Lost in the Mist of Time

Chapter One

Sixteenth Century Ireland

What is it, old woman? Why have ye summoned me here in the middle of the night? Dougray Fitzpatrick demanded with displeasure. Neala, the woman of the glen, stood before him unafraid. She knew him better than perhaps he knew himself. He would grumble and threaten, but he would never raise a hand to do harm. Her high-pitched cackle was proof enough she feared him not.

Milord, ye speak gruffly, but I will forgive ye. Come follow me, so only ye can hear what I have been destined to reveal.

Dougray could not help but roll his eyes, wishing he had stayed at the castle with the fire burning hot in the fireplace and his goblet filled to the brim. He sighed, knowing if he didn't let the old crone speak her mind, there would be no end to this charade. Reluctantly, he made his feet move to follow her.

She waved a crooked finger at him so he would lean ever closer.

Well, woman? He threw up his hands. I lose patience.

Then listen well, young lord, for ye will have to keep the wits about ye when ye are cast from this place and time.

What are ye blathering about?

She shook her head as she continued, determination lighting her aged-old eyes. Ye will be sent to another place and time for it has been written. Learn what need be so ye can save yer future born. He was about to give her an unpleasant retort, but she silenced him with just a look. I have more to say to ye before ye go wagging yer tongue.

He gave her a rather unpleasant snort, letting her know just how annoyed he was with her prattling. When she folded her arms against her chest and narrowed her silver-gray eyes at him, he finally gave in with an irritated harrumph, nodding for her to continue.

"Ye will meet a lass that will believe yer tale. She will be the vision, a dream. Do not rush what should not be. Listen to yer heart, and ye will find yer true love. Do ye understand me, Fitzpatrick?"

Aye, aye, he said with impatience to be gone. He wasn't one to believe in fanciful tales, and most especially if they involved matters of the heart.

Ye will do well, young lord. She placed her gnarled hand on his. Please pray ye will not tarry long in this other world.

Tarry in another world? Dougray couldn't help but chuckle. Humor me. How is it, old crone, that I will be thrust from this time and place?

A mist like no other will appear, covering ye like it were a woolen blanket. When ye finally come out of its heaviness, ye will be where yer destiny has sent ye.

Once more, Dougray's deep vibrant chuckle filled the night air. I will take heed, old crone. If ever I see such a mist, I will do as ye bid. Now if that is all, I would like to return to the warmth of my fire.

I have spoken. With a wave of her hand, she turned away from him with her dismissal.

He shook his head, wondering why he allowed her to give him orders. He straightened his mantle and strode toward his horse, thinking no more of the old woman's prediction. Magical mists! he exclaimed. Dar Dia!

Murrough didn't miss the Lord of Dunhaven's scowl. He had known the man long enough to realize he was not troubled but rather perturbed.

Obviously, the wise woman had not given him bad news, only information that thoroughly irked him. So what did she say of our meeting wi' the Butler?

Dougray shrugged his shoulders. It seems, my friend, that we were summoned out here for no reason at all. She had no news. Rather she wanted to warn me of a magical mist. He brushed a wayward strand of dark hair away from his brow with irritation.

For a moment, Murrough just sat there upon his horse, wondering if he were joking. Neala was known for peculiarities, but this? Milord, surely ye jest.

Ah, that I were. It seems the old woman has dipped into the spirits this night. She babbled about me finding my true love. He chuckled, though it was the troubled laugh Murrough recognized all too well. Neala may have spoken nonsense, but she had hit a sore spot.

Dougray had been married once to the beautiful fair-haired Ella, the daughter of his now hated enemy, Fingham Butler, the Lord of Castlehold. It had been a good match for the clans, ending the petty quarrels that had plagued the land. The marriage was even approved by the Tudor King, bestowing favor once more to the inhabitants of Dunhaven. By the stars, their love had been of youth's strong devotion, but tragedy befell Ella only a few weeks after the blessed nuptials. Dougray vowed he would never love again. As far as Murrough knew, he held steadfast to that promise.

As for Ella's father, he blamed Dougray for her death and was determined to avenge her. The raids and skirmishes were now a weekly occurrence to that pledge.

