The Winds of Innocence

By Robert Covey

When Lux arrived in Chicago, Ajax Thorakis could feel her presence. The Thorakis centuries old tradition was nearing its completion and his right to reign the family was contigent on his pairing with Lux. Time is of the essence and he uses his clan of minions to begin a reign of terror when Lux opposes his advances.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert Covey
• Release date: Jun 17, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452332642

Robert Covey

Born in Dayton,Ohio and moved to Chicago 14 years ago. Practice as a Registered Nurse and write about the paranomal which has fascinated me all my life.Prefer edgy new content that has not been written before.

Book preview

The Winds of Innocence

By Robert Covey

Volume 1-Supernatural Journals

Smashwords Edition Copyright © 2010 by Robert Covey

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. Smashwords Edition License Notes

This book is dedicated to Holly Wiancek for all her assistance in making this story come true.

I lie down to sleep,

But only so I might dream.

To dream always enlightening,

But much more than that.

I awake with new visions,

Rarely pleasant, often frightening.

But filled with the renewed hope

That tomorrow’s dream will be my answer

—Jamie Donaldson

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1–New Beginnings

Chapter 2–Discovery

Chapter 3–Contact

Chapter 4–The Aunts

Chapter 5–Revelations

Chapter 6–The Gift

Chapter 7–The Thorakis Family

Chapter 8–Preparation

Chapter 9–The Masquerade Ball

Chapter 10–Adam

Chapter 11–Birthday Party

Chapter 12–Confession

Chapter 13–Thanksgiving

Chapter 14–Intimidation

Chapter 15–Attack

Chapter 16–Light and Faith

Chapter 17–Charissa

Chapter 18–Love

Chapter 19–The Hunt

Chapter 20–Christmas

Chapter 21–Ben

Chapter 22–Rehearsal

Chapter 23–Planning

Chapter 24–The Grand Ballroom

Chapter 25–The Abduction

Chapter 26–The Chase

Chapter 27–Fleeing

Chapter 28–The Battle

Chapter 29–New Life

Chapter 30–Transfer of Power

Acknowledgements

Preface

The Iowa morning had been sunny, with not a cloud in the sky. As the day passed the sky darkened with clouds from the southeast and a wind was increasing in strength. Wild flowers covered the fields behind the house giving a garden look that appeared unattended. A huge oak tree gave shade to the backside of the house and held a rope swing, put up for the twins. Living in the country, one could hear the buzz of bees and the singing of the birds, as opposed to the sounds of vehicles and crowds of people in the city. Juliette Dentin was folding the sheets off the clothesline and noticed a storm approaching. She heard her daughter Lux in the sandbox talking.

C’mon Lux it’s going to rain, yelled Juliette.

I can’t play anymore. I have to go in the house. I do not know. My name is Lox. I live with mommy and daddy.

Maybe tomorrow I can talk to you. Yes, I promise.

Lux scurried into the house where Juliette had lunch prepared.

Who were you talking to in the sandbox Lux?

I was talking with Jacs.

And who is Jacs?

The boy I talk with in the sandbox.

There was no one in the sandbox with you Lux.

Jacs was there.

Juliette, it is just fine for 5 year olds to have imaginary friends, said Thaddeus.

Matthew has no imaginary friends.

Each child is different Juliette. Just let it go.

Juliette sat across the table staring at her twins, gave them a big smile, grabbed a hand from each, and told them, I love you both so much.

We love you too mommy, giggled Matthew.

A strong breeze from the impending storm blew through the screen door and the calendar fell off the wall. Lux turned towards the door and gently lifted her index finger and the main door closed.

Chapter 1—New Beginnings

Eastbound Interstate 80 was free from heavy traffic on the day that Thaddeus Dentin moved to Chicago with his 17year old twins, looking for new beginnings. Their lives, for the past twelve months, had been filled with excruciating pain as they watched wife and mother slowly waste away from cancer. This change was going to be the start of a life free from the agony of loss. The bright blue sky contrasted with the endless miles of cornfields that would soon be ready for harvesting. Thaddeus glanced at his daughter in the seat beside him and at his son in the back seat, through the rear view mirror. He sighed with relief that his two children had somehow survived the ordeal of losing their mother. The family that had endured such grief was foremost in his mind.

