Whispers from the Edge of Darkness – Chapter 10

'How did you feel in there KitCat?'

'To be honest, I was feeling kind of mellow. At first, I just wanted to lay down and sleep. Then I had a weird feeling of weightlessness. If we were still in Lake Placid, I would have tried to fly off that mountain. How did you feel?'

'Like there was a moving picture going through my head. My sense is, that if people who are susceptible to certain sounds listen to it, they might act on suppressed feelings. My question, are the feelings implanted or brought to light by the music and what is it all about? After dinner I'm going to do a little research.'

'I kind of thought so. Don't be too late. I have some feelings I want to discuss with you.'

Jacob laughed and hugged his wife. He understood without any further words what those feelings entailed.

After the shared family dinner, Jacob excused himself, despite knowing that his parents wanted to discuss or formulate a plan.

'I'm sorry Dad, Mama but I feel that I need to have an answer to this problem before I face Kardin. If he is involved in this particular scheme it has to be stopped. If he isn't, and its just a coincidence, the church has to be made aware of the subtle risk inherent in their programs. They serve a highly susceptible clientele. And…..all this has to be done before Holly starts her labour.'

Neither parent pressed him further understanding the need for research. Jacob expressed gratefulness for their patience, before leaning down to kiss his daughter. He didn't know what possessed him to say anything, but he hugged her tight and whispered in her ear, 'you know papa loves you'. The little body shifted. Tiny arms reached around his neck and hugged him tight. It was a different feeling from any so many other hugs she had given. There is yet another lesson here for me, he thought. Jacob attacked his computer with gusto. It didn't take long for him to find similar questions to his own. Answers followed just as quickly. As he pushed his chair back from the computer table over two hours later, Jacob did a review of certain things noted over the past few weeks.

Whispers, winds and echoes represented the life flow of the tunnels. It had always been a backdrop, much like an ongoing melody, to the story of his early life. He sensed that those types of sound were embedded in his cellular memory and didn't stand out as unusual. Another frequent sound came from the signalling system used below. He considered the tenor of the pipe music and what it meant. Pascal had mastered the art of creating sounds and tones that could extend out and reach everyone from end to end of the world below. The master of pipe music had always been able to bring people to action or to calm, depending on the situation. This was the music of Jacob's life, rich with subtle nuance.

Making love to Cathy in the deeper chambers often created endless echoes of her voice. The unusual feedback frightened her. To him, the sound had been empowering. Jacob let his mind wander over the time in Lake Placid, the sounds on the hills versus the sounds at the edge of the water, even noting the difference below the surface. Most compelling of his recent memories was the time he spent walking through the farm in Albany. Jacob visualized the beautiful trees, the scent of pine and cedar filling the air, the sound of the branches whipping and waving in the wind and watching dried leaves dance in the whorls shifting life at the surface of earth in an endless circular pattern.

All of it, felt like a blessing to his already well-developed perceptiveness, an opportunity to further open his body and mind. He remembered the moment of awareness in the field in Albany, thinking of how malnourished his senses were from living below and yet in many ways they had actually been heightened to the subtleties of sound rather than the glaring noise of life above. Again, he wondered, does this have anything to do with Kardin or is it just my preparation for facing a new type of foe?

The letters ASRM, which came up again and again as he googled on his computer, ran through his mind. The terminology was new to him but not an understanding of its action upon the senses. Understanding the meaning of an autonomic response to subtle sound was made easier by his recent experiences. The availability of information on the internet allowed him to mesh it all together and note the possibilities. What he saw was neither harmful nor illegal but to an untutored mind, the use of any device whether physical or mental held a risk, especially if intentionally applied. To this conundrum he applied his common sense and formulated a plan.

It was too late to do more than join his waiting wife in bed, but he would have to tread carefully over the next few days.

…

Jacob woke early hoping to slip out before anyone was up. He could not however, bypass his anxious father.

'We haven't spoken in awhile son. I am worried.'

'Dad I know you are pulled in lots of different directions these days. I don't want you to have to worry about Kardin. You'll know if he makes a pest of himself.'

'Don't make light of it Jacob. No matter how much I have to do below, this family is still my priority. Now….what are you working on and what do you hope to achieve?'

