The Great Fury (14 page)

Chapter Eighteen

The firemen were spread out along the former elevated railway of the High Line on the lower west side.

The old steel viaduct had been built strong enough to hold two freight trains on separate tracks. Transformed from derelict railway to a park in the sky and, enhanced by landscaping amid the old tracks, it became an aerial greenway with convenient benches along its route.

But today it was a sanctuary above the rat infested concrete at street level. Here, exhausted from a morning of fighting the calamity that had befallen New York, firemen were on their break, scattered along the walkway on benches and on the ground, jackets open, helmets off, in some cases boots off, faces to the sky absorbing the heat of the midday sun. Volunteers moved amongst them dispensing coffee and sandwiches.

“Hey O'Shea!” Cafferty shouted coming through.

John, who was sitting on one of the lounger shaped chairs set in along the High Line raised his head and gave a tired grin.

His old friend and long term colleague, Cafferty sat, pushing John's feet to one side to make room.

He put his lunch box between himself and John.

“I hear you are sleeping at the station,” Cafferty said.

“My apartment is a crime scene,” John reminded him. “I'm waiting for the crime scene contract cleaners. Once they get through I can move back in.”

“The chief was looking for you. He's heard you're bunking full time at the station, I think.”

“Awful day,” John said, changing tack. “Did you see what the rats did to that girl on Lexington?”

“John it's lunch time. Anyway they say she slipped and hit her head. Probably didn't feel a thing.”

“For her sake I'd hope so but I doubt it.”

Cafferty opened his lunch box with a flourish.

“What?” John asked.

“I told Margaret that you were sleeping rough at the station so she packed a lunch for you.”

“Phillip Cafferty, you tell your good lady wife that I am ok. I don't need to be fussed over.”

“Relax John and eat your lunch.”

“I already had a charity sandwich.”

“Have another.”

John took the sandwich to be polite. Then they took two coffees from one of the volunteers.

“Move,” Cafferty said, slipping beside John on the double lounger. They turned their faces up the sun and relaxed. In another fifteen minutes they'd be back on shift.

A shadow got between John and the sun. He opened an eye in query. Then he sat up. It was the Fire Chief.

“Boss?” he said.

“Cafferty shift your ass elsewhere,” the Fire Chief instructed. “I need a word with John here.”

Cafferty rolled off the lounger and sat on the ground trying to stay within earshot. “Move,” the Chief said.

Cafferty moved out of hearing range.

Satisfied, the Chief sat where Cafferty had been but did not lounge back. John felt he ought to sit up and pay attention.

“I hear you are sleeping in the station full time John?” the Chief began.

“Well boss...” John began but the Chief silenced him by lifting a hand.

“John, I know you lost a colleague, friend and partner and understand that you might not want to live where you did but you know the Department does not approve of those not on duty using the sleeping quarters.”

“Sorry Boss, if it's a problem I'll start to look elsewhere. My place is off limits until I get it cleaned. I have to use a specialist crime scene cleaner service. I have it in hand and I'll move back in soon.”

“Any progress on the crime,” the Chief asked with a frown.

“No Boss, not that I know of.”

“Watch it John, if the cops don't get a lead you might become the suspect.”

“No worry Boss, I have an alibi. As it happened I was on duty with Cafferty here.”

John decided not to mention his suspicion that it was he and not his partner that had been the target of the crime. As far as the Chief and others in general were concerned it was a burglary that went wrong.

“OK, but that's not what I came to talk about. As far as I am concerned John if you are using the facilities full time then you are on duty full time.”

“Understood Boss,” John said, wondering where this was going.

‘“And I'm pleased with this John because you have no family worries and I need someone to work around the clock on a project. That someone is you.”

“What Boss?” John asked.

“John do you know the scale of the New York water system?”

“They say it's the biggest in the world, and can store nearly five and a half billion gallons of water,” John countered.

“Right, it has a nearly two thousand square mile watershed with nineteen reservoirs and three controlled lakes,” the Chief expanded.

“Yeah, like I said big,” John replied with a grin.

“Most of this water is unfiltered but before it enters the city pipes it is treated with fluoride, phosphoric acid and sometimes other minor chemicals. And it is monitored so that reaches health standards all the time.”

“Yes Chief until it turned red and began to cause skin irritation,” John added.

“The Mayor is going to declare a State of Emergency once he gets the go ahead from the President,” the Chief explained.

“About time,” John said, sitting up straight and stretching. It was nearly time to get back on shift.

