Chapter 7
"Ok," said Sloan. "I'm not a man of small talk, so lets just get started. Tell me exactly what happened."
"Where do you want me to start?" asked Eti trying to hide her shivering hands.
"Start at the moment you found out Abi is possessed."
"Well, it was the morning after the party. We were all here and when she came down, she just didn't seem like her self. At first we thought Ben did something that, I don't know, hurt her maybe. But Derek was the one who actually picked up on that. When he went in to talk to her he just knew it wasn't her talking to him."
"Has anything like this happened before? Don't lie to me. I have access to all your files. I can find that out very easily," said Sloan.
"No. Never. She has always been really strong. Nothing could get to her. And if she wasn't so hurt, it probably wouldn't have worked for Joshua." She stopped and took a deep breath.
"Go on," motioned Sloan.
"Well, Alex called father Callaghan, and he came from Ireland with Derek's mother. He tried to perform an exorcism but failed. Then Abi left her body went through the door and then she came back."
"And in between?" asked her Sloan.
"What do you mean? She was dead, kind of, and then she came back with two angels. And they managed to get Joshua to leave her body and that was it. We got our old Precept and friend back. Same as she always was," pointed out Eti in Abi's defense.
"Anything else you have to tell me? Like what is going on at the moment? What are you investigating that your precept is reluctant to share, with me anyway?"
"What do you mean?" asked Eti again. "There is nothing going on here. All we are doing is checking up on a few items from the museum. Things have been quiet around here lately."
Sloan was at the edge of his seat. He realized there was nothing he could say or ask to make this woman betray her friends trust. He managed to seem cool enough to dismiss her saying "Kindly send Mr. Benjamin in."
Erick came in and at Sloan's motion sat on the chair across form him. It was the same. Erick repeated the information he got from Eti. He dismissed him as well asking him to call Doron Lerner the psychologist.
Doron, although a psychologist was the weak link in Abi's crowed. He was terrified of lying, and he answered each of Sloan's questions with honest replies, until the point Sloan asked him "So can you be the one who will finally tell me the truth?"
"What truth?" asked Erick suspiciously.
"About what in gods name is going on in this house that Abi is keeping from me? Why is there so much tension here?" Sloan saw the surprised look on Erick's face. "You thought I didn't notice how civil you were all last night? Especially to each other. Friends do not behave in such a manner. And why is everyone sleeping here with their families? You all have your own homes as I recall. What is going on?"
Erick kept quiet for a minute. He had no idea what he was going to say. He stared at Sloan, then at Kristin. "We have been having strange dreams," he said.
"Strange dreams? Who are we that you're talking about?" questioned Sloan.
"Me. Eti and Erick. And we have been hearing strange voices at night."
Sloan's interest was now growing. "I see," he said. "And did you tell your precept about those dreams?"
"Yes. She is investigating the issue with Ethaniel and Ben. Ethaniel was not having these dreams."
"Is that where she was last night, checking your homes?"
"I guess so," said Doron.
"Thank you Mr. Lerner, you may go now. Will you ask Ethaniel to come in here?" requested Sloan.
"Sure," said Doron closing the door to Abi's office behind him, only to find Abi standing there a disappointed look on her face. She didn't say a word, just looked at him. It was unbearable for him. He lowered his head and went in search of Ethaniel.
Sloan knew he would not get anything out of Ethaniel. He was her right hand. He will never ever violate her trust. He would rather die first. Those where his own words Sloan was reading from the record he had on him. The record he built when he first interviewed Ethaniel for the position he was now holding in the house. But for appearance he had to question him as well. There was no way around it. "Kristin," he said, "I want you to conduct this interview. Ask anything you have in mind."
Kristin was surprised. "Sure," she said, not sure of his motives for this suggestion.
Ethaniel walked into the room. His face was frozen, no impression on them. Kristin begun with the same approach Sloan used with the others.
"Mr. Davidoff, please explain the situation's development. From the time you all found out your precept is possessed until her return from the dead?"
"Well, first of all she didn't exactly die. Her body was very much alive, only possessed by another's soul. But it was not a long time. Barely 24 hours. He had no time to do meaningful damage."
"Are you sure about that?" asked Kristin.
