Turbulence

by

Julie O

  

Part One

  

I woke up early and checked my e-mail. I wanted to write Jenny and tell her about my wonderful evening with Bill. I also wrote Amelia and asked if she had anything on my family yet.

I then switched over to Iona's account and found several angry responses from Nick. He was furious with me and he promised revenge. He said that he would have his way with me and then sell me as a whore to some third-world brothel and other wild threats. It was strange, but I didn't fear him as I had earlier. I sensed that deep down, he was afraid. I wondered if he was afraid of me!

I still forwarded the e-mail to Fiona. I was about to close the last message when I read something that did scare me. Unlike the rest of the messages, this one had been sent to someone else besides me. The name was "Dark Stranger".

That was why I sensed fear in Nick! He was somehow associated with Keir, and his failure with me wouldn't be appreciated.

I immediately printed it out and took it downstairs to show Aunt Kayla.

"I was afraid of this," she commented.

"You mean you suspected that Keir was involved in all this?" I asked

"I had a feeling, but no proof. I didn't want to alarm you, my dear," replied Aunt Kayla.

"I understand," I said softly. I knew that Aunt Kayla felt bad about not telling her suspicions about Nick. As she liked to say, it was now water under the bridge!

"I assume you already forwarded these to Fiona," commented Aunt Kayla.

"Yes, I did," I replied.

"Good. Keir is getting more arrogant all the time. It is just a matter of time until he is caught," stated Aunt Kayla.

I wondered if either of us really believed that.

"Do you think he knows that I am not the original Iona?" I asked.

"He knows that you are acting differently. He may think it is due to my magic or that you have found a spell to ward off the effects of the tattoo, but I doubt he suspects the truth," answered Aunt Kayla. "Remember, he only is using Iona as a way to hurt Fiona."

"I have a strange feeling that Nick will be back, and that Keir may also come out here to check out what went wrong," I stated.

Aunt Kayla nodded in agreement. In some ways, I was hoping he would show up so we could end it once and for all.

 

We then talked about something more pleasant, my date with Bill. Aunt Kayla seemed impressed with the way I handled the incident with Bill's co-workers.

"Never play dumb. Too many women do that because they are afraid that men don't want an intelligent woman around," she stated.

"That won't be a problem. I have no intention of acting like a bimbo," I added. "Besides, Bill was very impressed by my intellectual prowess!"

I then told her of how the DA seemed familiar, even though I knew I'd never met her.

"Besides, my tattoo never 'went off'," I joked.

"The reason she seems familiar is that she is one of us," answered Aunt Kayla. "You should get similar feelings when you meet anyone who has powers."

"That's pretty cool. Do you think she knows that I also have powers?" I asked.

"Oh, I am sure of it," replied Aunt Kayla.

"Will this be something that will help or hurt Bill?" I asked.

"It is a definite positive!" answered Aunt Kayla.

That was good. I didn't want our relationship to hurt Bill in his job.

 

Part Two

 

I arrived at work that afternoon and started my usual routine. It was a light afternoon and we didn't have a lot of customers yet, so Karen and I sorted out silverware and talked. We talked about the party and how much fun we'd had. I then noticed Tom staring at us. Obviously he was still angry with me for the other night

The rest of the night I could feel him staring at me. I tried not to let it bother me, but as the night wore on I could sense that something bad was about to happen.

Dan was working that night and seemed to have recovered from the fight. He smiled at me, so obviously he wasn't holding a grudge.

While we were cleaning up, Tom walked over to me and told me that he wanted to talk to me in his office. Somehow I didn't think I was about to get a promotion!

I arrived in his office and he told me to have a seat.

"Iona, I have been giving this a lot of thought and I have decided to let you go. The incident the other night is just too serious to ignore and I cannot allow disruptions here," he stated.

"The incident? IT wasn't my fault, besides it happened after work and had no effect on business!" I answered. I could feel my temper rising.

"It wouldn't have happened, if you had been MORE responsible in the first place!" he added, in a very sarcastic tone.

I debated my response. I fought off the urge to tell him to go fuck himself. Instead I just stood up to walk out.

