American Bruja: The Los Angeles Cauldron

Chapter 34. Amber McBride

Journal entry from Tuesday, August 9, 2011

9:00 p.m. at Stoner's Jump in the Simi Hills

Within the deep crevice, Marisol rests against a rock wall. Fernando Salvia's ghost sits cross-legged at her feet. She's flanked by Jonah and Noelle. As they lean against the stone, their eyes reflect yellow against the flashlight's beam.

Mom stands next to me. Her eyes flick to the seated group. "A protective triangle." Her mouth scrunches into a frown. "Won't help with Manson's followers, but effective against evil spirits."

I turn away to watch George as he follows his brothers to the narrow opening at the southern end of the rock formation. As they move away from the light, they're swallowed in shadows.

Fifteen feet above our heads, the rock walls open to the night sky. The wind blasts across the split to make a screeching sound. Against the starry background, the moon is coldly distant. In two days the thin, darkened sliver will give way to the full moon.

When George steps through the split's southern opening, moonlight turns his hair and face ghostly grey. He stops and pivots toward me. When his eyes meet mine, he flashes a quick smile.

Warmth spreads across my heart and I want to join him. Minutes ago, he's whispered, "I'll do anything to keep you safe."

As he turns and exits, my heart hurts. I want him, and, because he's spellbound, I can have him!

In my imagination, I see us together. As he presses against me, our lips touch. As I relive his passionate kiss, the tingly warmth spreads to my privates.

But then a sick feeling floods my stomach and I remember the alien images that filled my head when I woke up this morning, of George being burned alive inside the Wicker Man.

Heat rushes into my face and I lower my head in shame. I'm the one who needs to keep him safe!

I move to follow George, but Mom's hand shoots out to grab my bicep.

She pulls me away from the opening. As I turn, her eyes narrow to slits. "You're staying here."

Behind Mom, Noelle chimes in. "We're safe here and the Salvia brothers will manage Manson's minions."

Still holding my bicep, Mom pivots toward the seated group.

Marisol's head bobs up and down. "Yes! You can rescue the boys!"

As she nods, her pretty faces creases with pain. Whimpering, she cradles her face in her hands. "Crap, that hurt."

Jonah slides his right arm behind her back. "Easy now." He turns his face to look at me and Mom. "Mari's right, you can help."

Mom's eyes narrow as I try to pry her fingers from my bicep. She squeezes tighter, so I gesture toward Mari with my free hand. "Luis is her brother. How is he any different from Conlan?"

At the mention of my little brother, tears form in Mom's eyes. She sniffles, then nods to Marisol.
"Okay. We'll scope the situation."

Releasing my bicep, Mom pivots away from the group. Together, we walk the darkened corridor toward the southern end of the split. With every step, the wind's howling grows louder.

When we reach the opening, Mom's left arm shoots out across my chest to stop my movement..

Within inches of our feet, the formation ends in a cliff. In the darkness beyond, I can't see the bottom.

My heart starts pounding and I break into a cold sweat. Cripity crap! One misstep and I'll end up at the bottom of a ravine.

As I consider returning to the crevice to wait it out with Marisol, the sound of a gunshot cuts through the roaring wind.