Hidden Mortality (21 page)

Chapter 22

Cara’s stomach knotted when she pulled up outside Vincent’s house. It wasn’t the prospect of the party being a disaster. She knew they would do a good job and the guests would enjoy the food. At some point this evening, she would have to slip into the library and replace the book. If Seth read it, he would rip Vincent limb from limb to find out more.

Robert Middleton might have lived a hundred years before Seth, but she was sure that they were connected. The ritual that had killed Rosie would have been the same as the one on Lillie.

Vincent had to know who the killer was. What she needed was more proof to get the police involved. The book didn’t mean anything on its own. Vincent was allowed to collect old books. It was part of his job. The fact that the killings in this volume were repeated now in detail on victims could be attributed to a copy-cat murderer. It wasn’t a comforting thought.

Telling Seth about the picture of the dagger, the cults, and murders was enough. In retrospect, she had been crazy to tell him that much, but she needed a reason for being there that night. Apart from wanting to jump into his bed again.

So far the evening was going incredibly well. The food disappeared from platters almost faster than they could fill them. Even Vincent’s friend who was allergic to everything sent a special thanks to the kitchen. Thankfully, as the evening wore on, the numbers started dwindling, and then a message came through that a small group would be staying longer. There was still enough food left to set up a few platters in the front parlor as Stephan called it.

Cara would drop off one of the platters. Afterwards, she’d make her way to the library to replace the book. It was the perfect opportunity, as long as Daniel and Matcher weren’t stalking her. As she walked into the parlor, her jaw dropped. Seth sat in one of the chairs next to a beautiful blond woman. Why hadn’t he told her he was coming?

Stephan came over and took the platter. He even smiled at her, which had to be a first.

“Ah, here is the elusive Cara,” Vincent said. He came across and took her hand. “You’ll come and join us, won’t you? The seafood from Dingle was wonderful and the turkey pate from Dunmanway made me sigh.”

“Just for a moment, Vincent. Duty calls.” Cara wanted out, but that wasn’t going to happen.

Vincent introduced everyone including Seth, and Robert Fetter, his agent. She also met Craig, who had to be one of the world’s fussiest eaters. He was so excited about his food he gave her a hug. He had their card in his hand. It was wonderful and nothing to do with dead bodies and magical powers. Someone just liked her food.

She struggled not to gape like a fool when she was introduced to Jane Purcell, one of the BBC presenters from the Ten o’clock news. She felt tongue tied before a woman who could make a Prime Minister stutter.

It was stupid to be impressed by someone like that when she had an immortal lover and he wanted her. Of course said lover was sitting next to a blonde goddess on the other side of the room at the moment.

Where was Daniel when she needed him, Cara wondered? She breathed a sigh of relief when he walked in.

She was a happy to let him take over. Anyway, he was in his element. All in all, it was the perfect function. Death and insanity revolved around her. Yet she still wanted to be seen as a thorough professional.

“I need to deal with a few final things in the kitchen. It’s been wonderful meeting you,” Cara said. She wasn’t sure who was more relieved, her or the guests. Daniel was more than happy to take on the social challenge.

As soon as she was out of the room and in the hallway, she let out a deep breath. Leaning back against the wall, she put her hand to her chest. Her heart pounded away. This had to be done. She hurried down the hall.

The library was dark. Her eyes took a while to adjust. Making her way over to the desk she stubbed her toe, but managed not to yell out. Pulling the book out of her apron pocket, she placed it back on the pile. This room gave her the creeps. At any moment, she thought books would fly off the shelves and attack her. She turned and fled back to the safety of the kitchen.

Although they returned to her flat by twelve, it took forever to sort out everything. The office was full of equipment. She couldn’t have swung a cat in there. Merlin was probably glad about that as he curled up on the couch.

Daniel had gone and picked up Jeff. It was two weeks since the operation. He was doing well, though he still moved a bit stiffly at times. She was glad they had only been doing the food at Vincent’s tonight. Organizing the drinks and glasses would have sent her over the edge.

“We have no jobs tomorrow. Who’s up for wine and nibbles?” Cara asked.

