Waterfall: Dark of the Moon, New Beginnings Vol. 2: Dark of the Moon, New Beginnings, #2

By Philipp J. Kessler

Sandra is a hereditary witch with a very human problem. Her pregnant friend Elaine has moved in with her and they are trying to make a home together. Juggling work and magic is no easy task for her; add to that the emotional ups and downs of her friend and you have a recipe for disaster. Three months after the events of Backfire, Sandra and Elaine have to face more magical concerns as Malcolm invades their lives. Will his dark influences cause them more heartache? Waterfall reveals more about Malcolm, his motivations, and how he wound up the kind of jerk he became. With dark magic, Gods, and ancient creatures bubbling up from the ether, Sandra and Elaine have much more on their plate than trying to figure out how to make their new life work.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Saturn Returns Publishing
• Release date: May 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781521195918

Philipp J. Kessler

Philipp J. Kessler is a man of many hats.  An accomplished High Priest in the Covenant of Kernunnos Tradition, Phil has been an active practitioner for 25 years and has followed his passion for knowledge by climbing the ivory tower of the written word, from some of the oldest available works to modern, in the moment writings.   This desire for knowledge has led him to change his hat to pursue another passion, which is broadcasting.  He has been co-host of the longest-running pagan radio show, Murphy’s Magic Mess, for 10 years and has been co-host of Pagan-Musings on Blog Talk Radio for 9 and a half years, and co-host of Lavender Hill, a weekly LGBTQIA news show on KZUM public radio for 8 years.   Phil changes his hat and is an editor and the founder of Saturn Returns Publishing. He turns around again, changing his hat as he does, and he is an author of pagan fiction & poetry, with many stories in different genres (from horror to speculative historical fiction) in the works. His first title in the Dark of the Moon, New Beginnings series, Backfire, came out on April 1, 2017, quickly followed by volume two in that series, Waterfall, on May 1. Book two, Landslide, in the series, was released on August 21 of the same year. He’s hard at work on book four, Tornado, and expects to have it out shortly after the first of 2019. Current projects include several anthology projects with Hydra Productions, A Writer For Life, and Stained Glass Publishing, as well as a number under Saturn Returns. He is also engaged in a handful of group-write and co-author projects. At last count, he has 50 projects due out by November 2021. But most of all, he wears the hat of butler to his 3 feline rulers, tending to their every need with utmost devotion. Look forward to much more coming from this energetic and thoughtful author...he will be producing marvelous works as long as the hats hold out...and the cats let him!

Book preview

Chapter One

October

The ballroom of the museum was decked out for Halloween. Orange and black streamers hung from the ceiling in arcs, twisted around each other. Jack O'Lanterns were scattered around on the tables and in wall niches. Skeletons, mummies, and witches stood in various poses around the room. The people milling about were not dressed for the holiday. Instead, they wore tuxedos, ball gowns, and other fancy dress.

Elaine entered the room shyly. She hated crowds. The garble of voices and stench of combined colognes and perfumes were too much for her. Always gave her a headache. And then there was the faked politeness and feigned interest in what everyone was talking to you about. Being fake was not something she was good at.

Her black dress was simple in cut with a silvery spider web overlay. She had carefully chosen the dress to be elegant in appearance without being uncomfortable. If she had to be here she was going to be comfortable. She had chosen some jewelry that fit with the holiday. A silver bat necklace was nestled in the yoke of her dress and matching earrings dangled from her earlobes. She wore a silver spider comb in hair. Nothing flashy, but it made her feel better to wear the spooky jewelry. She didn’t care if it made her stand out among the more formally attired women in the room.

If she had to be here she was going to be comfortable.

She skirted around the walls of the room, trying to avoid too much interaction with the people. Working the museum she was obligated to make an appearance, even if no one outside the museum staff knew who she was. She found a spot along the far wall from the main entrance where she could observe without being seen and relaxed a little.

Elaine! Sheila’s voice startled her out of her reverie.

Oh! Sheila, you startled me. She could be real with her department’s receptionist. They’d become fast friends when she started at her job a year ago.

Sorry, didn’t mean to. Her voice was playful. Isn’t this something? She was dressed in a simple black dress, nothing flashy at all. Her earrings were studs, but on a closer look, they were skulls.

Yeah, something... Elaine was happy to have someone to talk to, but she still wasn’t thrilled to be at the party. Look at all that money walking around!

Oh, I know! Doesn’t it just make you giddy?

Not really.

Why such a downer tonight? Sheila reached a hand out for Elaine’s shoulder but thought better of it and dropped it to her side.