Tomorrow marked the anniversary of Ella's death, and Fingham summoned a meeting. He proclaimed he just wanted to converse, but Murrough didn't trust it. The men would be well prepared in case of trickery. If only he could convince Dougray to finish the deed, but his friend wouldn't force Fingham to the death. He still insisted they try to find peace.

We best head home. Dougray clicked his mount into motion.

They rode in silence for a while before Murrough sparked a conversation, wondering if Neala wasn't right to have spoken of a new love. Are ye ever going to open yer heart to another?

Why do ye continue to ask me this? You know Ella was the only woman for me.

Ye loved her, but she is gone but one year now. You need to think of the future. What of an heir?

An heir can be sought without love. When the time comes, I will choose someone who will make do this task.

Murrough shook his head. Do ye not think a woman would want more than to lie down and take yer seed?

Perhaps. Dougray chuckled, amusement lighting his eyes. Maybe I will ask Fiona to do the honors. She has been more than willing to give in to my needs without the promise of more.

And she is willing wi' half of the keep. This won him a sideways glare, which he chose to ignore as he continued, Maybe this mist would be a godsend.

Do not tell me ye believe the old crone?

Murrough sighed not knowing if he believed it or not. Neala was of the old ways and was known to have a second sight. Stranger things have happened. In ancient times, an O'Donoghue of the Glens supposedly went wi' the faeries. According to the legend on May Day, he glided over the Lakes of Killarney on a white horse. And the unearthly music could be heard while his troops of spirits scattered flowers.

God's wounds! I would loathe going into battle, worried my back was not covered because ye are looking for the wee folk, or worst this mist the old woman speaks of.

I must tell ye, I take offense to yer statement. Have I ever let ye down?

Dougray glanced at Murrough. His bushy, red brows were furrowed with displeasure. He hadn't meant for his teasing to offend him. Never, my friend. I trust ye wi' my life.

Apology accepted, Murrough said with a curt nod.

Good. Now tell me why ye have not married?

I am not cut out for marriage. Women are from a troublesome breed, he said with such venom, it caused Dougray to laugh.

Ye had another argument wi' Rhiannon, aye? Dougray accused.

Bah! The woman has a bite. I will tell ye. She was put out because I forgot to take home the shirt, she'd made for me. Come morning, I went straightaway to her door, and the foul woman nearly spit in my face. She said: I did not love her, that I did not care a wink about her feelings. Can ye believe this? Me? He pounded his chest. I do everything but kiss that woman's arse.

Bring her flowers, and she will surely welcome ye wi' open arms.

I am not crawling back to her. I have done so much groveling, that me knees are near worn thin.

Dougray let his friend vent, but he already knew Murrough would be at Rhiannon's door as soon as they returned to the keep. It was Murrough's way. He didn't like any dispute to last more than a day's time. Rhiannon would pout, but she'd forgive him. He was sure that come tomorrow's light, when they rode out to meet the Butler, Murrough would be wearing a satisfied grin.

Chapter Two

Dougray adjusted his leather jerkin as he headed outside to his mount. Once upon his large gray, he went out to meet his men. With the morning fog coming in thick, visibility would prove difficult. An uneasy feeling settled upon him.

Good day, milord. Dermot eagerly greeted him. Dougray acknowledged him with a nod as he rode by. The man was loyal that much he knew, but he tried too hard to be liked by the men.

Dougray saw Murrough in the distance, and he came forward to ride beside him. There is a heavy mist this morning, Murrough spoke the obvious, but his words also vibrated with a hidden warning.

Aye, Murrough. I can see it well enough. He eyed his friend with a smile. Tell me, ye are not thinking this is the mist the old crone spoke of?

Murrough squirmed uncomfortably in his seat, indicating it had crossed his mind. Just stay near me. I would be hard-pressed to explain how a mist came and swept the Lord of Dunhaven away.

Aye, it would prove a most difficult task. He leaned near and clasped his friend's shoulder. Do not worry. This world has proved far too troublesome for me. I have no wish to explore others that are possibly far worse.

Murrough gave him a toothy smile. Aye, but what if it were better?

Then I would hope for this mist to take me posthaste.

