Read Online Haunted by James Herbert - Free Book Online Page B

handle,’ Kate said at last.
    ‘Does it mean taking the cloth?’
    ‘No, but it’ll mean spending some time inside a church.’
    ‘A haunting?’
    ‘More like a possession, from what I’m told.’
    He rose from the couch, going to the cabinet where he added more vodka to his drink. Kate shook her head resignedly.
    ‘So,’ he said, returning, ‘tell me more.’
    ‘Two people came to my office this morning with a strange story, one that, I’ll admit, I had difficulty in swallowing. The fact that they were clerics helped. And both seemed quite rational.’
    ‘Priests coming to the Institute for help?’
    ‘One was a vicar, a Rev Michael Clemens. The other was his rural dean. The vicar’s parish is in Wrexton.’
    ‘Where the hell is that?’
    ‘Not far from Winchester. A small market town.’
    ‘Should be pleasant enough.’
    ‘Not according to our reverend. He’s losing his flock, apparently. His parishioners are becoming frightened to set foot inside his church. It seems they believe demons have taken charge of the place.’
    Ash grinned, unable to help himself.
    ‘Come on, David. The poor man’s sincere. More than a bit troubled, to be honest, but as I said, quite rational.’
    ‘Shouldn’t he and his rural dean be consulting with their superiors rather than us?’
    ‘Oh, they have. Rev Clemens first took it to this rural dean, who then, after matters got worse, referred it to their bishop. It was the bishop who gave them the go-ahead to contact the Institute, but only on the understanding that the whole thing would be handled discreetly.’
    ‘Naturally.’
    ‘Naturally. Something like this could make the Church look pretty silly. I got the impression that the rural dean was dead set against the whole thing. He was under instructions though, so had no choice but to agree to a cold, scientific and, importantly, an impartial investigation.’
    ‘This vicar must have been convincing.’
    ‘Why do you say that?’
    ‘In my experience, the Church – of whatever denomination – likes to take such matters under its own wing. If they have devils to be cast out, they have the know-how. Why bring in outsiders and leave themselves open to ridicule?’
    ‘Because this so-called “possession” has become common knowledge in the town. Some of the townsfolk are enjoying the fun of it all, while others are quite frightened. The bishop wants it stopped before too much harm is done, and he feels an organization of repute such as our own can do just that.’
    ‘I suppose it makes sense. When do I start?’
    ‘We. I’m joining you on this one.’
    Ash was surprised. ‘Any special reason?’
    She looked away from him. ‘It’ll give us a chance to spend a little more time together. We both seem so busy nowadays . . . Besides, it’s been a while since I’ve been out in the field, as it were. I need to get involved more directly sometimes.’
    He wondered if there was yet another reason. Was Kate coming along to keep an eye on him? Was adding tonic to his vodka a gentle hint, a way of saying I’m on to you David, I’ve heard the whispers, even received one or two complaints, and now I’m watching you? He knew also that it wasn’t just the Institute’s reputation Kate cared about: she was concerned for him. And he found that more irritating than touching. Drink wasn’t a problem; it was easily handled. No, the disquiet within was the troublemaker, his very own demon; and it was this that was difficult to deal with, for it had no focus. Because of that, because he could not comprehend its source, its pervasiveness was not easy to resist. Alcohol, at least, dulled its effect.
    Kate reached for his hand and he consciously stopped himself from drawing away. ‘I thought we could drive down to Wrexton tomorrow,’ she said. ‘Will you stay here tonight?’ The question was casually put, but her thumb momentarily ceased stroking his knuckles while she waited for the reply.
    ‘I’ll need some