The Forbidden Script (10 page)

“So what do you think of the school?” Asked Travis.

“This place is fabulous, there is so much to see, and the food is yummy,” said Jackie as she took a bite out of a huge roasted potato.

“Oh! By the way, we haven’t been properly introduced, since my friend here didn’t give us a chance.”

Sally could kill her right now.

Travis turned to Sally. “Hi, my name is Travis Malone, and you are…?”

He held out his hand for Sally to shake.

“Sally Mallock, and my ex-friend here is Jackie Parker,” she said.

The door burst open to Kate’s lab. Jason and Danny entered, anxious to see what she found out. Kate was busy searching on her computer, going through old newspaper clips. She called to Jason and Danny, beckoning them to see what she discovered.

“The writing is in an ancient Indian text. I have no idea how Sarah managed to read or write this language!” She said.

Danny interrupted.

“What does it mean then?”

“It seems to be a confession of some sort,” she answered.

Kate slowly reads out the few lines.

“He has taken their souls and will keep on doing so. He gets stronger from each one and must be stopped”.

She put down the diary.

“It seems this has been going on for some time,” said Kate.

“Okay.. okay, but why write in an ancient text?” Said Jason.

Kate answered, “to hide her confession from anyone reading her diary.”

“Well, whatever it means, she must have felt safer writing it down, hoping one day someone would understand it,” replied Jason.

“Is there anything else written in there?” Asked Danny.

“I found nothing significant, just her daily routine which seems normal to me,” answered Kate.

Jason reached for the diary. “I will go through it again. Maybe we missed something. Shall we call it a day? I’m beat and still have my report to write.”

The agents thanked Kate and left.

Dinner was almost over, and most of the students had left the hall. Travis and the two girls continued chatting.

“So how about I take both of you on a private tour around this magnificent place before we call it a night?” Offered Travis.

Sally and Jackie looked at each other and said, “thanks that would be great. Is it okay though to be prowling around this time of night? We don’t want you to get in any trouble with the Dean.”

Travis said, “the Deans a great guy, and it won’t be the first time.”

They all got up from the table.

“I need to use the restroom before we go,” said Sally.

“It’s the first door on the left. I’ll wait here for you,” he said.

They headed for the toilets, and when they were out of earshot.

Sally said, “you think it’s alright for us to be wandering off with this guy? We just met him.”

Jackie replied, “We’re at a school, and there are students everywhere. He seems to be a nice guy, and my god, he’s so gorgeous,” she said, giving Sally a nudge.

“Okay, but we stay together. Don’t you dare leave me alone with him,” said Sally.

They went back to the table where Travis was waiting.

He stood up, saying, “let the tour begin!”

Jason decided to give Kate a call at the lab after he finished his paperwork, to see if she was still working.

“Hi! It’s me, Jason. You’re working late tonight! Is everything alright?”

Kate looked at the time.

“I didn’t notice it was so late, and besides, I have no plans for the evening.”

Jason took a chance and said, “hey, how about we go out for a drink? I’m sure we both need one.”

Kate smiled at the thought.

“That sounds great. Where do have in mind?” She asked.

“Do you know the restaurant Blue Waters? They have a bar overlooking the beach.”

“Yes, I know the place. Meet you there in say, half an hour.”

Kate locked up the lab and hurried down to her car. She felt I bit nervous meeting Jason. The last time she met someone for a drink was over a year ago.

The bar had a few customers, mostly regular couples. Jason arrived first. He ordered a scotch while waiting for Kate to arrive. The bartender served Jason his drink, recognizing him from his past visits.

“Hi Jason! How are you doing? Been a while since I’ve seen you here.”

Jason shook his hand.

“Been busy with work. This case is getting us all worked up, thought a drink would clear my mind,” said Jason.

Just then, Kate walked in. Jason stood up offering her a stool next to his.

“A drink for the lovely lady?” Said the bartender.

“A rum and coke would do fine, thanks.”

“Nice place. I love the ocean view,” said Kate.

Jason said, “it’s hard to believe that girl was found dead in such a lovely place.”

Kate could see the concern in his eyes.

