Jessica "Jess" O'Connell entered the coffee shop only a half hour after Aiden's call. As she came inside, she noticed the attractive brunette sitting with her friend. It struck her odd. It wasn't Aiden's style to call her when he had met a new love interest. Then again, the pair surely didn't strike her as being a couple. In fact, they seemed to purposely put as much space between them as they could while sitting at the same table. Cautiously, Jess approached them, not exactly knowing what to expect.
Dakota raised her head as she sensed another's presence. She scrutinized the great granddaughter of Evelyn and Rick O'Connell. From the pictures Dakota had been shown, the young woman could have passed for Evelyn's look-alike. She had fine-boned features and the delicate stature Evelyn had once possessed. The one exception was her hair. Her great grandmother had dark brown locks where Jess was the cliché quintessential 'California' blonde. She watched Jess O'Connell as she slowly made her way to their table. The way Aiden spoke of her first made her believe he and Jess had something going. However, the moment she was close enough for Aiden to see her, Dakota changed her mind. Instead of regarding her as a lover, she plainly saw that he thought of her as nothing more than a friend, perhaps even a protégé. For a moment, Dakota breathed a sigh of relief. Was she jealous? Impossible. It was Myla trying to breach the surface again. There was no reason for her to feel jealousy. After all, she wasn't attracted to men who thought of her as a fruitcake. Down girl. She almost giggled. Almost. Perhaps everyone was right. Perhaps she was insane. Dakota stood, following Aiden's lead, as Jess embraced him.
After releasing her, he said, "Please, sit down." He gestured toward an empty seat between them.
Almost in unison, the three of them sat down, all feeling exceedingly awkward. "Jess, this is Dakota Marlow," Aiden said as he nodded toward her. "Miss Marlow, this is Jess O'Connell. Her grandfather is Alex O'Connell…"
"Yes, I know," Dakota said, interrupting him. "Rick and Evy begat Alex, who begat Richard, who begat Jessica and Lucas." She smiled. "Or something like that. I know the lineage." Sighing, she turned toward Jess. "Really, Miss O'Connell, I don't mean to be a pain in the proverbial ass. I'm tired of playing the name game with our esteemed Dr. Bay."
Nonplussed, Jess nodded. This Dakota Marlow certainly was rude. "Of course." She glanced at Aiden and briefly lifted her eyebrows. What's her story? As if he understood the unspoken question, he shrugged slightly. "Miss Marlow, Aiden was quite mysterious over the phone this afternoon. What brings you to Cinder University?"
I thought you'd never ask, Dakota thought. "Despite his expertise, Dr. Bay seems to feel he can't help me. He suggested he should call you since your grandfather is Dr. Alex O'Connell. Hopefully, I can make this short and sweet." She sat back in her chair, was crazily tempted to put her hands behind her head, and sighed dramatically. "In the sands of Egypt exists a black book." And these are the days of our lives… She shook the thought aside and watched as Jess nearly spoke. Dakota shook her head, silencing her. "Not that black book. Your great grandparents never saw this one. Evelyn probably knew of its existence, but neither she nor Rick ever hunted for this relic."
Aiden couldn't help but glance at Dakota as she spoke. There was passion in her words, in what she was saying. Yet, he couldn't help but believe she was nothing more than an insane goofball. Hadn't they all heard stories of doom and gloom before? Hadn't his great grandmother told them of two books? One black? One golden? One that gave life…the other which took it away? Hadn't his great grandmother told him of the walking dead, the Scorpion King, and scarab beetles gnawing the flesh from the evil and good alike? As soon as Jess dismissed her, they could discuss this privately. He also looked at Jess. There was no indication that she was in the midst of telling the other woman to piss off. He didn't know whether he liked that thought or not.
