The Book of Enoch

Chapter 11 – Relics

By lunchtime they had placed their orders, with most arriving the following day, and several more the day after. The Professor brought down a plate of sandwiches as well as lemonade and set them on the coffee table.

“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I made a little bit of everything.” He commented as he picked up a triangle of very dark bread, cheese, meat, and various vegetables.

“After that breakfast this morning, I’m actually surprised I’m hungry at all. By the way, I called in and claimed a sick day. It should buy us a little time before I have to talk to my Captain.” Her stomach growled. “Hand me that one in the middle, please.”

He grinned knowingly. “You’re working on reserve energy at this point, Beth. We both are. To be honest, I mostly sleep during the day.”

“Really, why? Oh…”

“Yeah. I think you might have figured out that Watchers and other demons don’t do so well in the daylight.”

She frowned. “Why is that?”

“Well, lots of reasons, but primarily, there’s something about light that disrupts them. Most religions try to pin it on the concept of ‘light good, darkness bad’, but that’s hogwash. There’s nothing inherently evil about the dark, it’s merely an absence of light. My older sister, Kimi knows more about it, but for our purposes, just think of light for a demon the same way you and I think of noise. A little bit in the background is tolerable. A lot, dumped at you all at once can have you running away in terror.”

“Your staff…” she said to herself. “I remember you busting into my room and using a really bright staff or stick or something.”

He nodded. “That’s right. Basically a glorified flashlight, just Tinkered to emit in just the right frequencies to irritate most demons.”

“It sure seemed to work. You pushed that thing right through my wall. Hey, just out of curiosity, how the hell did you even get into my apartment? I’m a cop, I take home security seriously. That door was reinforced oak, with two deadbolts and a chain. You nearly knocked it off it’s hinges.”

Professor Manatee looked almost embarrassed. “Well, I really am a lot stronger than I look…”

“Uh huh. Whatever you say, Professor. So, what now?”

The man sighed and looked over to the police files. “I think it’s time I had a look at what we’re dealing with here, if that’s okay, Beth.”

“I told you, you’ve earned it.”

“Not what I meant…”

“I know. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to look at those files again, but I better start trying.”

Manatee frowned. “I’m very sorry.”

She met his eyes. “We’ve been through this, Alvin. It’s not your fault. Please,” she indicated the files. “If it could prevent another victim from having to go through that hell…”

Nodding, he slipped the rubber band from the pack and opened the folder. After viewing a few of the photos, he sighed. “This is definitely the work of our Watchers,” He said at last. “But we suspected that. And this package was found at the scene?” He placed his hand loosely on the simple brown paper-wrapped box.

“Yes. On a shelf near the tub. No one I’ve talked to has any idea what to make of the contents.”

The Professor had extracted the odd stone and was holding it up in front of him in awe. “I’ve no doubt…”

“Do you know what it is?”

He took a moment before answering. “I know what it might be, but… was it wrapped in any way when you found it?”

“Just some paper. It’s in the box.”

He carefully extracted the tissue-like parchment from the package and slowly smoothed it out in front of him on the table.

“I’ll be right back…” he said, standing. Beth didn’t like being left alone with the photos, but he really was only gone a moment. When he returned, he was holding something that looked like a cross between a camera and a flashlight.

“What is that?” She asked, genuinely curious.

“An Emitter. Er, it projects light in certain very specific ways.” Lifting it up, he pointed it at the papers and flicked a switch on the side. The device hummed and clicked, but otherwise didn’t seem to be doing anything.

“Uh, Professor?”

He was focused on the parchment. “Give it a second or two… there!”

Beth followed his gaze and saw that something near the top edge of the first page was changing. As though ink were flowing over the thin parchment, letters and symbols were slowly drawing themselves across the previously blank surface.

“Holy shit! What is that, invisible ink or something?”

“More along the ‘or something’ lines I think, but you are essentially correct. They’re called Isoglyphs, and only become visible when exposed to very specific types of light at just the right frequency.”

Beth leaned in for a better look, then frowned. “Well, I certainly can’t make it out. That’s not any language I recognise.”

“It’s Aramaic, or an offshoot from it.”

“Can you read it?” She asked hopefully.

