Sapphire Blue: Trinkets, #2

By Colleen Kristinsson

Mack tossed and turned while Daniel slept peacefully beside her, images of the Walters Mansion and the nightmares that lay within meandered through her mind. Then it came, the image that always made her wake up in a cold sweat, the image of Mouse, lying tattered and torn, his lips moving trying to tell her something but she could never make out what he was saying. Tonight, however, it was different, tonight, Mouses’ corpse reached desperately for her and she felt his cold dead hands grasp the sides of her head, he pulled her ear close to his decaying lips and rasped “Mackenzie Scott, you need to go back, you need to return, there is something you have missed, return, Mackenzie, return.”

In the second book of the Trinket series, after Mack’s warning dream the team return to the Walters mansion where they find a secret attic in which an elderly hippie woman has been living out her life. Where did she come from? How is she connected to the Walters? Can she help them re-capture Reginald (aka Aldous)? What does she know about the murders still being committed? The team is once again taken around the world in search of the answers to these mysteries and the burning question on everyone’s lips – Who is Sapphire Blue?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Colleen Kristinsson
• Release date: Jun 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386598183

Colleen Kristinsson

Colleen Kristinsson is the author of seven books. She has a BA in Psychology and is currently doing a BA in Asian and Indigenous studies. She has a postgraduate certificate in Wellness. She lives in Tasmania with her husband, children and beagle.

Book preview

Chapter One

Mack tossed and turned while Daniel slept peacefully beside her, images of the Walters Mansion and the nightmares that lay within meandered through her mind. Then it came, the image that always made her wake up in a cold sweat, the image of Mouse, lying tattered and torn, his lips moving trying to tell her something but she could never make out what he was saying. Tonight, however, it was different, tonight, Mouses’ corpse reached desperately for her and she felt his cold dead hands grasp the sides of her head, he pulled her ear close to his decaying lips and rasped Mackenzie Scott, you need to go back, you need to return, there is something you have missed, return, Mackenzie, return

With the dead man’s plea ringing in her ears Mack woke up and screamed which startled Daniel out of his slumber Mack, you okay?

Yeah, I’m okay just dreaming, you know, she told him, trying to shake it off.

Mouse, again? he asked her.

What else? she shrugged.

This has been going on for a while now Mack, don’t you think you should maybe see someone he suggested cautiously.

I’m fine, Daniel, really, go back to sleep she insisted. Daniel rolled over and did as he was bid, but Mack could not do the same.

Several hours later when Daniel woke up for the second time he found her packing a suitcase, he watched her for a while before he spoke Going somewhere? he inquired.

Back to Jacksonville she answered without looking at him.

Did Nampeyo call while I was sleeping, does he need your help on a case? Daniel asked.

No, I think I need his help, she told him.

His help, why? he queried.

The Walters case, I think we missed something she explained.

Mack, the Walters case was made a cold case months ago, it’s been gone over and over, there’s nothing there that will help catch Reginald, and there is nothing anyone missed he maintained.

Well, I think you’re wrong, I think we did miss something, and I intend to find out what it is, she told him firmly

Why, after all this time, you’ve never mentioned going back to Jacksonville before, going over the case?  We’ve been living in Quantico for three months now and the only time you mention the case is when you have nightmares about it, why would you want to drag it all back up now? Daniel wondered.

Because I have new information, now, someone told me we missed something, someone I trust, Mack said slowly dreading the next question she knew would come.

Someone told you, who, Mack? Daniel asked.

Mouse, she said quietly.

Mouse, Oh, Mack, honey, Mouse is dead, he told her gently.

I know that Daniel, I’m not crazy, he told me in my dream she explained exasperated.

It’s just a dream, Mack, it doesn’t mean anything, he said trying to reason with her.

This time it was different, Daniel, Mouse spoke to me, gave me a message, it has to mean something she sighed.

No, it doesn’t Mack, well, maybe it does but not what you think it means, maybe it means it really is time you saw someone, these nightmares have been messing with your head for far too long, he said going to her and holding her gently.