"I'm not finished! Sit down!" he shouted.

I glared at him. I felt angry and humiliated and the last thing I wanted to do was take more of his abuse.

"You may have fooled Karen and Dan, but I can still tell that you have a wild streak in you. If you make any trouble for me over this firing I may call that hotshot boyfriend of yours. How would he take knowing his new girlfriend is a slut?" sneered Tom.

"He knows everything. I already told him about my past. Look, you won! I am no longer working at your precious bar. What ELSE do you want from me?" I retorted. He could have the damm job, but I wasn't going to let him humiliate me.

"Hmmm. I was going to give you a chance to 'redeem' yourself, but you are not worth it. Go on, I'll send you your last paycheck," he growled.

I knew exactly what he was referring to, and I didn't even need my powers for that. He was going to give me my job back if I had sex with him! I stood there for a moment and then began to laugh.

"Did you really think that I would degrade myself with YOU just to keep this lousy job?" I continued to laugh and then I walked out.

Deep down I was hurt and angry and fighting off tears, but I wasn't going to give him the pleasure of seeing me hurt. I left his office and went to the workroom to pack up my stuff. Karen quickly joined me, and without my saying a word, she knew what had happened.

"You want to talk about it?" asked Karen.

I nodded. "But not here," I replied softly, fighting off tears.

We agreed to meet at a bar down the street. She went back to finish cleaning up and I changed.

As I walked out of The Reef, Tom was watching me with a very smug look on his face. He obviously wanted the rest of the staff to know that he had total control of the situation and HE was the one in charge here. Dan walked over to escort me out to my car.

"Leave her alone, Dan. SHE doesn't work her anymore. She caused enough trouble around here and she can walk herself out to her car," shouted out Tom, so that everyone could hear him.

Dan looked at Tom, smiled, and then gave him the finger and walked me out to my car.

"You don't need to do this. I don't want you to lose your job." I said.

"No problem, Iona. I was quitting this week anyway. Besides I've wanted to do that to Tom all summer. He's such a pompous asshole!" laughed Dan

I laughed too. It felt better than crying. When we got to my car, I turned and gave Dan a big hug and kiss.

"Thanks so much," I said with a smile.

"Don't worry about it, Iona. You're better than him any day." replied Dan.

I kissed him again and then got in my car and drove up the street to the bar. I wasn't upset over losing the job, it was the way Tom tried to humiliate me.

I ordered a brandy and waited for Karen to arrive. I really needed to talk to her. She arrived a few minutes later and I told her what had happened.

"I'd sue the asshole for sexual harassment," exclaimed Karen.

"It's not worth it; I'm just glad its over," I answered.

"Bull! Don't lie to me, Iona. I can tell that you're pissed about this," exclaimed Karen.

I turned to look at her and found myself fighting to hold back my tears. I suddenly felt very small and vulnerable and I really needed a hug.

Karen pulled me close and I let it all out. I felt her hand stroking the back of my head to comfort me. As she comforted me, I began to feel a strange feeling running through my body. I was actually getting aroused! I tried to fight it, as it didn't seem appropriate.

 

I slowly pulled away from Karen and then our eyes met. Something clicked between the two of us. Karen leaned over and kissed me. I offered no resistance and felt the passion growing between us. The kiss felt wonderful and I really didn't want it to end.

Without saying a word, she took my hand and led me out to the parking lot. I was about to say something, but she put her finger to her lips and shook her head no.

I followed her to her house, which was only a few blocks away. We parked and she took my hand and escorted me into her place.

We sat on her couch and began to kiss and cuddle. Kissing Karen felt so different from any time I had kissed a woman as Roger. It was more mutual and gentle. It was also more erotic than I could have imagined. I also began to feel some guilt, not over being bisexual, but because I felt I should be faithful to Bill.

I stopped kissing her for a second. We looked at each other and I could tell that she was aroused as I was.

I started to talk and she interrupted.

"Iona, I know what you are going to say, please don't worry about Bill. What happens tonight between us stays between us. I love Sean too, but I think we both need this. You do want to be with me, don't you?" she asked with a smile.

