Reflections: Cathedral Chronicles, #2

By E.M.G Wixley

In the bustling streets of London, Adair, a young journalist, finds himself thrust into a world of intrigue and danger when his father, Doctor Brown, flees to a remote Scottish island haunted by a chilling medical conspiracy. Left behind with his brother, Adair grapples with the unsettling question: is their father a visionary or a madman?

 

Amidst the chaos, Adair reconnects with Sophia, a childhood friend lost to time. But their reunion only unearths deeper mysteries and darker truths. As shadows lengthen and sinister forces close in, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the horrifying secrets hidden from humanity.

 

From the eerie landscapes of Scotland to the depths of an alternate dimension, Adair and Sophia must confront the looming spectre of deception and betrayal. Will they unravel the truth before it's too late, or will they become victims of the very darkness they seek to expose? Dive into this gripping tale of suspense and revelation, where every turn reveals a new layer of chilling intrigue.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.M.G Wixley
• Release date: Oct 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393005766

E.M.G Wixley

Elizabeth Wixley was born in Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom but has moved many times during her childhood. She attended the Camberwell Art School and joined a design studio in Convent Garden. Moving to Bristol, some years later, she worked full time for the Local Education Authority supporting children suffering from emotional and behavioural difficulties, whilst ensuring that the transition into a mainstream school was done in a supportive and nurturing manner. Whilst providing children with a safe haven for learning, she raised two sons as a single parent while studying for a degree in education at the University of the West of England. Her love of fiction started at the age of six when Elizabeth’s grandmother died of cancer and to ensure that the rest of the family was safe, she would spend the nights roaming the house looking for the 'C' monster to make sure that he did not claim any more victims. One sunny bright day, her sister told her that fork lightning would come and strike her down after which she would spend her days hiding in the garage and when she heard that the sun was falling out of the sky, well needless to say, she very seldom ventured out. With trial and error, Elizabeth soon realized to fight her foes, she had to stare them straight in the eye, explore them and conqueror the inner demons in order to stand righteous. This helps fuel her love of horror and the many mysteries of the world. Creating a why and what if scenario that runs prominent in her fascinating fiction. Throughout Elizabeth’s life, creative arts have been her passion whether it is visiting galleries, painting or writing. She enjoys nothing more than sharing a compelling horror story with others and holding the sanity of her readers in the palm of her hand.

Book preview

Chapter One

Sophia Bridges stood gazing out of the window. Her mood was elevated out of the gloom of her boyfriend's basement flat by the exciting buzz of life on street level. The bright rays of summer’s end illuminated the pavement, and shadows grew and shrank as people walked by, locked into their unique rhythm.

Sophia sighed and, hearing Adair approach, turned back into the half-light just as he entered the room carrying a large bottle of Coke tucked awkwardly under one arm and balancing a plate full of toast in his hand.

It’s a beautiful day! We must go somewhere, Sophia said with bubbling enthusiasm as she flicked her long dark hair back over her shoulder.

We’ll go to Richmond Park. I want to take some photos, Adair said as he sat on the sofa, placed the cumbersome objects on the coffee table, and proceeded to eat the meagre breakfast. Come and eat, Soph. My lazy git of a brother has bought something for once.

What – a half bottle of Coke and a stale loaf of bread? No coffee? I need coffee in the mornings, she protested jokingly.

Well, Coke will have to do, Adair, said as he poured it out into two dirty looking glasses.

Sophia perched on the chair next to Adair, emptied her glass in a couple of gulps, leaned over the table and began to take apart a Russian nesting doll. Now that she was away from the light, she was conscious of the chill air and the gooseflesh creeping over her arms.

You’re intrigued by that thing, aren’t you? Adair said, with his eyes fixed on the half-missing index finger of her left hand.

Yeh, they’ve always fascinated me. Lives within lives, hidden and then revealed, but each separate in their own right, she said as she lined them up in order of height. Remember we used to play that game Misfits, where you could mix up the body parts. Like people with multiple personalities.

Adair shot her a look of puzzlement. Okay, I think you need to eat something because your brain’s obviously lacking in nutrients, he said, handing her a slice of toast.

Sophia glanced over at the bright square of light. A sly, jet-black shadow stretched out over the paving slabs, seemingly coming from no physical source. It persisted, motionless as others stepped over it. Sophia saw it as a menacing presence and glanced anxiously at Adair.

My god, that’s weird. There’s a shadow on the pavement, which appears not to be attached to a body. I hate the idea that everywhere you go these days, you’re watched.