He sighed and set down the Emitter. “Unfortunately, no. Oh, I can make out a few words, but this is going to take some time to translate. I know someone who could probably read it for us, but they’re out of communication right now. Maybe in a few days I could give him a call. In the meantime, I’ll do the best I can.”

“Does it explain the stone?”

“I believe it does. The fact that it was wrapped in Isoglyphs at all pretty much confirms to me what it is…”

“Hey, don’t keep me in suspense!”

He looked over at her as if weighing something in his mind. “The stone is a relic…er, an object of celestial origin that has been created for a specific purpose or function.”

“Celestial… As in, ‘from the heavens’?”

Manatee grinned. “That’s one way of looking at it I suppose. A higher spiritual realm, to be sure.”

“And what does this relic do? What’s it’s function?” She accepted the odd stone, turning it over in her hands.

“I have no idea. The papers found with it may tell us more, but one thing is certain. This was warded. Our Watchers wouldn’t have been able to get near it.”

Beth’s face lit up. “Really? Where can I get some of that warding stuff!”

“Harumph… Indeed. Unfortunately, warding only works on inanimate objects… This house for example, is also warded. But not people, sorry.”

“Damn. It was worth asking though…” Beth was suddenly distracted by a yawn.

“Hmm. I think it’s time we got some sleep.” He suggested.

“I am pretty exhausted,” she admitted and then pulled her feet up so she could lay back in the papasan chair.

The Professor watched her for a moment, then stood and lifted a blanket from the back of the couch and placed it over her. She settled into the bowl shaped cushion like a giant cat, and her eyes were closed in seconds.

“Don’t go…” She entreated when he turned. “I… I just don’t want to be alone.”

He nodded. “Very well. I’ve certainly logged my fair share of hours sleeping on this old couch. I’ll just get a pillow or two, okay?”

Ten minutes later, they were both asleep. At one point, the Professor awoke briefly to find that she had reached over and placed her hand on his arm. Smiling knowingly, he lightly patted her fingers and closed his eyes again.

——

The sky was just settling into dusk when Beth woke up screaming and clawing the air.

“AHHH! NO! NOO!”

Professor Manatee carefully pushed her arms to the side as he softly urged her out of the nightmare. “Beth! Beth… wake up, it’s okay… It’s a dream, you’re safe. Beth…”

Finally, she clasped his wrists hard enough to draw blood with her nails and stared up at the man in wide-eyed horror, the dream fading.

“It’s okay, Beth. You’re safe…” He soothed.

“Alvin!… ughnn… It… Am I really, I mean, was it just a dream?”

“Yes. And almost certainly not one induced by anything other than bad memories. No one can reach you here. It was just a nightmare.”

She sighed and let go of him as she fell back into the chair. “No ‘just’ about it… that was awful…”

He took a seat on the couch. “Need to talk about it?”

After a moment’s consideration she shook her head. “No. I’m okay. Oh crap! Did I do that?!” She said, noticing the bleeding marks on his arms.

“Not to worry. They’re just scratches.” He replied, smiling. “But I should go wash them off. I’ll use the kitchen so you can hear my voice, alright?”

She nodded. “I’m so sorry, Alvin.”

“I heal quickly. Not to worry, my dear.” He added as he ascended the spiral staircase to the upper loft. “Are you hungry?”

“A bit.”

“Good, then I’ll make something yummy while I’m here.”

She had to laugh. “Alvin, is it just me or do you always seem to be eating.”

“No, you’re with it. I have a naturally high metabolism. That, and I really do enjoy cooking, especially for guests. Let’s see… Ah! There it is…” Beth heard the sound of pots and pans. “I’m a little short on meat until tomorrow’s order arrives, is vegetarian okay?”

“If anyone else had asked me that I might hesitate, but you’ve already proven your skills to me, sir. I’ll eat whatever you put before me. Do you want help?” She stretched and then extracted herself from the grip of the papasan chair.

“Oh, this is easy, but I would enjoy your company.”

She smiled and made her way up the staircase. The Professor was standing next to the stove where a large pot was already boiling water. He was working at a cutting board on the counter with some kind of vegetable. The table was already set with napkins, plates, several small bowls and wine glasses. An open bottle of wine was waiting invitingly.