"Yes, very much so. You are not forcing me into anything," I replied and I leaned over to kiss her.

That was the last time I initiated anything the rest of the evening! Karen took total control and began to undress me as we kissed. I accepted my submissive role willingly. I felt tingly all over, as she removed my clothes. My nipples were very hard by the time she removed my bra. She looked at me and smiled with glee, before she slipped down and began to kiss and lick my nipples. I leaned back and moaned in pleasure. She was very good at making my nipples feel extremely good. She moved my hands to her nipples and I massaged them through her top.

Soon we were both naked and Karen led me into the bedroom. We lay on her bed and began to kiss and cuddle. She guided my head down to her nipples and I returned the earlier pleasure she had given me. I worked a similar technique to arouse her nipples. I could tell by her moaning that I was doing a pretty good job.

Karen then reached into her nightstand and pulled out a vibrator, which was very similar to my silver wand. In fact I giggled when I saw it!

"I take it you use one like this? " asked Karen as she held it up in front of me.

I just nodded as she turned it on and slipped it down to my very wet vagina. She worked me for what seemed like hours. She would bring me up to the point of climax and then bring me back down. It was exquisite!

She then handed the vibrator to me and it was my turn to pleasure her. All my practice with the silver wand paid off and I soon had Karen wiggling in pleasure. We soon had each other worked up to the point of no return. I had one of the most mind-blowing orgasms ever! The pleasure kept coming like waves on the beach. I also made no attempt to hold in my pleasure, physically or orally. I only hoped her neighbors were sound sleepers!

We lay there in each other's arms as we came down from our mutual pleasure. It took several minutes to gain enough strength to even talk, but it was worth it.

Karen looked over at me and smiled.

"I've never seen anyone get so aroused. Girl, you are incredible!" she moaned.

 

I laughed and soon we were both laughing together.

"Thanks, I really needed something like that," I said in a soft tone.

"I could tell. I have a talent for these kinds of things," giggled Karen.

I just lay there and sighed in pleasure.

"So, I take it that you've been with a woman before?" asked Karen.

"Yes, I have, several times," I said.

"Obviously, you are comfortable with being bi," she stated.

"My aunt says that she doesn't worry about labels and I agree with her," I replied.

"That is a wise way of looking at the world. Don't get me wrong, I love being with a man. But there are times that I love being with another woman. Especially when she is a great friend. I want us to stay friends, Iona, even though we are not co-workers anymore," she said.

"Same here. I never really had a close friend, like you, that I could confide in before," I said.

"Cool!" exclaimed Karen.

She then began to laugh uncontrollably. When she gained control she turned to me and struggled to get out her words.

"You know, I would love to go into work and tell Tom what he missed out on!" she laughed.

I too started laughing hysterically. We finally calmed down and we drifted off to sleep. I debated calling Aunt Kayla, but somehow I knew she sensed that I was OK.

 

Part Three

 

"So, what are you going to do now?" asked Karen, while we ate breakfast.

"School starts in few weeks, so I will just relax until then," I said

"I wish I could do that. I don't know where I'm going to get the money for this year's tuition," said Karen in a worried tone.

"How much do you need?" I asked.

Karen looked at me as if I was joking.

"I'm serious. How much do you need?" I asked

"15 grand, for the whole year," she stated.

"OK. I'll send you a check," I said.

Karen looked at me with a sly smile. "What? Is this some kind of joke?" she asked.

"Nope. I have a very sizable trust fund and I would love to help you," I replied.

Karen looked at me for a second, as if she was waiting for the punch line. She then realized that I was really offering her the money. Her eyes opened wide and a huge smile came across her face.

"You are serious. Oh, my God! Iona, you have really saved my ass!" she exclaimed, as she hugged me.

"And such a cute ass too!" I replied with a laugh.

"You don't know how relieved I am. I was debating dropping out this year. If I had known you had money, I would have seduced you sooner!" she laughed.

"Usually a seduction means one side was initially unwilling to participate," I replied.

We both laughed.

"So, why did you take that job at The Reef if you are rich?" she asked.

I explained that my aunt felt that working would be a better way to spend my summer, instead of just laying around.