I’m usually the one people come to see in situations like this she smiled sadly leaning her head into his chest.

I know, and you’re the best but aren’t there some colleagues you trust that are at least somewhere in your league, he asked.

Sure, I know a few people, I’ll talk to them later this afternoon, see if I can set something up she conceded.

Good smiled Daniel kissing the top of her head I have a little time before I have to get ready for work, so, why don’t you hop back in bed and I’ll bring you breakfast.  You don’t have to be in the office today, do you? Isn’t this one of the days you’ve set aside for your research?

Yes, I’ll be spending my whole day in the library she nodded.

That’s good; it’ll take your mind off things being surrounded by the books you love plus you don’t have any particular start time so you can have another snooze when I’m gone he suggested.

Not a bad idea, may take you up on that, after my breakfast, that is, she said reminding him that he had suggested bringing her some in bed.

Crepes, fresh strawberries and just a little dash of cream coming right up, with some green tea on the side, he told her dancing out the door headed for the kitchen.

It had been a wonderful three months; she wasn’t sure how she would feel at first moving her practice to Quantico and living with Daniel, but it had turned out to be exactly the right move. Her business was flourishing and Daniel, well, Daniel was more amazing than she ever dreamed he could be, she just hoped she wasn’t about to stuff it all up now.

A couple of hours later, Daniel was headed to FBI headquarters, and Mack was headed to the airport leaving Daniel a note which read Daniel, honey, I know you don’t understand why I have to do this but my hope is even if you don’t understand it, you will forgive it. I have taken a plane to Jacksonville, to go and talk to Chev and see if I can get access to the Mansion to see what I missed. I know we don’t agree, but I truly believe Mouse was giving me a message in my dream. I’ll be back as soon as I can, you can contact me on my cell, I love you and miss you already, Mack.

Chapter Two

Chev walked into his office and was surprised to see a familiar face smiling up at him Mack he beamed giving her a hug Long time no see, where is Danny boy so I can give him a piece of my mind about keeping my best girl away for so long.

Daniel, couldn’t make the trip, it’s just me this time she smiled back at him.

So, what’s this trip, business or pleasure?  Here to do research or just catch up? asked Chev.

Business, in a way, she said biting her bottom lip.

What is it Mack, what’s wrong, has Shapiro upset you, if he’s done something to hurt you put me on a plane now and I’ll sort him out offered Nampeyo.

No, Chev, Daniels great and as for someone hurting someone, I think you may have that the wrong way around. He doesn’t even know I’m here or at least didn’t when I left, he would now I left him a note she explained slightly embarrassed.

You Dear Johned Shapiro? Chev asked surprised.

No, I didn’t leave him, we just had a difference of opinion on whether I should take this trip or not so I waited ‘til he left for work then hoped on a plane to avoid any arguments she reasoned.

He didn’t agree with you coming to Jacksonville for business; what does he control you now? Chev said shaking his head.

It wasn’t like that he just saw no reason for me to come, that’s all Mack explained.

No reason, Mack what sort of business are you here for, what part of this story am I missing? he asked her suspiciously.

It’s the Walters case she admitted quietly.

The Walters case, that was dead months ago, no new leads came to light, so we put on the back burner, you know that, Chev told her confused.

I think we missed something back at the mansion Mack revealed.

We didn’t miss anything Mack we searched that place from top to bottom, more times than I care to remember. I hate to back Shapiro up but this time he was right, there was no need for you to come back here, not for that anyway he told her.

Please Chev, I’d like to go and have a look, make sure, she asked pleadingly.

Mack, there’s no point, what makes you think there is? he wondered

I was told that we missed something she informed him.

You have an informant, who is it? asked Chev intrigued.

Mouse, Mack said in almost a whisper.

Nampeyo gave her a pitying look Don’t look at me like that Chev that’s exactly the way Daniel looked at me when I told him. He even suggested I might need to see someone.

Once again hate to back up the Shep man but maybe you should agreed Chev.