I just don’t like crowds.

But you love exploring the museum, and there are always people around.

That’s different. We’re all there for the same reason. To learn and see things. She paused and looked about the room. These people are here to be seen.

You got that right! Sheila looked over at a handsome young man coming their way. Oh, look! My drink is empty. Open bars are so much fun! She turned to walk away.

Sheila, where are you... the other woman had already walked off. Damnit! Now I have to be social with someone I don’t know.

He was average height with a lean build, nothing to stand out in a crowd. His handsome appearance, with black hair and brown eyes, put her off guard. He was clean shaven, a single ruby earring in his left ear. Like most of the other men at the fundraiser, he was wearing a black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt. He threw some color into the ensemble, a dark red bow tie. She took notice of the flash of jewels at his cuffs, ruby cufflinks set in silver. His appearance screamed wealth, a step above the other young men milling about the ballroom. And there he was, standing next to her along the fringes of this high powered crowd of movers and shakers in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Hello, he said to her. His eyes caught the light and gleamed as she looked up at him. He was smiling, a glass of champagne in each hand. He was holding one of them out to her. You looked like you could use a refill.

Oh. She was thrown further off when he spoke to her. Th-thanks. I mean, hi. She was stammering and her cheeks grew warm. She took the proffered flute glass and held it in both hands.

I’m Malcolm, he offered.

She just stood there, feeling stupid. She couldn’t figure out why such an attractive man, clearly a moneyed man, was talking to her.

And you are...?

S-sorry. I’m Elaine, she took a sip of the sparkling liquid in the glass.

Pleased to meet you, Elaine! he said cheerfully, sticking his hand out.

She weakly took it and was immediately blushing again. His hand was warm and soft, he gently stroked the back of her hand with his thumb as he held her hand.

Likewise, she mumbled. She wanted to pull her hand out of his but her inherent shyness was warring with the immediate attraction she felt to this man.

He let her hand go after a few seconds and smiled into her eyes. She couldn’t help but notice that his teeth were perfectly straight, white, and gleaming. She briefly wondered if he had his teeth bleached.

So, Elaine... he started. He suddenly seemed nervous himself. Why is a pretty lady like you hiding out against the wall? You should be out there enjoying yourself.

I’m just here because I have to be, she blurted out without thinking. I mean, I work for the museum. They expect us to make an appearance at these things.

You work here? he asked, surprise clear in his voice.

Don’t be shocked; even women can have brains. She was testing him.

Oh, no. I wasn’t implying that. He smiled at her again. I was meaning to say that you look too young to be working at the museum unless that is... Are you a student at the university?

Nice save, she said under her breath. Then she realized he'd heard her and scrambled to move past the faux pas.  No, she quickly said, attempting to distract him from what she’s said. I graduated about a year ago.

That would explain why you look so young... He paused. I should probably drop that tact.

Yeah, might be an idea. She was mentally smacking herself. She was flirting with this man! Her, the awkward one! So...uh. Why are you here? Back to the awkwardness.

My Uncle Zach put this thing together, he looked down at his feet.

Zachariah Downing is your uncle? she gasped and nearly dropped the champagne flute. Her face went pale.

Oh, yes, he chuckled. Uncle Zach. Such a bastard, if you ask me.

Huh? What... she was still trying to recover. She took a gulp from her glass, hoping the alcohol might help.

Never mind, Malcolm answered. My uncle and I don’t always get along.

Oh, okay. She took a sip from her almost empty glass. You’re here as a family obligation?

You could say that. Truth be told, I came to scope out all the pretty ladies, he grinned at her.

And you came to me? she scoffed.

Now, now! Don’t be like that you. You are a pretty lady! His grin turned into a smile, his teeth gleaming again.

––––––––

Shut up! she slapped at his arm, the champagne having gone straight to her head. She shouldn’t have gulped it down. She pulled her hand back quickly, amazed at her forwardness.

No, really. You are a pretty lady. He said, the gleam in his eyes still there. He signaled a cater waiter with a tray of champagne flutes.

No, Malcolm. She demurred. I shouldn’t have anymore. At least not right now.

Come now, it’ll help you relax. Again that smile. Again that gleam in his eyes.

I don’t know... she hesitated when the waiter stopped, the tray of flutes hovering just within her reach.

He didn’t let her decide, depositing their empty glasses on the tray he picked up two more.

Here you are, dear Elaine, he held the glass out to her. You don’t have to drink, but having something to do with your hands should help you relax some.