I do not know why we could not have flown, Lux remarked sarcastically.

It is just a four to five hour drive from Des Moines to Chicago sis.

I wish you two had talked with me first, before making this decision to take me away from the only home, I have ever known.

Now Lux you know this will be good for all of us and after, well after the last twelve months I truly believe this is best for all of us, right Matt?

Sure Dad I think a change will be good for all of us.

As Matthew gazed out the window of the station wagon, the last twelve months hovered in his thoughts. Cancer was a word they never mentioned after the diagnosis of Juliette. The ovarian cancer had spread throughout her abdomen. Remembrance of the IV poles, and the countless nights he was with his mother, vomiting and moaning in pain, remained fresh in his mind. His father, in denial, worked longer hours at the small law practice, which dealt mainly with divorce and bankruptcy, to limit his exposure to the pain of his wife fading away. Lux would read to Juliette at the beginning, but would not assist with any of her care. She would stay out late and sneak in to avoid seeing the frail body of her mother. Therefore, Matthew became the strong one, and the one who kept the family together. Matthew had always been calm, patient and focused growing up and now at seventeen he remained the pillar of the Dentins.

Thaddeus Dentin had always wanted to work for a large law firm and accepted a position with Lark & Associates. They dealt mainly in medical mal-practice, representing many of the hospitals in Chicago. Thaddeus envisioned this move as a new career for him and his kids. Juliette was born in Chicago the youngest of three girls. She insisted that if they were to marry, they leave Chicago and never return. There was a 22-year-old difference between Juliette and the second born sister. She claimed they were never close. Thaddeus an only child did not question Juliette’s decision and Des Moines was just far enough away from her sisters. He did ask her often if she would consider visiting her sisters or having them come to Des Moines to see the twins. The conversation would abruptly change. After the funeral, he sent them a note that their sister had passed away, but felt guilty knowing that Juliette would not have approved.

Thaddeus a tall, thin man with light brown hair and blue eyes looked younger than his 36 years. At this time in his life, he had patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Juliette and Thaddeus had married young and had the twins when he was only 19.

Through determination and a trust fund he inherited he completed law school while Juliette stayed at home with the children. As he looked to his right, he saw Lux with her head against a small pillow. In the rear view mirror, he caught a glimpse of Matt staring at the endless miles of cornfields. He thought of Juliette and a tear fell down his cheek.

Are we there yet guys?

I think we are in the suburbs, what do you think Matt?

Dad I cannot believe that I am going to live in all this polluted air with my asthma. Did you think of that one when you decided to do this?

You will be fine Lux. Just keep your inhaler with you at all times like Matt tells you.

That’s just want I wanted to hear, griped Lux.

Lux developed asthma at the age of five and at the time, her pediatrician told Thaddeus and Juliette that she would outgrow it since tests could not diagnosis the etiology of the triggers. Instead, her parents received the condition of exercise-induced asthma at the age of 12. This became a major inconvenience for a growing teenager. She experienced two major incidents, requiring hospitalization, in junior high school and was pulled from physical education and placed into study hall. Protective Matthew became ruler of the inhaler and made sure she always carried it with her.

Here we are! Lake Shore Drive. Look for the Fullerton Exit Lux.

Dad we are right in the middle of the city. Could we have least moved to in the burbs?

I was assured by Benjamin Lark that the public high school you will attend is one of the best and my commute to the Sears Tower is not far at all.

Matthew jumped in the conversation and said Lux it’s an adventure, just an adventure so deal with it. We do not want to hear you gripe anymore.

They pulled behind a three-story brownstone and parked in the garage. The three of them got out of the station wagon and walked towards the back door of the residence. Lux could not believe she was going to live in something this old. On the other hand, Matt found living in the Brownstone exciting. Thaddeus took the key and opened the door to what appeared to be a sunroom and then opened the door to the main structure. Furniture and boxes were scattered everywhere.

