Death's Door

By Ger Conlan

Linny Harkin’s life compass had been pointing at ‘finding her feet’ when a chance encounter with Lonan Scott exposed her to an unseen world of the ‘Transitioned’ – humans inhabited by spirit beings.
Linny’s journey to merge with her spirit being tears her away from everything she knew setting her on a destructive path that has only one destination: Death’s Door.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ger Conlan
• Release date: Feb 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9780995988811

Book preview

250

Death’s Door

By

Ger Conlan

Copyright 2018 Ger Conlan

First Edition

License Notes

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. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover and illustration by Zheng Han Lai

https://www.instagram.com/77tsutsu/

Chapter 1

Please, just meet with him and show him the house. Colm pleaded.I’ve no one else who can do this. Mel’s on holidays and Brian is already with the Foresters.

I had my coat on and had been about to leave work when the phone rang. In retrospect, I should have let it go to voice mail, now my boss Colm Roberts was asking me to show a prospective client one of the many houses the real estate firm had on the market.

The problem?

I’m only the junior receptionist with no house-showing experience whatsoever. In fact, the only reason he hired me was because of a framed piece of paper, currently mounted on the wall behind me, touting my status as a graduate of interior home design. According to my student loan repayments, it was a costly piece of paper because I’d not so much as designed a dog’s kennel since receiving it.

Still, Colm was adamant that The Roberts Agency offer a home décor service. The reality was people either preferred to go with a known and trusted designer, referred to by friends, or they waived on the offer so they could pay the mortgage and put food in the fridge of said new home. So, I answer the phones instead. That pays so well, I have a second job, for which I was already late.

Colm, who wants to see a house at six o’ clock on a Saturday evening... in the winter...when it’s dark!? A serial killer maybe?

Normally, I was timid in responding to people in authority, but Colm’s easy-going management style made our interactions casual and honest. He was my boss, but he was also someone with whom I felt comfortable speaking my mind.

Exactly Linny! It’s Saturday evening... he sighed. Wife, dinner-tradition-I-did-not-know-I-signed-a-contract-in-blood-to-uphold? Need I say more?

Okay, fine I grumbled. ...I’ll risk life and limb for bricks and mortar. Who, where and which house?

"You’re the best! And not dramatic at all."

I couldn’t help but giggle. Go on before I change my mind.

Okay, he’s some Yank, just got off the plane in Shannon, says he’ll be there in a few minutes to see ahm....Banba."

Banba??!! I didn’t mean to shout, it just came out that way. Nasty surprises can do that. "My Banba!!!"

Linny he warned an octave lower, "it’s not your Banba because you have not purchased it."

We had a deal Colm Roberts and you’re reneging on it!

I am not, Linny Harkin. And it’s not sold, yet. Just let the Yank look at it, recognize it for the hideous, haunted, run-down shack that it is and he’ll be running in the opposite direction in no time.

"Do not sell to him, I cautioned.I already told you a million times, I’ll have the down payment in less than three months."

I’ll never understand what you see in that ruin, but I promise, I’ll do my best to dissuade him, should it be necessary. And call me later to let me know all limbs are intact. Cheers!

While I waited for the client to show up, I dropped my bag on the desk and began texting my friend, roommate and co-worker, Gwen. ‘Some Yank wants to buy Banba. Grrrrrr. Have to show him the place –like now!! Cover for me at the bar? Will be at least an hour late. Sorry.’

I dashed to the bathroom for a quick pee and was in mid evacuation process when I heard the front door creak open.

Hello? A strong male voice called out.

The Yank. Damn! I quickly finished up, washed my hands then checked my reflection in the mirror and winced at how my green eyes were blood shot. I was burning the candle at both ends lately. Two jobs, too much overtime and a movie addiction were to blame. My long wavy blond hair looked dishevelled enough to qualify me for an 80’s hair band member. The remedy, a hairbrush, was in my bag, which was on the desk by the front door, so I’d have to do as I was.

Hello? he called out again. Anyone home?

Yes, I live here! Coming I called while quickly making my way into the reception area where a tall, thirty-something well built, blond haired man with a sun kissed face stood in a solid stance. He wore khaki cargo pants, a white t-shirt and a black leather bomber jacket. His tan boots were brand new and of the type men wore on construction sites. He showed me a dazzling white set of perfect teeth Europeans considered to be typically American. His green eyes were sharp and quickly roamed over the entire office - myself included - albeit with a discreet sweep. He held himself straight enough to convey, unknowingly perhaps, that he had some sort of armed forces experience. Military maybe? Or was that just the buzz cut?