The moment he spoke the words a gush of cold wind caused the low clouds to thicken around him. Everything disappeared behind the filmy white blanket. Even Murrough's voice faded as though he had moved far away. Then just as quickly, the haze glided hence. Murrough stared at him, seemingly waiting for him to make a reply.

I am sorry, did ye ask something of me?

Murrough's brows furrowed as he nodded and repeated his question. Should we not send some of the men ahead to scout out Fingham's position?

Aye. Send Dermot and Cormac.

Pardon me for asking, but did ye say Dermot?

That I did. The lad wants to prove his worth. Now is the time.

Aye, he is willing enough. Murrough wrapped his mantle closer as the wind blew stronger.

Are ye cold, my friend? Dougray asked.

'Tis the devil himself who has made me leave the warmth and comfort of my bed.

Dougray gave him a wry look. And is there someone keeping those blankets warm come yer return?

Murrough's contented smile spoke for itself. My sweet Rhiannon, she is my only comfort.

I see she has forgiven ye…yet again.

A good woman, she is.

Dougray repressed the smile, threatening to make an appearance. Murrough's praise was a far cry from what he said the night before, but he was used to hearing about Murrough and Rhiannon's turbulent romance.

One day, I plan on marrying her, Murrough pledged with a nod.

Aye and ye best do it soon before ye fill her belly wi' a child. Ye think Rhiannon has a temper… He shook his head. If her da gets a hold of ye… Well, more is the pity.

I can handle old Padrig.

I hope this is true, for I would sorely hate to lose a good man.

Murrough smiled. Are ye talking about me, my friend, or the blacksmith?

Dougray's laughter was joined by Murrough's deep chortle as they led their mounts forward.

*****

Fingham Butler waited upon his steed for his nephew Tremain to return. He was impatient and chilled to the bone from the damp weather. His fingers pulled the mantle closer around him, hoping to gain some warmth. Finally, through the shifting haze, he spotted Tremain riding toward him.

Well? Fingham barely let the man catch his breath.

He comes, milord.

He nodded with satisfaction. I knew he would, but how many men?

Could not say for sure. The blasted mist covers almost everything. He paused a moment, as if unsure to voice his concerns. He cleared his throat. This mist… It is not a good sign.

Fingham's gaze swept over his nephew. Tremain sat upon his horse, looking every bit the warrior. He was no coward and could brandish a sword with ease. He spoke his concerns with a level head and not because he feared a fight.

We will hold our ground, Tremain, Fingham said, not willing to let the fickle weather dictate his intent.

His nephew did not speak again of his apprehension. Fingham then gave the order to move forward.

*****

As ordered, Dermot and Cormac made a quick sweep of the area and knew the enemy moved toward the designated spot. They were quick to report back to Dougray. As far as they could see, which was not much with the swirling mist hampering their vision, they could detect nothing out of the ordinary that spoke of trickery.

Dougray with Murrough at his side moved forward to meet Fingham, who had Tremain at his right hand.

The fog swirled around Fingham and Tremain, making the approaching figures look more like something out of a dream than of flesh and blood.

That is far enough, Butler, Dougray called out to him. To his surprise, Fingham actually pulled back on his reins. I know that ye are anxious to draw blood this day–

Only yers, Fitzpatrick, he interrupted.

Dougray sighed, wearily. Then take it and be done wi' it. Why do ye plague me wi' these assaults? Ye have killed innocent men, who would otherwise be home wi' their wives, and warming themselves in front of a roaring fire.

Fingham let out a laugh that was no more humorous than this meeting. That is why I make ye watch for I know ye suffer wi' each throat I sever.

If ye believe I care so much for my people, then why can ye not see how much I cared for Ella?

Do not speak my daughter's name! he bellowed, shaking his closed fist in the air. Ye are not worthy to have her beautiful memory spoken from yer deceitful lips.

I loved her. Dougray knew it proved useless to reason with the man, but still, he must try. He wanted peace, peace for both of them.

Love? Surely, ye jest. If ye had loved her, as ye so claim, ye would have not sent her to her death.

He flinched at his words as though he had been physically assaulted. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to block out the anguish. I wish it were I, who had died that day.