"Besides, I got two great bonuses out of working at The Reef. I met Bill there and I also met you there," I grinned.

She leaned over and kissed me.

"I promise I'll pay you back someday!" she stated.

"No rush. So what are you studying anyway?" I asked.

"Thanks to you, I will be graduating next spring with a degree in electrical engineering!" she said proudly.

"That's cool," I replied. I only wished I had met some engineers like Karen when I was Roger.

I drove home, thinking about my evening with Karen. I didn't feel any guilt. What Karen and I had was something special between friends. Besides, I hadn't been the one to initiate it. It was good to know that I could have a sex life of my own, not controlled by the tattoo. It also gave me hope for the future. If I could learn to control this, I could have a normal sex life. I debated on when, if ever, I should tell Bill about this. I figured that decision could wait a while. I had already told Bill that I'd a wild life, so maybe he would be cool about my bisexuality! I would try to feel him out later on.

As expected, Aunt Kayla wasn't worried about me. I did tell her what had happened, including my evening with Karen.

"It sounds like you have a great friend in Karen," stated Aunt Kayla.

I nodded in agreement.

"Are you sure you want to let your old boss off so easily?" asked Aunt Kayla.

"The sexual harassment was vague at best and I can't use the information I got from my powers, so it would be hard to prove. It would be his word versus mine and I don't exactly have a great reputation," I stated.

"You're right. Too bad, I would love to make him squirm," laughed Aunt Kayla.

"Me too!" I replied.

"Oh, with all this excitement I almost forgot! Amelia called and said she would be sending you an e-mail concerning your grandmother," said Aunt Kayla.

"You want to see it with me?" I asked.

"Actually, I'd like that. Thank you, Iona," replied Aunt Kayla.

I opened up my mail and found the message from Amelia. I clicked on it and I found out that she had information on my family. It seems that there was a streak of power in Roger's family after all!

My great-grandmother's family had a strong streak of powers, but was very old fashioned in their beliefs. My great-grandmother, whose name was Aileen, rebelled and ran away from Scotland for the US. Once here, she got a job and tried to make a new life for herself, without using her powers. Apparently she met a man and they got married and she got pregnant. My grandmother was born after a difficult delivery and Aileen died shortly afterwards. My great-grandfather fled due to his grief and never returned. The mid-wife who delivered my grandmother had no choice but to put her into an orphanage.

I read on that my grandmother's true family made no attempt to recover her, even though they knew what had happened. Apparently, they feared contamination in the family bloodline, as they didn't know who the father was. They allowed my grandmother to stay in the orphanage. Even after she was adopted, they made no attempt to contact her and inform her of her true heritage. It made me angry that they abandoned a member of the family over some stupid squabble.

Amelia suggested that I tell Jenny the truth as soon as possible. She went on to say that she wanted to set up an appointment to examine Jenny, after I told her what had happened.

"Wow!" I exclaimed.

"It is a pretty amazing story. If you want, Amelia can put you in contact with some of your family, on your magical side. You come from a distinguished family. They are still a bit clannish, but they might be interested in meeting you someday," said Aunt Kayla.

"Not right now. I have enough issues dealing with two heritages right now," I said with a laugh. Part of me wasn't sure if I wanted to meet the family that had abandoned my grandmother.

Aunt Kayla nodded.

"So, how do I tell Jenny?" I asked.

"From what I've seen of her, I'd say tell her straight up. I wouldn't be surprised if she already suspects something," commented Aunt Kayla.

"I agree," I answered. I checked my watch and did the three-hour time addition. "Well, no time like the present."

I picked up the phone and dialed her number. It rang three times and I was just about to hang up when she answered.

"Hey, how are you doing, little sister?" she greeted me.

"I'm doing good, thanks. How have you been?" I asked.

"You won't believe it! My art is really taking off. Ever since I met you I have had the greatest run of creativity in my artistic career. My work is starting to get some real attention, and I don't mean just locally!" she exclaimed.

"That's great!" I said happily.

"Maybe some of your magic rubbed off on me," she said with a laugh.