Evenin’ M’am he nodded. Ah’m Lonan Scott. Ah’m here to see uh, Mr. Roberts.

Hhmm.. American alright. A Southern man I’d say from the drawl. I approached him with a smile excavated from some long-gone maternal coaching in manners and introduced myself. Hello, I’m Linny Harkin. I didn’t want to shake hands as mine were still half-wet from washing them. Rude perhaps, but I thought so-what, he’d get over it. I’m afraid Mr. Roberts isn’t available this evening, but perhaps I can assist you? He said you were interested in seeing some houses.

That’s mighty kind of you, Miss Harkin. Ah’m sorry for the late hour and Ah appreciate the trouble y’all are goin to on mah account, but Ah’ll only be needin’ to see the one house. I believe y’all call it Ban-Buh.

Ban-Buh??? Good God, this was going to be painful. I couldn’t wait to see his face when he saw the place!

You can follow my car, I offered lightly once we were outside on the street. The house is in the countryside, so not many streetlights. Be honest! In fact there are no streetlights whatsoever. It’s quite isolated. Easier to dispose of my limbs too.Bit hard to navigate the road at this hour, especially when you don’t know the area.

His hand brushed through his cropped hair as if he was uneasy. Would y’all mind terribly if Ah went in your ve-hee-cul? S’just that...well, Ah almost had five accidents just drivin’ in from the airport. Ah sure find it hard this whole opposite side oh the road drivin’ ‘n the narrow roads.

Feck!!Shite!! Sure! I responded with a tight smile. I cleared my throat nervously and just like a model in The Price is Right, show-cased the car parked directly in front of the agency. ....tah-dahhhh! His eyes widened so I hurried to assuage his concerns, it’s got quite a few miles on it, but it’s reliable!

I’d never had such a large man sitting in my old Renault 5. It was almost comical to see his discomfort at being squeezed into such a compact space.

Y’all got this from the Leprechauns??, he quipped cheerily.

Oh. Dear. God!! Tell me he didn’t just mention Leprechauns? I’m going to gag. If he asks where the fairies are, I’m showing him the door not the house!

Or maybe it’s for them fairies y’all live with!! He laughed loudly at his own joke. Ah can’t believe how small this is!

Yes, the car was very small. Technically, it wasn’t even mine, it was my brother Edan’s, but I hadn’t seen him in the past two years, so I guessed he wouldn’t mind me borrowing it–all the time. I’d have to eventually face my sibling’s wrath when he’d discover it no longer looked ‘restored-to-mint condition’, but I’d deal with that atomic bomb when it would go off.

Ah apologize the Yank offered when I wasn’t reacting to his jokes.Ah really did not mean to offend...Ah just.....

You don’t have to apologize, Mr. Scott. If the Leprechauns or Fae are offended, they’ll let you know. I almost burst out laughing at the confused look on his chiselled features, but kept my lips pressed together stifling the giggles.

Uhm....this car’s in really good condition for its age. Who all did the work?

I glanced across to see if he was serious, or just trying to lead up to some other mythical lore joke again, but his eyes roved around the car and his hands tapped the dashboard in some sort of seal of approval. Edan. I answered. He’s the youngest of my four older brothers and spent years restoring it. Before he left home and then completely forgot we ever existed.

I was the baby of the family and all of my brothers, once they reached thirteen years of age, were sent to some sort of military boarding school, far from the city and our lives. They all joined the army, supposedly into different ranks, and all four communicated sporadically with my father, but not so much with my mother, and not at all with me. However sparse the contact they kept, all communication stopped after Dad died two years ago. In fact, not one of them even attended the funeral, something that completely baffled me.

How could four men, all supposedly stable and successful, be too busy to bury their own father?

Sure, cards, flowers and offers of condolences were sent, but what good was that? Maybe they had intended on coming home as soon as they got leave, but then Mother found someone to replace Dad three weeks after the burial, so they probably didn’t feel in any hurry to visit after that.

Man’s got some serious skills. He do this for a livin’?