All hands went up. Matcher sat in the beanbag, with Rachel cuddled up next to him. Daniel was in the kitchen making nachos. Jeff lounged on the couch. Cara grabbed some dips and a bottle of red. It was half past twelve. They needed to chill. Daniel always liked this time. She usually did too, except tonight she kept thinking about the book and Seth.

“I’m not so sure about weddings after dealing with sixty ravenous drinkers. They devoured food like they’d never eat again.” Daniel poured the wine and sat down.

Cara grabbed her glass and took a sip. “Yeah, but we did it with class. We really need to look at what we want for the future, especially if any bookings come in from this.”

“I want new feet.” Rachel chimed in, taking a big swig of wine.

Cara tried to remember how old Rachel was. She didn’t relish the idea of angry parents at the door. From what Matcher said, they wouldn’t care.

“I’d like to say you get used to it, but you don’t. Your feet, your back, they can kill but you keep going all night on the adrenaline,” Cara replied, massaging her own feet. She straightened, fighting the urge to yawn.

“Did you see Peter from
The Post
was there?” Daniel asked.

“Yes. I still can’t stand him,” Cara said. She still remembered how he tried to grill her for information about Shona at the dinner party at his house.

Jeff rubbed the back of Daniel’s neck and he relaxed back on the couch. “Daniel told me about him. I see his sort all the time. When they look at you, their eyes are working out whether you’ll make them money or not. As tonight went well, he’ll watch where you’re going. If it’s good, he’ll claim he helped. If not, he’ll say he saw you were flawed from the start.” Jeff turned around slowly. He stretched out and stuck his feet on Daniel’s lap.

Daniel didn’t say anything but started massaging them. Not delicately but methodically pressing and sensing where his partner was holding pain.

Jeff yawned and relaxed even more. “I should be doing yours.”

“You can, when they don’t stink from standing on them all night.” Daniel laughed.

Cara knew what she was witnessing was a basic relief of tension. Yet, she also saw closeness and love. She wanted it too. Was she fooling herself with Seth? He could be with the blonde now. No he wouldn’t do that. No book, no man, no answers. That was her life right now. Feeling pathetic, she went to the kitchen and got out some Camembert and crackers. She’d distract herself by taking care of her guests and being a good hostess. She was just being silly because she was tired.

Matcher followed her. “Do you remember me saying Vincent’s aura was odd?”

“Sort of. Wasn’t there something about him being weird at my mother’s dinner?” Cara nibbled on a cracker.

“Tonight, I realized his aura reminds me of Seth’s. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something wrong with both of them. Those guys are really fucked up. I know you don’t want to hear that, but be careful.” Matcher hugged her.

Daniel called out, “Who’s totally fucked up? I want to know. I’m jealous. Not that I’ve the energy right now.”

Cara grabbed another bottle of wine and headed back. “I’m not saying a thing. This is your area, Matcher, you go on.” Cara sat down and sipped on her glass of red.

Matcher walked back and settled next to Rachel in the big bean bag. “You all know I see auras. I get that some of you think I’m full of crap. It really doesn’t matter. I see them whether you believe in them or not.” He raised his glass to Cara.

Jeff leaned forward. “I know you mentioned it. To be honest, I sort of see it like reading your stars. You’ll believe it, if it says something good,”

“What’s mine like?” Daniel asked enthusiastically.

“See what I mean?” Jeff replied, shaking his head.

“Daniel, you have an aura that’s bright and full of energy. When you and Jeff are together it’s like your auras meld. There are some dark patches on Jeff, but that’s understandable because of his operation.”

“What about me?” Rachel asked eagerly. Cara was surprised he hadn’t mentioned his talent to Rachel. Perhaps, Matcher worried he might scare her off.

“The red shows you’re sensitive and caring, but your blue layer has some dark spots. When we’re together they almost disappear. When you talk about your family they get bigger.”

“I’ll just have to stay close to you to keep the dark spots away then, won’t I?” Rachel leaned in and kissed him.

“Sounds great.” Matcher put his arm around her.

“So, who were you talking about earlier?” Jeff asked, glancing at Cara.