'Dad, I don't know. I want to understand what moves me, in the here and now, to look into certain things. If Kardin is a threat and uses subtle energy I want us to be protected. An outright physical fight is out of the question for him. I want to know what techniques he uses to manipulate people to his will.'

'Is that what the locket is for, a form of subtle protection?'

'Yes, did you try it on?'

'I did. You mother was… said I seemed different.'

Vincent was clearly embarrassed. He didn't need to be more explicit. Jacob could hardly contain his smile. 'It's meant to heighten your aura. People who love you will be drawn to it. I am hoping that those who don't will be repelled. That remains to be seen. Will you make sure to wear it when you go out? If Holly was able to make her way below, Kardin will too, if he feels it will suit him. I can't see him wanting to challenge you, but who knows?'

Father and son spoke for a few minutes longer but Jacob was anxious to get to work and clear at least one part of his mind. Ziggy also came in early bursting with excitement over the results of his research.

'I sent you a message yesterday after you left. Didn't you get it?'

Jacob realized that he left his phone in the pants he changed in the van. His mind had been preoccupied and he forgot all about it. 'I'm sorry Ziggy. What news did you have?'

'The community center is a legitimate business, well run according to its filings, but the church is another matter. They have a new pastor who has changed the format a lot in recent months. The last pastor had been skimming money and abusing the kids who came to him for spiritual counselling. As you know, many of them were already troubled. He apparently did a masterful type manipulation on them. Just as a reference, you may want to look up Jonestown and what happened there when you have time. The reactions here, as you can imagine varied a bit from that story, but a disaster was just waiting to happen.'

'And nobody saw or said anything?'

'Some members complained but their concerns were not addressed appropriately. Anyway, the guy is in Jail waiting trial. Has his own lawyer and there is a host of charges; embezzlement, fraud, sexual assault and force-able confinement. He wasn't fussy either…. male or female, any age. Seems he was looking for a type of vulnerability. Despicable character.'

'Does he have any other trails?'

'Some kid stuff, petty crimes. Turned himself around when he got 'religion'. He came out of the Midwest originally. Divorced parents, was pretty much left to raise himself.'

Jacob breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't see Kardin interfering in this case. Perhaps it was all meant to be an eye opener for him. He smiled at Ziggy, pleased with the quick fact finding.

'Check around and see if you can find a therapist who deals with hypnosis and/or post traumatic stress disorder. I am going to talk to Cam. Do we know for sure if all of them were registered or attended the community center or had contact with him?'

'For sure seven of them did. Don't know about the others yet but I will keep digging.'

Jacob nodded and went off to find the PD who would ultimately be responsible for mounting a defense for the people in jail. He hoped that the information would allow them to get the help they needed before trial. He thought that it might be a good idea to speak with the disgraced pastor but as a learning experience only. Not much more would could be gained to help the people already arrested but it would be interesting to see the method used in action. For the moment, he let it slide.

Cam was pleased with the information Jacob provided. In a million years he would not have figured out the process which affected his clients. Cam had heard about Jacob many times from his colleagues. He didn't quite believe that his well-known efficiency could come up with questions and answers so easily. And yet, like many before him, who were skeptical of Jacob's abilities, he could not help but be swayed by the practical way the problem was solved, never making anyone look inadequate. Smiling broadly, Cam thanked Jacob and went off to begin prepping a defense for his clients.

…

Cathy was determined to have as little contact with Kardin as possible, but she could not ignore her sister. Holly most often appeared calm and in control during their frequent telephone conversations. It seemed that Kardin preferred to visit in the late afternoon early evening. If visiting, Cathy choose to get in and out by noon. Her best excuse was a need to be at the center. No one understood that better than Holly. When Cathy approached her sister wearing the necklace for the first time, Holly remarked on a difference but could not identify the source.

'Your perspective on a lot of things has changed. You know that. Don't worry about me unless something else is bothering you?' Cathy shrugged off her sister's comment.

'I feel fine. I am beginning to feel a lot of pressure. This guy is bigger that Hari. I may have to do a little more work to push him out.'

'Are you worried?'

'Weren't you?'

'I didn't have a clue. Totally clueless!' Cathy made a gesture with her hands.

Holly laughed. Her laughter soon gave way to tears and the inevitable knock on the door from Brian.