See what I mean? I asked while pointing toward the windshield. I put on the high beams hoping my comment deflected his question. My family was the last thing I felt like discussing. The country roads are always dark and dangerous to navigate.

I know a guy who restores old cars. I’m sure he’d love to have your brother work for him.

I’ll let him know, I lied. Our family was weird and dysfunctional. Mother was no longer like a mother because she was completely in love – brain-mushed-up love. Cupid’s arrow had hit her straight through the heart and remained firmly lodged there. I sometimes wondered if she was having an affair before Dad passed away. It was the only way to explain her hooking up with someone else so soon. Or perhaps my parents had never even loved each other? Now in fairness, Mother’s new man was not a badperson. He seemed to have been hit with a similar cherubic arrow.

Their constant lovey-dovey sessions were gag-tastic, especially as she had never been demonstrative like that with Dad. Come to think of it, my parents were quite Victorian in their displays of affection. But with this new beau, I felt like an intruder in their love nest. So despite Mother’s protests, I moved out as soon as I could. That’s how I met my best friend Gwen Rowan. I found her ad in the classifieds.

Female non-smoker seeks to share 2 bdr flat with male or female human. No aliens! They’re not reliable. I’m very easy-going, so I do not have OCD when it comes to keeping the flat clean, nor do I have a problem with overnight guests or pets. However, I will have a problem if you don’t pay your rent on time and can show you the Hurley stick I use to encourage prompt payment.

So what kinda car’s your brother working on now? Anything American? Or does he only do European cars?

Couldn’t tell you. They all look the same to me. Only the colour differentiates them –not the brand or model.

Really? Only the colour makes a difference?

Sure. My friend Gwen drives something tiny and dark green. That’s all I know.

Wow! Weird.

Gwen was weird and we got on great from the get-go and I was so grateful to have found in her the sister I never had. An extrovert, who was tough, sassy and flirtatious, Gwen loved her job at the busy city center bar. Her recommendation got me in there part-time to supplement my income, but I could never handle the patrons like her. Be it the comedic drunk, or the downright belligerent, she handled them in a non-conflictual way that would be the envy of most diplomats.

Because I had no skills of that kind, I tended to do background work as much as possible, like stocking shelves and helping with the inventory. Serving drinks was the toughest and while I managed fine, I wasn’t one for interacting.

Some customers would try and pull me into their lives, troubles, fights, but I remained distant enough that they lost interest in talking to me. It wasn’t that I didn’t care what they were going through, I just didn’t know what was expected of me. Was I to give advice, remain silent, or even shake them up with a pep-talk? I preferred avoidance, which gained me a reputation of being ‘special’ – as in, not the whole shilling - but I didn’t care, as it afforded me the social sanctuary I needed.

Lonan’s voice took me out of my reverie....and well....Ah guess that’s why Ah’m real anxious to buy Ban-Buh.

Shit!!! I had totally tuned Lonan out. Feck!!Feckity Feck!!!!I could hardly ask him to repeat himself, but I really wanted to know why he wanted to buy a wreck of a cottage in a barren field in the middle of County Limerick. Hhhmmmh...that’s very nice, I nodded, not having a clue if that was an appropriate response or not.

And you’re already sure you’re buying it? Even without having seen it? My jaw was beginning to hurt from trying to keep a smile in place when all I really wanted to do was drive him straight back to the airport, brandish a rolling pin while shouting ‘and don’t you come back noh more, ya hear!’

He flashed those big white teeth again why, yes m’am. As sure as they come.

Please, it’s Linny...M’am is....more uhm....Queen-ish as in the Queen of England.

He chuckled at that. Mah apologies, M’a..Linny.

We’re almost there, I announced, turning from the narrow secondary road onto a waterlogged dirt path that hid mud holes deep enough for most cars to lose their wheels in. I knew exactly how to avoid those traps, although the Renault leaned heavily from side to side as we slowly slalomed our way to the cottage gates.

I guess that road needs fixin Lonan said with a frown.

Yipee!!!. The reality check begins. Oh..that’s not a problem at all. The contractors will have that repaved in less than two years.

Two years?? That’s a mighty long time for somethin’ Ah know would only take a couple of weeks, max, to fix.

Yes, but here permits are difficult to come by. And there is so much red tape in getting all the paperwork in order. It’s quite a daunting task even for the locals. I would imagine it would be even more difficult for some-don’t say foreigner, don’t say foreigner -one not local, to go through the process.