"Funny you should say that. I need to tell you something. Are you sitting down?" I asked.

"Yes. Are you OK?" she asked.

I heard the concern in her voice.

"Yes, I am OK. I had a complete physical recently and it was also an examination of my powers," I said. I then told her all about the physical and the fact that I had powers that the original Iona didn't have.

"So, what does that mean?" she asked.

"It means that there is magic in our family roots. They did some research and found out that Grandmother Mary came from a magical family," I said. I then told her about the research.

I heard a long pause on the other end of the phone. She then began to speak, "Then does that mean…."

"It means that I inherited some of her powers, and that there is a strong possibility that you also have powers," I said as I interrupted her.

Again, there was a long pause of total silence.

"How can we tell?" she asked.

I then told her all about Amelia.

"And she would give me an exam to determine if I have any "powers"?" asked Jenny.

"Yes," I replied.

"Let's assume I do. Then what happens?" she asked.

I handed the phone to Aunt Kayla who talked to Jenny for nearly an hour. I listened in on the other phone. Not surprisingly, Jenny wasn't that shocked. In fact, she was somewhat excited about the possibility of having some powers.

Jenny and I talked for an additional hour. I told her about losing my job and my date with Bill. There were still some things that I wasn't ready to tell her, that included Iona's past and the problems with Nick and Keir.

"I think I am more scared that you want to be a lawyer than the fact that you have powers," joked Jenny.

"I figure that I might as well try a new career," I answered.

"Fair enough. However, little sister, I still sense that you are holding back some information from me. Remember, Iona, I can read you like a book," she stated.

It was my turn to be quiet. After a few seconds of thought, I decided to tell her everything. That took another hour and then some, and more than one tear was shed.

"My god, Iona! I can't imagine what you have been going through. It must be awful to be driven by such strong feelings," she said in a sympathetic tone.

"I would rather have told you in person. I didn't want you to worry about me," I answered softly.

"Don't ever worry about that. I promise you that I will always love you. And if I want to worry about you that is my concern!" laughed Jenny.

"Thanks. I guess we've entered a whole new chapter in sibling relations," I stated.

"That's an understatement," she joked.

The total length of the call was a little over four hours, but it was worth every second. I offered to fly out for her physical, and she thanked me for my offer. It felt good to be totally honest with Jenny.

Afterwards Aunt Kayla and I went for a walk. We talked about Jenny and Grandmother Mary and Great-Grandmother Aileen. Aunt Kayla said that many people with repressed powers were often artists or performers. The output of artistic energy may serve as a relief valve for the pent up powers. I told her that Grandmother Mary painted beautiful watercolors. There were many in my parent's attic. I decided to ask Jenny to send me one, more than ever I wanted something from my Grandmother Mary. I also e-mailed Amelia with a few questions about Mary and Aileen.

We walked back to the house. It was exciting to suddenly know more about my past and even more exciting was the possibility that my sister also had powers.

 

Part Four

 

Amelia called the next day and told me all about her conversation with Jenny.

"I really like her, Iona," said Amelia. "I will do everything possible to help her adjust to her powers."

"I appreciate that," I replied.

"Oh, by the way, I have the answers to a couple of your questions. First off, Aileen married a man named William Harris. After she died he ran off to sea, before settling in Australia, where he lived out his life. He never remarried," reported Amelia.

"What about my grandmother's real name?" I asked.

"It was going to be Prudence Cathleen Harris," answered Amelia.

"Thanks. I just wanted to know," I replied in a soft tone. My mind began to drift, thinking about the things that might have been.

"I'll get back to you after I examine Jenny. I am flying out to Ohio tomorrow," said Amelia, snapping me back into reality.

"Have a great trip," I replied.

I spent the rest of the day reading. The books kept reinforcing that emotional control was vital in the casting of spells. It offered many techniques on how to maintain mental calmness, even when under great stress. I knew that if I met Nick again, I would have to control my emotions or else I risked really hurting him. I was also concerned how I would react if I ever met Keir.

My studying was interrupted by a phone call. I ran to the phone, but the answering machine got it first. I had to wait until the message was over before I could talk. It was from Dan and he sounded concerned.

