The Spiritist Page 14

“Of course, sir.” He nodded. “Please let me know if you need anything during your stay.”

  They made their way out to where Cole’s car was waiting. “How rich are you exactly?” she asked, sliding inside. “This security business must be doing well.”

  Cole tipped the doorman. “Not quite rich enough, yet. I will be much richer in the coming years.”

  “Ambitious, aren’t you?” She eyed the in-built mini bar and TV in the sleek, black Mercedes.

  “The fun is in the doing. The money is just a side benefit.” He gave the driver the address and settled back in the seat.

  Aerilyn eyed the walking pedestrians with interest, the people who hurried to and fro with single-minded focus. She didn’t come to New York often, but whenever she did the energy of the city caught her by surprise. It was a bustling, happening, and vibrant city. And yet there was a sense of privacy that could not be found in a small town where everyone knew each other.

  A while later they hopped out in front of Viaan’s shop while the driver went to find a parking spot. Aerilyn stepped inside without hesitation. Viaan was sitting on a stool at the far side, reading a newspaper. “Hey!” He put it down seeing her. “What a pleasant surprise.”

  A man of Indian heritage, he was tall, bald and had a pinched thin face. A leaf-shaped earring dangled from one of his ears.

  “It’s good to see you.” She hugged him. “This is Cole, a friend of mine.”

  “Ah!” Viaan shook hands, his eyes narrowed as he looked at Cole from head to toe. “He is…”

  “I am a businessman.”

  “He doesn’t have magic.”

  “Ah!” Viaan immediately lost all interest. “Well, what can I do for you, lovely lady? Your shipment is ready.”

  “It’s late, as usual,” she said sternly. “Need I remind you that we do have other options, Viaan. People who would be willing to provide us with the same potions and with much greater efficiency.”

  “But you will not get the same quality. You know that.” He shook his finger in her face, much as if he was admonishing a young child. “It’s the USA customs. I procure so many of my seeds and herbs from Africa and Asia. They test everything. The dogs sniff. The officers open my cans. It’s a mess.” He put both his hands to his head.

  “Everyone has to go through the same hassle.” She remained oblivious to his excuses. “You’re simply disorganized. Now, you know as well as I do that Nan doesn’t have much patience. If she cuts you off…”

  “Fine. Fine. Don’t get angry.” He put up his hands, palms front. “I will do better. I promise.”

  Aerilyn rolled her eyes. He always said that, but rarely carried through on his words. Maybe it was time they tried a new supplier. She had heard of a reputable earth wizard down in Maryland. Sighing, she turned her attention to the packets of herbs that were lined up neatly on the shelves.

  “Spices?” Cole picked up a packet, looking befuddled.

  “It’s a cover. Of course, his spice shop turns over a tidy profit.”

  “I tell you something, Aerilyn. Something important. Right?” Viaan sidled close. Aerilyn dipped a hand in one of the open lentil cans and sniffed the green pulse. It was fresh.

  “What?”

  “Rick was here a few days ago.”

  Aerilyn stilled. It was a name she hadn’t heard in a long time. Why was Viaan telling her this? “I see.”

  “He wanted me to join his coven.”

  Aerilyn narrowed her eyes in disbelief. “Coven? Rick is making a coven?”

  Viaan nodded with enthusiasm. “That’s what he said. He wants like-minded people to have a sense of community, a sense of purpose. Unity.”

  “Why?”

  “Times are hard, he said. We need to join together to form an alliance so we can help each.”

  Aerilyn checked another can of lentils. Sometimes she used them in her special medicines. It wasn’t worth the effort to grow this stuff on her farm. “Help with what?”

  Viaan hovered close by. “I don’t know, but there would be conferences every six months, and we would all exchange ideas. He said he had found a sponsor who would pay for these conferences and it would be great fun. A few people have joined him already, and he wanted me to become one of the founder members.”

  “There are a few established covens already. Why make a new one? What purpose would it serve?” She shrugged. “It’s your choice, Viaan. Some people find comfort in numbers. Whatever you choose to do is up to you.”

