Chapter XX

Murder: Act II

Andrew had a difficult time falling asleep that night. He was excited, and he would be the first to admit it. Things finally seemed to be going his way. He had accomplished the first task in the letter, or at least in part. The important thing was that he had gotten someone's help. She might not be a movie star, but she was definitely something special. There was no doubt about that. Andrew still couldn't believe what was happening. He had always had trouble getting a date, and now a beautiful young woman had agreed to go on a cross-country trip with him with less than a day's notice. It blew him away. Though he normally scoffed at the idea of fate and destiny and such, he somehow knew that he had been sent to L.A. to meet Laura. For several hours he mentally revisited the events of the evening in detail, remembering the comfortable way they conversed, the look she gave him when their eyes met, and the warmth of her smile. He looked forward to their upcoming trip together. He finally drifted asleep shortly after three in the morning, only to be awakened by his phone three hours later.

“Uh...hello?" he asked half asleep.

“Andrew? It's Rob. I just wanted to let you know we're leaving. It's nine o'clock here, and we're going to try to be in Nebraska by tomorrow afternoon. How long do you think it will it take you?"

“It's only six here. I haven't thought too much about it yet. I don't know. Who's we?"

“Well, uh, Melanie decided to come, too."

“Melanie? Why is she coming?"

“She's worried about you."

“She can't come, Rob. You've got to talk her out of it. You couldn't survive a day and a half in a car with her anyway."

“Don't you think if there was a way to talk her out of it, I would have done that already? She's coming."

“Okay, well don't kill each other on the way. We'll see you tomorrow."

“What's her name?" asked Rob.

“Laura. She's great. You'll have to meet her."

“Well, since we're all going to be in Nebraska, I don't think that'll be a problem."

“Oh, yeah. Sorry. It's still early."

“Okay, well, see you later, Andrew. Be careful. There's more danger in this than you might realize,” said Rob.

“What do you mean?"

“Nothing. I'll tell you when we get there. Just be careful, okay?"

“Yeah, of course. You too, Rob. Bye."

“Bye."

Rob went to the car and headed over to Melanie's house to pick her up. Andrew rolled over and went back to sleep.

ii

Laura was packed and ready to go at five in the morning. She didn't own much, so she didn't have much to pack. Most of what was in her apartment belonged to her roommate. There was nothing in LA to keep her there, and no one to say goodbye to other than her roommate and her boss. She was anxious to get started. She sat on the edge of the couch and thumbed through some magazines without looking at them, while keeping an eye on the clock.

iii

The phone rang, and Andrew stopped snoring. It rang again, and his eyes opened. It rang a third time and Andrew looked over at the clock. He saw that it was ten after six and cursed the phone.

“Hello?"

“Hi, Andrew? How's it going?"

“Uh, not bad. How are you?"

“Ready to go. Are you all packed up?"

Andrew hesitated before he answered. "Yeah. I'm all ready," he lied.

“You are? Well, if we're both ready, let's get going. I'll be over in about fifteen minutes. I'll meet you out front. Okay?"

“Yeah. That'll be fine. See you then. Bye," he replied.

“Bye."

Andrew hung up the phone. He started to roll over to go back to sleep, but somehow he managed to convince himself to get up instead. He patted Coalie on the head on his way to the shower.

iv

Rob arrived at Melanie's house soon after getting off the phone with Andrew and honked his horn. Melanie came staggering out of the door with two suitcases in her hands. Against his better judgment, Rob got out of the Navigator to give her a hand.

“Thanks, Rob. I've just got three more in the house. I'll be right back."

“Three more?"

“Oh, and a trunk. I can get the suitcases if you get that."

“What? Why do you need that much?"

“I'm a woman aren't I? I might need it. I need to look nice for Andrew. Apparently, I have competition now."

Shaking his head and trying to fight the headache he felt coming on, Rob loaded the suitcases. Having completed this task, he got into the driver's seat and prepared to go.

“Excuse me, uh, Rob?" Melanie said from outside the passenger's door.

“What?"

“Aren't you going to open the door for me?"

“It's not locked."

“I know, but you should always open the door for a lady."

Biting his tongue, Rob simply said, "See the handle? Pull up on it."

“Rob, I demand that you be a gentleman and open this door!”

Rob gave Melanie a look of exasperation, and a victorious smile spread across her lips.  The smile quickly faded as Rob started the Navigator and put it in reverse.  Melanie quickly opened the door and got in.

Trying to keep her composure, Melanie asked, “So . . . you know how to get there?"

“Yeah, I'm just not sure how often the ferry runs."

“What ferry?"

“The one that crosses the Atlantic. How else do you expect to get to Nebraska? You don't get seasick do you?

“Rob. You don't have to cross the Atlantic to get to Nebraska. Are you sure you don't want me to drive?"

Rob rolled his eyes. "I was kidding, Melanie."

“Oh. I know."

“This is going to be a long trip,” thought Rob. He resigned himself to keeping his mouth shut for as much of it as possible.

v

Andrew finished packing up his truck and went to the office to return his key. When he came out, he found Laura waiting for him. Her car was parked next to his truck. He tried his best to appear nonchalant.

“Hey, you. Are you ready?" asked Laura while getting out of her car.

“Sure, but you have to meet Coalie first.  Now don’t worry if she doesn’t warm up to you right away.  She’s pretty suspicious of strangers.  I have friends that she’s known for years that she hasn’t warmed up to yet.”

Andrew opened the truck door and let Coalie meet his new friend.  Laura reached her hand out and Coalie immediately started licking it.  Andrew raised his eyebrows.  “Well, what do you know?  She thinks you’re great.

“Of course she does,” Laura replied. “Don’t you?”

Andrew blushed a little and said, “Um . . . sure.  Uh… are we going to drive separately?"

“Yeah. I don't really feel too comfortable leaving my car alone in LA."

“Well, I don't blame you there. It'll be about a day's drive. We should get there sometime tonight."

“Great. Did you have breakfast yet?" she asked.

“No. You?"

“Nope. You want to eat now, or stop on the way?"

“If it doesn't matter to you, I think I'd rather just get started and get something later," Andrew replied.

“Sounds good. I'll follow you, and when you get hungry, just find an exit."

“Great."

Andrew and Laura got in their vehicles and began their trek. It was about an hour before Andrew began hearing his stomach grumble and decided to stop. He took an off ramp and stopped at a pancake place.

“Couldn't take it anymore, huh?" Laura asked him as she got out of her car.

“Nah. Neither could Coalie," Andrew answered as he put out some dog food for her. “Sorry, Coalie. No restaurant food this time."

“Well, shall we?" Laura asked Andrew.

“Surely we shall," he said, playfully offering his arm to her. She took it and they went into the restaurant.

“What can I get you two this morning?" the waitress asked.

“I'll have two scrambled eggs with wheat toast and a glass of orange juice," Andrew stated.

“I'll have seven scrambled eggs with extra bacon, wheat toast, sausage, a small stack of pancakes, and a glass of orange juice," added Laura.

Andrew's eyebrows raised at Laura, but the waitress didn't blink an eye. “Okay. I'll have your juice right out to you," she said.

“Are you having breakfast, or breakfast, lunch and dinner?" asked Andrew.

“You'll see."

Over breakfast, Andrew and Laura got better acquainted. When it was finally time to leave, Laura had plenty of food left on her plate.

“Can I take this with me?" she asked the waitress.

“Sure hold on a minute. I'll be right back."

“You, know, that's going to be cold. It's not going to be very good later," Andrew told Laura.

“It's not for me. It's for Coalie. You might be too cheap to buy her breakfast, but I'm not," she replied with a sly grin on her face.

“Here you go," said the waitress as she handed Laura the box and placed the bill on the table. Laura quickly grabbed for the bill, but Andrew's hand was faster.

“I've got it. Don't worry about it."

“Andrew, I'll pay. I don't mind,” she argued.

“Just put the food in the box, and we'll get out of here."

Seeing no point in arguing, Laura put the food in the box while Andrew paid the bill. Coalie had not paid much attention to Laura before now, but with the food in her hands, Laura got all the attention.

“Okay dog. See if I buy you another Round Table Burger. Fair-weather friend."

Laura just smiled and said, "It's not personal, Andrew. Bacon is just more attractive."

“I guess," he said with a smile. "You know the way to a dog's heart."

“Can she ride with me?" Laura asked.

“Sure. If you can get her in the car with you."

“I don't think that will be a problem," she said as she led the dog to the passenger side of her car with a bacon strip. They entered their vehicles and were back on the road.

vi

Alan stared down at his mother. He couldn't believe it. Where had she been? How did she get back here? He reached down to feel for a pulse, though he could clearly see her breathing. It was strong and steady. Staring down at her, he didn't notice the other person in the room. It wasn't until the knife came plunging down from the air and straight into Esther's chest that Alan was aware of the other person. By then it was too late. Esther's eyes flew open and blood poured out of her wound. She looked up at Alan and at the other person. Her breathing became shallow and quick. She was trying to say something. Alan was frozen. He couldn't move. He couldn't look up at the other person. His body would only let him look down at his dying mother. He watched the life slowly drain out of her body. He saw her go from shallow breaths to those as of a fish out of water, gasping for any air she could get. Still, her strength waned and she slowly, painfully died. As this realization sank in, Alan found he could move again. His emotion had gone from shock, to joy, to fear, to grief, to anger, and then to hate. He hated this person who had just killed his mother. Slowly he turned his eyes up towards this target of his hate. His eyes slowly climbed up the shirt, to the collar, neck and finally face. Alan suddenly found himself face to face with a madman he knew all too well.

Chapter XXI

A Revelation

Rob cursed as he pulled the Navigator to the side of the road. Rob and Melanie were somewhere in the middle of Iowa. It had been an agonizing trip so far, and Rob was at the end of his rope with Melanie. He had endured hours of her endless chatter. She had just finished telling him about the woman who married her Chihuahua, when the rear passenger's side tire blew out. Rob had two choices. He could call for his complimentary roadside assistance, or he could fix it himself. Knowing that waiting for assistance meant spending more time with Melanie, he chose the latter. He got out of the truck and went to the back where he kept the jack. As he began to take the tire off, he heard a vehicle door open and close.

“No!  No... please..." he thought to himself.

“Anyway, like I was saying, she married her Chihuahua, and the collie got jealous. So..."

Rob stopped what he was doing and got back into the driver's seat of the vehicle. Melanie was quickly back inside the passenger's side and asked, "Is it fixed already? Wow! You're really good!"

Realizing that he was going to have to hear her inside or outside the truck, Rob opted to let someone else do the labor, and he called for roadside assistance. While he was on the phone doing so, he was too busy to notice the car with Illinois plates drive past him and stop about a quarter of a mile down the road.

ii

Andrew and Laura were coming close to reaching their destination. They were a few hours from Denver and had pulled over at a rest area for snacks.

“How is Coalie doing?" asked Andrew.

“She's doing great. She travels well."

“She doesn't seem lonely at all?"

“No. Not at all. Why would she?" asked Laura in a jesting manner.

“Okay, I see how it is. Anyway, if you want to rest this is the place for it. We shouldn't have anymore stops after this one."

“Good, I'm ready to get there. You've got me curious. Let's get this show on the road!”

They took care of their needs, stocked up on soda and snacks, and prepared to drive the last leg of the trip.

“Coalie? Wanna ride with me?" Andrew asked as he opened the truck door. She paused and looked at him for a minute and sat by Laura's car.

“Okay. Crazy dog." Andrew shook his head and got into his truck. Laura got into her car with Coalie, and they were once again on their way.

iii

Rob thanked the serviceman who fixed the flat and got back into his Navigator. Melanie pounced as soon as he got back inside.

“So then she bought a goat..."

He started the vehicle and they were off again. Hoping that if he finished this trip quickly enough, he could arrive in Nebraska with at least some of his sanity, Rob pushed the accelerator down, and zipped back onto the interstate. He was concentrating on ignoring Melanie so much that he failed to notice the car with Illinois plates on the side of the road. He also failed to notice that as he flew by, this car pulled back onto the road.

iv

Alan looked up at this person in front of him and suddenly felt faint. It was inconceivable. There was no way it could be possible. He was looking straight into the eyes of a man who had just killed his mother. He had watched him do it. Witnessing it was not enough to make him believe it. It was just not possible. He wanted to run away as fast as he could, but he could not make himself move. His eyes just fixed themselves on this other person. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't take his eyes off of this murderer. It was just too incredible. Time wasn't even a factor. In all eternity, Alan would never believe what he saw. Although he could never believe it, his mind finally comprehended that he was looking into his own eyes. Realizing this, he collapsed to the floor into a sobbing heap. He spent several minutes crying until he was startled by the sudden touch of a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and standing before him was his father, Merlin.

“Dad?"

“Yes, Alan, it's me."

“But, Dad, you're dead. They buried you."

“Alan, we both know that I'm not dead. Neither is your mother."

“Yes she is. I killed her," was Alan's reply.

“No, son, you didn't kill her. That was just a dream. You know that. You've been fighting sleep for so long that it's really affected you. But, Alan, you must understand that I have instructions for you, and if you don't follow them, then you really will be killing your mother...and me."

“What do I have to do, Dad? Just tell me, I'll do it."

“Listen carefully, Alan. Do you remember all of the dream? Every detail?"

“Yes. I remember."

“You must tell it all to Andrew. He will be here soon. You must tell him everything! Do you understand? Tell him the whole dream."

“I understand. I'll do it. I'll do it as soon as he gets here. Dad, I miss you."

“Alan, this is the only way you can ever see me again. You must tell Andrew about the dream."

“Okay," said Alan as the vision of his father began to fade.

Alan jerked with a sudden start and found himself awake in his living room. He knew that he had fallen asleep, and the dream had come to him again. He also knew what he had to do to stop the dream from coming. He had to tell Andrew about it, but why? He wasn't sure he could trust Andrew. He debated the issue in his mind until his eyes began to get heavy. He knew then that he had to tell Andrew.

Chapter XXII

A Nebraska Rendezvous

Alan rolled over. He reached for the alarm and turned it off. This was the first night in a long time that had been peaceful for him. After the events of the previous day, he was able to sleep again without the torture of that dream. It was the first time that he had slept through the whole dream. Every time before that, he would wake up before Merlin could give him his instruction. It seemed now that he had heard what was needed, the dream was no longer necessary. Refreshing is how Alan would describe his sleep this time. He got out of bed and began his Sunday morning ritual of preparing breakfast for Karen. He put his robe on and started towards the door, when he heard a knock. Hesitantly, he approached and asked, "Who is it?"

“It's Rob. Andrew's brother. Is he here yet?"

“Rob? Oh, yeah. No he's not here yet. Why don't you come back later?"

“I don't think so. You can push my brother around, but I'm not him, and I'm not going anywhere. Open the door."

Melanie's voice could be heard in the background. “Rob, don't you think it's best if we come back later?"

Ignoring her, he said again, "Open the door, before I break it down."

“I'll call the police," was Alan's reply.

“Go ahead. I have no problem with that. While they're here, I can find out what's up with these false charges directed at my brother. It seems to me, that you should be the prime suspect. Andrew wasn't even around when Merlin disappeared. Remember?"

There was a period of silence, and then the sound of a lock being turned. Alan opened the door and let Rob and Melanie in.

ii

Elsewhere in town, a car with Illinois plates pulled into the parking lot of the Little Inn. A man wearing black gloves approached the office. Entering, he asked, "How much for a room?"

“How long will you be staying?" asked the clerk.

“I don't know yet. Long enough," was the reply.

iii

Awakened by the commotion in the kitchen, Karen invited Rob and Melanie to sit down and then prepared breakfast for them. Alan didn't approve, but Karen won anyway. It usually went that way. "So Rob, how is Andrew?" Karen asked.

“Not well, I'm afraid. This whole situation is driving him crazy."

“Well, don't be too hard on Alan. It hasn't been easy for him either, you know."

“He didn't seem to be taking it too hard when he accused Andrew of killing Esther."

“Alan sometimes jumps the gun. He didn't mean any harm by it."

“Personally, I think accusing someone of murder is intention to either harm them or direct suspicion in a different direction." Rob flashed a quick, accusing glance at Alan.

“I didn't do it!" exclaimed Alan.

“Let's put it this way," Rob replied. "If this goes to trial, Andrew's life won't be the only one that's ruined. I'll guarantee you that."

Karen was about to reply when there was another knock at the door.

“Who is it?" she asked.

“It's Andrew."

“I'll be right there," she said as she got up to answer the door.

Karen opened the door, and Andrew and Laura entered the kitchen along with Coalie. As soon as they were in the door, Melanie jumped out of her seat, ran over to Andrew and threw her arms around his neck. She proceeded to place kisses all over his face.

“I'm so glad you're okay! I was so worried. I didn't think I would ever see you again," she said as he tried to pry her arms from his neck.

“I'm okay. Don't worry about it," Andrew replied as Melanie removed her arms and shot a spiteful glance in Laura's direction.

“Who is this, some "companion" you picked up in California?" was Melanie's comment.

“Okay. That's enough," Rob interrupted. "We're here to straighten out this mess. Let's figure out what happened to Esther, so we can all go home."

“Sounds good to me," Alan said. He got up from the table and led the group towards the living room. They all got up to follow him. Melanie had a few words for Laura under her breath, and Rob grabbed Andrew's arm to keep him in the kitchen. No one seemed to notice.

“What's up, Rob?"