Look kids, all our belongings have been delivered.

The interior was all polished oak, with high ceilings, on the first floor. A refurbished kitchen with a butcher-block counter in the middle gave an appearance of modernization. The dining area and den appeared to be the original rooms with no changes to them. The living room and foyer also appeared to be part of the original structures. A staircase jutted from the left, leading to the second floor where there were two bedrooms and a bathroom. An old wooden staircase covered with scratches led to the third floor containing an office and a bedroom. Thaddeus claimed the third floor, which suited Lux just fine thinking it would be easier to go in and out without having to pass her father’s room. A handle from the office ceiling was there to pull down a ladder used to enter the attic.

I like it Lux!

I do not know how I am ever going to consider this place my home Matt.

Well just remember I am a light sleeper with my room right across the hall from you, and the floors make creaking sounds.

You think? I know how to get around that Matt.

Ok kids tomorrow will be a big day of unpacking so let’s get some sleep so we can get this place together.

Lux made her bed, brushed her teeth, and shook her head as she crawled into bed. Her long, sandy colored blonde hair fell down past her shoulders and had a natural wave. At 5’7, with a petite shape, she appeared too thin. Lux’s eyes were vivid blue, just like her mothers. She took very good care of her skin, using the best cosmetics. Her lips were pouty and without a crack, moisturized by the creams she used daily. Despite her asthma, an extroverted personality attracted people, which she gave her the attention she sought. Still in his clothes, Matt lay on the unmade mattress, closed his eyes, and whispered, Love you mom," and he fell into a deep sleep.

Thaddeus peeked into their rooms making sure they both were safe. He proceeded to wash up in the tub and went to bed.

In Rogers Park just south of Evanston lies a red brick warehouse between several abandon buildings that is used by the Thorakis family. Two young boys entered the alley next to the warehouse to steal a snake that one had seen earlier through a window.

Are you sure this is the place?

Yes I saw her with the snake yesterday but the crate that I stood on to see into the window is gone.

Look! Down there are several crates.

They proceeded back to the window each with a crate.

This is the window and they are in a fancy chest.

The first boy climbed up on the crate and tried to shove the window open but it seemed stuck. The other boy got up on the crate and with him; they were able to open the window.

The marble chest where the boy saw a woman remove a snake the day before would not open so they decided to take the chest. They heard a hiss and a movement sounding much like a chain dragging along the floor. Jocasta slithered past them on the floor dressed in a black tight gown made of black scales with shiny silver rims with her long, black, hair.

With a rocking motion, she stood upright and softly asked, What do you want with my babies?

It frightened the two boys, and they screamed and dropped the chest and escaped out the window. Running as fast as they could through the alley they saw three black shadows in front of them and stopped immediately.

The shadow in the center spoke Don't be afraid we want to show you our snakes. The two boys shaking with fear looked at each other and within a split second, they were being dragged by their hair back into the warehouse."

Chapter 2—Discovery

Matt, up before dawn, made coffee, found a box of doughnuts, and immediately started unpacking the boxes sitting in front of him. Matt, a thin young man, stood 5’9 and at the most weighed 150 lbs. His slight stature belied the fact that he had the strength of 10 men. His eyes, identical to Lux's, were the only physical trait he shared with his twin. Thaddeus sat down in the kitchen and read The Chicago Tribune headline: Two boys missing in Rogers Park." He had a cup of coffee and then started helping Matt unpack the boxes.