Dakota knew Aiden was tearing her apart without saying a word. She paused for breath, and then plunged ahead. "It's a cursed black book, one so evil that it has the power to control the heavens and the earth. Like the others, it has the potential to bring life to the dead or it can suck the breath from the living. It supersedes both books you know. Its power is hundreds of times stronger. Unless you or your brother knows of it, there are only three people alive who have an inkling of an idea this book exists. They're all here at this university. If it falls into the hands of the wrong people…well…I think you know the end."
Aiden closed his eyes to keep from rolling them and offending Dakota further. Blah, blah, blah, he wanted to say. Again, he couldn't help but feel that this story had been told and retold many times. He thought he would die from the absurdity of it.
"Radi Kitab," Jess whispered, the name rolling easily off her tongue.
His heart pounded heavily in his chest. He hadn't expected that, he completely hadn't expected Jess to know or to agree with this insane female. However, either Jess was buying into her game or he was the odd person out.
Dakota smiled widely. "You know of it?"
Respectfully, Jess nodded. "Oh yes. My grandfather insisted that it existed, but no one gave him credence. Great grandmother O'Connell told him many stories of it."
"What do you mean," Aiden interjected. "Dr. O'Connell never mentioned anything about this to his classes or to me." He would have told me. He would have.
Aiden seemed hurt by Jess' admission. It was one thing Alex O'Connell never spoke of, had only mentioned it to his grandchildren. "I'm sorry, Aiden," Jess said softly. "Most of the grandchildren dismissed his story as a fairytale, especially since the book apparently possessed the same power as the other two. No one ever wanted to believe such things after their adventures before we were all born. Did you want to believe stories of the Medjai and Ardeth Bay?"
They're both crazy. I'm the only sane one here. He shook his head viciously. His movements were so sudden that other patrons in their immediate area stared at him curiously. Don't worry, he thought. I'm not having a seizure or a stroke. I'm having a fucking bitch fit. Understanding that if he didn't speak, someone would call an ambulance or perhaps campus security to bring a straight jacket. Aiden slowly calmed down. "I am the one who's sorry." He used another napkin to wipe the perspiration off his brow. "I didn't think you would know of it. Since your grandfather is Alex O'Connell, I was hoping that…" I was hoping you would call out Dakota for the liar that she is.
She hadn't. She hadn't done such a thing. Jess was agreeing with Dakota. Agreeing that such a book existed. If that was true, didn't it mean everything he had been dismissing his entire life was true as well?
"Aiden, are you all right," Jess asked.
No. He wasn't all right. He hadn't been all right since Dakota Marlow stepped into his class. His life had been simple, boring. There were no Medjai chieftains in his future, no riding off into the desert to search for long dead mummies, no warriors of Anubis to bite at his heels. He was a professor, an amateur Egyptologist. His life was supposed to be about nothing more than books, writing books, and teaching green students the fine points of prehistory. He was supposed to live out his life, fulfill his contract, and then retire to a warmer climate. Perhaps in between, he would meet a nice woman, have a couple of kids, and then bask in the sun with a fat IRA surrounded by the laughter of his grandchildren. It was the life any person with an American dream wanted. What had he expected to happen? Had he expected Jess to laugh at Dakota? Had he expected her to do what he wanted by telling her to piss off? Somehow, he knew that Jess would have information about this book Dakota sought. Somehow, he knew he would be dragged into the middle. Somehow, he knew he would relive a few steps taken by his ancestors. Somehow, this totally sucked.
He nodded lamely. "Yes," he said. "I'm fine." He turned to glare at Dakota. "What do you expect Jess to do?"
"Easy," she said. "I expect her to introduce me to her grandfather. I expect him to tell us where we can find the Radi Kitab." She smiled at them both. "By the way, my friends and enemies alike call me Kody."
Us. She had clearly spoken the word. He had no way of understanding how he had gotten wrangled into this when he clearly didn't intend to do anything of the sort.
Although Aiden, Dakota, and Jess were unaware, their meeting was being observed. Aubrey Setine, who insisted Aiden Bay take sabbatical in Egypt, wanted to know every word that was being exchanged. However, it was difficult, because the trio nearly had their heads stuck together in secrecy. If she knew them all as well as she thought she did, their conversation could easily be picked apart. They were discussing the cursed black book. She was almost positive that none of them were aware of her connection to it. Frustrated, she growled, the sound almost audible. It was time to go home to Ivan to discuss what to do.