“We need to talk. Someone killed Jimmy. I found the body outside your house," Rob whispered in reply.

“What?" exclaimed Andrew as quietly as the situation would allow. "What did the police say?"

“Nothing yet. I dumped the body."

“You what?"

“I had to. If they had found that body there and found out about Esther, you would have been up a creek."

“Well, what are we going to do?"

“Right now, we're going to act natural. Let's get into the living room."

Andrew and Rob went into the living room. To their surprise, no one was saying a word. They looked from face to face. Everyone had the same blank look. The all faced the same direction. They were looking directly towards the coffee table in front of the couch. Rob and Andrew looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders, and looked at the coffee table. They instantly knew what this was all about. Sitting in the middle of the living room, on top of the coffee table was the box.

Andrew spoke first, but it wasn't much help.

“What the..? I left this in Illinois. Did you bring it, Rob?"

“Nope. I haven't seen it since we last tried to open it. Melanie, did you bring it?"

“I have no idea where it came from. I didn't touch it."

“What is it?" asked Alan.

“Is this the box you were talking about?" asked Laura excitedly.

“This is it, but I don't know how it got here," was his reply.

“Well, what do we do now?" asked a puzzled Karen.

“We can't open it can we? We'd be wasting our time trying," answered Laura.

“I think we need to get the box open," Melanie said.

“No. I agree with Laura," Andrew responded.

Melanie looked genuinely hurt. She just stood there and listened as everyone else agreed with Laura.

“We've already tried to open it," said Rob.

“I've never even seen it," Karen interjected.

“We could look for clues about Esther's disappearance,” suggested Laura.

“That sounds good," said Andrew. "Alan, how about you and Karen search the house? Rob, you and Melanie check the immediate area around the house. Look in the barns and sheds too. Laura and I will search the fields for any trace."

“Me? and Melanie?" asked Rob. "What kind of brilliant idea is that?"

Andrew just smiled and ignored the question. "Let's get going,” he said.

Alan debated telling Andrew about his dream. He decided not to. They all dispersed into their respective groups and began searching.

iv

Alan and Karen approached the house. It was the same as it had been for years. Memories flooded back for Alan. He remembered everything that had happened there in his life from his youth to the present. The most prominent memory however, was the dream.

“I'm not going in there,” he told Karen.

“What? Why not? What's wrong with you?"

“Nothing, but I'm not going in there."

“Well, I am. If you want to stay out here, suit yourself. But she is your mother."

This fact and the fact that Karen was going in with or without him caused Alan's reluctant entrance into the house. As they opened the front door, Alan felt as though he were living the dream all over again. They went into the living room hand in hand with Karen half dragging him.

“Wow. It's awfully dusty in here, don't you think, Alan?" Karen asked.

“I don't know. I can't see anything," was his reply.

Karen looked over at her husband and noticed that he had his eyes closed. “Well, open your eyes, silly." She had no idea what was behind Alan's trepidation.

Alan was sick to his stomach with dread, but slowly, he opened his eyes...

v

Rob had just finished a long, exhausting trip with Melanie. The last thing he wanted to do now was spend another hour or two looking for clues with her, even if it was to help his great-grandmother. "Look, Melanie. Why don't we start here and go in opposite directions around the house looking for anything that might give us a clue as to what happened to Esther. Anything could be important, a footprint, piece of paper, torn cloth, anything. And let's hurry. I want to go home," he told her, while planning to cherish the peace he would get from being away from her.

“Well, you know, home is where the heart is," she answered.

Rob stopped in his tracks, and pondered that statement for a moment. Melanie interrupted his thoughts. “Okay, but what am I looking for?" she asked.

“Um...anything that might give us a clue as to what happened to Esther..."

“Oh, okay. I see."

Rob shook his head as he and Melanie slowly began to search for any clues.

vi

Andrew, Laura, and Coalie headed towards the field behind the house. Coalie paused to sniff the air. She seemed to have picked up some type of scent and went off to explore. Meanwhile, Laura surprised Andrew by taking his hand. He glanced down to see her smiling at him.

If one could read the minds of either Andrew or Laura, he might be surprised to find that their primary thoughts were not on finding Esther. Laura was thinking about how incredibly hot it was getting, and Andrew was thinking about how incredibly beautiful Laura was. They reached the field and discussed what they should do.

“Where should we start, Andrew?" asked Laura.

“I don't know. I fell asleep over there where Coalie's nosing around. It looks like she's got that area covered, so why don't we start here and circle around in that direction? We can end there."

“Sounds good to me."

Andrew and Laura began circling the field hand in hand. While they looked, they talked.

“Laura, what was it that made you decide to come help me? I mean why do you trust me?"

“I don't know. I guess it's because you have such an honest face,” she lied.

Andrew stopped and just stared at her for a minute with a goofy grin on his face.

“What?" she asked with a puzzled look on her face.

“Nothing. I just like looking at your face."

“Thanks," she said and blushed.

“No, I mean it," he said. "You have a beautiful smile."

The flattery might have gone on longer, had Laura let it. She did, however, feel a sense of duty to the job at hand.

“Don't you think we'd better look for some clues?"

“Yeah," Andrew said, coming back to reality.

The two began circling the field again. Before they got too far, Andrew stopped.

“What is it? Do you see something?" asked Laura.

“Yes I do," replied Andrew. He bent over, looking at a wildflower growing on the ground. "See this?" he asked, pointing it out to Laura.

“Yeah," she said as she bent over to look at it. "It's beautiful."

“So are you,” responded Andrew as he picked the flower and put it in her hair. "It's amazing that two things, both beautiful, can look so different. Yet God made both. Well, I mean if you believe in God. Either way, you both have the same origin, right?"

Laura hesitated, looked at the ground, and said, "Sure… I mean… yeah. You're right."

She gave Andrew an uneasy smile and he smiled back. Suddenly, there was a loud barking coming from where Coalie had been spending her time. Andrew and Laura both looked over at her, and took off as fast as they could go. As they neared the spot where Andrew had fallen asleep that fateful night, they saw Coalie barking as though something were standing before her.

Still running, Andrew asked, "Do you see anything?"

“No," answered Laura breathlessly.

They continued on until they reached their destination. When they got there, Coalie was no longer looking as though something were in front of her, but towards the ground as though she smelled something that had been there.

“Whoa, it's hot over here," Andrew said.

“It's just from the running," answered Laura. "Is there anything there?"

Andrew squatted to the ground where Coalie had been looking. He looked closely and placed his hand to the ground. Picking it up, he examined what was on the tips of his fingers. He brought it to his nose and sniffed it. Rubbing it between his fingers, he rose and brushed his hands off.

“What was it?" Laura queried.

“Nothing," Andrew answered while stepping towards her.

“Are you sure it was nothing?"

“Yeah. Just some sand."

“Sand?" she asked worriedly. "What kind of sand?"

“What's the big deal? It was just some sand."

“What kind of sand?" she asked again, obviously upset.

“Just some green sand. Now that you mention it, that is kind of strange."

Laura gasped at hearing this news. Closing her eyes, she shivered, and Andrew put his arms around her.

“What's wrong?" he asked.

“Oh, nothing. It's just strange. That's all."

“Yeah, I guess it is,” said Andrew as he rubbed her arms. "Are you all right?"

“Sure. I'm fine,” she said quietly.

Andrew stopped rubbing her arms and looked directly into Laura's deep brown eyes. He took his right hand and placed it on her right cheek. She returned his gaze. Their faces approached each other. Her lips parted slightly, and then so did his. He turned his head to the side, and their lips met. At the same time they both heard a blood-curdling scream come from the house.

Chapter XXIII

A Clue

Coalie was the first one on the scene, followed by Rob and Melanie. Andrew and Laura came running behind. When they arrived they all saw the same thing. Alan was sitting on the bottom step of the back porch to the house. He was huddled up with his legs in his arms and rocking back and forth. His head was in his arms and everyone could tell that he was sobbing. He kept repeating himself. “Not again...not again."

They all stared at him with their eyes wide open and their jaws dropped. Rob spoke first. "What happened?"

“I don't know,” replied Karen. "We had just walked into Esther's bedroom, when he goes, "I can't do it!" and ran screaming out of the house. When I got out here, he was like this."

“Well, I don't have time for this," Rob said, as he grabbed Alan and took him back across the street to his own house. All the others followed.

When they arrived at Alan's house, Rob pushed him toward the couch. He told Karen to make her husband a drink, as well as one for him while she was at it. She obeyed and Alan took his immediately. He downed it and asked for another. After his second, he seemed able to regain some composure. When he did, Karen began the interrogation.

“So what was that all about?" she asked.

“It's a long story,” said Alan. "An old one, too. I don't really think I should tell it, but..." he looked over at Andrew and finished, "I don't have a choice."

Everyone gathered around to hear the story.

ii

Harry was in his kitchen making dinner. He turned off the oven, pulled the casserole out, and placed it on top of the stove. He went into the living room to set up the table beside his chair. Eating in Harry's house was routinely done in his favorite chair in front of the television. Had he not gone into the living room, Harry might have seen the shadowy figure silently move from the kitchen to the dining room.

iii

“It all started a long time ago," began Alan. "I was still a kid. I don't remember a lot about the time. One thing I do remember is that Mom and Dad loved were very happy. They never fought. They were always really affectionate. Other than that, I don't have a lot of specific memories. I just know that one day, I woke up and my dad wasn't there. It was scared and confused, but Mom took care of us. Eventually, the pain passed. As I grew up, I began to forget my father. That's when the dreams started. I had just turned eighteen years old. It was the same night as my birthday party. I went to bed that night, and I dreamt about dad. It was more than a dream really, though. It was so strange. First he started telling me about how he missed Mom and us kids, Evelyn and me. Then he told me that he would be coming back. He said that I had to help him, though. If I didn't, he would die. I asked him what to do and he told me to put a tombstone up on a spot that would be marked by a green stone."

“A green stone?" repeated Karen.

“Yeah," he continued. "He said there was a spot at the cemetery where I would find a green stone. He told me to put a tombstone there for him. He also told me to put a steel box in the ground there as casket for him. I didn't see the point in that, but I figured it was just a dream anyway. I told him I would do it, and he thanked me. Then the most horrible thing happened. He began to grow old, right before my eyes. I saw him age from the man I knew as my father to an old man until the skin fell off his face and all that was left was a pile of bones. The sight was so horrible that I immediately woke up. After waking up, though, I soon forgot about it. But then the next night, it happened again. It happened every time I went to sleep. Finally, I couldn't take it any more, and I went to the cemetery to find the stone. I spent two days looking for it, and I finally found it.

I marked where it was, and a few days later I spent all the money I had placing a tombstone there… the same one that's there today. I also had the steel box that he had requested placed in the ground. To this day, I don't understand what it's all about, but I do know that the day I put that there, I stopped having the dreams. I haven't even been to the grave since. I have no idea what it looks like. Mom went there several times. I don't know why, she never really believed that dad was dead. Maybe she did it for closure. She even took a couple of pictures."

“So what does that have to do with what's going on now?" asked Rob. "Would you quit wasting my time with your stories? I have a life to get back to."

“I'm getting to that,” answered Alan. "Like I said, I stopped having the dreams when I did what Dad asked me to do. That is until recently. I started having new dreams when Mom disappeared. Not always the same dream, but horrible, persistent dreams, nonetheless. I tried to avoid sleep, and it didn't work. I kept falling asleep. Finally, I came to the point where I had to follow the instructions."

“And what were these instructions, Alan?" asked Andrew.

“I was told to describe this dream in detail to you, Andrew."

“That still doesn't explain all the screaming and crying," interjected Rob.

“When I tell you about the dream, you'll understand, Rob. Believe me."

“Whatever. Get on with your story."

“Actually, I'd rather show you. I think once I've shown Andrew what happened in the dream, I'll be finished with this torture."

“Then show me. I'm ready,” replied Andrew.

“We need to go back to Mom's house. That's where the dream took place."

“Let's do it," said Karen, eager to find out what her husband had been hiding all this time. They all stood up and headed outside towards Esther's home.

iv

The gloved hands adjusted the focus on the binoculars and their owner sighed, "Now I've gotta move again. I wish they'd get settled. He got up and changed his position in order to have a better view of the party heading towards Esther's house.

v

“I come up to the front door, and slowly go in. As I do so, I notice the sound of footsteps. I know they’re mine, but is something about the way they sound that makes me think I’m not alone."

The group all entered into the house behind Alan, as he continued recounting his dream.

“Next I notice how dusty everything is," he said while looking around the room. "I also notice those red bound books on the bookshelf, and there's a wind. It sounds like it’s chanting my name. At this point I kind of lose it. I run into the other room."

He directed the others to Merlin's bedroom. No one noticed that Laura had paused to study the room. They left her there alone, and she soon caught up.

“There's a draft when I get into this room. It bothers me, so I go to close the window. It isn’t open. That bothers me too, but I feel driven."

As the group entered the bedroom, Alan said, "The only thing I notice in here are all the books. They're really old. Most of the writing is faded and impossible to read."

“Here. The clues must be in here, Andrew," Melanie said as she attempted to get his approval.

“You might be right, Melanie," he replied. "Alan, is that the end of your dream?"

“No. There's more."

“Let's hear it first, then. We can always come back here."

Everyone agreed with that idea, and Alan led them to Esther's room.

“It's here that the dream gets really weird. I walk into the room, and as soon as I do, I see Mom. She is lying on her back, apparently asleep."

“Are you sure she wasn't dead?" asked Rob.

“Yeah, I'm sure. She looks up at me. I check her pulse. She's breathing. I know she's alive, and then right before my eyes, she’s stabbed to death.

“By who?" asked the group in unison.

“Me," was Alan's solemn reply. "This is where the dream usually ends, but last night it continued. After I faint at seeing myself kill Mom, Dad rouses me. He told me that I didn't really kill her, but if I didn't do what he asked, I would be killing her and him. That was pretty much the end of the dream. Does it make any sense to you, Andrew?"

“Absolutely none. It must have something to do with those books in Merlin's room. Let's go look at them."

The troop went back into Merlin's room and began searching.

vi

The man in the black gloves had repositioned himself just in time to see everyone go into the house. He was frustrated now. He was wondering what they were doing. He was beginning to get impatient but knew he had no choice. He had to wait.

vii

Everyone in the room searched through the books for some kind of clue. Finally, Rob threw down the last book.

“There's nothing here," he said in disgust. "The only thing you can read in these books is the date of the entry."

“I know," agreed Alan. "It's frustrating. Andrew, I was supposed to tell this dream to you. Do you have any ideas?"

There was no answer.

“Andrew?" Alan repeated while looking around. "Hey, where did Andrew go?"

“Yeah, and where's Laura?" asked Melanie.

viii

“What did you drag me out here for?" Andrew asked Laura.

ix

Alan, Karen, Rob, and Melanie were beginning to set up search parties when they heard a loud, joyous shout from the living room. They all ran as fast as they could to see what this was all about. When they got there, Rob spoke first.

“What's going on? What are you yelling about?"

“Laura brought me out here to show me something."

“Well, what's to be so excited about?"

“Don't you see it? I didn't either at first, but look. Look closely at the bookshelf."

Rob strained his eyes. "It looks like a bookshelf to me."

“Yeah," directed Andrew. "But look at the red books."

“Well, they need to be put in order, but other than that... What are you getting at?" Rob asked.

“Look," Andrew explained. "When you look at them all together, they make a star."

Chapter XXIV

A New Path

“I don't see it,” said Melanie.

“Look at it, Melanie. Do something like a connect-the-dots. It's not a complete star, but if you connect the books, it becomes a star with one book in the middle," explained Andrew.

Melanie looked again and said, "Oh, I see it now."

Each person in turn agreed that it did indeed look like a star.

“So what?" asked Karen.

“Yeah, what's the deal with that?" questioned Alan.

“Well, it is a neat pattern, Andrew, but what difference does it make?" quizzed Melanie.

Andrew had totally forgotten that he and Rob were the only two who could read the letter. The only people Andrew had discussed that with were Rob, Will, and Laura.

ii

Harry went back into the kitchen to get a plate of casserole. He had planned on sitting down and watching a baseball game, but as he entered the kitchen he noticed a presence.

“Hey! What are you doing here?"

The only reply that came was that of two bullets entering his body. Harry fell to the floor, dead.

iii

Andrew finished reading the letter to the group and folded it back up.

“That's pretty crazy, Andrew," said Karen.

“Yeah, I guess it is, but it's all crazy. I didn't ask to be put in this situation. It just kind of happened. Forget that, let's get started on these books."

“Sounds good to me. I'm ready to go home,” replied Rob.

“What should we do?" asked Melanie.

“Let's just take them off the shelf and look at them. Maybe the books will tell us how to find the key,” answered Andrew.

They all went over to the bookshelf. Andrew reached for the first book and pulled it off of the shelf. Excitedly, he opened it and began to read.

“What's it say?" asked Laura.

“Nothing. The pages are absolutely blank. There's nothing in it at all."

There was silence until Rob spoke.

“Well... get another one."

Andrew dropped the first book with the burgundy binding to the floor and grabbed for the second one. As he did, Rob took one of the ordinary looking books off the shelf.

“Might as well check all of them,” he said.

Almost as quickly as they had picked up the books, they had dropped them to the floor. They grabbed two more. They found nothing.

“This is a waste of time,” said Melanie.

