Author's Note: Thank you for all your reviews and support, and if you want quicker updates then I'm gonna need more reviews to keep me going, lol! This chapter is definitely a game changer, and is thus far my favorite. I am pretty sure my fellow PTL fans will enjoy it too...it's filled with action and suspense. Happy reading!
Tavern of Souls- 10:55pm.
Alex had been sitting all day answering the phone and booking rooms. Today had been overwhelmingly busy, and she couldn't wait to go home to put her feet up and then knock herself out with Tylenol PM. Alex was suffering from PMS and she surprised herself by containing her bitchiness, and keeping her emotions in check. Thinking of Grandma Rose served as a healthy meditation, and distraction from the confinement of the Tavern's small office; she was the only reason why Alex had taken this job to help pay the medical bills. Medicare would only pay so much…they always seem to leave an astronomical balance that no senior citizen would be able to pay.
Now that Tanya was due back home from nursing school in Japan maybe she'll finally get her ass in gear, and share the responsibility of taking care of Grandma Rose…Alex vigorously rubbed the sides of her temple. Thinking about Tanya always gave Alex a migraine; she could only pray that Tanya would step it up and allow her some down time to study and hopefully start writing her thesis. Alex's thoughts immediately shifted to Derek…her last encounter with him indeed frightened her, it also intrigued her senses. She wanted to learn more about him, and how he lived with the sight for all these years.
As for herself, she never accepted the sight as a gift rather Alex viewed it as just the opposite; a curse that had been passed or inherited from her ancestors. Tanya embraced the sight, whereas Alex found no use for it. The sight only complicated matters in her life and proved to be a thorn in her flesh, and because of it she had no choice but to reject everything associated with the sight, including Derek Rayne.
Alex checked her watch for the time; soon her shift would end in exactly five minutes. She eagerly cleared the desk of her leftover dinner, and organized the office for the person covering the next shift. She looked around to make sure everything was orderly and in it's proper place; satisfied with the clean up she grabbed her purse and car keys and headed out the door towards the lobby. While walking an explosive charge echoed like gunfire through the small building, and Alex found herself in total darkness as she heard a deafening scream for help…
ST. John Memorial Hospital- Grandma Rose's room 11:16pm.
Derek had been waiting for hours for either Rose to awaken, or for a relative to show up. He didn't want to make any drastic decisions until he knew for sure what he was up against. His connection to Alex left him somewhat baffled. He couldn't explain this longing to have her in his life, nor could he find a logical reason not to have her in his life. Maybe it was just his overpowering concern for her safety that was driving him crazy with all these emotions; after all he did take an oath as a member of the Legacy to protect the innocent from the dark side. However this situation seemed more personal…
Tanya continued to observe the handsome man from outside the opening doorway leading to her Grandmother's hospital room. She knew he was no doctor…what doctor would wear a Perry Ellis shirt with Eddie Bauer khakis and Doc Martin shoes, maybe a shrink but not any of these local doctors in this hospital. As her curiosity got the best of her she decided to confront him to make her presence known. "Excuse me; I think you have the wrong room."
Derek was keenly aware that he was being watched, and as he turned his head he was greeted by a mocha colored woman with curly hair who resembled Alex, but she was shorter in height whereas Alex stood taller. Derek had no doubt this was Tanya…he cleared his throat, and gave an honest statement. "I don't have the wrong room."
"Well, the last time I checked doctors don't make rounds to their patients in designer clothing. Next time wear scrubs, or a lab coat; you'd be surprised how authentic they make you look."
Derek smiled at Tanya's spunk and sarcasm. She definitely was the complete opposite of her sister. "Not all doctors follow protocol and wear scrubs. I'm a doctor of Anthropology and Archeology. My name is Dr. Derek Rayne."
