessing she’s onto something.”
“Give me a day. This is so irregular, it’ll likely take more concentration, so I’d like to spend time preparing. I’ll call you tomorrow evening.”
“It’s going to be difficult, because we’ll be having dinner with him, and if things go well, it may be an extended night. I’ll tell you what though, rather than a Zoom call, why not phone me directly on my cell. I’m assuming you can tell me if you got anything or not. That way I can slip away to discuss what you learned in more detail.”
“It sounds like a plan. And I must say that I’m intrigued. I keep learning new things in this field, as this will be the first time I’ve tried contacting a living person. That’s not to say I haven’t done psychic readings on people before, but it’s the first time attempting to contact them on the spiritual plane. Hopefully I can learn something useful from it.”
Laura drove on their way to dinner when Alison’s cellphone rang. “Hello?” she answered, trusting it was Dan.
“Alison, this is Jennifer Abbert. I wanted to reach you before you met him again.”
“We’re just on our way. Are you finished? What did you discover?”
“It was horrendous! I’ve done this for years, and was never terrified by a single encounter, but I’ve never faced anything this horrific.”
“Whoa! Catch your breath girl. Relax and tell me what this is about.”
“I prepared myself, clearing my mind and emptying my mind of any negative influences, and then did as you asked, reaching out to him. It happened immediately. I was sucked in and it took every ounce of strength I possessed to escape. I nearly didn’t. Whatever you do, don’t meet him, and I’d avoid him if you and Laura hope to survive!”
“What did you see? What did you encounter?”
“That’s just it, it was nothing. The entire scene was as black as pitch. He wasn’t experiencing or seeing anything, but I was staring into the inky maw of death itself!”
“What are you suggesting?”
“He’s decay and destruction incarnate! I couldn’t feel any life in him at all. There was nothing in his entire existence, and it sucked the life from everything around it like a black hole consumes nearby stars.”
“Isn’t that a tad extreme?”
“Do whatever you want, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. The man isn’t just evil, he’s your annihilation! I never want to experience that again and will probably be in therapy for years for simply attempting a simple reading. But I’m done. I don’t want to ever face something so terrifying again!”
When the phone went dead, Alison turned to Laura, who hearing only one side of the discussion had pulled over and was sitting by the curb. “What was it about?”
“I have no idea. Ms. Abbert, our EM specialist, just stated that Dan is Satan and devours souls. I suspect we just ended her career!”
“If she’s spouting such nonsense, she was hanging on by a thread as it was.”
“She seemed pretty coherent yesterday.”
“You sorta have to be, or they’ll institutionalize you,” Laura countered. She considered her new friend. “So, what’re we doing? Ignore her or heed her advice? Turn back or damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead?”
“Knowing as little of Dan as we do, I can’t believe he’s anything like what she described, but he admitted he speaks with the dead frequently. And we were told to ask him when he last died, as apparently, he’s courting death on a regular basis. I doubt he’s lying, and he seems forthcoming, but it’s obvious there’s more to this than he’s let on.”
“That much was clear last week, when he kept trying to avoid discussing his earlier revelations. He said he didn’t want to terrify us, and Jennifer’s convincing over how scary what he’s facing is. So, I’ll ask again. Are we brave enough to risk our lives defending someone we barely know, or cut and run before we become too immersed to escape?”
“Dan could easily have lied, as it was his first inclination. He only changed his mind because everyone else in his life turned their backs on him. So, I’m sticking this out. You can quit, and I’ll defend you over it, but I think we need to discover just what he’s really facing.”
“That’s what I was thinking. I just wanted to be sure you weren’t getting cold feet. But given this, I’m seeing his ex in an entirely new light.”
“I don’t think she had any idea how deep this went. From the sounds of it, she withdrew as soon as he started hearing voices. And then, when he stopped discussing it, trying to protect her, she resented being frozen out of his life. Yet, she was never willing to face what he was dealing with. The faults in their relationship seem to cut both ways.”
“I agree, it puts it all in perspective, but I still can’t side with her in this. I still want to understand what’s behind it. I’ve known of several people who’ve had near death experiences, and I’ve never heard of anything like this. I’m not going to abandon someone who’s already on their last legs and is desperately clinging to the only available life raft.”
“Good,” Laura said, pulling back into traffic. “Because if we’re planning an immediate confrontation, I’d rather not show up late!”