Soph, what am I going to do with you and your wild imagination? You don’t have to read meaning into everything. Probably, it’s someone waiting out of sight.

Partially reassured, Sophia ate a slice of toast. She bit into a second piece but then immediately spat it out. The soggy chunk landed on the table, and amongst the white mush, there were two wriggling maggots. Sophia’s face contorted with disgust.

My God, that’s vile. Your brothers got a lot to answer for.

Adair grabbed Sophia’s hand and squeezed. Shit! Sorry, babe! I’ll treat you at the café. I know James can’t be trusted for anything, Adair looked pleadingly at Sophia. He’s a fucking liability. If you move in here, I’ll tell him to go.

You can’t do that – he’ll end up on the streets.

No, he won’t. Tough love might be what the idiot needs to get off the drugs and drink. Come on, let’s get out of here. My stomach isn’t feeling great - especially now I know I’ve been eating bugs. Adair smiled.

Sophia climbed off her bike as they started to trudge up the steep hill towards Richmond Park. She was conscious of her hard breathing and looked towards her boyfriend Adair as, with little effort, he followed in her steps.  He turned his head and met her gaze with his warm - smile, and she beamed back at the man she had missed since her childhood.

All those long, long years of separation - I just can’t believe after all this time, we’re together again, struggling up this hill, Sophia stated as she brushed a strand of hair from her mouth that kept blowing across in the breeze. Thank the heavens for the Internet.

Well, I’m glad to see your hair’s as wild as ever, Adair said, stopping and balancing his bike against his hip. He held the camera, which always hung from his neck, up to his face and pressed the trigger. Over the last two months of their reunion, Sophia had become used to the constant clicking.

Do you remember the last time you saw me - I mean, when we were kids? Sophia interjected as she struck a pose, putting one hand behind her head and her hips pushed forward.

Yup, it was the end of the year award ceremony at our primary school. I got a science prize.

I tried to say goodbye, but your dad was in a hurry and whisked you away, Sophia said, her voice loaded with regret.

I remember seeing your back as you stood sandwiched between your mum and dad, who were talking to a teacher, Adair grinned. I recall being amazed by the long curling locks of your un-plaited hair.

What happened? Why did you vanish? Sophia said, staring at Adair, bewildered. I went around to your house during the holidays, and a strange woman answered the door, Sophia moaned, aware of the resentful inflexion in her voice. You just left. I had no one.

It was as much of a surprise to me. One day, I woke up, and over breakfast, my dad announced that we were moving that same day. We were packed off to stay with Nanny Dot, and my father disappeared up to a small Scottish island.

A gust of fresh wind sighed over them, and as the gradient of the hill increased, they both fell into silence. Sophia’s eyes cast down to the golden leaves that carpeted the ground, and her thoughts drifted back to the moment they had met in infant school. In the cavernous Victorian building, they’d felt so small and had clung together for comfort. Right from the start, they had recognised something similar within each other, an ingredient which they both shared. From that first day, the pattern of their eternal friendship was quickly and firmly established.

Adair’s virtues had always been his kindness and innate integrity. He’d been a gentle boy who had managed to gain the respect of his peers and had protected Sophia from the more aggressive children. Now, he was a humble and intelligent man.

Sophia understood that the missing piece in his soul came from the loss of his mother at an early age and a father whose job as a Doctor meant he had to spend long hours away from home. Consequently, their Nanny, Dot, mostly raised Adair and his brother James.

Sophia’s situation had been somewhat different. She adored her parents, John and Daisy, but they both held down full-time jobs and were rarely at home. As a latchkey child, she was frequently left alone with her older sister, Jean, who bullied her mercilessly throughout her childhood, making her life a misery.

It was these insecure attachments that were the catalyst that united Sophia and Adair. Each was compelled to take up residence in the empty spaces of the other’s heart. Nobody else was allowed to step between them - right up until they were abruptly parted at the age of eleven.

For months, Sophia had waited and searched for her friend. She even embarrassed herself by running up to other children playing, convinced that she had glimpsed him amongst their group. Then, when she had finally realised that she was truly alone, she was bereft, wept for weeks, and locked herself away in her room. Although eventually, she recovered enough to re-enter the world, the longing for Adair’s company remained. The memory of him was imprinted in her brain forever. It was only natural that one day, they would try to find each other.

Adair, I’m feeling ill, strange as if I’ve been poisoned. Sophia suddenly muttered as she grew aware of a fear banking up inside her like an ominous wave. She felt a sweeping sense of unreality as though the predictable pattern of their day’s plans were blurring.