Uhh, okay... she was still hesitant. It felt like he was trying to get her drunk, but then it also felt like he was just trying to be friendly. She didn’t know what to think. Her eyes kept drifting over his slim body. The tux was tailored to fit him, now that she looked closer. Every fall and fold of fabric was cut perfectly. She couldn’t help but admire how the jacket hugged his shoulders.

She felt underdressed now that she was observing him more closely. Her spiderweb black dress suddenly felt silly to her. Her feet were clad in black leather pumps and her freshly shaved legs were itchy. She tried not to squirm or let her legs shake. Heels were uncomfortable. She was used to sensible shoes.

She sipped her drink, glancing around the room. The partygoers were dressed in a menagerie of black, and red, and silk, and satin. No one seemed to mind the heavier weight of the fabrics. All were drinking from wine glasses or champagne flutes. A few of the older men seemed to be sipping at glasses of scotch or whiskey. They were all pretending to have a good time, or least she hoped she wasn’t the only pretending.

Fakes, all of them, Malcolm commented on her unspoken thoughts.

Huh? she said, looking at him again.

The people here. Most of them are fakes. They’d rather be at home drinking or cheating on their wives, he wasn’t smiling as he spoke.

You don’t mean that! she placed her glass on a nearby table and put her hands on her hips.

Yes I do, he said firmly. He sipped from his own glass. Take my uncle. He’s one of the richest bastards in the state. He’d much rather keep all his money to himself. But to get that hefty tax break he’s throwing this little shindig and donating a million dollars to the museum.

A million dollars? she gasped.

Pocket change to him, Malcolm brushed off her surprise. But he’d much rather do that than pay for me to finish college.

You’re still in school? She was again surprised. He seemed to be older than her, but that could just be his comfort in their surroundings.

I’ve got my bachelors, he assured her. I was working on my masters in political science when I... How should I put this? He paused, his eyes narrowing and looking off at nothing. He wasn’t smiling right then, instead, his lips had fallen into a frown.

Put what? she was curious, her hands had fallen from her hips.

I messed up, he confided.

How so? Elaine picked up her glass from the table in an effort to make him more comfortable.

Elaine! a familiar voice called from nearby. She looked around, knowing that it would be her best friend Sandra. Sandra worked in the anthropology department at the university. She’d helped her get her position with the museum.

Elaine placed a hand on Malcolm’s arm, silencing him before he revealed his secret in front of a complete stranger. She didn’t want him to get embarrassed and maybe wander off from her. There was something about him that made her want to be around him more.

Over here, Elaine acknowledged her best friend. I was just having a nice little chat with the nephew of our host. She wanted to keep Sandra from doing or saying something that would embarrass them both, and make them look bad to the university.

Zachariah Downing’s nephew? Sandra sounded intrigued at the idea. Hi! she thrust her hand towards him. I’m Sandra. Pleased to meet you.

Sandy, this is Malcolm Downing, the look in her eyes betrayed her smile as she introduced them. Malcolm eagerly took the other woman’s hand but didn’t hold it near as long as he had hers.

My pleasure, Sandra, his voice was warm but his eyes had gone cold. Elaine didn’t see the change in his eyes, but Sandra did. She brushed off a shiver and smiled at her friend.

What are you two doing hiding against the wall? She tried to make small talk, hoping to relax Elaine who was clearly interested in this man.

You know me, not a fan of crowds, Elaine said.

Ah, yes. Crowds. They are a pain in the ass, she smiled at her friend. What about you, Mr. Downing?

Malcolm, please. He did smile at her use of his last name. A smile that managed to reach his eyes. I saw a lovely lady in need of a drink.

I see, Sandra was at a loss for what to say to that. Umm...

Malcolm chuckled and took a sip of his champagne. He was enjoying the uncomfortable look on Sandra’s face. Not as much as he was enjoying the look of attraction on Elaine’s.

Am I interrupting? Sandra asked after a moment of awkwardness.

No, Elaine spat out, her own nervousness coming out again. We were just...um...chatting.

Relax, Elaine, Malcolm spoke up. We were just chatting. Care to join us in a drink? he asked Sandra.

Sure, she eyed her friend to confirm it was okay. Elaine nodded slightly to her and took up her drink again.

What shall we drink to? Elaine asked, raising her glass.

To new friends, Malcolm smiled at them both, his eyes lingering on Elaine.

To new friends, both women chimed at the same time. All three clinked their glasses together.

Now that we have the formalities out of the way, Malcolm was saying. Tell me a bit about yourselves, ladies.