  “Well, it’s just that that your grandmother has said on many occasions that she doesn’t like covens…”

  “That’s her choice, and mine too. We work best by ourselves. Should you choose to join Rick, it would have no affect on our dealings,” she assured him.

  “Right. That’s great. Wonderful.” He beamed. His attention shifted to a sari-clad lady who entered his shop. “Yes, ma’am. What would you like today?”

  “The usual, Viaan.”

  While he toddled off to attend to her, Aerilyn waved goodbye and strode out. Cole called his driver, and they both waited for the car.

  “That guy is a wizard?” His words were laced with disbelief.

  “An earth wizard,” she said absentmindedly. Her thoughts were occupied with what he’d said. “He is quite good. Skilled in his craft.”

  “What can an earth wizard do?”

  “He can do all kind of things with the element of earth. He can grow stuff. Real quick, like in a matter of minutes. He can take some basic herbs and potions, add a spell to it…and voila, you have a magical potion. He can command the earth, cause an earthquake, or make the earth rip. Really, a wizard or a witch is only limited by his or her imagination.”

  “What was that whole talk about a coven?”

  “A coven is a group of wizards and witches who get together to do research, or just because they desire the company of similar people.” She didn’t elaborate much. Although a coven wasn’t a bad thing in itself, Aerilyn had her doubts about what Rick intended to do with a bunch of talented witches and wizards who were committed to his vision of magic’s place in the world.

  She had expected him to ask more questions about Rick, but it surprised her that he didn’t do so. The car came to a stop and they both climbed in. “If there are more people like you about, how do you maintain the secrecy? And why do you maintain secrecy?” he asked instead.

  “There are very few of us. Not more than six dozen in the whole of United States. And can you imagine the reaction we would get if we announced our talents? The government would be on to us, using us, experimenting on us, and what not? Our people have been persecuted for centuries. The history is full of terrible stories about us.”

  “And who is this Rick?”

  He was far more astute that she gave him credit for. “My ex-boyfriend,” she replied shortly. “We dated for four years a long time ago.”

  “How long?” Was that jealousy she heard in his voice?

  “We broke up six years ago.” She pushed Rick to the back of her mind, determined to not let him spoil her day. “So, what are we going to do now? Do you have anything interesting in mind?”

  He appeared as eager to change the topic. “Oh! I’ve several possibilities.”

  “Anything other than going back to the hotel and having sex?”

  “Spoil sport!” He grinned. “Alright. If that option is out of the picture, how about some retail therapy?”

  “I’m always up for that.” She settled back, happy to enjoy a day devoid of spirits and murder. It would be an interesting deviation from their past activities.

  Chapter Nine

  Aerilyn picked up one of the double chocolate chip cookies that were lined neatly on the plate. She took a delicate bite. “Delicious, as always.”

  Café Brown was one of her favorite places in Alby, and it was a double bliss to drink tea and eat cookies while gossiping with her best friend Sarah. It was one of her most cherished pastimes.

  “One bite on the lips and
straight it goes to your hips. Not to mention it clogs your arteries and…” Sarah ate her vegan toasted coconut chocolate cookie that she always brought from home, despite protests by café staff. Her friend was a vegan, and did everything to convince those around her to switch to a healthier lifestyle. “Please.” Aerilyn raised her hand, her eyes closed as she savored the taste. “I’m having a moment here. Don’t spoil it.”

  “Fine.” Sarah huffed. She ran a hand through her silky, blonde hair that reached down to the nape of her neck. Her piercing blue eyes were identical to Aerilyn. So alike they looked that the two friends could almost pass for sisters. Sarah sipped her black tea. “When you’re old and dying of heart disease, or diabetes, or high blood pressure, my third husband and I will be off for a romantic year long cruise. I will send you a postcard…or maybe not, as you will hardly be able to see, let alone read.”

  Since Sarah had married her high school sweetheart and was madly in love with him, Aerilyn didn’t think too much about her prediction of a third husband. Since childhood, Sarah was prone to deliver fantastical prophecies which almost always never came true.

