Part 36 (1/2)

I could use a drink,' Taziel said. He lay back on the bed, still holding Lahash's hand. I need to talk.'

We have plenty of champagne,' Lahash answered, and went back into the sitting room. Aninka was left staring at Taziel. She realised, with some amus.e.m.e.nt, that there would be compet.i.tion over with whom Lahash would be spending the rest of the night. Well, she had no intention of spending it alone. Pointedly, she sat down on the bed.

Are you OK?'

She was waiting for Taziel's expression to become closed and sour, but he seemed resigned to her presence.

Yes.' He smiled weakly, then pressed the fingers of one hand over his eyes. This sort of thing has been happening more often recently. I was angry at Enniel calling me in to get involved in this, but now I know it was the right thing. I'd have gone mad, otherwise. This thing has to be finished once and for all.'

What thing?' Aninka dared to ask.

Taziel lowered his hand and gave her a knowing smile. He seemed very young now. You know what thing. Othman doesn't have a hold on me, just an unwelcome presence now and again.'

You must have been very close for that to happen.'

He nodded. I thought so. But not that close, obviously, otherwise what happened wouldn't have happened.'

Lahash came back with the champagne and the gla.s.ses. He filled each one. A toast,' he said, distributing them to his companions. He raised his own gla.s.s. To our success!'

Success!' Taziel said.

Success,' murmured Aninka. They clinked gla.s.ses and drank. Aninka felt uneasy. Just what would their success encompa.s.s?

They drank in silence for a while, and then Lahash refilled their gla.s.ses, an action which seemed to prompt conversation once more.

If Othman has settled somewhere else for a while,' Aninka said, he'll probably be making plans to re-enact his gate-opening ritual, won't he?'

Lahash nodded. I wouldn't be surprised.'

Then we have to get to him soon!' Aninka cried. Otherwise people will be hurt!'

Don't waste your sentiment,' Taziel said sourly. If he acts rashly, all to the good. We'll be able to find him easier.'

The warm feelings that Aninka had begun to extend towards Taziel evaporated. Not caring about what he does to people makes us just like him,' she said.

And you don't want to be like him?' Taziel's expression was knowing. I bet you go hot at the crotch just thinking about being near to him again.'

Aninka refused to get angry. That sounds like displacement to me. Perhaps you should think about your own expectations before you criticise mine.'

Taziel flopped back on the bed, his champagne gla.s.s held upright upon his chest. We're infected, both of us. We are his followers, whatever our conscious minds try to tell us. Our only defence is that we should be aware of that.'

Reflexively, Aninka s.h.i.+vered. She wished Taziel wouldn't come out with remarks, for they were generally unsettling.

Taz is right,' Lahash said. You must be alert for his influence. As we draw nearer to him, it might become more powerful.'

Aninka laughed coldly. Only if he remembers us or thinks about us! I doubt he does. I believe that once he used us up, he forgot about us. That in my opinion is our best defence!' In her mind, she tried to silence the whispering voice that murmured, but I want him to remember me, I want to punish him for what he did. She glanced at Taziel and found that he was staring at her through narrowed eyes. Was it jealousy or anxiety in his expression?

Of course,' Taziel said, we have to prepare ourselves for the worst.'

The worst?' Aninka held his eyes.

That we'll fail, be too late, or too weak. That he'll get away. That we'll not even catch sight of him. That is the worst, Aninka, isn't it?'

Chapter Twenty-Seven.

Tuesday 27th October: Little Moor On Tuesday morning, Barbara called Low Mede again. She was now extremely worried about Louis, and had even begun to wonder whether his vile daughter had poisoned him or pushed him downstairs. She resolved to demand to speak to Louis if Verity answered the phone, and would brook no argument. If that failed, she would go round and march right into the house. Louis, however, answered the phone. Barbara was so surprised, she was lost for words for a moment, then recovered herself.

Oh Louis! I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear your voice. I've been out of my mind with worry!'

Wasn't feeling too well,' Louis answered, but I'm fine now.'

Thank G.o.d! I take it the healing session didn't do you much good, then?'

There was a pause before he answered her question. Actually, it's been amazingly successful.'

There was an unfamiliar edge to Louis' voice which Barbara could not identify. Are you sure? You sound a bit odd.'

Well, to be honest, I'm still rather sh.e.l.l-shocked... Barbara, I have to see you.'

Of course. I'll come round later, if that's all right. I'm going out with Pev shortly to see some paintings.'

Oh... Well, whenever you can make it.'

This afternoon.'

Barbara put down the phone, a puzzled expression on her face. Barney came into the room and said. Everything all right?'

Yes, yes.' Barbara smiled, pus.h.i.+ng misgivings from her mind. I shall be out most of the day, but I've left instructions for everybody.'

Barney gave her a withering look, which she ignored.

Barbara found Peverel Othman sitting out in the beer garden, reading a newspaper. He always scanned the local news; she wondered why he found it so absorbing. Ready?' she enquired loudly, swinging her truck keys from her fingers.

Othman glanced up, appearing, for a moment, confused. Then his expression cleared. Ah, the private view! I had forgotten.'

In the truck, Barbara vowed not to mention Emma to Othman, then found herself saying, Your friend last night seemed very pleasant.'

Yes. She's a local girl.'

Barbara pursued the topic relentlessly. How do you know her?'

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed an expression of irritation cross Othman's face. He found her questions discomforting. The same way I know any of you.'

Really? I've never seen her before.'

Othman smirked at her, but said nothing. Hedgerows rushed past, brus.h.i.+ng the sides of the truck. Seeds fell in through the open windows. Isn't that the turning you want?' Othman said.