Derek extended his hand to shake hers, but instead she passed him to set her belongings on the night stand next to Grandma Rose. "Then you must be kin to Indiana Jones. Look, there is no need for introductions, Dr. Rayne. I know who you are, and I'm pretty sure you know who I am. So, what brings you here to New Orleans? Is it the food, the jazz, the history, or perhaps it's my sister Alex? Yes, Alex told me about her girlish crush on you. Are you here to fulfill her fantasy?"
"Our relationship is strictly educational. Anything deeper than that is between Alex and myself."
"Whatever you're planning with Alex it better not interfere with us taking care of our Grandmother; she is our only priority. Oh, and here's a bit of advice for you…folks around here don't take kindly to interracial couples so be on you're guard."
"Thanks for the advice, but I won't be needing it. As I stated before what happens between Alex and I is our business. I can assure you that my interference or disruption of your lives is quite necessary. I'm here to help not hurt."
Tanya turned her attention towards Grandma Rose. "What exactly are you talking about? This better not have anything to do with Rose's health."
"Only you can decide the outcome, whether or not Rose will be affected depends on your cooperation and knowledge."
"Knowledge of what?"
Derek locked eyes with Tanya. "Tavern of Souls."
His words were barely audible, but Tanya knew what he said. Her ashen face revealed the rising fear brewing in her body. Derek nodded his head towards the door, and began walking so they could talk by the nurse's station. He couldn't risk the chance of being heard by Rose even though the morphine caused a deep sleep to overcome her.
Once outside, and far enough from Rose, Derek spoke first. "Two weeks ago Alex informed me that she couldn't go to South Africa. I tried to comfort her, make her feel at ease to confide in me, instead she ran off. In her haste she left behind this business card…I found out Alex works there, and this recent employment has put her life in danger. I need you to fill in the blanks about this place."
Tanya was visibly shaken so Derek guided her to the nearest chair and knelt down in front of her gently soothing her hands. "I promise that we'll find Alex…in order to accomplish that I need more information; do you think you can provide that?
Tanya shook her head in agreement. "Where do I even begin, there is so much to tell, so many stories."
"Anything you can share would be helpful…I'm more interested in the background, or the historical aspect of the tavern."
Tanya earnestly rubbed her forehead trying to recall New Orleans local history. "Tavern of Souls dates back to pre civil war. It started as a whore house, and gradually over the years it became many things to different people. There is one thing that hasn't changed over time."
"And that is?"
"It remains a magnet for evil. When Alex and I were growing up we were always admonished from Grandma Rose not to pass there or even talk about it. People who go there are never seen or heard from again. The last twenty years have been nothing but unsolved disappearances, along with rapes and murders. Last year the police discovered the remains of five women all from a different era or decade."
Derek was totally in his investigative mode, and he pressed Tanya with more questions. "Why haven't the authorities shut this debauchery down, where is the location, and who is the owner?"
"Dr. Rayne are you familiar with the expression, "Money is the root of all evil?" Well these so called authorities and local politicians are invested in the tavern because it keeps the economy rolling with a lot of cash flow, and most of it goes into their pockets. Any bad press that is somehow connected to the tavern is immediately stopped, and is blamed on Mardi gras or the festivals. The worse part is no one knows about the owner, or if there is one."
Derek made mental notes while processing all that Tanya shared with him. He wanted to prove his theory that there probably wasn't any one owner, but many owners who were collectively working for the dark side as their agents which meant he needed a weapon stronger than himself. Holy water would do the job well…cleansing the evil grounds and providing a final proper resting place for the hundreds of innocent victims. "Tanya, I must have the location."
Her hesitation was clearly evident on her face…Tanya again massaged her forehead. "The tavern is about twenty miles behind St. LouisCemetery…Dr. Rayne; please do everything in your power to save Alex. If anything happens to her I don't think Rose will be able to hold on."
