I waited impatiently for Jesse to begin explaining. I didn't get any of the stuff that was going on. Especially the Jesse keeping secrets from me thing. I tapped my nails against the arm rest trying to give him a hint about the fact I was waiting for an explanation. A very good one at that. Whatever that note had meant, Jesse already knew about it all. After another minute of waiting I decided to take a more direct approach.
"Are you going to tell me what's going on or what?" I asked. He pulled into the hospital car park without looking at me, obviously wanting to avoid the subject for as long as possible. I on the other hand was not in the mood to be screwing around.
"Tell me." I repeated softly. This time however he didn't dodge the subject.
"Father Dominic made me swear not to tell you. But seeing as the situation has gotten worse I don't think that he will mind me breaking my word this once."
Even though he said that, I could see the reluctance in his eyes. Jesse didn't like breaking his word, I'd known that for a very long time. But I also knew that whatever was going on was going to involve me and him pretty soon. And the more that I knew about it all now - the better.
At least then when I screwed everything up I'd know it was my own fault.
"Jesse just tell me, Father D isn't exactly in a position to know you've said anything. I swear I won't tell, okay?" I said, feeling extremely annoyed by the conversation already. Jesse nodded his agreement silently.
"Before Paul left for university, he left behind a certain artefact for Father Dominic to look after. He said it was of vital importance that it was kept safe."
"Paul talked to Father D?" I asked in amusement. I was having trouble picturing it. Although Paul had been much more civil towards the end of our time at the Mission, he'd still kept a certain distance from both me and Jesse. He barely talked to me in the month before we left. Although Jack had transferred recently, Paul hadn't come with him. I'd seen the little guy practically every week since he'd moved from Seattle. But no Paul. Although technically Jack isn't all that little anymore. But whatever.
"Susannah, I thought you wanted me to tell you about this." He said, sounding annoyed. Paul was still a rather touchy subject as far as he was concerned. I guess it's a guy ego thing.
"Fine. I'll shut up." I said, making a padlocking my mouth gesture. He smiled slightly. But his eyes remained dark.
"Jesse what is it?" I asked forgetting my previous promise.
"So much for your 'shutting up'" he commented dryly. I threw him a sarcastic look.
"Stop stalling for time and spit it out and I might." I warned calmly.
"The amulet they mentioned in the letter. That was the artefact that Paul left for Father Dominic. He said that it was very sought after and should be kept hidden." Jesse continued slowly. He was choosing his words very carefully, obviously not wanting to give certain stuff away. Which of course was very annoying. For me at least.
"Paul is all about cryptic warnings. A bit like someone else I know." I teased, with a smile. Jesse however didn't see the funny side. I think I hit a nerve.
"I am nothing like that Diablo." He told me hotly. I just laughed. The stupidest things could set him off.
"What's a Diablo?" I asked soberly. He shook his head with a grim look on his face.
"He never told the Father that the amulet was from the Shadowland. It seems Slater stole it from the devil himself."
I almost burst out laughing. I restrained myself however and tried to keep my face neutral. I had a feeling that I wasn't very good at it though. I snorted.
"I'm sorry Jesse, but that just isn't possible. The devil doesn't exist, remember?"
"Doesn't he? I never remember anyone saying ghosts exist either. But I think I am more than qualified to say that they do."
I frowned at him. I didn't like the way this conversation was going. The sky outside seemed to darken covering the land in shadow. I shivered inwardly. Even the crickets had gone silent. All that was left was a penetrating silence that seemed to pierce my ear-drums. I didn't like it.
"Not everything is as it seems Susannah." Jesse said in a low whisper, obviously noticing my unease. He squeezed my hand reassuringly. Then looking deep into my eyes he continued.
"I was a ghost for many years. And throughout that time, I've often felt….disturbances, on the Shadowland plain. I used them to guide you more than once. They warned me when you were in danger. But they also, tried to stop me reaching you in time." He told me softly. He dropped his eyes for a moment.
I could feel the air thicken around us, and not in the usual romantic way. I almost choked on the bitter fumes. I realised that I wasn't the only one. Jesse seemed to be having trouble breathing himself. One handed I fumbled for the lock on the door and kicked it open.
I instantly felt the difference as the sky lightened and the sounds of the nearby road greeted me. I gasped as Jesse reached out and grabbed my hand.
"Are you okay? Susannah can you hear me?"
It was only then that I noticed that I was collapsed on the ground with Jesse leaning over me. I saw a glint of fear in his eyes. I coughed.
"I'm fine. What happened? It was like the room was spinning." I gasped. Jesse didn't look too steady himself.
"I think it's time we got inside." He breathed raggedly. I nodded my agreement as he helped me to my feet.
"I think it's time you started being straight with me." I whispered under my breath.
Whether or not he heard me I didn't know. But the one thing I was certain of was that I wasn't letting this go easily. Whatever had attacked Father D was after all of us.
And now it was up to me and Jesse to save the day.
A/N: Wow! Thanks for all the reviews guys! You rock!
Okay, so I figured I'd make things difficult for our happy couple. I swear I'll make it up to them later. For now just go with it. Dark forces and all. What with the possible return of Mr Slater himself……………………………..
But you'll have to keep reading to find out! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Hope you enjoyed this chappy! Please review and tell me what you think!
Fluff will return soon…..lol.
See ya'll soon!