“The water system relies on a combination of tunnels, aqueducts, and reservoirs to meet the daily need,” the Chief continued.

“Right,” John agreed. He knew it was unwise to try hurrying the Chief to the point.

“There is a lot of bureaucracy involved with about six thousand employees and three bureaus in charge of respectively, Upstate water supply systems, the City water and Sewer operations plus waste water treatment,” the Chief added.

“Do we know where the contamination is hitting the system?” John asked.

“The distribution system is made up of an extensive grid of water mains stretching over six and a half thousand miles,” the Chief added.

“All contaminated?” John asked.

“Just Manhattan Island.”

“And can they trace the source?”

“This is the funny thing John. Like I said there are a lot of engineers in the employ of the water authorities and as you'd expect they've been working flat out to solve this.”

“So far no success?” John guessed.

“The water spontaneously becomes a reddish color and is irritable to the skin.”

“And?” John prompted.

“They traced back, sampling along the system, but there is no consistency. The water is reddish but the water then clears and goes normal and then the color springs up spontaneously elsewhere as if by magic. They are completely foxed.”

“But people can still drink the water?”

“John it's getting more serious. We think the problem emerged in the waste water system but it appears to be working up stream. We think that if it continues at the present pace, drinking water reservoirs will be contaminated by tomorrow in some areas and everywhere on Manhattan by the end of the week.”

“Undrinkable?”

“Red in color but tests say still drinkable but hard on the digestion. Still just on Manhattan. And this is just as well because if it spreads to New York boroughs we will need to let nine million people have water every day including a million people upstream.”

“And the Water Authorities don't know what is the cause?” John asked.

“They have done a myriad of tests and they even said that the color could be mercury which might be nuclear contamination but it does not come up mercury on the spectrograph analysis. The truth is they don't know what it is.”

“Will they have to evacuate the city?”

“Worst case scenario. Manhattan possibly,” the Chief said.

“If people decide they can't drink the water?” John surmised.

“Right, but so far we are keeping things calm. And New Yorkers are pulling together. Great to see. They are tackling the rat infestations with vigor.”

“And?” John prompted.

“The usual nutters and do-gooders are popping up asking how we know the water is safe. Truth is we think it is, drinking wise. But long term until we find out what this is...who knows?”

“What do you want me to do?” John asked.

“We have an environmentalist. A scientist on the Fire Department payroll outside the water people.”

“What do you mean, outside the water people?”

“John, the fire department is involved on the fringes in the sense that we are part of cleaning up the problem, but not charged with investigating the source of the contamination.” the Chief began.

“And putting out the fires started to smoke out rats,” John added.

“Yes, exactly. All our resources are stretched but with the State of Emergency the National Guard will come on board.”

“Great,” John said.

“The environmentalist is called Doctor Jane Schmidt,” the Chief said.

“Don't know her,” John admitted.

“I want you to help her. She knows her science but you John, you know New York.”

“Help her to do what?”

“John, I want a small task force, that is, you and Dr. Jane to get on to the problem outside the normal pathways.”

“Why Chief, surely there are hundreds working on this?”

“Exactly, bureaucracy gone mad. I want you to work outside the box. Brainstorm it. I'll give back-up resources as needed. Just call me.”

As he spoke the Chief made to stand.

“Why me?' John asked.

“Hero of nine-eleven and on duty full time with no home to go to. And you've got a nose John. We both know that. Nothing may come of this. If conventional routes solve the problem well and good, I'll let you know if anything breaks. But I think a look outside the box will do no harm,” the Chief said with conviction.

“When do I start?”

“Now John, you're off shift and on assignment. Go find this Jane person back at Station and talk to her and see what line of enquiry you favor.”

With that the Chief was gone.

“Trouble?” Cafferty asked, coming back beside John.

“Keep it close but they think it may get worse before it gets better.”

“Shit!”

“Tell Margaret to store water in a bath or somewhere but to say nothing. If this spreads there'll be total chaos.”

“I'd better say nothing John. Margaret is incapable of a secret, she'd ring her sister and then all New York would know.”

“You're right.”

“What next?' Cafferty asked, adding, “by the way I'll buy some bottled water on the way home.”

“OK, but I'm off the shift. I have to escort an environmental scientist for the Chief.”

“See you later,” Cafferty said. He could see that the rest of their shift team was beginning to make a move back on duty. “I'll tell the boys you got a job from the Chief.”

“And nothing else,” John cautioned.

“And nothing else,” Cafferty agreed.