"Yes," he said, no muscle moving in his face. "I know Abi like the back of my hand. She is the same person she was prior to this possession. No change what so ever."
"If you do say so," said Kristin trying to throw him off balance.
It didn't seem to have the effect she was going for because all he said was "I know Abi. I have been her friend and confidant for over 7 years now. Trust me she has not changed."
"What about the thing happening in the house now?" she asked.
Ethaniel already knew from Abi's expression before he came in, that Doron has told them about the latest happenings. "What about it? Someone is trying to turn us against our precept, so in defense we brought everyone here until we can get to the bottom of this."
"And did you find anything useful in your quest last night?" asked Kristin.
"Yes we did," was all he said.
"Didn't you say you went out with friends last night?" remarked Sloan trying to get Ethaniel to admit his lies.
"I did go out with some friends. Abi and Ben are my best friends. And yes, we went out together," said Ethaniel without a twitch in his face.
"So, what did you find last night?" asked Kristin. She was a little amused by Ethaniel's response to Sloan's question. Her face was grinning a little at Ethaniel and she thanked god she was with her back to Sloan, or she would have burst into laugh if she saw his irritated face.
For the first time since he entered the room Ethaniel smiled. He then said, "We found transmitters. Transmitters that send subliminal signals tuned to your brains. They were obviously activated while the guys were asleep. They were hidden in each of the members' bedrooms." He thought for a minute then added "Including mine."
"And why were you not effected by them?" Asked Sloan.
"I was hardly home the past few weeks. I didn't sleep in my bed so I was not subjected to those things."
"Are you in love with Abi?" asked Kristin before she even realized she was thinking that. She was sorry the minute she finished the question.
Ethaniel looked at her and simply said, "That is really none of your business. Either of you. If I am or not is mine alone."
"I'm sorry," said Kristin. She didn't know what possessed her to ask that question. "Thank you Ethaniel," she said, "you have been most helpful. "Would you ask Abigail to come in now?" she was hoping that was what Sloan had in mind.
"I will speak to Abigail in private," said Sloan. "Please start going over the house's files Ms. Adams. Tell Abigail we will speak in the library," he told Ethaniel.
Abi was in the control room, talking to the other members. However she completely ignored Doron. She was afraid she might say something she'll regret. She was helping them open the box they received from the museum. After extensive tests it showed there was only one item in the box and they all decided it was safe to open it. Abi was not getting any evil vibes from it so she allowed them to break the box and get the artifact out.
"Abi, Sloan wants to see you in the library," said Ethaniel as he came in.
"Thank you. Did you tell him everything?" she asked.
"Yes. I wasn't left much choice," he said looking at Doron.
Abi smiled at him in reassurance. Something she wasn't really feeling at the moment. She weout of the control room heading for the library. As she walked in she saw Sloan looking over the bookshelves.
"Abigail," he said.
"Yes William? You have something to talk to me about?"
"Well, first I should say I'm impressed by your team's confidence in you. They trust you completely, and will not hesitate to put their lives in your hands if needed. In spite of the dreams. I do not understand why you felt you have to keep this from me. But that's all done now. What can I do to help?"
Abi looked at him surprised. She was expecting a lecture and harsh words, not a helping hand.
"I don't know William. We are actually working on finding out where the transmitters came from. If we can locate that place maybe we can find out who purchased them and why is this person or persons trying to turn my people against me. I really don't know how you can help at this moment."
"Well, I will be leaving back to London as soon as possible," he said.
"But you only just got here. Are you sure about this?" she asked.
"Yes. I have met you several times in the past and I trust your father's instincts. If he knew you were not yourself he wouldn't hesitate to take action."
"So we are off the hook for now?" she asked.
"I am leaving Kristin here to go over all your files, which will probably take her a few days, and if all is ok with those, then yes, I guess you can say that."
"Thank you William," she said. "Is there anything else you wanted to talk to me about? Because if not, I have some things to do."
"No, we are finished. You go do what needs to be done. And Abigail, I expect to be informed of your progress in your investigation."
"Of course," she said, "I'll keep you posted. Do you have a flight arranged back or would you like me to arrange it?"
"It is all arranged," he said. "I'll be leaving for the airport in about 3 hours."