'I'm OK,' she spoke to the crack in the door. Turning to Cathy, she whispered, 'I was trying to break my 'water' but it didn't work.'

'Are you sure you're OK?'

'Yes, I am getting punch drunk. My dad says I need to calm down. He plays music for me and I have to say it works but it doesn't really. Jesula says my cervix is already opening. I think the midwives call it a multip's os. I just need some effective contractions.'

'You know more than I did. Can I do anything for you?'

'Ask Jacob to be ready. I think it will be soon and I need for both of you to be here.'

It was always the same type of conversation with each visit. Holly displayed both knowledge and trepidation. Cathy couldn't remember if her sister had been the same with the last baby.

'We are ready,' she affirmed. 'Just rest.'

Cathy leaned over and hugged her sister.

'What is that you are wearing. Is it a new perfume?'

'Yes, it's called… 'Placid'. Jacob made it for me.'

Cathy could see an immediate response in her sister.

'Placid? You mean it makes you placid or he found it in Lake Placid?'

'No, he actually found it in Albany. Loved the scent of some herbs in the Gov's garden and decided to try making me something to celebrate our journey.'

Holly stared at the amulet for quite a while. 'It's beautiful. Is there anything he can't do? Don't answer. When I get back my 'senses' I'll talk with him.'

Cathy chuckled. Out of her Diosa mode, Holly could sometimes be funny and charming. Much as she wanted to stay, Cathy felt the need to get away. Holly had said somethings that were important. After one last goodbye, she waved to Brian, Sonrisa, her mother Jesula, the midwife and headed down the elevator deep in thought. Cathy knew that Holly took life too seriously sometimes. Their different upbringing forced a sense of responsibility on both them. Cathy to survive and Holly to find her own way but, the lowering of energetic responsibilities in pregnancy seemed to ease a burden on her sister's mind and heart. It puzzled Cathy that this seemingly positive change had come about with Kardin present.

Holly mentioned music in their conversation. She wondered if Kardin was using a similar kind of mind manipulation to that which she and Jacob experienced in the church. The thought came and went quickly out of her head. Holly didn't seem mesmerized. She talked less and less about the fear of her baby's abduction and more about the birth itself. Maybe Kardin has changed, she thought. Maybe he was just simply playing some beautiful music for his daughter, helping her to relax. How wonderful if he turned into the perfect grandfather! Cathy hoped with all her heart that it would be so. Despite her forgiving thoughts, it was still not time for her to have any encounter with Kardin. She hurried out the door hoping that she would not have to face him anytime soon. Beyond the manipulative control of his daughter, her heart held another deeply embedded grudge which could not be easily shifted.

Since his arrival, Cathy increased the security at the warehouse. She doubted that Kardin would actually try and access the building. Few men were ever allowed to enter but extra guards at the perimeter was important. Once in her office, she called home to check on Aislyn before calling her grandmother.

'Mémé, Holly keeps hinting that her time is close. Where are you?'

'I am in Albany. In fact, I was just packing my bag to come down. Holly called me last night. She sounds well but uncertain. Howard is away on business for a couple of days and I would rather be there than here. Ledgister is driving me and….. I have some more news for you. Maybe we can meet for dinner.'

'Come to my place. Aislyn will be thrilled. You will not be surprised to learn that she is on the piano every day!'

Cathy hung up shortly after. She felt buoyed by the idea of having her grandmother close by. She had come to feel a deep and abiding love for Hélène, a love that grew out of admiration for her strength and courage.

Last but not least on her list, she sent a text to Jacob updating him on her day and the plan for the evening. At least for one night, she hoped life would be uneventful.

…..

Cathy could almost feel the glow that emanated from her grandmother. It wasn't the same as she experienced with Vincent and Catherine. 'Mémé's aura was different and yet so well deserved. Despite years of living with a brutish husband, losing a beautiful daughter and being disrespected by her children, Hélène still managed to wear her wrinkles and grey hair with dignity and grace. To give herself a little more time, Cathy left the center a little bit early. She wanted to give Sue a chance to cook and hopefully give Aislyn a chance to share time with Mémé before everyone else came home. Ledgister, who never missed an opportunity to prepare a delicious meal, hooked up with Sue in the kitchen determined to create a feast. While it was clear that the two could not have a relationship, their love of cooking set them up to work like two co-conspirators, ready to outdo each other. No one knew how that relationship evolved but it was a chance to get the best they both had to offer.