Rob gave her a look that clearly said, "shut up" and she did so. He and Andrew continued looking through the books. They were about halfway down the shelf when they came to the middle book with the burgundy binding. Andrew reached for it. He grabbed it and tried to pull it off the shelf, but it seemed to be stuck. He tried again. The book wouldn't budge.

“Here, let me try,” said Rob.

He pulled and strained to get the book off the shelf, without success.

“Hey, why don't the rest of you keep looking the other books over while Andrew and I work on this," Rob said.

The others grabbed handfuls of books off the shelves and thumbed through them one by one.

“There's nothing in these," offered Alan.

Andrew and Rob both pulled on the book. Neither one could budge it on his own nor could they move it together.

“Rob do you notice that indentation? What's up with that?"

“I don't know, Andrew. Let's get the stupid thing off the shelf first, and then we can worry about that.

They spent the next fifteen minutes trying to get the book out, but to no avail. They tried pulling the bookcase away from the wall and tipping it over, but it wouldn't come away from the wall. Exhausted, they finally sat down on the floor. Incredibly, they both looked at the same thing at the same time.

“Rob do you see the cover on that book?"

“Yeah. It's the same as that one. Look. They're all the same."

All the burgundy bound books had the same cover on them. Andrew and Rob looked at each other.

“Where's it at?" Rob asked Andrew.

“In the truck. I'll be right back.

While Andrew went to his truck, Rob took a closer look at the indentation in the book on the shelf. It wasn't deep, but it was circular and wide. He scratched his head. He knew what it was for, but what good would it do? He wasn't sure, but the sooner he found out the better. He was tired and wanted to go home. Andrew soon returned with the object that he and Rob both knew was the item of the moment. Andrew picked one of the burgundy books up from the floor and compared the cover to the item he had in his hand. They were a perfect match. He looked over at Rob.

“You want to do it?"

“I really don't care, as long as it gets done."

“Okay, here," Andrew said as he handed Rob the medallion.

Rob took the medallion from Andrew, and walked over to the shelf. He reached into the indentation in the book, and steadied his hand. He took the medallion and carefully placed it in the book's cover. It didn't fit.

“What?" he exclaimed.

“What, what?" Andrew asked.

“It doesn't fit."

“What do you mean it doesn't fit?"

All the others looked on as Andrew and Rob worked on getting the medallion into the book. They tried twisting it, turning it, rotating it, and flipping it over. Nothing seemed to work. After minutes of watching this, Melanie spoke up. "Here. Let me see it."

She took it from Rob's hands. He and Andrew looked on as Melanie took the medallion and placed it up to the book cover. With a little twist she had it locked into place and everyone heard a loud "click".

“Hey, how'd you..." Rob said.

“What the…?" Andrew said.

“It was nothing,” she said with a sly grin.

“What was that noise when the medallion went in?" asked Alan.

“I don't know,” replied Andrew.

“Let's check it out," Karen said.

They all crowded around the book and examined it. Rob reached on top of it, and tried pulling as he had before when trying to pull it over. This time it moved. He pulled again, and it moved further. It began moving away from the wall on the right side. He tried pulling on the left side. Nothing happened. Continuing to pull on the right side, Rob got the shelves to come far enough away from the wall for a small child to get through. He continued pulling. Finally, he opened it far enough that anyone in the room could get through it.

iv

The man with the black gloves continued to survey Esther's house. He had been watching for some time, and had seen nothing. Suddenly, his cell phone rang.

“Hello," he said in a whisper.

“Hey, did you find out anything?"

“No, not yet. They're in the old house where the lady disappeared. They've been in there for awhile, but I'm watching like you said."

“Are they all in the old house?"

“Yeah."

“Then maybe now would be a good time to search the other house., don't you think?"

“Oh, yeah. I guess I could. Good idea."

“Shut up and get to it."

“Okay. I'll contact you later."

“No. I will contact you later. You just be ready."

“All right. I got it. I'll go check out the house now. Bye."

The man left and headed for Alan's house. The man who had called him hung up Harry's phone and sat down to finish his casserole. He looked down at the floor where Harry's body was laying, and said, "This is good stuff. You'll have to give me the recipe. Heh..."

v

“Well, aren't you going to go?" Rob asked Andrew.

“Go where? I'm not going in there."

“This was your dream, man. There's no reason for me to go in there," replied Rob.

“Maybe, but I didn't ask for it. Who knows what's in there?"

“Oh for crying out loud," said Karen. "I'll go."

Andrew was scared, but he wasn't going to let Karen go. He spoke up. "No... I'll go. Rob's right, it was my dream. I'm the one who's supposed to go in there. This'll never be resolved if I don't."

“I'll go with you, Andrew,” said Laura.

“Uh, me too," piped up Melanie.

“No. I don't know what's in there, and if one of us has to die, than it's better if it's just one of us. If I don't come out in ten minutes or so, then close the shelves. I don't want anything getting out.

“Oh for crying out loud. Either shut up and go, or I'm going to go," said Karen.

“I'm going. I'm going,” answered Andrew.

He slowly entered the hallway.

“Wait!" cried Alan. "Let me go over to my house and get a flashlight. You won't be able to see anything that way."

Andrew quickly stepped out, only too glad to have an excuse to do so. “Good idea," he said.

“Be right back," said Alan as he ran out of the house.

The group waited about fifteen minutes, before Karen said, "Where is he? It's on the refrigerator in the kitchen. Can't he find it?"

“Oh, I found it," he said from behind them. They all spun around to see Alan in a shocking state. His hair was a mess. His shirt was torn, and he was bleeding from the shoulder. They also noticed blood on the flashlight.

“Ahh! What happened?" screamed Karen, as she ran to Alan's side.

“I don't know. When I went into the house, I grabbed the flashlight and was headed out the door. I heard a noise in the living room and went back in to see what it was. When I got in there, I found some guy over by the box, trying to lift it. I asked him what he was doing, and he wheeled around. I must have startled him. He pulled out a gun and when I saw it I swung with the flashlight. The gun went off and hit me in the shoulder. I brought the flashlight down on his arm and he dropped the gun. He grabbed at my shirt where he had shot me and tried to pull me down. He ripped my shirt, and I swung at him again. I hit him in the head pretty hard, because he started bleeding. He still had a hold on my shirt, and as he fell backwards from my blow, he pulled me to the ground with him. Once we were on the ground, he stopped moving. I looked over at him and he was unconscious. I think I killed him."

Everyone gasped and Karen spoke. “We need to call the police, and get you to a hospital."

“You know I hate hospitals. I'm not going to a hospital,” answered Alan with a grimace.

“Oh yes you are," she answered him. The argument ended there.

“Let's go over to the house and call the police," said Melanie.

“What about the cave?" asked Rob.

“Can't you see Alan's hurt?" replied Melanie.

“Yeah, but he got hurt over that stupid box. We need to get that situation resolved so no one else gets hurt."

“He's right,” said Alan. "Karen and I can go over to the house and deal with this situation. Andrew, you go ahead and take the flashlight. Find out what happened to my parents, please."

“I'll try," said Andrew. "Take care of yourself."

“Well, I'm going with Alan. Andrew, why don't you let Rob find out what's in there, and come with us?" asked Melanie.

“Melanie, you don't get it do you? This is about me. It's all about me. I'm the one who has to do this. I'm the one who has to open the box. People are going to keep getting hurt until I do that. You go with Alan and Karen. I'm going to find out what's in this cave, even if it kills me."

Melanie didn't like this answer, but she didn't say anything. She just lowered her head and followed Karen and Alan out the door. Coalie, Laura, Rob and Andrew remained. Rob spoke.

“Andrew, I'll be right back. I've got a hunch. I want to see this person that Alan hit. I've just got a feeling about it."

“Okay. I'll see you in a little while. Be careful, Rob."

“You too, Andrew."

Rob left. Laura looked at Andrew and said, “Do you want me to come with you?"

“No. I don't want you to get hurt."

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I'm sure."

“Okay, be careful."

“You know I will."

Andrew gave Laura a kiss on the cheek and Coalie a pat on the head. "See you two in a few."

Turning on the flashlight, Andrew entered the cave. It was dark and moist. The air was heavy, and it smelled old. The floor was uneven, almost like a natural cavern would be. Andrew had only gone about ten feet when he came to a turn. He slowly and cautiously took it. He kept the light on the floor to be sure that there were no sudden drops. After this first corner, he had apparently come to dead end. Slowly, he raised the flashlight from the floor to the wall.

There, set in the wall, was the most elaborate sword that Andrew had ever seen. He knew it was there for him, and he reached out to take it from the wall. It was relatively easy to remove. He swung it a couple of times, trying it out. It felt great in his hands. It was almost as if it was made for him. Suddenly, he felt something drop on his shoulder. Startled, he jumped, sending the sword several feet out of his reach. Slowly, he turned the flashlight to his shoulder. He looked over, and inches from his face were the jaws of a spider the size of a large raccoon. He could see everything in detail, clearly making out the jaws of the beast. He could see poisonous venom dripping from the spider’s mouth onto the collar of his shirt. In one quick motion, he flung the monster from his shoulder, and prepared to flee. Unfortunately, he had thrown the creature directly into the only route of escape. Andrew was trapped.

Finding his voice for the first time since the incident occurred, he yelled. He was scared. He had never been so terrified in his life. He knew this was the end. No longer, did he care about the box, or what was in it, or meeting an actress, or writing a book. Nothing mattered now that he was going to die. He shined the light on the spider. It paced back and forth a couple of times, apparently considering its options and planning its attack. Finally, it seemed satisfied and prepared to pounce. Making a couple of lunging motions first, it jumped. For what seemed like an eternity, Andrew watched the spider fly through the air. As it neared him, there was a sudden noise. It sounded like the screaming of an animal in pain.

Faster than Andrew had ever known her to go, Coalie had leapt up behind the spider and pulled it out of the air. She was now on the ground fighting with it. Andrew knew that she had no defense against the poison this monster had in its body. He ran past where the two were doing battle and called her back. Coalie, hearing Andrew's voice, obeyed coming away from the creature. Quickly getting to its feet, the spider planned another attack, this time against both Andrew and Coalie. Andrew told Coalie to sit, and she did. He told her to stay and knew she would. The spider lunged several times as before, and then jumped straight for Andrew again. In a flash, Andrew sliced through the air with his newfound weapon, and the spider lay on the floor in a messy heap. The end of the battle had come. Andrew knelt down by Coalie. He gave her a hug and thanked her. He stood up, and with sword in hand he headed towards the exit. Coalie sniffed at the dead spider and then followed Andrew.

Laura was waiting for them at the entrance to the cave. Andrew came out with the sword over his shoulder and Coalie behind him.

“Are you all right?" Laura asked. "I was standing here waiting for you when Coalie suddenly took off inside. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn't stay."

“Well, I'm glad for that. She saved my life. You didn't hear me yell? I've never yelled so loud in my entire life."

“I didn't hear you yell. I'm sorry. What happened?"

“Well, I found what I was looking for, but I had to fight for it. Fortunately, I had a little help," Andrew said as he looked down at Coalie.

As Andrew finished this statement, Rob entered the room. "How did that hunch pan out?" Andrew asked him.

“Well," answered Rob in a grave voice, "Alan killed him."

“Did you know him?'

“No. He had a card on him, though. His name was Mike Dawson. He was with the FBI.”

Chapter XXV

One Thing Leads To Another

Andrew's mouth fell open at the news.

“What's the matter?" asked Rob.

“He's the guy who came to my house just before I went to California."

“What guy?"

“Remember when I rushed you out of the house just before I decided to go? I did that because he was at the front door. He said he wanted to talk to me alone. That's why I sent you out the back."

“What did he want?"

“He wanted to know what I knew about Dan's death."

“What did you tell him?"

“Nothing. I don't know anything. I mean I knew he was dead, but I didn't know how or anything."

“Did you tell him that you knew?"

“No. I'm not that stupid. Anyway, he said he might need to question me later. I told him I was leaving town, and he said it was okay. This is the first I've seen or heard of him since then."

“Okay. Well, you don't have to worry about him asking you any more questions."

“I guess not," Andrew replied. "What's going on over there, anyway?"

“Not much. The police are there, and they called an ambulance for Mr. FBI. It was too late for him, though. They took the body away, and they're finishing up with questioning Alan, now. I believe Officer O'Brien is doing the questioning, if you care to speak with him again."

“Well, actually, I'd rather not."

“I didn't figure you did. He's already seen your truck, so it would probably be best if you went to talk to him anyway. After all that's happened, he's the least of your worries."

“That's for sure."

The trio headed for the door, and Andrew quickly told Rob about the episode in the cave.

“Well, let me see the sword,” said Rob.

Andrew passed the sword to him, and Rob examined it.

“It's pretty nice. How does it swing?"

“It's great. It seemed to come naturally to me. Although, it could be reflexes. That spider came pretty fast."

“I'll bet. So what are these carvings here in the handle?"

“What carvings? I didn't see any carvings."

“Right here," Rob said as he pointed them out.

“Oh. I don't know. Let me look at it. It looks like a leaf to me. What do you think, Laura?"

Laura looked at the handle, and made her guess. "It looks like a leaf to me, too. Wonder what that's supposed to mean?"

“I don't know,” said Andrew as they reached the front door of Alan's house.

ii

“Okay, Alan, I guess that's about it. Get some rest. I'll keep you updated on the case involving your mother. I think we're about to break this thing wide open." Officer O'Brien had just finished making this statement to Alan, as the front door opened, and Andrew, Rob, and Laura entered. Mr. O'Brien turned his attention to Andrew.

“Ahh... Mr. Tapani. Long time, no see. How's the head?"

Andrew reached back to the spot where he had hit the last time he was in Nebraska. "It's all right. Thanks for asking," he replied.

“No problem. Now, if you have a minute, I'd like to ask you a few questions."

“He doesn't have a minute. If you have any questions for my brother, then you can direct them through me, and I don't have a minute either. You can go now."

“And just who the hell do you think you are?" responded O'Brien.

“I'm Robert Tapani, attorney at law," Rob answered, as he presented the officer with his card.

“So what? This isn't crap to me."

“Well, you're not crap to me, so I guess we're at a stalemate. Why don't you save face for yourself and the county by not pushing your luck today? I'm a lawyer, and I know my job very well."

The officer looked from Andrew, and the little smirk he had on his face, to Rob and the seriousness on his face. He thought it would be better to try his chances later. On his way out, he noticed the sword in Andrew's hand.

“That's an interesting weapon you have in your possession, Mr. Tapani." The officer looked over at his deputy and nodded for him to cuff Andrew.

“Excuse me?" interrupted Rob. "What's the charge?"

“Possession of a weapon."

“Duh… is it an illegal weapon?"

“Well, no."

“Is it concealed?"

“No."

“Then my suggestion to you is that you take your deputy and yourself out that door, before you're the laughing stock of the state of Nebraska."

Officer O'Brien nodded to his deputy again, and they both left, sulking as they went.

“Rob, that was great. You have to come with me every time I come to Nebraska," Andrew said.

“No thanks," replied Rob.

Melanie, Alan, and Karen, now curious about the sword, came over to look at it.

“Is this what was in the cave?" Melanie asked.

“No," said Rob. "He bought this at the five and dime. The only thing in the cave was a spider."

“Shut up," she replied. "Who asked you anyway?"

“Yeah, this was in the cave along with a huge spider,” said Andrew.

“Can I see that?" requested Alan.

“Yeah, sure," said Andrew, as he handed the sword to Alan.

“This design in the handle, I've seen it before. I can't remember where, though."

“Think! You've got to remember. It could be the next step in this scavenger hunt,” said Melanie.

“I'm trying. Wait! I've got it. It's on Dad's tombstone."

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get going,” proposed Karen.

“Let me get some shovels out of the shed. Just in case, you know," Alan replied.

“Ewww!” Melanie shuddered.

The group wasted no time in vacating the house. Andrew hopped in his truck, followed by Coalie. Melanie situated herself on the other side, not allowing room for another passenger. Laura, Rob, Alan and Karen piled into Rob's Navigator, and the two vehicles headed for the cemetery.

iii

“Do you love her?"

“Huh?" Andrew asked in surprise.

“Do you love her?"

“You mean Laura? I don't know. Look, Melanie, I'm not trying to hurt you."

“I know, but are we through?"

“I don't know." Andrew knew that he was getting backed into a corner he didn't want to be in. He tried to get out of it.

“How was the trip with Rob?" he asked, trying to lighten the subject.

“Hell! Andrew, are we through?"

“Melanie, I don't know what you want me to say. Is there a good answer?"

“Andrew, you know I love you. I've told you over and over again. I thought you loved me too. The only right answer is the truth. Do you love me?"

Andrew winced at the question that he knew was coming. He always thought he could marry Melanie, but since meeting Laura, he knew he couldn't. He had no idea what to do next. He had no idea what to tell her.

“Yes, of course I do. I love you."

Melanie seemed taken aback at this answer. She cheered up, and asked, "So you're not really interested in her?

Andrew was so scared now that he just kept digging himself into a deeper hole.

“No, I mean I don't know. Don't worry about it."

Melanie sat back in the seat and smiled. She was now more determined than ever.

iv

Though the ride to the cemetery seemed like an eternity to Andrew, the party soon arrived at their destination. Andrew took the sword from the back of his truck.