  “So what is it that you wanted to talk about?” Aerilyn said as she eyed the second cookie. She had a good idea what her friend wanted to talk about. Ever since she’d told Sarah about Cole, the woman had done little but bite her ears off with each phone call to get more details.

  The gleam in Sarah’s eyes was almost unholy. “Did he call again?”

  “You’re an incorrigible know-it-all and a gossip.” Aerilyn picked up the second cookie and took another dainty bite, knowing it would driver her friend crazy.

  “It’s like the pot calling the kettle black. Or wait, is it vice-versa? I never could remember.” Sarah frowned.

  “Whatever. I told you he calls every day.”

  “From Europe.” Sarah nearly swooned.

  “Sometimes we Skype.”

  “Does he talk dirty?” Sarah leaned forward, her eyes bright with suppressed excitement.

  “No, he doesn’t. And I am certainly not going to share the most intimate details of my relationship with you.”

  “It’s not a relationship until you’ve been together for at least three months,” Sarah announced with aplomb. “Right now, it’s a flirtation, a seduction…a minor affair, perhaps?”

  Aerilyn was well aware that her relationship with Cole could never be termed as minor. Whatever it was between them ran true and deep. The heat, the chemistry, was too intense. Perhaps that is why it was important to take it slow.

  Aerilyn eyed the half-eaten cookie. The sugar rush made her dizzy. “I think…maybe…I am not sure, but it is possible…”

  “Spit it out.”

  “It would be so easy to fall in love with him,” there she said it. Aerilyn took another bite, carefully gauging her friend’s reaction.

  Sarah sat motionless for a long time. No emotions flickered across her face. Finally, she picked up her tea and took a sip. “You’ve never ever said that before about anyone.”

  “Except Rick, of course.”

  Sarah winced, her normal reaction to any reference to Aerilyn’s former boyfriend. “Yeah, well. You made a mistake that one time. Everyone is allowed to screw up once.”

  “Loving the wrong man is a big mistake, Sarah. Rick broke me. I am not sure if I want to risk doing the same with Cole.”

  “Cole is different. For one thing, he doesn’t possess any magic.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything. It wasn’t the magic that created problems between Rick and me. It was his personality, his goals, and ambitions. Rick and Cole have a lot of similarities; they are both strong, dominating men who go after what they desire with a single-minded determination.”

  “I guess that’s your type then. Strong alpha males.”

  “Cole is gentle though. There is a measure of control in his temper, in about everything he does.”

  “They are both sexy.”

  “How do you know that?”

  Sarah had the grace to look sheepish. “Well, I couldn’t let you date a guy without knowing anything about him. I checked him out on the internet. He has that quality about him…you know, the brooding, silent, sexy look. Yum!”

  “Kindly remember that you are a married woman and the mother of two adorable twins.”

  Sarah stood. She signaled for the check. “Doesn’t mean I am dead, though. In any case, that reminds me that my dear, darling husband must be going bonkers with the twins. The boys are at that stage where they can destroy a room in an hour if you don’t watch them.”

  Aerilyn snatched the tab from her. “It’s my turn, remember. And that reminds me that it’s about time I offered to babysit the twins. You and Peter can go catch a movie or something.” She was godmother to the twins and took her duties seriously. She regularly babysat them. It was a joy to spend time with the one year old boys – although she had to admit that such an encounter often sapped her of all energy.

  Sarah’s eye lit up. “Would you be willing to babysit them at your house? I have this incredibly sexy, red lingerie which I have been dying to try and…”

  Aerilyn covered her ears with both hands. “Blah, blah, blah! Please spare me your married sex talk.”

  “Oh, right.” Sarah huffed. “Just because it is married sex doesn’t mean it’s not wonderfully earth-shattering.”

  “Right, sure. I will take your word for it.” Aerilyn stood, snatching her remaining cookies. “I’ve to do some grocery shopping. I will see you soon.”

  “Don’t forget about the babysitting,” Sarah reminded as they walked out. The twinkle in her eyes proved that she was already planning her date night with Peter.

