The Man Who Wasn’t There – Part 43

During the reception, Dr. Meru asks the teens to meet him in the cemetery where they find a mausoleum with a list of familiar names on it—including one Virtuous Meru.

“I do, indeed. I don’t believe in coincidences. If you look even more closely, you see that they didn’t all die that day. There are other dates among them. Brian’s many greats grandfather, died nearly fifty years later. His last wife lived to be a hundred. This is your heritage, children.”

“How is this so significant?” Chase asked. “It’s interesting and all….”

“Look at its shape,” Meru said. “Does it look familiar?”

It did, especially to Brian. “This is just like the one at Chase’s house.”

“Yes, I believe so.”

“But the bodies, the ashes, weren’t in there. So, what’s the point?”

“That’s what I don’t know yet,” Meru replied, placing his hand on the crypt. “I wish they could speak to me. At times like this, I feel quite dense.”

“Who knows, Dr. Meru, maybe they will speak to us,” Brian said, his eyes meeting the older man’s. “In our dreams, spirits can speak to us, right?”

“So I’m told, Brian, though it doesn’t happen often to me.”

“But it could, right? Maybe they could give me answers, help us defeat Mr. D.”

“It is well worth trying,” he replied. “But you can’t sleep here.”

“No, but dreams are limitless. I don’t have to.” He placed his hand on the crypt plaque. “Anyone got paper? I want to write those names down.”

“No need,” Jordan said, taking out her phone. She went to the memo app and pressed the microphone button. She read off the names and their dates.

When she’d finished, Brian pulled her close, kissing her. “Have I told you today just how incredible you are?”

“No,” she replied with as smirk. “Slacker.”

His laugh followed her back up the hill.

At Brian’s home once again, the friends, minus Chase and Marissa, met in the basement. With computers and the list of names, they did some looking for their dead ancestors. The details were sketchy, but at least they were able to find out a little something about each of them. Brian’s many greats grandfather was easiest to track down. Luminous Cayce was a farmer and minister. He had been at the forefront of the conflict 300 years ago and had lost his wife in the final battle. Amazingly, their twelve children had escaped unscathed, thanks to the Peddler.

It was the death of Cayce’s wife, Opal, which had prompted the Peddler to get involved. She was pregnant when she was struck down. She died, but her baby, Olivander, delivered postmortem by C section, lived. Brian’s family was descended from his line.

“It was after this that the Cayce line received the gift of second sight,” Andre read aloud. “The baby was delivered by Dr. Heath Barrett, Jordan’s ancestor.” He chuckled. “Guess we know where your dad’s name came from.”

They all laughed. Louisa took the laptop, continuing to read to them. “Cayce later married a Choctaw princess and became part of the tribe. He and his royal wife had fifteen children. Damn, that was one prolific man!”

“Don’t get any ideas like that.” Jordan scowled, punching Brian.

“Oh, but honey, I want twenty-eight children, too! Think of all the great Father’s Day gifts I’d get.”

Jordan giggled, tickling him. “Not unless you plan on having them.”

“Babe, I don’t think there’s any magic in the world that could accomplish that.” He kissed her nose.

“Why is it important to know this?” Sweet asked.

“Because, I hope to contact one of these people in my sleep. With Claude’s help, I think I can get in a hypnotic sleep and can speak to someone. The more I know, the more of a feel I have for my contact, the better. I think I’ll try to reach Luminous. We know more about him than any of the others.”

“What, that he was a horny bastard who had twenty-eight kids?” Sweet teased.

Brian rolled his eyes. “All his accomplishments and you take that away.”

“I want to be there,” Jordan said. “I don’t want you doing this without me.”

“Jordan, Claude will be there….”

“If I’m not there, you don’t go under. Got it?”

“Yeah, Jordan. Okay.” He kissed her. “If that’s what will make you feel better, please.”

“Nothing about this will make me feel better,” she said. “But I won’t worry quite as much if I’m with you.”

Jordan’s parents objected to her staying, until Claude pointed out that as his future mate, she could do more to safeguard Brian than he could. Dr. Meru also planned to assist. Since he and Brian had shared dreams before, it seemed natural that he be there.

No one, especially Brian, wanted to delay. After a late dinner, Brian and Jordan got ready for bed. He lay down with her beside him. Dr. Meru settled in a recliner, hands folded over his chest.

“I’ve slept in worse conditions,” he assured them. “This is quite comfortable.”

Claude had his sleep monitor set up with him. Part of his practice was sleep disorders. He got Brian all hooked up with sticky pads on his arms, legs and chest and goo in his hair. He wanted to do the same to Jordan, but she objected.

“You keep your goop to yourself, Dr. Beauchamps,” she replied haughtily. “If Brian has problems with it, he can shave his head. I don’t look good bald.” She shook back her thick brown hair.

The men laughed at her and she grinned.

© 2017 Dellani Oakes 

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