"Ok. If I don't get a chance to see you, have a safe flight home." She left the library still shocked at what just occurred. Why would he let her of the hook so quickly? She was expecting him to be there poking into her business for at least a few days. It's only been a day. Hardly a day. Abi decided not to dwell on that. She is ok, her friends are ok. All they have to do now is find out who is behind the scene, who is the one responsible for her friends anguish.
She picked up the phone and dialed Ben's number.
"Hi Abi," he said when he answered.
"Hi Ben. Guess what? Sloan has decided that all is right in our little home and is leaving in a few hours."
"That's great Abi. I know how you dreaded that visit. Happy to hear it all went well."
"Thanks love. By the way, you did not forget we have a date tonight? Will you come home or shall I meet you there?"
"I don't remember us having a date tonight. Where are we supposed to go?" asked Ben.
"Silly, we are going to the restaurant where you asked me to marry you. We have seats for 8pm."
"Ok. I'll come home first; shower and we will go together. I love you Abi. I really have to go now."
"I love you two Ben. I'll see you later."
Good, thought Abi. He doesn't even remember it's his birthday. She remembered. She always did. In all the years of their friendship she never, once, forgot his birthday. And she had a really nice present for him. She couldn't wait to see the look on his face when she'll give it to him.
"Strange dreams? Who are we that you're talking about?" questioned Sloan.
"Me. Eti and Erick. And we have been hearing strange voices at night."
Sloan's interest was now growing. "I see," he said. "And did you tell your precept about those dreams?"
"Yes. She is investigating the issue with Ethaniel and Ben. Ethaniel was not having these dreams."
"Is that where she was last night, checking your homes?"
"I guess so," said Doron.
"Thank you Mr. Lerner, you may go now. Will you ask Ethaniel to come in here?" requested Sloan.
"Sure," said Doron closing the door to Abi's office behind him, only to find Abi standing there a disappointed look on her face. She didn't say a word, just looked at him. It was unbearable for him. He lowered his head and went in search of Ethaniel.
Sloan knew he would not get anything out of Ethaniel. He was her right hand. He will never ever violate her trust. He would rather die first. Those where his own words Sloan was reading from the record he had on him. The record he built when he first interviewed Ethaniel for the position he was now holding in the house. But for appearance he had to question him as well. There was no way around it. "Kristin," he said, "I want you to conduct this interview. Ask anything you have in mind."
Kristin was surprised. "Sure," she said, not sure of his motives for this suggestion.
Ethaniel walked into the room. His face was frozen, no impression on them. Kristin begun with the same approach Sloan used with the others.
"Mr. Davidoff, please explain the situation's development. From the time you all found out your precept is possessed until her return from the dead?"
"Well, first of all she didn't exactly die. Her body was very much alive, only possessed by another's soul. But it was not a long time. Barely 24 hours. He had no time to do meaningful damage."
"Are you sure about that?" asked Kristin.
"Yes," he said, no muscle moving in his face. "I know Abi like the back of my hand. She is the same person she was prior to this possession. No change what so ever."
"If you do say so," said Kristin trying to throw him off balance.
It didn't seem to have the effect she was going for because all he said was "I know Abi. I have been her friend and confidant for over 7 years now. Trust me she has not changed."
"What about the thing happening in the house now?" she asked.
Ethaniel already knew from Abi's expression before he came in, that Doron has told them about the latest happenings. "What about it? Someone is trying to turn us against our precept, so in defense we brought everyone here until we can get to the bottom of this."
"And did you find anything useful in your quest last night?" asked Kristin.
"Yes we did," was all he said.
"Didn't you say you went out with friends last night?" remarked Sloan trying to get Ethaniel to admit his lies.
"I did go out with some friends. Abi and Ben are my best friends. And yes, we went out together," said Ethaniel without a twitch in his face.
"So, what did you find last night?" asked Kristin. She was a little amused by Ethaniel's response to Sloan's question. Her face was grinning a little at Ethaniel and she thanked god she was with her back to Sloan, or she would have burst into laugh if she saw his irritated face.
For the first time since he entered the room Ethaniel smiled. He then said, "We found transmitters. Transmitters that send subliminal signals tuned to your brains. They were obviously activated while the guys were asleep. They were hidden in each of the members' bedrooms." He thought for a minute then added "Including mine."
