I have to give credit to the people whose idea it was to pair up Kristin and Phillip. The idea is all thanks to Julia_walker_ptl, Kristin_adams_ptl and Phillip_callahan_ptl.
Chapter sixteen
Outside the hospital
Ben and Abi got out of the hospital and headed to the car. Once in the car Abi asked Ben to take her to the graveyard.
"Graveyard, at this hour? Why honey?" he asked.
"I need to visit my mom," she answered. Although she's been dead for two years, she was still there for me all the time. But now she is really gone. I haven't seen her in almost 6 weeks. I miss her. I need to talk to her."
Ben looked at Abi and when he saw the painful look in her eyes he lowered his head and kissed her lips gently. "Ok love," he said and started driving to the graveyard. When they got there Abi unlocked the gate and they drove in all the way to her parents' grave. To his surprise there was a new grave there as well. He looked closer, it said Joshua Hirsh. Ben was surprised. He looked at Abi.
"Abi, you had Joshua buried here? After all he has done I figured you'd have him buried in a public cemetery."
"I couldn't do that. He's father is here, so is his real mother. I couldn't, in spite of what he did, let him be buried alone. It's enough he didn't have a funeral, and I did not sit the seven days on him. Besides he can not hurt us anymore. Not a lot of people know the truth of what happened, and I'd like to keep it that way. If I had him buried in a public cemetery, too many questions would have been asked, too many innuendoes. We definitely do not need that extra attention."
"I guess so," said Ben.
Abi sat on the bench before her mother's grave. She looked at the marble tombstone and just sat there quietly waiting. Thought she didn't really know what she was waiting for. Ben stood behind her and started massaging her shoulders.
"Ben, I'm cold," she said suddenly.
He sat behind her on the bench and wrapped his jacket around them both. Abi leaned her head on his shoulder and said, "I really miss her Ben. It's like losing her all over again."
Ben held her even closer trying to comfort her. "I know. But she will always live in your heart and it was time to let her go Abi."
"I know that," she said. "It's just…."
"It hurts, I know. I will help you get through this, I promise," he said covering her neck with gentle kisses.
Abi smiled. She sat quietly for a few more minutes then turned and faced Ben. "Ben," she said, then stopped hesitating.
"What is it Abi?"
She stared into his eyes then said, "I've been thinking the past few days about my life, our lives. And I am not sure I want to do it anymore. I think I want out."
Ben felt panic enter his heart, wondering what she means. "Are you sorry you married me?" he asked.
Abi looked up at him confused. "No. What ever gave you that idea?" she started laughing a little. "I'm sorry honey," she said. "I meant I don't think I want to be precept any more. I will never regret marrying you. I love you."
"Leaving the legacy?" asked Ben. "I thought you loved the work you do."
"I did. But after all that has happened lately I wonder if I'm being fair. Especially on the children. And what about our unborn child?" she asked. "How can I put him or her in danger? I don't know Ben, it just seems wrong now. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I was wondering what you might think."
Ben looked at her for a moment then said, "I will support your decision, no matter what it will be. But Abi, you have to be sure that the step you take is not something you will regret."
"I haven't decided yet," she said. "We need to handle this demon first, then I would like us to go somewhere for a week or two. Just you and me, so I can give it more thought."
"Ok," was all Ben said. He was holding her in his arms and suddenly said, "Well actually I've been having some thoughts like that about my work."
Abi looked up at him. She was not surprised. She knew how much he suffered about all the weird cases he helped her with. If it weren't for her help, which he had no idea about, he probably would have been fired by now. She "donated" a lot of money to the police force to keep him in it. She spoke to the police commissioner and told him if Ben was fired she will withdraw her donations and will never give them another cent. She knew he'd be angry with her if he ever found out.
"You want to leave?" she asked.
"I've been thinking about it. I figured I could come work for the legacy instead of Doron, but if you want out of it then…" he left it at that.
"Well, once we solve this demon problem, we will go away somewhere and do some more thinking and talking about these issues. Ok?" she asked.
Ben smiled, "Sure," he said, "Can we go home now? I'm freezing even with this jacket and this thin shirt can't possibly warm you up."