Where is Lux Matt? They both looked at each other and said in unison, Let her sleep!About noon, Lux came down the stairway and made her grand appearance, yawning and begging for coffee. Matt got her coffee and assured her that she was not dreaming. Lux returned to her bedroom, closed the door, and started unpacking her things. It had been a long day. Thaddeus and Matt had just about everything where it should be, whether unpacked or not. The boxes, labeled by room, had helped to speed things along, but after a full day, it appeared they would still take a few more days to unpack. In the office were about seven boxes listed attic and one miscellaneous. Matthew told his father that he was going to put the boxes in the attic and call it a night. Thaddeus agreed. The last box he carried to the attic was the one listed miscellaneous. Wondering if this box could have been labeled incorrectly, he looked inside to determine its contents. He removed a bundle of unopened letters from Bernadette and Violette Boulanger and placed them off to the side. He then removed two tightly bound bundles of 16 notebooks each. In his mother’s handwriting, one stack of notebooks had Lux written on the front and the other Matthew. He untied the bundle marked Matthew and noticed there was a notebook for each year of his life up to the age of 16. He thought, of course, there would not be one for 17 as his mother was too ill to continue whatever was in these notebooks. He opened the one listed age 3 and saw entries listed for that year of his life. Some days were blank but others had entries that made no sense to Matt.

Jan 17: He continues not to cry. He pacifies himself when agitated.

Mar 3: Stares at Lux as if something is going to happen.

June 1: Continues to show remarkable control of emotions.

Dec 15: Continues to control the gift with remarkable constraint.

He proceeded to open the notebook listed age 12.

Feb 2: Continues to be protective of Lux and watches her every chance he gets.

July 8: No signs of the gift and I believe controlled by his inner strength.

Dec 10: Reached out and took Lux’s hand to prevent levitation of a doll.

Shocked at that last entry and with no memory of the event he ripped open the bundle listed Lux.

Age 2

Jan 15: Lux reaches for pacifier across the room and it levitates to her hand.

July 10: Despite numerous attempts to stop her, she spins the mobile over the crib with her finger. I must remove mobile out of room.

Nov 5: Crying and levitating 1 inch. Must find safe way to weigh her down

Age 5

June 6: I fear this mysterious imaginary friend is someone I must discourage at all costs.

Nov 11: Continues talking to Jacs while in bed. Will continue to discourage talking with him and will tell her he is a monster.

Age 15

April 6: Witnessed Lux stir her coffee without touching the spoon. Monitor until its time.

May 15: Lux awoke screaming from a nightmare. States a man was chasing her in her dreams

Dec 5: Lux stopped a car from hitting a dog with her palm. The time is near for the truth.

Matthew sat in the dimly lit attic with the notebooks scattered about him. He felt a cold spot pass through him, like a breeze, but the windows were shut. The light flickered and he took it as a sign to put everything back in the box the way he found it. He climbed out of the attic and went to his room. He was cold and scared, and pulled a cover over him. He always felt that he was different but assumed it was because he was a twin and had a special bond with Lux. None of what he read in those journals made any sense to him. What is the gift? Did Lux really do those things? Why did mother not tell us? Confused, with a sense of loneliness, he fell asleep.

When Matthew woke up, he glanced at his clock shining 5:30am. He thought, perfect, I could go back to the attic and find out who wrote those letters. He quietly made some coffee and entered the attic. Patiently, he opened the box and pulled out the letters. He slipped back to his room and shut the door. Matthew counted 43 letters. All addressed to Juliette Dentin and from Violette and Bernadette Boulanger. He checked the dates and they were from around the time he and Lux were born. Was this a friend or a person she grew up with in Chicago? Why had mother not opened the letters but saved them instead? Matthew, confused and curious, felt he had to know what was in these letters. He heard his father moving about and quickly gathered them and put them in the top drawer of his dresser. Matthew entered the kitchen where his father was drinking a cup of coffee.

How did you sleep Matt?

Good dad and you?

I think I am too old for all those stairs.

Dad could you tell me who Bernadette Boulanger is?

How do you know that name?

Who is she?

A name I have not heard in years and would rather not talk about right now.

Dad, mom is from Chicago and all I know is what you both told me. You met at the zoo and fell in love. Now I know there is more to that story than you are revealing.

Matt your mother hated Chicago and found a way out by marrying me.

You mean there was no love?

No Matt we were so young and foolish in many ways but that was the era I came from. You and your sister are much more mature at your age than your mother and I was. I loved her dearly.