When they arrived, Laura immediately flagged the waiter before sitting. “I think we’ll need some drinks. What do you say, Alison? Is wine sufficient, or do you prefer whiskey?”
“Do you even need to ask? And you might as well order a full bottle.”
Gio’s restaurant looked different than the other day. It was not only lively, it was packed. Dan’s friend had to be making a fortune based on the turnover alone. Gio hadn’t appeared yet, though the waiter and maître ‘d clearly recognized Dan.
“I’m guessing this is a harbinger of bad news,” he ventured, leaning back and adjusting his cuffs. “Are you bailing on me?”
“Not at all.” Laura sat, meeting his gaze rather than focusing on her seat or those surrounding them. “The fact we even showed up is evidence of your continuing good luck, but … we received some disquieting news.”
The two had gone all out for the evening. While Vitale’s was hardly a formal dining establishment, they were nicely though informally dressed. Both wore jewelry, with Laura revealing additional curls while Alison put hers into braids, giving her a more refined look with a neater appearance. Dan wore a suit jacket, though without a tie
“Disquieting? Not unhappy or unsettling? You went straight for disquieting?”
“We had enough unsettling last Thursday,” Alison said as the waiter stopped by, handing them their menus. His eyes widened when they ordered a bottle of their best Scotch whiskey and three glass with no ice. But when Dan nodded, he hurried off to do their bidding, their looks brooking no dissent.
“So, what was the news?” he inquired.
“Having just learned about psychic energy from you, I decided we needed more information before we continued, so figured turnabout was fair play. So, we hired an EM consultant to do a reading on you.”
Rather than responding, Dan closed his eyes and sagged in his chair, groaning softly.
“Exactly. But it wasn’t so bad—at least not initially. Instead, since you asked my Nana Jenny about me, I figured it was only fair to ask her about you.”
“And?”
“She answered my question with her own, something she was hardly known for while alive. She suggested I ask when you last died?”
Rather than reacting, he cocked his head. “It’s a tricky issue.”
“Really?” Laura responded. “Either no or June the 23rd are fairly simply answers.”
“As you’ve guessed, I’m not a simple man. But the easiest is last night.”
“Wow! I was expecting a surprising response, but not something so recent.”
“When I said I hear voices, I didn’t mean every now and then. I meant it’s constant. This is similar. It’s a nightly thing. What’s more, it lasts a long time, typically most of the night. Frankly, I doubt I’d even wake if there was a fire in the room. Though, I trust the spirits would warn me, since they seem so focused on me.”
The waiter returned, displaying a bottle of Glenmorangie Original ten-year-old Single Malt. Dan nodded and poured the three lowball glasses three-quarter full, before laying several bills on the table. “We might forget to tip you later, so here it is now. This doesn’t include dinner, as we may not get that far tonight.”
“Trust me,” Laura said. “This will take a while, so you’d best bring a few appetizers to absorb some of the alcohol. We have a lot to discuss, but it’s best done rationally.” She considered him. “There’s no sense learning your secrets only to forget them again.”
They each took a healthy swig, though wanting to retain a clear head, Dan’s was substantially smaller than the girls. “Let me see your arm,” Alison demanded. Looking perplexed, He rolled up his sleeve. She removed her expensive gold-colored smart watch, took his hand, adjusted it for his wrist and attached it.”
“She was playing with it for most of the ride over,” Laura explained.
“As you might guess, I never set up the heart monitor for myself, so I had to research how to program it. But we need to document this. Wear this tonight, as we should determine whether you actually die, or just fall into a deep sleep and merely dream of the afterworld.”
“I’m no zombie, so clearly, I’m not dead.”
“Maybe so, but most people don’t drop the word ‘die’ so casually either. This will establish if you do or not. By the way, I made a call earlier and hope to schedule a sleep clinic appointment for you.”
“I can tell you; I’m out the entire night. I sleep so well I don’t make a peep, as Chrissie could attest.” Dan glanced over their shoulders and shook his head no, so both women turned, and observed Gio heading back into the kitchen. Apparently, he was intent on meeting again, but Dan quickly disabused that notion, and Gio didn’t ask for details.”
“We’ll get to her soon,” Alison warned. “But the center, if we can fit you in soon enough, is equipped with heart and oxygen monitors.”
“I’m telling you now, those cardiac monitors will blare throughout the night.”
“It’s what I expect, but we’re interested in the actual numbers, not the default alarms. I’ll talk to the clinic managers and make special arrangements.”
“Is this all really necessary?” he pleaded.