Aren’t you the one who believes in ghosts? Mack asked him.

Yes, and aren’t you the one with the rational scientific brain that doesn’t? he shot back.

Maybe I’m starting to she admitted.

And maybe you’re just still grieving, Mack suggested Nampeyo.

Perhaps I am, but this isn’t a part of that, Mouse told me I missed something at the mansion in a dream, and I believe it she insisted.

Maybe you believe it because you want to, maybe you want a reason to hunt down Reginald again, after all, he was the one that killed Mouse Nampeyo ventured.

This isn’t about revenge Chev Mack assured him Who owns the house now maybe they won’t mind if we take another look.

There was no-one for it to go to, so the government owns it, they tried to sell it off, but it has a bad reputation as a serial killers’ house now, so no-one will touch it with a barge pole Chev explained.

So, really there’s no-one to stop us taking a look Mack smiled.

I’ll have to think up a story to be able to get the keys, Chev told her.

Just say you came into some new leads and want to substantiate them before deciding on whether to re-open the case Mack suggested.

I don’t know Mack Chev sighed.

Please, do it for me she begged.

One day you’re going to get me into trouble girl, Chev told her shaking his head.

We can hope that days not today she smiled cheekily

Come on woman, let’s see if we can rustle up some keys, he said walking out the door.

*****************************************************************************

As Chev opened the door Mack checked her phone for the twentieth time Expecting a call he asked.

In the note, I told Daniel he could contact me on my cell, just thought he might have called by now she sighed.

Mack, you ditched the guy and jumped on a plane to another state, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s not talking to you, at least for a while anyway advised Nampeyo.

He’ll understand, he’ll forgive me, after all, if I’d done the same thing to you, you’d understand she pointed out.

Yeah, I would but Shapiro and I are two completely different guys, in Shapiro’s case trust is hard to come by, after losing his wife and kids to a murderer and you just put a big dent in that reasoned Chev.

Mack didn’t answer, but she knew that Nampeyo had a point, it had taken a long time to get Daniel to trust her completely, and now she wasn’t sure if he ever would again.

She wandered around from empty room to empty room trying to see what she had missed, but each one was just as barren as the last. See, I told you, Mack, there was no reason for you to come here, all the furniture has been sold off, the books and artifacts collected and delivered to diverse locations around the globe; there’s nothing here but memories of one man’s disturbed childhood. Why don’t we lock back up this dusty mausoleum and go and have an early dinner hey? Chev suggested.

Chev, just one last look and then if I don’t find anything we’ll go for that dinner she conceded.

I’ve got a better idea instead of that dinner why don’t you hop on an early flight back to Quantico and patch things up with Shapiro; I may not be that fond of the guy, but he makes you happy Chev acknowledged.

One day you’ll find a girl that’ll make you happy too, Chev, she told him.

I did, only problem is that she’s in love with someone else he sighed giving her a slightly sad smile.

Chev... Mack began putting her arm on his shoulder.

It's okay, Mack, really, I’ll just wait outside, get some fresh air while you take your final look around if you don’t mind, he said then walked out the door.

Mack was glad to be left alone for a while, too many thoughts were whirling in her head, she closed her eyes and pleaded with the universe Please, Mouse, you said I missed something, here I am, show me, but all that greeted her was silence. Fine, just fine, what do you want me to do, wait here until you decide it’s the right time to tell me? What is it? Do I have to sleep here, have another dream so you can whisper creepy sweet nothings into my ear, what, will this do should I just take a nap on the floorboards she asked laying down on the wooden slates How’s this? she demanded.

As she stared up at the ceiling Mack noticed one particular section of it in which the dust had been disturbed; it appeared to make a square outline reminiscent of a latched door in the roof. Mack searched around the house for anything that might help her check the ceiling, in the back of one of the cupboards she found a long-handled broom and began to poke the roof with it. After ten minutes of prodding, she must have hit the right spot as a door sprung open, and a ladder came barrelling down towards her, luckily her reflexes were fast enough so that she moved before it did some lasting damage to her head. It looks like we did miss something Mack smiled to herself as she climbed the ladder, as she poked her head through the hole of the secret attic space she screamed; sitting there in the corner was what they had missed – a girl.