His expression told me he didn’t really believe that, so I quickly pulled the keys from my pocket and thumbed toward the house it’s too dark to see much of the exterior, but you can go inside and have a look. I’ll be there in just a moment. He nodded, took the proffered keys then got out.

Do not drive away, I chided myself before pulling up the hand brake and turning to my obsession. Banba, aptly named for the ancient patron Goddess of Ireland. Originally it was spelt Banbha and I smiled to myself as I imagined Mr. Scott trying to pronounce that.

For reasons I could not explain, the run-down house called to my soul creating a burning desire to not only call it mine, but to hold the deed in my hand. Sounds odd, I know, but it was my deepest truth.

Three months earlier I had been updating Colm’s files and happened across the photograph of Banba. It was listed as ‘sale-inactive’ meaning it had been on the market unsuccessfully for so long, it was considered of little interest to potential buyers. Yet, something about that house appealed to me and the next day I drove out there to see it for myself.

The property sat on a huge field whose boundary was defined with a low, flat stone wall typical of the region, in that it was constructed without mortar. Four uneven stone steps lead to a protruding front entrance with two windows directly on the left. Another two windows sat on the right, but this part of the house was set a little further back. A sloped roof rested on the core structure and an identical, smaller roof crested the main entrance, giving a double-roof effect.

The place had a charm that Colm and Gwen vehemently refused to see. It was probably once a homely and cozy abode in the 1800’s, but had remained unoccupied for several decades and the neglect was evident.

Colm’s father had inherited it when he bought the agency from a previous owner, but past records were too damaged to offer much information on its history. Despite the dilapidated state, I felt house-love at first sight, if there was such a thing.

At first, I would find any excuse to just stop by and take a walk in the area, or simply sit in a field and appreciate the bucolic setting, but when I found myself fixing little things about the place, I knew, I had to make it mine. So, I made it my mission in life to buy Banba. Not easy when you’re a twenty-one year old earning just above minimum wage with a student loan to repay. But, I preferred to slowly repay the debt acquired for my education than touch the money I had so diligently saved since I was fourteen. I had numerous jobs from baby-sitting, house-cleaning, car washing, etc. Plus, Dad had left me a small sum and I was on the brink of sinking every penny of it into this.

My original goal had been to travel as much and as far as I could. Buying a house never even entered my mind. That was a commitment reserved for young couples wanting to settle down and have a family, not for a cash-strapped single girl. So, I made a deal with Colm Roberts to buy Banba, even suggested I sign an official purchase-offer. He swore it wasn’t necessary nobody was going to buy the dump anyway. Yet, here I was, only three months from having enough for a down payment on said dump and a strange man from the other side of the ocean was taking my dream away.

Everything all right there Miss Linny? Lonan tapped gently on the window.

I jerked out of my daydream and smiled, just fine I assured him and got out of the car.

Ah’ve already taken a look at the outer structure real quick, he chatted animatedly. I’ll get a better look at the grounds tomorrow, but if y’all wouldn’t mind taking me through the house, Ah’d ‘preciate it. There are some things I need to check.

Check if you have a heart, dream stealer!

As I passed through the four foot wrought iron gates, Banba immediately spoke to me. Wind whipped my hair around my face and I felt such a sense of belonging that the thought of losing this connection felt like a dagger to the heart.

Silently, I lead Lonan into the house and waited while he wandered about like a wrecking ball. He struck his foot into a gaping hole in the living room wall which made large chunks of mortar collapse loudly in a cloud of dust. Several crows nesting in the rafters flew about, squawking loudly in alarm until they managed to escape out the front door. He then proceeded to knock on a wooden beam which crumbled to pieces and crashed through the rotting floor.

Damn place has more holes than a rabbit farm.

The litany of flaws he continued to find were grating on my nerves. He saw no beauty, no chance to restore the house to its former state, nothing worth keeping.

Perhaps another country cottage would be more suitable. I can have Mr. Robert’s arrange for you to visit some of our other listings.

Nah, this here is what I’m looking for. It’ll be easier to just knock it down and rebuild somethin’ more modern.

Knock it down? A feeling of desperation washed over me. I had to keep him from owning Banba. But how? Don’t think the fairies would like that. My tone was light, but I was deadly serious.