“If your heart slows enough to register a stoppage, you could be doing substantial damage to your entire body. Yet the fact you haven’t indicates it isn’t. But it makes sense documenting what is occurring, so we’ll know whether it’s worsening or not.”
“Fine, I can accept that.” He took another sip. “But what’s the bad news?”
“That’s not dire enough?” Laura chuckled darkly, as she and Alison followed suit, making faces at the potent taste.
“You wouldn’t be saving it for last if there wasn’t something worse, probably much worse.”
“No, you’re right,” Alison confirmed. “My EM specialist did a reading on you, and as you seem to know, she was terrified. I’m guessing there will be one less psychic reader in the morning. She said not only didn’t she pick up any signs of your life or personality but was nearly devoured by your void. That your inner essence is utterly black, and nothing can escape, leaving nothing in its wake.”
“And yet, you’re both here. I’ll admit, I’m impressed. If it were anyone else, I’d never hear from them again, though you seem to be prepared for the worst.”
“We may not be ready yet, but we’ll get there eventually,” Laura clarified, raising her glass but not taking any more.
“All right, here’s the truth. I spent the majority of the time—at least overnight—on the cutting edge of the quick and the dead. Though I broach the divide, I remain living while venturing into the land of the deceased.”
“So, you don’t actually die?”
“Not literally, but you knew that the other night. Just as I’m not a zombie, I’m also no vampire.”
“Too bad,” Laura said, taking another sip. “From what I’ve seen in the movies, they’re pretty hot!”
“Hey, you two are the ones worried about my ticker!”
“If that’s the case, why didn’t she see any deceased spirits during her reading? Are you there alone, or was she just not able to see anything else?”
He shrugged, playing with his glass, tilting it and observing the whiskey dance along the edges. “It’s the nature of the divide. When you enter, you can’t see anything on either side. It’s just utter blackness. And it’s not the color black, it’s our inability to see anything. This land is truly a void, empty of anything marking it. As far as I can tell, nothing ever passes through here, aside from me.”
“So, there is something on the other side?”
He grinned. “If there wasn’t, do you think I’d spend so much time there? The key though, is very few return after crossing the divide, very few return. So, your friend was correct, she was lucky to escape. It could have been a fatal mistake just making the attempt.”
“But having crossed the void?” Alison pressed.
“I’m permanently tied to both worlds, simultaneously existing in each. While the deceased can’t bridge the divide either, they can freely communicate with the part of me which still resides there. And frankly, my dark personality reflects the otherworld residing within me.” He lifted his glass in a toast. “Welcome to my world. If you’re going to run for the hills, now’s your chance, because once you cross this Rubicon, there’s no turning back.”
“There is if we don’t actually traverse the border ourselves,” Laura argued.
“There is, but just being near me blurs the line. The longer you know me, the closer we get and the more intimate we become, the more the deep fairy kingdom fills you. Like me, you’ll still walk the earth, but you’ll never be the same.”
The women studied each other for several long moments, examining their own glasses. Finally, Alison lifted hers, held her nose and drained the whole thing. “I’m in!” she declared, slamming the glass on the table. “Call me crazy, but I’ve never been sensible enough not to go charging in where death abides, and I’ve lived to tell the tales so far.”
Laura considered her, sloshing her drink in the glass, before she took a hefty gulp, though choked and had to recover before finishing.
“Me too … though as you can tell, with a family, I’m not as used to rushing to my demise as you two. I still have a couple of kids waiting for me, so I may keep holding on while peering into the abyss.”
“That’s fair enough,” Dan said, “and it’s more than anyone else has been willing to undertake for me.” He poured them all much smaller portions, before raising a new toast. “To the land beyond the vale of tears, but especially to our returning again to regale our friends with the tales of our daring stupidity!”
“Cheer, cheer!” they shouted, attracting stares from everyone around them. Both girls ended snorting part of their drinks before they finished.
“Now, let’s order some food. I think there’s still much to discuss, and I don’t think appetizers will cut it!”
Alison stood as Dan entered the same coffee shop they’d met at before. “I’m glad you could meet.”
“Are you kidding?” He started removing her watch as he sat, though it took a moment to master the unfamiliar catch. “I was expecting you to stop by my apartment to see whether I was still breathing.”
“I considered it, but there’s no need. I can access my daily health report anytime. Once the alarms started going off, I shut it off, assuming you’d still be here and tried not to worry.”
“I’m taking it you weren’t successful,” he asked with a grin.