Chapter Nineteen

Maedbh could hear the noise of a chair being bounced on its legs, getting closer. Then she felt his bare knee touch hers. She steeled herself, knowing not to let the contact affect her.

“Well done Oengus,” she said, pulling her knee away. “But you wasted your energy. You won't be able to loosen these chains.”

“I could tip the chair and try to break it. That might loosen the chains.”

“Oengus we are cuffed at the wrists, neck and ankles and they are held by strong chains.”

“Right, but maybe I could get the scarf off your face. Would that help.”

“Might do. I could cast a ‘frozen spell.'”

“Lean in,” Oengus instructed.

Their heads bumped together.

Maedbh tried to keep her patience as Oengus rubbed her head to try dislodging her blindfold. Outside she was calm but inside she was seething with emotion. To be captured and helpless was bad enough. But to be held by someone who was obviously a witch. She was ashamed and embarrassed wondering what her mentors, the Drimnagh Witches would think of her incompetence.

“It's no use,” she said.

“Let me use my teeth,” Oengus offered.

Maedbh leaned as far forward as her chains would allow. She could feel them cutting into her wrists and her chest, and pulling at the collar on her neck, but she got her head down to allow Oengus chew at the knots at the back.

“Think of it as a small thing, an insignificant knot,” Maedbh urged, feeling Oengus pulling her hair and hurting her.

Then it gave and the scarf slid down around her chin to her neck.

They sat opposite one another, Oengus trying to keep his gaze on her face and she found herself trying to do the same.

“Stupid situation,” Maedbh said with a half grin half blush.

“Worth it to see how beautiful you really are. I've never been this close to a naked woman before,” Oengus confessed.

“Listen Oengus, I pick my men when I feel the urge, they don't pick me. You are not and won't be one of them. You need to concentrate on our dilemma.”

“Can you do a spell to get us out of here?” Oengus asked.

“No.”

“What about the frozen spell?”

“That may help. When the witch comes back I'll freeze her. But she may counter with a spell of her own. She's a qualified witch, or at least I think she is. She'll be ready and on her guard.”

“And you're not a great shot Maedbh, remember when you hit the door in the apartment.”

Maedbh managed a smile.

“My advice is get them off guard. When they get back try nothing. Just seem powerless and be patient. We need to find out what they want,” Oengus said.

“They Oengus?”

“I doubt the witch is alone. They did have a group at the station.”

“OK.”

They sat for a moment in silence.

“What do you think they want?” Oengus asked.

“At the least they may just want to eat my heart. But it's not up to much as I am only an apprentice witch. More likely they want you Oengus.”

“Why do they want me?” Oengus asked.

“Oengus I lived a peaceful life until you arrived. No one bothered me. I think they are after you.”

“Me?”

“Don't be naive Oengus.”

Oengus thought about it. He couldn't figure it.

“The chains,” he said. “We have to get out of the chains.”

“You got a key?” Maedbh asked, her tone a touch sarcastic.

“You got a spell?”

“Not one that works on silver chains.”

“Magic resistant?”

“So they say, anyway I'd need my notes to look up a spell.”

“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” Oengus offered.

“Great,” Maedbh said.

“Could you freeze the chain.”

“Why?”

“Frozen metal is easier to break,” Oengus said.

Maedbh gave him a smile, “Good thinking,” she said. “But I'm not very accurate. I might freeze you and your hand would fall off.”

“The link holding the collar around my neck?” Oengus suggested.

“No I'd probably freeze your neck and you'd die.”

“Some where I can get leverage and twist.”

“Your legs will still be attached to the chair and your arms behind your back.”

“The chain links to each of the collar and the bands around wrists and ankles. I need to break it so I can pull it through and then I just have the silver bands. I could move easily.”

“OK, lets' try,” Maedbh agreed.

She wished she'd practiced more. But her exams were months away. Still it was the only stand-alone spell she could remember and execute. Just a question of aim.

Oengus stiffened and sat still when he heard the door locks being opened. Maedbh was concentrating on the spell and did not seem to notice.

Deirdre came in first, cautiously, followed by Leanan.

“Isn't that cozy,” Leanan said, seeing Oengus and Maedbh sitting side by side.

“Careful, she may have a spell or two,” Deirdre cautioned, noticing the blindfold was gone.

“What about him?”

“Unknown factor. He must have bounced the chair across to her. I left them well apart.”

Deirdre knew immediately she looked at Maedbh that Maedbh was in process of pulling up a spell. She stepped in front of Leanan and countered.