What could she say? How much would she tell them before they thought her mad, or rather, more mad? “He’s talking about Vincent. The last time Matcher saw him, he said he could see his aura was different. Tonight when he saw Seth, he says his aura is strange as well. That’s not a good thing. I know why Seth’s is different.” Cara took a gulp of wine.

She had gone this far, she might as well go the whole way. Matcher kept watching her and nodded. He had never liked Seth. What would he think now? She took a deep breath. Then, she told them everything and no one interrupted. They just sat there absorbing the information. When she finished, she expected someone to start laughing at how absurd it all was. Daniel just looked at Jeff and shook his head.

Matcher smiled with an, “I told you so” look on his face. “I knew it would be something like that. It makes sense. From what I’ve seen, most people’s auras are constantly changing. Those two are stuck.”

Daniel leaned forward, ready to give his five pennies worth. “Come on, Matcher. You don’t really believe this. Your aura stuff is harmless, but this is mad. People don’t live that long. I can understand how you might be taken in by this, Cara. You’ve been through so much recently. I know you really like the guy. This is crazy. It’s goofy like the stuff in your grandmother’s book.”

“Enough, Daniel.” Cara doubted this would cause their business to go down the drain but she had to say something. She loved Seth. She really did. “Look, you don’t have to accept this. You’re probably sane. I may not be. I do believe it though. From what Matcher’s said, we’re finding out a bit more that will lead us to who killed Shona. If Vincent murdered her, I want him to rot in hell.”

“Does Seth know about the book? Is that why he was there?” Matcher asked.

“I haven’t told him what I’ve found out. He would attack Vincent, beat the information out of him, or kill him. I want to find some way the police can deal with this. I just haven’t figured out how to go back and get more evidence.”

“That’s nuts. Why would you go in there when you think he kills people? I can’t believe I just said that.” Daniel shook his head.

“The book said if Seth tries to kill whoever killed Rosie, then he’ll die himself. I can’t risk that. If I die, he’ll live. Without me, he won’t control the anger. He’s already told me he’s afraid of what he will do.”

Silence. No one spoke and she couldn’t blame them. The door buzzer broke the silence and they all jumped.

“Cara. It’s Seth. Can I come up?”

Cara didn’t look at any of them. She stood up and pressed the intercom button.

“Yes, Seth. I’m not alone.” If she had to choose between her friends and him, it would be him. She went to greet him at the apartment door. Silence greeted them as they walked into the lounge room.

Everyone stared at Seth. He turned. His gaze searching hers. Cara drew a deep breath. “I’ve told them about you.”

Seth nodded. He smiled at her and then looked to the others. “And do you believe her?”

“I do. I’ve always known you were different. Now, I know I’m not barmy,” Matcher said. “Still don’t know if you’re good or bad shit though.”

“That’s a question I ask myself regularly. If you find the answer out before I do, let me know,” Seth said, smiling.

Daniel stood up with his arms crossed. It was like David and Goliath, Seth with his huge frame and Daniel with his fit but slight one.

“I think this is a load of crap. Come on Cara. You don’t really accept this rubbish he’s telling you. Look, Seth. I don’t know what your game is, or why you’re trying to hurt her with this rubbish story, but she’s been through enough.”

“Daniel, stop it. He isn’t hurting me.” Cara said as she held Seth’s hand.

Seth turned to her. “How important is it to you that they accept this?”

“I want them to, but if they don’t, it won’t make me change what I know.” Cara sat down and so did Daniel. He was on the couch with Jeff. Matcher and Rachel were at the end of the coffee table on the beanbag. It felt as if she was facing off against her friend and she didn’t want that.

Seth went to the kitchen. He took a knife from the drawer and then walked over to the couch. She thought he was going to cut himself again, but instead he handed the knife to Daniel. The action did not reassure her.

“What the hell do you expect me to do with this?” Daniel started to place the knife on the coffee table.

Seth stopped him. He grabbed the hand holding the knife and pulled Daniel towards him. It all happened so fast. Daniel couldn’t stop Seth. The knife was embedded in Seth’s abdomen up to the hilt. Rachel screamed. Matcher leaped out of the bean bag. Jeff tried to move, but winced and sat back down. Seth let go of Daniel’s hand.