Derek heard the anguish and despair in her voice…he embraces Tanya cautiously to alleviate her fears. To his surprise she returned his affection by gripping tighter around his waist, grateful for his support. As the hug ended, Derek gave Tanya a card. "If Alex and I aren't back by sunrise then you make sure you contact my colleagues. They will come here with reinforcements."
Derek didn't give Tanya anytime to ask questions instead he quickly left the nurse's station to begin his mission. She looked at the card with a slight recognition. "The legacy why does that sound so familiar?" Before anyone noticed her talking to herself she stuffed the card in her jean pocket and scurried back to Rose's room.
Tavern of Souls- Midnight
Fog shrouded the tavern, and it quickly seeped inside making the darkness thicker and harder for Alex to see her way through the building. She kept straining her eyes until across the hall, light slivered beneath a closed utility closet. She called out; no one answered. In her ears, her pulse throbbed, pounded inside her forehead. Blinking Alex tried to clear a vision blurring around the edges as she touched the door knob. There was no need to enter because she knew her co-worker's mutilated body laid behind that door. Alex covered her mouth as she saw the blood percolate through the closet. She felt the evil around her like a cloaked blanket…shadowy figures passed between her and the closet door, but Alex didn't panic at least not yet. Her survival instincts kicked into high gear, and she ran out through the rear exit dashing across the field towards the cemetery. Adrenaline pumped furiously through her as her body quaked painfully…lunging forward; she stumbled in the blackness, almost going down because of her stiletto heels. She quickly discarded them and continued running like a runaway slave, but freedom was not meant to be on this particular day! The shadowy figures suddenly appeared in front of her…three men wearing confederate uniforms with decayed flesh oozing from their bodies.
Alex screamed has they chained her wrists and dragged her through the wet field by the cemetery. They tied her arms high up to a tree and laughed as she struggled to get free. "No! Let me go…you bastards!"
The tallest of the three and also the leader approached Alex with a knife; he sliced her white silk blouse, and black skirt showing her cotton undergarments. She whimpered in pain has he grabbed a fistful of her curly locks. "Shut up nigger…you gonna get what yous deserve just like all the others!"
He stripped Alex naked while his minions looked on. As he fondled her vagina he pulled out a tampon, and let her blood pour out upon her legs. "Looks like the whore is on her monthly flow…it don't matta…she be dead by morning."
Alex stifled her cry, and endured the agony as they smeared honey on her naked body and raised her higher in the tree where she could no longer touch the ground with her feet. "I'm not afraid to die, and I won't give you heathens the satisfaction of listening to me beg for my life because that's exactly what you want! I'll see you in hell first!"
"You'll beg fo a quick death when you see the animals come. All the mosquitoes, wasps, rodents will smell your stink, and they'll wait till you cook in the sun…and then they'll eat you or maybe they'll use you as a host for their larva or varmint."
Not far from where Alex was dangling…Derek anxiously waited to make his move to rescue her. His heart ached excruciatingly as he watched Alex run for her life awhile ago across the field, but it gave him time to set the C4 laced with holy water in the tavern. He could hear all the restless souls of the victims, and his visions were unbearable to set eyes on especially when he discovered the chopped up body of Alex's co worker. And now it seemed he was about to witness a modern day lynching along with sexual torture, but he would never let that happen to Alex.
As the confederate demons were entertaining themselves, Derek took the opportunity to release Alex from her confinements. He climbed up the side of the tree, and balanced himself on the long thick branch where Alex was hanging from. He whispered her name softly. "Alex."
She had to be hallucinating. There was no way her professor was here to save her…maybe she died already, and if she had what a beautiful way to go…staring upon the most handsome face. "Dr. Rayne is it really you…am I in heaven?"
Derek covered her mouth with his finger. "Shhhhh, listen to me carefully…a bomb is set to go off inside the tavern in about sixty seconds. It's going to be a very violent explosion; when I break these chains make sure you hold on to me very tightly because we will feel the after shocks."