The fairies??? His laugh was loud, deep and boisterous. The fairies??? he repeated and guffawed even harder. You sure are a funny girl, Miss Linny. Ain’t nothing with wings gonna be flying around this place when I’m done with it. Glass an’ concrete is the look I’m going for. Very urban, know what I’m sayin’.

Convincing him to change his mind was not possible, but I’d be damned if I was leaving Banba to such a person. Right then a crazy idea popped into my head, well, it was more of a memory than anything else, but I felt compelled to do something, anything right now to get him away from here. Sorry, left my phone in the car, I lied easily. I’ll just pop out and get it."

He shot me a look of disbelief and the honey, Southern-charm mask slipped to one where green eyes peered suspiciously at me. A second later the sweet, gentle man was back. That duplicity set off inner warning bells. Lonan was certainly handsome and charming, but there was a side to him that was not authentic. He was not who he seemed to be.

Stealing out into the cold night air, I dashed to the furthest, darkest corner of the field where two, low, jagged stone walls met. I wasn’t exactly sure how the hell I was going to do this, or if it would change anything, but I knew I had to try.

My thoughts turned back to when I was six years old. I had just woken up from a bad dream in the middle of the night and ran the short distance to my parent’s bed, but found it empty. Too scared to go back to bed, or to wait it out alone, I made my way down stairs. The back door was ajar and a dim light glowed from behind the garden shed. I crept out silently then peered around the corner of the shed and saw my father dressed in a long black cloak, holding a jagged knife up to the moonlight.

He didn’t know I was watching, but I felt waves of power envelop us. He uttered a string of strange words right before slicing a knife across his hand. He raised a small vial of blood, poured it into his palm and smeared them together before dabbing blood on his forehead, lips and throat. Then the words he spoke began to make sense - blood of mine, to Asherah I do give, spirits of her dead, for you I will live. Share your power with me I plead, accept this offering from my heart it does bleed.

Suddenly a blinding flash of light exploded around us. My father’s back arched as light pierced him all over. I took off toward the house running, but gave one glance behind me and saw my father picking up what looked like stardust falling in our back yard. I cried myself to sleep that night because I was scared of my dad and what he had done.

I would never have imagined myself repeating such a thing. Come to think of it, I wasn’t even sure why he performed the ritual, but there was power in it and right now I needed power. Desperate times...and all that.

Skimming my finger on a sharp edge of flat stone, I felt warm droplets of blood oozing from the cut. Kneeling on the dirt, I dabbed a spot of blood to my forehead, my lips and throat before working the blood into the moist earth, whispering my plea blood of mine, to the earth I do give, spirits of Banba, for you I will live. Share your home with me I plead, accept this offering from my heart it does bleed.

A whirlwind blew around me so fiercely it knocked me off balance sending me face down on the dirt. Moments later after catching my breath, I rose to my knees and saw tiny, bright pulsating golden lights dancing about erratically. Reaching out to touch one, it landed eagerly in my palm glowing brighter with our contact. The other lights moved in fluid synchronicity before joining the one in my hand and forming one bright powerful beam.

A presence, that of a powerful loving energy enveloped me completely, soaking my very soul in healing light. The warmth of this essence revealed the Spirits of Banba had accepted my offering. I marvelled at this strange, magical experience, but wondered how it would keep Lonan from razing the house to the ground.

Just then the golden cocoon covering me pulled back to reveal a very different Banba, one that under a golden, glowing sun, appeared as an oasis from the bleak winter, like a little piece of paradise. To my left, a large section of the field was a lush garden where a plethora of fruits and vegetables grew. Another section on the right was a play area for children I had never given a thought to having. There stood a man, or the form of a man, gently pushing a giggling child on a swing.

Banba was brightly painted and renovated to look joyous and cozy. Somehow I could see inside each room of the house and how it reflected what we were as a family. Just then, I saw myself step onto the patio holding a pitcher of fresh lemonade in one hand while calling happily to the man and child. My other hand caressed a heavily pregnant form. The man scooped up the child playfully and began closing the distance between us. I looked ecstatic, as if this was Heaven on earth. Right then, I understood, as clear as day, this is what Banba was offering me.

This home, this life was for me, for the family I would one day have.

I accept I whispered fervently. I accept.

What duh fuck have you done???!!!!

