The Dark Society

94

Luis returned after taking his parents to the airport and even with the shrewdness of the goodbyes they were memorable. Meanwhile, many issues with Sabrina needed to be addressed, but under the circumstances she needed equal space.

On a related note, the Koles were unique with customs rarely observed. For this reason, Luis stayed cognizant of witchcraft and now not only related to Sabrina but also to Tim and Julia.

He aimed to forget almost always though history often resurfaced at precarious times. Relying on this, he reread Jessica's recent pleas knowing something was wrong, yet knowing her as he did there'd be ulterior motives.

Jessica had cited Karen's medical condition verbatim; another topic of conversation that commonly proves volatile. Even still, she'd foregone further treatments, so a relapse was probable.

Nevertheless, he readied for the day amid the slew of Jessica's disheartened appeals. However, Luis was the one person Karen had ever connected with or loved contrary to Alex's pursuits.

This suggests that the more everyone ignores Karen's ambitions the more dangerous she'd become. Nevertheless, their loving kinship remained and if she had relapsed Karen would need his help.

"I'm glad you called." Jessica greeted.

Luis groaned.

"What's happened?"

"Karen's regressed..." she revealed. "And this time it's far more serious."

Moving to the window he prepared for the worst.

"Luis, she's sheltered herself away."

Jessica's tones echoed due to a sense of urgency, but Luis was doubtful knowing her flair for the dramatic.

"Have you spoken to Stephen or Diana?" he inquired.

"Some time ago, but Karen stayed away."

"That doesn't sound like her." He retorted.

She hesitated.

"Karen wants to invoke the elders' spirit -- something that'll kill her."

"I've suspected that for some time, but what can I do?"

"Find her before it's too late..." she pleaded. "You're the only one who can reach her."

Luis was angered but knew Jessica was right. More than that, Karen held resentment for the one woman living the life she wanted. No matter which, he cared about her and couldn't turn away.

"I'll do what I can."

"Thank you..." she replied. "Be careful; because with Karen things aren't as they seem."

"Meaning?"

"Karen believes that Sabrina hasn't been honest about who and what she is."

He felt offended.

"I know about her links to witchcraft..." Luis confessed. "But, the family's been open and honest, so I have no reason to doubt their word."

"Her family...?" she questioned. "You've met Katherine and Harold Morgan?"

He giggled.

"No, Tim and Julia Kole."

A long pause ensued sure enough as Jessica considered the contradiction. However, since she had no proof of her daughter's suspicions her individual intuitions peaked.

"Practitioners?" she questioned.

"Yes..." he acknowledged. "However, I have to ask, why the questions?"

"To be honest it's something Karen said."

Luis soured.

"Go on."

"About a rare birthmark on the left wrist."

"Yeah..." he confirmed. "All of her family has it, what's the point?"

Jessica again paused.

"Has Sabrina ever mentioned Saint Anthony's?"

"It's the synagogue she attends; why?"

"Dear God..." She rebutted. "Please, if you see Karen let me know."

Luis remains well-versed in Karen and Jessica's practice. An entanglement that has taught him to appreciate vigilance and optimism. Barring this in mind, he dismissed her mother's continual efforts to cast doubt on Sabrina.

He hoped she would've changed all told, but thus far she hadn't. As a corollary, Luis considered Karen's ambitions recognizing that she was in crisis and her life felt threatened.