Maedbh, was in process and couldn't stop when the women arrived, but she re-aimed in their direction as it came on line. Her shot hit the ceiling above the door, Leanan squealed in surprise but Deirdre shook her head in disgust.

“Not nearly on target and anyway young lady, and I have a counter spell. So I insist. Desist immediately!” Deirdre said sharply.

Maedbh gave her best ‘I am sulking' look but she desisted. She knew better than to take on a fully qualified witch.

Deirdre put the scarf back over Maedbh's eyes.

“Thanks,” Leanan said, still shaken by the spell and the sight of an icicle on the ceiling, knowing that could have been herself.

They inspected their captives and decided the silver chains were still intact and in place.

“How will we torture them?” Deirdre asked with a cackle.

“My methods are subtle, psychological,” Leanan explained.

“I've got a gas burner and some metal rods,” Deirdre offered.

“So?”

Deirdre went to the wall near the door and came back with a handful of iron rods. “look,” she said.

“What?”

“Well Leanan if we heat the rods they are great for torture,” Deirdre said.

“No, I prefer the psychological for true and reliable results. People lie under physical torture. I want to be sure.”

“Very well, Morag did put you in charge of interrogation,” Deirdre conceded.

“But keep them in reserve,” Leanan encouraged.

Deirdre was disappointed but she held on to the rods. As far as she was concerned heated iron rods could achieve wonders in an interrogation.

Leanan sat herself on Oengus's lap, directly facing him.

“Interesting eyes,” she remarked as he met her gaze.

Naked with a grown woman in jeans sitting on him caused Oengus a reaction with a red blush reaching up his neck and into his face. But he held her gaze and noticed that she too had interesting eyes.

Deirdre observed the proceedings with amusement. Leanan Sidhe was renowned in Gaelic mythology and she was looking forward to seeing her in action.

Leanan did not drop her stare but began to massage Oengus's shoulders.

“Relax,” she said softly, “your shoulders are very tense.”

At first it felt relaxing, warming, but then Oengus could feel a terrible sadness come over him. He was not given to depression but somehow he was getting a desperate feeling and wondering what his life was about. The lonely memories of childhood came flooding back and the taunts he'd endured as a teenager.

“Now darling would you like a kiss?,” Leanan said gently and began humming softly as she stroked him.

“Are you going to seduce him?” Deirdre asked with a repressed cackle.

“Don't interrupt,” Leanan upbraided sharply.

“His kiss might affect you?” Deirdre teased.

“It will be insignificant,” Leanan said sharply. “Butt out!”

“Sorry,” Deirdre said in a muted voice. She too was beginning to feel depressed and wished she were back in Kerry with a slice of tourist roasted and ready to eat.

Leanan leaned forward and kissed Oengus on the neck while holding him by the ends of his broad shoulders.

“Surrender to me,” she whispered.

Oengus met her eyes as she came out of the kiss. Were her eyes laughing at him? He felt another wave of depression, as if he was worth nothing.

Leanan put her hands behind his neck and gently forced his head down towards hers.

He felt her kiss on his lips. Her mouth was sweet and sad. Their tongues touched.

For the first time on her long existence Leanan did not feel a sense of ownership of her victim. She did not feel him surrender. The shock of his tongue caused her to melt into him, to glow all over and to feel a mad desire. For those few seconds she trembled and wanted him with every fiber of her being, to save him and keep him for herself alone.

Deirdre sensed something was up. Something in the dynamic was wrong. Leanan came off Oengus's lap with her eyes blazing, moving towards Deirdre with unknown intent. Deirdre hit her across the head with the iron rods she was holding and Leanan collapsed unconscious on the ground.

Deirdre gave a nervous cackle.

“What did you do to her?' Deirdre demanded.

Oengus shook his head as if coming out of a trance. “Who is that?” he asked.

Deirdre dragged Leanan out of range and propped her against a wall near the entrance.

“I'll be back,” she threatened. And then she dragged Leanan out of the cellar.

Leanan was coming around. “He's so beautiful,” she was heard to murmur before Deirdre locked the cellar door again.

“What just happened?” Maedbh asked having seen nothing from behind her blindfold.

“I'm not sure, but one of them just kissed me. I was feeling terribly depressed but now I'm fine.”

“Men,” Maedbh said, but without bitterness.

“I wanted to tell her everything and then dash my head on the floor and kill myself,” Oengus said with a growing wonder.

“Must be a spell, a depression spell or something. Did the kiss break the magic?”

“I think so. But she was a good kisser. I'm getting to like kisses. Even though they told me not to.”

“Serves her right,” Maedbh said with satisfaction.