“Success in not calling the ambulance or not phoning you the moment you woke?”
“Yeah, thanks for that, as it would’ve made an awkward conversation, even knowing you were worried for me.” He returned her smartwatch, waiting while she reattached it. “Has Laura already gotten tired of me, or …”
“Don’t worry, I’m not trying to poach you for myself—at least not yet—but she’s busy with something else.”
He considered her, while she continued concentrating on flitting from screen to screen on her watch, having reattached it effortlessly. “And does the ‘something else’ concern me, her job or something I have no right to ask about?”
“No, your intuition is correct. It is about you, but until she finishes, I’m not at liberty to discuss it.” Laura stopped, waving her finger at him. “And no asking anyone else!”
“I wouldn’t dream of it—though the voices in my head don’t always listen. So, this other purpose wouldn’t include someone I used to know, and I mean that proverbially, rather than they’re no longer being here.”
“Damn, even without messages from beyond, you’re too clever to sneak anything by. It’s likely who you think, but please don’t pry, for everyone’s sake.”
“I won’t, but I didn’t want to drag her back into this. May I ask if this is personal, professional or just to learn more about me?”
Alison sighed, learning back and glaring at him. “Don’t worry, we’re not complete morons. Our reasons are valid, but don’t be surprised if you get an irate phone call in the next hour. We just wanted to … clarify things.”
“It doesn’t sound promising, but I’ll be a good boy and mind my own business. So, why’s Laura got the unpleasant task, while you get to flirt with me uninterrupted?”
“Because we’re not flirting.” She was now staring at her phone, tapping the screen as she spoke. “If case you’re unaware, while you didn’t technically die last night, you set off all kinds of alarms.”
“I warned you.”
“Yes, you did, so I was expecting them. Your heart did stop multiple times, typically signaling arrhythmia, which is considered an emergency, warranting a pacemaker. But then it settled into an … abnormally low rhythm. It’s clear you’re likely out of it during those periods, at least no longer conscious, but as long as you’re not in distress, presumably your body is functioning properly. But those rates are normally not seen in anyone not in hypothermic conditions.”
“I don’t know. I once knew someone who surfed his entire life, often in very cold water while wearing a wetsuit, and his resting heart rate was only forty.”
“Good for him, but I daresay you’re not a professional athlete.”
“No, but minimal measurements don’t always indicate distress, as you suggested.”
“Fine, we’re on the same page, but still, I’d like to get you wired up to a heart monitor, just to document what you’re experiencing.” When he started to protest, she held her hand up, forestalling him. “Don’t worry, I know these people and I’ll caution them beforehand. But if we’re going to continue, we need to record what your body is doing. If this is getting worse over time, we’ll need to know. Just as we will if your heart rate varies between when you visit the other side, you’re receiving messages or glimpsing of the future. Those could each signal something vital.”
“Just to help these discussions, the first, as best I understand, is astral projection; the second is claircognizance or clairaudience, clear knowing or hearing astral voices; while the latter is clairvoyance, observing the future. There are also precise terms for clairvoyant feelings, smells, tastes and even touches.”
“Good to know, I’ll try to drop those into my everyday conversations every now and then, but in the meantime …”
“When I first started getting them, I had to do some research into what I was experiencing. I’m not eager about this, but you’re right, this is serious and it’s about time I finally documented it. You should go ahead and—” His cellphone rang, interrupting his response.
“Answer it,” she advised. “It’s likely her.”
He took his phone out and glanced at it. “It’s not. It’s an unregistered number.”
“Do it anyway. It’s not like you’re popular enough to get any nonessential calls.”
He frowned but did as she suggested. “Hello, Dan Engals? Oh, hi Martha. I haven’t heard from you in ages. What’re you … hold on a moment, will you? I’m putting you on speakerphone just so my new girlfriend doesn’t panic.” He pressed the appropriate icon and placed the phone on the table between them.
“Go ahead.”
“And don’t worry,” Alison assured her, studying his response, “whatever this is, it isn’t unusual for him. He gets these calls fairly often.”
“Sorry, but as I was telling Dan, we went to high school together, and I wasn’t thinking of him or anything, but this … psychic called me out of the blue and suggested I contact you. I assumed it was some scam, but she did know how we knew each other, so.”
“The call was … awkward, but she wasn’t wrong. Would you mind telling me when your sister Mattie died?”
There was silence on the other end, but neither responded, waiting her out.