Chapter Three

Nampeyo was admiring the rose bushes in the front garden and contemplating how people who were so ugly on the inside, as the Walters had been, managed to keep something so beautiful when he heard a scream emanate from within the mansion. Mack, Mack he called frantically as he barrelled in through the front door.

It’s okay Chev, I’m up here in the roof, I’m not hurt she called when she heard the panic in his voice.

Wow, a secret attic room, I guess you were right, we missed something, said Chev looking up in the direction of her voice.

A room’s not all we missed, you should see what’s in it, in fact, I really think you should climb up here right now and take a look Mack insisted.

Chev climbed the ladder and poked his head through the hole just beside where Mackenzie was sitting What’s the big mystery... he began but then stopped and stared in amazement when he realized they were not alone. In the corner of the room stood a lady of about sixty, Nampeyo guessed, who was wearing what one might term as expensive Boho; a rich flower child who had forgotten those days were behind her. The only thing that destroyed the geriatric hippie illusion was the expression on her face; there was no peace evident in her demeanor; in fact, quite the opposite.

Who are you she demanded and what the hell are you doing in my house?

Your house, this house belongs to the government disagreed Nampeyo.

I don’t think so, I’ve lived here since I was born; in fact, I was born in this very room she informed him.

Mack who had been silent up until now and staring in disbelief shook her head and uttered vaguely It’s her; it’s the girl.

What? asked Chev turning toward her.

The girl from the book; E – 537 Mack explained.

What’s wrong with her? the woman asked, has she gone completely bonkers?

So, you don’t know what E-537 means? asked Nampeyo.

Of course I know what it means; it’s the way some scientists label their equipment, I just don’t know what that has to do with me she shrugged.

You’re not E-537 then? wondered Mack.

Your friend is really out there; you know that, she said addressing Nampeyo Do I look like a piece of equipment to you?

Of course not which means you must have a name right? ventured Nampeyo

Don’t we all; I’m Sapphire; Sapphire Blue she said introducing herself.

Wow your parents were certainly into the whole spiritualist sixties scene, weren’t they? said Chev upon hearing her name.

Actually, I named myself I don’t have parents, she told him.

Everyone has parents argued Chev besides you said earlier you were born in this very room.

What I meant was in this room was where I began my existence she explained

Where you began your existence? Chev queried raising an eyebrow.

I don’t expect someone like you who lives life at a lower vibrational level to understand, but I’ll do my best to explain it. There are beings who have lived on this earth; in the past, the future and present parallel worlds many times over who have achieved such a divine state that they no longer need a human vessel in which to return to it. They are instead just thought into existence by the weavers of the universe. Generally, when one is that far along in their spiritual evolution, they are created once again this time through divine consciousness and placed back on this earth to teach the rest of humanity. Divinely inspired vessels imbued with the sacred task of making the world and the people in it better; more in tune with their true purpose of living Sapphire informed him.

Nampeyo slapped a hand to his forehead and groaned Not this whole making the world a better place thing again.

I understand that to someone who lives at a base level like you do would not see improvement on a worldly scale as a priority, but I assure you it is vital to the survival of your species unlike the cheap woman and fast cars that most likely top your list she advised Nampeyo condescendingly.

Listen here lady, you don’t know me, and I don’t care for your comments or your tone, and I’ve had about enough of your surreal bullshit. I am the police, and if you don’t stop making up fairy tales and tell me who you really are and what you’re actually doing here, I will arrest you Nampeyo warned holding up his badge.

Arrest me, for what, I’m not breaking any laws Sapphire protested.

Trespassing Nampeyo suggested.

Trespassing; this is my house Sapphire insisted.

Not according to the paperwork I have and therefore not according to the law Nampeyo informed her.