“How the hell…” She started.

“Magic, remember? And good pre-planning… Help yourself to some wine while you wait, but be careful, that one is a little feisty.” He picked up the chef’s knife and whizzed through the vegetable in a blur. Beth decided that she would have to stop going slack-jawed whenever the Professor did something amazing and just accept that he was an amazing person. She shook her head and turned to the table where she poured herself a full glass of white wine, smiling at the aroma and thinking to herself that a solid drink would be just what she needed to take the edge off after her nightmare.

Manatee was working at the stove, skillfully sauteing something in a pan. Wonderful smells started to reach her and her stomach growled. A few moments later, the man retrieved the tray from the oven and then checked on the pot.

“You know, you’re like a human microwave. How does everything cook so fast?!”

“Ah, that would be due to my Tinkering. A better use for my trade I have not found.”

“Well, whatever it is, it’s damn impressive… hey, this is really good wine by the way. You’re right about it being feisty though. Woo!”

Quickly draining some pasta over the sink, he finally brought together all the pieces of their meal and dished some into each bowl. Lastly, he crumbled a soft white cheese over top of both.

“Fusilli with roasted eggplant and goat cheese.”

“Oh boy!” She exclaimed, smiling and picked up her fork.

Thirty-five minutes and two helpings later, Beth was feeling wonderful. She was full, happy, and more than a bit drunk, which she minding not at all. She was leaning back in her chair, holding yet another glass of the wine, when she sighed.

“I… I think that was the very very best meal you’ve made for me yet.”

“Well, thank you. You seemed to enjoy it… and the wine.”

“I did, do… am…”

“Hmm… I do believe I have let you have a bit too much though…” He said, snagging the bottle from the table. He placed it on a shelf.

“Aww. Anyway, I like how I feel right now.” She replied, her words slightly slurring. “I’m warm and com-for-ti-bibble, er, comfor… uh, comfy.

“Let me get your plate,” he said, taking the dish off the table. But as he leaned down, Beth wrapped her arms around his head. When he turned to speak, he suddenly found her lips on his. She was indeed warm, and very soft. The kiss went on for many long seconds before she finally pulled back, slightly breathless.

“Wow…” she whispered, staring at the man.

“Hmm… definitely too much wine.”

She looked sad. “You didn’t like the kiss?”

He placed the dishes in the sink and returned to the table. “I enjoyed it immensely, however, I think you need to lay down before you pass out.”

“I guess I am a little tipsy.”

“You’re completely knackered…”

She stood up from her chair, nearly pushing it over in the process. “I… I’m not THAT drunk… whoa…” She started to fall and the Professor stepped in and caught her, lifting her off her feet again. “I stand corrected,” she said, looking up at him. “… or rather, I don’t stand, uh…”

“Let’s get you downstairs, shall we?”

“I can walk…”

He laughed. “You on that circular metal staircase right now? I don’t think so, my dear.” He slowly carried her to the top of the descent in question and started down. Beth was staring at him.

“Alvin, why won’t you sleep with me?”

Slightly surprised at the question, he took a moment to answer. “Right now, it’s because you’re not yourself.”

“But, I’m really good in bed.”

“I’m sure you are.”

“So then why…”

“You’re drunk, Detective, and I’m a gentleman. I won’t take advantage of a woman.”

“Damn.”

“Sorry.”

At the bottom of the stairs, he gently placed her in the papasan and was about to reach for the blanket when he felt her legs snake around his hips. She tightened her hold and drew her pelvis up against his.

“Come on, Alvin… have sex with me, pleeease?”

“Beth…”

“This chair is just the right height, see?…” She rolled her hips against his. The papasan would indeed make an excellent place to have intercourse, and his mouth fell open for a moment. He snapped it shut and gently but firmly gasped her ankles. Her eyes got big and her breath caught as she momentarily thought he was going to do something other than he did. Extracting himself from her limbs he stepped aside and retrieved the cover.

“Oh, poo!” She pouted as she curled up, already fading.

“Good night, Detective.” He said, giving her a chaste kiss on the forehead.

“Good night, Alvin.” She replied and dropped into unconsciousness.