She asked him, “you have a daughter about the same age, Sally, is it?”

Jason faced Kate.

“Yes Sally. She’s all I got. When her mother left home, I became over protective towards her. I would blame myself if any harm came to her.”

Kate laid her hand on his knee.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure we will find out what’s going on.”

Jason touched Kate’s hand, grateful for her concern.

“Well, tell me a bit about yourself, Miss Barnes.”

Kate began with her childhood and then about her parents moving from Wisconsin to Miami Florida after having enough with the cold weather. They decided to spend their remaining years in a warmer climate. Her father suffered from severe arthritis, and the warmth would do well for him. Both parents passed away a couple of years ago.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” said Jason.

“So what got you into forensics?”

Kate smiled and said, “I have always enjoyed solving puzzles, and what greater puzzle, can you get from forensics!”

Jason laughed.

“Very true. You also need patience and determination for your kind of work.”

After a few more drinks, Kate decided to call it a night. Jason walked her to her car.

“Thanks for a lovely time. I needed it. We should do this again,” he said.

“I enjoyed it also, and yes, we should. Goodnight Jason.”

He watched her drive off, feeling good.

Travis led the girls out of the dining hall and went to see the gymnasium. Just like the rest of the school, the size was breath taking. The basketball court had been upgraded recently with the latest technology. A huge screen hung from the center of the ceiling. The scoreboard is just like you would see at a professional stadium. Sally and Jackie began imagining the atmosphere here while a game was taking place. Students screaming and shouting at the top of their voices while the cheerleading teams perform during timeout. Coaches and referees shouting at each other throughout the game.

“We have to come and watch a game here,” Jackie said, shouting at the top of her voice.

“There is a game next week, maybe you could both drive over. I will save you the best seats!” Said Travis smiling at their excitement.

Jackie turned to Sally. She grabbed her by the shoulders.

“Shall we? It would be awesome. Please, please say yes.”

Sally looked at Travis.

“I have to discuss it with my dad first, but I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“Woohoo. It’s a deal Travis, count us in,” said Jackie giving her friend a hug.

“Okay then it’s settled. I will give you the time and when the game is and contact one of you. What do you say we head out to the school grounds and football field?” Said Travis.

Sally glanced at the time.

“Okay, great, but after that we should continue another time. It’s getting late, and we have a big day tomorrow.”

The night was cool with a light breeze gently swaying the tree branches. Jackie and Sally followed a pace behind Travis. Jackie gestured for Sally to walk with him.

“Will you be attending the anthropology class tomorrow? Jackie and I can’t wait to find out how you manage to collect so precise information about cultures that existed hundreds of years ago.”

Travis was surprised by what she said.

“Well, that has to be kept a school secret. It’s not for me to tell,” he said with a grin, “but yes, I will be attending the class.”

After the outside tour, they all headed for their dorms to settle down for the night. Jackie trailed behind, happy to watch her friend enjoying time with another person besides herself.

“Well ladies, I hope you enjoyed our quick tour. Maybe tomorrow I could show you the library and science Lab.”

They reached their room, and Jackie said a quick goodnight, leaving Travis and Sally alone in the hallway.

“Thanks so much for spending your time with us. I hope we were not a burden!” Said Sally.

“Of course not. As a matter of fact, I saved those seats at the dining hall for you,” he said.

Sally’s face turned a bright red, flattered by his remark.

“I was praying you wouldn’t find a seat. I hope you don’t mind?”

Sally looked up at his blue eyes.

“No, not at all. It’s good to make new friends, and I’m glad you kept those seats for us. Jackie was complaining that her dinner plate was getting heavier by the second. She eats too much, yet never gains weight,” said Sally with a laugh.

“Well, I won’t keep you. I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Goodnight Sally.”

“Goodnight Travis.”

Sally closed the door behind her to find Jackie sitting crossed legged on the bed.

“Well, well, look who has a new boyfriend.”

Sally on the defensive said, “we’re just friends okay, and besides we only just met. Also, we live miles apart, and I can’t see how that will work out.”

She got ready for bed and turned off the lights.

“Goodnight Jackie.”

“Goodnight Sally.”

