There's an Invisible Man Sleeping in My Bed

Chapter 29

            Thalia accepted the glass of lemonade Ruth slid across the table to her with a smile. Her friend returned it, before her gaze went to her sister. “Alright brat, what kind of info did you ferret out for us?”

            Anna didn’t immediately respond, her eyes still locked onto Thalia as they’d been since she arrived. After a few heartbeats, she straightened from her leaning position and nodded to herself. “I’ve found information on the Builders and some things on the spirit you mentioned. Some of the information is more reliable than the rest, but it should give you an idea of what you’re dealing with.”

            “Anything will be more than we know at the moment,” Thalia replied, wrapping her hand around her glass, feeling the chill of the ice in it raise goosebumps on her arms. At least, she assumed that’s why she had goosebumps.

            The girl nodded again. “The Builders are a secret society of sorts. Secret in the sense that they do their best to remain in the shadows. However, their agenda often drags them into the public eye. I have no idea of their numbers, but I can tell you that Liam isn’t the first young man they’ve singled out. I have found a few accounts of them in some books, the most recent one having been published in the seventies, from people who have claimed that the Builders told them they had a spirit attached to them. So far, there is no sign that they’ve been successful in finding either the spirit or the person it’s attached itself to.

            Their earlier history, beginning just before the Crusades, is filled with them seeking any kind of power. I have a few reports of them joining in with groups like the druids and Alesiter Crowley’s cult as well as participating in things ranging from séances to vision quests. Given their continued search, I think we can safely assume they have yet to find any way of gaining further powers.

            Now, with regards to the spirit, I have a great deal fewer sources that I can trust. I have a few incidents that may or may not relate to him. What I can tell you is that he is not a ghost as we would use the term. He is not dead in the conventional sense, though his apparent invisibility and immortality makes him little different. I cannot say for sure if he truly does know how to grant others special abilities, my research hasn’t given me any further insights on that, but I suspect that he may truly be able to.

            I have found a few passing remarks from some historical figures which I think might refer to the spirit. One of the most notable being Edmund Ashfield, a painter who was recorded as saying he had some special help when compounding his paints. I also have some unconfirmed suspicions about the possibility that this spirit was involved with Charles Dickens for a time. It would certainly explain some of this works.

            Overall, it appears that the spirit connects itself to someone, often for years, in a symbiotic relationship. A friendship really. I can’t be certain without further information and documentation, but I’m relatively sure that this spirit isn’t particularly dangerous. I’m sure, like anyone, if provoked, that could change.”

            Thalia frowned, worrying her lower lip between her teeth as she thought things through. Beside her, Ruth raised an eyebrow, her arms folded over her chest. “So basically, you’re pretty sure the spirit’s real and that the Builders aren’t going to stop looking until they find it. And that the spirit is really old and can possibly give people super powers. You’re sure that your information’s right?”

            Anna glared. “Yes, I’m sure. This isn’t the first time I’ve researched something that’s hard to prove. I know the difference between a reliable source and pure fiction. And I never said anything about super powers. Only abilities beyond the norm for mortals.”

            Her sister waved a hand dismissively. “Same dif. Did you find out anything about what the Builders are like? What’s their style? Is Liam in any kind of danger from them?”

            Thalia turned her full attention on Anna as well, part of her glad that Ruth was finally taking the threat of this group seriously. “Directly? No. They’re certain that the spirit has attached itself to him, and as such, will be doing everything they can to get him to remain on their side. However, some of the things I’ve uncovered hint that the Builders are far more ruthless than they might initially appear. As long as they believe that Liam is the one they’re looking for, he’ll be safe. If they find out he isn’t…well most of the time they leave that person alone, but that’s only in the two incidents I have records of of them doing something similar. I can’t be sure if there are only the two or if the others just weren’t interested or able to write about their experiences.”

            Cold sweat prickled over Thalia’s back as she felt her face go cold. “So Will’s in danger when they find out C-the spirit’s not with him?”

            Anna winced. “I can’t be certain, but there is a chance. I’d suggest warning him. And maybe put some kind of protections in place, plans and such for if the Builders turn nasty.”

            Thalia turned to look at Ruth only to notice her friend’s hazel eyes had gone green and bright. “So this bunch of nutjobs are going to be a problem for Liam are they? Might try and hurt him, eh? Well, we’ll just have to make them regret anything they try to do to him. Thalia,” she said, turning her blazing gaze on the other girl. “What’s say you and I start getting stuff ready to show these SOBs what happens when you mess with one of us?”

            “Count me in too! I can help,” Anna said, sitting straight up, her eyes also going to Thalia.

            Running a faintly trembling hand through her short black hair, Thalia nodded. “We need to set up plans within plans and have back-ups in case things don’t work out. We’ll have to tell Will about some of them, but others we should keep quiet so they can’t figure anything out based on his expressions. We send nothing over computers since they’re too easily hacked. And above all, we need to be flexible. We have no idea what we’re up against, so we need to be careful and quick on our feet. But, if they try to hurt Will, we’ll be ready for them.”