While the two cooks were busy in the kitchen, Cathy sat upstairs with Mémé, talking and watching Aislyn sit at her little piano and play simple, unknown, made up songs.

'You said you have some news. What's going on? Whatever it is, it sure is making you happy.'

'Two things ma petite belle. First, Howard will not be running for Governor again. They have found someone capable and willing. Howard likes both men on either ticket but he says it is up to the people of the state who they want. He has done his best.'

'Have you thought beyond that time? Is there something you would like to do?'

'It is hard for me to even imagine my life as it is much less to add something even more glorious but I do have… a..a..'

Cathy rarely ever saw her grandmother without words. In truth, if she got lost on the English words, the French was never far away. Without prompting but silently offering a willing ear, Cathy waited.

'When I first received that piece of music from Reiba, it haunted me day and night. I could almost see a story in each note, in each cadence, but could never truly visualize the reality of it until Jacob brought the truth to life and shared it with us. Of course, there was much more music and a far greater story than could ever be imagined. Some of it doesn't make sense, even to me, but I felt compelled create an arrangement of the music and the story in such a way that it would pay homage to Howard's father. If he didn't care deeply about the music, Howard would not have played it year after year at the Governor's Ball.'

Hélène stopped to take a breath. Cathy could feel the excitement pouring out of her. 'What have you created 'Mémé?'

'To be honest, I am not sure yet, but Philippe has had a look at it, orchestrated and arranged some of it, and cleaned up my usual loose ends so that we have a theater style production. My hope, my wish …. my something is to organize a production of it and present it to Howard when the time is right.'

'Oh my God! Are you serious? Did you do that? Really?'

Cathy's surprise and joy were infectious. Aislyn came and hugged her mother and great-grandmother. Sue called up to see if everything was alright, just as her cell phone beeped with a message from Jacob.

'I think I have to learn to tone down a bit,' she said while tapping out a quick text to Jacob, 'but this is great news. I am so happy for you 'Mémé.'

'I can see that. Thank you for validating my work even though you haven't heard it yet. I still have a way to go before it can be performed but getting it all down on paper, was the biggest hurdle for me.'

'That part I can understand. I think I felt kinda the same when we first opened LENA. It was like a dream come true, not to mention Jacob in my life, you, finding my mother's family, a sister and…..'

Cathy was speechless. She just hugged her grandmother, feeling her eyes fill with tears of joy. So many moments of incredible ups and downs had filled her own being in recent years. To share the same joy of achievement with her grandmother was icing on a cake of life.

'Are you open to sharing this news with everyone yet?'

'No, I don't want to put this in front of Holly's need for family support. After the birth, if all goes well, I will start thinking of how to get at least one performance out of it. Philippe and I will discuss it when he comes. He is flying out tomorrow, by the way. He wants to be here for Holly too.'

'My lips are sealed, except maybe to Jacob but I am looking forward to our next adventure.'

Despite some thought that the evening may be curtailed by a call from Holly, no phone rang to interrupt what turned out to be a great family dinner. Catherine returned from a late meeting to find her house busy with dinner guests and food galore and talk. Vincent and Jacob were home earlier than usual to share in the joy of yet another family dinner and talk about what was to come. No one forgot for a moment that any kind of trouble may be brewing outside, but inside the walls of the Brownstone there was laughter and a rare moment of fleeting, unfettered happiness.

In fact, it was two more days before Holly's baby decided to make its way into the world. 'My water broke this morning. Not much in the way of contractions but please come now.' The text message came early, buzzing modern messaging into nature's morning vision of a cloudless autumn sunshine. Cathy was grateful that it was a weekend. Plans were in place to cover Aislyn's care, get in touch with 'Mémé and Papa, who were staying in the same building, and ensure the Center was being supervised and monitored. It didn't take long for the well rehearsed plan to take physical shape. Within two hours everyone had gathered. Everyone except Kardin. Holly had no doubt he would know intuitively that her status changed but she made it clear from the outset there was to be no confrontation until the baby was born. If he could not rein in his need to interfere, he was to stay away. Despite her increasing pain and discomfort, she remained in control, but her father's absence said a lot about his own self control.