Alex nodded her head in agreement as Derek broke the chains, and lifted her up on the sturdy tree branch; he hoped it would support both their weights, but he spoke too soon. The branch began to crack as a series of explosions rippled through the cemetery, and it caused them to loose their balance…lucky for them they fell right in a small pond on the other side of the tree. They came out of the water choking, and gasping for air. While Alex was coughing…Derek took off his shirt and respectfully covered her nakedness. The shirt stuck to her like glue; honey still remained on her body and Derek felt the stickiness as he grabbed her hand. "We have to keep running, Alex. More explosions are going to rock this entire area! If we don't hurry up we'll be caught in the cross fire perishing with those demons!"
Alex tiredly followed him. "What did you do, set an atomic bomb?
Derek smiled weakly. "It's mostly holy water."
"Well, damn, maybe I need to get my butt back to the church." They both laughed at the same time as the demons were hot on their heels, and another explosion blasted forcing them to take shelter on the ground.
Alex had a difficult time catching her breath, but she managed to speak. "Dr. Rayne, leave me here. I'm slowing you're escape."
Her self sacrificing attitude was very touching, but he would never leave her. She had too much potential, and she deserved to nurture that potential. "Dying today will bring no justice to the countless victims who lost their lives."
Alex looked at Derek in bewilderment. "Who said anything about dying? I'm just tired of running…I want to fight back!"
Thank God, she wasn't giving up. He knew behind her shyness there laid a courageous, savvy woman! Derek reached into his back pocket and pulled out a gun. He placed it in Alex's hand. "The bullets in this gun were submerged in holy water…make every shot count. Here they come!"
Two demons came at the back of Derek, and pinned his arms together hindering him from escaping and forced him to watch the advances of their leader towards Alex. She tried to flee, but the leader threw her backwards onto a grave marking, knocking the gun from her hand. She moaned from the pain as the skin on the back of her head was stretched tight from the swelling. She lay back, trying to get her bearings…the nausea overtook her body, and she succumbed to the bright light…
Derek felt his heart rip into pieces as he saw Alex's eyes roll in the back of her head…he dropped to his knees in defeat. All three demons suffocated his aura and began to conquer him. "Soon yous join that nigger bitch over there."
"I don't think so! Your reign of terror ends right now, today!" Alex surprised everyone by playing dead…she kicked the leader in the balls, and shot the two demons holding Derek captive in the head. They screamed in misery as fire swallowed up their decomposed bodies!
Derek got much needed strength from seeing Alex resurface, and he pulled out his pocket knife, jumped on top of the leader demon and decapitated him. Derek let out a sharp breath as Alex collapsed in his arms; she was bleeding from the side of her head…there was no doubt that she was suffering from a massive concussion or a brain contusion. He swept her up, and ran carrying her weightless body. He had to reach the pick up truck which was a mile away to avoid the spreading flames of the tavern. "Dr. Rayne, please don't let me die here."
"You're not going to die, besides Ms. Moreau you still owe me a research paper, and I will not let you get out of it no matter how extreme your circumstances are. Derek noticed Alex drifting to sleep. Stay awake, keep talking to me Alex! You've come too far to give up now…we're almost there!
How can you see into my eyes like open doors
Leading you down into my core
Where I've become so numb without a soul
My spirit sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and lead it back home
Wake me up inside
Wake me up inside
Call my name and save me from the dark
Bid my blood to run before I come undone
Save me from the nothing I've become
Now that I know what I'm without
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life
Wake me up inside
Wake me up inside
Call my name and save me from the dark
Bid my blood to run before I come undone
Save me from the nothing I've become
Bring me to life
Frozen inside without your touch without your love
Darling only you are the life among the dead
All this time I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems
Got to open my eyes to everything
Without a thought without a voice without a soul
Don't let me die here there must be something more
Bring me to life…
It seemed like an eternity before Derek finally reached the truck; he placed Alex in front on the passenger side and hastily got behind the wheel. He made a sharp u-turn on the field heading towards the dirt road back into town. While driving pieces of flying debris, and charred wood hit the truck; he couldn't help but glance in the opposite direction. The rearview mirror displayed the engulfing flames obliterating the tavern of souls. The holy water without a doubt had worked cleansing the entire area of wickedness; now the innocent souls would be at peace. Alex weakly raised her arm to touch Derek's shoulder to let him know she was still alive. "Hold on, Alex, were going home." "Thank you, Dr. Rayne." She then surrendered to unconsciousness."