As do I, Fingham flung back.

They both eyed one another, their horses moving uneasily, anxious to charge. I would like to grant ye yer wish, Fingham, and give ye a battle, but alas, I must decline the offer this day. I will not endanger my men in this mist. We will meet another day of yer choosing.

Fingham's face turned red, his eyes blazing with contempt. How dare ye decide the fight shall not commence? Ye have no rights here. Ye are at my mercy and only live because I fancy it. Fingham let out a blood-curdling yell as he charged forth.

Murrough and Dougray at the same time pulled their swords from their scabbard. Men from both sides ran forward to guard their lords, while the fog swirled around their heads, thick and foreboding.

Dougray jabbed his sword into one of Fingham's men, knocking him to the ground. He looked to his right expecting to see Murrough, but the mist was like a wall, blocking his view.

Chapter Three

Present Day, California

Aislinn Hennessy clutched the book as if she held a precious treasure. Anxious to have a look at it, she flipped on her lights as she entered her home and headed for the living room. She plopped into her comfy plush chair and opened the leather-bound book with eager anticipation. The words were written in an old script… Gaelic. Her father, an Irishman, spoke the language and he taught both his children to speak it as well. Until now, she had believed it a waste of time. There weren't too many Irish Americans just dying to converse in the old language.

Her gaze scanned the page, translating the words in her head. Some of the pages sustained water damage, but other than that, the journal was in good shape. Prayers and notes took up a good deal of the book, but there were also personal entries, an insight into the man's thoughts. Once she immersed herself, the words flowed with ease, and she reread it. Anguish spilled from the words, and her heart went out to the man who'd grieved so profoundly.

"Cailleadh roimhaois é. He died before his time," the person had written.

I was too late to save him. It was my fault for not seeing the trap that awaited us. I have seen death, but this was like nothing I have ever witnessed. What my dear cousin endured in the last moments of his life could have been avoided. How I wish I could somehow turn time back, so I may stop the slaughter from ever taking place. I sent him to a torturous death. He fought well. There were many of the enemy scattered in bloody piles around him for proof.

I could not let them take his body away to do with as they wished. They would have mutilated it without a thought. He was after all just a man who betrayed them. It never amazes me how the enemy makes these lies up to suit their needs.

I have hidden his body well, in an unmarked grave, but of sacred ground. Forgive me, cousin, for not protecting you. Forgive me.

Aislinn closed her eyes as grief squeezed at her heart. Reading the passages left her drained as if she were revisiting the final scene from memory rather than reading the words. An odd feeling, since she didn't know these people, who had lived so long ago, and yet… There was a sense of a connection. Where she could almost see the man's face, the author spoke of with such reverence.

Cuckoo, cuckoo…

Aislinn glanced at the cuckoo clock on the wall with a sigh. The blue-painted bird peeked its head out three more times. Five o'clock and she promised her brother she'd pick him up on the way to their parents' house. They planned a holiday in Ireland, a family excursion and were taking a late flight out tonight. She had a hunch her father was homesick for the Emerald Isle. It had been years since he'd been back and if the goofy grin he'd been sporting for the last week was any indication, he was thrilled at the prospect of returning.

Thank goodness she hadn't asked Roger to join them.

She brushed her fingers through her short locks and cringed. Her recent breakup with Roger had left her depressed and wanting a drastic change to forget yet another failed relationship.

Well, she got it when she told her hairdresser to give her a new look. She hadn't expected her to go crazy and cut her hair above her ears and leaving very little in the back. Sure, the short style made dressing in the morning easy: wash, dry and go. Still, she would be glad when it finally grew out.

She glanced at the journal, wondering why the old woman wanted her to have it. She didn't know the woman and the woman didn't give her name as she handed the book over to her.

The woman had approached her at the book signing of her newest romance, Summer Heat, at the Book Cove bookstore earlier today. The woman had possessed so many wrinkles. It proved difficult to tell where the lines ended, and where the next ones began.

The woman spoke to her in Irish, only a few words as if testing her ability to understand the Irish language. Seemingly satisfied with her response, the woman nodded and relinquished the book.