Like almost all university personnel, Aubrey lived a few blocks away in housing provided by Cinder. It wasn't much to brag about normally, but Aubrey's home was three stories with a view of the sprawling campus to die for. Of course, her status at Cinder gave her more with which to play.
She pulled her expensive car into the long, sloping driveway and saw that every light in the house was out. Oh save me, Allah, she thought vaguely. When the lights were out, it meant Ivan would not be in a good mood. When he was feeling cranky, everyone had to stand back to allow him to have his way. It was an irritating way to live. Sometimes, Aubrey questioned why she loved Ivan. Like the evil man who also bore the name, Ivan could easily be terrible. The comparison wasn't left with her. Ivan realized that as well. In bed, they often acted out bizarre sex games that went along the 'Ivan the Terrible' fantasy.
A thrill raced through her at the thought. Perhaps tonight, if Ivan's mood wasn't black, they could play their much beloved game. Sighing heavily in spite of her steamy thoughts, Aubrey parked the car, killed the engine, and opened the door. Before stepping out of the vehicle, Ivan came out, dressed in a robe with intricate designs slashed throughout the material. He had worn this many times, in honor of his great ancestor, Imhotep. It was something he might have donned thousands of years ago. Ivan knew this turned her on. She sighed again. This one was shaky, full of lust. Tonight, they would play their game. Later. She had to discuss what she saw at the coffee shop.
Aubrey slid seductively out of the car, leaving behind her purse. She could get that later. Right now, there were more important chores to take care of. Ivan didn't wait for her to approach him. He came to her first, sweeping her into his strong arms to kiss the breath out of her. She accepted his kiss, luxuriating in the soft feel of his full lips. Although Aiden, Luke, and Jess resembled their grandparents and great grandparents, Ivan looked nothing like Imhotep. The only trait, if it could be considered such, Ivan possessed was his baldness. He was no holy man or a lowly priest. There was no need to keep his head shaved bald, but he did so in honor of his ancestors.
Ivan broke the kiss before allowing his mouth to nibble the side of her neck. He knew this drove her more than crazy, but he rightfully didn't care. He was in a mood, all right. It wasn't black, unless it was black with lust. "I will ask you about your day later, my love. Right now, at this moment, I want you."
His voice was deep, but it was muffled against her throat, sounding almost raspy. She recognized the tone readily enough. His mind was on nothing more than sex. Usually, her mind lingered there as well. Still, she had a chore to carry out and it wouldn't or couldn't wait.
"Yes, my love. I have the same thoughts rushing through my own mind. However, I must ask that we wait."
Her request would anger him. Yet, she was certain he would have a different attitude once she told him what was happening before their very eyes.
"What do you mean, Aubrey," he asked, pulling away. His eyes were dark, foreboding, an omen of his temper tantrum. "I have been waiting for you all day."
It wasn't an easy job to be waiting, either. Ivan earned an income at the university as well, but not as a professor or administrator. His official title was 'Admissions Coordinator.' It was a fancy moniker meaning nothing more than 'tour guide.' Day after day, he led potential candidates around the campus, showing them the student union, academic buildings, etc. It wasn't glamorous by any far stretch of the imagination. He thought it was beneath him. He wanted Aiden Bay's job. He wanted to be respected as an academic leader, not a lowly hack.
"I know you have, my love," she said softly, sweetly. At times, she wanted to abandon him. Her ambition would not allow it. "We must discuss what I saw today." She took his large hand into hers. "Come inside. I don't want anyone to hear."
Aubrey led Ivan inside the house and seated him on an antique settee. It was their favorite spot in the house. They had made love upon it countless times. She was glad it wasn't as delicate as it appeared. If so, they would have tumbled to the floor.