Two weeks later-New Orleans Airport (early morning)
The break of dawn over the bayou marked the beginning of a beautiful day…all was right with the world for the time being; of course Derek knew at any given time his peace of mind could abruptly end, but he chose to relish the fact that all three Moreau women were safe. Rose recovered quite nicely from her bout with Pneumonia, and was able to return home to continue her recuperation. Tanya jumped ship again once she knew everything was ok; she took the first available flight back to Japan. Rose and Alex were pretty sure the only time they would see her again is if another family emergency arose. The world was truly Tanya's oyster, and she would make no apologies for that.
As for Alex it was touch and go there for awhile…her physical wounds healed, but the emotional scars and trauma ran deep. Alex had to get through the nightmare of almost being raped by demons, and she needed to accept her gift of physic abilities. Derek was certain Alex possessed uncanny power and strength…there was evidence of that when she killed the demons. However, Alex needed guidance, and protection from her rash decision making; that bad choices lead to dire consequences. What better way to learn that first hand by joining the legacy as a new recruit? Alex represented youth, intelligence, diversity and creativeness…the legacy needed fresh talent to fight the never ending battle against the dark side. The San Francisco House would definitely show her the ropes…leadership from Derek, loyalty from Nick, faith from Phillip, and courage from Julia. These qualities and so much more would allow Alex to grow within the legacy, and permit Derek to have her in his life without being romantically connected or involved. He had no alternative other than to conceal his feelings for her, and over time she would learn to keep her feelings secret too.
Derek patiently waited for Alex to meet him at the airport; today he would challenge and give her an ultimatum concerning the legacy. As he played with his precept ring…Alex's shadow covered his face from the sun. She looked modestly attractive in blue jeans, a white tube top exposing her shoulders, and a pair of old flip flops. Her hair hung loose in curls adorning her face. Derek stood in awe of her natural beauty and glow…he seemed captivated by her vulnerability and wanted to hold her in his arms once more before everything changes between them. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions from spilling over. "Alex, I'm very pleased you've decided to come here and talk to me."
Alex smiled. "It would have been rude not to accept your invitation this time. I owe you my life, Dr. Rayne."
"There is no need to be so formal, you can call me Derek…we've been through quite an ordeal together."
Derek could see the pain in her eyes as she struggled with her words. "I appreciate you risking your life to save mine…I'm beyond grateful."
"I was only doing what I was trained and born to do…I help the innocent such as yourself from the forces of darkness. I'm a member of an ancient organization that devotes its resources and time fighting the evil in the world."
"I thought you were a professor, so you're not who you claim to be?"
"Teaching is a hidden passion of mine; it permits me to travel the world seeking talented individuals like you."
Alex tried to contain her anger, but failed to do so. "Oh, I see now. You're a Physic talent scout…no actually you're a pimp waiting to use me so you and your organization can reap the benefits of my gift!"
Derek tried to be civil; Alex was being too hot headed, he grabbed her elbow before she had a chance to get away. "Stop running away, Alex…stop making excuses for your unwise behavior, and start embracing the gift of sight instead of working against it!"
"You don't know anything about my life or circumstances to be throwing judgments upon me!"
"Trust me, I know enough. I also know that you're headed for a destructive future if you keep denying who you are."
"And just who am I?"
"You're an intelligent, strong, defiant woman who possesses the sight that can be used for the greater good. All you need is a support system; fly with me to San Francisco, Alex."