Abi got up, Ben following her and they went into the car and drove home.
Back at the house
Nick, Phillip and Kristin were sitting in the living room talking and joking when Derek came in.
"Hey boss, is everything ok?" asked Nick when he saw Derek's face. He was frowning.
"I couldn't find anything about that demon in the legacy database. I hope Alex will have better luck on the net," he answered.
Abi and Ben entered the house and saw them all in the living room looking a bit frustrated.
"Hey guys. Why the long faces?" asked Abi.
"I was unable to find anything about that demon we saw," said Derek.
"That's ok dad. Why don't we leave it for today and start fresh tomorrow morning?"
"I guess so," he answered.
The evening went buy quietly, with everyone distracted by his or her own thoughts. A little after 10pm everyone retired to their rooms.
A few hours later
Abi tossed and turned in her sleep. She was having a bad dream and could not wake from it. Her moaning awoke Ben and he shook her a little trying to wake her up. "It's ok love," he called out to her, "Wake up, it's just a bad dream."
Abi opened her eyes and stared at him. She tried to shake the feeling of fear that engulfed her heart but was unable to. "I'm sorry I woke you Ben," she said.
"That's ok Abi. Want to talk about that dream you were having?"
Abi thought for a minute and realized she doesn't remember the dream. "Sorry Ben, I can't remember what it was. All I know is it scared me."
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him. He did not allow himself to drift off back to sleep until he was sure Abi was sleeping again. She seemed to be peaceful so only then he let sleep take him over.
Next morning
Abi woke up looking at the still sleeping Ben. She smiled to herself feeling a bit more cheerful then yesterday.
She got up dressed and headed to the gym for a little workout. An hour later when she came back Ben was not in bed and she heard the water in the shower running. She decided to surprise him and join him for a shower. He was standing with his back to the door and she quietly slipped behind him and wrapped her hands around his wastes. Ben turned around in her embrace so he could see her face; he wrapped his arms around her as well, and then lowered his head for a deep kiss. They kissed for a few minutes under the hot water when Ben broke of the embrace saying, "I have to get finished and go to work. I have a meeting in less then an hour."
Abi reluctantly let him go. They finished the shower and got dressed heading down. Ben didn't even sit to eat breakfast he grabbed a cup of coffee and left. Abi had some pancakes and juice then headed to her office to see if she can dig out anything about the demon.
A while later – Abi's office
Abi was working on the computer when an email arrived. "Bingo," she said. Alex had sent her some stuff that matched the demon exactly. A Shape shifting demon. They were able to take the form of anyone they desired. Abi looked on and saw the way to trap such a demon. She started laughing. "I knew it," she said.
A knock on her door startled her. "Come in," she said and he father came in. "Morning dad. Alex came through. She found the demon and the way to get rid of it."
"She did?" asked Derek. "That's great. So how do you get rid of it?"
"A crystal pyramid. You have to trap him in it."
Derek looked at her surprised. "Really?"
"Yes dad. I told you it's a trap."
"So you did. I'm gonna get some coffee, do you want me to get you anything?"
"No thanks dad."
Another knock was heard on the door. "Enter," she said, and Phillip came in.
"Abi, Derek. Good morning," he said.
"Morning Phillip. Anything I can do for you?" asked Abi.
"Can we talk in private?" he asked.
"Sure," she said looking at her father. Derek excused himself, mumbling about a need for coffee and left the two of them alone.
"Phillip?" asked Abi. "Is everything ok?"
"Not really. I need to ask a favor of you," he replied.
"Sure, anything I can do to help."
"Well, I've been thinking about all the things that you told me. About the judges and meeting Julia and Jimmy. Do you think you can take me to the other realm to talk to this judge?"
"Phillip, that is not something I'd advise. It's not that easy. I'm not even sure I can do that just because I want to. And it can be dangerous as well."
"Please Abi," he begged. "I think it is the only way I can get the answers I'm looking for."
Abi looked at him for a minute then said, "Ok. But we will need help. We have to have someone with us. Someone who can wake us, pull us out in case of danger, or if we stay too long."
"I'm sure Derek, or Kristin will be happy to help," said Phillip.