“Uh, it was last year, on October 15th.”
“Well, I can assure you that, whatever your fears, she’s no longer suffering. And I don’t mean she’s in a ‘better place’, but she honestly has other things occupying her time. She’s still concerned with you and checks in occasionally just to ensure you’re doing well, but her death isn’t bothering her.”
“You … know how she died?”
Dan glanced at Alison and hesitated. “She … was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, strangled and abandoned in the woods.”
“Did you read the police report?”
“No, all I know is what she’s telling me. Psychics are good at picking up certain details, but there are limits on what they can pick up. I don’t know how this psychic learned my number but—”
“Oh, no, she didn’t. She just introduced herself and told me I needed to contact you. I asked her why, but she wouldn’t answer, just insisting I call you. I had to check with the school, who eventually gave me your college alumni association, and they managed to track down a working phone listing.”
“Don’t worry, Martha, as Alison said, this isn’t as surprising as it sounds.”
“Sorry, Alison,” she apologized, “but I didn’t know what else to do. My sister’s body wasn’t found until they discovered it off the coast in another state over a month later. There wasn’t much left, so we never knew what happened, and it’s tormented me since.”
“Well, this can’t be used to solve her crime, especially as your sister never knew the perpetrator, but … as horrible as the attack was, she’s at peace now, and still checks in on you and your mother. Your brother Toby, not so much.”
“Yeah, Toby’s pretty much a lost cause. We lose touch with him fairly often, and after a few too many overdoses, his mind’s no longer quite there anymore.”
“Mattie says he is, and still cares about you, but that he’s … lost his way and is still struggling to get back. Hold on.” Dan pulled out a pen and scribbled a name on their napkin. “She just gave me the homeless shelter he’s currently at. I’ll call to determine whether I can get him in a rehab facility. Those are typically in short supply, but you’ll be able to contact him even if I can’t.”
“Wow! It’s no wonder she contacted me. You really know what you’re doing!”
“Honestly, it’s not me. It’s your sister watching out for you. Once I spoke to you, I reached out and connected, but she instigated this. Oh, and make sure your mother gets a checkup immediately. She’s got pancreatic cancer, but hopefully they’ll catch it early enough for a positive recovery. Otherwise, the prognosis isn’t promising.”
“Mattie told you that?” Martha asked.
“No, even she doesn’t know, but … I’m partially presentient. Once we started talking, I saw what would happen and …”
“Please. That’s enough. I’ll definitely get her to a doctor and let me know where my brother is. But, about Mattie?”
“Again, this won’t hold up in court, but … she was attacked leaving campus on the 15th. She didn’t recognize him, and he didn’t appear to be a student. The details aren’t pretty, but according to Mattie, he was killed when caught attacking someone else, and he’s no longer a threat to anyone.”
“Can I ask what his name was?”
“I’m not sure it will help, but since he’s dead, I can’t see how it’ll affect his reputation. It was Samuel Clyde.”
“Look, I’m glad I spoke to you, but I’m about to lose control, and I’m eager to call about my mother. Do you need my number to get back in touch with me?”
“No, I already have it in my phone. Now that I know you’re not a telemarketer, I can add it to my contacts.”
“I’m terribly sorry, Alison, I’ve probably ruined your date, but this means the world to me. But just so you’re warned, if I ever see him again, I’m going to give him the biggest kiss.”
“Don’t worry, Martha. I’ll give him one for you, and I’ll make sure it’s one he’ll remember for a long time too.”
“Thank you both, so, so much,” she said, though she was already crying as she hung up.
“Well, talk about awkward conversations.” Dan glanced around the room, noting everyone in the establishment was staring. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to attract so much attention. We’ll pay our tab and be on our way.”
“No, no, don’t worry,” the barista said. “I’m comping your drink, and if you wait a few minutes, I’ll give you another on the house. That was … amazing, and it seems everyone else was entertained, to say the least.”
“Sorry about that,” Dan said, turning back to Alison and putting his phone away. “It kinda got away from me.”
“Don’t worry. I’m getting used to it, but you continually surprise me. All I was interested in was documenting your nighttime voyages, and it sounds like you don’t object, so I’ll put it in motion. It’s why we met now, as I’ve already made the arrangements. I’ll confirm and have them send you the information, but rather than a medical center, I arranged it with a sleep clinic. That way, you can do it anytime, day or night. Though expect a ton of liability waivers, cause if you die, it’ll be their asses on the line for not calling the ambulance on time.”