"It's under that walnut tree over there," said Alan. "I remember it like it was yesterday." He led the way to the tombstone and pointed to the back of it. “There. See it? It has leaves all over the back of it. Dad gave me specific instructions to have it done that way. I don't know why. Wow! It's strange. Nothing's changed. It looks exactly the same as when I had it put up."

“Well, let's get started. We're not accomplishing anything by staring at it." Rob said.

Andrew and Rob went back to the Navigator to get the shovels and wasted no time in beginning the task. Except for the sound of shovels digging and men grunting, silence reigned. Finally, Rob thrust his shovel into the dirt and hit something other than earth. Everyone heard the thud and gathered around to see what could be seen. Andrew and Rob continued digging the object out of the ground. Eventually, a metal box the size of an average casket came into view. The brothers both put down their shovels and entered the hole. Brushing away the dirt, Andrew said, "Interesting..."

The group peered down into the hole and inspected the top of the box.

"Now, that wasn't there before,” said Alan in reference to the picture that was engraved in the top of the box.

“Well that's interesting, wouldn't you say, Andrew?" asked Rob.

“Well, I'm kind of getting used to seeing my face, but I'd rather it not be on a coffin."

On top of the metal box was the engraving of a man, lying on his back with his arms folded across his chest. In his hands was a sword, and the face on the man was Andrew's.

“Let's get it open," said Melanie.

"Indeed," said Karen, "let's do this."

Andrew and Rob reached under the rim of the box, and lifted. Slowly, and steadily, the lid began to come open. It was rusted, and very difficult to move, but still it came. After much pulling and grunting, the lid was open. The box was empty. There was nothing in it, not even cobwebs.

“Wow. It had a good seal on it," said Andrew. "Now what?"

“Beats me," said Laura.

“I have no idea,” answered Melanie.

“We could all go home,” said Rob. "It looks like a dead end to me."

“It's all a hoax, a joke. We wasted our time."

Karen scratched her head and said, "I have an idea. Maybe if someone got in the box. That might do it."

“Well, I'm not getting in there," said Andrew.

No one else was willing, either. Finally, Andrew gave in and decided to do it. "I didn't go through all this just to leave. I might as well try it."

He was scared, but did not want to admit it to the others. Besides, he had come a long way. People had died, and more lives were at stake. He slowly entered the box. Lying down as identically to the engraving as he could, Andrew closed his eyes and said, "Okay, close it."

Rob slowly closed the lid. The group heard a small click, and from inside the box, they heard Andrew say, "What the…?" Then all was silence.

“Open the box! Open the box!" Melanie screamed.

The others just stood there looking at the box and fearing the worst. Before Melanie had even reacted, Rob had begun to try to open the lid. Straining to get it open, he couldn't budge it. Alan jumped into the hole, and together, they began to pry open the coffin. It opened slowly again revealing its interior. There was a sudden gasp from Laura as the group peered inside. The box was empty.

Chapter XXVI

Accusations

Tom O'Brien was tired. He had been sheriff in Halsey, Nebraska for seventeen years. It was a small town without much action. Tom wasn't tired from that. It was this new investigation into the disappearance of Esther Vincent that was driving him up the wall. He couldn't figure out why there was no body. There had to be a body. Without a body, there was essentially, no case. Yet there was a case. She had vanished. She was gone. Tom hated things like this. His passion was investigating. He loved that, but how do you investigate something if there's nothing to investigate?

As if that wasn't enough, now he had a Federal Bureau of Investigation's agent killed in his town. They weren't going to like that. He believed Alan's story of self-defense, but the government would probably see it differently. Tom still had to contact them. He picked up the phone and told his secretary to contact the FBI. As she was doing so, there was a noise in the bag that contained Mike Dawson's personal effects. It was the cellular phone. Tom scratched his head and thought, "Oh, why not?" He pulled the phone out of the bag, and answered it.

“Hello?"

“Roger? Did you find anything in the house?" came the answer.

Tom quickly debated as to whether he should tell the caller that he had the wrong number. This was Mike Dawson's phone. His curiosity got the better of him, though, and he played along with the caller.

“Not yet," he said.

“What about the box? Did they bring that with them? Did you find it?"

“No."

“What do you mean no? Do I have to come out there and do this myself? C'mon, man, show some competence. I went to a lot of expense to pass you off as an FBI man. I expect some return on my investment. Find something."

“Okay, I'll work on it. I'll call you back if I find something. What's the number again?"

“You don't get it, do you? I call you. You don't call me. That's how it works. I'll call back later."

Tom was about to reply, but the connection was broken. The other person had hung up.

Scratching his head, Tom began to get excited. Finally, it sounded like he could begin some investigating. "So. FBI, eh? Well, we'll have to look into that," Tom thought.

“Sir, I've got the FBI on line two," came his secretary's voice over the intercom.

“Oh, well, uh, forget it, Denise. I don't need them now. What I do need, though is a fresh pot of coffee. I'm going to be busy for awhile."

Tom hung up the phone after getting an affirmative from Denise. He next picked up the phone and made a call downstairs.

“Scott? That new body we've got? Print it for me. I want to do a double check on who he might be. Fax the results to Omaha. I need to know asap. Hey, prepare a phone trace for me, too."

Tom hung up the phone again, and looked over at the cell phone he had just been on. "Come on, friend, call me again."

ii

Harry's murderer got up from the chair, and thought to himself, "That dimwit. He's never going to get anywhere. I don't even know why I used him. If you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself."

With that thought, he picked up the phone again.

iii

Tom was pondering the new turn of events when the cellular phone rang again.

"Hello?"

"Roger? Listen. Just get out of the house. I'm coming up. I don't know why I ever hired you anyway. Just get out of the house. Go home. I know where you live. I'll see that you get your money. Got it? Now get out of there, before they come back and you get caught."

Thinking quickly, Tom made an effort to keep the stranger on the phone.

“No, I don't got it. How do I know you're going to pay me?"

“What? This is not the time to discuss this."

“We either discuss it now, or I sit here until they come back. I'll spill the beans. I've got nothing to lose. That's why you hired me in the first place."

“Okay. Stay in Nebraska. Just get out of the house. I'll pay you when I get there. Good enough?"

“No," Tom said, trying to keep the line open. "How do I know you'll find me?"

“Look, Roger. I'm telling you for the last time to get your butt out of the house, or you'll get the same payment that Harry did."

Over the intercom Denise announced, “Scott on line one.”

“What on earth?" asked the stranger. "Who's there with you?"

Tom slapped his forehead with the heel of his hand, thinking, “Why now? Why me?”

“Who was that? Who’s there with you?”

“No one. That was the television," he replied, but it was too late. The line was dead.

Angrily punching line one, he asked, “Did you get it? Where is he?”

“Well, Tom, we can’t exactly do a cellular trace from here. We don’t have the equipment.”

“What? What do you mean we can't do it? Why didn’t you tell me before now?”

“You didn’t exactly give me a chance. You hung up on me.”

“You could have called."

“Uh, I just did.”

“Well you sure took your time about it. Now get up here and trace this phone for me. I want to know who it belongs to, where they’ve called in the past seven years, how old they are, and what they had for breakfast this morning, and I want to know yesterday, got it?”

“Yes sir.”

Scott made his way upstairs, picked up the phone off of Tom’s desk, and dialed 611. He explained to the operator who he was and what he needed. After a four-minute hold, the operator came back to the line and said the call came from area code (617) 555-4612. He then asked where the call originated. Thanking the operator, he hung up the phone.

“Well, what did you find out?” Tom asked.

“The call originated in Illinois.”

“That’s interesting… Andrew’s from Illinois, isn’t he…”

iv

“Where's he at? Where is he?" screamed Melanie. "Andrew! Andrew!" she yelled while looking around. "He's got to be around somewhere,” she said to no one.

The others looked on solemnly at her hysterics. They knew Andrew was gone. There was nothing they could do. He was gone. There was silent agreement that Andrew had suffered the same fate as Merlin and Esther. They all knew that there was no point in searching. There was nothing to find. He was gone without a trace just like the other two.

“What now?" Alan quietly asked Rob, who was standing next to him.

“Nothing, I guess. What can we do?" was his somber reply.

Karen and Laura just stared at the empty box. Karen's shoulders began to shake, and Alan noticed that she was crying. He went over and put his arms around her.

“Why?" she asked. "Why is this happening? What's going on? Who's going to be next?"

Melanie looked over at Laura. "It's your fault! It's all your fault. If he hadn't met you, we'd all be in Illinois right now."

Laura looked up from the box in response to Melanie's accusations, and then returned her gaze back to the empty box.

“Melanie. You know that's not true. Leave Laura alone. No one forced Andrew to get in the box. It was his decision, and now he's gone. At least he made the choice," Rob said.

“He didn't have a choice. I know that from the dreams. Whatever this thing is, it gets a hold on you and doesn't let go. There is no choice, but to do what you're told," Alan replied.

“Who told him to get in the box, huh?" Melanie screamed as tears streaked down her face.

“We need to get out of here. Maybe we can find a clue in the secret room, or if we study the box some more, we might find a clue," Rob suggested.

“You're right," Alan said. "Let's go."

v

Tom had been thinking. Andrew wasn't in Illinois, so he couldn't have placed the call. Whoever he was working with could have, though. He called downstairs again. "Scott. I'm sending down a cellular phone. I need you to work on finding out who has the contract on it. I'll send it down with Denise."

“We'll just see if we can find out who's in on this with you, Andrew," he thought to himself.

vi

The group returned from the cemetery and headed into the living room where the box was. Rob was intent on finding some way to open it. Melanie was still crying. Karen was trying to comfort her.

“Maybe we can use the medallion to open this damned thing. It seems to have a reaction with it. We just need to find out how it works," said Rob.

“I think it's still in the other house," Alan answered.

“Oh, yeah. I'll go get it. I'll be right back," Rob replied as he stood up and headed for the door.

“No," said Alan. "From now on, we all stay together. None of us goes anywhere alone. Got it?"

“Yeah. Good idea. Let's go."

Rob waited for Melanie, Karen, Alan and Laura to stand up. It was at this point in time that he noticed Laura was not there. "Hey, where's Laura?" he asked.

The others looked around the room. Karen checked the bathroom. She was nowhere in the house.

Melanie looked out the window. "Her car's not out there," she said. The others looked at each other.

“Do you think she went back to the cemetery?" asked Karen.

“Probably. She probably made Andrew disappear. She's behind the whole thing. She was jealous of our relationship. I know she was. Andrew told me he loved me, and then she killed him. Now she's made her getaway. I bet she went back to California. She's probably like the Black Widow Woman. She makes men fall for her and then kills them..."

Melanie would have gone on longer if Rob had not interrupted her.

“Well, let's go back and see if she's at the cemetery. It won't take long," he said.

The group agreed to this and left together.

vii

Laura had been thinking to herself on the ride home when she had an idea. While the others went into the house, she quietly slipped into her car and drove back to the cemetery. That is what brought her to the point where she was now. The car was parked, and she was slowly walking towards the grave. As she approached, she could see that the lid was still open. She walked up to the open box, and slowly got in. Reaching up and grabbing the corner of the lid, she slowly closed it until she had to pull her hand inside. The lid fell the rest of the way shut, and as before, there was a click. Laura was enveloped in complete darkness. Suddenly, from nowhere came a yellowish colored light. It seemed to come from the bottom of the box, and it got very bright. It became so bright that Laura had to close her eyes. Suddenly everything went black as Laura passed out.

Chapter XXVII

A Whole New World

Andrew was walking. He had no idea where he was. Awakening in a wet, muddy pile, he had gotten up and cleaned himself off as best he could.

He found himself in what appeared to be a deep cavern with a very high ceiling. There were strange trees, roots, and many, many strange sounds. He had seen nothing other than bizarre plant life so far, and was hoping to keep it that way. Many of the sounds struck him as being unfriendly. He had no idea what he was doing, or where he was, but he was quite satisfied, at the moment, to be alive.

Oddly enough, in spite of having a ceiling, the cavern was very well lit. As he was walking, he suddenly heard a loud chirping noise from his right. He felt another presence next to him, and he froze. The last thing he wanted was to run into whatever made that noise, but he was afraid it was too late. Very slowly looking over to his right, Andrew finally saw that some type of bird was observing him. It was a very strange looking bird with green and orange feathers. It stood about five feet tall, and had incredible talons. Its beak was red. Somehow, Andrew had the feeling that was not its natural color. He and the bird were directly facing each other now, and it let out a loud squawk. It was so loud it hurt Andrew's ears. More of a concern to him now was whether or not the bird had had dinner already. The bird squawked again, and from nowhere came three more birds like the first. The only difference between the three new birds and the original was size. The three birds stood between two and three feet high. Guessing that the larger bird was the parent, and the three smaller ones were the young, Andrew began thinking he was dinner. He slowly raised his sword, just in case. His plan was to slowly back away, and hope they didn't follow.

As he began backing away, the birds followed. Every step he retreated was countered by their taking a step forward. They also began to spread out. The largest bird stayed in front of Andrew, but the other three began to circle him, preventing his retreat. Knowing that animals can sense fear, Andrew figured these birds must know he's on the verge of heart attack. He was really wishing now, that he had put Coalie in the box with him.

Suddenly, like a general giving the "charge" command, the first bird let out a loud squawk, and the other birds, on cue, attacked.

ii

Melanie, Rob, Alan and Karen found Laura's car at the cemetery, and went to the grave. When they reached it, they knew what had happened.

“Open it!" Melanie shouted. "Maybe she's dead."

Rob gave her an ugly look, as he and Alan opened the box. Again, it was empty.

“She set us up. She didn't get in there. She had her partner waiting for her here. She turned back around, came up here, and closed the lid. That way it looks like she disappeared like Andrew. Then she went back down to her car and met her partner. They left for California together. She's gone, and Andrew's dead. I told you it was all her fault," Melanie said.

“You know, Melanie? I've heard enough. Just shut up,” answered Rob, obviously tired of her. "Alan, I think I'm going to get a room for the night. There's nothing I can do. I don't know where anyone is, and I don't know how to get the box open. I'll come over in the morning, and we can try to work on the box. We can check out the secret room while we're at it, but if nothing works out, I'm going home. If I have to come back out here, I can always fly. I just can't do this anymore. If there's any way to find Andrew, I will do it, but being here isn't going to help. Melanie, you can find your own way home. You can forget riding home with me."

“Uhh. What's that mean? What's your problem? Why are you so mad? He loved me. Not you. I'm the one who should be mad. I'm the one who loved him. He was going to marry me."

“Well, then, I guess he's better off where he is," was Rob's reply.

The group returned to their vehicles, and went back to the house. Coalie's loud barking was the first thing they heard when they got there.

iii

Roger's employer had gotten on a plane as soon as he had finished his last call. That plane was now arriving in Nebraska, where he took a car. "He doesn't need it anymore, anyway." thought the man, after putting two holes in the car owner's back. He got in, and headed towards Halsey.

iv

Tom was sitting at his desk when the phone started ringing. He answered it.

“Yeah?"

“Yeah, Tom. This is Scott downstairs."

“What have you got for me?"

“Well, we got the prints back on that John Doe. His name was Roger Collins. He had a wrap sheet as long as my arm. He was definitely not an agent of our FBI. They wouldn't have him. He just got out of prison about three months ago."

“Any leads on friends or anything?"

“Nah. Pretty much a loner. Seems no one liked him."

“I see. Okay. What about the phone? Did you get a trace on the owner?”

“Well, that's kind of strange."

“Why's that?"

“Well, the phone was under contract to a man named Dan Thompson."

“What's strange about that?"

“He's dead."

“Dead?"

“That's what they told me. He used to be a chemist for the government, but that's over now. That's not all though."

“What else?"

“One of the last people to visit Dan before he died was Andrew Tapani."

v

Laura was just waking up. Her first conscious thought was that she was sitting in a pile of what she hoped was mud. She slowly got up out of the muck and tried to clean herself off. "Yuck," she said to herself. Then she realized that she was alive. A smile came to her lips as she also realized that meant Andrew was probably alive. She wiped herself off as best she could and took off to see if she could find him. As she walked, she noticed many features of this new place. One thing she noticed in particular was the landscape. It was very hilly, and there seemed to be groves of odd-looking trees.

There were several varieties of trees in the area. Many of them seemed to have blue or red leaves, but they were very short. Some of them could be no more than two or three feet high, while one particular species of tree attracted immediate attention. These trees were several hundreds of feet high. Where most people would expect to see branches, however, there were gigantic leaves. They must have been ten to fifteen feet in length and their width would have neared five to seven feet. They also seemed to be very thick.

To her left seemed to be a large lake. It was a large lake, full of orange water. She considered using it to clean herself, but decided that might not be the smartest thing.

She also noticed that she seemed to be underground. She couldn't determine a source of light; yet, the cavern seemed to be lit almost as by the sun. It was bright.

The sounds that seemed to come from everywhere were also new to her. She had not heard them before. They seemed to emanate from areas where animals could hide, such as the tree groves, or behind the hills. While she was noticing all these strange and unfamiliar surroundings, she heard one sound that was music to her ears.

“Ah! Get off me!"

vi

Rob and Alan ran to the house to see what the commotion was about. When they got there, they found Timothy Wilson knocking at the door.

“Tim, what are you doing here?" asked Alan.

“Looking for you, Alan. I heard about what happened here this afternoon. You can't keep news like that quiet for long."

Alan went up to Tim and the two men shook hands.

“Who is this?" asked Rob.

“Oh, sorry. Rob Tapani, this is Timothy Wilson. He's a reporter for the Halsey Gazette."