She had glanced at the leather-bound book for only a second, but when she looked up to ask the woman what she wanted her to do with it, she had already moved away, disappearing behind a line of school children that had just entered the bookstore. She'd gone after her, but it was as if the woman had simply disappeared.

The trill of her phone drew Aislinn's attention to the present. She picked up on the third ring, not surprised that it was her brother.

A.J. are you on your way?

Yep, I'm just about there. A little white lie wouldn't hurt anyone. See you in a few. She rang off and hurried to grab her purse and keys. At the door, she decided to take the journal with her and show it to her father.

Chapter Four

After landing in Ireland, the Hennessys picked up their rental car and had a light dinner before retiring. The next day, they were ready to hit the pavement.

Connor entered his sister's room and tossed the travel guide on her bed before he threw himself down on the bed, lying back against the pillows. Mom had the book in her suitcase, he told Aislinn. What was it you wanted to see, A.J.? Only close friends and family called her by her nickname. If someone addressed her as Aislinn, they were fans of her romance books she wrote and not someone she knew personally.

Trinity College for one, she said. They have the Books of Kells there. It's a must.

She picked up the guidebook and flipped through it. St. Patrick's Cathedral is another.

Connor sat up and swung his long legs over the side of the bed. Leaning forward, he rested his forearms on his knees. There's something I wouldn't mind seeing.

Aislinn's brows arched high up on her forehead. What is it? So help me, Connor, if you suggest another pub, I'm going to strangle you.

He flashed her a grin, his hazel-green eyes sparkling with mischief. That's for later. I want to see St. Michan's Cathedral. Pop mentioned the place, and I found it in the guidebook. Flip to page eleven. It'll tell you all about it.

After skimming the promo for the place, she frowned as she wondered if her father wanted to see the place because of the journal she'd shown him the other night. One of the passages she read came to mind: I have hidden his body well, in an unmarked grave, but of sacred ground. A church was sacred ground, but there were hundreds of such churches in Ireland.

But not with bodies buried beneath them, she thought. She glanced at her brother. You truly want to see the mummified bodies? Seems a little morbid, don't you think?

On the contrary, my dear sister, it sounds absolutely fascinating. He sprang from the bed. Come on, let's get Mom and Pop on the move. It looks like we have a full day ahead of us, if we plan on walking the city.

*****

As they passed the Inns Quay and turned toward Church Street, they could see the Square tower. That's it. Connor pointed to it. That's St. Michan's. The church was originally built in 1095. Then sometime in the 1600s, they rebuilt a larger church on the same site to accommodate the congregation. Connor stopped to adjust the lens of his camera for a picture. He was good with a camera, made his money selling photos to topnotch magazines.

The name doesn't sound a bit Irish to me, Aislinn commented.

Nope, it's not, Connor answered. I read there was a Danish church on the sight. Michan happens to be an old, Danish Saint.

I guess that would explain it, Aislinn muttered uneasily, not understanding her trepidation. Her chest tightened at the thought of stepping foot inside the vaults. Visions of being trapped below flitted across her mind like a demented tease. Biting her lower lip, she tore her gaze away from the foreboding architecture.

Her mother noticed her apprehension and suggested they take a tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral instead, but her father shook his head. We must go, Francine.

Aislinn frowned, wondering what her father meant. Curiosity won out over her apprehension, and she followed her parents inside the church.

Ye four will be the last tour for the day. Paddy, who was their tour guide, smiled at them. He was friendly enough and full of information of how the church was built and reconstructed. He explained there was evidence that at one time, there was another opening to the underground vaults, but for some reason, it had been sealed up. Now if you will follow me outside, we will see the most famous feature of St. Michan's.

Aislinn froze, her feet rooted in her spot. Connor came up beside her and tugged on her arm. Come on.

You know, I think I'll just wait this one out if you don't mind.

Uh-uh. You're coming. He yanked on her arm again, uprooting her feet.

Paddy opened the doors that led beneath the church. He glanced at the Hennessys. I will ask ye not to take photographs or videotape while we are down here. Now please watch yer heads, when descending the steps.

One by one, Aislinn watched her family disappear down below. The guide looked at her with a reassuring smile. Ye are next, lass.