It was given to me by the divine beings; they told me that the house I was created in was a gift from the gods; a place from which I could fulfil my divine purpose argued Sapphire.

Well, your gods obviously forgot to discuss that with the government and fill out the appropriate paperwork, so until you find a divine attorney to sort that all out you’re going to have to come with me Nampeyo maintained.

You would really arrest a sacred vessel? Sapphire asked seeming genuinely surprised at the idea.

I would nodded Nampeyo going to her and placing cuffs on her wrists.

You have no idea what you’ve just done she warned him.

Oh, and what’s that? wondered Chev.

You have just brought the wrath of the gods down upon your head. Your life will never be the same again she said appearing more fearful for him than angry at him. Even though Chev didn’t believe a word of what she was saying as she spoke a shiver ran down his spine not like someone had walked over his grave but more like someone was cavorting on it with gleeful malevolence at the thought of his impending torment.

Chapter Four

Well, what do you think; are we dealing with just some kind of general crackpot or does she resemble a specific type? Chev asked Mack as they waited for Sapphire to be processed.

I think it’s obvious isn’t it; she’s another one of the Walters experiments, the girl mentioned in the reference book we found, Mack told him.

I don’t know, Chev said shaking his head with Reginald even though there weren’t the normal signs of him being part of the Walters family he was still featured in those sick and twisted photo albums plus he was mentioned in the research even if only by number. The only book that mentioned E-537 – girl was that reference book, that number wasn’t found in any of the other research notes we discovered.

So, what, you don’t think it’s her? asked Mack.

I’m not sure, could be or could just be some freaked out hippie squatter shrugged Nampeyo.

She said she was born or came into existence in that room, so there has to be a connection argued Mack.

Mack you’re so sweet and trusting, and that’s part of why I love you, but you do realize some people lie, right? Chev asked.

I know, but Sapphire never showed any indication physically or emotionally that she was lying disagreed Mack.

Well, you’re the expert in that field, so if she is connected to the Walters the question is how and exactly what sort of experiment were they conducting this time? wondered Chev.

Could be their daughter, after all, Reginald was their son and look what they did to him, and she is listed in the reference book as an experimental tool just like he was Mack pointed out.

Do you really think they would have had another child, after all, they weren’t exactly paternal and they already had Reginald to use for their perverted version of scientific research? Nampeyo reminded her.

You know how they were when it came to their research they would get what they needed any way they could and perhaps the project that involved Sapphire was more gender specific suggested Mack.

Maybe but the Walters died in 1954 which means if she is in her fifties or sixties now she would have only been eight years old or younger when they passed. Who’s been taking care of her since then we know it couldn’t have been Reginald, he didn’t even know who he was noted Chev.

And we thought when we found the girl the mystery of who’s been delivering the trinkets that triggered Reginald’s murderous spree would be over, but she would have been too young to know Reginald’s past and too young to travel around the world and deliver the jewellery to him. Sure, most of the trinkets were delivered to him in the cave, but some were not after all he got a set-in Switzerland, but perhaps she was older then Mack theorized.

Maybe shrugged Chev then continued We have the Walters who are dead and Reginald who is crazy so who was left to look after her – some nut we missed on the Walters family tree he suggested.

Both Reginald Senior and Mary were only children Mack reminded him.

And the Walters weren’t exactly known for making friends acknowledged Chev so, who does that leave?

Maybe they did have some friends, after all, birds of a feather flock together Mack proposed.

You’re not suggesting that there’s some type of deranged scientist society going on, are you? wondered Chev.

Why not after all throughout history there have been secret societies of poets, writers, artists, mathematicians so why not scientists? nodded Mack.

Wow, so Reginald may not be the only killer unaware of what he’s doing out there, could be any number of them doing god knows what on a purely subconscious level Chev acknowledged aghast.

We don’t know for sure it’s just a theory, Mack said trying to quell his fears and her own.

How do we substantiate that theory? asked Chev.

