Chapter 215
"Yeah, we share a common trauma. Rudolph," she groaned. "He has a thing about young women in maid outfits."
"If you could speak to the young women on my behalf, I'd be grateful."
"We don't have much time, so I'll go now," Christie said, excusing herself.
I watched her disappear into the darkness, running towards the main house. Hopefully, Owen would catch up with her. I imagine that he and Casper will be making their way our lodge to check upon us. Oh boy, were they going to be pissed when they realised that we were gone?
I turned back to the old woman and saw her crouched down over a patch of dead brambles and branches. She was picking through the dead brush and pulling out vines of blackthorns.
"I can't help you find the witch," she muttered, "But, I can help you save the life of your sister-in-law."
"How?"
"This won't be easier and you'll need his help," she said, pointing behind me.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw Owen standing there, looking like he had just run a marathon. Breathing hard, he snapped, "Where the hell have you been, and where the hell is Christie."
He staggered over to me and as he drew closer I could see the bits of leaves and twigs snagged up in his brown hair.
"Have you been running through the forest?" I asked, stupidly.
His eyes narrowed on me and he replied, "Yes. I've been looking for you. Casper asked me to check up on you. He's going to lose his proverbial shit if he knows you are out here talking to Widow Twanky."
The old woman lifted her head with great indignation and yelled, "What did you call me, young man? I could turn you into a toad for that insult."
Owen ignored the old woman and focused back on me.
"Did this old bat tell you her name?" He asked.
I shook my head, suddenly feeling extremely rude for never asking for her name.
"She's a witch, witches never give out their names," he growled.
"Well, I know she's a witch, Sally sent her here," I replied in a harsh whisper.
"Oh, Sophie! Witches are bad. You shouldn't be here."
"Cool your jets, cowboy. She's helping me."
"Nico is going to go loco when he finds out about this..."
I ignored Owen and walked across to the old woman. She was kneeling on the forest floor, weaving what appeared to be a ring of thorns.
"What is that?" I asked.
"A ring of protection. It will allow you to leave this estate for four hours and during this time no demon will be able to sense you, as long as you are carrying the ring in your pocket." She said holding out the ring.
I took the ring and placed it in my pocket.
"Listen to me, child," she continued. "There is a black market of sorts, located one hour's drive west of here. You must go there and find Marie, she always has a stall there but trades under different names. She's a healer who specialises in soul rescues. When you find her, tell her Granny sent you. She will know who I am."
"Will she be able to help Kala?" I asked.
"Yes, she should be able to diagnose the problem... but remember, you only have four hours to find her and get back. I hope your young beau, is a fast driver," she said, looking at Owen.
I turned back to Owen and saw conflict in his eyes. He didn't know what to do. Save Kala and risk me, or let her die to keep me safe...
His pocket started vibrating and he muttered a curse under his breath, "Shit, this will be Nico."
He took the cell out of his pocket and stared down at it.
I reached out and touched his arm and whispered, "Please, help me save her."
He stared back at me for a few long seconds and groaned. Pressing the answer button, he lifted the cell to his ear.
"Nico, what do you want?" He spoke into the cell. "Jeez, calm down, snookums. Sophie is with me...yeah, yeah, I'll keep her safe. I was planning on taking her to the games house with Christie and watching a couple of movies...Okay, sure. I'll catch up with you later. Bye."
He ended the call and raked his fingers through his hair.
"I don't know who will kill me first. Casper or Nico?" He sighed.
"Thank you," I smiled.
"Come on, we'll take my bike," he replied, taking my arm.
I went to follow him and paused, looking back at the old lady.
"Thank you," I said, "I'm greatly indebted to you."
The old woman smiled, "I'm sure as the wheel of karma turns, you will repay the kindness I have shown you tonight."
"I hope so," I replied.
Owen tugged on my sleeve and so I said my final farewell, making sure that the ring of thorns was kept firmly in my pocket.