"Hey, Iona, I went by work today to pick up my stuff and that guy who attacked you was there," said Dan in a concerned tone.

"Nick? At The Reef?" I exclaimed. What was he doing there? I looked down at the Caller ID and I saw that the number was Karen's.

"I am sure of it. He was talking to Tom. I don't think they knew I was there. I heard Tom give Nick your address. So, I immediately got out of there so I could call you," stated Dan.

"Thank you so much," I replied. "By the way, are you at Karen's?"

"Yes, I'm with Karen. I didn't have your number and I knew she did. You going to be OK?" he asked. I could hear the concern in his voice.

"Yes. My home is very safe," I answered.

"Cool! So you have some sort of alarm system?" he asked

"Something like that," I answered.

"OK, but if you need help, here is my phone number," said Dan. He then gave me his cell phone number. It was nice to have such good friends!

"Thanks again, Dan. You are my hero! Please be careful" I exclaimed

"I will. By the way, it looked like Nick was injured. His right hand was all bandaged up," stated Dan.

"That is good to know. Thank you again," I said and then I hung up the phone.

Aunt Kayla was furious with Tom.

"He must be a very petty person to put you in danger like this. I think I may have to pay him a visit when this is all settled," stated Aunt Kayla.

"So, what do you think Nick will do next?" I asked.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he passes the information on to Keir. However, I imagine he will seek some sort of revenge against you," she said.

"What happens then?" I asked.

"That depends on what actions he takes," answered Aunt Kayla.

"Well, I do have my early warning system, so we will get a heads up should he show up," I stated.

"Let me know immediately if you detect him. Don't try to take him on by yourself," she ordered.

I nodded in agreement.

 

Part Five

 

I e-mailed Fiona about Nick and the possibility that he would be coming after me. I also told her that even though I wasn't really afraid of him, I would be careful and not put myself in a dangerous situation. I did have some nagging fears that he might try to hurt Aunt Kayla or Karen. I figured that Aunt Kayla wouldn't have too much trouble with him. If he hurt Karen, then he would really learn that payback is a bitch. Sorry, I just always wanted to use that line! I called Karen, but all I got was her answering machine. I figured she was at work or asleep. I debated calling Dan, but decided it was too late.

I was too tense to be aroused, but after a cup of tea, I was calm enough to go to sleep.

I sat up in bed suddenly! I looked at the clock and saw that it was 2:45 AM. I could feel Nick was near. As I cleared the sleep out of my eyes, I concentrated and was able to determine that he was hiding over the seawall, across from our house. I could tell that he was looking at my room, and that he was going to try to break in. I didn't turn on a light, as I didn't want to alert him. I got up quietly and walked over to Aunt Kayla's room and knocked quietly.

"He's outside, across the street, hiding behind the seawall," I said softly.

Aunt Kayla was up in a second.

"Get dressed, no sense meeting our guest in our nightgowns," whispered Aunt Kayla.

I nodded and changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I could tell that he was still there and that he was beginning to make his move. His thoughts seemed jumbled and then I realized that he had been drinking. That would make him even more unstable and I told Aunt Kayla this.

"Very impressive, my dear," she said with a smile.

We sat in the garden as I updated Aunt Kayla on Nick's movements.

"Try to concentrate and to see if you can determine if he is armed," requested Aunt Kayla.

I began to focus on the image of Nick and soon I was able to determine that he had a gun.

"Yes, he has a gun," I said

"OK, I will take care of that," stated Aunt Kayla.

She began to chant some words.

"There, that should take care of his weapon," she said confidently.

"What did you do?" I asked.

"I cast a spell that rendered his gun inoperative if he tries to use it against us," she replied.

"He's trying to pick the lock on the front door," I stated.

"I can hear him now," added Aunt Kayla. "Don't do anything, this one is all mine!"

We both heard the door open. Nick was trying to be quiet, but the creaking of the floorboards gave him away. He was getting closer as he worked his way through the house.

"We're out here, Nick," announced Aunt Kayla.

Nick appeared, pointing his gun at us.

