Part 42 (1/2)

Chapter Thirty-One.

Wednesday, October 28th: Little Moor Emma called in at the cottage again around nine-thirty in the evening. By this time, Owen and Lily had prepared a meal and they and Othman had eaten it. Now Othman lay on the sofa in the parlour watching an American film on TV. He was wearing a dressing-gown of Lily's. She and Owen had bathed him earlier. His body had looked so thin and depleted that Lily could have wept. Owen had been silent, watchful. His eyes betrayed only flickers of his thoughts, confused and conflicting.

Emma had brought Ray Perks with her again. When she saw Othman, she looked surprised, momentarily displeased, then relieved. I wondered what had happened to you.' She stood tall at the threshold to the parlour, appearing far stronger than Othman, who was draped over the sofa like an empty garment. Her eyes, Lily thought, held some secret knowledge, which she was relis.h.i.+ng privately.

Othman smiled, looking past her at Ray Perks. His smile was hard. Who's this?' he said.

Emma came into the room, sat down on one of the chairs. This is Ray. He comes from an old family, and will protect Lily and Owen.'

Othman nodded. I can see the sense of it.'

I'm glad.' Emma lit the inevitable cigarette. May we speak alone, Pev?' She glanced at Lily and Owen, noticing that they both appeared to be ill at ease in their territory.

Pev also directed his attention to the twins. Owen put his arm around Lily, a convulsive, defensive gesture. How about if you two go out for an hour or so?' Othman suggested. I want to talk to Emma.'

Owen looked at Lily, who shrugged.

All right, just an hour,' Owen said. Shall we go to The White House, Lil?'

Well... yes... whatever.' Lily was surprised Owen had given in to Othman's request.

Take Ray with you,' Emma said, but don't be long.'

Outside, in the road, with Lily still pulling her coat on, Ray Perks stood in front of Owen. Will you give it to me?' he said. His face was fierce. When it's time?'

Owen appeared doubtful, but said, Yes.'

Perks nodded and began to walk up the road, ahead of the twins. Lily caught up with Owen. What did he say?'

He just reminded me of our purpose, I think,' Owen replied. He looked troubled.

Lily linked her arm through his. In silence, they strolled towards the lights of The White House, too bright against the night.

You are in trouble,' said Emma Manden. She let the statement hang, a string of words.

Othman blinked at her. Tell me.'

Emma leaned back in the chair, crossed her long legs. She still wore her coat. Ray and I went to Cresterfield today. There was something I wanted to look into.'

Othman regarded her without expression, waiting for her to continue.

You have been busy in Cresterfield, I think. We delved into the matter of a certain murder, a girl named Serafina. Of course, you have heard of her?'

Othman still said nothing.

There were quite a few strange deaths in Cresterfield around that time. It seems a group of what the media called Satanists committed ma.s.s suicide on the same night poor Serafina died. The case was closed very quickly. It was supposed the group had killed the girl before getting hysterical and suffering fatal heart attacks.' Her voice betrayed her scepticism about this story.

There is no link between me and these people,' Othman said. His face was composed in a half-smile.

Naturally not,' Emma agreed, although the case has your paw-prints all over it, I'd say.'

How did you make this absurd connection?'

Emma lifted her shoulders in a shrug. You did not take control of Owen and Daniel. Perhaps you should have done. You left them to their own devices, and Daniel discovered the link, although I don't think he realises it himself. He met a friend of Serafina's in a night club in Cresterfield, and caught the name Shemyaza when he held the dead girl's bangle. Then Lily saw the fallen angel in a dream. He wore your face. Daniel did not recognise you for what you are, and Lily has only romantic fantasies. But I know. You killed those people in Cresterfield, didn't you, before coming here You are of Shemyaza's blood-line.'

Othman raised himself on one elbow. It is not your concern. It is irrelevant. Have you forgotten so much during your stint of decrepitude?'

Emma laughed. Not at all. I just want you to know I'm aware of your activities. Also, I wouldn't want you to try the same trick here.'

I had no such plans.'

Emma narrowed her eyes, leaned forward, her hands like claws upon the chair arms. What are your plans, Peverel?'

I shall comply with your wishes utterly. On Friday night, I will conduct a ritual to resuscitate the perpetual flame, and the power from it will be pa.s.sed on to your people. Most will be at Barbara Eager's party at The White House. I shall come there. The gates of Long Eden will be opened to us, and all will proceed as you desire.'

Emma nodded thoughtfully. Will you stay here?'

I don't know. There's a possibility some of my people are looking for me. Whether Long Eden can hide me, I've yet to ascertain.' He paused, wondering whether he should confide in her about the changes he was feeling in his mind and body.

Emma seemed to guess he was withholding something from her. What else?' she said.

Othman thought quickly. There might be a problem on Friday night. It has become expedient to use Daniel Cranton in the ritual. I'm concerned about Owen's reaction, and have only two days to coerce him.'

Where is Daniel?' Emma asked.

His father has him,' Othman answered. He is safe. Daniel is vital to the success of our venture, Emma. I can't stress this too strongly. I am weak and need strength. The flame will provide it, but it will take more than the power of s.e.x, however potent, to stoke its furnace. It needs unbound life-force. Without the flame, I can do nothing. It took nearly all of my vitality to rejuvenate you, heal Louis, and subjugate the Crantons. If I am hungry for too long, my spirit will draw back into my body what I gave to you. I know you don't want that.'

Emma was silent. She bit one of the fingernails of her left hand. Poor Owen,' she said at last.

I can help him get over any emotional crisis,' Othman said, but first I need him close to me.'

I understand. Well, you seem to be doing all right so far. Two days ago, Owen would have thrown you out of the house!'

Othman lay back on the sofa, resting one forearm against his brow. Then he spoke. Emma, you must help me. I want you to prepare a drink for Owen when he and Lily come home.'

Emma raised one eyebrow. Resorting to chemical persuaders, are we?'

Othman grinned slowly. Herbal,' he said. Will you do it for me? I doubt Owen would accept it from me.' He explained the substance was in a jar in his jacket pocket, hanging behind the kitchen door. A teaspoonful should suffice.'

Emma shrugged. As you wish.' It was beginning to happen now, she thought. In two days, the old regime would be restored. Sacrifices would have to be made, but they amounted to nothing, really. Yet why did she feel so uneasy? Why was it that, in her heart, she felt a need to make alternative plans? Will you be strong enough by Friday?' she asked.

Othman nodded. Yes. I need only a brief period of recuperation.'

Emma chewed the skin around her nails, looking at him. They remained silent, until Othman raised his head and said, Now, Emma. Go into the kitchen and put the kettle on. They're coming back.'

Emma heard the back door open, the high sound of Lily's laughter. She, at least, seemed untroubled now.