She knew she was being silly. What was there to be afraid of? Right?

She took a deep breath and descended the rough, ancient stones. The burial chambers were on both sides of the long passageway and guarded by wrought iron gates.

Each compartment belongs to a single family, the guide explained. There are still a few families who possess keys to the burial chambers. Come closer. He waved them forward. If you look into one of the chambers, ye will see coffins are heaped upon one another. We've all had our speculations as to why. Does anyone here want to take a guess?

Connor shrugged. They wanted to save room.

Could be. The guide nodded.

They were spooked to come down here in the dead of night, Aislinn said. They tossed the coffins in before they ran. When she realized all eyes were on her, she awkwardly cleared her throat. Just a thought. She shrugged.

She may have a point, the guide agreed. Most burials were done at night and this being Ireland with all its superstitions, the men carrying the coffins were most likely frightened that the spirits of the dead would greet them.

The coffins look brand new, Francine commented. Look, you can see the velvet that covers the wood and the brass nails.

That's right. The guide seemed impressed her mother had noticed. Ye see the vaults are very dry and the only signs of life are the large cobwebs in some of the chambers. The floor is covered with fine powdery dust and if you will notice the temperature is moderate. It remains the same all the time, no matter what the weather is up above. Now, follow me. The last compartment houses what ye came down here to see.

The guide moved on ahead with her family, but Aislinn hung back. The whole idea of viewing the mummified bodies sent an eerie chill down her spine. At one time, these bodies were living human beings with a passion for life. They loved, laughed, and cried, but now they were nothing more than a mere withering shell on display for all to see.

The guide came to the end of the passageway pointing as he spoke, Ye will see in the vault, the wooden coffins have fallen away, exposing the mummified bodies. There are five in all that have turned brown in color. The bodies are very old, and the skin is like leather, but the features can still be distinguished. Go on, lean in. He motioned to each of them to take a closer look.

Aislinn tried not to be physically ill as she heard the guide continue his morbid observation.

The fingernails are still evident. The knees and the other joints are still pliable. Under the skin y'can see the heart and the lungs. Unfortunately, we do not know who these people once were. If ye'll look at the one way in the back, he was a very big man, even to the standards of nowadays. He was probably close to seven feet tall. They had to break his legs so he would fit in the coffin. We have estimated this man probably lived about 800 or so years ago. It was a privilege to be buried on such sacred ground. The man is believed to have been a Crusader, the clothing indicating his status, he said and paused, allowing everyone a chance to glance at the body again before he continued his rehearsed speech. Near him, you can see the remains of a woman and the theory is that she was a nun. The one next to her is thought that he may have been an executed man.

Why do you think that? Connor leaned in for a closer look.

The man is missing a hand. At one time if you were accused of a crime, let's say stealing...

They would cut off your hand, Connor finished for him. If he was a criminal, how did he end up here? I mean he wouldn't be an upstanding citizen if he'd been caught stealing. Right?

Money, prestige, or perhaps the man knew someone who paid for his remains to be hidden, Paddy said.

Aislinn frowned. Hidden away, she murmured as she recalled the passage from the journal the old woman had given her. She couldn't tear her gaze away from the last mummified body on display. Fearful images began to build in her mind, flashes of…a man…a warrior. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. And the last body? She tightly hugged herself, fearful of his answer, which didn't make sense in the least.

Those remains are also a mystery to us, Paddy said. We do know he did not die of natural causes. We have reason to believe the man either was in a battle or had been murdered. There are various indications he suffered multiple wounds. There are defensive gashes on his forearms and hands. This man struggled dearly to live.

Aislinn tried to concentrate on what the tour guide was saying, but the world dimmed, and the tour guide's voice was so far away, almost sounding dreamlike.

Impossible as it should have been, she felt a cool icy breeze in the dry interior. Her family followed the guide toward the exit, but she was paralyzed with fear, unable to call out for help. They weren't alone. Something was here with them.

I would die for ye, the baritone voice whispered near her ear as she felt a hand brush against her cheek.

Aislinn's fragile control unraveled in an instant and she let loose a bloodcurdling scream.