"I'm only here for Iona. I don't want any trouble," growled Nick.

He was trying to be tough, but I could sense his fear.

Aunt Kayla smiled, a very sly smile. "Oh, my dear boy, we often get what we don't want."

He pointed the gun at Aunt Kayla and tried to pull the trigger, but it froze, as if it was stuck. He eyes widened in fear.

"Now, sit down please," ordered Aunt Kayla. She then made a wave with her hand.

Nick immediately sat down. He seemed to be totally passive.

"Place that gun on the floor," she ordered.

Again, Nick obeyed. He also placed a small cylindrical item next to the gun. It was a speed reloader for revolvers.

"Why are you here?" asked Aunt Kayla.

"I am here to take Iona to my friend," answered Nick. He seemed shocked that he was so readily answering her questions.

"Who is your friend?" she asked.

"Doug Black," answered Nick.

So, Keir had another alias.

"Where is he?" asked Aunt Kayla.

"I don't know. I am to take Iona downtown and then call him and wait for him to show up," answered Nick.

I could sense his fear. He was very afraid of Keir.

"What do you get out of this?" asked Aunt Kayla.

"He said that I could use Iona, but not really hurt her. He said that he needed her in one piece. He promised me powers as soon as he got his restored, and then I could have Iona all to myself," answered Nick.

"So, that is what Keir is after! He wants to try to force Fiona to return his powers," said Aunt Kayla to me.

 

I nodded. "So, what do we do with him?" I said, as I pointed to Nick.

"I haven't decided yet," replied Aunt Kayla. "Nick, why is your hand bandaged?"

Nick told her that it was burned. He showed it to her. I noticed she was examining the injury.

"I am trying to determine how you did this, Iona," commented Aunt Kayla

I nodded and looked at the gun on the ground. It was a snub-nose revolver. Not too accurate, unless you were real close. I noticed that it had been fired recently, as three of the chambers were empty. Next to the gun was the speed reloader with six rounds in it. This would allow him to quickly reload the gun.

"Nick, you will forget what has happened since you entered the house. You will forget anything related to magic. Do you understand?" she asked.

"Yes," answered Nick.

"The police will be here in a few minutes and you will try to escape, but you will be unsuccessful. When you are caught, you will give a full confession to the police concerning your attempt to abduct Iona, and any other crimes you have committed. You will also give me the phone number of your friend Doug. Additionally, you will not tell Doug anything," she stated.

Nick nodded in agreement. He gave Aunt Kayla the number to contact "Doug".

Aunt Kayla picked up the phone and called the police to tell them that we had a prowler outside our house and it looked as if he was armed. Within minutes, we heard sirens. Aunt Kayla made a sweeping motion with her hand and Nick picked up his gun and sprinted out of the house.

We watched as the police manhunt started. Even without the order to get caught, Nick wouldn't have been able to escape. The ocean blocked his escape and the hills were too steep to climb. He was soon cornered. The police bullhorns called for his surrender.

A police detective came up to the house to talk to us.

"What kind of gun did he have?" he asked.

"It looked like a revolver. It had a short barrel," I answered

"I see," he mumbled. He then began to go through his notes.

"You say you think this was the same guy who attacked you the other night?" he asked.

"I am positive of it. He attacked me and the bouncer at The Reef, over in PB," I said.

"The Reef?" he asked. He flipped through his notebook.

I heard a police helicopter flying over and looked up.

"Do you know Dan Schultz?" he asked.

"Yes. He was the bouncer who Nick attacked. Why?" I asked. I was instantly filled with dread.

"He was killed earlier this evening. He was shot with a .38 at close range. I am sorry," said the detective.

I felt faint and he had to steady me.

"Are you sure?" I asked. I was prying that it was all a mistake.

"Yes. Dan was found shot. along with one of the waitresses from The Reef. He apparently shielded her with his body. Her name is Karen Miller and she's in the ER. I don't know if she will make it, she was in critical condition," he read.

I fought off being physically sick. I was filled with grief and rage. The bastard had shot two of my best friends! Dan was dead and for all I knew so was Karen.