Alex looked into his pleading eyes. "I can't…Grandma Rose still needs my help with the medical bills, and I also have some from my hospital stay. Besides, I have my thesis to write along with an internship at the New Orleans Art Museum."
"These are all pitiful excuses, and it's a shame that you're using Rose as a cover up to shelter yourself."
"Ya, know somewhere in this conversation you've lost your charming personality. I think its best we go our separate ways, Dr. Rayne."
Alex turned to leave again, but stopped when she heard Derek laugh. "It will be very amusing to see you quarrel with Nick; you two are very stubborn."
"Weren't you listening to me? I'm not going with you, and I'm certainly not joining your organization."
"Ms. Moreau, you don't have a choice anymore."
"Excuse me, what are you talking about?"
"I'm no longer asking…I'm telling you. If you refuse then I'll tell Rose the reason why you were in the hospital. I don't think she'll be pleased to know you were employed at the tavern of souls especially when she told you and Tanya to never step foot near that evil place."
"Oh, my God, are you blackmailing me?"
"I like to call it divine intervention."
"There is nothing divine about blackmail, but I can't jeopardize Rose's health all because I made a stupid decision. Well, it appears that you've gotten your way…before I go I must handle some things."
Derek took Alex's hand and escorted her to the legacy jet. "Everything has been taken care of. All medical expenses are paid, and your internship has been given to someone else. Your clothes and personal belongings have already been shipped to San Francisco."
"What was the point of going through this charade in the beginning when you had this all planned out?"
Alex pulled away from Derek, and sat in the furthest seat away from him. The jet had all the comforts of luxury and enough space for at least fifty people. Derek handed Alex a leather journal, and sat across from her removing his grey suit jacket. "This is no charade…your pigheadedness made it quite difficult to recruit you today, but I have faith you will redeem yourself."
Alex fingered the embroidered knife through the L on the journal. "What does this L mean or stand for, Derek?"
Derek eyes clouded over like a storm as he explained to Alex about the legacy. "Since the beginning of time mankind has existed between the world of light and the world of darkness. Our secret society has been here forever…protecting others from the creatures who inhabit the shadows and the night. Known only to the initiated by our true name, The Legacy. It is masked behind an organization you're quite familiar with, the Luna Foundation."
"So who exactly am I working for?"
"You will be on the payroll of the Luna Foundation with full benefits such as: health and life insurance, and a paid vacation once a year. You'll start six months of training to become a member
Of the legacy which will lead to investigating your own cases out in the field. When that happens use your journal to document visions, or just everyday experiences in the legacy, and remember to prepare yourself for death at anytime."
The pilot's loud voice over the intercom interpolated their conversation. "Dr. Rayne please prepare you and your guest for take off…we shall reach our destination in approximately three hours. Thank you."
As they buckled their seatbelts, Derek handed Alex a pen. "I suggest you make use of this time wisely and write down your paranormal encounter at the tavern of souls. Documenting this will serve you well not to repeat such a foolish mistake in the future."
As the plane attained a higher but balanced altitude, Derek unfastened his belt, and walked further down the isle to the jet's phone. "I need to make a couple of urgent calls; I may be awhile. Feel free to walk around and raid the frig by the mini bar."
"Thanks, I'll probably get something later." When Derek disappeared from her sight, she opened her journal to the first page and began writing:
May 18, 1992,
"The Tavern of Souls nearly cost me my life…perhaps in a symbolic way I did die, and now The Legacy represents a rebirth. I have to believe only once in your life will someone so special walk in front of you and prepare the way for a better future…only once will there be a person who cares enough to say "no," but is enthusiastic enough to say "yes" whenever possible. And that person is Derek Rayne…"
Alex closed her journal, and sighed heavily. "San Francisco, ready or not here I come."
To Be Continued…
Song Credit: "Bring Me to Life" By Evanescence