Uh, well, Sandra was oddly uncomfortable with their meeting. I really should excuse myself. I’ve got rounds to make with the other guests.

Oh? He looked at her funny.

Yes, Elaine piped up. Sandra works in the anthropology department at the U. They have some grants coming up for renewal.

Hobnobbing with the elite, Sandra was trying not to sound too sarcastic. Shaking hands and showing my face is something I need to do to help get additional funding.

Using the pretty face of the department to earn the money? Malcolm said, flirtation in his voice.

Something like that, yes. So, she hesitated and looked to Elaine. If you will excuse me, I should do some glad-handing.

Of course, Sandy, her friend said, a smile on her face.

If you must, the young man said. It was a pleasure meeting you.

And you, she said. They didn’t shake hands on her leaving the conversation. She had a weird vibe from him, but he seemed okay. She was half comfortable leaving her friend in his company. It is a party, lots of people around. She can get away if he gets too pushy. She furrowed her brow at her internal monologue.

Now that we’re alone again, Malcolm placed a hand on Elaine’s arm. Shall we get to know each other better?

Umm, Elaine was still a bit nervous. She was getting into the party feel, a couple of glasses of champagne would relax almost anyone. Yet she was still uncomfortable with the handsome Malcolm, she wasn’t used to being the center of attention for someone like him. Sure, I guess. Can we sit down somewhere? My feet are killing me.

Of course, he indicated the chairs at the table next to them. That work for you?

Sure, thank you. Elaine took a seat and fiddled with the tablecloth.

Are you okay? Malcolm was focused on the Elaine. He had turned his back towards the ballroom. He only had eyes for her.

I’m fine. Not used to this kind of attention, she admitted.

I find that hard to believe, he smiled and it entered his voice. A beautiful woman like you, surely you have guys throwing themselves at you at every turn.

You are too much, Malcolm, she whispered. I’m just a girl.

Hardly! He put a hand to her shoulder, squeezing gently. You are a bold and beautiful woman. Nothing girlie about you... He caught himself and redirected. I mean, there is nothing childlike about you.

She looked up from the table, her face red with embarrassment. She was still fiddling with the edge of the cloth; her attention had shifted to Malcolm’s face. Her eyes drawn to his, rich chocolate and coffee swirled together. She licked her lips.

Bold? she was playing dense, starting to enjoy his compliments.

Yes, he chuckled, catching on to the game. Who else would walk into a ritzy party like this wearing a spider web dress and bat earrings?

This?

Don’t say ‘this old thing’, he interrupted. It looks gone you, makes you mysterious.

Elaine laughed at that. Nothing mysterious about me! You must be thinking of Sandra.

Who? he continued the game.

All right, Malcolm, she got serious. Why did you pick me out of this crowd of people?

Honestly, it was the dress. He scanned her up and down. And how beautiful you are.

If you say so, she blushed again.

I do say so. A woman should not doubt it when a man compliments her. He feigned insult.

I learned long ago never to believe a man who compliments me, especially on first meeting him. Men only want one of two things.

Two things? He raised an eyebrow.

Sex and money.

I’ve got money, he winked at her.

Oh, my! she exclaimed in mocked surprise. I would have never known, with these second-hand rags. She playfully plucked at his jacket sleeve. What the hell am I doing?

The laughed together for a moment or two, both feeling slightly awkward with this play at the museum fundraiser.

I’m hungry, Malcolm announced. Are you?

Starved! There’s a buffet table over there, she pointed across the crowded room."

I was thinking real food, not dry pâté and limp cheese.

What did you have in mind? The champagne was still in effect, but she knew food would help clear her head. There were several restaurants within walking distance of the museum.

Burgers or chicken?

Aren’t we a little overdressed for that? she looked him up and down, thinking about the white shirt and greasy stains.

It’s Halloween weekend, we’d not even get a second look out there. He pushed his chair back, ready to stand if she agreed.

Okay, let’s do it. She smiled as he stood next to her and offered her a hand up. Just let me text Sandy and let her know I’m leaving.

Don’t want her to worry? he said with a gleam in his eye.

Don’t want to her freak out that I am leaving with some guy I just met. She laughed. Not that she wouldn’t be able to guess who left with.

* * *

After a fast food dinner of juicy burgers and greasy fries, Elaine and Malcolm were sitting out on a park bench near the museum, enjoying the crisp Autumn air and each other’s company. Somehow they had managed not to get food greasy on their clothes; and Malcolm was right, no one gave them a