"And why were you not effected by them?" Asked Sloan.
"I was hardly home the past few weeks. I didn't sleep in my bed so I was not subjected to those things."
"Are you in love with Abi?" asked Kristin before she even realized she was thinking that. She was sorry the minute she finished the question.
Ethaniel looked at her and simply said, "That is really none of your business. Either of you. If I am or not is mine alone."
"I'm sorry," said Kristin. She didn't know what possessed her to ask that question. "Thank you Ethaniel," she said, "you have been most helpful. "Would you ask Abigail to come in now?" she was hoping that was what Sloan had in mind.
"I will speak to Abigail in private," said Sloan. "Please start going over the house's files Ms. Adams. Tell Abigail we will speak in the library," he told Ethaniel.
Abi was in the control room, talking to the other members. However she completely ignored Doron. She was afraid she might say something she'll regret. She was helping them open the box they received from the museum. After extensive tests it showed there was only one item in the box and they all decided it was safe to open it. Abi was not getting any evil vibes from it so she allowed them to breathe box and get the artifact out.
"Abi, Sloan wants to see you in the library," said Ethaniel as he came in.
"Thank you. Did you tell him everything?" she asked.
"Yes. I wasn't left much choice," he said looking at Doron.
Abi smiled at him in reassurance. Something she wasn't really feeling at the moment. She went out of the control room heading for the library. As she walked in she saw Sloan looking over the bookshelves.
"Abigail," he said.
"Yes William? You have something to talk to me about?"
"Well, first I should say I'm impressed by your team's confidence in you. They trust you completely, and will not hesitate to put their lives in your hands if needed. In spite of the dreams. I do not understand why you felt you have to keep this from me. But that's all done now. What can I do to help?"
Abi looked at him surprised. She was expecting a lecture and harsh words, not a helping hand.
"I don't know William. We are actually working on finding out where the transmitters came from. If we can locate that place maybe we can find out who purchased them and why is this person or persons trying to turn my people against me. I really don't know how you can help at this moment."
"Well, I will be leaving back to London as soon as possible," he said.
"But you only just got here. Are you sure about this?" she asked.
"Yes. I have met you several times in the past and I trust your father's instincts. If he knew you were not yourself he wouldn't hesitate to take action."
"So we are off the hook for now?" she asked.
"I am leaving Kristin here to go over all your files, which will probably take her a few days, and if all is ok with those, then yes, I guess you can say that."
"Thank you William," she said. "Is there anything else you wanted to talk to me about? Because if not, I have some things to do."
"No, we are finished. You go do what needs to be done. And Abigail, I expect to be informed of your progress in your investigation."
"Of course," she said, "I'll keep you posted. Do you have a flight arranged back or would you like me to arrange it?"
"It is all arranged," he said. "I'll be leaving for the airport in about 3 hours."
"Ok. If I don't get a chance to see you, have a safe flight home." She left the library still shocked at what just occurred. Why would he let her of the hook so quickly? She was expecting him to be there poking into her business for at least a few days. It's only been a day. Hardly a day. Abi decided not to dwell on that. She is ok, her friends are ok. All they have to do now is find out who is behind the scene, who is the one responsible for her friends anguish.
She picked up the phone and dialed Ben's number.
"Hi Abi," he said when he answered.
"Hi Ben. Guess what? Sloan has decided that all is right in our little home and is leaving in a few hours."
"That's great Abi. I know how you dreaded that visit. Happy to hear it all went well."
"Thanks love. By the way, you did not forget we have a date tonight? Will you come home or shall I meet you there?"
"I don't remember us having a date tonight. Where are we supposed to go?" asked Ben.
"Silly, we are going to the restaurant where you asked me to marry you. We have seats for 8pm."
"Ok. I'll come home first; shower and we will go together. I love you Abi. I really have to go now."
"I love you too Ben. I'll see you later."
Good, thought Abi. He doesn't even remember it's his birthday. She remembered. She always did. In all the years of their friendship she never, once, forgot his birthday. And she had a really nice present for him. She couldn't wait to see the look on his face when she'll give it to him.