Chapter Five

After the fiasco at St. Michan's Cathedral, her parents made their apologies and quickly ushered her away. She was still shaken over the ordeal. She scared everyone including the poor tour guide. Of course, no one had been behind her, but it still didn't make her feel any better. She felt him, heard him, and what made it worse, she was positive the ghost, the apparition, or whatever one wanted to call a voice with no body–was the unidentified murdered man the guide spoke of. She would bet her life on it. Well, maybe not her life. She was convinced it had been the reason she'd felt such apprehension about going down into the crypt. The man's spirit still lingered there.

Now that she'd calmed down enough to think about this logically, she knew the ghost hadn't meant any harm. His touch was intended as a caress. Maybe she'd inadvertently reminded him of someone he'd deeply cared for. Perhaps he died saving the woman he loved. Okay, she was stretching it a bit, but the romantic side of her nature wanted his death to mean more than just a senseless battle.

Connor and her parents stared at her as if they feared she'd have another hysterical episode. I'm fine, really. I want to go to dinner.

Are you sure, honey? Francine felt her forehead.

Mom, I'm not sick.

Frannie, let the poor girl alone. Aislinn could have kissed her father at that moment for speaking up. I'm starved for one, and if A.J. wants to go out to eat why are we stopping her? Her father kissed the top of her head. We'll dress for dinner and meet ye and Connor downstairs.

Thanks, Pop. She smiled her appreciation.

As soon as they left the room, Connor pounced on her for answers. So, what was it? What did you see? You can tell your brother.

She rose from the chair and went over to her suitcase, looking for a change of clothes. I told you, it was nothing.

Yeah. I know what you said to Mom and Pop, but you can tell me the truth. You saw something. He was at her side, his gaze boring into her.

You'll think I'm crazy.

Hot dog! He slapped his knee. I knew you saw something. A ghost? That crusader guy in the corner? I'd tell you, if I had my legs broken and curled up behind me, dead or not, I would haunt the place.

Aislinn just shook her head. It wasn't like I saw something. I felt a presence. I can't explain it, but it touched me.

It touched you? His hazel eyes widened. Like bony hands encircling your throat. That kind of touching?

I swear, Connor, you're like a twelve-year-old boy.

Thank you, and you didn't answer my question.

No. The touch was gentle, and he whispered–

He spoke to you? he interrupted. Boy, this just gets better and better.

Do you want to know what happened or not?

Go on. I'll keep quiet. Connor mimed locking his lips shut and tossing away the key.

She shook her head at his antics. He said: I would die for you.

That's it? Connor seemed disappointed.

Yes. What did you expect a ghost to say? She was beginning to regret ever mentioning it to him.

Well, I guess the dude did what he said.

What do you mean?

He's dead, isn't he?

"They're all dead. If you didn't catch on, St. Michan's houses mummies beneath the church.

Connor rolled his eyes. I caught that, but it wasn't what I was getting at. It seems to me since the guy pledged to keep someone safe... I would think he paid for that pledge with his life. Which one do you think is haunting the place? You said he, so I can assume we can rule out the nun.

The murdered one, she said.

You seem awfully sure.

She glanced at him. I can't explain it, but yeah, I'm pretty sure it was him.

Spooky. Hey, let's go back there and see if he'll speak to you again.

Are you nuts?

"Aren't you the least bit curious why the ghost reached out to you? The man had been murdered. Maybe he was seeking someone out to help him solve the mystery of who done it."

Even if that were true, the culprits would be long dead. There's nothing we can do. It's not like we can bring them to justice.

True or not, the man died violently. Everyone knows if a person dies a violent death, they always come back to haunt.

Where do you find your information? She threw him a skeptical look.

It's a known fact, he insisted with such conviction Aislinn almost believed him. Come on, you have to be curious, he pushed.

Maybe just a tad, but not enough to revisit the vault. Besides, with the way I behaved, the tour guide probably has me written down as a fruitcake, and if I ever returned, I would be committed on sight.

Oh, come now. He probably just wrote you off as another crazy American.

She rolled her eyes as she reached for her blue-gray sweater and black slacks. Right now, I would like to forget about ghosts and take a shower. She headed to the bathroom.