The thunderous voice scattered the vision, leaving behind the cold, star-speckled night sky. It stood in sharp contrast to the beautiful summer sun which had just caressed my skin and I felt a deep loss, an emptiness inside for the man I would love and the children I was to bear.

Linny, what have you gone ‘n done?????????? There’s magic about here. Goddammit to hell!!!

I tried to answer but his fierceness had the opposite effect. My open mouth clammed up and I avoided his intense gaze. He suddenly bent down to my level, his nose sniffing the air like a blood hound. Holy shit of shits.......you’ve gone done a goddamn blood vow!!!

I....I, didn’t want to explain anything to this man, whoever he was. My connection to Banba was my own to feel and experience. He was intruding where he had no business and I wanted nothing more to do with him.

C’mon now, he continued impatiently, expecting me to extrapolate, what was it? Tell me!!!!! Tell me exactly what you did here.

Nothing. I-I d-did nothing.

Y’all are covered in blood an’ mud an’ Ah’ve got an energy flow blowin’ ‘round here that’d light up the AT&T stadium it’s so goddamn powerful. Now that ain’t nothin’!!!He stood, rubbing his hand over his head. When he saw I wouldn’t cooperate, he sighed resignedly, ah gotta call this shit in.

Taking out his mobile phone, he began pacing in front of me. When whoever answered on the other end, he barked words that were not English and I felt terrified. Who was he calling and why? Lifting myself off the ground, I slid around his retreating form, heading discreetly to the car. The estate agent role had been played out waaaay beyond its natural end.

Where y’all goin’? He barked, standing solidly in front of the gates preventing me from passing. How he even got over to me so fast was mind-boggling.

I have another job, Mr. Scott I said breathlessly one for which I am already quite late. So, if you don’t mind. I stepped around him, but he caught my wrist jerking it violently.

I sure as hell do mind! You’re gonna stay put ‘til my back-up gets here ‘n sorts this mess out!

Back-up? You mean another thug!

I mean someone who will help clean up your fucked up mess!!!!!!

Before conscious thought could override my body’s reaction, my hand reached up and my fingernails gouged deep into his cheek.

You son of a bitch! He hissed in pain.

If I didn’t make it home I was ensuring his DNA was going to get him convicted. But as his skin and blood met mine, a searing hot pain burned my palm, contorting my fingers into paralysis. I looked into his eyes and screamed as my arm convulsed, but he still held my wrist tightly.

His eyes took in my contorted, rigid fingers and became wide with concern. What? What’s goin’ on?

What did you do? I squealed in pain while tugging hard to release my hand. Let go!!!!

What the hell???

I tried to ask what was happening, but a guttural cry escaped my clenched jaw, sweat seeped from my forehead as my breathing came in ragged gasps. Christ, what had he done to me? I pulled away with such force, my head whacked against the wrought iron gate. For a second everything before my eyes disappeared.

I’m not sure where the expression seeing stars comes from because there was no halo of stars whittling about, only darkness. When I could focus again, the ground was rising up to meet me, but I somehow never made contact with the soft earth. A strong arm wrapped around my waist pulling me up like I weighed no more than a feather. Nothing like living on minimum wage to keep you slim.

My head swam. We were rushing past the gate. Puke I managed to articulate as he dashed past the car and further into the surrounding fields. If someone had given me a chainsaw, I would have sliced off my hand to end the unbearable pain.

G’on ‘n puke all you want, he said tersely, but Ah ain’t stoppin’.

I hoped his clothes were expensive because I didn’t hold back as my stomach contents flew through the air. Hang on! Flew through the air? We seemed to be moving at great speed, which was impossible, but maybe the mind hallucinated after a bang to the head. Still, there was no mistaking flying vomit.

When we came to a sudden halt, he stood me up and held firmly onto my shoulders until I stopped swaying. We don’t have long he said breathlessly. Ah need you to focus, mmkay?

I held my palm open. It was difficult to see in the darkness, but the ugly red blisters rising on my skin formed a very clear, intricate design, like a symbol. What is this? I asked myself aloud.

C’mon now!Lonan shouted Y’all gotta concentrate!!!

On what? I screamed. Concentrate on what!!!!

On what y’all are, goddammit!! Now Ah’m guessin’ Flamma, but y’all could be one of the Veiled, or maybe even a Central. You’re too much trouble to be a Curatti. His hand rubbed over the light stubble on his upper lip and jaws, "so what are you?"