“A reporter?" came the reply.

“Yeah. It's okay, Rob. I've known Timmy since he was born. His uncle and I went to school together."

“Yes sir, Mr. Tapani. I'm a good friend of Mr. Vincent. He's a great guy. They assigned me to come over here and get the story for the paper. That's all."

“There is no story,” said Rob coldly.

“Oh, come on, Rob. Don't be like that," said Alan. "Let's go inside."

The group went inside, and Alan continued discussing the case with Tim.

“So what exactly happened here this afternoon, Mr. Vincent?"

“Call me Alan, Tim. You're old enough now to do that, you know."

“Okay. Well, Alan, what did happen here?”

“There's nothing to say," Rob interjected.

“Rob, he's just doing his job. Relax," Alan answered.

Rob had heard enough. He wanted to take Alan and Tim both, and throw them through the wall. Unfortunately, it probably wouldn't hurt them, and it wasn't his house. Instead he got up and left the room.

Before leaving, he said, "I'm going to get a room. I'll be back tomorrow to work on that."

“Work on what?" asked a curious Tim.

As he was heading out the door, Rob heard Alan say, "The box. But we'll get to that. It's a long story."

vii

Like everyone else visiting Halsey, Nebraska, Rob ended up at the only motel in town, the Little Inn. He went into the lobby and asked for room.

“Well, I must say. You're pretty lucky. You just got the last room. That gentleman over there just got here too. He took a room right before you," the clerk said.

Rob looked over at the man and then looked back at the clerk. "Must be tourist season, huh?" he asked the clerk.

“Nah, not really. We seem to be really popular with people from Alton, Illinois, though. Had a guy in here a couple of weeks ago from there. Now, you and that guy over there."

Rob spun around and looked over at the man again, but he was too late. The stranger was gone.

viii

Laura had been running for what seemed like an eternity but was in reality only a few seconds. What she saw when she came around the hill, amazed her. She saw Andrew. On the ground in front of him, was one of the largest birds she had ever seen. Next to that bird were two more. They were all dead. Andrew had apparently successfully defended himself against the onslaught of the deadly birds, except for one. Standing in front of Laura was Andrew with one of the smaller birds standing on his shoulders pecking his head. He had begun to bleed, and looked to be losing this battle. Thinking quickly, Laura ran over to where a rock was laying on the ground. She picked the rock up and threw it at the bird. The rock struck Andrew in the side, knocking him over. Hitting the ground caused the bird to fall off Andrew's head, and gave him the chance to strike. He pulled the sword over and ran it into the bird's chest. It let out a shrill cry, and died. Still lying on the ground, Andrew breathed a huge sigh of relief, relaxed and closed his eyes.

“Andrew. Andrew," Laura said, as she shook him.

“Huh? Wha..." he responded as he awoke. Getting his bearings, he looked up. "Laura? Laura! How did you get here? Are you okay? Am I okay? Where are we?"

“I don't know. Yes. Yes. I don't know," came Laura's replies. "We closed the lid on the coffin, and when we opened it again, you were gone."

“Yeah. I remember now. There was a light, and then I think I passed out," Andrew said as he got up. "How did you get here?"

Laura looked at Andrew's muddy clothes and said, "It looks like it was pretty much the same way you got here."

They both laughed, and began walking again.

“Where should we go?" asked Laura.

“I don't know, but this has got to be the place," Andrew answered. "I have no idea where we are or what we're going to find, though."

“Me either, but don't you think Merlin would have given us a clue or something? I mean we're pretty much stuck here."

“Yeah, but I'm a man. I don't need to ask for directions."

“Oh, of course not," she said, smiling.

Suddenly, Andrew's feet were pulled out from under him, and he yelled.

“Andrew!" Laura screamed as she watched him being pulled towards the lake by his feet.

“What is it?" he yelled back.

Laura looked towards the lake. There she saw what appeared to be a lion, with tentacles where its mane would normally be.

“It looks like a lion… with tentacles? I don't know what it is! Use your sword."

“Where is it? I don't have it."

While Andrew was being attacked by the creature from the lake, Laura frantically searched for the sword. She had her back to Andrew and the lake, when she heard a growl. She looked up from the ground and found herself looking directly into the eyes of a white tiger, preparing to pounce.

Chapter XXVIII

Andrew Strikes a Deal

“Denise? Call the county courthouse. I want a warrant for Andrew Tapani's arrest! Do you hear me?" Tom shouted.

“Yes sir," came the quick reply.

“Well, Andrew, I've got you now," thought Tom to himself.

ii

“Yaaahhh!" Andrew cried. He was slowly being pulled towards the bank of the lake where this strange creature's jaws lay open. "Laura, throw me my sword. Hurry!"

Laura couldn't move. Any sudden movement might cause her demise. She wanted to save Andrew, but how could she do that if she was dead? She slowly started working her way backwards and away from the cat. Still, it prepared to pounce. It licked its lips and leapt. Laura closed her eyes and waited.

iii

“So you say this metal can't be penetrated by anything?" asked Timmy.

“Nothing that's been tried on it will even scratch it. It's impenetrable."

“Hmm… That's very interesting, Alan. And you believe that guy was here to steal it?"

“Yeah. He was looking at it when I came in, but you can't pick it up."

“Can't pick it up? Why not? Is it that heavy?"

“Nah. It's not too heavy. You just can't pick it up."

“Do you mind if I try?"

“Oh, no, not at all," Alan answered.

Tim put down his notepad and pencil and reached down to pick up the box. "Yow!" he screamed as he quickly removed his hands.

“See? I told you."

“Yeah, I see. So why do you think this guy was after the box?"

“Just between you and me, Timmy?"

“Yeah. Sure. I won't tell anyone."

“I think it's because it's worth so much money. I mean if any country got their hands on a metal that couldn't be penetrated by anything, they would have the world's strongest army."

“That's true enough, I guess. It would be worth some money, wouldn't it?"

“Of course it would."

“Tell me more about this Alan. What about this Andrew guy?"

Alan and Timothy continued talking, while Melanie and Karen were having a conversation in the kitchen.

“We don't know that he's dead, Melanie. I mean he just disappeared. He could reappear just as easily, right?"

“He's dead. I know because just before we got there, for the first time, ever, he told me that he loved me. I know he's gone forever."

“Don't say that. He'll probably come back, and you two will get married. You'll have lots of kids and be happy forever," Karen said in an effort to comfort Melanie.

“I doubt it. Things don't work out like that for me. It won't happen. Laura killed him. She was jealous because he loved me and not her."

Karen took a deep breath, and tried again. "Melanie, you don't know for sure that he's dead. You're just guessing. Don't be so pessimistic. Think about it. Does it make sense for Merlin to bring him this far, just to let him die?"

iv

Andrew desperately clawed at the ground, trying to stay away from the jaws of the beast that intended to have him for dinner. The struggle seemed to go on forever. He continued to yell for Laura to throw him his sword. This time when he yelled, however, there was no answer.

Laura had covered her face and closed her eyes when the beast jumped. She knew it would provide little protection, but she had no other defense. Fortunately, she needed none. The white tiger had leapt completely over her, and headed towards the lake.

Andrew continued to yell, but when he received no response, he began to worry less about himself and more about Laura. He was concerned that she had met a fate worse than his. Suddenly, he heard a tremendous roar, and the sound of animals fighting. He found himself loosed from his captor and quickly climbed to his feet. Turning around, he saw the incredible battle that raged on the lake's shore. It appeared to be a white tiger battling a creature closely resembling a lion with tentacles growing from around its neck. At the moment it appeared as though the lake beast were winning. It had one of its tentacles wrapped around the tiger's neck and was squeezing. Its other tentacle was wrapped around the tiger's front legs. The tiger could only move its back legs, and there was very little they could do in defense. Andrew just stared at the battle in awe.

Jarring him from his fixation on the war, Laura gave Andrew his sword. "Here, I found it."

“Cool. Let's get out of here."

“What? Andrew that tiger saved your life, and you're just going to let it die out there? Go help it."

“What? Against that other beast? What makes you think I would stand a chance?"

“Would you do it if it was me?"

“Well, yeah."

“Then do it for me. Please?"

Realizing what love was for the first time in his life, Andrew took a deep breath and said, "Okay."

Hating his lack of ability to stick with a decision all the way to the shore, Andrew ran to the tiger's rescue. He reached the beach and immediately brought the sword down on the tentacle that was wrapped around the tiger's neck. Instantly, the tentacle regenerated. Andrew swung again, and this time it wrapped itself around the blade of the sword. Keeping a tight grip on the handle he pulled down. As he had hoped, the blade sliced the tentacle off again. Again a new tentacle appeared. Andrew was getting frustrated, but this time he expected the regeneration. He moved the sword from the beast's reach and cut off the new tentacle. As expected, another tentacle grew in its place, but the lion-like beast seemed to decide that the battle wasn't worth it, and retreated. Andrew heard an unfamiliar voice behind him, and turned around.

"Xeron, come here."

The white tiger immediately ran up to the strange man standing between Laura and Andrew.

“I want to thank you for ssssaving my tiger. My name is Dupli. I am chief of the village here. Won't you be my guessssts for dinner tonight?"

Andrew and Laura looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders and agreed.

“I sssee you are not from here," Dupli said. "You handle yoursssself well, though. That is a niccce ssssword."

“Thank you," Andrew said as he allowed the stranger to examine it.

“Yesss. Very niccce blade," he answered as he handed it back to Andrew.

“My village is just over thisss hill here. You will be welcomed there. We can tell you about our world, and you can tell ussss about yourssss."

v

Several hours after Tim had left, Melanie, Alan, and Karen sat around and watched television. They had tried to sleep, but none of them could. They all had too much on their minds. Alan was glad for the opportunity to talk to Timothy. It had brought back old time…better times. It brought back memories of the good times Alan had had with Tim's uncle. There were no good memories now, only times of despair and wondering who would be next. Four people had now disappeared. Where would it all end? Alan pondered these thoughts as the news came on.

vi

Harry's killer sat back in bed while flipping the channels. He decided to let Andrew get the key and open the box before he took it. Of course, it meant killing anyone that got in his way, but he didn't have any problem with that. As a matter of fact, he kind of enjoyed it. He continued turning channels until he came upon the nightly news. Deciding to watch that, he put the remote control down.

vii

Rob was tired, but he was disgusted. He had told Andrew not to go to California. He had told him to leave well enough alone. He told him to give it some time, but he didn't. He didn't do any of that. Acting impulsively, and foolishly, Andrew had gotten himself in some real trouble. Thoroughly disgusted, and incredibly angry, Rob turned on the late edition of the nightly news. As he watched, the lead reporter came on with the statement, "…and it seems someone in the state of Nebraska claims to have a box made from a metal that can't be penetrated. Details coming up."

“Shit!” said the three parties in unison.

viii

Andrew and Laura were seated at the chief's table for dinner. The chief had excused himself to prepare for dinner. He had told them to wait. They discussed this strange turn of events.

“I'm not sure about this," Laura stated.

“You're not sure about it? I don't know what's going on. Did you notice how he ssspeakss?"

“Yeah. I know, and what’s that smell?  This place reeks!  I don't know if I trust him or not."

“Me either. This place really does smell. I wonder if Dupli’s cleaned out Xeron’s litter box lately. Let’s not eat anything, okay? I'm going to keep my sword at my side, too. We should be okay. Just be careful. Don't drink anything either. I don't know what this place is, but I don't trust anything here, other than you," Andrew said.

At about this time, the chief came back with three women. They all sat at the table where Andrew and Laura were, and Dupli clapped twice. Two other women came from another room, placed food on the table, and filled drinks.

“Please, eat, drink. Enjoy Dupli's generosssity," Dupli said.

“Oh, no. Please. We don't really feel like eating now. We would rather talk first, with your permission. After what happened out there, we don't really feel like eating."

“I understand. Pleassse ssspeak. Tell me about your world, and what brings you to mine."

“Well, actually, it's a box," Andrew began. "I have a box that I need to open, but I can't find the key."

“Dupli began laughing loudly. "Well, it is doubtful you lost the key to your box here," he said as he continued laughing.

“Well, actually it's my great-grandfather Merlin's box," Andrew replied. To his surprise, the laughing immediately stopped.

Dupli's face grew sour, as he said, "I know of your key and your box. I also know of your Merlin. A thousand curses on him and his evil ways."

“I don't understand."

“You do not need to understand about this. I no longer care to have this discussion or to have you at my table. You must leave."

“Wait. You said you know about my key. I didn't mean to offend you. I don't even know Merlin. He disappeared before I was born. I don't know what evil he has done."

“You say you are his grandson? Then I will give you the key, but first you must do something for me."

“What?"

“You must kill the enemy of the lake. That creature Xeron fought has tormented my people for many, many years. This creature is your Merlin's doing. If you can destroy it, I will give you the key to your box, and I will tell you how to get home.

“I'll do it," Andrew said.

Chapter XXIX

Andrew Faces His Fears (Kind Of)

Laura looked at Andrew, and said, "Are you sure about this?"

Andrew and Laura had been escorted to where they would spend the night. Andrew was to fight the beast in the morning.

“I've never been more sure. I've come this far, now there's no going back. We can't go home unless we have the key. He says he has it. All I have to do is beat that beast. Then we're out of here."

“Easier said than done, Andrew. If you die, you don't go home either."

“True, but I have no choice.  That box follows me everywhere I go. I'm going to do this, and go home. I'm going to open that cursed box, solve the puzzle of what's inside, and then I'm going to retire.  Besides, I’ll have Zephyresque with me."

“Zephyresque??  What’s that?”

“I decided to give my sword a name.  All great swords have a name.”

“Um…ok,” said Laura with a furrowed brow.  “Good luck.”

“Thanks. I'm going to need it. I'm going to need my sleep too. Goodnight."

“Goodnight."

ii

It was nine o'clock in the morning when the doors to the Halsey Gazette opened. It was one minute after nine, when Rob burst through the doors, walked over to Timothy Collins, and dragged him out the front door by his shirt collar.

“Hey. What do you think you're doing?" he asked Rob.

“I'm about to kick your butt. My suggestion is that you stand there and take it like a man, before you make it worse on yourself."

“If you want to fight, buddy, you've picked the wrong guy. I'm a black belt in karate."

Rob let go of Tim's collar and applied his fist to Tim's jaw.

“Looks like you forgot to wear your belt today," Rob said, while Tim lay unconscious on the ground. He walked back to his Navigator, got in, and started it up. He drove directly to Alan's house.

iii

Tom O'Brien was drinking his first cup of coffee for the day.

“Denise, did you get that warrant?" he bellowed into the other room.

“Yes sir. I've got it right here."

“Good. I'm about to string that Andrew Tapani up by his neck."

“Excuse me? I'm sorry. Maybe you can help me. I think I'm lost," came a female voice from the front of the room near the entrance of the building.

“Denise, help this lady. I've got to go serve this warrant. I'll be back in a little while."

“Okay. Ma'am if you'll follow me."

Tom was just about out the doors when he heard part of his secretary's conversation with the woman. "Now, ma'am, if you'll tell me your name, we'll see if we can help you out." Denise said.

“My name? My name is Esther Vincent."

Tom stopped cold in his tracks.

iv

Morning came too soon for Andrew. He wanted to sleep. He didn't want to fight this beast, but he knew it was the only way. He had to do it, and he had to get ready. Laura was still sleeping. It appeared to be a peaceful sleep, and he didn't want to disturb her. He quietly crept out of the room, and headed outside. Exiting the village, he held Zephyresque to his side. He was approaching the lake when he heard a voice behind him.

“No. Not with that. With thisss."

Andrew turned around to see Dupli holding out a spear to him.

“With thisss you don't have to get as clossse. I'll hold that for you."

Andrew looked at him with a little trepidation, but decided to trade.

“What happens when I've killed the beast?" asked Andrew.

“Then you come back for the wedding, and I give you the key. Then I show you the ways out. You go home, and my village lives in peaccce."

“Okay. Sounds simple enough to me. All but the battle part of it, that is."

Andrew again headed out to the lake. He looked back one more time and saw that the villagers, along with Laura, had come out to see his battle. Dupli was busy admiring Zephyresque. It was then that he knew he had made a mistake, but it was too late. The beast rose out of the water like a behemoth. Andrew had no choice but to fight. He held the spear tightly, and the adrenaline began to course through his body.

The monster came out of the water and rose on its hind legs. It stood over eleven feet tall. Andrew swallowed hard and wondered why he hadn't even practiced with the spear before he came to battle this demon. At first the two just stood there, studying each other. Andrew had the perfect shot with the spear. The beast was bearing its chest to him. It made the easiest target. Andrew knew he could throw it accurately, but what if he made a mistake? This hesitation cost him as the creature came down from its hind legs and began approaching him. Andrew took two steps back and charged.

“Eeeeeyaaaaaahhhh!" he yelled, as he ran directly at the monster. This seemed to confuse it, as it stopped coming at him and momentarily backed up. It didn't take long for it to regain its courage, however, and it stood its ground. Andrew stopped. What was he thinking, charging something that size? Why was he even fighting it? He knew now it was a mistake, but it was too late. The villagers had begun to chant.

“Tugan! Tugan!"