Now you mention it, I don’t feel so great either. It’s strange. This is so odd. Perhaps my wreck of a brother has spiked our food. Maybe he’s been cutting up his drugs on the breadboard again.

I think it’s food poisoning, the hygiene in your kitchen isn’t exactly good. She looked up at Adair and noticed his skin had a peculiar greenish tinge.

If we still feel bad when we reach the park, we can lock our bikes up on the bars and take the bus back, Adair replied.

Oh, by the way, my rich bitch of a sister contacted me, Sophia said, trying to take her mind off the ebb and flow of queasiness. I couldn’t believe it - do you remember her?

Oh, yes. What a bitch! She was always locking you out of the house.

Well, she had the door key.

And she chopped your finger off with a kitchen knife - playing that stupid game, Adair said.

The cow! I’m scarred for life.

What did she want?

It was weird, the last time I saw her was at her first wedding when she was sixteen and pregnant. She left for her new life after that, and then I ran away from home when I reached the age of sixteen. For years, we had no contact at all. Then I heard through the grapevine that she’d lost that baby and has since been married and divorced three times. She’s just married husband number four. Can you believe it - she is only thirty-one? Each time she marries the husbands gets richer than the last one. She contacted me on Facebook, saying it was time we got to know each other better and wanted me to give her a ring. She is up to something. I don’t trust her.

Maybe she has changed - people do.

No, not her - she made my childhood a living hell.

Their pace slowed, and Adair smiled, you ought to at least call her - hear what she has to say. Besides, you’re safe now, he said, wiping Sophia’s hair out of her eyes.  You’ve got me.

No, we’ve always hated each other. As a kid, the only time she was nice to me was when it was to her advantage.

It’s just sibling rivalry. You’re both adults now.

Sophia pulled a sour face, annoyed that he didn’t appear to understand the depths of the deceit which her sister was capable of and the pleasure she felt from ruining another’s life. Nobody ever appreciated the dangers involved in becoming close to such a shifty personality.

Come on, cheer up, Adair said, flashing a half-smile which switched on an irresistible brightness in his hazel eyes.

The gradient of the hill increased sharply, so they broke off from their ascent to catch their breath.  Sophia could see that there was something different about Adair. He had always intrigued her, but now there was the added ingredient of a deep sadness lingering in his eyes.

She tracked the movement of his right hand as he brushed it through the straying locks of his thick hair and then as he wiped the beads of exhaustion away from his forehead. She spotted a black diamond-shaped birthmark on the back of his hand. She’d not noticed it before, and for a moment, she wondered if this person truly was her childhood friend.

Then he took a packet of cigarettes from the pocket of his black wool coat. They stood smoking, but that also felt unreal because there was no flavour of nicotine. Instead, Sophia was becoming aware of an acid taste at the back of her throat and the feeling that she wanted to yawn even though she wasn’t tired. Waves of fuzziness gently swelled up and sunk away again in her head.

Slowly, they plodded on and then began to walk with more enthusiasm as the tall black park gates came into view and, in the distance, the dappled golden landscape. The trees were thickening around them, and beneath their feet was a patchwork of leaves. The traffic noise faded, replaced by birdcalls and the breeze rustling through the trees.

Why do you never talk about your family? Sophia asked between pants.

There’s nothing much to tell. It’s all terribly boring.

I’m interested, she retorted.

You know it all. My dad’s a Doctor, and my brother’s an alcoholic, drug addict waster.

I know, but why did your dad leave you and your brother in London at such an early age?

James was eighteen at the time of Dot’s death. I was sixteen - not that young. He gave us a choice, but we didn’t want to move to the island with him. We’d lived in London all our lives.

Yeh, I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t want to go there either - too remote.

Back then, when we lived in Pimlico, we were probably as rich as your sister.

What went wrong, then?

I can’t honestly tell you. It’s all so mad, and probably none of it’s true.

It was apparent to Sophia that Adair was reluctant to reveal his secrets to anyone. For fuck sake! You got to tell me now, she moaned with fake annoyance.

Okay, well, as I said, my father was a Doctor with his own private practice. He told us that he had uncovered a medical conspiracy whereby a group of private doctors were performing unnecessary operations on people.

Seriously, why?

To make money and to improve their skills, I think. Anyway, my father, being the man he is, reported it, but nobody would listen. In fact, they all ganged up against him, and he was forced out of his practice. Also, when he was interviewed for the job he has now, someone kept phoning him, trying to stop him from taking the post. It was a terrible time and is still an ongoing drama. Most people think he’s insane.