My chin trembled despite my best efforts to be strong. Scared, I sobbed, that’s what I am. Of course the waterworks started and I hid my face in my hands embarrassed by my inability to keep it together. Jesus, my breath stank!!

I felt the weight of his solid palm on my shoulder before he spoke. Ah’m sorry Miss Harkin. Ah know this isn’t easy on y’all, but Ah need to know if you’re a Transitioned because if not, that means you’re a Hostile and that’s serious. We gotta sort y’all out real quick.

It was then that I realized I was with someone truly disturbed and if I didn’t escape now, the police would be finding me scattered to the four winds. With what strength I could muster, I pushed hard against his solid chest then ran for my life.

With the car in sight I began to feel hope that all of this would be nothing more than a lesson learned – no more house showing for me. Breathless and shaking all over, I pulled open the car door, turned on the ignition and released the parking brake. I reversed out of there with the pedal to the floor then lost control just before the engine stalled. When Lonan calmly sat in the passenger seat, I screamed like a Banshee.

He looked at me with pity before raising a palm to silence me and for some reason I complied even if, internally, I was still screaming. Okay Linny. We’re all gonna do this another way tomorrow. His hand clasped my chin forcing me to look into his eyes. You will listen to me now. The need to escape somehow seemed less urgent. You’ll only remember about bringing me here, showing me the house and me saying how I liked it very much and will buy it, even though it’s a piece of shit not worth what you’d spit on. No strike that! You’ll remember me saying it has great potential. Then you’re going to drop me off where you work and we’ll meet back here tomorrow.

His hand reached out, gently stroked my wet cheek before I felt his thumb put a tiny amount of pressure on my neck. I fell into an unknown oblivion.

In a somewhat bewildered state, I entered the rear door of The Watering Hole pub, which, from the noise level, was in the throes of a typical Saturday night rush. My shift was to start at six thirty and it was now well past eight. Hanging my coat on the hook of the small hallway coat rack, my heart felt heavy, but I could not pinpoint the object of my dejection. Come to think of it, I couldn’t pinpoint a whole lot of anything, not even driving back from Banba. I mean I obviously had driven back because I just dropped off Mr. Scott and remembered pulling the keys from the ignition and locking the door. So, what was wrong?

Finally!!!, Gwen sighed dramatically as she bustled into the corridor.I thought something had happened to you!! She was pretty in an unconventional way. We were about the same height and build, but where I had long, blond hair, hers was shorter and black with deep blue highlights. It set off her dark eyebrows, pale skin and wide winning smile.

It’s been crazy here tonight. She exhaled loudly. You’d swear we were going to feckin’ run out of liquor with the way they’re climbing the walls for a drink. So she placed a hand on her cocked hip, what took you so l.... She knew me well enough to detect that something was not right. Hey...you okay, Ninnypotz? Did something happen at Banba with the Yank?

I smiled inwardly, Gwen always called me every sort of nickname under the sun and I loved it, although I never admitted it. No..yeah..I...mean...I don’t know. My head shook in confusion. I felt fine........an now, well..I don’t know. Opening my right palm, my left index finger traced the skin lightly looking for what, I had no idea. There was nothing there. So why did it feel like there was? I got the blahs, I suppose.

Shaggin’ PMS she offered with humorous conviction, sneaks up on us every feckin’ month. You’d think those fellas in their lab coats would have a cure for it by now given the misery we’re supposed to be causin’ every male on the planet with our mood swings. If fellas were havin’ hormonal fluctuations the equivalent to Big feckin’ Ben’s pendulum it’d be a feckin sacrament.

I didn’t want to say PMS wasn’t the issue because I didn’t really know what the issue was, so I simply changed the subject. You might want to get a take-away for supper. Fridge is empty until I get the groceries tomorrow. A sardonic smile crossed her lips and I knew she was bursting to tell me something special. Okay...out with it I encouraged with a laugh.

I’ve met someone and we’re going out on our first official date tonight!!

With her cheeky, flirtatious personality, most fellas simply went loopy for her. Not that she cared much. Compliments were superficial to Gwen and she didn’t do superficial. She said she trusted three people in her life, the bar owners Jerry and Josie and me.