Andrew surmised that this was the beast’s name, and like a gladiator in Roman times, he was here for entertainment, nothing else. Disgusted, but knowing that everything depended on his winning, Andrew turned his back to the monster and counted, "1...2...3"

He spun around and threw the spear. It flew and hit the beast in its right eye. In a scream of pain, the animal charged at Andrew. Having no means of defending himself, Andrew began to run. The villagers laughed and taunted Andrew. Still there was nothing he could do. The creature was gaining on him, and he was helpless. Finally, he stopped and let it get close to him. It kept coming at him, and he kept thinking. He thought about Coalie, about Merlin, about Melanie, Laura, Rob, Kelley, and all of his family. He decided that it was over. He would just stand and wait for this all to end. Suddenly, with the spear still hanging from its head, the beast collapsed. There was large amount of blood coming from the wound that had grown as Tugan had been pursuing Andrew. Angry chants began coming from the villagers.

They appeared to be angry that their monster was dead. Still, as angry as they were, Andrew was angrier. His life had been risked for their entertainment. He was there to keep them happy. He was just a pawn they had used for their pleasure. Andrew charged towards Dupli, who still had his sword. When he got there, he was greeted with a very unpleasant reception from the villagers.

Dupli said a few words to them that Andrew and Laura didn't understand, and they got quiet. He then turned to Andrew and spoke. "Be calm, my friend. You have accomplished your task, and you will receive the key. First, however, we must have the wedding and the celebration."

“We don't have time for a wedding or a celebration. Laura and I have to get out of here. We have people waiting for us. If you'll just give us the key we'll leave you alone."

“I'm sssorry, but you mussst ssstay for the ccceremony. I insssissst… Laura essspecially. She isss the bride."

v

Rob arrived at Alan's house only to find throngs of people surrounding it. Fighting his way through, he got to the front door, and Alan let him in.

“Wow. There are a lot of people out there, Rob. How did you get through?"

“I'm pissed. It was pretty easy. Where's the box?"

“It's in the bedroom."

“Are you sure?"

“Yeah. I checked it this morning."

“Good," said Rob. "I'm taking it and going home."

“What? You can't do that. It's my box. You can't just take it. All the people will leave."

“I don't give a hoot about those other people, and if you call it your box one more time, you’ll get the same thing Tim got."

Alan didn't say anything. Karen got off the phone where she had been since Rob walked in the door. As soon as she did, it rang again. She answered it.

“Hello?"

“No, we don't own the magic box. No, we’re not interested in contributing to your charity. Goodbye," she said as she hung up the phone. "See this Rob? It's been like this all day."

“I believe it. I told your husband to keep his mouth shut. He couldn't listen to me, though. I ought to shut it now for him, but it wouldn't do any good. Where's the box?"

“It's in the back. Please just get rid of it for us. I don't want it here anymore," she said as the phone rang again.

“Oh, I'm going to get rid of it. That's for sure," Rob answered as he went in the back to get it. He found it in the bedroom where Alan said it was, and using a blanket, covered it up. He wrapped the handles twice with the blanket to protect his hands. Taking it to the window, he called Melanie.

“Melanie! Melanie! Come here."

“What do you want?" she asked as she entered the room.

“You want a ride back to Illinois?"

“Yeah."

“Okay, then take those keys on the bed, go out to my Navigator and bring it around to the window here."

“All right. I'll be right back," she said as she went outside.

Alan was watching Karen on the phone and noticed the excitement on her face as she hung up the phone.

“What is it? Do they want us on a talk show? Do they want to do a book deal? What?" he asked.

Karen gave him a look of disgust and said, "They found your mother."

vi

“I've got news for you, Dupli. I don't appreciate you trying to sacrifice my life so you can have a little entertainment, and there's no way I'm going to let Laura get married to some reject from your village," Andrew shouted.

“Oh, she isss not marrying a reject. She isss marrying me."

“Over my dead body."

“If you ssay ssso. Let usss do it."

Andrew readied himself, as Dupli did the same. There wasn't a sound among the villagers as the two prepared to face off. Andrew looked his opponent in the eye for the first time, and noticed that his pupil was like that of a snake, rather than of a human. He also noticed that his skin seemed scalier than before, and for the first time, he noticed he was unarmed. Not only was he unarmed, but Dupli had his sword, and Xeron, too.

“This sucks," thought Andrew. "He's got Zephyresque, the tiger, and all those villagers. Laura's in danger too."

Suddenly Laura spoke. “Stop. Dupli, I'll marry you."

Chapter XXX

Wedding Plans

Dupli and Andrew both looked at Laura. Andrew, thinking quickly, took advantage of the situation. He snatched the sword from Dupli's hand and answered her statement.

“I don't think so," he said as he put the sword to Dupli's throat. He kept his eyes fixed on the serpent-like being, while he cautiously reached around and grabbed Laura. Pulling her around Dupli and to his side, Andrew began to notice the angry chants coming from the villagers. Stepping back and out of Dupli's reach, Andrew looked at the villagers and yelled, "Tugan!" and pointed to the dead beast lying on the beach. He then raised his sword and pointed it at all the villagers. They quickly became silent as they came to understand what Andrew was saying. One by one, they began to disperse in different directions. Pleased with this reaction, Andrew grew bolder. He approached Dupli again, being sure to stay between him and Laura. The last thing Andrew wanted to do now, was let Dupli get some sort of advantage.

Putting the blade to his enemy again, Andrew simply said, "The key."

“I'll never give you the key. You aren't worthy. You are weak. Only the ssstrong ssurvive here. Go ahead kill me. You will gain nothing."

“I'll get the satisfaction of knowing that I won't have your beady little eyes watching me all the time. That's all I need to make me happy, now where is the key?"

“I will never tell."

Andrew's eyes grew in size, and his anger increased. He placed his face only inches from his adversary's. The two stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity. It was Dupli that broke the silence.

“You want your key? Here. Take it. It will do you no good. You will perish before you leave thisss world. I will not show you the way out, and you will die trying to find it. You are weak, like Merlin. Mark my wordss, human. We will meet again. Next time, I will not have mercy on you. I will kill you."

He placed a green stone about the size of a golf ball on the ground in front of Andrew, and turned to walk away.

Laura and Andrew watched as Dupli and Xeron walked slowly back to the village.

“That was too easy, don't you think?" asked Andrew.

“I don't know. We're not out of here yet," Laura replied.

“How hard can it be? If we can just get back to where we started from, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out how to get out."

Laura looked skeptical, but followed him as he headed off in the direction they had come from in the beginning. Neither one of them noticed Dupli studying them as they walked off.

“Oh, Laura, you will be my bride, and we will feasst on Andrew for dinner," he said as he stroked Xeron's head.

ii

Rob was usually a pretty observant fellow, but on this particular morning, he was so ready to get out of town, that he didn't pay much attention. He didn't notice when the stranger from Alton left the motel the same time as him. He didn't notice the stranger following behind him in another car. He didn't notice when the stranger parked across the street from Alan's house, with a multitude of other cars.

The stranger stayed there, as he watched Rob get out of his Navigator and head up to the house. He sat back in his car and waited. He didn't have to wait long. Seeing the Navigator being moved around to the back side of the house made him sit up and take notice. He knew why it was moving. He was pleased with this development. If Rob moved the box away from this huge group of people, it would be easier to take.

iii

Alan looked blankly at Karen as he asked, "What?"

“Your mother. They found your mother. They said she's ok, and they're bringing her home now."

“What about all these people?" Alan asked, suddenly unhappy with his new-found fame.

“I don't know. You deal with them. This is your fault," Karen answered.

“You're right. What am I going to do?" Alan puzzled as he shook his head.

“I don't know."

Rob came out of the back room, as Melanie was bringing the Navigator around to the front of the house.

“Rob, good news. They found Esther. They're bringing her home now," Karen announced.

“Great! Did they find Andrew?" he responded.

Karen shook her head. "No. I'm sorry, but maybe Esther can shed some light on what's been going on."

“Maybe," Rob said as he went to the front door to look for Melanie. "The box is in the Navigator, and I'm going to go home. Melanie's out there waiting for me."

“Rob, wait, please. You've been here helping us find Esther. Please stay and at least hear what she has to say. She might be able to help us find Andrew," Alan implored.

Rob paused and thought about it for a few moments. Then he answered. “Okay. I'll stay to hear what she has to say, but if it's not going to help us find Andrew, then I'm going home. I'll open that crazy box myself."

“Good. She should be here any time."

As Alan finished making this statement, he heard a police siren outside. The crowd became suddenly quiet as Officer O'Brien approached the front door. Esther was close behind, as was Melanie. They knocked on the door, and Alan quickly answered it. As they all entered the house, Rob quickly asked Melanie, "What are you doing in here?"

“They found Esther. Isn't that great? Maybe they can find Andrew, too!" she replied.

“Andrew's missing? Since when?" asked Tom.

Rob cursed. Obviously infuriated, he ran outside to the Navigator. There he found two men had opened up the back and were removing the box with the blanket still wrapped around it. He quickly tackled one, causing the box to fall to the ground. Getting up, he pulled the blanket off the box. The other man took a swing at Rob, but ducking, Rob avoided the blow. He reacted, sending the other man to the ground. During the scuffle, several people in the crowd tried picking the box up. Each in turn burned themselves and ran off screaming. Suddenly the sounds of gunfire sent the crowd dispersing.

“So this is the famous box?" Tom asked as he put his gun away. "Now what's all this about Andrew disappearing?"

iv

Andrew and Laura were approaching the place where they had entered this new world. As they did, a new creature came to their attention. It closely resembled a human, but instead of hair, it had feathers, all over its body. Andrew moved Laura behind him and readied his defenses. The creature spoke.

“Do not fear me. I am Aviar. I am the sworn enemy of Dupli. I will not harm you."

“Well, he has more than one sworn enemy, now,” said Andrew while keeping his sword at the ready. "Sorry, but we've been lied to before in this world, so you'll have to excuse me if I keep myself ready. Just in case, you know."

“I understand," came the reply. “I know why you are here. You came for the key. I have been watching you since you arrived. You are becoming very skilled with your sword. I will warn you, though. You are not good enough to beat Dupli, yet."

“I don't have to beat Dupli. I have the key, now all I need is a way up. I know how I got here, but I don't know how to get back up there."

“I can help you, but be warned. You do not have the key. What you have is a disease capsule."

“What? It's just a stone. It's got to be the key. Dupli said it was," Andrew responded.

“You have a lot to learn if you are to survive here," Aviar answered.

“We don't need to survive here. We're leaving," Laura said.

“Ahh... you are tied to this place more strongly than you can know right now," responded Aviar. "You will know soon. Now is not the time, though. Come, sit. I will provide food for you, and we will talk."

Andrew and Laura looked at each other. They were both very hungry, and they decided that they could trust this creature.

“Okay. Just a little bit, then we must go. We have family waiting for us."

“I know. I know all about you. I have spoken to Merlin, many times."

The group sat down where they were, and Aviar provided food.

“What is this?" asked Laura.

“Ahh.. don't answer. I don't want to know,” said Andrew as he choked his portion down.

“Good, because I would not tell. Now let me see this key you have."

Andrew pulled out the stone, and handed it to Aviar as he said, "That's what Dupli gave us."

“It is a disease capsule. Watch."

Aviar threw the stone near a grove of trees. One of the bird creatures that Andrew had to deal with earlier quickly emerged and devoured the stone.

“Hey! He ate it. Now what are we going to do? We needed that,” yelled Andrew.

“Shhh. Watch," said Aviar.

Andrew, Laura and Aviar all looked on as the bird suddenly grew blue. Its feathers began to fall out almost immediately. It let out several weak squawks and fell over dead.

“What the…?" Andrew asked slowly.

“Dupli had intended that for you. If you had held on to it for much longer, the outer coating would have dissolved and the bacteria would have devoured you the same way. It would have harmed no one else, though. As soon as the bacteria have fed, they die."

“So, you're saying," began Andrew, "that it would have killed me, and Laura would have been completely safe?"

“Absolutely. There are many wonders in this world. I am forbidden to tell you very many. What I can tell you is that I used to be the leader of the village where Dupli is chief. He came one day, and we did battle. He won. Here, that means I am to be forever banished. Only the strong survive here. He is the one that started the battles with Tugan. He brought it here. You fought it for the villager's entertainment. It used to be a peaceful village, but Dupli has changed all that. He teaches them war. That is why he has been trying to kill me since he came here. I have eluded him so far, but I can only do it for so long before he finds me and kills me. I thank you for killing Tugan. Maybe now, the villagers can begin to love peace again. Alas, I hope in vain. As long as Dupli is their leader, they will always seek war. There are many villages in this world. You have seen very little of it, but you will see more."

“Actually, no offense, Aviar, but we'd like to get out of here."

“And so you shall, but not before I give you this." Aviar handed Andrew a small red stone the same size as the disease capsule had been. “This is the key you seek. I took it with me when I was banished from the village. Dupli has sought it since. Some day he will find me, and we will do battle again. I do not know what the outcome will be, but I hope that when you return, my village will once again love peace. I hope to see you again, soon. The exit you seek is high above where we now sit. Please wait."

Aviar stood up, and made two sounds like a birdcall. Soon, two flying bat-like creatures arrived.

“My pets will fly you to the exit. You must be careful. A long journey yet awaits you. Before you go, take this also," Aviar said as he handed Andrew a sheath for Zephyresque. "Please be careful, and return soon."

“Hey, look, Aviar. I promise you that when I get the box open, I'll come back. We will do battle with Dupli, and we will win. I promise. Thank you for all your help," Andrew said.

“It is nothing to do it for a friend," Aviar said as he shook Andrew and Laura's hands.

The bat creatures, as if on cue, moved near to where Andrew and Laura stood.

“Just get on their backs. They know where to take you."

Following Aviar's instructions, Andrew and Laura were soon whisked away towards the top of the cavern.

v

“...and that's about it, Tom. We don't know where either of them are."

Karen, Melanie, Tom, Rob, Alan and Esther were all sitting around the living room with the box in the middle of the group. The crowd outside had moved back away from the house and was waiting for anyone to emerge.

“Don't you think telling me some of this before might have helped? I've been busting my butt trying to pin something on Andrew, and now there's nothing to pin on him, except Dan Thompson's death."

“What are you talking about? Andrew didn't kill anyone. He wouldn't know how. Even if he did, he's too much of a wimp to actually do it," was Rob's answer to Tom's accusation. "You'd better make sure you have some substantial evidence before arresting him. I guarantee that if you don't, you won't be sheriff in this town much longer."

“Don't jump the gun, son. I'm not going to make any arrests anyway. It's out of my jurisdiction. I had a warrant made up for his arrest in the matter of Esther's disappearance. With all of the circumstantial evidence, I had to do something. Now that Esther is back, I can't touch him. He's a free man, as far as I'm concerned. The state of Illinois will have to deal with the Thompson situation."

“Mom, do you think you can tell us about what happened to you? Or are you too tired?" Alan asked.

“Well, I think I could use a nap right now," she answered.

“Okay," Alan said as he began to walk her to the bedroom.

As Alan and Esther headed for the bedroom, the group suddenly heard the front door open.

“Hey, what's with that crowd outside? What's going on here?" asked Andrew.

Chapter XXXI

Returning to Normal

(Kind Of)

Everyone looked on in stunned silence as Andrew and Laura walked through the door.

Coalie was the first one to react. Leaping from the couch where she had been laying, she jumped on Andrew and Laura.

“Hey Dog, what's up?" Andrew said as he reached down to pet her. It was then that he noticed Esther. Melanie ran for his arms, but he didn't notice.

“Grandma? Is that you? You're back! What happened?" Andrew stated the obvious as he ran over to meet her. This inadvertently left Melanie standing by Laura. She gave her a smug look and sat back down. “Are you okay?" Andrew asked.

“Oh, I'm fine. I just need a little rest," Esther answered Andrew.

“Of course. I'm sorry. Go ahead. I'll talk to you later."

“Okay, Dear. I won't be long," she said.

Alan and Esther proceeded to the bedroom, and Rob posed the question that was weighing on everyone else's mind.

“So what happened to you?"

“You're not going to believe it," Andrew replied.

“Try me," said Rob.

Suddenly remembering his muddy state, Andrew said, "Let me clean up first, then we can talk about it. Laura, why don't you go ahead?"

“Okay. I'll be out in a few minutes. Could you go get some clothes out of my car for me?"

“Sure, no problem."

Laura went in to take a shower, and Andrew went out to get her clothes. While outside, he was reminded of something. He posed the question again.

“What's with all the people outside?"

Rob glanced at Alan with anger in his eyes and then explained. "Well, you see, Andrew, Alan here thought it might be a good idea to tell the press about the box."

“WHAT! What were you thinking?" asked Andrew as he rose to his feet. Tom stood up and positioned himself in front of Andrew.

“Sit down Andrew. After all this, the last thing you need is to go to jail."

Andrew showed his agreement by sitting down.

“So I take it that the people outside all want a peek at the box? Too bad. They can just stay out there."

“Actually, speaking of the box, I think maybe I should let you know that there is someone else interested in this box," Tom said.

“What do you mean?" asked Rob.

“Well, we checked up on the man Alan killed. He wasn't FBI. He was hired to play the role."

“Why?" queried Andrew.

“I don't know. His boss called him, and since I had the cell phone, I answered it. Apparently he was here to get the box."

“I'm not surprised. It looks like everyone's here to get the box," Andrew said.

“We had the owner of the phone traced. It belonged to Dan Thompson."