I guess we start with what we’ve got advised Mack nodding towards Sapphire who was at that moment being escorted into an interrogation room.

Think she’ll know anything? asked Chev doubtfully.

Only one way to find out, she told him as her mobile phone rang. She looked and the screen and smiled nervously You take that, and I’ll take this, we’ll meet back up later for that dinner and see which one of us managed to escape unscathed she sighed as she walked outside to take the call from Daniel.

**********************************************************************************

So, are you ready to co-operate now Sapphire?

I was co-operating before just not from your perspective.

I take it that means you’re still maintaining that the house is yours?

Of course, because it is.

Fine, perhaps you could tell me which year you were created in?

1946; it was an awful time the war had just finished, everyone was broken physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially any way they could be and the weavers of the universe decided they needed someone to show the world a better way. Someone to guide the people, so they don’t go so far off course again, so they brought me forth from their consciousness

You claim to have no parents, but someone must have fed you, clothed you, changed your diaper when you were a baby, who did all that?

I wasn’t brought forth as a baby but rather as a toddler so that I was already able to take care of myself. I was provided with the right equipment and divine guidance what more did I need?

If that’s the case where were you before that?

In the darkness, of course, where we all are before we are reborn.

Alright, if you were given food as a toddler you could feed yourself and provided with a toilet I guess you could work out how to use it, but you appear educated; able to read and write. Someone must have taught you that and someone must have provided you with the necessary tools for daily living.

Every morning when I would wake up the items I would need for that day would be in the room obviously being provided for me during the night by the divine.

Did you ever see these divine beings deliver your daily needs?

See them, no, there was no-one to see, these items would have been thought into existence by the divine just like I have been.

Weren’t you ever tempted to stay awake and make sure that it was happening that way?

No. Detective, I trust in the divine, trust, something you seem in short supply of

What about your education then who was your teacher.

The only two teachers that are truly vital the divine and life itself.

If you couldn’t see the divine then how could they teach you?

There are people in this world with special abilities; sacred people such as myself who can talk to and receive messages from the gods.

These gods spoke to you?

All the time; they guided me in my divine mission; telling me what to study, where to go, what to do in order for the world to understand how to become one again.

Your mission is global unification then?

I guess you could put it that way, but I’d rather say I came to teach the world acceptance, non-judgement, love.

What about the people who lived in the rest of the house, the Walters, what did they have to do with your divine mission?

I don’t know anyone called the Walters and on the few times my mission took me out of that room I never saw another soul in the mansion.

What about all the furniture, the books, the personal paraphernalia lying around the house, they had to belong to someone.

It was just the god’s way of providing me with an understanding of how people live in this day and age, but they didn’t want me to be immersed in it on a daily basis. They didn’t want outside influences diverting me from my sacred purpose which is why I stayed in the attic most of the time only venturing out when given a sacred mission to perform.

But I thought you said life was one of the vital teachers, how can life teach you if you don’t take part in it.

Because I am so pure, so full of divine luminescence, evil is attracted to me. You see the darkness is always attracted to the light and is forever trying to destroy it so it would be too dangerous for me to participate in life as I would attract the vilest of human creatures who would be bent on devouring my sacred soul. Therefore, to learn I watch others live their lives and derive my blessed lessons from viewing their selfish deeds and finding a resolution to their egocentric behaviour.

Who did you watch and if you rarely left that room how did you watch them?

I watched them on film, first on projectors, then videos and then on DVDs.

You learnt from movies?

No, this was one continuous movie; a documentary of one man’s life and the people he encountered.

And the man you watched, this was an evil man?

On the contrary, this man was a hero who encountered great evil wherever he went and tried to teach the people he encountered how to live with love in peace, but people never learn.

Who was this hero, what was his name?

He went by many names so he could blend in with the society that he was attempting to improve, but I just called him my bodhisattva – my teacher of awakening.

Did you ever meet this man?