That still does not tell me who Bernadette Boulanger is dad.

Irritated and mumbling to himself he poured another cup of coffee.

Bernadette was a friend of your mothers.

Matthew figured he was going to get nowhere with his father. He decided to see just what was in those letters that made his mother ignore her friend for so many years. Back in his room, he arranged the letters by stamped dates. He opened the first letter and read.

Dear Juliette,

Please come home. Your sister and I miss you so much. What did we do? We have always respected your wishes. Violette never meant what she said.

Love Bernadette

Matthew stared out the window for several minutes and whispered sisters. Mom had sisters and we never knew it. Why would she keep them a secret? What could they have done to make mom run away and never want to see them again. In addition, a sister named Violette. A chill went down his spine as he thought I am living in the place my mother hated the most. Why would dad pick Chicago? He pulled a letter out of the middle and opened it.

Dear Juliette,

So many years and not even a call from you to let us know you are okay. We are your sisters and we love you. Just let us hear your voice. Just send us a picture of you. The gift will always be with you. We will always be your sisters so please contact us and let us know you are ok.

Love Bernadette

Matthew had tears in his eyes, not understanding why his mother shunned her sisters. He thought about Lux and knew he never wanted to be far away from her, for the rest of his life. He could not understand how anyone could run away from the family that loved them so much. He opened the last letter that came.

Dear Juliette,

I know you do not want to see us but something has happened and we must talk. Violette and I are worried about the Thorakis clan. They have visited us and more or less threatened our lives if we do not assist with the day of reckoning for their precious leader. They are on a hunt now for a female that is powerful with the gift. Juliette we are afraid for you. If they find you, there may be grave consequences. I know you wanted nothing to do with the gift but you are the most powerful in our family. Please listen to me Juliette. Let us help you before it is too late. Contact us immediately.

Love Bernadette

Matthew put down the letter, more confused than he ever had been in his life. He knew his father had some facts that could put all this together but he also knew his father did not want to talk about it. From experience, that meant he would never be able to persuade his father to tell him what he needed to know. He stopped for a moment and thought about Lux. She must never know anything. He realized he was acting just like his father. He longed for the simple existence that he had in Iowa, and felt that Chicago was opening a life to him that he did not like.

Chapter 3—Contact

Matt's bedroom door opened and Lux entered decked out in a pair of tight blue jeans that she had paired with a purple top that was covered with an intricate pattern of white beads.

Let’s take a walk and see the high school where we will spend our senior year. I still cannot believe I am not going to graduate from Eagle High.

Okay let’s go!

They knew little about their new school. Only that it was on North Avenue and there was a park lining the path towards the school. Lux headed into the park, which Matt imagined was an oasis among condominiums.

Where are you going Lux?

I want to see the pond. It is over there where all of those geese are.

Yes I see it Lux. I am not blind yet.

Matthew noticed a pier at the south end of the pond and yelled to Lux Let’s go check the landing.

The pier resembled a cross, with a bench in the middle for sitting. It appeared completely out of place in the park. The pond was part of the Nature Museum that sat directly across from the pier. Green moss and vegetation covered the clear emerald water of the pond to its bank.

Do you see all that vegetation Lux?

With no reply, Matt turned his head around and saw that she was watching two young men tossing a Frisbee. Thinking this could go on all day, he decided to redirect her toward the school.

C’mon you have plenty of time for that Lux.

The dark headed one is looking our way. What should I do Mattie?

Turn around and walk away with me Lux.

Mattie I love you to death but isn’t time for you to start dating?

Think back to Mary Jo from Eagle High and our double date. Remember, I took her and you took that idiot from the football team. You giggled all night when he whispered in your ear.

Oh yes, Rex. I remember that one. Found in bed with the quarterback a week later. Love is just not fair. Anyway, Mary Jo had a wart on her nose and she was fat.

Lux that was a birthmark and she was just big boned.

Call it what you want Mattie dear, but that girl had an odor that resembled stew.