Andrew cursed. “Whoever hired that guy is the same guy that killed Dan. He's the one behind all the murders."

“I thought it was you for awhile," said Tom, "but now... I just don't know."

“I have no idea either,” said Andrew, as Laura came out of the bathroom in a towel.

Peeking her head into the living room, she said, "Uh, Andrew, my clothes?"

“Oh, yeah. Sorry. Here you go," he said as he handed them to her.

“Thank you," she said and winked at Andrew.

“Tramp," Melanie muttered under her breath.

Andrew went back to his seat and sat down. "How many people know about the box now?" he asked.

“Everyone," answered Rob. "It was on the national news. I'm sure not everyone believed it, though. It could be a lot worse outside."

“True, but if some people know now, more will know later. We need to resolve this as quickly as possible," Andrew said as Laura reentered the room. She was wearing a purple blouse with red workout shorts. She had on black socks and two different shoes. "Nice selection, Andrew," she said as she sat down.

“Uh, thanks," he answered, obviously embarrassed. "I need to go clean up now,” he said as he excused himself. Leaving the living room, he almost bumped into Alan.

“Well, she's in bed. She went right to sleep,” he announced to the group.

"I wish I could stick around to hear what she has to say, but I've got work to do. Good luck with everything," said Tom as he headed for the door.

“Hey, thanks, Tom. I know you were just doing your job,” said Rob, his anger finally subsiding.

“Well, you too," Tom replied. "You all have a good day," he finished as he walked out the door.

The rest of the group had nothing to say. Melanie sent dagger looks over at Laura and Rob. Alan and Karen were on the other side of the room talking quietly among themselves. Laura was telling Rob about what had happened after they disappeared. As he listened, his face went from a look of shock, to one of anger, and then to one of appreciation. It wasn't long before Andrew returned. "Well, what's everyone so quiet about? We're all here. We're all alive. Let's show a little life around here," he said as he came back into the room. He was wearing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt he had grabbed out of his truck while he was getting Laura's clothes.

“How about you tell us about your adventure, Snookie?" asked Melanie, patting the sofa beside her.

Andrew gave her a little irritated look and said, "Uh, okay. Well, when I got in the coffin and the lid closed, there was a kind of light, and I passed out. I woke up in some kind of mud."

Andrew continued his story, and Laura told hers. The group seemed to have no trouble believing the story, considering everything that had happened up to this point. As Andrew and Laura finished their story, Rob asked a question.

“So do you have the key to the box?"

As Andrew was about to answer, Esther entered the living room. Alan was the first to take notice.

“Mom, is everything okay?"

“Yes. Everything is fine. I just can't sleep anymore."

“Good. Do you feel up to telling us what happened?" Karen asked.

“Sure. I don't mind at all. It's not a long story."

“Really? Where did you go?" asked Alan.

“Heaven," was her simple reply.

ii

Harry's killer had been outside for a long time. He was watching and waiting. He had been watching when Tom arrived, and he had been watching when Tom left. His patience was beginning to wear thin. He wanted that box, and he was tired of waiting. The opportunity just had to present itself, and the box would be his.

iii

“Heaven?" the group asked in unison.

“Are you sure?" asked Alan.

“What was it like? Did you see Elvis?" asked Melanie.

“Yes, I'm sure,” she answered with a little irritation. "It was wonderful. It was all different types of colors. There were rainbows everywhere. All my old friends were there, and I saw Merlin. We got to spend so much time together. It was wonderful. The last thing I remember from the night Andrew came over was sitting in my chair and the temperature was rising. Andrew had gone outside,” she said as Alan gave Andrew a dirty glance. She continued, "I think I fell asleep because the next thing I remember was this bright light. I started walking towards it, and I could see that my mother and father were there. So was Merlin. I just kept going towards the light, and they called me to them. Finally I reached them. They all hugged me and told me how much they had missed me. It was like a big family reunion. We were all happy. I stayed there, and we had dinner like we used to do. We played games like before. I spent a lot of time with Merlin. It was all so wonderful. Then they told me that I had to come back. They said they weren't ready for me yet. It wasn't supposed to be my time. They sent me back, and the next thing I knew I was outside the police station. I went in and asked them if they could help me. I certainly wasn't walking home,” she said laughingly.

“Wow. Mom, that's wonderful. You look so happy."

“Yes. I understand now why Merlin never came back. He told me what had happened to him. He went out that night and walked down to the river. Walking along the banks, he fell in. He couldn't get back to shore, and he drowned. I'm at peace with it now. I know that I will see him when it is my time. We both just have to be patient a little longer. Phew! Telling that story took a lot out of me. I think maybe I had better go lie down again."

Alan and Karen both stood up and walked Esther back to the bedroom. The four others looked at each other. Rob spoke. "Do you guys believe it?"

“In heaven? For a week and a half? I'd have to be out of my mind to believe that story, but I don't think she's lying, either. I think she believes what she said. I just don't believe it happened,” answered Andrew.

“I have a hard time believing it too,” said Laura.

“Well, it could happen. Right?" interjected Melanie.

“We'll never know," replied Rob. "We weren't there. There's no sense dwelling on it."

“Oh, I think we'll probably find out," Andrew said, as he pulled the key out of his pocket and showed it to the others. "This is our infamous key."

Chapter XXXII

Revelations of a Killer

“That's it?" asked Rob.

“This is it. Let's get that box out of here, and open it somewhere else. We've imposed on Alan and Karen's hospitality long enough. Esther is safe, and we can go home now,” answered Andrew. "Rob, let's say our good byes and be finished with it. Okay?"

“Sounds good to me. I've wanted to go home since I got here."

Andrew and Rob went into the other room to say goodbye to Esther, Alan, and Karen, leaving Laura and Melanie alone in the living room.

“He loves me, you know. He's going to marry me. He's not interested in you, so you're wasting your time. He told me so," said Melanie.

“Melanie, why are you so bitter towards me?"

“Bitter? I'm not bitter. I just don't want you to get hurt."

No sooner had Melanie finished this statement, than Rob and Andrew came back into the room. They were about to leave when Laura spoke up.

“What about the box? There are a hundred or more people out there wanting to get their hands on it. What are we going to do?"

“Actually, I have a plan," Andrew said. "Here's what we'll do..."

ii 

The murderer was finally rewarded for his patience as Rob, Melanie, Laura, and Coalie came out of the house. Rob was carrying the box. It was completely wrapped in a blanket to protect his hands. A few of the onlookers tried to approach him, but Coalie kept them at bay. He walked quickly to the Navigator and put it inside. Rob and Melanie got into the Navigator, and Laura got into her car with Coalie. As they drove away, the hoards of people followed. The man from Illinois waited, however. He had noticed that Andrew was still in the house. His truck was still outside. He had a hunch. A few minutes after the crowd had dispersed, and no onlookers were left, Andrew emerged from the house. In his hands, he held the box. Keeping out of sight, the stranger watched as Andrew went over to his great-grandmother's house. Apparently not trusting that all the people were gone, he took the box with him instead of leaving it in his truck.

Andrew entered the house and put the box on the floor in the living room. It was quiet and kind of eerie. The Andrew of a few weeks ago would have been afraid to enter the house alone, but after what he had been through lately, he had no fear of this empty house. He glanced down at the box and went over to the bookshelf that led to the cave. He reached inside and tried to pry the medallion loose from the book. It took him little while, but with some effort and the help of his pocketknife, he got it loose. He turned around and prepared to leave, only to find a familiar face blocking his exit.

“I want the key, and the box, Andrew."

iii

Rob and Melanie pulled into the parking lot of the Little Inn. Rob got out and went inside. He grabbed his belongings, turned in his key, and quickly returned to the Navigator. A large number of people were still following the box. They had effectively cornered Rob and Melanie in the parking lot. Using a few choice words, he convinced them to let him through, and they were on their way.

Laura was already headed for her destination. Andrew's plan had been for the group to pretend to take the box from the house and put it in the back of the Navigator. His hope was that they would follow the Navigator, and he could take the box in his truck. They would then meet at a designated spot on the way back to Illinois. The plan worked perfectly except for one flaw. One person didn't fall for it.

iv

“What are you doing here?" Andrew asked in astonishment.

“Why, Andrew, you look as if you've seen a ghost," came the reply.

“You're dead. They cut out your tongue and sent it to me."

“No. I cut my own tongue out and sent it to you. You have to understand, Andrew, that as a scientist for the government, I am privy to certain knowledge that the general public has never even considered. I am sure you know about the cloning of sheep and cattle, but you were never aware of the ability we possess to clone humans. We don’t let the big stuff out. On occasion we toss the press a few crumbs such as the “Greta Project,” but that’s old hat to us. We’ve been cloning humans for the last decade. I just happened to clone myself without any authorization. After all, I couldn’t very well disappear without a body, could I? No one would be satisfied with that.

“See, Andrew, let me explain. When you brought the box to me, it meant nothing. I had no idea what kind of box it was. I decided to do you a favor and try to open it. Once I found out that it couldn't be opened, I realized the true value of the box. I also knew that the only way I could use the metal would be to get the box open. To do that, I needed the key, and, of course, only you could get that. I had to keep the box a secret, or I would never be able to get near enough to get it. The only problem I figured I had was getting you to go find the key. Let's face it Andrew, you're a coward. I had to think of some way to force you to get the box, so naturally, I threatened your family."

“You're an ass.”

“Yeah. The real surprise was Harry. He came in after I had just cut out my tongue. He saw me alive, and I had to do something to shut him up. I figured if I killed him, there would be some big trouble, so I offered him some money to help me out. All he had to do was go tell security that he found my body. He did that and by the time he came back with a guard, I switched the tape in the security camera, and was on my way out of town. He must have realized that there was money to be made, and he tried to blackmail me. Fool. He made a good casserole, though.”

Andrew grew angrier with every word. He was just about ready to charge Dan when he realized that there was a gun pointed directly at him.

“Now, Andrew, seeing that you have the key, and the box with you, I don’t need you anymore."

Thinking quickly, Andrew questioned Dan’s statement. “Who said I had the key?"

“What's that in your hand?" Dan asked referring to the medallion.

Andrew moved his hand so Dan could see more fully what was in it. "It's the medallion, remember? You've already seen it."

”I thought you had the key. Aren't you all going back to Illinois? You have to have the key," Dan said, seemingly flustered. "I know you have the key; now give it to me!" he shouted.

“Yeah. I have the key," Andrew responded. "You want it? I'll bring it over to you."

“No. You stay there and throw it to me," said Dan still somewhat confused.

“Are you sure you can catch it?"

“Just throw me the key!" Dan shouted in impatient frustration.

Andrew reached into his pocket and pulled out the key. Being this close in proximity to the box, it began to glow. Dan and Andrew both watched as it appeared to throb.

“Throw it to me now!" Dan shouted, raising the gun towards Andrew.

“Here. Take it," Andrew responded as he tossed it over Dan's head.

Dan quickly turned around to pick it up. Just as quickly he turned back around to finish Andrew off, but he was gone.

“I know you're still here, Andrew. The only way out is behind me. Still a coward, eh? Afraid to die?"

“You planning on talking me to death?" came the reply from the cave.

“So you think you're going to hide from me in a closet? I've got a loaded gun. I don't think you can hide from that. I don't think that cute little sword that you have on your waist is going to help you either, unless it can cut through bullets. You know, Andrew, it's not really personal. I just know what that box is worth, and, of course, I like killing people."

Andrew knew he was in trouble. The only exit from the cave was through Dan. He could hear him getting closer and knew the end was near. The temperature in the room slowly began to rise.

v

Andrew's plan was for Laura and Coalie to take one route back to Illinois. Rob and Melanie were going to take another route, and he would take the third route. Laura was having little trouble on her trip. No one had followed her, because she didn't have the box. Rob and Melanie, on the other hand, did have the box. Everywhere they went on the interstate, dozens and dozens of cars followed.

Over the radio they heard the radio announcer say, "Attention. Attention please. The box has left Nebraska. Heh. Heh... just had to say that folks. Was that a hoax or what? Anyway, reportedly the box is being moved out of the state in a red Lincoln Navigator. I guess that box knows how to travel in style. Oh well, weather after these messages."

Rob was getting annoyed. "Why don't they just go home? Don't they have jobs or something?"

“Maybe not. They probably think they’re going to be rich. If they do get the box, can they really sell it to another country?"

“Depends on how much they’re asking. They'll probably be killed for it anyway. I'm surprised we haven't been run off the road yet."

“Maybe they're just waiting for the right time."

“Yeah, could be," Rob answered. "They're probably not sure how to go about it. Someone will try and get it, though. You can be sure of that. Actually, I think it's about time. Andrew should be well on his way by now."

Rob pulled the Navigator over to the side of the road. All the other cars pulled over too. Walking around to the back, he opened it and pulled out the box. He placed it on the ground behind the Navigator, and went back to the driver's seat. Quickly pulling back onto the highway, he asked Melanie what they were doing.

“They're fighting right now. I guess they're trying to see who's going to get it. Wait. Someone got it. They're pulling the blanket off."

Rob gunned it as he said, "We'd better get out of here before they realize it's only a cardboard box. I don't want any road rage today." He chuckled as they continued on towards Illinois.

vi

“You know, Andrew, you're a dead man anyway. You might as well come out of hiding. I hate to shoot a man in his back," said Dan still approaching the cave.

Andrew didn't respond. He had faced so many unusual dangers in the past few weeks. It seemed rather bland that he should die by something as common as a bullet. He just stood there waiting for Dan to come around the corner and do the job.

“I'm going to enjoy watching you die, Andrew. Maybe I'll take my time. I've got plenty of bullets. Maybe I'll just put one through your knee and watch you writhe in pain. That would be nice. I have so little opportunity to do this kind of thing. I really would like to watch someone suffer. I...ack. . .Grrgh. . .ackk. . ."

Andrew was uncertain what was going on, but he dared not leave the sanctuary the cave provided. The gun went off once, twice, three times. He was afraid to look around the corner for fear of what he might find. He just waited. There was more gagging and the gun went off again. Finally, there was a thud and then silence. Andrew noticed that the temperature in the room had once again returned to normal. He waited until he felt it was safe, and then came around the corner. There, lying on the floor, was Dan's body. Andrew was careful to be sure Dan was dead this time. He went over and felt for a pulse. There was none. He looked for breathing. There was none. He held his hand to Dan's face to see if he could feel anything. He felt nothing, but as he examined the body he noticed that around Dan’s mouth were a few specks of green sand.

Chapter XXXIII

Inserting the Key

Andrew had planned on being on the road home by now, but due to the circumstances; he knew what he had to do. He went back over to Alan's house and called the police. It didn't take Tom long to get there. When he did, he and Andrew went over to Esther's house to look at the scene. There was little to say.

“Well, Andrew, you sure you've told me everything?"

“Yeah. That's everything. I came around the corner and he was dead."

Tom bent down and examined the body. He felt for a pulse and examined Dan's mouth. He also saw the traces of green sand.

“Andrew," he began, "it looks like self-defense to me. Go home."

Andrew couldn't believe his ears. He shook his head and said, "What?"

“I'm telling you to go home. We'll have to do an autopsy, but it wasn't your fault. I'll take care of things here. I'll call you in few days with the autopsy results, and that'll be it. Be careful going home, Andrew. I don't think this is over by a long shot."

“You're right. As long as I have that box, I'm in trouble. Thank you, though."

“Just doing my job. Now get out of here."

Andrew didn't wait to be told twice. He grabbed the box, key, and medallion and put them in the truck. He went in and said his goodbyes one last time and left. He was homeward bound.

ii

Melanie, Rob, and Laura met up at the designated spot in Iowa where they were to spend the night and wait for Andrew. They got their rooms, ordered a pizza, and settled in Rob's room to watch TV. None of them felt like being alone. When the movie they had agreed upon ended, they realized that Andrew was long overdue.

“I knew we shouldn't have left him. It was a big mistake,” said Melanie.

“He's fine. After all he's been through, I don't think that he'll have a problem driving to Iowa," said Rob.

“I'm sure he's okay," said Laura. The words were barely out of her mouth when there was a knock at the door. “Who is it?" she asked through the door.

“It's me, Andrew," came the reply.

Laura opened the door, and Coalie and Melanie attacked Andrew as he walked in.

“What kept you?" asked Melanie.

“Well, I know who hired Roger, and Jimmy too."

“Who was it?" asked Rob.

“Dan."

“Dan's dead," Rob replied.

“He is now."

“Wait. I thought he was already dead. How can he be dead again? You didn’t kill him this time did you, Andrew?" asked Melanie.

“No. That's the other thing that's so strange about this. First Dan faked his own death so he could have the box after I got the key. Then once I get the key, he tries to kill me, and dies on his own. I don't know if it was a heart attack or what."

“You didn't see what happened?" asked Laura.

“No. I was in the cave. He was going to shoot me. One minute he says he's going to enjoy killing me, and the next I hear gagging sounds and the gun going off. Then it got real hot in the room like before. I don't know what that was all about, but when the noise and shooting stopped, I went around the corner to see what was up, and he was just lying there, dead. I went to examine him, and I noticed something really strange."

“What was it?" asked Melanie.

“Well, around his mouth he had little grains of green sand. It was just like what we found when we were looking for Esther the other day."

Laura let out a little gasp and excused herself to the restroom. Andrew went to the door and knocked on it.

“Laura? Are you all right?"

“Yeah. I'll be out in a minute,” she answered.

Andrew went back into the other room, and sat down with the others.