Life had thrown her some punches and she swore she’d only fall in love with a man who would earn her trust. It took some amount of betrayal to have such an attitude at only twenty years of age.

You’ve met someone? When? We shared every iota of information, so I knew she had never mentioned anyone before now.And why haven’t you told me?????

Didn’t want to jinx it. That, and....well at first, I didn’t think he was interested.

For God’s sake, sure almost every guy out there is interested I laughed.

It started with him coming in here on his lunch hour and we’d just chat while I’d take his order, then after a bit we started talking more and before long we were having our lunch breaks together. We’ve been meeting outside the pub to have lunches and picnics and well....he’s just asked me out for dinner tonight.

She had that dreamy, far-away look in her eye and I couldn’t help but chuckle. "That’s a lot of lunches...now who is he?"

A silly grin, the likes of which I had never seen before changed her entire face. Oh yeah! She was way beyond smitten. He’s new to the city. Has been here over three months and is working with the engineering firm building the new industrial estate on the North side. And... he’s gorgeous.

Well good for you!! I encouraged. So what does he do exactly?

Lads!! A ruddy-faced Jerry stood in the doorway to the bar and beckoned us with a strained tone, I’m not a shaggin’ octopus. Need help out here.

Have fun and tell me all about it tomorrow!

As she put on her coat she turned me to face her, that Yank won’t buy Banba, you’ll see.

Chapter 2

But you promised!!!!, I wailed.

Linny! My boss pleaded, for the tenth time, I told you I had to sell it to him!!! He paid more than the full asking price first thing this morning. Which, by the way, was two hours before you got here!!! Now you must have done a hell of a job for him to buy that place straight after seeing it. I tell you, if this is how we could sell all our property, you’re changing roles.

I’m never showing another house again.

Look, Lonan phoned me during dinner last night and asked me to draw up the papers. After that I had to call the solicitor to meet us here first thing this morning. I was in the dog-house with the wife by the time it was all sorted out. My expression showed I couldn’t care less about him being on the outs with his wife. Linny, I’ll sort out a commission for you. It’s only fair you –. Colm caught my disbelieving glare, I tried to call you to...you know, he shifted uncomfortably keep you in the loop.

The LOOP!!?? You didn’t even leave a text message!!!

I’ve a business to run here and I’m not going to say no to a sale!

Tell him you made a mistake, I begged. I’ll pay you every penny of my savings as a down payment. Today!

I’m sorry, but you know I can’t do that.

"You mean you won’t do that!"

No, I can’t! The papers are already signed! The money was wired to the bank account. It’s a done deal!

It’s Sunday for God sake!!! How can everything be processed so quickly?????

"How would I know? He’s American! Maybe they bank 24/7. The point is the sale is closed.

Usually these things took days if not weeks, but I was too focused on venting my loss. You broke your promise Colm Roberts!!! I accused. And what does a feckin’ Yank want with a run-down shack in the middle of nowhere anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Colm shrugged, didn’t he tell you? He says his aunt is facing an end of life situation and this was one of her dreams.

There are thousands of other cottages to be had besides mine!!!!

Fat embarrassing tears rolled down my cheeks, and I grabbed my bag and coat and stormed out. It was impossible to stay there feeling humiliated that I didn’t have enough to secure the house. But I was equally mad at myself for having a stupid goal of owning a shack. I drove off to the one place I should have avoided like the plague, but I knew at Banba I would feel comforted.

When I arrived, I thanked the universe there was no sign of Lonan Scott then went around to the back, curled up on the large wooden step and let the vision take over one last time. Cradled in Banba’s warm embrace, I drifted off into a deep, trouble-free sleep.

Miss Linny? Miss Linny? Y’all okay there?

Opening my eyes, I found Lonan-Money Bags-Scott sitting beside me. He looked perfectly put together and calm. It took all I had not to tell him to get out of my sight, but this was his property now. I sat up groggily, looked around and saw the sun was low in the sky.

Shit!! I fell asleep?? For hours??? No wonder I was freezing.

Ah saw Mr. Roberts earlier ‘n he mentioned you weren’t feelin’ well today. Is there anythin’ Ah can get you? He took his coat off and placed it over my shoulders. Your bones are shakin’ there, you’re so cold.

The hot anger from earlier had passed and now reality was sinking in that my dream was gone and there was nothing to do only accept the situation for what it was –