The Gift Issue 6

Sun peeked through the cracks between the window frames and drawn shades in Athan’s apartment. This effect bathed his apartment in a golden-brown glow that somehow helped to settle Athan’s troubled mind—enough that he could get some sleep. Bach’s “Air in G” resonated quietly throughout the room, lulling Athan into a musical rest. His sore limbs and back produced a dull ache that was only reduced slightly by the horse-sized doses of anti-inflammatory he’d been taking. Time passed slowly.

The past four nights had been a series of dead ends, and a serious drain on Athan. No cult presence, no confrontations, and no clues leading him to the aforementioned mysterious fourth voice. It was like chasing a ghost.

Athan stirred from the couch and peered at the clock across the room. Fogged by sleep he couldn’t focus on the digital numbers, as they seemed to bounce before him. After a few long blinks he could finally see that it was only a few minutes after 11 o’clock in the morning.

Damn! His babysitter would be here any minute.

Jonah was a likeable fellow and his heart was in the right place, but Athan had little use for him. Viewed as more of a nuisance than anything else, Athan was only willing to put up with the man and his visits to confirm his daily whereabouts. Athan rested mostly during the morning and afternoon hours because of his nightly excursions, so Jonah often disturbed him when he was most disagreeable.

Athan lugged himself into the kitchen to make some tea. He’d just gotten the kettle on, when the familiar buzz came from his front door. He looked around for the remote and found it on the breakfast bar. He pressed a button and the front door unlocked.

“I’m in the kitchen Jonah!” he called out.

There was no answer. Athan turned around and called out again. “Are you coming in or not?”

“I don’t know,” said a familiar voice, “Is it safe to enter? I think you need to fire your maid!”

Athan stiffened. It was Arik. He could hear his boots clomping on the wooden floor as he slowly made his way through the entryway into the living room. Athan gritted his teeth. What the hell did he want?

“And, to what do I owe this visit?” asked Athan

“Always, such a pleasure to see you Athan. I am not here for my health. In fact, being here is quite a health risk.”

“Skip the sarcasm Arik. What do you want—and be quick about it.”

“We made a move on the cultists that were holding your niece. The raid didn’t go so well. Poor intelligence from the department left gaps in our attempt to surround the sewer complex. Too many escaped.”

Athan’s stomach was in his throat, “How do you know my niece was even there?”

“We found this.” Arik tossed a shiny object at Athan, which he caught and examined. It was a charm broken from a bracelet. Athan remembered showing his wife the bracelet, as they were window-shopping together for their niece’s 11th birthday. Athan remembered how tickled Elise was when she opened the package. Seeing the charm again overwhelmed him with memories. It wasn’t until Arik spoke again that he was brought back to the present.

“The evidence we found at the complex has led us to believe that your niece has been through the conversion.”

“What? How do you know? I mean... you can’t be certain of this... not without...”

“Justifiers were there Athan. We killed two of them. One of the hideous bastards spat on me and nearly melted my helm. Their presence there proves their intentions for Elise. I am sorry Athan... but the case was closed by a higher authority.”

“WHAT!!?!”

“The Directorate isn’t going to commit any more time or effort into something that they deem a lost cause. I was sent here to tell you what happened and offer sympathies on behalf of the Cardinal himself.”

“Yeah. It’s the same line of crap I heard when my wife and son were killed. Thanks Arik. It means a lot!”

“Listen! WE didn’t kill your family and abduct your niece. Don’t take your aggression out on your brothers. Your misplaced anger is going to get you into a lot of trouble one of these days. Donovan also instructed me to remind you, that you are still on convalescent leave until a week from tomorrow. Do not return to duty until then.”

“Yeah, whatever. The door is behind you.”

The kettle began to whistle. Arik stared at Athan for a moment. He looked like he was about to speak, but instead he turned and walked out.

Athan stared blankly at the wall. The kettle screamed behind him. He ignored it. He wanted to block out the world. He wanted to give up, but he knew he couldn’t. The Fraternity of brothers that he had come to know and love so well had given up on his niece. His last living relative would be forgotten in time and they expected him to just to move on? Athan turned, snatched up the kettle, and turned off the burner. He stared at the small charm again as the whistling kettle died. It was a golden crescent moon with the profile of a smiling face. He clutched it tight in his hand and made a silent vow to himself.

I will never give up Elise. Never.