Travis made his way to his room with a huge smile on his face.

“That was easy,” he said to himself.

Travis was pleased with himself for finding another replacement for their next gathering.

It was about eleven thirty in the evening when Jason arrived home. He remained in his car for a while; his thoughts were about Sally. He was concerned about her safety at Miami University, and thought about giving her a call, but realizing the time he thought it would be better not to wake her if she were asleep. Jason dreaded these moments when she was away from home. He pictured the times when Anne was still at home, and how warm the house felt with her presence.

Coming home to an empty house always got Jason thinking of the past and wished things were as they used to be. Jason looked up at the night sky.

“Anne what happened? Why did you leave? We were so happy. Sally needs you so bad. We both need you.”

He got out of the car and went upstairs to take a shower before going to sleep. He let the warm water run, letting it soak into him, relaxing his tired body.

On her way home Kate kept thinking about Jason, and how much she enjoyed his company. She had no intention of getting involved with anyone until she met him. She decided not to rush things, best to let things take their course. She was not even sure if Jason was interested in her or not.

Arriving home, she entered her two bedroomed apartment that she bought soon after her parents passed away. Being too large for her, she sold their original home, preferring something smaller where she felt safe. She got on well with her neighbors, and they all watched out for eachother making her feel even safer.

The apartment had an open plan kitchen/dining room, an en-suite bathroom, and a very large lounge. The guest bedroom was a bit smaller than the main bedroom but just as comfortable. Her favorite place was her study, where she enjoyed reading and catching up with her work when needing to take it home with her.

Kate went to her room and prepared her nightclothes and headed for the shower. She liked to take long showers, especially after handling corpses at work. After her shower, she stood in front of the mirror brushing her long brown hair. Kate was a very pretty woman, but she thought she was just simple looking. She removed her makeup from her face, and then went to make a bedtime snack. She sat down on her sofa eating her ham and cheese sandwich while watching TV.

Her last thoughts were of Jason before drifting off to sleep.

The emergency ward at Jackson community hospital was always busy, night and day. Doctors and nurses were attending any person admitted from a minor scratch to a ghastly bullet wound. One person entered with his hand wrapped in bandages while in his other hand he held a coffee mug containing his severed thumb packed on ice. The young man had accidentally sliced it off while cutting wood with a circular saw.

An ambulance quickly pulled in at the entrance with sirens blaring as medical attendants rushed out to help the paramedics that were lowering the gurney carrying a young woman. Her face was severely damaged from the impact she received as she hit the vehicle’s steering wheel. She was the lucky one after colliding head-on into an oncoming car. The other driver died within seconds.

They immediately took the women into surgery. At least three doctors assisted by nurses, and an anesthesiologist operated on her for over four hours. The team managed to keep every muscle in her face intact despite the broken jaw and cheekbone.

Tony Barrette shook hands with the team of doctors and nurses on a satisfactory job. He went back to his office to prepare reports and notes of the morning incidents. Tony was soon ending his night shift of twelve hours.

Whenever he had any free time during work hours, he would spend it near the operating theater. It would not be the first time he watched family members crying for their lost loved ones that had just passed on. Tony could feel the presence of their spirits as they left their body in search of a passage into the afterlife. The energy that left the corpse caused Tony’s body to tingle with life. He believes death is just a departure for the spirit world. All human beings have eternal life. Our souls are eternal. True death does not occur when the physical body stops functioning. The moment of true death is when the silver cord connecting a physical body and soul is severed. It usually takes place about one day after physical death and is also closely related to how quickly a person is able to accept death.

During his childhood, Tony had on many occasions heard souls reaching out to him. It would happen when passing by a house where a family member had recently died. He would hear the spirits cry for help. He could not understand why he had the ability to hear and see these spirits.