Lux the school is this way.

They walked past Webster St. and prceeded south until they arrived on North Avenue and the school came into view.

How can this small building be a high school? It is disgusting looking.

I think it has a certain charm to it.

The two of them walked around the building and then headed back towards the park where they came upon the entrance to a zoo. They spent an afternoon leisurely strolling through the facility, looking at the animals. Lux decided she would like to have a penguin for a pet. Mattie explained the logistics of keeping a penguin and the ongoing mess that she would have to clean up. She changed the subject and said, Let’s go see the big cats.

As it was getting late and Matt suggested they had better get home or their father was going to worry.

Upon entering the foyer, Thaddeus announced, I got a pizza. No cooking tonight. Lux grabbed a piece, headed for her room, and shut the door. Matthew still irritated from the morning conversation with his father sat across from him at the dining room table. The silence was unbearable for Matt.

Where did you two go Matt?

We went to the park and then checked out the school and ended up at the zoo Dad.

Matthew tomorrow is my first day at the office, and I don't know what time I will be home so I am leaving some money for you and Lux for dinner. Eventually we will get to a grocery store.

Who is Bernadette Boulanger dad?

You are not going to let this go Matt, are you?

No.

She is your mother’s sister. They were 22 years apart, in age. Your grandparents brought Bernadette and the older one Violette from Strasbourg, France and opened up a bakery somewhere up north. The girls were grown and your mother came as an accident. Your grandmother died in childbirth and your grandfather died about 6 months later, found hanging by a rope in the kitchen of the bakery. The sisters found him, and they were left to raise your mother. All I know is what your mother told me. She said they were cruel to her and blamed her for the death of both of your grandparents. I met them once and did not see the negative aspect your mother described. They were living above a beauty shop when your mother packed her few things and left with me. We were married at city hall and left for Des Moines. Your mother would never talk about them and when I mentioned their names, she would change the subject abruptly. Weeks after your mother’s death, I found an address in a desk drawer and sent a note informing them that she had passed. That is all I know Matt. I am sorry if that is not enough.

No dad you told me what you knew and I appreciate it. I think I am going to bed now. I hope your first day on the job goes well for you.

Sounds like a good idea. I do not want to look tired on my first day. Sleep well son: well...Lux.

I promise I will not say a word dad.

I think it would be best.

Matt had been lying in bed for about an hour. He looked at the clock sitting on the table next to his bed and saw the numbers 10:10pm glowing red. He quietly peeked in Lux’s room and saw that she was fast asleep, still hooked up to her IPod, her cell in her left hand. He listened, heard his father snoring, and tiptoed down the stairs. He left the lights off. He had seen the telephone book last in the kitchen and found it sitting under the pizza box. He pulled a penlight out of his pocket and looked up Boulanger in the White Pages. He found a B. Boulanger and a V. Boulanger both on West Argyle with the same number. After each name, it said see ad in Yellow Pages. Not knowing where to look in the Yellow Pages, he returned to his room and on his laptop Googled Bernadette Boulanger in Chicago. The first link stated Celestial Experts. He clicked on it. There he found an ad for past, present and future readings by Chicago’s best kept secret. The Boulanger Sisters offering tarot cards, aromatherapy, séance and aura evaluations. Open noon to midnight. He looked at his clock and it was 11:15pm. The place was still open. He reached for his cell and dialed the number waiting just to hear a voice and see if it sounded like his mothers. A recording proceeded with organ music in the background stating hours of operation from a deep voice with a slight accent. He put his finger on the cell to end the call when the recording stopped and a moment of static pursued until a low toned voice whispered, Whoever you are, you are in danger. He clicked the cell off. Wide-awake, he lay in bed looking at the ceiling when he jumped with one stride out of the bed brushing at his right shoulder. A hand had touched him. He was sure something had touched his shoulder. With the lights left on, he put his pillow on the floor and proceeded to go to sleep.

Matthew was up at dawn and had fixed his dad cinnamon rolls and a pot of coffee. When his dad came down the