Of course not, that is one of the problems with this world we are too influenced by others, we must learn to teach ourselves. These films were shown to me without instruction of what to think; they were provided to me as a medium from which I could derive any number of lessons. I needed to work out which ones were important for myself, if I met the man involved he could have swayed me one way or the other. It is important we learn to use our own judgment when it comes to analysing others as not everyone sees the truth and others distort it purposefully for their own gain.

When was the last time you watched one of these movies?

One was delivered two days ago,

*********************************************************************************

Kentucky Fried Chicken, seriously, Mack, I thought we were going out to dinner Nampeyo scolded her gently.

Who can resist those eleven herbs and spices besides its comfort food, Chev, she told him sighing.

I take it things didn’t go well with Shapiro then? he asked.

He went back to being that uptight, straight-laced anally retentive guy he was when we all first met him, Mack said shaking her head.

I thought he was that way all the time Nampeyo half-joked, Mack gave him a look that said, don’t Sorry he apologized.

That’s okay she shrugged.

No, it’s not you’re my friend, I care about you and your hurting, talk to me, Chev said taking her hand.

Tears welled in Mack's eyes, but she shook her head I can’t, not yet, let’s talk about something else, how did it go with Sapphire?

I think she may be even crazier than Reginald deemed Nampeyo.

At least she’s not going around killing people, Mack said pointing out the upside.

Not that we know of but I think that maybe Reginald still is, she’s been watching him Chev informed her.

Watching him, how, she’s been up in that room? wondered Mack.

On film, she watches a movie of his life every couple of weeks, they get delivered to her he revealed.

So, she knows him Mack deduced.

No, she just thinks he’s a teaching tool, but it has to be Reginald, a man who has many names and who stands up for the rights of others, who else could it be? asked Chev.

Does have a familiar ring to it Mack agreed.

There’s more; one of these films was delivered to Sapphire only a few days ago, Nampeyo said raising an eyebrow.

What was on it? asked Mack intrigued.

She wouldn’t tell me, said it was for her sacred eyes only, he told her frustrated don’t even have any reason to seize them as they’re her personal property.

But they were in the house, and she was trespassing so really aren’t they just part of the Walters collection and therefore available to the police, asked Mack.

Could try making that point to a judge I guess see if I can get my hands on it nodded Chev but that will have to wait until tomorrow as I don’t think any eminent justices will appreciate me waking them up just so I can watch a midnight movie.  In the meantime, have any ideas on this whole being thought into existence theory or anything else you’ve heard so far? hoped Chev.

Well, being thought into form is not unheard of, it’s known as materialization. It’s a popular concept in India among some Hindu sects and those who practice Brahmanism believe that the world was thought into consciousness Mack informed him.

What about raising yourself from childhood with very little or no parental intervention is that really even possible? asked Chev.

It’s not as uncommon as you might think, it’s known as uninvolved parenting, and there are several different types; the first type which is only one step up from neglectful parenting is when the parents provide the child with the most basic needs to survive such as food and water but not a great deal else.  Generally, these are lazy parents or parents who simply don’t care but don’t want to attract the attention of the law so provide enough to avoid that whereas the other type is often more of a conscious choice and reasonably common among affluent families.  This type of uninvolved parent provides their children with every material thing they could ever need or want and a great education but gives the child nothing on an emotional, social or spiritual level, rarely ever even seeing them. Children in expensive boarding schools are often victims of this type of parenting. Some parents do this purely and simply because they are too busy living their jet-set lifestyle but others believe raising their children in this manner gives them independence and individuality, but actually research has found that this is not the case explained Mack.

So, if not mind-blowing original self-sufficient human beings, what sort of people do they turn into? asked Nampeyo.

Arrogant know-it-alls with no regard for authority except their own answered Mack.

Sounds like Sapphire acknowledged Chev.

I guess the question is where do we go from here, you have no good reason to hold her for much longer but if you let her go she may trigger Reginald again, if indeed it was her doing so in the first place wondered Mack.

True, I guess the question of the day is what do we do with Sapphire Blue?

Chapter Five

There was a knock on the door Can you answer that Mack called Chev from the kitchen I think it’s for you anyway.