“I don't know about you two, but I won't be able to sleep. There's no way I'm staying here tonight. I'm going home. You guys can do what you want," he said.

“I want to go home, too,” said Melanie.

“Well, Andrew, I've been saying I want to go home since we got here. If you want to go now, I'm all for it," Rob replied.

"Great. How are we going to do this with all the vehicles, now? I don't really want Laura driving if she's sick," Andrew said.

“Well, I'm going to drive the Navigator. Laura can ride with me if she wants," Rob suggested.

“Okay. That's cool. Then Melanie can drive my truck, and I can drive Laura's car," Andrew concluded.

Laura came out of the bathroom as Andrew was finishing his statement.

“Where are you driving my car?"

“Home. I'm ready to go if you feel well enough to make it."

“Sure. I'm fine. If you're driving, then I can sleep."

“Okay. You can ride in the Navigator with Rob then. That will be the most comfortable for you."

”Cool with me."

“Let's hit it. I'm ready to go," Rob interjected.

iii

Angelique was in the middle of vacuuming the living room rug for Rob, when the whole group came through the front door.

“Monsieur, Tapani. You are 'ome. Welcome back," she said as Andrew placed the box in the middle of the rug she was vacuuming.

“Well, if you guys are ready, let's do it," Andrew said, pulling the key from his pocket.

The group agreed they were ready, and Andrew put the key on top of the box. The key began to glow and seemed to change color. It went from deep red to bright violet and then to dark blue. It rolled around on top of the box for several minutes, apparently trying to find a comfortable resting spot. Finally, it rolled onto the three interlocked circles. It sat upon one, and then rolled to the next.

Suddenly, as it sat there upon the second circle, the metal beneath it seemed to melt. It left a very small hole, just large enough for the key to drop through into the box. Immediately, the hole closed itself, and the circle that the key had fallen through had disappeared. All was quiet.

“That's it?" Andrew asked, raising his voice.

“No," said a stunned Rob.

“Now what?" asked Melanie.

“Wait! What's that?" asked Laura, pointing to the wall.

Looking over to the wall, everyone noticed that there seemed to be someone there. He was approaching the group.

“Hey. Who are you?" asked Rob while the figure was still too far away to distinguish.

The figure said nothing as it continued to approach them. When it was finally close enough to be clearly seen, their hearts all missed a beat.

Chapter XXXIV

Andrew Gets Romantic

The entire group looked on in stunned astonishment as the figure approached them. Melanie nudged Andrew.

“Hey, Andrew, that's you," she whispered.

“Yes, Melanie, thank you for pointing that out," he whispered back. Laura grabbed Andrew's arm. Seeing this, Melanie grabbed his other arm. Angelique had stopped vacuuming. She looked at Andrew and then at the figure.

“Ah, twins," she said as she smiled and pulled out her dust cloth. She went into the dining room and began cleaning there.

The rest of the group said nothing as the creature approached. Andrew put his right hand on his sword. The figure kept coming, until it was about eight feet from the box. It stopped there. The group had backed away from it as it approached, and now they had stopped, too. Suddenly, the figure spoke.

“Andrew, I know this must be a surprise to you. I know it was to me. I had hoped you would never see this. Since you have, it means that Merlin needs your help. The key was never intended to be used again, but since you have found the first key, you have no other choice than to find the other two."

“Other two? I thought there was only one," Andrew interjected.

Paying no attention, the figure continued. "Since you found the first key, it has now become even more vital that you find the others. You will not understand why at this point, but when the time comes, you will understand all too well. I am simply here to help you find the next key. It is in the wasteland where the other key was. You will have to return there. You will not be alone. A guide will be provided for you. He will find you; do not worry. Take your sword. There will be many tasks for you to accomplish in your quest. When you find the keys, you will open the box. What is inside will help you in what you will need to do afterwards. There's no need to fear. There will be many dangers, but there will be help along the way. Time is of the essence, so you must not hesitate. I cannot tell you how important it is for you to hurry. We all need your help, Andrew. Please do not delay. Only you can help us. It is time. I will see you again soon. The wasteland is a dangerous place. Be prepared before you go, but please hurry."

The figure faded and flickered. Then it disappeared. The group had figured out that it was a hologram, but the question was, why was it hologram of Andrew?

“Andrew? That was a recorded hologram. When did you make it?" asked Rob.

“I didn't. I have no idea what that was,” he answered.

Having overcome the shock of the hologram, the group realized how tired they really were.

“Maybe we're delirious,” suggested Melanie. "We haven't gotten a lot of sleep."

“Well, that's where I'm headed. I'm going home. That stupid box didn't tell me anything. Two more keys? Man! I don't know if I'm up to it," said Andrew.

“According to you, you don't have much choice,” answered Rob referring to the hologram.

“You're a funny man, Rob. I don't know what I'm going to do yet."

“Well, I'm all for getting some sleep," said Melanie.

They all called it a night. Andrew drove Melanie home, and Rob had Angelique show Laura to one of the guest rooms.

ii

Rob awoke to the sound of the phone ringing. It was Becky.

“Hey, you. How's it going? How was your trip?"

“Oh, hey, not bad," Rob lied.

“What are you doing today?"

“Not much. Why?"

"Well, I was wondering if you might want to come over and have lunch. We could talk about my case, and, you know, maybe get to know each other a little better."

Rob liked the sound of that and responded in the affirmative.

“Yeah, that sounds great. Just give me about thirty minutes, and I'll be there."

“Great."

Rob hung up and immediately went into the bathroom to get ready.

iii

Andrew had risen earlier than Rob had. He had made the mistake of checking his messages the night before and was reminded of a workshop he was supposed to attend that day. This was going to tie up most of his day. He was preoccupied, thinking about Laura, however. This only served to make the day longer and hinder his note taking ability.

iv

Melanie woke up at about the same time Rob had, and she went about planning her strategy to get Andrew and keep him. She began preparing a meal that she hoped he would never forget.

v

Laura awoke to the sound of a vacuum cleaner. Her plan was to stay at Rob's house until Andrew decided what to do about the box. Rob had said she could stay as long as she wanted. She took a refreshing shower and got dressed, and then proceeded downstairs for breakfast. Angelique had it waiting on the kitchen table.

About the same time Laura finished breakfast, the doorbell sounded. Angelique was prompt in answering it. She looked out the window and saw a delivery van with Pete's Flowers advertised on the side.

“Allo?" she said as she opened the door.

“Yes, is this the Rob Tapani residence?"

“Yes, it eez. May I help you?"

“Yes. I have a delivery for Laura. Is there a Laura here?"

“Oh, yes. Please hold on."

Angelique went into the dining room.

“Laura? There eez a delivery for you at the front door."

“Who is it?"

“I think it eez flowers."

“Really?" Laura said with surprise. She got up and went into the living room.

“Are you Laura?"

“Yep. That's me."

“Cool. This is for you. I just need you to sign here."

“Okay, thank you very much."

Laura signed the paper, and the man gave her the delivery. It was a single red rose. Laura opened the card to read it, but it was blank. A puzzled look crossed her face, and she asked Angelique to take care of it. She went back in to finish her breakfast.

Forty-five minutes later, Laura was reading a book in Rob's library, and the doorbell rang again.

“Allo?"

“Hello," said the same man from Pete's Flowers. "Is Laura still here?"

“Yes. Wait please."

Angelique went into the library to get Laura. The morning procedure was repeated, and Laura received her second red rose. Again, she looked at the card, and again it was blank. She was a little puzzled, but her curiosity was beginning to be aroused. She went back to the library and her book.

Forty-five minutes later, Laura had read nearly half of the book, when the doorbell rang again. The ritual continued all day until Laura had amassed eleven red roses. Each had a blank card accompanying it. She had them all placed in a vase in the kitchen when Rob returned home.

“What's up with the flowers?" he asked Angelique as he came into the kitchen.

“They are for Laura. They have been coming all day,” she answered.

"Really? From Andrew?"

“I do not know. The cards were blank."

“Really? Hmm... Maybe he's just speechless," he said laughing at his own joke.

“It may be."

Laura entered the kitchen to look at the flowers again. She noticed Rob.

“Hi, Rob, what's up?"

“Not much. Just another day at the office. Have either of you seen Andrew today?"

“No,” replied Laura.

It had been about an hour since Laura had received her eleventh rose, and the doorbell rang again. Angelique answered the door, and called for Laura again. Coming down the stairs, Laura noticed the twelfth rose. Then she noticed the delivery man. He had on polished black wingtip shoes with black dress slacks and a nice black sport coat. She followed the clothing all the way to his face. Suddenly, she realized that standing before her was a Andrew she had never seen before.

Chapter XXXV

The Grand Finale-ish

“Drew. Wow. You look very nice tonight," Laura said, as Rob and Angelique raised their eyebrows at each other and quietly slipped out of the room.

“Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself,” replied Andrew, who seemed little nervous. "This is for you." He handed her the rose.

“Thank you,” she said as she bowed her head to smell it, while keeping her eyes connected to Andrew's. She went into the kitchen and put it with the rest. Quickly returning, she asked Andrew a question.

“So what is all this, Andrew? Why?"

“Because you deserve it. You've been by my side since we met. We've been through some pretty unbelievable situations together, and you've taken it all in stride. I just want to show you how much I appreciate you. Unless you have plans for tonight?"

“Not me. I don't have any plans. I've never even been to Alton. I don't know what there is to do here."

“Well, allow me to show you. First, let's go shopping."

“Hey, now I like that idea," she said with a smile on her face.

They left Rob's house and went into town. They went to several stores in town, then decided to cross the river into Missouri. As they approached the river, Laura spoke. “Wow. Nice bridge."

“Yeah, it's the Clark Bridge. It's relatively new. It's definitely a nice bridge, though."

They crossed the bridge, and went into Jamestown. At the mall there, they found what they were looking for. Andrew paid for her dress, and Laura wore it out to the truck. They headed back to Alton.

“So where are we going?" asked Laura.

“Dinner," Andrew answered.

“But where?" she asked impatiently.

“One of the most beautiful places you'll ever see in your life," Was his answer. "Be patient."

The two drove for what seemed to Laura like an eternity. They first went through downtown Alton and passed what Laura thought looked like very nice restaurants. After passing through town, Andrew took her down River Road. Finally, he turned off on one of the country roads along the river, and drove up into the bluffs. Coming to the top of one, he pulled over to the side of the road.

“Well, this is it," he said, getting out of the truck. He reached into the back, and pulled out a cooler that had been sitting there. Taking it around to the back of the truck, he let down the tailgate, and propped up a table and two chairs that he had brought.

“Wow. You went to some trouble, didn't you?" asked Laura.

“I had you in mind when I did it. It was no trouble at all,” he answered.

Laura smiled at these words, and they both sat down. Andrew prepared food, while Laura suddenly noticed how beautiful the view was.

“Wow. Andrew, this is beautiful. You were right."

Andrew’s timing had been flawless. As they were finishing their dinner, the sun was beginning to set over the river. He knew that the time was now. He had to do it.

“Laura," he said as he got out of his chair and onto his knees, "I know we've only known each other for a little while, but I've grown to love you in these last few weeks. We've shared so much already. I can't imagine spending my life with anyone but you. Those flowers I sent you are like us. You're the first eleven. I'm the twelfth. You have everything going for you. You’re an incredible person. You're smart, you're caring, and you have character, Laura. I'm not that way. I don't have many things to offer. I can only offer myself and my love for you. Together we're like those roses. We're complete. Laura," he said as he pulled something from his pocket, "will you marry me?"

Tears had formed in Laura's eyes and begun to roll down her cheek.  With his hand, Andrew gently reached up and brushed them away.  He gazed into her beautiful, moist eyes and smiled.

“Andrew," she said, "you’re a wonderful man.  I’ve only known you for a little while, but I can see so much good in you."

Andrew looked down at the soft hands he held tightly in his own and waited for her to continue.

"Andrew, I do love you," she said, squeezing his hands, "but I can’t marry you.”

ii

Rob was watching television when the doorbell rang. Angelique was gone for the evening, so he answered it.

“Hello?" he said as he opened the door.

“Mr. Tapani? Hi. I'm Mark Adams. I'm with the local paper. I was just wondering if it would be possible to get an interview with you. About the box, that is."

Rob immediately slammed the door. He thought he had left this problem behind in Nebraska. Evidently he was wrong. Thirty-five minutes later he heard a car door slam. He looked out the window and there was a television crew setting up outside his house on his front lawn.

iii

“What?" asked a crushed Andrew.  “Why?”

“I can't tell you why, but I can't marry you, Andrew. I'm sorry. I really do love you."

Andrew just looked at her and then at the river, not knowing what to say.  After a few minutes of silence he responded.  "I don't understand," he said flatly. He stood up and began packing the remains of their dinner.

“Munin, stop. We can still enjoy the evening. We don't have to go."

Andrew didn't say a word. He just continued putting things away. When he had finished, he got in the truck to leave. Laura reluctantly got in the passenger side, and they left. Andrew didn't say a word, in spite of Laura's continual persuading.

“Please, Munin, you have to understand. Let's talk about this."

“You said no, and you can't tell me why. There's nothing else to say," was the only reply Andrew gave on the long trip back to Rob's house. He finally pulled into the driveway, and Laura said goodnight, but before leaving touched his arm.  He quickly pulled it away without saying a word.  Tears came to her eyes again as she left the truck. While she walked to the door, one of the television crewmembers came up to the driver's side window.

“Excuse me, Sir. Are you Andrew Tapani? The owner of the box? Sir, if we could just have a few words with you, we would deeply appreciate it. Maybe if we could even see the box?"

Laura had already gone into the house, ignoring the people outside. Andrew responded to the reporters.

“You want to see the box? You want to see it?" he asked raising his voice. "I think I can take care of that for you." He quickly threw open the door, hitting the reporter as he did so. He walked defiantly into Rob's house. Rob questioned him as soon as he entered.

“Andrew, what's wrong with Laura? Why is she crying? What happened?" he asked.

Andrew ignored the questions and went straight to the box. Once again covered in a blanket, he picked it up. Rob continued his inquiry. “What are you doing? Where are you going with that? Don't show that to them. Andrew, you can't take that out there."

Andrew paused and said, "Rob, I'm going to do something I should have done a long time ago. I'm going to fix everything once and for all. I don't know why I didn't do it sooner. Esther is back. We're all home and out of danger. I'm just going to set things right again. That's all." Andrew said no more as he continued out the door. He threw the box in the back of the truck, and yelled, "You guys want to see the box? Follow me. I'll show you something you've never seen before."

The reporters were quickly back in their vehicles with their equipment, and they were soon following Andrew towards downtown Alton.

iv

Melanie was just putting the finishing touches on the meal she had prepared for Andrew, and sat down on his couch to wait for him to return home. She had high hopes for this relationship and was ready to show him that.

v

Andrew stopped the truck halfway across the Clark Bridge. He got out, slamming the door behind him, and looked over the railing at the mighty Mississippi River. As the reporters got their cameras out from their vehicles, Andrew got into the bed of his truck and removed the blanket from the top of the box.

“VOILA!" he shouted to the crowd of reporters as they began collecting around him. "Behold the mighty, magical box! The box that can't be opened! The box that has the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and travel through time! The box that can leap tall buildings in a single bound and grant eternal life. The Utopia that all people search for but can never find. The box of happiness! Once you have touched this box, you will never be the same. Where did it come from? What does it do? Who knows? Who the hell cares?!"

Then in one swift move, he covered the box again with the blanket, picked it up, and threw it over the side of the bridge towards the river.

As the photographers kept their cameras trained on the falling box, a horizontal bolt of lightning suddenly shattered the cloudless, star-lit night with a loud multi-thunderous cracking. The bridge heaved and shuddered throughout the incredible ten-second event, leaving the smell of ozone in its wake.

By the time the onlookers regained their composure and looked over the side of the bridge, there was nothing to be seen. There was nothing left. The only question on everyone’s mind was whether the lightning had destroyed the box, or if it had ended up at the bottom of the river. Either way, it didn't seem to matter. It was gone, and the people began to disperse.

Fifteen minutes later, Andrew was the only one left pondering. He wearily got into his truck and drove home.

vi

Melanie had fallen asleep on the couch, and was awakened by the sound of Andrew coming through the door.

“What are you doing here?" he asked her.

Getting up, she said in a groggy, half-asleep voice, "I made you dinner. Come sit down. I'll get it ready for you."

Andrew looked at her in disgust. "What'd you do that for? Did I ask you come into my house and make dinner? Just who do you think you are? How'd you get in here, anyway?"

“You left the back door unlocked. Andrew, what's the matter? What's wrong?"

“Nothing. Just go home, please. I don't want to talk about it. Thanks for the thought, but you need to leave. I just want to be alone."

“Okay, Andrew. If that's what you need. I'll go."

Melanie went out to her car, and went home with tears in her eyes. Andrew went to bed.

vii

Andrew spent the next three days in self-imposed solitary confinement, avoiding everyone and everything.

It was easy to tell he hadn't done much for those three days. His phone was unplugged, and he clearly hadn't shaved. He went into the kitchen and made some hot water for his tea, put some bread in the toaster. He went to the front door and got the morning paper. He buttered his toast, fixed his tea, and sat down at the kitchen table. As he began going through the motions of turning the pages, he spoke.

“What kept you?" he asked, as he looked across the table at the box. 

Coming Soon:

The Box Book II: Journeys