  Aerilyn watched her friend walk down the road, as always touched by Sarah’s abiding love for her husband. This December it would be ten years since they were together, and still the spark was there. Would she ever have something like that?

  Or was it only a few lucky ones who got to experience something so unique?

  She hoped not. Only time would tell if anything was going to work out with Cole, but Aerilyn was a patient woman. She was willing to wait for the right man; the man who would be the air beneath her wings.

  With a loud sigh, she turned in the opposite direction towards the supermarket. The large, white, rectangular building was crowded this time of the evening. Aerilyn selected a cart and wheeled it towards the section of vegetables. Having neglected shopping for as long as she could manage, she now needed to stock up on food. Perhaps she would cook today. Aerilyn wasn’t a great cook, but there were a few things she could make with practiced efficiency.

  Maybe she would make a Greek salad and her favorite lemon chicken. It wouldn’t take that long, and she could curl up with a good book later. With that thought in mind, she picked up bell peppers, tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, cucumber, and olives. As an afterthought, she picked up a bottle of white wine.

  “Aerilyn.” She winced at the sound of the familiar, loud sound.

  “Hi, Mrs. Becker.” The old lady stood behind her full cart that contained extra-large bags of gourmet cat food. “How are you?”

  “I am still waiting for that…spell,” she whispered the last word. “Don’t keep me waiting, Aerilyn. That man is getting on my nerves. Why yesterday he kept the music on till one in the morning. Positively un-neighborly, wouldn’t you say? My cats couldn’t sleep, especially Dora. She hates noise of all kind.”

  Aerilyn had no idea which one of her cats was Dora, but she nodded sagely. “I’ll get right on it, Mrs. Becker. I wasn’t in town and that’s why am lagging behind.”

  “I know. I visited the shop and Selina told me you had gone to New York with someone.” The gleam in her eyes couldn’t be mistaken. “Was it that handsome young man who stayed in the inn for a few days? Jerry, the concierge, told me that he was rich and good-looking. Is he a movie star?”

  Used to the way gossip spread in a small town, Aerilyn brushed aside the invasion in her personal life. “He is a busine
ssman.”

  “Did he hire you to whip up a spell for success?”

  Used to Mrs. Becker’s grandiose ideas of a witch’s job, Aerilyn simply shook her head. “It was something else.”

  “Right! Well, I should be off. My darlings are waiting at home for me. Aerilyn, I ordered two new sets of crystals. Please tell Selina not to dawdle with placing the order. And you will be in touch soon, regarding the other matter?” Her voice dropped to a staged whisper again.

  “Yes, Mrs. Becker. I will get right on it.” With relief, Aerilyn moved to the other aisle. She picked up pomegranate and apples. It wouldn’t hurt to eat healthy food for a change.

  And she better get on with the job for Mrs. Becker. The old lady wouldn’t forget, or allow Aerilyn to neglect the chore she had been allotted. It was best to get it over with. Of course, she didn’t have the gift to whip up a spell that would encourage the young man to move away - although if her grandmother was here, she would have been able to do so with ease - but Aerilyn had something else in mind. Something subtle, but powerful.

  Soon, she was done with shopping. Carrying the bags, she walked quickly back home. The weather was beautiful; a nice, gentle breeze and clear, blue sky. Perhaps she would sit outside in the back yard with a glass of wine.

  A while later, the two bags of groceries balanced in her hands, she entered her cabin. She set the grocery bags on the kitchen counter that stretched all the way to the end of her living room, and then she shut the door behind her. After taking out the cans of coke from the bags, she put them in the fridge. Next, she turned her attention to the vegetables and fruits she had bought.

  It might be a good idea to make a fruit salad for later. Picking up the bag of fruit, she put it in the sink to give it a good rinse.

  Suddenly, she stopped. Something felt wrong. Where was Knight? Usually he was prowling around her feet as soon as she came in. Aerilyn turned to survey her home. The layout of the cabin was simple; the front space was divided into half by the kitchen counter. On her left was the living space. A comfortable, cushioned cream couch was set against the far brick wall. The TV hung at the opposite wall. A wooden door separated the living area from the two rooms in the back.