"I'm not sure my father will agree to that, but we can ask him."
Phillip followed Abi as she went into the kitchen to look for Derek. They found him, Kristin and Nick sitting there having coffee. She quickly told him about Phillip's request and asked if he would be willing to help them.
He looked at Phillip then at her. He did not like the idea and his face showed it, but he also knew Abi would do it with or without his help. "Ok," he said. "I'll help."
Nick looked at Abi and Phillip then suddenly asked, "Can I come with you as well? I really need to se Julia again. I need to talk to her. Please Abi."
Abi hesitated. Taking one person is ok, but two? She wasn't sure she could handle it. "Do you promise to do exactly as I say?"
"Yes," answered Nick.
"If I say it's time to go, then it's time to go. You will not argue with me. I can not force you to return. I need your promise on that Nick. You will not let me down will you?"
"No. I promise. What you say goes. I will do whatever you say. Cross my heart."
Abi thought for another second. "Ok," she said. "I need some time to get organized. Will you guys make some space in the living room? I think I'm gonna need your help as well Kristin."
"Anything I can do to help," said the young blond woman.
"Get the living room ready, and I'll meet you all in there in an hour," said Abi.
The three men went to the living room. "Kristin will you come with me? I need your help in getting some light mattresses and blankets."
Kristin followed Abi as requested. The two of them carried the needed stuff into the living room and the men organized it in the middle of the room as Abi requested.
She asked them that in an hour, before she returns, they will light up the circle of candles around the mattresses, but they also had to make sure they leave enough room for Derek and Kristin to sit inside the circle. Then she went upstairs to her room to get ready.
Abi meditated for a while, clearing her head of fears and inhibitions. She had to be totally relaxed if she wants to lead them in safely. After an hour she felt ready and went back down to join them in the living room.
She lay down in the middle of the circle. Nick and Phillip lay down as well. Each one on another side of her. "Guys, hold on to my hands," she asked of them. "Kristin, dad. I need you to hold Nick and Phillip's other hand in yours and the other hand on each of my shoulders. We will be in for 30 minutes no longer. If after 30 minutes we are not back pull us back. Dad you know how?"
"Yes Abi," answered Derek.
"Good. Now I want you two to clear your heads and empty your minds. Try not to think of anything. Just let the darkness surround you for a while and feel me walk beside you. I will lead you throughout the darkness. You have to trust me. Ok? Are you ready?" she asked.
"I'm ready," said Phillip.
"Me too," said Nick.
The three of them closed their eyes and the two men did as Abi requested. Emptied their minds and held on to her hands tightly. They felt the darkness Abi spoke of, and couldn't see a thing. They felt Abi's hands and so they started walking in the dark with her. In a few seconds they found themselves inside the light. It was a big room. Filled with lights. On the farthest corner sat the three judges.
Abi led the two men forward towards them.
"Abigail, what are you doing here? And why are those people with you? It is not their time. I do not see them on the list of arrivals."
"Sorry Othniel," said Abi. "These are friends of mine. Father Callaghan and Nicholas Boyle. They need to ask a few questions."
"Well, I don't usually allow it, but if an angel bothers to bring a person in here then it must be an important issue. Go a head, start asking," said Othniel.
Phillip stepped forward and was the first to speak. "I am a priest, a man of god. But I am also in love with a woman. I wish to know if being a man of the cloth is what god wishes of me. Is that my destiny?"
"Well father, are you a god fearing man?" asked the judge.
"Indeed I am. I am committed to god and Jesus. But I love a woman. How can I serve god if I feel these emotions in me?"
"Father, god never intended people to suffer. You bring it on yourselves. It is not a sin to love a woman. Priesthood is not for everyone. If you believe in god and Jesus, there is no reason for you not to marry and have children. You must follow your heart, but also abide god's rules. As long as you stay loyal to god and your wife, you will enjoy his blessing."
Phillip was amazed. He did not expect this. Actually he thought he would be reprimanded for asking that question, but he had to know. He felt as if a big load was lifted from his heart and a feeling of pure love came over him.
"Thank you," he said and stepped backward taking Abi's hand back into his.
"Now Mr. Boyle what is your question?