For me? questioned Mack It’s your house.

Just get the door will you Chev urged.

Okay, Mack said as she got up off the sofa to answer it Reaper she beamed, giving her friend a hug.

Hey, Mack long time no see, we brought the popcorn for movie night, she said indicating to Turner behind her.

Hi Professor smiled Mack

Call me Turner will you, or I feel like I’m still lecturing, he told her pushing past Reaper to embrace her.

Okay, she agreed Chev never told me you were coming.

Wanted to surprise you, give you something to smile about, Nampeyo told her walking in from the kitchen carrying trays of freshly cooked pizza.

Mmmmm, those look good the one with the shrimp is calling my name, Turner told him grabbing a large slice and biting into it.

Turner, it’s polite to wait to be asked Shian scolded.

No, he’s fine that’s what they’re there for, dig in there’s plenty. Reaper these two here are vegetarian; there’s roast pumpkin, spinach and feta and the others a veggie supreme Chev said indicating to the two pizzas on the left-hand side of the tray.

Thanks for considering me Chev that’s sweet not many hosts think about that when entertaining a vegetarian, she told him.

Don’t know how anyone could ever forget to consider you Reaper he told his friend affectionately.

Hey, you better not be flirting with my girl detective Turner warned jokingly.

And what are you going to do about if I am, remember I’m the one with the gun Chev teased back.

Yeah, you’re right maybe I should just let you have her Turner nodded pushing Reaper towards Chev.

Reaper gave him a playful slap Will you sit down and behave she told him.

Why don’t we all sit down and I’ll get the lights and put this on, and we can all see what Reggie has been up to since he left us suggested Chev.

As the picture flickered on to the screen they saw Reginald standing on the front steps of a house with oriental architecture he was engaged in some type of strange movement; he was moving his hands up and down slowly at the sides of his body What’s he doing, is that Tai Chi? Reaper asked.

He’s coursing the two poles, said Turner through a mouthful of Pepperoni.

That’s what I was thinking Nampeyo replied sarcastically well I would have been if I knew what that was.

It’s Falun Gong Turner informed him.

Reaper could you inform the genius over there that some people in this room only speak English requested Nampeyo.

Enlighten us instructed Reaper.

It’s a spiritual practice that involves meditation, exercises like you see Reginald doing there and three central tenants; compassion, truthfulness, and wisdom. When it first came about in the eighties, millions of Chinese practiced this belief system, but in the nineties, the communist party in China decided it was a brainwashing cult, and the government persecutes those who still practice it there explained Turner.

Why would the government care if people are exercising and meditating? asked Mack.

Well, there are several theories on that the main one being that if millions of Chinese can band together and present a unified organized front on something like this belief system, then they could do the same thing when it came to anti-communist sentiment and overthrowing the government replied Turner.

So, what, if you practice it are you thrown in prison or exiled? wondered Nampeyo.

Both and much worse Turner informed them.

I know I’m going to regret asking this especially while I’m eating but worse in what way? inquired Reaper.

Tortured, placed in forced labour camps and worst of all used for live organ harvesting Turner stated in disgust.

What? asked Mack almost spitting out her pizza live organ harvesting.

Yep, cut them open take what they need; liver, kidneys, whatever, all without their permission and then either sew them back up or leave them to die. Others get executed before their organs are taken, but a lot get patched up just enough so that they can still work and can be tortured further and used perhaps for future organ harvesting opportunities elucidated Turner.

Just for believing in goodness, kindness, and compassion Nampeyo shook his head Sad world sometimes.

Is indeed Turner agreed.

Where do you think Reginald is then, I mean he wouldn’t be in China and practicing it openly in front of his house if he were there too much danger of being caught and killed pondered Mack.

I don’t know Reginald likes to go where he can be the most effective and in the case of protesting the imprisonment and torture of Falun Gong practitioners that place would be China disagreed Turner.

"If he was in China perhaps he’s in a Chinese jail now for practicing it