Shit, that sucks. Do you believe him?

Yes, but no one else does.

They fell into a wounded silence. Sophia imagined Adair’s father’s pain as he desperately explained to people how he had uncovered a real conspiracy and how he met with rejection and hostility. Like her, Adair’s future was buried in his past events, and he needed to understand what had occurred to progress with his life. She supposed it was the reason he majored in journalism and why he now carried a camera with him everywhere. It saddened her to think that the moment his father had decided to reveal everything he had discovered to the authorities was when Adair’s untroubled family life had come to an abrupt end. Sophia walked along in deep thought, thinking of the poor victims having healthy kidneys removed or legs amputated.

He claimed they were doing drug experiments, too. Drugs were easier to get hold of back then. My brother started by stealing drugs from my dad, Adair pondered.

Gloom descended as they stood beneath the trees by the park gates. They were both aware that the mood had darkened. Without any warning, something black fluttered and plummeted down from above, followed by a dull thud which jarred them back into reality. Lying at Sophia’s feet was a crow. It lay on its back with its wings broken and distorted. The girl took a sharp intake of breath and stood frozen in disbelief.

What the hell happened there? Sophia gasped. God, Adair, I feel so weird. I think I’m dying, she noticed that her stomach had twisted into a knot, but she was unable to feel any other emotions as the poison took effect.

It happens - everything dies sometime. We just happened to be here, in the wrong place at the wrong time. Soph, ignore it. We need to think of happy things. Now, don’t freak out, but I think some dork has spiked us with acid. Or at least we have taken in some kind of poison.

You’re kidding me. What makes you think that?

I took acid once when I was at college, and this is what it felt like. Believe me; I’m as creeped out as you are. I will kill that arsehole of a brother when we get back – It’s just the sort of thing he would do by accident. He’s got to go.

What! Would he do that? For fuck’s sake! Are you sure? I’m scared shitless; I’m not into any of that crap. I don’t do drugs.

No, me neither - especially not after watching my brother destroy himself. If it’s any consolation, he wouldn’t have done it deliberately. I just can’t think of any other explanation. We’ll have to ride it out. We should be safe in the park. Stick with me and be happy. You don’t want a bum trip.

Sophia could not hear him as she was concentrating on the tiny voice of an insect whispering in the grass. She tried to speak, but the thick, glutinous words were sticking in her mouth. They both automatically climbed back onto their bikes. Follow me, was all that she heard.

Sophia entered a rapturous world where her surroundings glistened with a clear diamond intensity, which she had never experienced before. Light sparkled through the splotches of amber, yellow and brown of the tall, musky-smelling trees. The eggshell blue streak of the sky, the hazy sun and the ethereal gauzy mist that hovered over the earth appeared mystical and loaded with meaning. Sophia genuinely believed, at that moment, that God had spoken to her and that she now understood the answers as to why we were all here. She wanted to tell Adair of her profound discovery and how she would write it down when they arrived back at the house, but her words were still liquid and too hard to manage. Instead, she tried to hang onto her thoughts, but they quickly melted into a new sensation.

Adair led the way, and she followed on automatic pilot and noticed that his route followed the bumpiest ground. Together, they bounced over hillocks as they laughed uncontrollably like children in a timeless, unrestricted environment.

Everything in the universe was alive and buzzing, including every nerve in Sophia’s body. She blushed and blazed with lust as each jolt sent a tingling ecstasy quivering up through the centre of her being until every part was overwhelmed with an erotic thirst that had to be quenched.

They found themselves in a quiet place away from others and fell from their bikes into the enveloping rough grass.

Sophia lay on her back, hallucinating and staring up at goldfish weaving under and over each other, swimming in the sky. She was transfixed by the thick, fluid motion of the bright orange creatures. She smelt the rustic colours all around, saw the branches creak and heard the scurrying of the tiniest insects. Music from a party many miles away oozed up through the ground and dribbled before her eyes like a Jackson Pollack painting.

Sophia found the whole experience intoxicating.  She felt as though she had been walking along the constricted passage of everyday life, searching for something great, only to have suddenly broken out into a clearing - an oasis of light and mystery.

Then she was aware of someone brushing the veil of dark curls from her face and then the gentle pressure of lips on her mouth. She tasted the sweet warmth as Adair’s tongue pushed deep, searching, and then the clenching of every muscle, not ever wanting to let go.

For