And later? Another visit to the old cathedral?

"Connor, I thought you outgrew the Ghost Busters."

No. I just pretended to.

I'm not going back. She shut the door to the bathroom, hopefully closing the subject. She had no wish to experience an encore performance. She turned on the shower faucet and let it run so the water could get warm. Maybe her next novel should be a ghost story. She noticed her backpack leaning against the wall, and she went over to it. Unzipping it, she saw the leather-bound journal the old woman had given her, and she took it out. No wonder, she imagined a ghost. She'd read the entries of a man's untimely death so many times she could recite it from memory.

She placed the journal on the sink and pulled out her notebook. She jotted down a few lines, an idea for her next story: She sensed a presence, knowing full well if she turned, he'd be standing there.

The hairs on the back of Aislinn's neck rose, making her turn to see if anyone stood behind her. She felt silly but quite relieved to see she was alone.

*****

While Connor waited for his sister to freshen up, he viewed the events of the day on the camcorder. He nearly came unglued with excitement when he realized he hadn't turned off the camera when they ventured into the vault. It was dark, but he could see Aislinn clearly behind them. Just seconds before she let out her deafening scream, he thought he saw something. He replayed it again. I'll be damned. There was no mistaking the swirl of fragmented light that whirled briefly around his sister.

He jumped at Aislinn, the moment she came out of the bathroom. Come here, A.J., and take a look at this.

She couldn't ignore his excitement. She strode over to him expecting to see anything but what he showed her. The color drained from her face, and she plopped down on the edge of the bed to steady herself. You taped us while we were in the crypt? You know you weren't supposed to do that.

Will you forget that for a moment–and by the way I didn't mean to. He rewound the tape to the spot he wanted her to view. Do you see it, A.J.?

She saw it and immediately turned off the camcorder. Erase it.

I will not. This is proof that something was there. We have to go back now.

I won't go, Connor. So just forget about it. The ghost will just have to haunt someone else.

But–

She threw him a lethal glare, and he clamped his mouth shut. Drop it. Do you hear me?

Fine. He placed the camcorder in its case. I'll drop it for now, but I have every intention of revisiting the church with or without you.

Chapter Six

Aislinn volunteered to drive to Glendalough where they would park the car at the visitor center and take the hiking trail to visit the ancient grounds. Her parents sat in the back seat and Connor rode shotgun.

It was early morning, and a light mist covered the land, giving it an unearthly feel, but as the mist thickened, Aislinn began to feel increasingly uneasy. It wasn't so much the visibility that bothered her, but she couldn't shake the eerie feeling they were entering somewhere they shouldn't be.

To take her mind off it, she hummed a song and before long, to everyone's dismay, she bolted out the lighthearted ditty with fervor.

Connor, who had been snoozing, sat up and leaned forward to turn on the radio. Sorry, A.J., I can only take so much of your screeching. Singer, you are not.

I thought I was getting better, she joked, knowing full well she was tone deaf.

Take it from me, don't quit your day job. The radio went dead, and Connor tried to turn the dial to another station. That's strange. Nothing's coming through.

Here, let me try. Aislinn took over.

Hey watch out! Connor warned.

She looked up in time to see something large, furry…not an animal though. A person stood directly in her path. She slammed on the breaks, but the tires didn't grip on the slick road. The car swerved. The man turned his head, and for a brief second, she met his eyes. Their gazes locked and fear shone in his silver-blue eyes before he made a mad dash to escape being roadkill.

The squeal of the tires and the rapid prayers from her mother in the back seat were all she could hear over her beating heart. The car spun to a stop on the opposite side of the road. For a long second, silence drummed like a gong of doom.

Aislinn took a deep breath and let it out again. Is everyone all right? A quick look verified her family was shaken but not harmed. God, the man! Aislinn undid her seatbelt and opened the car door, hitting the pavement. She ran across the roadway. Her brother and parents were close behind, but the mist drifted in patches, making it difficult for them to follow her.

A.J., hold on! Connor called out to her, but she didn't stop. Her heart pounded against her ribcage. What if she killed him? She didn't think she hit him but… She hurried on through the thickening mist.