I felt Aunt Kayla's arms around me as I began to cry. Then something happened. I focused my rage and grief towards Nick.

Aunt Kayla must have sensed what happened because I felt her grip on me tighten and then she whispered, "What did you do?"

I wasn't sure, but suddenly the night was shattered by the sound of gunfire. I gripped Aunt Kayla tightly. The shooting lasted several seconds and then it stopped.

I didn't need the police to tell me what had happened. Nick had fired his now fully functional gun at the police and they returned fire. Several rounds, any of which could have been fatal, hit him. He died within minutes from his wounds.

I wish I could have felt any remorse for the death of Nick, but that was impossible. He had killed Dan and wounded Karen and he had paid the ultimate penalty.

I was so filled with grief for my friends. I knew I was in trouble for my actions, but I didn't care.

After the police left, Aunt Kayla and I talked out in the garden.

"I don't condone what you did. But I can understand why you did it," said Aunt Kayla sympathetically.

"Why did he have to shoot them?" I asked. I could feel my tears starting again.

"We'll never know," she answered.

"I wish I could tell you that I am sorry, but I can't. In fact I am glad he is dead. I am only sorry that I was the cause of two friend's deaths," I said. I then broke down in tears again. "I am sorry I let you down."

Aunt Kayla held me as I cried.

"I wish I could tell you that it will all be OK. We don't know if Karen is dead. If you want, we can go to the hospital," she said softly as she held me.

I nodded yes and we drove towards the hospital. The doctors could only tell us that the next 24 hours would be critical. I asked if I could see her and they said no. I sat in the waiting room, concentrating on Karen, sending her all the best thoughts I could. I thought about the good times I spent with her and the wonderful evening we had just a few days ago. I wondered if she could sense the love I was sending her?

 

Part Six

 

I woke the next morning on the couch in the ER I looked over and saw Aunt Kayla sitting next to me.

"Good morning." I said to Aunt Kayla.

"Good morning, my dear," she answered.

I sat up and moved closer to her.

"Any word on Karen?" I asked.

"Her condition is still critical, but they think they have stabilized her," answered Aunt Kayla.

"Please don't let her die!" I pleaded.

Aunt Kayla held me tight. I was hoping she had some spell to save Karen.

I suddenly had a feeling in my tattoo and I looked around and in a moment I saw Bill and Sean walking in. They both looked as if they had been up all night.

I got up and hugged both of them.

"When did you guys get here?" I asked.

"A few hours ago. Your aunt called me and I brought Sean here," answered Bill.

 

Sean paced back and forth.

"Why don't you take Sean and get something to eat. We'll wait here in case the doctor comes out," suggested Aunt Kayla.

"Good idea, Kayla. Thank you," said Bill.

I watched as they walked away.

"I called the number Nick gave us. It went to a cell phone with a disconnected number," said Aunt Kayla. "However, we now know that Keir is close. I called Fiona and she is flying out here with one of her investigators."

I sat there thinking about that night's tragedy. I felt nothing for Nick. He was dead and I was glad. I mourned Dan and prayed for Karen. I was also filled with guilt, as if this was my entire fault. I also wondered how much trouble I was in for getting Nick killed.

"So, am I under arrest now?" I asked Aunt Kayla.

"Oh, no! Honey, what you did was wrong, but very understandable. Can you tell me more about how you did it?" she asked.

"I was just filled with rage and anger at Nick. I focused my emotions on him. I don't remember telling him to 'go postal' on the police," I replied.

"That's what I thought. There will be an investigation, but I wouldn't worry about it. At the most, you'll get a warning. You were under severe stress at the time," commented Aunt Kayla.

"Thanks. I still can't believe that Dan is dead," I said softly. I felt my grief kicking in again. I tried to put out of my mind the possibility that Karen might die. I kept sending her positive thoughts. I thought of the fun times we had together; the sailing party, the dinner, and the wonderful love we shared.

It was all so pointless. Keir's revenge was spreading out and inflicting pain on so many innocent people. It had to come to an end! I vowed that I would do anything in my power to stop him. I also knew that I had to pay a visit to a certain club manager.

 

End of Part VIII

  

  

  

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