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John drew Pooley back into the darkness, powerful magic was at work here. “I can’t be having with this,” whispered Jim, “it is all most unfair.”
And now the Professor stood up in the circle and raised his arms to the four cardinal points. For the second time in a single night the two men heard the words of power called forth: “SHADDAI EL CHAI ARARITA ADONAI TETRAGRAMMATON.” About the Professor the lamplight seemed contained, it ceased to reach beyond the boundaries of the circle, all else was lost in darkness.
Omally crossed himself and began the Hail Mary. Jim crossed his fingers and said, “Feinites.”
The ancient magician exhorted the ancient gods, those who were at one with the elements. The words flew from his mouth in rapid, well-practised succession, never faltering, each falling upon the last as part of a stream of consciousness, of understanding.
It was old magic, old and tried and proven beyond the possibility of error or doubt. And the two men who looked on in wonderment knew, knew that those things the Professor understood, that the world he inhabited, was not their own.
Many things passeth understanding and knowledge is given only unto the few.
“OMNE AUM AMEN AMOUN.” Professor Slocombe slumped into the circle, worn, wasted and silent.
John and Jim rushed immediately to his assistance. John cradled the old white head and pressed his hip flask to the parched lips. “Professor,” he said, “are you all right? Speak, speak.” The old eyes opened, the lips moved, John withdrew his flask and drained away the final measure.
“There is nothing more,” said Professor Slocombe, his voice coming as from a great distance. “Nothing, it is gone, we are safe.”
25
“I have called this meeting,” said Je
“How prettily said.” The words belonged to Mavis Peake. “Concern, however, exists regarding the bomb attack upon one of the sites and the talk of mass murder upon another.”
“Mass murder indeed,” Je
“Don’t patronize me.” Mavis smoothed down her vertical blouse. “My brother is a constable on the Brentford force, he told me that he spent half the night on Griffin Island, a blood bath he said.”
Je
“He isn’t going to get the opportunity, there is a cover-up, a conspiracy of silence, this new inspector “A conspiracy,” said Je
“I will not be held to ridicule, I know what I know.”
“You know nothing but hearsay. There was a small chemical fire upon the Cider Island Site. As to mass murder, who were the victims? Where are the bodies?”
Mavis sat down, speechless with rage. Major Mac-Fadeyen lurched up from his seat. “Madam,” said he, “the facts of the case are evidently being suppressed, but do not think to pull the wool over our eyes. Brentford is a small borough, one man sneezes and we all catch a cold.”
“How colourfully put,” said Je
“Since the outset of this … this business,” the Major fumed on, “you, madam, have been in possession of facts otherwise denied to us. Things are going on here and by God I will get to the bottom of them!” He sat down, life-readings fluttering into the red.
“Does anyone have anything factual to recount?” Je
Paul Geronimo raised his “howing” palm. “Squaw utter brave words, but bravery alone insufficient to carry battle when greatly outnumbered by enemy.”
Barry nodded in agreement. “Buffalo bullshit not always baffle brains,” said he.
“You may scoff at speculation,” said Philip Cameron, “but it exists none the less. Factions are forming, the rule of the mob becomes imminent. Doubts are being expressed. If you ca
“That is exactly why I have called this meeting. We do not want dissenters, violence and uproar in the streets. We have been given the opportunity to host the next Olympic games. Do you not realize our responsibility, the importance of all this?”
“That is all well and good,” said Philip. “We are all well aware of the benefits to the borough. But incidents have occurred. If you do not choose to confide in us then you must bear the full responsibility.” Je
Je
Philip gazed about at his associates, their faces egged him on. “All right,” said he. “Firstly, who is financing the games?”
Je
“Then I have no further questions to ask. It is clear from the outset that you are not prepared to furnish answers.”
“I hold that this meeting is in disorder,” quoth Major MacFadeyen. “In fact, I press for an extraordinary general meeting to re-elect governing bodies and re-establish a respectable colloquium.”
“I second this motion,” said Mavis Peake.
“Gentlemen and lady,” said Je
Philip Cameron shook his fist. “What you are saying is that if we don’t agree with what you’re saying you can sack us and get somebody else in!”
“I am only quoting from textual doctrine, I hope that the need will not arise.”
“Well, let me spare you the requisite paperwork. I quit.”
“I also,” said Mavis. “Goodbye and good riddance.”
The Geronimo brothers exchanged knowing glances. “Brave who see buffalo upon plain,” said Paul, “care not for buffalo’s thoughts, only for how many cooking pots be filled. White squaw care only fill own belly, buffalo die yet other braves starve.”
Profound, thought his brother, dead profound. “Does this mean we quit too?” he asked.
“It does,” said Paul Geronimo. “When waterhole dry, no good complain to desert, best seek river elsewhere.”
“You’re all bloody mad,” said Major MacFadeyen. “I leave you to it, madam, but you haven’t heard the last of me.” With that parting shot he tucked his riding crop beneath his tweedy armpit and limped from the chamber.
Je