As he grew older, he began to understand things much better after researching the paranormal. He found that during the first seven days or so, the soul of the deceased person usually remains close to the place they lived and tries to follow the lifestyle they were used to. These souls may become earth-bound spirits (ghosts) if they strongly denied life after death, or were attached to something in this world and cannot let go. Spirits like these usually have a spirit guide, which comes to help them to realize that they are already dead. The spirit guide could be a parent or sibling, or a close friend. The spirit guide will help them pass over to the spirit world. A Medium is the best way to help these lost souls. Tony became fixated with the paranormal. He believed he was brought into this world not only to help these spirits, but also to extend his life by slowing down the body’s internal clock that causes us to age. Tony is able to achieve this by absorbing the energy left behind from these lost spirits once they pass over.

His shift was finally over, and as he drove home in his black BMW. He thought of Helen, who was on her last day of deciphering the Mayan hieroglyphs. He thought of that night at the beach and what he had discovered. Tony wanted it all; he had to know the meaning of the ancient text.

As he pulled up to his house, he stopped to take a quick look making sure all was alright before entering. Tony lived alone in the large house, which he inherited from his parents after they passed away eight years ago. The place was built by his great-grandfather and passed on generation after generation. Tony never married and was never interested in long-term relationships. His only interest was of the paranormal and spent many hours in the basement, which he refurbished into his place of spiritual meditation. Nobody but he has ever entered this sacred area, as he believes the soul must be clean or otherwise bad spirits could interrupt his meditation.

As he enters the house, he calls out to Carlos.

“Down here Mr. Tony,” replied the big Mexican from the basement.

He walks calmly down the basement stairs and into the room where he finds Helen filing the final translations of the Mayan tablet.

“Well, have you managed to finish it in time my dear?” he asked as he walked around the table towards Helen.

He held out his hand for her to pass the file over to him. Helen gives it to him, too weary to argue after having spent the last three days locked in this confined room. The only time she was alone was when she retired to her room after twelve hours working on the decoding. Helen was worn out, and the effects were now showing on her. The only thing that kept her going was the thought of her young niece and the fact that she was deciphering a text that hasn’t been seen for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. The text contained hidden secrets of the early Mayans, and Helen felt proud she had managed to accomplish the feat in such a short time. The only thing that bothered her was she might have handed it to the wrong person. If the facts were true about what was in the text, it could be very dangerous to anyone not knowing what they were doing. On the other hand it could all be just an old text and meant absolutely nothing. It is clearly written that only the sacred high priests had the power to summon the gods. The real question was, did Tony possess this power or not?

Helen sat down.

She said, “you have to let me go now! I did what you asked from me and in return I would be set free.”

Tony looked at Carlos, who understood what he meant. He went over to Helen and stood her up.

“Lock her in her room until we are ready,” said Tony, as he read through the script.

Helen tried to break free from Carlos, but his grip around her was too strong.

“You son of a bitch! You agreed I would be let free! Keep your end of the deal you bastard!”

Tony paid no attention to her words. His mind was elsewhere. He was ready to try again, and needed to make new plans for another ritual.

Carlos dragged Helen to her room, locking the door from the outside. She was angry with herself for believing she would be let free. She climbed onto the bed crying, not understanding how she got into this mess. How she wished the Mayan tombs remained undiscovered. Tired and exhausted, she cried herself to sleep.

In his meditation room, Tony was going over the text, carefully absorbing information from the Mayans. He understood they discovered the ability to summon not only spirits, but also gods. These underworld gods gave them what they wanted, but the price was high and dangerous. Backing out from the understanding could be devastating. Tony knew what he wanted; he wanted to enter the underworld realm at any cost.

Helen had fallen into a deep sleep. Translating the ancient text had exhausted her tremendously. It also affected her mind somehow. She began to dream of things she never knew before. She saw strange statues of demons and evil gods with skull-like heads, their body’s covered in beads of gold.

She saw herself back in the underworld cavern. It was dark with just a small fire blazing in the center. Someone is laying on the sacrificial stone table. She then saw dark shadows appearing out of thin air. They hovered over to the person on the stone table, when slowly the dark spirits began to raise the woman with their long dark fingers grasping her body, lifting it higher and higher. The woman began to move; she was still alive. She appeared to be screaming, but no sound is heard. Suddenly the woman turned her face towards Helen, sensing somebody was watching the ghostly event. The next instant Helen woke up screaming with sweat running down her body. She recognized the women in the dream. Helen realized she was watching her own death.