"What is it that you must tell me? What is more important than our lovemaking," he asked, his eyes dark, his mood growing black.
"Stay calm, my love," she purred. "We will definitely make love. Later, my love. Later. I saw Aiden Bay with Jess O'Connell today. They had a guest, an interloper, with them. Kody Marlow."
Ivan's eyes widened at the mention of her name. The two of them knew Kody Marlow well. For months, she had been nosing into their lives, into their homes. They knew of each other. He remembered the first time they saw her. Kody Marlow had followed them on a summer trip they had taken to Egypt. She wasn't a sly investigator. She made it highly obvious she was tailing them. Not many people knew of Aubrey and Ivan's connection with their ancestors. They became afraid she did. After days, they finally confronted her. Crazily, she told them. They ran. They ran as if the demons of hell were on their heels. Yet, Kody Marlow persisted. She came after them time after time. They couldn't shake her, even after telling the police she was stalking them. And now, she had followed them to Cinder. She had followed them and contacted the relatives of Ardeth Bay and the O'Connell's. If she found the book before they did, their plans would be in danger. It couldn't be so. It simply couldn't.
"Shit," he growled. "When will she go away and leave us in peace?"
"Ivan, she knows of the black book. She must know. She knew us, knew what we were after. If she didn't, why would she meet with O'Connell and Bay?"
"Impossible," he growled. "We have an advantage over Kody. We're the only two who know where the book lies. Kody Marlow knows nothing."
She apparently knew something. If she didn't, she wouldn't have found them at Cinder. She would have found Bay and the O'Connell family. "Ivan, we must stop her before she ruins our plans."
Ivan chuckled evilly. "We will, my love. She will be stopped before she finds the Kitab."
Before Aiden, Dakota, and Jess made their way to Alex O'Connell's home, Aiden pulled Jess of to the side to speak to her privately. Aiden glanced at Dakota, noticing how she smiled at them. She clearly knew they would be discussing her.
"Please tell me you're placating her before we visit your grandfather," Aiden said, his voice low, his face very close to hers.
"I wish I could, Aiden, but I can't. My grandfather told us this story many times. I know you have been part of our family for years. Still, he thought this would upset you. I realize you have accepted your heritage. Be that as it may, you also reject it. If you had known of this story, of the existence of this book, what would you have done?"
Aiden was silent. He wasn't sure what he would have done. No. That is not true. Whether he wanted to accept it or not, Medjai blood coursed through his veins. Ardeth Bay had once trusted the O'Connell's enough that he shared the secrets of the Lost City with outsiders. It was enough for his people to punish him severely. Outsiders were cruelly dealt with, but the Bay family had connected with the O'Connells. This was a bond that would never be broken. It was in him to follow the O'Connells, to stop the process of evil before it began.
"I know what you would do," Jess whispered. "This is the right thing, Aiden. You know this." She reached out and took his hand. "Let's see my grandfather for more information and guidance. Let's help this woman."
"I don't know if I can," he whispered. "She is dealing with things I do not understand."
"Rubbish, Aiden Bay," she scoffed. "You understand plenty. You understand more than you're letting on. If we don't find the book, if it actually doesn't exist, what harm are we doing by searching? None."
She was right. It wasn't that Jess was trying to give Dakota the false idea that she was placating her. There was no harm in accompanying her to whatever pointed she needed to be.
"Let's do this before I change my mind."
The two of them approached Dakota. She smiled at them both. "Have you both decided that I need to be locked up," she asked sarcastically.
"Crude wench," Aiden said, out of the blue.
Jess was quite shocked Aiden would use such language to describe a woman. However, Dakota didn't seem shocked or offended. She was amused. Abul was dominating him at that moment. How many times had he called Myla a crude wench? Definitely more than Myla could count.
"Aiden, stop," Jess said. "None of this is helping us."
He nodded briefly, the only apology he could muster. He wanted to get to Alex O'Connell's home and get away from this woman. He didn't like how she was making him feel.
To be continued…
